infomodder | ic contact 2 mask or menace

[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.

[ 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.

[He leans back just enough for the movement to be noticed, one eyebrow lifting slightly. What Raina has said gets the response that not only is it tragic, it's damn near unbelievable. Wasted food she made herself? Truly, this is the greatest crime of the evening. Will knows how upset can influence an appetite, knows that he can be starving one second and absolutely unable to eat the next if something big enough crops up. Still...]

I can whip something up if you're hungry. [He lifts one hand to gesture to the kitchen just after he offers, though, fridge and stove and everything in between. Raina may not be so keen on having food prepared by a cannibal and a cannibal's loved one.] Or...if you want to, you know. Feel free to make whatever you want, we're not really. Picky around here. About who eats or uses what.

[As close to mi casa es tu casa as Will gets, informal and sincere. Personal, too, considering he's offering up the one spot he has the most issues with. It's almost a sacred invitation, but he delivers it with all the casual air of, well. Reunited old friends, shy only in blood from family status, supporting and toughening up a bridge once shaky without drawing full attention to just that.]

[ The offer is sweet, and it earns Will a smile. ]

Thank you. I'll keep that in mind.

[ Of course, right now, Raina has no appetite. And with the terrible threat of the seminar on the horizon, she can't even really think of putting food in her stomach. Her shoulders roll back and she watches Will. ]

Are you going to that seminar tomorrow? Or are you going to try and avoid it?

Oh, nooo. [Drawn out, Will rapping his knuckles as he pushes off the counter, like they're discussing something more mundane than the actual reality that's come upon them. He turns to grab a mug out of the cabinet, pour the rest of the coffee in it. Normal kitchen conversation routine.] No, I'm going. Trying to avoid it won't do anything but cause me more grief.

[Some things in life just happen, and they have to be dealt with. They have to happen. He has to let them. The seminar is in that group. Like taxes or catching the common cold—avoiding it doesn't mean it won't come around, pretending otherwise is not on the menu.]

What about you?

[But he understands not everyone views things the same, and he understands not everyone is on the same level of "Done With It All" and while he is firm on his view, he isn't judgmental. He gives an honest answer and asks her, sincere and neutral, other than the mild curiosity in his voice and his eyebrows lifting before he takes a sip.]

[ It's somewhat disheartening to hear. Raina had hoped that house Ludgate-Graham would have been team fuck the Russians and held their fort. She had hoped that by being here, she would be protected in that fort. But it doesn't look like that will be the case. ]

I don't want to. [ She shifts uncomfortably. ] I'm typically self-preservation above all else. And while avoiding the seminar would probably bring unwanted suffering, I can't help but feel we're all walking into a mine field.

[ Her attention diverts to her water. ]

Frederick gave me strength and bravery so foreign to me. Without him here, I don't really have a whole lot of fight in me. Definitely not enough to go toe to toe with Soviet forces.

[Strength and bravery, huh. That keeps him quiet a bit longer than usual, though he covers it up by taking a hearty swig of coffee, tangible reasons not to use the tongue. And then, finally crossing the distance he's kept between them, he wanders around to pull up a stool right next to her. A faded, worn one, the most in need of a new cover.]

Self-preservation is exactly why I'm walking into that mine field of my own accord. You're right, it's...unlikely to be pleasant. But. I find the idea of facing whatever it may be head on, aware, alert, without causing a scene self-preservation over anything else. Better I go in with a clear head and open eyes than whatever state I'd be in if I was tossed there.

[He lifts a hand, finger rubbing along the side of his nose before giving her a small smile, the gravity in his voice lightening up.]

And you know what they use to detect mines, don't you? You don't have to walk in alone if you. Don't want to.

[Ah, dog comparisons. Everyone else generally made those for him, to a point he rarely cared to do so himself. But she'd brought up mines in the first place, might as well.]

[ Raina's eyes are on Will, following him in his journey around the counter and to the stool beside her. What he says makes sense. She knows it does. Were she in a better frame of mind, she would have agreed. But if she was in a better frame of mind, she wouldn't be here. Her eyes lower to the water bottle she's holding before they lift to him again, indicative of her surprise -- what he's offering her.

Raina stares at him and her eyes fill with tears again, though not for Frederick. It's emotion. It's Raina being touched and hurt at the same time. She doesn't want to get lulled into a false sense of friendship with Will Graham only to be let down the same way she was at Christmas. There's far more at stake here. ]

You would do that for me? Even after our last conversation?

[Oh God, the threat of tears. Tears he's caused, like this, are far different than the ones he's most familiar with. The tears of survivors, the tears of a victim's family and friends. The tears of a serial killer essentially telling Will to give up and die after razing the world around them both before he just leaves. He looks down, the smile crossing his face a strained odd sort, a face unsure what to do but feeling something friendly and soft the best bet.]

