synthneon | oceanview (different path) || ❝ turn the page i need to see something new. ❞

[ To Alan, it doesn't feel like smoothing over. It feels like being drowned and not being able to breathe, think, or even move. His arms and legs feel heavy and he just keeps hearing Hartman's muffled voice telling him to relax, to just give in and sleep. He tries to fight against it but the sedative is too strong and it's just pulling him under no matter how hard he tries.

"Sleep", Hartman called it, but it was anything but restful. What seemed like hundreds of harrowing images entered and exited his mind's eye and Alan felt nothing but panic. When he finally wakes up, it feels like a reprieve from the sleep that wasn't sleep, but he's immediately accosted by Hartman and his hired goons and basically prodded into taking a walk alongside the doctor. He just nods a lot and pretends to be an attentive listener, but he's really not absorbing anything the doctor is telling him. Truthfully, it all sounds like noise to him, and so it's easy enough for him to tune it out.

Eventually night comes again and all hell seems to break loose. Of course, Tor and Odin are at the center of it, and Alan uses the commotion to his advantage. He makes his way to the building's main area and as he passes down a corridor and past a door, he hears a familiar voice yelling. He'd know that voice anywhere, even with what's left of the drugs Hartman pumped into him in his system. ]

Barry? What the- Hang on a second, I'm going to figure out how to get this door open.

[ As luck would have it, even though the door's locked, it's actually not a very heavy door, and Alan tries a combination of kicking it and launching himself at it to jar it open. Honestly, he's surprised that even worked, but hey, if it gets him in, that's what matters. ]

What the hell are you doing here, Barry?

"Al? Al! Oh, thank god, it's you. Hurry up and get the damn door open!"

[ Barry peaks out from behind the cut out of Alan from the Oh Deer Diner. As to why he has it and its locked up with him? Best not to ask. His arms go up to either side. ]

"Well, obviously, Al. We came here to bust you out! Hartman can have all the nice little diplomas on the wall he wants. That doesn't supersede the fact he'd need MY approval to admit you into this... nice little artist daycare! He showed us around and made a nice little detour. Then, locked us up in here. Man, it got dark fast. And we all know what happens when it gets dark."

[ Barry never properly explains the "we" or "us" he makes casually in his statements. He doesn't really need to. Not when Jesse Faden steps quietly from around the cutout as well, having been low to the floor in case the "big muscle" came back in to quiet Barry down. She doesn't say a word as Barry continues rambling on about the dark and how things can get "real spooky real fast." Her eyes stay on Alan for a moment, almost like she is taking in the fact he is really alive and there.

Barry barely gets the chance to move as the younger redhead passes by him--practically knocking him over--and making an immediate line for Alan. The instant she is in front of him, Jesse's arms wrap around his frame and she presses against him. Face is hidden in the shoulder of the tweed jacket that somehow smells like a forest and water at the same time as if he had been diving. Jesse tilts her head further into his shoulder and stays where she is, biting on her lip to the point she can taste the familiar tint of blood. She has to do something to keep everything contained in her that wants to burst out immediately. ]

"Uhhh... okay. I'm guessing you really do know each other." [ Barry glances between the two before shaking his head. ] "Whatever. Anyways, your uh 'assistant' as she's been calling herself found me in town. Explained you got thrown off a god damn cliff. When were you at a CLIFF? She found one of those manuscript pages that we've been finding all over the place. Said you'd be here. So, with all my legal capabilities, I led the charge straight in here to get you out."

[ Jesse practically flicks her eyes into the back of her skull. Her expression can't be seen by either man as she continues to hide her face in his jacket. A tremor starts in her hands that she tries to desperately control.

« You were right. He was here. I thought... I thought he'd end up like Mom and Dad. Ordinary. Dylan. But he's right here. » ]

[ The door all but flies open and Alan steps into the room, trying his best to keep his balance and not look as though he feels he just needs to sit down and not get back up for five minutes. Or ten. Maybe even twenty. But there's no time for that; he gives Barry a good looking over as if to assure himself that his old friend is alright. He certainly seems fine, if the rapid flow of words he's spouting is any indication. ]

Yeah... Well, thanks for that, I- Honestly, I didn't know what I was going to do. There was a diversion and I was trying to use that to get out, but I found you instead. And believe me, buddy, that's a million times better. [ Barry might be unconventional, but so is Alan, and in the end, Barry gets the job done. ]

But, uh, who's "us"? [ Alan's question barely leaves his mouth before he registers someone else stepping out from behind the cutout: not just any someone, but the person who he barged in on. It feels like that happened months ago, but he knows it hasn't been that long at all. He's about to say something surprised, because he hadn't expected her to be here either, but he doesn't have the chance to.

