1x1 Kim and Shade RP (+Hush) Showing 1,351-1,400 of 1,474

[Lexie]

Shade had to stifle a bemused smirk at her response, he didn't want to her feel anymore uncomfortable than she likely already was. So he simply smiled and nodded and then led the way out of the apartment, striding casually along. He took care of locking the door and then they made their way out of the building and headed across the street towards the diner. Hush stuck close to Shade and Shade patted him reassuringly on the shoulder. He cast Kim a glance, clearly asking without words, 'Are you alright?'

[Kimberly]

Kim was walking she stayed behind the two boys her arms wrapped around her self, hugging herself as if she was cold. If they would stop she was so close more than likely she would run into them. And he looked at her she lifted her chin and smiled trying to be reassuring as if to answer that she was perfectly fine! Though that was far from the truth. Her eyes kept glancing around as if expecting some monster to come out of nowhere. Of course none came.

[Lexie]

Shade knew Kim was likely not letting on exactly what she was feeling, and he didn't know how to feel about that. Was it good she could at least gather herself to try and be reassuring, or bad she was hiding it? He sighed inwardly and just continued on. Hopefully after the precariousness of the first moments of this meeting, it would turn out to be okay. Likely all too soon for Kim, they reached the diner and Shade paused at the door. "Ready?" He asked her as he cast her another glance.

[Kimberly]

Kim cleared her throat as he asked. “Ah, right. Yes.” It wasn’t that she didn’t want to tell him, but now that she was out in the open she was going defensive and that meant hiding. In truth this was a lot of outside stimulation you just with cars and pedestrians and dog walkers and whatever happens in the short stretch of block. However she did feel somewhat more relaxed when she stepped inside the diner it was more self contained then the open world even though there were people inside it was also a familiar place where she had spent many hours of her life and that helped. Shade was very smart for thinking of this as the neutral location.

[Lexie]

((Spot on I mean familiar places are always more calming ;) ))

Shade pursed his lips in sympathy and he dearly hoped Kim would be alright. If she let him he would take her hand and give it a comforting squeeze as they entered the diner, Hush on their heels.

There were a couple of groups in the diner but not many, as both Shade and Severin had wanted a time that would not be too busy. Though the few people in the diner were likely going to be treated to a little show.

Suddenly out of nowhere, something jumped onto Shade's shoulder from one of the chairs. It was a ferret. Shade started but didn't look angry or scared as he glanced at the ferret, who sniffed at his face. And then bewilderingly, Shade seemed to make a signal at the ferret. The ferret squeaked, looked at Kim, and then jumped off Shade's shoulder. Where in midair, it transformed into a human. A man not much older than Shade, tall and lanky with blonde hair. He spun around to Shade with a grin. "Shade! It's good to see you."

Shade smiled and took the man's hand as he offered it and they shook. "Hey Tristan. Good to see you too."
Hush peeked out from behind Shade and Tristan's grin only seemed to grow as he saw him. "And little Hush! Hey there buddy!"
Amazingly, Hush smiled and gave a little wave.

Tristan then turned to Kim, his jovial expression fading somewhat but only in respect to the situation. He dipped his head in a respectful nod to her before glancing back at Shade and waving a hand. "Shall we? He's just over here." He said and started to walk.

Shade made to follow but cast a final questioning glance at Kim.

[Kimberly]

Kim’s heart quite literally stopped beating. The side of a fair it was odd but that hadn’t bothered her however seeing him change mid air like that and made her just look at the entire situation with wide eyes. She didn’t look like she was terrified but more like she wasn’t sure what she was seeing was actual reality. Part of her wondering if she had gone insane and was hallucinating. She hadn’t told any of them but now and then she would be daydreaming even more than she used to and imagine strange scenarios happening both good and bad from time to time they freaked her out and made her usually wake with a start.

Her head song between her shoulders when he looked at her and though she didn’t step back it was quite obvious she seem nervous strangely intimidated. And now she just wanted to go back to the apartment, which was sad because nothing bad had actually just happened, and she didn’t know why she wanted to cry all of a sudden. She had drawn strength from the way he had held her hand and give it that squeeze but now if you were still holding her hand, he would notice her pull away not because she didn’t want to be holding his hand but because she was tempted to leave. Maybe it was the fact that she had been expecting anyone else here.

And the way he looked at her that meant he knew? Shame, guilt and anxiety intensified within her. She didn’t want anyone else to know. Why did other people know? Her breathing begin to quicken and she even felt a wave of dizziness hit her like anyone who would start hyperventilating all of a sudden and it was a common side effect of sudden anxiety. As her creator well knows.

