infomodder | ic contact 2 mask or menace

[ oh my GAWD a bath, you are the most cruel. ]

You just had to bring the bathtub up didn't you. I was avoiding the shower situation until now.

[ He's gone.

Raina didn't know what to do. She had been home with him one minute and after he stepped out for a quick interview with his editor, she had been in touch with him to see when he was coming home so she could have dinner ready. With a time frame in mind, she cooked and plated their meal so it should have been warm and ready the minute he walked in the door.

But he never came.

His presence was still there, the smell of his cologne, the chair slightly askew where he'd been sitting. And all of Raina's strength left her in that moment because she knew, she just knew, he had gone home. He wouldn't have left her otherwise. He would have found some way to give her a sign -- some kind of sign that he was running late or had run into trouble. Her visions would have predicted something, wouldn't they?

She wept, she mourned, she tossed a perfectly good meal in the trash, and then she sat there. Alone. Uncertain what to do with that loneliness. He was her strength. She had just told him that only a few hours before he disappeared. And now she had no strength. So what did she do?

It was around 10pm that Raina left her home and headed out into the taken over streets. Her makeup was washed off, she had tossed on a pair of black yoga pants and tank top -- covering it with a black sweatshirt. No flowers to be found. Her eyes were puffy and the tears still came even when she reached Casa de Ludgate-Graham and knocked on the door.

And when Will, hopefully Will, answered -- Raina stood there, a mess of tears and grief. She broke her two month long silence to say: ]

I didn't know...where else to go. Who else to turn to.

Edited 2016-02-16 04:49 (UTC)

[It is indeed Will who answers the door. With the state of things as they are, Will's going to be doing all the door answering. While Jeff is a larger, more intimidating figure, Will's name is on the deed to the house. It's not a "man of the house" thing—Grey and Edgar are more than capable of handling a threat. But April and he both would rather they not be put in that situation when there's something they can do to prevent it. They do, in fact, think of the children.

The porch light comes on first, the door swings open...and abruptly stops before it gets all the way, before it goes that full welcoming sort of open. Because Will has caught sight of Raina and she's damn well stopped him in his tracks for a few seconds. Not because he's confused why she's here, or upset, no. Solely because of her state of dress. He's never seen her as such, not to his memory. He is, of course, aware Raina must dress down (or normally), in the same way he's aware other humans have, say, digestive tracts that function normally, get sick, aware that women have a monthly time, aware couples in relationships do things behind the scenes. But to have that sort of awareness doesn't prepare him for what seems to be the dress of a woman in mourning. There's no dress, no veil, but the overwhelming amount of black, the lack of control to her look, and the fact the waterworks were still coming?

Takes him by surprise more than her showing up out of the blue. Or black, as it were, the time considered.

So caught off guard, it takes him a few seconds, face visibly showing confusion to put her words together. Raina in casual clothes, dark colors, no beautiful or intricate floral patterns to be seen. Clearly having been crying for a while. Without a place to go, without anyone else to turn to...but then, where was Frederick?

Oh.

Oh no.

Confusion gives way to shock. Shock fades to sympathy. He swings the door open the rest of the way and manages a small smile, the sort seen on those grieving at a funeral, an attempt to give comfort without going too far. No laughter, no flashes of teeth to seem like this is an enjoyable time. Quite the opposite.]

You're always welcome here. [The step into their home is not a tall one by any stretch of the imagination, but he doubts Raina could really confuse his extended hand for aid in just stepping in. A physical sign of comfort, of belonging, done in a small, meaningful manner.] Would you like some coffee? Or something stronger?

...what's the shower situation?

[oH GOD IS APRIL SHOWERING IN FRONT OF/WITH OTHER PEOPLE OH FUCK WHY DID HE BRING IT UP WHY DID HE TORTURE HIMSELF so cruel, the cruelest, all face his cruelty even him]

[ She uses her palm to swipe away the fresh tears, offering the weakest smile of appreciation. If Frederick had left any other day, perhaps Raina could have dealt with it better. But with their whole world about to turn upside down, with their new hostage situation -- she hadn't wanted to be alone. She couldn't stand being alone in that apartment. Who cares if Will is crazy and may or may not be sending human organs to Chilton. At least he would be likely to understand this loss. ]

Just some water, please.