Jesse's crossing the room and making a beeline for him, all but throwing her arms around him in a hug. Instinctively, his own arms go around her as well and he pulls her in closer, just holding onto her while Barry looks on. ]

Uh, yeah, I thought... I thought she could help with the pages and the kidnapper and all the other crazy shit that's happened over the last... How long has it been, anyway?

[ Alan's grip on Jesse doesn't slack off, but at the mention of the cliff and the pages, he feels a pounding sensation starting in the back of his head and traveling to the front. It feels like having an ice pick shoved into his brain, and his eyes snap to Barry's in a split second. ]

Uh- I think I need to sit for a minute. [ But sitting is going to be hard with Jesse still in his arms, although he has no intention of letting her go. Since he can't really figure out a way to sit and still hold her, he scoots back an inch or two until his back is against the wall. Leaning isn't sitting down, but it'll have to do. ]

Hey, uh- Barry? [ He's still trying to regroup, trying to clear his head, but he knows he needs to say this before he forgets. ] Thanks for coming to get me, man.

[ And lest Jesse think he isn't grateful to her too, his hold on her tightens by a fraction and trusting that the wall will hold him up, he moves his free hand and places it on top of her hair. ]

"Yeah, Jesse mentioned something about that. APPARENTLY she had all the manuscript pages. Not Rose." [ Barry's tone reflects agitation, but maybe more at himself for being wrong on who to pick to trust. ] "And, you know--woah, Al!"

[ Polaris tugs at Jesse's mind before Alan even begins to move. Her head shoots up from his shoulder, stepping a half step back to look at him. He begins to move and her arms shift to try and support him against the wall. His hand rests on the top of her head, but the worried expression doesn't change.

« What's wrong? Did--did the jerk in charge of this do something to him? He needs to sit down. W-where's a chair? »

She turns to begin looking around for a chair to borrow. Barry raises a hand and waves it side to side, already on the way with the requested chair. Jesse steps away long enough for the chair to be put in front of the two. She stands almost perfectly still, eyes moving between each player in the room. ]

"As for your question? Al, did that quack give you something? You've been in Bright Falls over a week. You know. That week you're missing memories from? You wrote this entire manuscript--allegedly--in one week. Now, I'm not doubting when you put your mind to things, but this is some crazy shit to have written in a week."

[ « He really loves the sound of his own voice, doesn't he? »

Polaris shifts in amusement. ]

"Of course I'd come get you. Besides being your agent, we're best friends!"

[ Jesse pauses, remaining silent. Her eyes shift to the side slightly.

« Best friends, huh? I wouldn't know what thats like. You're my best friend... but I'm pretty sure it's not the same thing. » ]

Between you and me, none of this makes sense. The story, the pages, Alice... Is Alice in danger or isn't she? What can I even do here? And... And... [ He trails off around the same time that standing up becomes a problem. ]

Shit, I'm sorry, I don't even know why that happened. I'm fine, really. I just- I just need a moment.

[ A moment to figure out what the hell is going on and what the hell I was dreaming about before I woke up. None of this makes any sense. It wasn't making sense before, but now it's making even less. What the hell am I supposed to do?

Alan registers the scuff of the chair on the floor as Barry drags it into place, but even though he's still leaning heavily against the wall, he doesn't move to drop into the chair just yet. ]

A- a sedative, I think he said it was. He said... [ Alan stops, pressing a hand against his forehead as he tries to remember. ] Delusions? Confusion? Did I go insane and no one told me?

[ This is some crazy shit to have written in a week.

Alan pins Barry with a glance that's equal parts desperate, wild, and confused. ]

Barry, tell me I'm not going insane. I'm not losing my mind.

[ He is my best friend. I've known him for so long, he wouldn't hide the truth from me if I really am going insane, but if I'm not... he'd tell me, He wouldn't screw with me. Jesse wouldn't screw with me either. ]

Jesse? Do you think I'm going crazy?