[Lexie]

((Oh my gosh Kim... you poor soul... XD))

If only Kim knew if Tristan was aware he was causing Kim this much distress he would have been horrified. Alas he was a shapeshifter not a mind-reader. In the state she was in Kim was unlikely to remember the whole comment about Severin's shape-shifter slave. But as was probably fairly obvious, Tristan was definitely not a slave. Nor did Tristan actually know any details of what had happened, he only knew that Severin had gotten hurt saving this girl from something. It was sad that not even the fact that Shade clearly knew this guy too and that he was kind to Hush could placate her anxiety. Unaware of Kim's distress, Tristan led them on.

However since presumably Kim had taken a step back or something, Shade turned to her with a frown of concern. "Hey, are you okay?" He glanced to Tristan. "It's alright, that's just Tristan, Severin's friend." His expression became solemn, for it was not a stretch for him to be able to guess what she was thinking. "It's okay Kim, he wouldn't know anything. Severin wouldn't have told him without your permission." He told her. He knew, after you had suffered something like that and after you got out, it felt like everyone you saw knew, even just by looking at you...

[Kimberly]

What was very sad is Kim was a very clever and logical girl most of the time and she had written stories and should’ve been able to piece it all together so perfectly, but given her current state of mind she just wasn’t capable of thinking like that right now. Thankfully no one was telling her how stupid she was or anything condemning. Instead she was encouraged. And even though she was afraid, but his words helped. How true it was that when you felt shame and humiliation it was as if everyone could see through you and knew every secret about you even though that was far from the truth.

She wrung her hands in an anxious fashion. “I...” fortunately or unfortunately someone decided to step in to the diner at that time which made her quickly step forward moving closer to Shade. Her shoulder even bumping his and her eyes shut down word. “How many people are going to be there?” She whispered the words from the side of her mouth towards him her rapid breathing and racing heart not helping the situation in the slightest.

[Lexie]

It was terrible, sometimes possessing such a great mind brought many flaws too, like overthinking and anxiety. People didn’t think enough about others these days, about what they might have been going through, the battle that might be raging inside. And people are often punished or looked down upon for it. If someone descends into a tantrum at school due to distress, or say, after having a minor accident with a driver, someone breaks down on the curb afterward. Most of the time, one would be seen as weak for that. Told to grow up or get a backbone. Never does one stop to consider the turmoil they might be feeling inside that leads to them doing that. People do not listen enough these days.

Even as the people walked into the diner forcing Kim to step out of the way. Sure they meant no harm but they knew nothing about what Kim was feeling. People need I stop and think and always be kind to others, because oh never know what they might be feeling inside.

Shade jerked in surprise as Kim bumped his shoulder but he was able to recover. He regarded her gently before glancing in the direction Tristan had gone. “It will only be Tristan and Severin. That’s all.” He told her softly. Tristan was like a brother to Severin and that was why he accompanied him a lot. But there was no other person Severin trusted that much.

[Kimberly]

It was a sad state of the world that most people focused on their own agendas even if innocently, allowing yourself to be in a bubble but ignored others. Even if you say the phrase “excuse me“ but don’t give someone time to even process the statement I can result and damaging affects. What was meant to be a polite request becomes a graph. “Get out-of-the-way!“ As her own creator has witnessed especially more frequently lately. being nearly knocked down as someone shoved by them. Or they whisper so quietly that you can’t hear them and they expect you to have heard and reacted incredibly fast. Specially when you don’t know what the other person is going through at the moment if they’re upset or struggling.

Kim Nodded as she ask held a shaky breath. And maybe she should’ve let him do it but she instinctively grabbed his hand wanting him to leave her. And he would be able to feel that she was trembling. Her breathing was still shaky but she wasn’t running. She was terrified, but she wasn’t running.

[Lexie]

It was indeed an unfortunate state, even if people didn’t realise they were doing it. Shade’s creator is always told by her mother that she can’t be so incredibly considerate of everyone, or she will simply be walked all over in life. But why can’t people be more considerate of others. We’re the only ones standing in the way of making the world a better place. A superb example by Kim’s creator, that is why Shade’s creator never says ‘excuse me’ when trying to get past people especially at work, instead she always says ‘sorry’.

Shade started as Kim grabbed her hand, but it was because he felt her trembling, not for any other reason. He immediately squeezed her hand and even moved his other to rub her back comfortingly. “If you want to leave at any time, just give me a signal okay?” He said to her gently. Then with one last nod to her, he led the way.

He followed Hush and Tristan where they had went, making it it just in time to see them arrive. They had made their way to a table tucked into a corner. And there sat Severin, relaxed and loose as he plunged in his seat with one foot up on another chair, but his casual demeanour was at odds with his grim expression and his piercing, hawk-like stare that looked like he was constantly on the lookout for danger. However his expression seemed to soften ever so slightly at the sight of Hush, it even seemed as if his mouth seemed to quirk into the faintest smile, and he nodded to the younger boy. “Hello Hush.”