[ Raina walks into Will's home for the first time, a bit apprehensive. She really would rather avoid everyone and all the animals if she could. ]

It was...around seven. He had just stepped out to go to a quick interview and never came home. His name. It's not on the network. I assume that means he's gone and not...

[ In trouble. Kidnapped. In a life or death situation. At least not in this world. She lets out a shaky breath, a borderline sob as tears cloud her vision. Raina asks, so meek and afraid: ]

Do you think he'll come back?

For once in her life, April isn't sighing or even commenting on much of anything. She gets out, back to the house and, in contrast to all her declared hatred of nature, pauses in the garden. Their garden, in their house. Where their- but mostly her- raccoon army would come back home. Eventually. It would just take a little time.

"Need a shower."

Will hasn't done much in the way of caring for himself. Less sleep than usual, a real lack of appetite, not a single moment spent with the shaving razor...he likely also looks in need of a shower. And a bed, though arguably the only time April ever looks in need of a bed is when she's sick or about to be sick due to exhaustion.

So he's doing his normal routine as of late, which involves drinking massive quantities of coffee and wandering the house because if he stays still too long, he might fall asleep. And if he falls asleep, he might dream April has come back, only to wake and find the house quiet and empty. The whole checking in often thing was a great idea. It kept him from missing her more than necessary.

Which means he passes by a window with a mug full of lukewarm coffee raised to his lips when he spots her. A blink, a mental pinch, confirms no, this isn't a hallucination. April is legitimately standing in their garden, by their house, meaning soon the place wouldn't be quite so bleak.

Meaning that mug gets dropped to the floor in surprise and joy. Will doesn't notice. He goes from standing stock still and staring to tearing out the door in nothing more than boxers, socks, and an open plaid shirt, absolutely unconcerned about neighbors or passerby who might get an eyeful of this fashion or scars. He's only got eyes for April, and doesn't stop until his cobbled together "comfortable house wear/pajamas" look is completed in the way it's pressed against April. Regardless of any scents that may give away she needs a shower, the first and only thing Will can think to do is wrap his arms around her like if he doesn't, she'll float off, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

[ OHHH GEEZ don't get your panties in a twist, Will, it's not that exciting. You can practically hear Ray's eyes rolling around ]

There isn't one. Not that i'm thinking anybody'd be takin' one for shits and giggles.

[Most of the animals have already bundled down in their chosen nightly spots, so she's spared any rush of furry tails and bright eyes giving her the once over. The dark cat nestled on the couch in the nearby living room they pass before the kitchen blinks wearily but pushes her face back into the pillows before any true cat judgment can't be felt passing over Raina. Seems she's picked the perfect (or purrfect) time to come around. Which is good, since that means Will can keep all his attention on her instead of risking her thinking he's not interested because he's trying to care for raccoons perched on his shoulders as well.

Everyone wins when she comes around later in the evening! Except for Chilton. And Raina. And Will, since...]

I hope so.

[Truth, lie, both in one go. It's possible Chilton won't go as far as being abducted, tortured, set on fire. It's possible he won't come back burned alive and with every reason to despise Will Graham's guts, to blame him for it. It's possible, though, he will. He'll come back from after Will knows. He'll be able to give him a report. To talk about seeing his and Hannibal's bloated, waterlogged bodies, potentially as a means to upset Will. He'd deserve it. To shoot bullets back at the man who'd apparently not been satisfied Chilton took a bullet to the face.]

I've, uh, vanished and come back before. Three times, actually. [Eyebrows lift and he gives a half-assed shrug. It happened to Will, why couldn't it happen to Chilton? Really, they had more similarities than either of them probably wanted to admit.] No reason to think he couldn't. It's possible. Here...

[And Will pulls a stool up to the island a little closer, one that doesn't seem as used to the others if the way the fabric on top is so much more vibrant and unblemished is anything to go by. Sit, take a load off, let Will play fetch with some water and be as good a host he can.]

[Okay that's better. Wait. No it isn't? Is it????? Fuck. Prison life changed his perspective on showering (it's totally optional to wait as long as possible because fuck being recorded like that, okay).]

