...whale food porn. what is my life. thanks, nasu.

[commemeorate]

Caught in the rain

It started out quietly, and then, quite suddenly, you're caught in a storm. Time to find cover. Nothing much to do but to wait it out.

Scenarios listed below for those who want 'em.


i WHERE:
001 PLAYGROUND - Well, you can try to hide under the slide or maybe in the jungle gym... at least you're some place fun?
002 PARK - Always happens, caught outside trying to take advantage of the weather... and it ends up pulling a fast one on you.
003 STORE FRONT - Better hope they have an awning you can take advantage of.
004 THE BEACH - Not exactly the best place to be during a rainstorm, however it is possible to get caught in a sudden storm.
005 WILD CARD - Anyway you want it.


ii HOW:
001 TREE - Not the best cover, but it'll have to do, stay close to the roots and you won't get too wet.
002 UMBRELLA - Most conventional... Kinda boring. But it works.
003 NEWSPAPER - Not permanent, but it'll have to do. Good luck.
004 BAG - Well... y'gotta do what you gotta do.
005 NONE - You know what. You're a rebel. You don't need cover. Screw convention.
006 WILD CARD - that's the way you need it.


iii WHY:
001 REJECTED - Welp. Rejection sucks. And no one will see you crying in the rain.
002 WAITING - For the bus? For someone else? For some revelation? What are you waiting for.
003 MELANCHOLY - Sometimes the best place to feel a bit down is out in the rain.
004 HAPPINESS - Is everything going your way? Are you singing a refrain while walking down the lane? Just singing. Singin' in the rain.
005 ANGER - WELL YOU KNOW WHAT. SCREW YOU TOO, RAIN.
006 WILD CARD - Anyway you want it.



>> POST with your character
>> TAG others, use RNG if you need to, or just make up your own scenario if you want!
>> HAVE FUN.

Comments

[furcollar]

Yeah, he's doing me a favor. [ She's probably gonna ask questions, and even if he skirts around telling her that he locked himself out of his car like a moron, Zach will definitely spill the beans and make fun of him for it when he shows up. That's what best friends do: mercilessly rip on one another while helping them out at the same time.

Ash can still feel the warmth of her hand on his own, lingering even once they're parted. His heart has stopped racing though, and his cheeks are only faintly tinted pink instead of the bright red he was earlier. Calm, cool, collected Ashton is back in business. Sort of. His mind still wanders, just a little.

He reaches out again this time, more tentative than the last lest she lash out at him or deny him a shield from the rain for the duration of their walk. ] I can hold it if you want, so long as it doesn't bite me again. [ That way he won't have to stoop and she won't have to reach up higher than usual.

[scaredy_cat]

What kind of favor?

[ She is going to ask questions, absolutely! Though at least she wouldn't grill him the way Rebecca does - she lacked that kind of familiarity of practically growing up with someone that her pink haired bestie had. She.. kind of was jealous of their camraderie. He doesn't pick on Rebecca the way he did her.

When he reached over, she jerked the umbrella away with a scowl, eyeing him suspiciously for a moment. ...Then an... odd look crossed her face, and she surrendered the umbrella to him. ]

It was your own fault you poked your thumb in the first place. [ She eyed his hand briefly, then glanced away again. Try... not to think about that she'll have to walk kind of close to him. It's only for a little while at least! ]

It doesn't look like it's going stop any time soon.

[furcollar]

[ Harassing Rebecca isn't nearly as rewarding as harassing Isabella, if he's being completely honest. Also, the redheaded firecracker could probably kick his ass if he went too far.

He half-expected that reaction, and he's about ready to put his hands up in surrender before she finally relents. Oh good, he didn't really want to awkwardly hunch the entire way to Salemwell. ]

He's bringing me something for Shirley. Nothing you need to worry about.

[ He takes the umbrella and holds it between them, more than aware of the closeness of the woman beside him. He keeps his focus elsewhere, on the way the rain continues to pour from the sky, and the faint blurry outlines of buildings in the distance. The weather is shitty, but the company... well, at least that's nice. ]

Probably. [ He agrees, letting a silence fall between them before he speaks again, lowly. ] It could be worse though. If I'm going to be stranded in the rain, I'd rather have someone with me. Even if it's a scaredy-cat.