Hush smiled shyly and waved at him.

[Kimberly]

Kim drew great comfort From the way he patted on her back. I give her something to focus on and with the small mound of trepidation she went forward she really did want to run when she saw the man, her mind was already telling her the story of how he couldn’t care less what she went through he didn’t care. He may have saved her after all but it wasn’t because you cared it was just because he didn’t like those people. No one cared about her. She shook her head to make those thoughts stop, reminding herself that at least Hush and Shade cared!

And she found the strength to step forward because two people she cared about and that cared about her or with her though she had to admit she shifting her focus too young Hush, helped her see that at least he didn’t see these people as bad people. It did help some. When she was finally close enough to the table she had a harder time lifting her eyes. She glanced swiftly to Severin, then glanced sidelong to Shade. Wanting him to instigate whatever this was supposed to be.

[Lexie]

Severin finally looked up as Shade and Kim arrived, and fixed his startlingly green gaze upon them.

Shade looked to Kim when she gave him a glance and he stuck close to her, giving her hand yet another squeeze. Then he nodded to Severin. “Hey Severin. Good to see you.”

“Good to see you too Shade.” Severin replied. Hopefully to Kim’s relief, his tone no longer seemed to have that cold, eerie quiet it has possessed before, though he was still as soft-spoken as he had been before. Someone who knew there was more power to quiet than loudness sometimes.

Severin then set his gaze on Kim, and if she managed to look at him, he too dipped his head in a nod. A respectful nod. “Hello Kimberly.” He said politely.

[Kimberly]

Jolted slightly as he spoke. Though the tone was notably different, she still couldn’t help the memories his voice alone stirred. She trembled, but mentally scolded herself because no one else was acting afraid of him like she was, though that didn’t help her not be afraid it just made her feel worse. Much like most mental scolding did. She slowly plucked up her courage and did manage to meet his gaze.

“H-hi...” She bit her lower lip anxiously, then looked at the open seat, and then to Shade. Goodness by this point she was nearly clinging to him. Easing herself into releasing his arm. “S-sorry.” She mumbled to him.

[Lexie]

Funnily Severin was at least used to people being scared of him. He did take advantage of the fact sometimes. But this time it made him solemn. He gestured at the empty seats. “Please, sit, if you want.” He said softly.

Shade looked to Kim as she let go of his hand and apologised, then he shook his head and nudged her reassuringly, silently telling her it was absolutely fine. He really didn’t mind. He tilted his head at her questioningly, seeing if she wanted to sit.

As they awaited her answer Tristan cast a bright smile about the group. He was a lot less intimidating looking than Severin. He then turned to Hush. “Come on then Hush, I’ll take us to another table, we can let them talk. You want some ice cream?” He asked cheerily and ushered Hush off, though still within sight of Shade and Kim, and even earshot if they shouted. Hush went along willingly, Though He cast a worried glance at Kim as if making sure she was okay.

[Kimberly]

Kim looked at the seat as if not knowing what to do with it. However at Shade’s gentle prompt she slid into it. In many ways it was better sitting down and standing she felt somewhat less awkward. Though she didn’t realize it she was rocking slightly in her seat. Why was she even here? What did any of it matter? There is no point in him talking was there? So he wasn’t really a bad guy, there they were done. She really need to say anything, he probably didn’t want to be here.

She offered Hush the smallest of smiles, it was all she could give him. Then steeled herself and forced her eyes to look at Severin again. What was she supposed to do? Supposed to say? Why did she just want to apologize and slink away?

[Lexie]

Shade relaxed slightly as Kim managed to sit and instantly he came to sit in the chair beside her. Though he noticed her rocking and pursed his lips sympathetically, she still seemed so uneasy. And well he supposed he couldn’t blame her. He could see it in her eyes, she seemed like she just wanted to leave. Maybe it was cruel keeping her here...?

However Severin regarded her evenly as she sat. He couldn’t yet read her as well as Shade could. However he kept his expression neutral and unthreatening, his movements slow as he shifted. He winced slightly and rubbed at his side.

That got Shade’s attention. “How’s the wound? Are you okay Severin.”

“Fine.” Severin replied coolly. “Ten stitches is all. You’re lucky Tristan even let me come today. He hasn’t let me out of the apartment all week.” He finally cracked a smile at that, though it faded as he looked to Kim again. “I suppose, first order of business.” If one knew him, that was the only clue Severin gave to his own mild nervousness, the fact that he slipped into his businessman like ways as he scrabbled to get started. Though he met Kim’s gaze if she let him.

“My apologies... Kimberly... You don’t have to like me or feel grateful to me, I don’t expect you to. And I’m sorry for my part in harming you. For what happened. And for not stopping it sooner. I... didn’t expect that they were going to do that. Though I should have, I realise now.” He shook his head and, shame seemed to cross his face. “Again, I’m sorry.”