"You were pretty convinced Alice was in danger when I showed up a few days ago. What gives?" [ Barry eyes the two suspiciously. He and Alan had always disagreed on the subject of women. Now, Barry is sure Jesse is a lovely gal, but he isn't convinced by the whole situation. It seems too convenient for a certain red head's benefit. ] "A sedative. I outta sue the pants off this dastardly. That's it. I'm getting is lawyer on the phone as soon as we're back in New York!"

[ « Back in New York. »

Jesse is careful not to let her expression change or let her eyes show the quake of emotion that ripples through her. Even Barry is certain Alan is going to go back home after this. Probably back to Alice... work out their marriage. That should be the happy ending that comes from this. Still, Jesse can't help the feeling of a knife going through her rib cage at the idea.

『 Just try telling him, Jesse. 』

The words from the other Alan echo in her mind for a brief moment. She can't tell him here, not with Barry present at well. Even she can feel the tug of reality trying to get them to act and pace with the story. It happens every time Alice is even mentioned. Jesse can't argue with it, because if his wife is in danger? They need to save her. That should be priority.

Not whatever is happening or maybe not happening between her and Alan. ]

"Al, come on. You've always been a little weird. Crazy? Not like this. Your weird doesn't equal out go insane bird swarms or people being possessed by shadows! If you're losing you mind, pal, I've lost it with you."

[ Jesse feels the two men look at her then. She glances between them, shoulders curling slightly defensively. The feeling returns that she just can't tell Alan about Ordinary. Not the details. Not Polaris. Which means a huge chunk of her is hidden from him... and it will probably drive him away.

She shakes her head before looking down at her feet. ]

No. [ Her eyes dart to the side. ] This is real. Things like this happen... people just pretend they don't.

[ Suddenly, Alan feels a strange urge to just grab his head and stay like that for a minute or two. His thoughts are confused and his recollections spotty but he knows there was something about Alice being in danger. ]

I don't know, Barry, maybe there was more in that sedative than just a sedative... something memory altering, maybe. I guess- I guess I just need to forget about the sedative and Hartman and focus on what's important. Before you sue the pants off him, you're gonna help, right? We're going to find Alice and figure out whatever the hell is going on with this story, and then...

[ And then what? I shouldn't expect Jesse to stick around, but I want to go on that coffee date. I think I mentioned getting coffee. Even if I didn't, that's what I want to do: get coffee and get to know her. ]

Leave it to good old Barry Wheeler to tell it like it is. [ But Alan's smiling, and it's a genuine one, even if it looks like more of a smirk. ] That helps, Barry, it really does. And Jesse, you're helping too. I'm- thanks for coming, both of you.

So the short version of this is: this is insane but it's real. Too real, but we're way past the point of closing our eyes and going lalala. But what do we do now? I don't know about you two, but I don't have a lead to work with here, and I don't think punching Hartman in the nose counts as a lead.

"Well, duh, of course I'm going to help! Why else would I be here, Al?"

[ Jesse shifts slightly, moving back a few steps as the two talk. Distance put between them. That feeling of being an outsider begins to claw at her again. The reminder she is seemingly was only here to play a part that only Polaris seems to understand. These relationships are between people older than her, who are close to one another, who have lived decades together. Her gaze drifts down then to the side.

« It's not just Ordinary that felt that way. It's here too. Why did you bring me somewhere I don't belong? »

A forced smile comes go her face at Alan's thanks. The practiced one that makes her seem normal. The early mechanisms an older version of her has perfected. ]

"Jesse mentioned something about having those manuscript pages on her still. I overheard the muscle and Hartman. They've got more here in the Lodge. How about we do some property RETURNING, eh? Come on, whatta say?"

[ Jesse feels her shoulders tense. That familiar tug from reality shifting around them comes again. The story demanding that it be the only thing to follow--using everyone to it's benefit. Even Alan. Her fingers curl slightly at her sides.

« What happens if the story takes over him entirely and he doesn't see mee anymore? » ]

I don't know, to drag me back to New York and pretend this never happened? That won't work, by the way. I can't just go on as normal and say I didn't live through any of this. If you're going to stick around, we're going to find out how to end this story and get back to our lives.