[scaredy_cat]

[ That's true, people could underestimate the pretty school teacher and come to regret it. ]

Oh. [ She almost leaves it at that, frowning briefly as she recalls that he named his car that ... of all things... but it does occur to her that it was strange he'd been under the tree in the first place. Instead of in the car. And with as close as she had to walk with him, her hand occasionally bumps against his, only to jerk away quickly when it comes in contact. ]

Where is 'Shirley' anyway?

[ He just... HAD to open his mouth didn't he? She had been thinking to herself that it wasn't so bad walking to her apartment with him, when he was being less of an ash-hole than usual. And then he had to go and be an Ash-hole.

One other good thing of being close to him? She didn't have to move too far to aim an elbow at his gut. ]

Stop that! I'm not a scaredy-cat! [ She really DOES look like an angry puppy, at times like these. It's probably why her 'barking' at him does little to discourage him from teasing her. ]

[furcollar]

About four blocks east of here.

[ He figured she'd catch on eventually, given the strange circumstances for this particular meeting. But he doesn't bother elaborating, letting her glean what she will from what little information's been given.

Ignoring the brush of her hand against his own is easy when she's opting instead to elbow him in the gut. His grip on the umbrella tightens as he hunches over slightly, his free hand over his stomach. After a few ragged coughs, he shoots her a look. ] I- I'm pretty sure I can get you for assaulting an officer, you know. [ he has no sense of self preservation, does he? The answer is no.

He straightens after a few seconds, closer to the apartment complex now once he catches his breath. ] Uh — listen, Bella. You know I'm just messing with you, right?

[scaredy_cat]

[ None, whatsoever, Ash, why are you like this. ]

If you did, I'd just counter file a complaint of repeated counts of harassment. [ So there~! She almost quickens her pace - if it had been more pleasant weather, she might have trotted ahead to let him catch up, and ponder on the meaning of why he left Shirley four blocks away. It couldn't be that she ran out of gas - he took such good care of that car.

She almost stops in surprise at the follow up statement, actually glancing up at him for a long, long look, trying to get a read on him and figure him out. The wariness in her eyes wars with..something else that's pushed aside and when she realizes she's staring at him a little too long, she glances away. ]

Sure, Ash. [ Nevermind that slight doubt in her voice. He's -always- messing with her. What's to say now was no different? ... but she does the same to get back at him, so she can't really judge, can she? ]

[furcollar]

Your word against mine? No one would believe you. [ Not accurate.

He looks down, catches her gaze and raises a brow quizzically. A comment lingers on his lips — sarcastic, stupid, something to break the sudden tension between them. It never comes though, replaced instead with a clearing of his throat. ]

Mm. [ Sure, Ash. Yeah, that's the most he deserves. He doesn't say anything else for the rest of the trip, the umbrella still held high above their heads until they make it up to her apartment door. The awning provides enough shelter from the rain now. He hands her her umbrella back, shoving his hands in his pockets afterwards while he waits for her to open the door. A faint hiss between his teeth as a faint ache shoots through his hand - stupid thumb. ]

[scaredy_cat]

Sure you want to test that theory?

[ There's a slight smile on her lips despite the 'threat', though it doesn't last long. He was so hard to get a read on, she couldn't tell what he was thinking half the time. He was easily a reliable, good friend, and she knew she could go to him if she needed help.

And then there were these... moments. Long silences with a tension of things unspoken. They both had reasons to keep certain secrets to themselves. Some might say they were dumb reasons, but they were dumb young adults. Once the umbrella was returned to her, she carefully closed it, shooting a look at him out of the corner of her eye at that slight hiss of pain.

She frowned slightly to herself, digging out her keys from her pocket and unlocking her door. At least Rebecca's constant pestering her about the empty instant noodle cups in her room paid off, and she cleaned up that morning! Since she had a day off, and was up early anyway, it was the perfect time then. Not a single container in sight. It was even tidy. Rebecca would faint. ]

Come on inside. [ She'd wave him to sit down ...erm.. somewhere... but she made a beeline for her bathroom medicine cabinet. ... she probably should be more worried about them both being soaking wet, honestly. ]

[furcollar]

Not really. You might actually do it. [ No she wouldn't. Their idle, teasing threats are nothing but that — harmless, natural now because it's honestly the only way Ash knows how to express himself without fumbling like an idiot. Feelings are hard. Especially when you're trying to suppress them to not worry others.