I'd say...especially after our last conversation. [Because it took two to tango, always had, and Will was very well aware he had the capacity to be a petty little shit, even before he'd been schooled in such behavior by who was arguably the best (or just the most vicious about it all).] I dunno what's in store for us, none of us do. But...keeping an eye out for each other, that's. That's the least I can do, Raina, really.

[ The verdict here is that men from Baltimore can't handle women crying. Chilton got all awkward about it when they had fights that resulted in Raina's tears and now Will is getting awkward about it, too. Raina has figured out the secret to discomfort and making things awkward! ]

Well. Thank you.

[ She reaches out, resting her palm on his cheek and giving him a meaningful look. She does appreciate it because Raina imagines apart from Frederick, no one really cares about her. No one ever has. So why would this world be any different? ]

If you don't mind me staying, I really could stand to lie down for now. [ Emotional exhaustion takes its toll. ]

[Tears in general are weird, that's all there is to it. Either suffer in silence or suffer with biting sass. Tears just make things, yes, awkward.

He's careful to hold still when skin touches skin, careful not to lean into it any way that could be misconstrued as reading the contact for something it isn't. Careful not to seem like he's starved for even minimal human compassion; he's not, not any more, so there's no kneejerk pathetic nuzzling into it, no oddness. There's only a smile, a real one that grows more genuine at her request.]

Course you can stay. We've converted the attic into a guest room. Bathroom across the hall, s'got all the necessary accouterments. [Their home is...unorthodox, he knows. But he speaks of it with joy and pride, glad now for foresight that can allow them to not only set Raina up for a night or more, but to set her up in a way she won't feel a burden. In a part of the house all her own, where she'll have visitors if she wants them and won't if she doesn't. Where she can choose to come down and be social or stay comfortable in her isolation. And, he hopes she knows, safe. Anybody coming through the front door has the first level of imPorts to deal with before the attic can be touched. He felt that ideal.] Would you like to see it?

[ The smile on her face is strained when she nods in response to his question. It's a smile of gratitude, but with a time limit. Because while she's stabilized right now and able to keep her emotions in check, she can feel the weight of her grief pressing at her and threatening to cause her to break once again. But she's trying so hard to remain strong and put up a brave face for Will. He's doing it for her, so she should return the favor. ]

That would be nice. Thank you. Do you have something I can borrow to sleep in? I mean, if not...this is fine.

[ A gesture at her current outfit. At least it's comfortable. ]

[A few seconds pass before Will blinks and leans back, looking at Raina like he hadn't even noticed her lack of usual garb. Like he didn't already have an idea in his head of who's clothes she could wear running about this house. April has articles to fit the bill, he thinks. But someone closer to Raina's height once lived here, clothing now essentially enshrined...]

Couple of somethings. [Quiet, the smile fading into that usual thin grim line. He highly doubts Raina wants to snooze in plaid, used Will Graham clothing (and doubts Chilton wants that to be reported back to him, no thanks). So he stands, one arm out in case Raina would like the additional help.] Would you prefer robes? Pajamas? Something more like what you've got now?

[He is going to lint roller the fuck out of whatever she gets.

It will not be enough.

There will be at least three stray hairs on each article of clothing.

But he will have tried.]

[ The fact that she's asked about her preference is surprising, but it's a very Will-like thing to do -- to consider everything when it comes to making her comfortable. Considering Raina's normal sleep attire consists of sexy lingerie, nighties, and silk robes, she is definitely not going to ask for something to mirror what she normally wears (it probably wouldn't be appropriate) and instead she shrugs. ]

I'm not picky. Pajamas, I suppose. Or even an oversized shirt. You really are going above and beyond for me, Will.

[ She doesn't need the help, but she takes his offered arm regardless. The physical contact with another human being is just nice. Raina has never had this before. When she was either sad or suffering, she had to do it alone. There were no friends to hold her, no companions to console her. And she even came to a point where she had convinced herself she didn't need any of those things.

This world has changed that drastically. ]

[He doesn't get too close, won't even if arms stay entwined. Familial intimacy and nothing else. Even the look he gives her at the idea this is above and beyond falls into that vibe. Families have their up and downs, their arguments, their disagreements, their fights. Their cooldown periods. Usually that doesn't involve one member of the family getting another murdered and him being a bit salty about it, but yes. This world changes things drastically. And more than anything, he hoped Raina never had a reason to look back at this night and think of it as a drop in the bucket. That nothing absolutely awful happened for Will to have to do something above and beyond. Or she for him.

Fortunately their stairs aren't squashed so the trip up them isn't awkward. The one step that has a squeaky dog toy taking up half of it is one he simply steps over.]