[ Not that I really have a life, but whatever. I have to stop this craziness, but I can't do it by myself. At least, I don't think I can. I don't want to do it by myself.

Alan considers Barry's suggestion, but he realizes he's not entirely sure what they should do next. ]

What do you think, Jesse? [ He can feel the tug of the story too, but he's stubbornly trying to ignore it. He can't help that he's always been stubborn and never liked being pulled in a direction he doesn't want to go. ]

I don't want to let Hartman have the satisfaction of knowing he messed with me and got away with it.

[ I don't want to be used by Hartman or anyone. So I'm going to keep following this as long as I can. ]

Edited 2024-04-13 07:44 (UTC)

"I'm not even sure if we could leave right now, Al. The authorities aside? This thing just might chase you down until it gets whatever it is from you it wants. A story? Why the hell would it need a story?" [ Barry sighs and throws his hands up slightly. ] "I don't know what any of this going on means. All I know is you're my best friend, and even if I'm no Alice's biggest fan? She's your wife and you love her. So, I'm here to help you, buddy."

[ Jesse feels her fingers curl slightly more into her palm. Nothing Barry says is wrong, but it feels like a further strike against a bruise in her chest. That same feeling when an injury is re-injured. A reminder that what she feels for Alan shouldn't matter. He has a wife he's married to. One who needs to be saved so they can return home.

She feels pushed further away. Those protective walls start to return, even if only a trained eye can tell. Not that she expects it to be noticed with how engrossed Alan and Barry are in figuring out what to do next.

« I'm just here to play the part you need me to play, Polaris. Then, we're leaving. Somewhere else. I don't care where as long as it takes me closer to Dylan. » ]

We have to follow the story if you want to save your wife. [ Jesse is already moving behind the cutout to grab the backpack she has carried with her. The one that has the manuscripts. ] So, we do that.

[ Barry turns to watch her, shaking his head. ] "You'll have to share the back seat with the cut out! It's my war trophy from all this."

...Really? [ Jesse raises her eyebrows at Barry, but shakes her head and puts her backpack on. ] Okay.

[ Barry waves her off before returning his attention to Alan. ] "So, we need to get out of here and find those manuscript pages. Maybe punch Hartman on the way out."

Great. Yeah, I know, I already figured out that it's not as simple as just leaving, because it's going to keep following me. I don't know how I know that, but... It's not going to end just because I leave Bright Falls.

[ A look of grim resignation takes Alan's face, because he hates this. He hates everything about it. He never asked for any of this to happen, but it happened and now he's stuck until he finds a way to end it. If he can end it. ]

I don't know why it needs a story, but it's trying to make something happen, trying to reach some goal... Take over the world, maybe? [ He shakes his head. ] I thought that kind of thing only happened in TV shows.

[ But then he pins Barry with a look, and there's something inscrutable in his eyes. Hurt, maybe, and a side of anger, but mostly... He just looks hurt. Not because of anything Barry said, but because of his own actions. His own shortcomings. ]

She's not my wife, Barry. Or... soon, she won't be. [ His fists curl and he clenches them tightly. ] Damn it, I love her, but- we're over. We're through.

[ It's my fault. I don't want to talk about this anymore. I- I hate this.

Alan's noticed how Jesse seems to be pulling back from participating in the conversation, and he opens his mouth to say something, but he never finishes the thought that was on his mind. ]

We're getting a divorce. [ His tone is flat now, resigned but still clearly upset about it. ] I want to save her, but she isn't my wife. [ He shakes his head and rolls his eyes. ] Might as well get used to saying it, right?

[ He watches in silence as Jesse grabs her backpack and listens as the two of them briefly scuffle about seating arrangements and the cutout. Suddenly, he can't shake the feeling that nothing matters. Saving Alice matters, but does anything else?

He can't shake that feeling of futility that's settled in and won't let go. ]

Fine. Let's go find those pages and... Yeah. Let's go.

"What else would some weird alien spooky cloud want if not world domination? Sounds as good of a reason as any."

[ For as much of an asshole as Barry Wheeler could be? He's not entirely clueless. A few steps and he comes over to stand next to Alan. A hand rests in his back. ]

"Come on, don't be that way, Al. The divorce isn't filed. There's still a chance to turn it around. Especially if you save her! You know, prove you've changed."