He's convinced the world is out to get him today, to make him look vulnerable in front of Isabella purely for spite. She has enough on her plate, she doesn't need to worry about extremely minor thumb injuries and her stupid friend getting locked out of his car. They're his problems — and yet... he's glad that she's here with him regardless. What a hypocrite. ]

Thanks. [ He says with a nod and walks in, brows raised at the sight of the tidied room. He whistles lowly. ] What's the occasion? You're not trying to impress me, are you?

[ He stays standing as he takes in the room and the contents therein, shrugging off his soaked jacket and just... standing there like an idiot. He could put it in her bathroom to hang on the shower rack, but... he doesn't want to follow her in there, or just assume he's allowed. Awkward. ]

[scaredy_cat]

[ She muffled a little giggle. ]

Rebecca would never forgive me. [ But that's not the reason she wouldn't do it. Annoying though it was, their banter was still strangely..comforting. Familiar. Easy.

A soft snort followed his question. ]

You? Why would I want to impress you? [ Scoff scoffity scoff. Though as she said that, she.. he's dripping puddles on the floor. ]

Ashton, you're getting the floor all wet. Will you come over here already? [ JEEZ. Okay she understood his reluctance to follow her in but still..! She turns away without waiting for his response, rummaging pulling out a pair of towels. He's wet, she's wet - this was just a recipe for getting sick and neither could afford that. ]

[furcollar]

Are you kidding? Becca would probably support it. [ He laughs though, a quiet thing reserved for moments like this. Fleeting, but prominent in how he doesn't allow many others to see that momentary break in his usual demeanor. ]

Why wouldn't you, for a handsome guy like me? [ He's on the verge of smirking, but the expression fades when he too realizes that he's dripping water onto her floor and she's scolding him for it. Another blush creeps along his cheeks as he awkwardly shuffles forward and into the bathroom. Gingerly he hangs his coat up, then turns to face her afterwards. How small is her bathroom? Probably very, given the size of her apartment. Oh god.

He tries to stay pressed back against the wall, giving her enough room to move while she gathers the towels. ] I uh — I can clean that up, if you have a mop around.

[scaredy_cat]

[ She laughed again, because... yeah it's true, Rebecca probably WOULD support it. It'd serve him right, she'd say. Zach would even agree. And then they'd all laugh about it later. Just hearing Ash laugh like that made a smile cross her face - it was nice to see him let go like that. He did it so rarely.

She burst out into laughter again at the latter. ]

Seriously? Ash you are greatly overestimating your ... looks..

[ O-oh. Right, small bathroom. Small amount of space so when she turned to jest at him he was Right. There. Oh god. She's privately relieved (and a little disappointed) when he presses himself back to move out of the way, but she still has to squeeze past him a bit on her way by. Pardon her. She avoids his gaze ENTIRELY when she pushes a towel against him in a 'TAKE IT' fashion, so she can escape to where there is more room. Clearing her throat. ]

I-It's fine. You're... a guest. Kind of. I can clean it up. [ He wouldn't be able to see any mops visible though - She actually didn't have one. She'll have to use the dry part of her towel and clean it by hand. ]

[furcollar]

[ Ash isn't a big guy — especially compared to someone like Zach — but he takes up enough space in the tiny bathroom that it's impossible to avoid Isabella entirely as she passes. Her arm grazes him, her fingers brushing against his when he reaches out for the hastily given towel she pushes on him. His own eyes are focused on the ceiling, like it's the most interesting thing he's seen in the world. White. Impressive. ]

You sure? [ He asks as he moves out of the bathroom after her, now that there's some distance. He's got the towel around his shoulders, trying to dry off his shirt as best he can - thankfully, his coat took the brunt of the storm, so he's only a little damp now. ] If you insist, I won't stop you. [ And she probably will insist, because that's just how she is. Ash takes a seat on the couch nearby, slipping his shoes off so he doesn't make more of a mess of her floor and turning on the tiny television.

News. Always news. News about murders, about robberies. Things he hears about at work all the time, day in and day out. He's so dumb to it now, he thinks. His eyes wander to Isabella, watching her silently and wondering what she might be thinking - how is she doing these days? He never asks.]

