Pebbles

[Lovely]

June 24, 2009
2:20 pm.


Lazy June afternoons were supposed to be just that. He wasn't expecting anything unusual for a lazy afternoon in a quiet town except the freedom to ride down a few side streets and maybe dodge a frizbee or two, or maybe the occassional dog playing with kids in the sprinklers. He turned the corner and considered ripping down the nearly empty stretch ahead of him, but something told him not to. He didn't slow down, either, but took the corner wide and kept going, leaning low to let the wind cool his back that was roasting in the sun. He kept watch for flying discs and low-to-the-ground poodles and shelties that seemed to litter the town, wondering why it seemed like no one owned big, respectable dogs anymore. The thought must have distracted him more than expected. She came out of nowhere, a streak of blonde hair and frenzy hurtling off the sidewalk into the middle of the street ahead of him. Trying his best not to drop the bike, or seize as he throttled down, he swerved sharply, laying down a jagged pair of scorch marks. Gravity itself seemed jagged and bent around him as the bike stayed upright, defying the ground and straightening out as he came to stop several yards away and turned back around, yelling in his mind at least. What the hell was the woman doing running into the street like that?! "What's wrong with you?! Are you ... nuts?!" He stumbled over the expletives as he spun around the girl in the road.

Amber had not even heard the loud rumble of the bike coming down the street, but as she stood there in shock after the near collision she could hear it. It seemed far away like the voice that sounded muddled and the world around her she saw through her haze of grief. The tears blurred her vision further and her face looked so sad. The man on the bike was yelling at her and her temper flared, her eyes narrowed slightly and with a slight flick of her fingers a stone came flying up from the ground toward him. It was only meant to clip him and for it to sting, like she stung.. she felt bad nearly instantly for lashing out, it wasn't how she normally reacted to things.

He wasn't going fast enough to kick up stones. Where the heck did it come from? It felt like a BB had hit him and he glanced at his arm as hers lowered. He glanced back, looking at her strangely as he shut the bike down. "Did you j-... ?" He wasn't sure how he could ask such a thing here in the open and looking at her expression, she wasn't likely to tell him anyway. He knew he didn't hit her, but she looked like something had. "Lady, are you okay? What's your deal?" He wasn't yelling now, but he was frustrated and angry that she'd pretty near killed herself on his conscience. If he didn't coax her out of the road, someone else might have the same misfortune without his moment of seeming blind luck.

Her pout deepened as he started to ask if she'd just.. yes she had and she flicked another pebble at him with a slight twitch of her hand. "Do I look okay?" Her hand lifted and she wiped at the tears that were still running freely down her cheeks. "What's my deal? My mother was murdered.. you.. jerk." She was speaking and responding but hadn't moved and didn't seem in any rush to get out of the street. The way she swayed slightly it looked like she might collapse right there in the road.

[Lovely]

"Hey!" He deflected the stone this time in a similar way to how it was thrown, bouncing off some unseen something between the two of them. His own eyes narrowed. Just his luck to find someone with that kind of gift but that much out of her tree to play safely with it. He looked around the street for onlookers who'd been drawn out by the screech of his tires. There was nothing else to see, so it seemed no one was paying attention to the little battle with the pebbles, thankfully. Her explanation made sense for the rest, though. Her mind was clouded by pure, overwhelming emotion - definitely not a good thing if she could hurl stones with a twitch of her finger. He about hurled himself off the bike as she swayed, but he couldn't catch her in time. The same way as he'd held the bike away from the ground, that unseen force cushioned her until he could untangle from the bike and get its stand down to help her. "Yeah, I'm a jerk," he admitted, hoping she didn't hit her head if she did totter over completely.

She would have been more surprised and probably should have been scared of a man who had the power to deflect a stone the way he did - in a manner like how she'd sent it toward him. She was too wrapped in the chaos of her emotions to be afraid of him and she thumped to the asphalt on her butt, feeling how she didn't quite seem to fall freely. She stared at her hands flipping them over as if looking for something that she didn't see and then glancing at herself and the ground next to her. "I didn't..."

"No, you didn't," he said quietly as he rushed to her side and knelt there, making sure her backside was all she thumped on the ground and even that wasn't too rough, he hoped. He looked around again. "Look, we gotta get you off the street. You're upset. I got that, okay? Every reason to be, but your mom wouldn't want you playing in traffic, just a hunch." He offered to help her back up if she could stand. If she didn't, he wasn't above just picking her up and moving her to the sidewalk.

