(I suppose I didn't really give much room to reply, huh? DOUBLE POST!) Natalia walked down the stairs into the kitchen, and she squinted in the sudden light. "Ms. Mercury," she said, nodding at Ellia in greeting. "If you wouldn't mind, I need to speak to Mr. Rayne." Ellia stood up hastily, brushing off her trousers. "Of course Captain," she said. "See you, Jared." She took the stairs two at a time, and left the room, her steps light and quick. "So," Natalia began, turning to him. "I have... a proposition to offer you." * * * Jack left his room, and crossed back to where he and Avice had been sitting. "I'm back," he said to her, a smile crossing his face. He still seemed hesitant, though, and he didn't sit down right away.
Avice looked up at him, and she grinned lightly. "Oh, good. That was quick," she said, brushing back loose strands of hair. She noticed he didn't sit, but said nothing.
"Yeah, well, not much you need to take to being scared out of your wits," he said, shrugging. His words had a nervous edge to them, but he seemed to be trying to play it off casually.
"Yes.. anyways. The thing I needed to talking to you about." She folded her hands, a bit uncomfortable. "The rumors. I mean, do you know about the rumors?"
"Yes, here are rumors involving you and Natalia." She shook her head. "I mean, I don't believe them, and I trust you, but I still think about it at times."
He leaned back and regarded her. His expression was hard to read, but he smiled at her gently. His eyes seemed to be slightly troubled though, if not a little hurt. "That's what's been bothering you?" he asked her, his head tilted slightly.
She felt as if she made a mistake, but only nodded. "Yes. It is." Her eyes drifted to the floor, and her hair had become untied a bit before he had returned.
They sat in silence for a moment while he considered the situation. "Let me assure you, Avice," he said finally. "There is nothing between Natalia and I. Never has, and never will be. We're just.. close. That's all." He was hiding something, but his words had a ring of truth to them, and he looked at Avice with an honest face. "I wouldn't have confessed to you if I liked someone else. You are the person that I want to be around."
Her brows furrowed, and she sat back. "But... There's something off. Throughout everything you have told I can just feel something is not all there. I might just be crazy," she sighed, and pinched the bridge of her nose.
He shook his head, but he seemed tense and unsure. "You're not crazy," he said hesitantly. "But..." He sighed and looked up at her, a strange look on his face. "Are you unable to just trust me on this?"
She stopped, staring with an unfamiliar look. "I... I trust you." She seemed at a loss for words, and her mouth shut.
It seemed to be an answer for him though, and he sighed, his face almost crestfallen. "She's my sister, Avice," he said finally. "My sister."
(sorry, is she apologizing or is she asking for him to repeat himself? I'm very bad at interpreting intent over text. )
(Gotcha!) "My sister," he repeated. "I'm her brother." His face was slightly hardened, but he stayed where he was, waiting for her response.
She was silent for a long while, almost as if she was recalling every conversation. "I see." She was stuttering a bit, but quickly calmed down. "Are you alright?" It seemed she didn't know what to say.
His brows were furrowed, and he seemed deep in thought. He gazed down at the ground with eyes that were now so obviously like Natalia's. "I.. I wasn't supposed to tell anybody," he said quietly. "I promised her five years ago that I wouldn't." He looked at his hands, worn but quick from years of work. "I'm telling you because I trust you." He paused, and shifted uncomfortably. "But I need you to trust me too. Despite what you said, you were still worried about it, and I don't think you would have felt comfortable if I hadn't told you. And..." He sighed and looked up at her helplessly. "I can't have a relationship like that. Okay? Is that fair?"
She moved closer to him, and placed a hand on his shoulder. Her expression was doting and reassuring. "I'm glad you explained to me. I won't tell a soul," she swore, without breaking gaze.