[Kimberly]

Kim blinked, looking at his side, then glanced to Shade. She wasn’t at the place to feel empathy for him, not right now, but she did fee sympathy. Basically she cared but she couldn’t put her self in his shoes completely empathize. Not right now. She bit her tongue. There might’ve even been a part of her that wanted to say, good you deserve to be hurt. But she remembered what she was told and though she didn’t exactly relax her features at least softened slightly.

Though a business attitude wasn’t going to endear him to her, she stared in shock at his words. Mouth closed, but still totally shocked. The apology had not been the first thing she had expected and she also had expected to to be more... cold? Harsh and obviously insincere. Before she could address that however she had to ask. “The wound... that was when you took the knife for Shade.” She said it is more of a statement but it wasn’t deed a question. Clarifying how he got the injury. Whether he knew it or not, Shade would surely be able to recognize this as her comprehending that he wasn’t the monster her mind made him out to be.

“Why were you with them?” He could choose not to answer or he could answer, but she didn’t understand he hated these people so much and the majority of them had been arrested why was he still hanging out with them? The fact that he had been ignorant and assumed that they were just going to hurt or kill her and he was going to use this situation to keep her alive but instead it turned out that they were going to do other horrible things to her... there was one other question. One last thing that made no sense to her. When he was about to ‘kill’ her before everything else started. But she would wait.

[Lexie]

Severin himself was quite surprised when Kim spoke, managing to do so so quickly. But he was glad. At her sort of question sort of statement, he simply nodded. "Yes." He raised a brow at Shade. "I've never been slashed so badly in my life."

Despite himself, Shade snorted. "Maybe you needed to be brought down a notch." He met Kim's gaze when she glanced at him, showing he was here for her.

Severin scoffed in amusement, but quickly returned to seriousness as he met Kim's gaze once again. At her next question, he nodded, having expected her to ask something like that. He inhaled deeply before he started to explain. "My father sent me to exact revenge on the one who got him thrown in jail. He sent those two lackeys to... 'help me get the job done'." He rolled his eyes. He might have said that he wouldn't have needed any help if he'd actually wanted to do that, but he figured he shouldn't say anything that might risk making Kim feel even more uncomfortable right now.

[Kimberly]

Kim squirmed slightly im her seat, but at least she wasn’t rocking back and forth any more. She took in his responses thoughtfully, but then the thing really bothered her. “You were going to kill me...”She half croaked the words. “When I was in the chair. They stopped you.” It was half question half accusatory statement. He had the knife, she bated him. He was going to kill her! They had stopped him. Though she would have preferred that to what was intended. Not that she was proud to admit it.

[Lexie]

Severin did not move, he didn’t even seem uncomfortable. For he was sure he had an explanation for all of her questions, he only hoped he could make her feel a little better, at least in some way. But he was no fool, he knew how traumatised she likely was. So he let out a heavy breath. “I’m sorry for the distress I caused you. Here’s the truth. It was an act. I was not going to kill you. I was trying to keep you alive until Shade got my clue and came for you.” His eyebrow quirked. “But I couldn’t let Xander and Maxon know that was what I was doing. I was trying to keep you safe, albeit it was a little impossible to keep you unharmed. There was a last resort plan I was reluctant to execute. I would have whispered in your ear before I stabbed, hopefully under the guise that I was saying hateful words to you. I would have stabbed you but it wouldn’t have been fatal, and I would have instructed you to play dead. Then I would have taken you somewhere safe. It would have been painful, but you would have lived.” He clenched his jaw. “When Xander stopped me I decided to let him stall further, thinking that might at least be better for you. That’s what our little sparring session was all about.”

Finally, perhaps surprisingly, Severin sighed and massaged his temple. “I’m sorry I couldn’t have done more to help. I was thinking on the spot as it was after Xander rejected the fake suicide plan, because that was my only chance to get you away from them alive. Then when they both attacked you and started to...” Severin didn’t squirm exactly but he did seem to tense more, his shoulders bunching, and the words seemed to come with a lot more difficulty. “I... was barely able to think straight either as I tried to scramble for a way to stop it.” He loosed a slow, careful breath that seemed deliberate. As if it calm himself. “I’m sorry...”

[Kimberly]

It wasn’t exactly a comforting thought, that he had intended to step her but as a writer she could see at least some sanity in the course of action though, she still could’ve died even if he had made a non-fatal still have wound. People died from shock of injuries that were superficial. She didn’t come up with these arguments because she didn’t feel neither the need or the strength. It did help to see him bothered by the topic, and then he apologized. She on the other hand had squirmed as he mentioned what they had done even if it was vague it was very vivid in her memory still and probably always would be. Though she didn’t want it to be.