[scaredy_cat]

[ It's getting awkward again. Why does it always get awkward with them? ... actually if she thought about it she'd know exactly why. She pulls her hair out of its ponytail, in order to give it a vigorous towel rubbing, as much to dry herself off as to avoid looking at him. In fact she puts the majority of her attention on drying herself off before she even knelt on the floor to attend to the puddles they both tracked in. ]

I insist. I'll get it done much quicker than if you were to help. [ She's probably worried he'll break something. When he makes himself comfortable on the couch and flips on the tv - jeez just make yourself at home, Ash - she..finds herself focusing entirely on the slightly damp floor. Listening to the news with half an ear, but it's distracting when he watches her like that. ]

There, done. See how quick that was? [ ... actually wasn't there something else.. OH! The bandaide! Right, she got distracted by him being... Him. ]

Oh, hold on..! I almost forgot.

[ Scrambling to her feet, she almost slips on the towel she left on the floor, forgotten, and pads into the bathroom to fetch the bandaids she took out earlier. ]

[furcollar]

Geez, and you get on me for being rude. [ He says with feigned hurt in his voice, a soft chuckle escaping his lips afterwards. The familiarity in sitting around, mindlessly watching whatever is on television almost reminds him of hanging out with Zach. Except with Zach there's no strange tension in the air, no unspoken words or vaguely hinted at affections. It's still nice, though, comfortable... or it would be if Ashton wasn't being weird about it.

He realizes he's staring far too late. His mind having wandered, leaving his eyes to linger for longer than they rightfully should have. It's her sudden exclamation that has him snapping to attention once more, confused as to what she's speaking of. ] Huh?

[scaredy_cat]

[ She hid a grin at the feigned hurt in his voice. Yeah, she knew better, weird behavior or not. Despite her complaints to Rebecca, she liked spending time with him - he made her feel.. calmer. She doubted he knew just how much she appreciated him, honestly. That was her fault though. But the little gestures, she hoped, could make up for the things she couldn't bring herself to say.

She emerged from the bathroom again, pausing to glance at him for a few minutes, then down, then at him again before she takes a breath, stepping over to close the distance and ..s i t down next to him on the couch. ]

.. Let me see your hand.

[ Don't be difficult Ash, she will fite you. ]

[furcollar]

[ Ash cocks his head to the side quizzically as he watches her, gauges the way she moves and the way her eyes dart up and down for those few seconds. Is she... nervous? He squints, following her with his eyes as she steps closer — and closer — and closer until she's right beside him on the couch. ]

Which one? [ He jokes as he lifts the injured one, knowing full well what she had meant. It's really not that bad — a bandaid probably isn't necessary, but if she feels inclined to do it then he's not going to stop her. It's harmless. ] So what's the damage, doc? Does it have to be amputated?

[scaredy_cat]

[ She had absolutely no reason to be nervous, that was silly to think she was! Completely ridiculous! Just like it's kind of ridiculous to get one of those little butterfly bandaids for such a small injury. It wasn't even bleeding anymore, but... look it's not any kind of weird excuse to be closer to him or anything. She just didn't want him to (mock)accuse her of his hand getting infected or something. Now he'll be a zombie umbrella. ]

Yeah, too bad. But we can always amputate the other one to make it nice and even. [ She wrapped the tiny bandaid around where the umbrella 'bit' him. But she patted his hand gently and gave him a warm, teasing grin. ]

Don't worry, I'm sure it'll be an improvement~!

[furcollar]

[ Even Ash, master of body language and reading tells, wouldn't guess that closeness is something she's aiming for now. She's just being herself; the same old Isabella she's always been — putting others above herself even when it's not entirely necessary. ]

I think I'm gonna have to pass on that, but thanks anyway, doc.

[ His lips twitch, like he's uncertain whether he wants to smirk or smile; and he ends up with a half-and-half that looks, frankly, really stupid. He curls his fingers inward just a little, holding her hand in his own. ]

...Thanks, Belle. You didn't have to do that.

[scaredy_cat]

[ And it's because he's that dense, that obtused that Isabella tends to think those little moments of awkwardness were in her head. She grinned, giving a light shrug. ]

Suit yourself! Just don't come crying me if your arms fall off or something.

[ The likelihood of this is very slim. But that ridiculous look on his face that follows the comment - she somehow manages not to laugh, if only because...she just..felt him curl his fingers in. Is he... holding her hand?