[ Jesse glances over at the two. Her eyes dart from one to the other before looking down. The feeling of intruding returns in full force. She turns away, changing her attention to finding a way out of the room.

She comes across a door. With a few tries she finds it's closed, but lose. She tries once more and it budges. Jesse stumbles inside, but finds a darkened room. Pages on the table, and the gun Alan has been sporting this entire time.

She picks up the pages and begins to flip through them. ]

Tell me something, Barry, why should I care? I know, that's selfish and I'm an asshole, but- I'm not Batman. Superman. Whatever. I'm just some guy.

[ Some guy who's realizing that he's staring down a divorce, and once it goes through, that's the end of his relationship with Alice. Well, technically, it's already over, just not on paper.

He doesn't have a response for Barry, just fixing him with another stare, but then his attention is drawn away by movement. ]

Jesse? [ He glances at Barry. ] Just a second, huh?

[ Something seems to be drawing him in Jesse's direction, even though he's not quite sure what. Maybe it's that conversation he had with the other Jesse echoing in his mind, but something tells him he can't just let this Jesse go off on her own, so he follows her. ]

Hey. You okay?

"I don't know Al. It's focused on you, and Alice, and that's all I know. I found that info out about Thomas Zane and Barbara Jagger... but I haven't the faintest CLUE beyond that. But, hey, does any of it matter? We're stuck in it together, so--hey. Wait!"

[ Jesse glances over her shoulder as Alan joins her in the other room. She pauses, but then turns slowly to him with the newly found manuscripts in hand. Green eyes lift from them to his gray ones. A slight frown on her face, expecting to be coraled along with the story and her place on the sidelines re-inforced. Eyes eventually fall before she holds the manuscript pages up to him. ]

Your gun is here too.

[ It's hardly an answer for his question, yet, in a way it is. Jesse is far from someone to open up with strangers around her. Alan should be a stranger. Except that something inside her insists that he isn't. He's someone to make her stronger and brighter. But, Jesse doesn't want to stand out. She simply wants to find her brother and be a family again.

How can she be anything to Alan of he loves his wife so much?

She looks down at the papers in her hand again with a frown. ] Don't get thrown off a cliff again. Okay?

Edited 2024-04-14 09:51 (UTC)

[ All Alan knows is that he doesn't want to think about the story anymore. It doesn't make sense to him, and it all feels overwhelming to the point that even just going after the manuscript pages feels like such a daunting task. It's easier to go and talk to Jesse and pretend for a second that he's not caught up in a mess that's bigger than he is.

He watches her with something close to worry in his expression, because even though he doesn't know her well, he can tell that something is upsetting her. ]

Great, thanks. Really. And I'll do my best not to go over any cliffs, but that's not why I followed you in here. [ He doesn't care about the gun, or the pages, or this story that seems like a load of crap in his opinion. ]

I wanted to ask about you. Are you okay?

[ Jesse glances down once more at his question. She tried to say it in so many words. Not that they are her strong suit, especially compared to a famous author like Alan. She has always been something of a closed off girl, but those tendencies have just escalated over time after what happened in Ordinary.

A glance is sent towards Barry, making sure he is preoccupied with the cutout. Then, eyes dart back down to the space between them.

« No, Polaris. I can't tell him. He barely understands what's going on now. I want to... but... look at him. Alan isn't ready to hear it. He may never be ready to hear or know. What matters is helping him and getting his wife back. Right? That's why you brought me here. To help stop whatever is going on. I don't know how I'm supposed to... »

Her eyebrows knit slightly before pulling the manuscripts in against her chest. A long pause happens between them before Jesse finally lowers her head. Her forehead presses to his shoulder again. With her face hidden, she let's that protective wall down. Shoulders curl and her eyebrows pull together. That panic returns to some degree with water burning at her eyes. ]

Don't get thrown off a cliff again. [ Jesse repeats herself, voice smaller and her tones vulnerable. She can't bring herself to say it in the words in her mind: Don't disappear on me like everyone else. You're not allowed to. I won't let you go away like everyone else.

Her forehead tilts to press forward into his shoulder more. ] Don't run off without me again.

[ « I don't know what I can do to help him. What I'm supposed to do. But, I'll run after him if he tries to leave us behind again. » ]

[ Whatever Alan was expecting from Jesse, it wasn't that. Clearly, she's taken him by surprise, and it's enough to pull him out of the fit of moping he's fallen into because of the impending divorce and the feeling that everything is spiraling out of his control.

He stares at Jesse, confusion plain in his eyes, but behind the confusion, there's a kind of longing too: longing he's reasonably sure he shouldn't be feeling, but he can't just shut it off. Still, whatever's going on with him isn't nearly as important as whatever's going on with Jesse. The way she's standing isn't the posture of someone who's completely fine. It's the posture of someone who's upset and very much not okay. He should have known that before he asked, but he wanted to hear it from her.

She presses her forehead into his shoulder, and immediately, his arms wrap around her, pulling her in. He's not much of a shield, and he never imagined he'd be holding someone like this, but he finds he wants to do it. He wants to be whatever protection he can be, even if it's not much. He's still not entirely sure why she would choose to stick with him, because he's really not a good guy. His life is this side of messed up, and it looks like it's about to get a lot more complicated; why would anyone choose him? But as long as she wants to stay, he'll take it. ]

I won't. I'm staying right here. [ Screw this story and screw whatever it's trying to make happen. ] If I have to run off anywhere, you're going with me. But if you want to get off this train anytime, no hard feelings.

[ I still don't know why she'd choose to stay, but I'm for it as long as she is. ]

[ Her eyes close the moment he wraps his arms around her. There's an odd feeling of comfort that springs in her. Odd, because it's been so long since she's felt anything like it. She can't even remember the last time it felt like a true genuine feeling of support. Foster parents tried, but, no one would ever really accept what she said. It created a barrier between her and the world. A barrier she finds she wants to let down around Alan, but, also one that she fears will need to come up once his rejection of her world truly comes out. He knows the pieces and fragments of Ordinary and her story... but not all of it.

« He doesn't know YOU. My supposedly imaginary friend. He knows about a friend, but, I can't tell him more than that. He would never look at me the same way. Just another person who sees crazy Jesse Faden, talking to the voice in her head. »

Arms curl around the manuscript pages further. ]

There's no getting off this train, Alan. [ A frown tugs on her face. « Dylan loved trains. » ] Not really. You can pretend, but you're always aware the train exists. Even if you put a poster to cover the hole on the wall? You always know the hole is there.

[ In contrast, Alan doesn't feel comfort. He feels like he's trapped and cornered with his back against the wall, and the only thing that makes him feel just the slightest bit better is something that's not even a guarantee. He's not guaranteed another minute with Jesse, no matter what his personal resolve might say. Either the story forces them apart or she leaves on her own. He doesn't like it and he wants to reject it, but he knows he can't. Even her deciding to leave on her own could be the story forcing her to act.

But even with those realizations circling in his mind, he feels his resolve growing. He's going to hold onto her as tightly as he can, and he'll have to be pried away from her if the story wants to push them apart. Maybe he hasn't realized it in so many words, but he wants to know her. He wants to see the way she sees the world. He wants to be in that world with her. ]

Yeah. I'm getting that feeling. Whether I like it or not, I'm stuck. But- you know what? The company's pretty good. Really good, actually. [ He pauses at the mention of a poster on the wall, and then he just gives a half smirk. ]

I never liked posters anyway.

[ A choked laugh comes from her at his comment, head tilting to gently rest against him. Her shoulders relax and she simply lets him hold her. One arm leaves the manuscripts pressed against her person to lift and gently wrap her hand around the crook of his arm. Finger tips gently move along the tweed jacket with elbow patches that she's quickly coming to associate with him. Someone trying to look the part of some big shot writer--because he is--but also is just a regular person. She feels a smile form on her lips and she's sure to hide it. Something only for her to know, even if he can hear it in her voice. ]

When it's Hartman's smug face? I can't blame you. [ A finger raises from his arm to gesture to the picture on the wall nearby. It stands out even though the room is dark. She figures they're in Hartman's office, which makes her willing to dig her feet in just a bit more. Just to push it in the therapist's face.

Instead, Jesse rubs her cheek into his shoulder. A small amount, almost like a cat making themselves comfortable in blankets. ] No one has ever said that to me. That I'm "good company."