She seemed dazed still but not as badly as she was before, she understood when he answered her that he'd helped to break her fall. Her butt didn't even really hurt so he'd done a pretty good job at keeping her from crashing down. "Thank you." She sighed and made no move to get herself up off the ground, wrapping her arms around her middle to hold in the sobs that wanted to break free.

"Alright, that's fair. Let it out, get it all out, hon," he said gently, hoping she'd let loose the emotion before it blasted its way out in some unexpected firestorm or other magickal explosion. He reached to pick her up, expecting a fight and preparing himself for it. "You're welcome, and it's Wink, by the way. I'm getting you out of the road now, okay?"

She started to push at him when he tried to lift her but it wasn't very forceful and she gave up after he told her he was getting her out of the road. She nodded spoke between the choked sobs as she was still trying to hold back, she leaned into his shoulder as he lifted her up. "Okay..." She murmured and nodded again, her hand curling into his shirt, it didn't matter that he was a stranger who had almost run her over. He was there and he was comforting and he was taking care of her when she couldn't manage it herself.

[Lovely]

He looked down at how she clenched against him even though she fought. A moment later, she was on the grass beside the driveway that seemed to be where she appeared from. "Okay, you take all the time you need. Is this where you live? Can I get you anything?" He thought of the obvious answers, though despite what he appeared able to do, he couldn't take back the news she'd received or undo the horrible event. He couldn't bring her mother back, but he could try to help her.

She held onto him, shaking her head to the question of if he could get her anything, there was nothing she wanted right now or that she could think of. Her face burried into his shoulder and the teard poured, unchecked for several moments while she clung to this man who'd she'd been lashing out at only moments before. Her sobs lessened and slowed and she lifted her head slightly. "I'm sorry about the rocks." She whispered and reached with one hand to wipe at her cheeks. "Yes.. I live here.." She glanced up to see the front door of the house was left wide open as she'd rushed out and then into the street. "I'm.. Amber.."

He grinned a little. "Don't worry about the rocks. I'm fine. You're not so fine. Can I get you inside the house? It's a little too open out here. Have you been to talk to the police already? Maybe I can help?" He didn't know what else to offer, but the town had seen its share of murders lately with no sign of stopping and it was only a matter of time it seemed until it was someone he knew. This uncomfortably close enough and he felt compelled to help. She was like him, afterall.

"I don't think I can get back up." She said with a tone of pure misery and pain, perhaps she meant it more than just physically rising. She hadn't let go of him and her gaze drifted to her hand that was twisted into his shirt. "I'm sorry.. you have someplace you were going.. I got in your way.. I'll be fine.. It's not right for me to keep you.."

"Keep me..? Interesting way to put it. I was just joy-riding actually. Not too much joy knowing someone like you is hurting so bad, though. No place I had to be that badly I can't stick around a while if you need someone to." She seemed to need it and he had a wash of fear suddenly about leaving her alone unattended. "C'mon. Let me get you inside and get your door closed or you're going to need a helluva lot of pebbles for all the flies getting inside."

Amber hadn't realized that what she'd said had come out as it had and she made a soft sound almost like a chuckle, though she didn't correct the slip. "I think it's best if I'm not alone right now.." She shivered and glanced around at the sudden brief chill she'd felt. "You should bring your bike up in the garage or the driveway at least.."

[Lovely]

"I think you're probably right. C'mon. Let's try your land legs first. You can lean. I'll get my bike in a minute," he said, standing up part-way but leaning to help her up. Even though she said she couldn't, he was convinced she could find the strength to get back inside. He wasn't too thrilled with staying in the open or being caught with his hands full at the moment. The air wasn't right and seemed to feel chilled though the sun was just as warm as it was before if not warmer in the late day angle. He wasn't sure what it was but signs were pointing every way toward 'bad' and he wanted to stay ready. "On three?"

"No." She shook her head and her mouth set in a determined manner, her gaze locked on him for a long moment. "Go get your bike now.. while I'm still out here.." And can see you or them.. or whatever it was that had given her the chill, though she didn't say that part out loud. Maybe he'd think she didn't want to be that alone or that she didn't trust him not to run off as soon as she was inside.