She wasn’t done asking her questions call mom and they spilled out before her mindfully processed everything he said. “How did you know Shade would find your message? Why did you even care? One girl. It put you in danger.” He had ‘borrowed’ slaves to give them a night away, but this... If everything he said was true, and she was beginning to realize it probably was, then why put himself in danger to try and save her? She was nobody. Shade hadn’t talked to him. Had the note just been for anyone to find? Or...

[Lexie]

Severin hadn't had the chance to tell her that she could ask any questions she had and he was happy to answer them, so hopefully that was obvious. As a bunch of questions spilled from her, Severin gathered his thoughts and spoke. "Well, I knew you clearly knew him. Remember when I threatened Shade and Hush to get you to be still?" He asked, raising a brow. "I saw you on the news, and well, 'a kid who can't even speak because of what has been done to him' was pretty obvious to me. And where Hush goes Shade goes. Plus, I've visited my father in custody and he told me exactly what happened." Severin cast a glance at Shade. That meant he obviously knew Shade had almost been captured again and he was sorry for it.

Shade in turn, pursed his lips and fidgeted, though he remained completely quiet during all this, not wanting to interrupt. He just wanted to be a source of comfort for Kim if she needed it, and thankfully she seemed to be getting slightly better about this with all the questions she was asking.

"I suspected Shade was the one likely to find the note." Severin continued. He tilted his head slightly and met Kim's gaze. "I care because I hate my father and I hate his business. Though he doesn't know it. And finally, you've provided a chance to take it down. When my father saddled me with the job of eliminating you and getting revenge, I only wanted to protect you. My father's business can finally be destroyed, you are the key to that. Finally because of you and Shade, the opportunity has come for what I couldn't even do." he raised a brow. "It did put me in danger, but no more so than all I've tried to do for the slaves already, and frankly it has never been enough has it?" He admitted. "So really, it's the least I can do, in exchange for my lack of action if anything..." There was clearly much more to this story...

[Kimberly]

Kim looked at him, and despite how much she wanted to not like him, she actually felt sympathy for him. She didn’t intend to be rude, but as he finished what he said. She could only stare at her lap. “I’m sorry...” that was probably a very unexpected response. Not one even she herself expected to have leave her mouth.

It didn’t make the anxiety go away, it didn’t fix the fear and shame she felt. No, she was far from okay. Yet, she really wanted to be normal, or her equivalent of it.

[Lexie]

Indeed Severin was quite taken aback by that, though he was a master at schooling the emotions from his face. His only response was raising his brows slightly, and then he frowned. "For what?" Why in the world was she saying sorry to him?

Even Shade looked at Kim with some surprise and confusion.

[Lexie]

((Sorry it's so short didn't really know what else to say...? XD))

[Kimberly]

Kim looked up at him. “ for doing the very thing that I hate other people doing. Judging someone before you hear their side of the story and even after being told refusing to believe it.“ She had a hard time keeping eye contact but she looked back at him again. “Thank you, for doing everything you could to help make life a little bit better for people like Shade and Hush, and thank you for trying to keep me alive.” She felt so awkward. “You’re a good fighter too.” She added, then looked to Shade. “I-I want to go back to the house, you two should stay and visit. With your friends.” This had been far more stimuli than she wanted and she felt hot, exhausted and sick. She didn’t mean to be rude but Innoway she was running, she meant what she said though and maybe showing to this man what shade and hush had already come to learn about her. She had a kind heart, and she thought she could keep the courage to walk home or more accurately run home and get back into the apartment and let them be able to be with her friends. She just feel too exposed right now and this was a lot for her. Too much.

((No it’s fine, I expected it to be more of a short response. Kinda shock for all))

[Lexie]

Severin blinked and looked a little confused. He had judged before he knew? And then refusing to believe he story even after? “What?” He asked, and for the bey first time he looked taken aback. “What do you mean?” He wasn’t angry, just bewildered. And well he had a need to understand a lot of the time. Though he gave a nod when she thanked him for all he did for the slaves like Shade and Hush, and then as she complimented him saying that he was a good fighter he sniffed amusedly but otherwise didn’t react much. As she expressed about wanting to leave though Severin leaned forward urgently. For there was something he could see in her eyes. Something he, and another person sitting here, knew all too well.

“Wait, Kimberly. If you want, there is something else I can tell that... might help.” He said it a little uncertainly, but he meant it. It might help her situation, might help her get through this. After all, he felt partially responsible for causing it. He seemed to look to Shade for permission and Shade only cast a worried look at Kim, probably to ultimately let her decide.

[Kimberly]

“ I judged you, even if anyone else would have. I always tried to be the type of person that gave people the benefit of the doubt. Several things you did seemed off. You apologizing and the way I could tell you were holding back on my phone. I just refuse to let myself see it, even when she told me the truth...”

