Lucas' face turned stoney."I told my sister everything was going to be okay." He said softly "im not proud if it, but I lied to give her hope."
Ronni was sorry she'd asked. She swallowed hard, her lips forming a thin line as she pressed them together. She touched his arm, then touched her chest, her intent clear.
I'm sorryβ¦
Ariella turned her body and watched what he wrote down. "Nothing to add but I know where we might be able to find all of that stuff plus a few extra things." She read over the list one more time. "We should try to find a Rei near by. It's a camping store. Has everything you could possibly need for being in the outdoors. I've been there more than a few times. I used to camp a lot when I was younger."
She looked uo at Lucky. "We just need to figure out how to make it all fit. We might need another car."
Lucky had heard Lucas's answer, and was working hard to keep focused on the list, not enjoying how close to home it hit.
He was glad for June's awareness that this topic was a bit charged, though.
He nodded at Ariella. "All my stuff I have I either brought from France when I came over, or I got from my family in Wyoming. I've never shopped for this stuff here in the states, so I'll trust you on that." He was running calculations in his head. "Sinjoro can carry around 250lbs of stuff if he use him as a pack horse. There's 8 of us, 6 can fit in the cab of the truck, 2 in the truck bed, with the bigger items in the back as well. Zeus can either ride in the bed or run alongside, and Sinjoro can tie off behind the truck and keep up with us. We won't be able to go very fast anyhow with all the cars in the way, unless we go off-road, in which case, we'll still have to go slow."
Ariella nodded. "It's a bit of a tight fit in the truck. Maybe we'll get lucky and find an SUV or a van. It'll probably be easier to carry everyone and supplies."
She turned back around and rested her back against the counter. "I don'tβ¦uhβ¦I don't want to be stuck in a vehicle with any of them." She murmured, the question in her eyes. She didn't know or trust any of the others. And as much as she didn't like horses, she felt it was a better alternative than being stuck in a car.
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Ronni was sorry she'd asked. She swallowed hard, her lips forming a thin line as she pressed them together. She touched his arm, then touched her chest, her intent clear.
I'm sorryβ¦
Lucas looked at her and shrugged.
"S' okay" he said "but like I said, i'm not proud of it."
He tried to give a smile, but his face felt weirdly when he did, so he just gave her a thumbs up instead.
Lucas looked at her and shrugged. "S' okay" he said "but like I said, i'm not proud of it."
He tried to give a smile, but his face felt weirdly when he did, so he just gave her a thumbs up instead.
Ronni watched him for a long second, before scooting a little closer and touching his shoulder. She had no clue what to say or do to help him feel better.
Ariella nodded. "It's a bit of a tight fit in the truck. Maybe we'll get lucky and find an SUV or a van. It'll probably be easier to carry everyone and supplies."
She turned back around and rested her back against the counter. "I don'tβ¦uhβ¦I don't want to be stuck in a vehicle with any of them." She murmured, the question in her eyes. She didn't know or trust any of the others. And as much as she didn't like horses, she felt it was a better alternative than being stuck in a car.
Lucky nodded slowly, thinking. "Maybe we'll find something. Ronni knows how to hotwire, clearly, so that shouldn't be a problem."
He looked at Ariella for a long moment, several emotions crossing his face. "β¦ If you're going to travel with us, you're going to have to trust more people than just me, Ariella. Not because you owe us trust, but because this isn't going to work otherwise."
Ronni watched him for a long second, before scooting a little closer and touching his shoulder. She had no clue what to say or do to help him feel better.
Lucas smiled at her, his singular dimple showing.
"I need a favor." He told her, his eyes sad.
I need you to trust me,
He mouthed to her, so no one else could hear what he was saying.
Not right at this moment, but at some point.
Lucas smiled at her, his singular dimple showing. "I need a favor." He told her, his eyes sad.
I need you to trust me, He mouthed to her, so no one else could hear what he was saying. Not right at this moment, but at some point.
Ronni locked up again, slowly pulling her hand off his shoulder. She didn't understand why he would say that exactly, and certainly not right now, butβ¦
He's fragile, and you said you were going to give him a chance⦠Tanya admonished her.
She was quiet and still for a long minute, before she swallowed hard and nodded at him, almost imperceptibly.
Okayβ¦
Ariella looked down at her shoes, not wanting to look at him. "When they earn my trust, I'll give it to them. The last time I trusted someone it didn't end well. I've learned my lesson."
She glanced up at him. Before all of this, she was one of the most trusting people you could have met. Then she got betrayed and it completely destroyed the person she was before. It would take a lot to earn her trust now, if she could ever really trust fully again.
Ariella looked down at her shoes, not wanting to look at him. "When they earn my trust, I'll give it to them. The last time I trusted someone it didn't end well. I've learned my lesson."
Lucky got very quiet. "That's what you said before, and I reminded you then that for whatever reason, you've trusted me." He swallowed hard, his chest beginning to hurt. "I've done nothing to earn your trust, so I can only assume you're being kind out of pity⦠I won't keep pestering you if that's the case."