[ This feels right; it feels real and natural and right, and Alan just wants to stay like this for as long as they can. He feels her shoulders relax and his hold on her tightens, but he moves a hand to begin tracing light patterns against her shoulder, in hopes of soothing her too. He can't remember the last time he felt this content with another person, but he's feeling it now with her, and he doesn't want this to end. He can hear the smile in her voice even if it doesn't show in her face, but his own face brightens just a fraction as he smiles in response. ]

Let me tell you, it's not the kind of face you want to see anywhere, but definitely not when you're waking up from being drugged. [ Alan's tone is light and his smile hasn't dropped off, but there's a hint of tightness in it that wasn't there just seconds ago. ] You ever see someone's picture and think about drawing on it to deface it? Yeah, that's kind of how I feel.

[ His smile widens when she rubs her cheek against his shoulder. He's not sure what it is about the gesture that he likes, but- well, he likes it, and he moves his hand from her shoulder to cautiously touch the ends of her hair. ] Really? Well, trust me when I say that you are.

Do you need to sit down? [ Jesse's tone almost immediately shifts to uncertainty and worry. Her hand curls around his arm once more to help steady him. It contradicts the desire to melt against him again as his fingers move over her shoulders. But, if he needs recovery time before they head out again? She needs to address that first. ] We can, if you need to...

[ Jesse glances up at him. The small smile is in her eyes. Green eyes that are bright but are missing a certain shimmer and light that her older counterpart seemed to have. Maybe it's age and wisdom, or something else. Something that's waiting to be unlocked inside her when the time is right.

She moves to speak again when the power cuts. Darkness covers the room. Her hold tightens and she looks around. Ambient light floods from the windows with a storm approaching. Barry is yelling in the room next door. She looks side to side, trying to determine if something is going to jump from the shadows or not. ]

Huh? [ He notices how her tone shifts and he pauses before responding. ] No, I'm fine, I don't need to. I'll be fine. [ He doesn't want to stop, doesn't want to delay them any more than they already are. He traces another small pattern over her shoulder, wondering why he's doing it. It feels comforting somehow, but he wonders if she likes it or if she wants him to stop. ]

Unless... unless you wanted to sit down with me.

[ He knows he wouldn't mind having a quiet moment with her, either talking or simply sitting in silence. He opens his mouth to suggest it, almost at the same time that she starts to speak again, when the power abruptly dies. Alan stiffens and although he doesn't stop holding her, there's a sudden unease in his eyes that wasn't there just seconds ago. ]

Shit, that's not good. Hey, let's go back to make sure Barry's good, okay? Then we can pick this up again. [ Whatever this is.

Instinctively, his hand reaches for hers, intending to hold hers as they make their way back to join Barry. ]

[ She would respond she wouldn't mind sitting down with him. Talking. Just being held, touching--kissing. The story seems to have other ideas, as always, and she is starting to wonder if she has to force the story's hand to have that connection. Should she? Can she?

Would he want her to?

Her hand around his arm curls more to give support. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how the Darkness has started to affect Alan. She motions for him to grab the gun and flashlight. They might have to fight. ]

Yeah. We should. [ Jesse nods.

Once she's made sure that Alan is alright and armed? She opens the door. A step in, a "Wheeler?" said before she gasps.

Hartman is there, gun in hand, Barry with his hands up. ]

[ Alan would much rather do all of that with her instead of having to follow the twists and turns of the story. But lest she think that he'd choose her simply to avoid the difficulties and demands of the story, he'd be quick to say that that's not the case. He wants to be with her, to get to know her, and to let her get to know him.

Maybe it doesn't tell her anything, but he leans into her just slightly as her hand curls around his arm. He wants closeness with her, both on a physical level and perhaps on a more intimate one as well. He wants to tell the story that it has to wait, that getting to know Jesse is more important. But maybe the most he can have is just keeping Jesse with him, until she says she wants to leave. He'll take what he can get. ]

I hope I'm wrong, but I have a sinking feeling about all this. [ He says as she opens the door and they're greeted by the sight of an armed Hartman and Barry with his hands up. With a speed Alan didn't know he had, he turns his own gun on Hartman and knowing that this could very well get him shot, he winds up one hand and as quickly as he can, closes the gap between them and tries to punch him in the face. Again.

No, he doesn't have any issues at all concerning Hartman. ]

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