"They did. They created stories out of what they saw; legends, if you will. The stories they created then are what fueled people into becoming what they are now. Just stories," he said, his voice low.
Poppy blinked as she listened, her brow creased in thought. "Just stories," was all she murmured, the sound low and hushed in her throat. They sat in silence for an indeterminate amount of time, gazing up at the sky. In fact, it wouldn't be until Francis would feel a slight pressure on his arm would he realize that Poppy had nodded off to sleep, her head eventually settling on his shoulder. (wow, that's crazy. absolutely no idea how that happened. random world we live in i guess. totally didn't plan for that to happen. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)
Francis felt surprised for a moment, then ever so slightly, smiled. He shook his head, moving very slowly to pick her up. This felt all too familiar to him. (-Curtains open- *clutches heart* Why have you done this to me? *Dies* -End scene-)
(i really like their relationship, okay?! Sue me!) She was fairly easy to move into a carrying position while she slept, her head resting right under his collarbone as it had in the forest, the only sign of disturbance being a slight murmur. The curve of her back fit easily into his arms, and she turned her face into his chest slightly, her breathing smooth and consistent. However, as Francis turned around, a figure stood in the doorway, his silhouette dark and intimidating. Evan stepped into the light, his jaw tight with anger. "Come out to the hallway," he whispered simply. "Leave her here. Don't wake her up."
(OH MY GOD IT's ABOUT TO GO DOWN.) Francis froze, his expression, which was once soft and calm, was now indistinguishable. He set her down gently, standing back up and going into the hallway without a word, making sure he shut the door behind him.
(YOU KNOW IT) Evan paced the hallway outside with long, slow, deliberate steps. If he had been a tiger, his tail would have been twitching. He turned to regard Francis with cold eyes, and he didn't waste any time with words. He took a step forward, and went straight for the punch.
Francis was only half expecting this, and stepped to the side quickly, his back against the wall. "You don't want to do this. Just stop now, please," he spoke quietly, his voice had a dangerous edge to it.
Evan, shaking his head, laughed roughly. "Oh no," he said. "I've wanted to do this for a while." He tried to hit him again, this time with a right hook.
Francis only moved slightly, grabbing Evan's arm as he moved and tried to pull him to the ground. His thoughts raced to his head. He wasn't going to let some stupid guy hurt him just because he was jealous of Poppy. Francis paused, thinking back to the observatory; he was distracted.
Evan saw the distraction in his eyes and seized the opportunity. He pushed himself up and hit Francis squarely in the face.
He stumbled back, hitting the ground for a moment and getting back up immediately. He looked at Evan again, his eyes were dull, and almost told a story within themselves. They had murder, death, hatred, almost all of the bad things. Francis looked at the ground for a moment, ignoring the pain, then back up. He took sharp steps toward him, his expression blank.
Evan hesitated, clearly seeing the expression on Francis' face. He raised his fists for protection, going into the defensive mode.
Francis succeeded; Evan hit the ground hard and tried to back up and give himself some space to get up.
Francis followed, not allowing to get room. Instead he moved and sat on his knees over him, repeatedly trying to strike his face with his fist. He managed to keep the same expression this entire time.
Evan tried unsuccessfully to pull Francis' arms away, but it was no use. Francis was much stronger and much more experienced. Evan's attempts got weaker and weaker as the minutes dragged on. Hands - small, strong ones - pulled on Francis' shoulders, trying to pull him away from Evan. "Francis! Francis, stop it!"
He managed to get pulled away, a look of threat on his face. He spat at Evan. "Don't you ever talk to me again, don't you dare come near me!" he shouted, his voice was rough, coming from the back of his throat.
"Francis, please," Poppy said, her hands still pulling him back, and her voice sounding like she was close to tears. "Please. Let's just go."
He stood up, a bit shaky. He looked at his hands for a moment, then started to feel the pain. "Fine."
Poppy pulled him away, back past the observatory, and back down the hall. She didn't say a single word as they walked, always keeping ahead of him, her bare arms folded onto each other against the chill of the night air.