Jesus. [His advice to Ray not to check the Network is something he hopes is followed now. Just ignore the dumbfucks bleating about suffering they don't have to endure, better that way.] No wonder...people are looking. Trying to get to you. Hopefully it'll be soon.

I dunno, I'd like to think there's a few more reasons people are on a rescue mission then us not having access to soap. [ Lol captivity jokes. ]

But hey, long as they get here soon.

There's no saying anything, might not be for a long time. They'd had mental text time for a good part of it, before things went down, and there had been talking then. All April has had for the past...forever, she doesn't even know. But all there had been was talk.

Fuck talking.

She just wraps her arms around his neck and gives a small jump that's still enough to get her lets wrapped around Will's waist. Fuck walking, too. Fuck that when she can just mold into being part of Will instead, coming back home fully.

One hand goes to her butt. It's not a sexy welcome home sort of gesture, it's purely supportive. Making sure that even if her legs turned to jelly, she still had something to fall back on. A reminder he was right there, ready to catch her if need be, ready to do whatever it took so they wouldn't be split up again any time soon. His other arm around her back, he's content to stay just like for what may be entirely too long, all things considered. Except time is for other people because right now Will's world boils down to April and nothing else. No time, no odd clothing, no shattered coffee mug, no coffee on the floor, just April.

Eventually, though, he does move past the slow rocking back and forth thing to actually making their (their!!! April is back, they're a their in each other's presence again!!!) way to the house. His stride is odd but his steps are sure because even if he's willing to drop himself in the ocean, he is absolutely not willing to drop April three feet to the ground. Fortunately he hadn't shut the door when he ran out. And he doesn't shut it when he goes back through, either. Nothing is more important than April here and now and that includes leaving the door wide open. Let the neighbors see. Let Eduardo and company come home without any obstacles. Let him hold her in the foyer to their home for a few seconds before breaking that unspoken vow of silence with a simple:

"Where to first, dear?"

Will will carry her wherever the hell she wants, no questions asked.

[ Raina moves toward the offered stool woodenly, dropping her weight onto the surface. Leaning over the counter, she rests her head in her hands. What Will says is not as comforting as a 'yes, he will definitely be back' but at least he's in the same boat. The boat of hoping for Frederick's return. ]

I remember Frederick mentioning you going home in October. We left around the same time, I believe. The only difference is that I knew I was going home. I had foreseen it. I knew exactly how long I would be gone and was able to plan accordingly for him. I hadn't seen this. And that frightens me.

[ Raina shakes her head pitifully. ]

I'm sorry. I realize this is so pathetic. Crying over him like this.

[Hilarious. Really though, at least he's keeping his humor. That's good.]

There's a lot more reasons being discussed, yes. Think we can all agree the sooner the better.

[Will goes to the fridge. He thinks better of pulling out a mug and doing purified water, and like hell is Raina getting tap. No, she gets the best he has to offer, which is a chilled bottle of water. One he sets in front of her as he keeps some distance, standing across instead of sitting down next to her. Not just yet.

That gets a more sincere smile from him, and he finally leans back against the counter like he's found his spot for the moment, fingers loosely curled under it.]

Not at all. I did more than cry when April was taken a few weeks ago. [A sincere smile vanishes to give a sincere confession. He's not just saying that to make her feel better, hopes Raina knows. Can tell he's being honest, if not from his lips than from the fact he's truly, madly, deeply in love with April.] There's...a lot here that can happen to. Tug the rug beneath your feet. Only time I've ever felt that rug be pulled out...when something happened to people. You've got abilities most of us don't, abilities that didn't warn you this time. Crying is perfectly reasonable, Raina, it's not pathetic at all.

[That Sharkbait petting is surely just an excuse to get closer to touching Jeff's abs.]

You're not exactly my type though, Will. Good companion, don't get me wrong, but not exactly the kind of lady I'm looking for. I mean, we could try putting a wig on you...? But the beard would get pretty distracting.