He heard some urgency in her tone that was as chilling as the odd spin in the air. "Alright, but don't go anywhere back in the street... if you get up," he warned, maybe pleaded as he straightened up and looked around down the rows of houses, hoping she didn't do anything to get herself hurt. He started off but spun around to make sure she was still alright as he headed to the bike he'd left more in the middle of the street than he'd realized. "I'll be right back."

She half heartedly chuckled, she wasn't exactly fine by any means but she'd calmed down enough not to hurl herself blindly into oncoming traffic. "I'll be waiting." She watched how he moved and how he'd turned back to look at her, she wondered if was getting the same odd feeling she was? She pushed herself up to her knees and then slowly to her feet, though she felt drained and weak, like she might fall back down again.

The bike by itself looked heavy but he maneuvered it easily into the drive, hurriedly as if avoiding a sudden tide he expected to roll down the street. Whatever happened now didn't seem to matter as much as getting her inside as he jogged back to her. "Okay, okay. C'mon, lean on me and let's get inside. Not liking this one bit," he commented, reaching an arm around her for support.

She looked at him with an odd expression, a mix of emotion as he slipped his arm around her, she was comforted by that gesture and him being close. Her arm wrapped around him gently and she leaned into him a little, she felt a chuckle bubble up and out. "You don't have a cape or tights under there, do you?"

He chuckled. "No... they're in the wash. Oh, you mean the bike? Nah, we have an understanding. She does what I want her to and I don't sell her for scrap. It's a long story best told over cold beer and nachos. Got any?"

"No.. I meant you.." She bit her lip and glanced away but then looked back to him, gesturing toward the road and then between the two of them. "I meant for all this.. and showing up at just the right time.. anyone else probably would have made me a pancake.. I'm sure there must be beer in the fridge.. and nachos are probably easy enough to make.. if you want to tell me about the bike anyway."

[Lovely]

He leaned close. "She gets jealous when I talk about her to other girls, but I can definitely go for that beer since it looks like I won't be going anywhere for a little while. Timing and me? It's kind of a weird thing. Glad it worked in my... well, your favor, really... this time," he said, walking slowly enough not to make her feel rushed.

"Oh.. and we wouldn't want your bike jealous of me.." Creepy! She grinned at him, other than worrying over what his bike might think of him talking about it to her, Wink gave her a pleasant vibe. "Um.. thanks again.. for all this.. You don't even know me and.. well I really, really appreciate you being here for me.." She felt the lump rise in her throat and the sting in her eyes.

"I know your name, huh? See? Old friends already. And you're more than welcome," he said, grateful he was off the road at the moment, himself. He felt the anxiety and emotion tighten in her voice and in the way she moved. "See, front porch... just a few more steps and we'll be inside..."

She only nodded at first, not trusting her voice for a few moments as they made their way onto the porch and then into the house. She didn't let go of him as she reached to close the door behind them. "Ah.. beer would be through there." She motioned to the side and to the kitchen where they could check the fridge for the desired beverage. "Did you really want nachos?" She asked softly, it would give her something to concentrate on and hopefully keep the pain at bay.

"Sure. Sounds good," he shrugged, hugging her a little in the process. He seemed to relax a little as the door shut out the too-large world outside. "But let me help, okay?" He wasn't sure about separating at the moment and leaving her alone. Something in what she'd said outside, more the way she'd said had his guard up. If she could fling rocks when she was distracted, he had a good idea that the two of them together, focused and aware, would manage to combat whatever it was that was coming.

She let go of the door knob but after a slight hesitation she reached back to turn the lock. It might not keep the cause of the chills out of the house but the small gesture made her feel a little better. "Okay." She wasn't about to protest the help or him staying as close to her as possible, in a way it felt like he was holding her together. That was silly in a way but it was true and she had no idea how she would ever thank him for it. Nachos were a start.. "I guess I have to let go.." She didn't really want to but she'd need her hands and he'd need his.

"I'll live," he teased, hugging again slightly then slipping free and glancing out the window nearest the door, seeing only a bright, normal summer day behind the gap in the curtain. "It's weird," he muttered, standing nearby, looking her over. "It's really not like we are total strangers. I'm not sure I can explain it, but it's something about... well, the rocks for one thing... how we're alike like that and how it's not just me. It's you. I mean, that I'm here at the right time. I could say the same about you." He chuckled at himself a moment later, muttering a 'stupid' at himself under his breath as he looked to the floor.