We've had quite a few of our housemates vanish as of late; really, we've got the space, the means. Be nice to have more life in the house. You can see your moonflower from the attic, too. Grown pretty well since you gave it to me. [That's where a bit of pride seeps in. He imagines Raina takes pride in her floral gifts, so to show that he's cared for something she gave to him, even when they had their issues and he still associated her with it...small boosts to the self-esteem are what feels called for here. Nothing too obvious, nothing too loud.] You can see the whole garden from up there, actually. Reminds me I need to weed...

[So forgive him if anything looks out of place, he'll fix it soon (and she can get a free show oontz oontz oontz).]

[ To have more life in the house? Raina is a fairly quiet presence and would be moreso now that she's depressed. But she supposes it's sweet of Will to say. Really, even with people porting out, considering how many animals occupied this home -- liveliness is probably the least of their concerns. Raina really does live an opposite life from them.

As soon as they reach the dog toy step, Raina lets go of Will and keeps her eyes focused ahead. At least until the mention of the moonflower. Then, she glances over at him, surprised. It had slipped her mind that she had done that for him, and the fact that he had kept it going strong all this time did earn a fraction of a smile. ]

It's all about care when it comes to making flowers flourish. I had no doubt I was leaving it in capable hands. I am a bit envious. I always wanted a garden of my own.

[Depressed or not, she's still a life, and life has to be nurtured. That means there's an additional duty. A duty who also serves a distraction because Frederick Chilton is one of his people. He'll need more to do with this revelation, invasion or no. That Raina is someone Chilton cares for is a bonus, not a requirement. He's not going above and beyond in his mind because it's as selfish as it is selfless.]

You don't have to just look at it while you're here. [The lopsided attempt at a smile seems half-apology for the toy on the stairs. She didn't give them any head's up to clean, she gets to see the lived-in mess in its full glory. How lucky Raina is.] You're as welcome out there as you are in here. Can't think of anyone else I'd prefer in the garden, actually.

[Maybe she'll weed for him just to keep her mind occupied??? What a great bonus.]

[ Trying to sneak some labor out of her. She sees how it is, Will!!!! But Raina smiles kindly at his offer. ]

Thank you. If we have any time at all, I would love to spend some of the daylight hours in the garden. But I have a feeling this seminar is going to take up some of the best hours of the day.

[ She sighs, her shoulders sagging. Stupid Russians ruining her chance to spend time in an actual garden -- not just the potted plant, pretend garden she's turned the porch into. She pauses when they reach the top of the steps, looking at Will. She wants to ask something, knowing he has the answers but she's afraid. It takes a moment before she works up the courage and then she blurts it out: ]

Will he be okay?

[Ah.

Will moves to the bathroom across the hall from the attic, opening the door and take a cursory glance, all natural like he's just making sure it's stocked. Like the question she's asking him isn't one to prompt pause or worry. Raina has come all out of sorts. Here and now, she doesn't need the truth. She probably doesn't want it, either. She needs reassurance, she needs comfort. She needs Will to lie. And Will needs for her to hear lies. It's better for all of them that way. Nothing vague, nothing wishy-washy, nothing dismissive. She needs an outright lie. When Will turns back to her, that's exactly what she gets, delivered as boldly and easily as the truth.]

He was fine last we met in Baltimore. Imagine he'll have a quieter, safer life with Hannibal [and Will] out of the picture. He's likely doing more than okay.

[Lies, sweet pretty words given without hesitation, without any oddness as he opens the attic door and turns the light on. It's not fabulous, but it's not a mess. Two basic guest beds, both with fresh sheets, sit one end to one head. A mini-fridge hums quietly nearby, next to a standing lamp. The small window has a basic dark green curtain draped over it, just by a desk and chair that are just by an older set of dresser drawers.]

S'all yours as long as you want it.

[ It is what she wants to hear and it appeases her as such. With a sad smile, she says: ]

He is a man of great fortune, isn't he? I always tell him Fate favors him.

[ It's a brief glance into the intimate conversations the two of them share. And she imagines, Will knowing Chilton as he does, he would know that Chilton is totally skeptical about that. But what more proof does she need? Russians invade this world and Chilton gets sent home? If that isn't Lachesis protecting him, she doesn't know what is. ]

Thank you for your hospitality, Will. I appreciate it. You'll hardly know I'm here.

[ She steps in and gives a look around the accommodations. Not as lush as she would like, but it works. It's clean. There are no traces of the last guest, whoever that may have been. And at least she doesn't have to be alone in her far too big apartment. ]

Can I request a vase? Or something that can be used as a vase.

[ Raina does want to add a little bit of her own touch to the room, though. Flowers help her cope. ]

[A brief glance he certainly appreciates, smiling. He can imagine how Chilton takes to such talk, but he can also imagine just as easily where Raina gets the idea from. More easily, even—Chilton's pulled through quite a lot back home, and even if he comes out with new scars or a body of them, he still comes out alive. Abused, hardened, but surviving. Not everyone can say the same. Unfortunately. Raina is right on the mark with that assessment.]