When he leaned forward she didn’t jump like she was afraid of him but she gripped the table in front of her as if trying to anchor herself to something stationary, it was sort of like the whole world was spinning and she was overwhelmed by it and something steady helped. She wanted to reach for shade but thought maybe she shouldn’t however as he spoke she did indeed look at him and seeing his expression she looked back. “What do you mean?”

[Lexie]

Severin blinked though he said nothing. In truth he was still a little confused as was his creator, had Kim meant he’d done that too or just that she had? He immediately pulled back as he noticed her reaction, realising she probably didn’t want him that close to her and fair enough. “Sorry.” He apologised quickly before meeting her gaze as she asked what he meant.

“I know... I’m probably the last person you want to talk to about this... But... I know how you feel.” He slumped in his seat, seemingly as if he was conceding to something. And then he spoke.

“I was raped when I was 17. By two people, this... sick couple.” His face creased distastefully. “And I suspect they might have kept me if my father’s valet hadn’t found me.” He looked her in the eye. “I remember going through it, I remember how it felt. I know what it feels like. What you’re likely feeling right now. Like you just want to hide and be alone, like there’s an invisible wall between you and everyone else. Like you can never be normal again. Like you will never again live without the fear, and the memories.”

He took in a slow breath. “Why do you think I hate my father’s business? He never found out see, I never wanted to tell him. And then when I found out he was making profit on making people suffer in that way... But I was too late to stop it, he’d already set it up and it had grown too large. My father has too many friends in power, I couldn’t hope to take it all down, I would have been dead before I could succeed. But I had to live knowing that that was happening. When I know EXACTLY how it feels.” That came out in a growl. “That’s when I started to truly hate my father. While I didn’t love him our relationship was pretty neutral before. He is only my adoptive father after all, wanted a son to inherit his finances when his wife could not conceive. Not that that matters, I’m sure many orphan kids actually love their adoptive parents.” He rolled his eyes. “But I digress... I remember how hard it was to get through the time after, the things that made it worse or that made it better. And if there’s one thing I NEED to tell you, it only gets better once you start letting yourself be close to the people that truly care about you again. Being alone is necessary too, but it can prove a deadly medicine.” He inclined his head. “Take it one step at a time, and move only at the pace you wish. You owe nothing to the world to be ‘normal’ after what has happened to you, and you make your way through it in your own time. Do not take it upon yourself...”

This was why Kim’s ‘pedophile’ comment back at the warehouse had been the only thing to trigger him. Because he’d of course never done anything of the sort. Instead he had been a victim of it. Even now Severin’s has was tight, it was clear this had been difficult for him to talk about it. But he’d felt it was us responsibility. “If at any point you do want to talk at anytime, please know I will be willing to help.” His mouth quirked the faintest bit. “Or not of course. Your choice.” His gaze swivelled to Shade. “For at least, unlike me, you have other friends to help you through it, who understand...”

[Kimberly]

Kim had only meant that she herself had judged him. Made assumptions and didn’t want to believe anything other than ‘her version’ of the truth. As He shared his story hell of her she was stunned. It was a shame he assumed her physical reaction have to do with him specifically just her current personal state of mind. She had begun to tear up with me early on and what he was telling him no he wasn’t asking for her sympathy or pity she couldn’t deny having both for him. “ thank you…“ He would be able to see the tears in her eyes she said the words, and shook her head.

“ you didn’t have to tell me anything, you didn’t show it to me but… I’ll try and remember what you said. And I hope in this case is over you can finally have some sort of peace“ she look to her right at shade and then back at him. “And anytime you want to see them you’re welcome at my place.“ She wouldn’t think he would actually want to see her though, it was just out of guilt hey Shirley wanted anything to do with her. But she could see he was a good man. “I’m sorry that any of that ever happened to you though. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

[Lexie]

Severin’s expression finally lightened slightly. He could indeed see the tears in her eyes and not that he was happy about it, but it meant a lot that she understood. And he had simply wanted her to know the truth. To know how sorry he was for all he’d caused, and that he really was trying to help her. Even if his methods hadn’t been the most pleasant, he’d done what he could. He dipped his head in a nod as she thanked him.

“Hopefully so.” He said in response when she wished him peace after the case. He then met her gaze. “As am
I for you.” He replied in return to her final statements. He was quite surprised at her saying he was welcome at her house if anything. He smiled faintly. “You’re welcome at my place too. Shade has the address. I’m busy with business a lot of the time but Tristan is always there, he’ll let me know if you guys wish to meet.” He turned and nodded to Shade. “Best of luck in getting home Shade. If you need any help, you know you can ask. I will do anything I can to see to it.”

Shade smiled and nodded. “Thank you Severin.”

Severin nodded and then slowly stood. “I’ll leave you be. Thank you for talking with me Kimberly.”