He turned quickly and headed out past the group, his shoulders hunched as he did his best not to let his emotions get the better of him. He managed to clamber into the saddle, and ride Sinjoro out the door and off down the street, before the tears started to fall.
Ariella opened her mouth to prove him wrong, but Lucky had already left. She sighed and rubbed her face. She grabbed the notepad he had written on and pocketed the paper. She got herself a glass of water and perched on to the counter.
He would come back. He would have to come back. And when he did, she would explain to him. But she would give him his space from now on. She watched the others in the room, observing and listening to them.
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( @Celeste_X0X0_ I just wanted to let you know that I set up my character and his dog to meet your characters soon if you didn't see that already :) )
(ooooh okay!!! That sounds like a plan!! i didn't see it, as ive been a little busy and reading a lot of the replies are a lot rn haha)
(so thank you for letting me know!!! I went back and read your post too. Do you have anywhere specific in mind as to where he is? Like is he near my characters? Or would you like me to have my characters find them on the way down to the city?)
(No problem! I'm busy too, so I get it. He's near your characters, like if he walked a little bit farther than he'll be close enough to actually see where yours are)
(okay nice. They're in the house rn but ill have them come outside)
After a few moments, what Eva couldnβt tell if they were minutes or house, she opens her eyes from a short nap. The tea still sitting cold on the coffee table and her son in her lap. Though he plays with her blonde strands of hair instead of sleeping. His blonde curls in his own face, she tucks them behind his ear before sitting up.
Cassie looks up to her, sitting up as well. βLi is upβ he says before sliding out of the chair.
βHm? Ohβ¦okayβ Eva says, blinking hard before being able to see straight. Raising her hands and stretching, she stands up, letting the blankets fall off of her.
Liana rounds the corner with two plates of cooks eggs, as Eva never set them up. Seeming to have forgotten about that, she looks to Liana in slight confusion.
βGee how long did you sleep?β she says sassily to her before setting them on the table.
Eva picks the blankets up from the floor and starts to fold them βoh i just took a small nap is allβ she replies to her daughter, Evaβs voice soft and sleepy.
βRight. A small oneβ Liana says, rolling her eyes.
Setting the blankets down on the back of the chair, Eva picks up her cup of tea, setting it on the counter in the kitchen, he children following behind like small ducklings.
βIs it alright if we eat outside?β Liana says, though already halfway through the doorway. βSure, ill be out there in a secondβ Eva replies.
The both of them take their plates and heads out onto the porch, sitting on the swing before digging in.
Eva looks down to the dishes in the sink, turning the water to see if the tap still works. Though knowing it doesnβt, she turns the knob back to its original state and looks out of the window. Her eyes skim over the view, only to see something in the distance. Two figures. A dog andβ¦wait is that a person?!
Evaβs eyes widen and she grabs a kitchen knife. Heading towards the door, she slips on her shoes and still in her robe, she heads outside.
βKids, stay here.β she says to them.
They both look up in confusion, βwhat?β Liana asks
βTheres somebody out here. Stay right here. Im sure theyre not dangerous but i just want to make sureβ she says, pulling her robe around her chest so it didnβt come undone as she walks towards the figures. As she gets closer, sheβs able to see a large dog and a person on the groundβ¦a man she assumed.
βHEY!!β She shouts to them, holding the knife in her hand in case they decided they didnβt like her.
Zeus lazily thumped his tail against the ground before heaving himself up and nudging his friend with his now dry nose, still panting heavily.
"I know," Alastor grunted, forcing himself to stand up as well, his legs screaming from the exertion he put his body through.
He started to wave at the person who had shouted to them but paused when he saw the glint of the knife in her hands. He sighed warily.
Zeus gave a hoarse bark at the stranger before cautiously walking over to her beside Alastor, both of them keeping a safe distance in case she decided to attack them.
"Hi," he said to her when they were within talking distance, offering the same friendly smile he gave to all survivors he came across, although his attention was focused solely on the knife. "Do you mind putting that down? We're not going to hurt you."
Eva keeps her eyes on the dog more than the man. She never had very good interactions with dogs, but she never held anything against the ones that didn't cause her harm.
Though being a mother made you all the more cautious, even about the smallest things. There was nothing she wouldn't do and nothing she wouldn't kill for her children.
But even so, the dog seemed obedient, not much aggression to it.
"im gonna keep it in my hands but i wont hurt you unless you try something." she states, holding her arms around herself. Her long hair falls down to her waist in the back, the wind blowing a few strands over her face and shoulders.
"i have children. Im sure you understand" she explains, her tone softening.
Liana and Cassie were in view as they balance themselves on the railing of the porch to get a good look, Liana holding Cassie's hand so he didn't fall.
"What do you see?" Cassie asks, his sad looking, downturned eyes looking up to her. She squints "mom has a knife! Holy shit!" she laughs. "shes gonna kill someone Cass." she jokes.