Sure thing. [He intends to bring more than that, additional clothing, drinks and snacks to fill up the little fridge so Raina doesn't have to leave for anything. Or call someone in the house to bring her something. Will knows the needs of isolation very very well, she'll be set for a few days.] Anything else you think you'll need? I'll bring it all up at once and then be out of your hair.

Nothing at the moment, but if I think of something, I'll be sure to let you know.

[ Raina begins to unlace her shoes, removing them so she can sink down on one of the beds and tuck her legs beneath herself -- looking out the window at the moonlit garden below. Ah. It is a nice view. ]

Say, Will? Would you have done this for any of Frederick's other girlfriends?

[ Another situation where a lie is an appropriate answer. But then again, Raina kind of doubts Chilton's other girlfriends would have been so torn up over his absence. She is special in that she's the most pathetic of them all. ]

Unlikely.

[Delivered with ease as Will moved back to the door. He followed her look out the window before dropping his gaze to her bare feet, giving him a decidedly demure, humble sort of appearance. Necessary when...]

The others didn't care for him. Not like you do. [A confession, perhaps, but mixing potential insult to the dearly departed with potential flattery to Raina seemed the best path to take. Quiet comforts instead of overt, obvious. A balance to keep anything from being too overwhelming when that seemed the last thing needed for either of them right now.] Be back in a few minutes.

[A few minutes more like fifteen, wherein he gives a knock on the door before he carefully enters...with a duffel bag, a plastic bag, and an elegantly carved vase that likely came from an anniversary or birthday flower surprise. Not that Will is giving those details but it looks far too nice for just wildflowers from the outside. If she wants to be handed one, he'll do so, but otherwise the duffel bag gets set on the edge of her chosen bed as he goes to stock up the little fridge with bottled water, bags of fruit (grapes, strawberries, kiwis), and fancy good-for-your-digestion yogurts. The duffel bag has a plethora of pajamas that look like something a young woman would pick up, a medley of fashionable, cute, and nature patterns, as well as a few slightly big t-shirts and baggy pants the likes Raina came over in. It's just a stuffed bag of comfortable wear.]

This should tide you over for a few days.

[He isn't an animal, though. Raina will find, if she isn't watching, that there have been a handful of chocolate bars stuffed in the fridge too. Because literally anyone coping with the Porter messing with their love life deserves chocolate.]

[ Raina watches Will and hangs on his words. Whether they're a lie or the truth, they fill her with pride -- that she could surpass those other women in their affection. And while that should have been obvious (Raina is, after all, the only woman who moved in with Chilton), it's still really nice to hear. She doesn't say anything in response, but there's a tinge of a smile on her face as she nods when he dismisses himself.

While Will is gone, Raina takes to making up a few of Chilton's favorite flowers -- simple, white, and ones he used most in decoration. He couldn't be with her in person, but he can be with her in spirit. And Will might even recognize some of those flowers as ones that belonged to a bouquet Chilton delivered him back home.

Glancing up when Will returns, Raina gets up to take the vase. And when he is done stocking the fridge -- when he's standing there after having gone to all these lengths to ensure she's comfortable, Raina reaches out and pulls him into a hug. It's long, lingering and emotional. She doesn't say anything, not even as she steps back. But the gratitude in her eyes speaks the words for her -- far better than she can articulate.

No one has ever done this sort of thing for her before, and Raina is so glad. So glad that the other half of Baltimore would be there for her in her time of need. ]

[He does indeed recognize those particular flowers, though hell if he'll say anything about it or spare them a too-long look. There had been a while, in that hospital room, the only thing he had from the outside was Frederick Chilton's bouquet. His offer of "friendship." Every time he looked next to his bed, there they were. A beautiful, scented reminder how badly he'd fucked up because now everyone was desperate more than ever for a piece of the Graham empathy pie.

The Graham empathy pie who takes that hug without surprise or hesitation, lifting his hands to her upper back to provide support, balance, a reminder someone else is with her in the midst of the several catastrophes crashing down at once. No rejection, only acceptance, saying nothing and only moving away once Raina has done so first. He hopes that Chilton returns in one piece. He hopes that Raina never has a reason to look back at this evening and tear apart every single thing Will's done as some terrible manipulation, stemming from guilt. Or worse: maliciousness. Because it's certainly not that.]

You need anything and don't wanna leave...you know my number. April's. Jeff's. [A quick, blink-and-she'll-miss it smile. She could always just holler but shooting off a text seems far more dignified, and despite her lack of impeccable dress at the moment, he's always seen Raina as more inclined to the "dignified."] I'll let you get settled, then.

[Will moves to the door slowly, though. Just in case there's something else.]

ic contact 2 mask or menace

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