[Kimberly]

Kim even managed the smallest of smiles which was something since it had taken a lot to get her to the point she could even smile again after all that happened. However she was incredibly surprised when he gave an open invitation to his house and even though part of her was reluctant she couldn’t deny just your mom wanted it maybe one day she would take him up on it and she had to admit she wanted to visit with Tristan as well one day. As he stood so did she and her legs were a bit shaky from all the nervousness she had been through she nodded his farewell but then also offered her hand to shake his it was symbolism of many things respect genuine bidding him farewell and maybe showing him she didn’t see him as a monster. It took courage for her to do it at the same time not as much as one might expect because the monster she had envisioned turned out to be nothing more than a victim and was forced to survive in a horrible world that no one should have to ever be a part of. Maybe this had helped her another way because it steeled her resolve. To being down the evil people!

[Lexie]

Indeed Severin actually looked quite surprised as she offered her hand and that was so unusual on him it almost looked comical. Though he recovered quickly and his mouth quirked and he took her hand, shaking it gently. “Until next time,” he murmured and even gave a graceful little bow, though that ended with a wince from him as his wound pricked with pain. But he didn’t care, this girl deserved the respect. He had greatly admired her spirit back in the warehouse.

He turned to Shade and touched his first two fingers to his forehead in an informal salute of farewell. “See you Shade.” Finally he spun and made his way to Tristan and Hush. “Come on Tristan let’s go. Bye Hush.”

Hush smiled and waved at Severin while Tristan shot up and before Severin could react his hands were wrapped around his shoulders as he escorted him out. “Good! Come on then let’s get you home brother, you are SO NOT leaving the couch and I’ll make lunch and everything, I can make some good old soup!”

Severin only raised his eyes to the heavens. “Good God Tristan stop!” He grumbled and then the pair was gone.

[Kimberly]

The smile actually reached her eyes and reflected in them and she genuinely reacted to his goodbye though she grimaced slightly seeing his pain especially now that she allowed herself to realize that he took a knife for someone who is so very important to her. She had had come way too close to death and she was so happy that this man I found the courage, To despite everything he had to deal with, he still sacrificed of himself frequently.

What may have been even more astonishing as they walked over to the table where Tristian and hush were. She think giggled at the way the one-man doted on him. That was all she had seen it probably would’ve been enough to at least testify to him being a good person but it had done her heart a great deal of good and though she shouldn’t have she still couldn’t help comparing these people have been through so much worse than her. It was bad, she wasn’t going to minimize that, but what they have been through and repeatedly so. She felt like crying again. “You two are so strong.” Kim Whispered presumably where Hush and Shade could hear now that the other two were gone.

((probably my last post for the evening. Sweet dreams))

[Lexie]

((Okay I’ll just say now then good night! ;) ))

[Lexie]

Shade was looking after Severin and Tristan as they left and he snorted and shook his head amusedly. "Those two. They either care about each other like a mother cat cares for her kittens or they're bickering like an old couple." He said with a laugh. Hush smiled as he reached Shade and that made Shade feel happy, clearly he had enjoyed the catch-up with Tristan.

Then he turned to Kim as she spoke and his jovial expression faded, not that he was upset, but it was something he sensed in her tone and from the look on her face. "Hey, so are you." He told her, tapping her lightly on the shoulder as he cocked his head at her. "Don't let yourself think otherwise."

[Kimberly]

Kim’s heart broke at seeing she had made his smile vanish. “No. I preferred death...” She shook her head. “All of you had the courage to live.” Death was the easy way out of pain, but it also ruined any chance at future happiness. It took courage and hope to even try and live. She was trying to die, yes, escape had been a hope, but she knew she stood no chance. She tried, but was hopping to die in a fight, on her feet. Then when the threat came, she was ready to beg for death. She was a coward. Even still, she wasn’t sure a part of her didn’t prefer an end, something easier than facing this life, this pain and guilt. She would never take her own life, ever. Logically speaking it made no sense to hurt herself to end pain, but it didn’t mean she didn’t long for an end of some sort. More shame filled her.

[Lexie]

It was understandable. A need to feel real pain, needing to experience some physical manifestation of it for the pain one felt inside to actually make sense. It was better sometimes than the inner torment. At Kim’s words though Shade inhaled sharply, then abruptly grabbed her hand in both of his. But then he hesitated, realising this wasn’t exactly the best place for this kind of conversation. “Come with me.” He said to her in a low tone and swiftly led her out of the diner, around the corner and to someplace more private.
Hush scurried after them.

As soon as they got there Shade spoke. “Are you serious Kim? You think I haven’t thought the exact same thing?” He stared at her. “You don’t know how many times in there that courage failed me... And I did prefer the other option.” He frowned. He wasn’t holding back from this. “Only, they watch for that. They make sure there’s nothing sharp around, that are beds are low and bolted to the floor. They had their spy holes. They don’t let you end it.” He pursed his lips. “Otherwise who knows, maybe I would have succumbed...” A dark place he’d been in. One had to remember, he’d been there for three years before Hush had even arrived. And before he’d had his surrogate little brother to look after, Shade had been in a bad way in that place. “The true courage to live, that comes now. After it. When it’s time to take our lives BACK.” Passion laced his tone. He wasn’t going to let them take anything else away from him. And now he wanted her to realise that too. “Your letter to me helped me realise that Kim...” He looked her in the eye. “I want to do the same for you...”

[Kimberly]

Kim wasn’t scared nor did she jump her gasp. Though she was surprised as he hurried Lee assured her out of there looking back as she saw Hush scamper out of the place after them. When they were in the alleyway though she couldn’t take her eyes off of Shade. I first she felt guilt for making another stupid assumption maybe since it was coming from him and all the things they kept saying to her were starting to finally sink in she stopped feeling guilty and started to understand his motive behind what he was saying not just reacting with her emotion.

“I hate them...” She whispered, as if fearing being heard. “I have never hated anyone as much as I do them.” This!!! was saying something considering someone murdered her parents and the bad Homes she had been in. She feared people yes but never truly hated the closest she got was the one boy and even then it was more out of fear, never an emotion so strong like this one and she felt shame for how much power it held over her.

[Lexie]

Shade was glad as he saw her look at him and as she responded to his words, seemingly not sounding uncertain anymore. His expression hardened and he nodded firmly. “As do I.” He stated.

He then glanced at Hush who had gone grim faced. But it was the most determined he had ever seen him. Of course for poor Hush it would always be tainted with fear. But it was truly something. Just as Shade sensed it was really something in Kim too. “And that’s why we’re going to take them down, right?” He added to her. “Right Hush?” He addressed his little brother and Hush stepped forward so he was at Shade’s side, and he too gave a nod.

[Lexie]

((This makes me really want to do the idea I’ve had for ages! XD))

[Kimberly]

Kim nodded tot he two guys. “Yes, we will. I’m sure the trial is soon to come. Hopefully we can see them all
Locked up for good soon!” She hopped the trial didn’t draw out, some times things like this took years. “Lets go home.” She said to both of them. Signifying it was all three of their home and she wanted them to be with her, just as they expressed their determination not to abandon her.

((An idea you already told me? Or something else?))

[Lexie]

Shade smiled and nodded. That fire was back in her eyes and it made him happier than he’d ever felt in a long, long time. “You bet.” He said firmly in response to her statement. Then his smile softened as she declared for them to go home. “Yeah.” With that he offered a hand to her and then he also looked down and offered a hand to Hush.

Hush smiled and took it, moving right up to Shade’s side, looking at Shade admirably as many younger brothers often looked up to their older siblings.

[Lexie]

((I haven’t really told you ;) ))

[Kimberly]

Kim gladly took his hand and her arm probably rubbed up against his a little bit as she got closer and they could start the trek back home. Not that it was very far but it’s still thought further than it normally used to however at the same time now I felt a little bit closer than it had the trip here.

((Hehe, I like surprises (-; ^_^ ))

[Lexie]

((Hehe why don’t we do that then? How about we timeskip a little more and we’ll I have an idea for how it can Come about? ;) ))

[Kimberly]

((Okay, go right ahead))

[Lexie]

After they returned to Kim’s apartment they sort of fell back into a routine that was kind of half and half not like how it had been before the unfortunate incident. As the days played out presumably it was safe to say Kim was slowly improving, though it was likely Shade who made any trips from the apartment for groceries and any other necessities. Kim was still thankfully on paid leave from her incredibly kind boss and that was the money they used. Shade cared for both Kim and Hush, again taking care of most of the chores. He didn’t mind for it took his mind off the looming truth of the approaching trial date, which wasn’t too far to come.

Perhaps about a week passed since the meeting with Severin. Shade was returning from a quick trip to the store as had been an unusual occurrence. Though he’d also used the trips to quickly and secretly discuss something with Adam, Kim’s boss, at the diner. It had likely taken a lot of persuasion - and pleading - on Shade’s side, but he had needed to repay the man in some way and so hopefully they had finally reached an agreement. It was 5pm, prime time. Shade put away the groceries, and conveniently Kim was somewhere that would keep her unaware of his return, she was either napping in her bedroom or in the shower. He quickly wrote a note to her and left it on the kitchen bench, then said some quick words to Hush before an equally quick goodbye and a brotherly tap on the shoulder before he headed right back out the door.

His note to Kim read:

Gone to the diner.

- Shade.

[Lexie]

((Whoops, also on the note))

Come along if you want.