notafuckingnut | [001] where were you, I was worried

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[001] where were you, I was worried

[Text. Or, more specifically, a series of them, spread a couple minutes apart]

SETH. Cmon Seth this isn't funny. Where the fuck r u weve got a rendezvous 2 make. At least I think we do. What the fuck is this place anyway? The service sucks the beds like a rock and there isn't even a TV. What am I supposed to do in here stare at the ceiling for an hour? This is bullshit.

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[The fear was turning to anger at being accused and put in this situation. This time, when he took a step forwards, Claire slid one foot backwards.]

I don't know how you could have heard me say "I'll go in the showers with you" when I clearly said I could show you. If I had said that? Then, yeah, not exactly nice to be a cocktease, I know.

[Less stern, she sighed.] Look, I'm gonna go before this gets anymore out of hand, okay? Before either of us does something we'll regret.

It wasn't what you said, it was how. I saw it, don't tell me I didn't.

[The more she denied it the more frustrated he got, and the more tightly he latched onto his convictions. It wasn't about the act itself anymore, or not entirely, it was about being right, and the result was little more than a grown man's equivalent of a tantrum. He didn't advance further (fortunately), but that was probably only because he knew she'd take off if he did and then he'd never win this.]

Well, I didn't mean for it to come off that way. And you're right, looking back on it now, maybe I just should have told you how to get here, but I thought it would be nice to give you a tour on the way. I know how much it can suck being the new person and instead of risking you getting lost, I just.wanted.to help.

[She was certain to reiterate her latter sentence. At no point did Claire plan on sleeping with Richie, and so soon.]

[Nooo, damn you logic. He scowled, and there was some alpha posturing, but it was evident enough that no, she was completely serious. He didn't believe her, of course - because He Knew What Was Up - but there was nothing for it now.

And who knew. Maybe she'd change her mind.

Have another mood shift, Claire. Back to (mostly) harmless, albeit embarrassed and disappointed, and the little fact that it doesn't really feel 100% authentic.]

...Fine. I guess that makes sense. Just...be careful what you say and don't do it again unless you mean it, okay?

[Claire swallowed hard, and though she knew better, she knew that leaving was the smart thing to do right now, she was frightened he'd somehow follow her back to her cabin. So, she stayed. And she had promised him earlier anyhow, no way was she about to play this game all over again.]

I won't, Richie. I'm sorry, okay? [She nodded, leaning back against the wall finally.] I'm sorry. I'll wait out here.

[And at that one, simple, confirmation, he was back to the puppy impression; she would still be here, she may have turned him down but she was still here, she wasn't leaving. She would still be there when he got back. He took it as a good sign, regardless of what her own reasoning behind it had been.]

It's okay, I forgive you. [...How generous of him.] I'll see you in a little while then.

[Much cheered, he gave her a small, self-conscious smile before heading off to the showers.]

[She gave a small smile and nodded again. But the smile dropped the minute he was out of eyesight.

This was one of those rare moments that Claire was grateful for her bond with Franklin, in that should Richie do another 360 on her and decide to attack, the vampire would feel her distress and hopefully come running. Because it was unlikely that a plea sent out via the communicator would be fruitful.]

[The shower was...uneventful. He sudsed and scrubbed and cleaned up as thoroughly as he could (twice - it was mostly habit by this point, and at least half circumstance) then dressed, smoothing out all the creases and adjusting his glasses before heading out, running his uninjured palm over his bangs in an attempt to get them to behave. The other he clenched and unclenched, testing, before wrapping the duct tape back around it and hoping for the best.

He seemed pleased to see that Claire had kept her word, favoring her with another half-smile when she came into view.]

Hi again.

[She gave him a bob of her head, pushing off the wall.]

Feel better?

Much. I threw out the shirt, I don't think it was salvageable.

[Because yes, she needed to know this. Apparently.]

[She wrinkled her nose.] Probably best.

So. I need to start my shift soon at the gym, but you want me to show you anything else first? You haven't seen the first or second floors.

[curious face, you may have one.]

...What's up [down?] there?

Level two has the medical ward and the first floor has the kitchen and dining hall. Every floor has a common room too. Some have different things, like a piano or a cookie-cutter shark.

[pause. think. reflect.]

...What the fuck is a "cookie-cutter shark" and why do you have one?

[Laugh.]

He's this tiny eel looking thing. An Inmate requested him.

[Shrug.]

I didn't even know that breed existed until he requested it.

But why's it a cookie cutter shark if it's a tiny eel?

Heh, I didn't name him! He just looks more like an eel to me than a shark. [Shrug.] Go check him out, he's on the fifth floor. But I have to go work now, okay? I'll see you around, Richie.

[Nod nod; he'll go do that]

Sure. See you. Have a good day, Claire.

[...Why is that so creepy?]

Yeah, you, too.

[Wave and departure.]

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