[And the ride to the diner slides into a comfortable silence, save for the dulcet tones of oldschool crooners. When they arrive, it's as Edgeworth promised: clean and quiet. There's not a single speck of dirt on their table as they slide into their booth, and it doesn't take long for a moment for the waitress to get their drink order. Unlimited coffee for Will and just a glass of water for Edgeworth.]

If you need a recommendation, I'd go with the pancake special. Though to be honest, I haven't found anything here that I dislike yet.

[Enjoy the small talk while it lasts, Will. It's all going to come crashing down in a minute or two.]

[Man oh man this place is so neat and clean, Will feels like he's walked into a sterile environment. Which reminds him of labs and hospitals, but he imagines the food here is better. No vending machine granola bars gradually eaten over talk of murder, no prodding at mystery puddings and meats. In fact, there's a brief moment where all he can think of is how this feels like a spot Hannibal would choose, settling in and briefly imagining Miles Edgeworth wearing one of those paisley suits without an ascot in sight, the man across from him morphing into someone else...

Nah. He's Perfectly Safe.

There's a shake of his head as he looks over the menu, that's all. He's far too used to his imagination running wild to give away the game every time it happens.]

Hard to go wrong with pancakes. [He spots it on the menu, nods, and turns it over to slide into the middle so they can be taken. Or whatever it is this place does with their no longer needed menus.] Looks good to me. Was there something on your mind or you just wanted company?

[He's not expecting it to be a truly Personal Thing, but. Rarely do people call on Will Graham at odd hours (or any hours) for no reason, outside a select group. If Miles has joined that select group, well. Will would be thrilled.]

[Obviously it's a subtle move into foreplay, yes. Good job, Jeff, you figured out the mysterious empathetic Will Graham where others are still miles behind.]

I'd offer to shave, but April likes the beard. [Sorry buddy, April's needs come first.] And I like not shaving. [He likes being lazy as hell about this particular habit, he means. Same thing.] It'd be a wig my usual hair color, right? Or would you go for something off the beaten path?

[Pink? Green? Long and curly and red???? NO.]

I'm thinking something long and blonde. You might make a pretty good blonde, but you can now see my issue with the beard. Wouldn't match.

[Because obviously the only thing keeping Jeff away from Will is the beard. Nothing to do with him being married and also male.]

Maybe see if April likes the wig idea. Might be be something different one night.

[He pulls a face as he thinks this over, still idly scratching the jiggling jowls of Sir Droolbutt, as comfortable and content as he'd be lounging in his own bed in spite of such invasive conversation. After a few moments of clear Deep Thinking...]

Maybe I will. [Said lightly, the idea of looking a bit lady-ish not at all one that bothers him. Lightly enough that it could be taken as a joke, even, but nope. This will be a conversation again one day and he knows better than to crawl back into Jeff's bed to give him a full report on what April would do with him while he wore a Lady Gaga wig like the monster he is.] Later, though. She's already aware this is a boy's night in.

[Literally a boy's night in Jeff's bed but who's counting?]

[ He can only try. ]

Sooner works for me.

[ Raina looks at Will, her expression sympathetic. She might find Will's and April's relationship and living conditions a bit strange, but she can understand the sentiment. The love the two of them share. And while April hadn't gone home when she was kidnapped, that was still enough to pack a powerful punch.

How many times had Chilton been kidnapped now? Raina understood the feeling. She reaches out and cracks open the bottle of water, offering him a weak but genuine smile. A sort of thank you for sharing that with me. ]

The real tragedy is that all the food I made for dinner had to go in the trash.

"Bath."

Okay, one word. More grumbled against Will's neck that said, because she is not lifting her face off his shoulder. Not if the Russians stormed in now and demanded it. Food, water, all those basic things they kept people alive would wait until later. She wanted to be able to look at herself and fell okay in her own skin before she started worrying about the rest.

While she doesn't lift her head, she does turn it just a little to watch the rooms of their house as they walk by. Kitchen, living room, stairs. All still there. Even if oddly empty at the moment, with only a pack of dogs and cats keeping it full of fur.

ic contact 2 mask or menace

no subject

lights, camera, ACTION. >) lemme know if this is okay.

no subject

no subject

no subject

Baby came back

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

fastest tagger in the west

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject