[ If she understood Chuck Hansen better she would try to push, try to find a way between his ribs and twist like a blade trying to pry an oyster open. But she doesn't and she does want his help. ]
I am. Lest you think it best that I remain here, I'd like to go with you.
[ And so she readies herself as best she can, given Isaac's concern. Alayne hovers in the doorway of the classroom, checking her device periodically. ]
Thank you, Chuck.
I know you do not want for gratitude. But I am grateful nevertheless.
[ he doesn't reply because he doesn't want to, and because he can claim to have been otherwise occupied. chuck has never been a particularly honest or altruistic man. there's no reason to go changing it now.
it's nearly an hour later when he comes knocking, max in hand, and the shadows beneath his eyes stand out as stark as bruises. ]
[ Alayne waits and waits and waits a little more and, after a while, she thinks that perhaps Chuck isn't going to come at all. It's a possibility that puts her in two minds — both relieved and disappointed. The sound of Max's paws coming down the hall, however, is enough to draw her out into the corridor.
She looks better than the last time he saw her, though still not the same as when they first met. Alayne looks different without Lady beside her. Smaller, maybe. Her posture is different.
There's a tiny cut the clips one of her eyebrows and another, smaller and more finely drawn along the rise of her cheek. Both have been cleaned and seen to as best as Isaac can manage.
Greeting him, Alayne curtseys but only perfunctorily. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
The walls shook and the floor trembled.
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
try not to get upset
ladys probably fine
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
You must tell me.
Do you know where Lady's gone?
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
but the old mans like you too
alayne
ladys strong
shell be alright
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
Lady isn't just a wolf—
[ She's a part of me, Alayne would say but she knows few would understand. So instead, she says nothing on the subject and after a moment's notice: ]
Is your father all right?
Did he hurt himself?
[ She might have gotten a bit knocked around when she blew out one of the windows. ]
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
what do you mean not just a wolf
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[ You'd laugh if I told you. ]
I don't want to talk about it.
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
You should see to your father.
I should not take you from his side.
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
That's awful.
I'd never.
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
Why are you helping me?
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
I want to know what yours is.
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
now you coming or not
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
I am.
Lest you think it best that I remain here, I'd like to go with you.
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
Thank you, Chuck.
I know you do not want for gratitude.
But I am grateful nevertheless.
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
it's nearly an hour later when he comes knocking, max in hand, and the shadows beneath his eyes stand out as stark as bruises. ]
( v i i : d 2 : e a r l y )
She looks better than the last time he saw her, though still not the same as when they first met. Alayne looks different without Lady beside her. Smaller, maybe. Her posture is different.
There's a tiny cut the clips one of her eyebrows and another, smaller and more finely drawn along the rise of her cheek. Both have been cleaned and seen to as best as Isaac can manage.
Greeting him, Alayne curtseys but only perfunctorily. ]