As discreetly as she can she glances down to confirm that.. yes, he was very slightly holding her hand now. Her cheeks start to warm with the pink flush of color as she averts her gaze from his, shaking her head a little. ]

It.. it's nothing. It's a bandaid so.. I mean, it WAS my umbrella that you got hurt with..and you -did-...actually fix it. [ Flustered levels climbing 20%, 30%..50%.. oh god she's going to hit critical mass. ]

[furcollar]

[ Ash shakes his head with a faint shrug, clearly unconcerned for the future of his arms and any potential amputations that may happen.

He absolutely doesn't need to hold her hand, but despite telling himself that now isn't the time, they're not ready for this and he's not fully prepared to tell her anything... he finds himself holding onto her still. It doesn't help that she isn't pulling away either — she's letting him hold her hand like this. A warmth fills his chest then, a faint hope for something he's reached for for so long but never dared to touch. ]

I wasn't thanking you just for the bandaid. [ He says, ruining the moment by flicking her forehead with his free hand. ] You could have just left me out in the rain, too. But you didn't. I really do appreciate it.

[scaredy_cat]

[ They definitely weren't ready to admit Certain Things(tm). But... this was nice - just sitting together and enjoying each other's presence .....until he messes it up as is his wont. The mood utterly shattered when he teasingly flicks her forehead, misinterpreting the gesture as him just PICKING on her when she's being nice!

She jerked back at the flick and shoots him a look, scowling as she moved to pull her hand out of his and fold her arms defensively instead. ]

Well you have a funny way of showing it. I should have left you out there to get soaked. [ Though speaking of the rain - she turned her gaze to the window... nnnnnope, still raining, just as much as before. Sheesh - she glanced around for the remote since Ash had been messing around with it before, intent on changing the channel from his precious news to the weather. Hopefully this little storm hadn't been upgraded into something more serious! She'd worry about Zach on the road - and to a degree, Ashton too) ]

[furcollar]

[ Come on, Isabella. Did you really think you and Ash could have a cute, intimate moment for longer than five seconds before he ruined it? If so, you give him far too much credit.

Ash silently laments the loss of her hand in his own, but he doesn't actively pursue it again for the sake of not making things super awkward. Not that he hasn't already, with his awkward apology punctuated by endless teasing. Why is he like this? ]

Should have, but you didn't. [ He boops her nose this time, grinning. He too looks to the window. ] Z-Man should be here soon. [ He hopes. He keeps his eyes trained outside, while he listens intently to the weather report. Severe thunderstorms on the way, and a potential flood warning? Damn, this was worse than normal. ] Looks like we might have to camp out here for a while.

[scaredy_cat]

[ No, not really. MAYBE if either of them could be adults and admit their feels, but neither of them were adults about these kinds of things. And you know that.. was strangely fine too. No need to deal with fear of rejection, for one.

She swatted at his hand when he nose-booped her, with an expression of mild exasperation, though she shook her head a little Jeez, why is he like this. ]

I can still kick you out. [ Not that she would, and she confirms that when she stares at the window for a minute or two. ]

... not even you deserve having to walk back to Shirley in that mess though. I guess. [ Camping out at her place? She didn't mind, they have gathered together like this before. Still she glanced around the little apartment, reaaaally hoping it will hold up if the rain and wind got worse. They had that little shelter from the awning, but that won't do much if things like branches were flung around. ]

I should put the water on then. Zach might like something warm to drink by the time he gets here. [ And Rebecca. And... yeah she supposed Ashton might like some coffee or hot chocolate with that sweet tooth of his. She got to her feet, pausing to scoop the towel up from the floor and pad over to her tiny kitchenette. ]

[furcollar]

Doesn't mean you will, though. [ He hasn't done anything truly deserving of being kicked out in the rain. Besides, all he'd have to do is go next door and pout at Becca — she'd probably let him in after a long speech about why he shouldn't be such an unbelievable ass.

He looks back to the television after a moment, brows furrowing. The weather in Luxbourne is usually shitty — gloomy, raining, and too grey for anyone's taste. But it looks like they've got a hell of a storm coming. He debates momentarily calling Zach and telling him to wait, but he's probably already on his way and Ash isn't going to risk calling him and having him answer while he's driving. Instead he just sits back, watching his friend as she moves to start the water.

He won't suggest helping there. Cleaning is one thing — but Ash is notoriously dangerous in the kitchen. ]

You think Becca's left already? [ He asks after a moment. He hopes she isn't caught out in the rain. ]