[Lovely]

"It's not.. stupid." She insisted, reaching out to put her hand on his arm, her effort to reassure him what little she could. She was on shaky ground herself and only hoped her gesture would let him know she understood and didn't think he was crazy. "I'm going to feel bad about the rock thing for awhile.. I don't usually lash out like that."

"Hey, I probably deserved it. I did almost hit you with a half a ton of metal and gasoline. I'll forgive you for the pebble if you forgive yourself. It's no big deal, but the bike would have been," he said, glancing up with his own apology in his expression. Her hand on his arm was a nice gesture and felt calming and familiar in a good way. "Sorry. It's just been a long time since... um... heh, yeah, so about those nachos, huh?"

"Oh.. I'm sorry." She cringed a little as she gingerly pulled her hand away, just because she wanted to be curled up in a set of strong comforting arms (like his), didn't mean he'd want her to touch him. "Ah.. nachos.. this way." She did her best to keep her voice from cracking and turned away quickly to head into the kitchen. It was in no way WInk's fault she was so fragile and sensitive at the moment, but it did hurt that he seemed almost put off by the gesture.. That could have been her reading to much into it and being over sensitive. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and went to the sink to wash her hands and splash a little water on her face.

He puffed out a sigh over his face as she walked away. He did something to upset her without meaning to and followed slowly behind her to the kitchen, taking a look around the place. He stopped beside her at the sink and reached out along her arm, playfully flicking the water at her wrist. "Hey.. you're right. I am a jerk and I'm sorry I upset you. I was just trying to say that it's been a long time since anyone cared back, okay?"

Her head shook a little and she turned to face him, using her damp fingers to cool her forehead, cheeks and neck. "I'm not really upset with you.. I'm just upset in general.. probably very over sensitive.. you didn't do anything... I just.. I'm just.. trying to hold it together.. and.. not throw myself in the street, you know?" She fought the tears and bit at her lip, trying very hard not to just loose it completely. "You're a really nice guy.. someone should care.."

He chuckled, embarrassed a little and again he glanced to the floor. "You had some major shit go down today. You're entitled to it. Cry, throw rocks, it's okay. Whatever you need right now, let me help."

[Lovely]

She felt like he meant it when he said that and so she reached out to him, pulling them closer and wrapping her arms around him. Her face turned in toward his neck and her head rested down to the comfort of the shoulder she needed. Amber closed her eyes and seemed to try to make herself small against him, the tears started to flow again and for the moment she couldn't fight them.

He was a little stunned that she took up the offer so readily. Wink slowly reached around her, twining his own strength and energy through the aura of chaos that was rippling through her. He was not intentionally trying to push away the confusion and discomfort though he seemed to hone in on it, shoving it aside as if polarized against it. He marveled silently at the sensation that was like more small pebbles bouncing away off his skin that prickled and tingled for a moment. He hugged tighter to console her and rub away the tickle. "It's hard on anybody.. it's okay," he reassured softly.

For several minutes she didn't say anything, she just let the pain flow along with the tears and soft sobs that shook her now and then. She held onto Wink as if he were a life line that would keep her from drowning. She slowly brought herself back under control again, her head lifting to show her red rimmed eyes and damp cheeks, she stared at Wink for a moment before leaning in to kiss him softly.

He licked his lip and smiled, again stunned. "You kissed me," he pointed out, then chuckled. "Um... do I say you're welcome or 'thank you'?"

She sort of smiled, almost laughing though there was hardly a sound to it as she shook her head a bit. "You're just supposed to kiss me back." She leaned in again, this time it would be less of a surprise, though she hoped he wouldn't pull away.

Hardly strangers now, he thought, feeling her lips run over his and the tingle continue everywhere. He tried to remind himself she was distraught, that her haywire emotions were responsible, but there was more to it than that. It hadn't been coincidence that he'd turned down her street. The reasons and meaning he fought to find were clouded for the moment by the kiss he sought now for the moment. He reached for the counter to make sure he wasn't defying gravity himself now and chuckled a little again, pulling away. "You sure know how to get a guy's attention," he admitted quietly. There was a visible fire within him she could see close up like this and it seemed to glow brighter with his smile.