Cassie furrows his brows "what?!" he asks, his eyes easily glossing over with tears as he watches his mother, worried for her. Obviously not understanding the situation, nor understanding her joke.
Alastor nodded, completely understanding that she was just protecting her family. That still didn't make the fact that she had a knife and he was unarmed any more comfortable though.
"Yeah, I totally get it," he replied, watching as Zeus slowly approached the woman, sniffing her legs curiously. The massive dog perked his ears up and barked in excitement, finding the scent of the kids on her. He turned his fluffy head towards the house behind the woman before turning back around to face Alastor, his intelligent brown eyes begging for the chance to go over there.
Alastor frowned and shook his head, making the dog whimper once in disappointment, his tail drooping.
"Sorry about that," Alastor said, turning his attention back to the woman in front of him. "I'm Alastor." He offered his hand out for her to shake, trying to look as friendly and harmless as possible. If she was living in a house with kids then they must have supplies. Like water.
Eva looks down to the dog, taking a step back and tensing up slightly as he sniffs her. She flinches when he barks, taking a deep breath so she wouldn't do anything rash.
The dog was cute, she didn't deny it that. But she wasn't about to be its best friend that was for sure.
Cassie was more like her, as he was wary of them. Liana on the other hand has gotten bit multiple times due to her carelessness and she still will adore any and every dog she sees. That was another reason for Eva to be weary of him so there wasn't a chance for Liana to get bit if she spooked it.
Cassie wont go near another animal unless Eva told him it was okay. Even bugs Liana would shove it in his face would make him cry. Which was okay seeing as he was a toddler.
She looks Alastor over with a nod "That's a strong greek name. Your mother was a smart woman" she says, holding her hand out "Im Eva" she says, taking his hand and shaking it. Her hands were slim and soft except for her palms, having calluses on them. Eva didn't have a threatening aura even with a knife in her hand. She had a comforting sense to her and it showed in the way she spoke and in her body language.
Alastor was stabbed with yet another jolt of grief and he gave her a tight smile.
"Yes she was- is. Was," he replied, not knowing exactly how to address his mother.
He cleared his throat, feeling awkward. "Anyways, it's nice to meet you, Eva."
He let his hand down and stepped back a bit, Zeus following him as he did so. The German Shepherd was panting even more heavily now, which Alastor didn't even realize was possible.
"Um, do you maybe have some water to spare?" He asked Eva, petting the tired dog reassuringly. "I don't want Zeus to pass out."
Eva notices the tight smile on his face, realizing she must have said something wrong. Her brows tighten into a small furrow of concern when he addresses her.
"im sorry for your loss hun. I didn't mean to overstep. i apologize" she says calmly.
"its nice to meet you as well. I regret it had to be with a knife but there's never being too safe with loved ones. Especially in this world" Eva explains to him, looking down to Zeus then back to Alastor. "Yeah. Come in. Please" she says, taking a few steps back.
A strong breeze rushes over them, causing a shiver to run up Eva's spine as she makes her way up the hill. Both of the children hop down from the railing, Cassie slower than Liana as he tries not to fall. They both shout out to her. Both as in Liana shouts and Cassie watches silently.
"WHO'S YOUR NEW BOYFRIEND MOM?" she asks loudly from the porch.
"Thank you," Alastor said gratefully as he followed Eva up the hill.
Zeus wagged his tail at the sight of new people, although it was with a lot less enthusiasm than before, each step looking like it took a lot of effort.
"C'mon boy, just a little bit further," he encouraged the dog, making sure that the furry beast didn't collapse to the ground.
"Your kids seem nice," Alastor commented to Eva, amused by the question the older one shouted. He gave a friendly wave to the smaller child, who looked very adorable.
Eva's face heats up in embarrassment "don't mind her. She says all sorts of things" she says, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Liana that is so inappropriate." She scolds her daughter when they reach the porch. Liana shrugs "she brings different men home every other night. Ya know, with how many people you see around, there's no surprise there" Liana tells Alastor sarcastically, her black curls falling over her shoulders. Liana wears a baggy t shirt and shorts and no socks or shoes were on her feet. She holds out her hand for him but quickly retrieved it when she looks at the dog by his side. Her eyes light up and a large smile is now plastered on her face.
"oh my goodness!!! What a cute babyy!!" she says, poking her bottom lip out. "are you thirsty boy?" she asks the dog, reaching her hand out for him to sniff her.
Eva's eyes widen at Liana, but she doesn't say anything. Normally a parent would say "she'll learn the hard way" but Liana never seemed to learn from this mistake.
Eva rolls her eyes and kneels down to Cassie, whos big golden eyes were glued to the man and his dog, wanting to go inside. "Hey baby" she cooes, "this man and his dog need our help. You think we can help them?" she asks, tucking a blonde curl behind his ears. His skin was hot due to the sun shining down on his face, but she made sure to make a mental note on it so she could make sure he wasn't running a fever.
He nods to her, not saying anything, now looking up to the man.