(no subject)

[markedformore]

After the assault at the party -- deserved, needed, desperate -- Erik had shrugged off any help before making his way through the cold and dark streets. His lip bleeds sluggishly with no need for attention and the bruises on his face will fade. If anything, the cold weather is a balm to the pain and so he takes his time.

That and he's fairly sure he's managed to get lost in the process. The Boarding House is usually down these same streets, but Erik's been wandering aimlessly and the scarf and coat he's wearing do nothing to keep out the chill. As well, it's allowed his thoughts to run rampant and he curls the coat tighter about his thin frame as he walks.

One more turn and he's going to need to ask for help, but for now, he settles for swearing under his breath in German, an angry and quiet litany that he sees no point in stopping.

Comments

[markedformore]

He raises a brow, amused by her profanity and the sheer inelegance of it, but he can't argue her point. "You won't find an argument in me," he assures, slipping his hand away when he feels as though he's under too much scrutiny. He pulls the sleeve down once more, bowing his head as he tries to move past this.

[refusedtocall]

With all that said, Carla Jean doesn't feel a need to harp on the subject any more than is necessary. He'll say whatever he feels he has to — she hopes she's made clear that he can do that, with her — and apart from that, it isn't her place to pry, the subject one that she can only imagine is unpleasant to dwell on. Instead, she nods once to herself. "C'mon," she says, "let me take a look at you, see just how bad it is."

[markedformore]

"I appreciate the kindness," he says, aware that such a thing should be expected, but Erik has grown to understand that he cannot trust in the good of people. After all, when they have been inherently troubling to him, it's difficult to look for even shreds of decency.

[refusedtocall]

"S'the least I can do," Carla Jean says, not wanting to make more of it than she needs to. Even if he hadn't been so kind to her upon her arrival, she's not sure she'd have done differently now. It may not seem like anything too bad, but there's no harm in taking a closer look, being sure. "How're you feelin'?"

[markedformore]

"As though I've been assaulted." He does not add the 'deservedly'. After all, he's sure that he's committed a great many vengeful acts and those that require punishment. The visit home had given him many a cause for wishes of self-flagellation, but now he feels he must move past it. "I'm fine," he reassures. "Really."

[refusedtocall]

"No, really?" Carla Jean asks dryly in response to the first, though she can't help a slight smile at that all the same. Stubborn as she is, there isn't really anything she can do but take his word for it; she knows from experience with her husband that pushing something like this won't help. "Well, if you're sure, you're sure."