Fourth Experiment

[puzzledwife]

Is everybody alright now? Those who were droned are normal again, right?

[...] Flora, Luke, Jolt? Are you and your families alright? If there's anybody who needs assistance with anything at all, don't hesitate to ask me. That goes for every one.

[there's a long, sad pause.]He did this all for a purpose--Officer Grady... Taking us from our homes

Comments

[tophatofawesome]

[He's peeping in from the door, that small, sad smile on his face again.]

[puzzledwife]

[Alas, Claire's looking a little distracted.

Leaning with her back against the wall, the phone resting on her shoulder, she's a little more focused on thoughts than the room around her.]

[tophatofawesome]

Claire?

[He kept his voice soft, in case she didn't want to be bothered, and stepped further into the room, closer to Claire.]

[puzzledwife]

[Claire gives a start, standing up straight and turning to Hershel.

It takes her a moment to pull out of the startled stare before she relaxes and smiles lovingly.]

Ah... Sorry, I didn't see you there at first.

[tophatofawesome]

It's quite alright. [He holds out his arms; she does look a little troubled, maybe she wants a hug?]

I, ah -- didn't mean to eavesdrop, but I did overhear you when you were using the phone.

[puzzledwife]

[No hug, so yes something is wrong. Instead she moves over and takes his hands to hold.

At the remark, she looks off to the side and swings their hands thoughtlessly.] Its fine.

[tophatofawesome]

[He keeps his face from falling at her reaction; he pulls his hands away from hers, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close instead. Want it or not, she's getting a hug.]

I hope it won't have to come to that; I'd stay here with you in a heartbeat if it did.

[puzzledwife]

[She's silent... And leans her cheek against his chest, hiding half her face.

She wouldn't say it, but most of all she wanted Hershel home safe.

She did her best to return the hug. She didn't feel ready to speak... But when she did, is at a whisper.]

There are people back home who need you, you know that as well as I do.

[tophatofawesome]

I don't think I'm that irreplaceable -- even if I was, I need you as much as anyone else needs me.

[His hold on her tightened. He felt horrible saying something so selfish out loud -- but he knew it was true. He wouldn't be able to handle losing her all over again.]

[puzzledwife]

[...]

You are to Luke and Flora. They need you more than anybody. [She squeezes his jacket, overwhelmed with self imposed guilt.]

who cares about brenda

[tophatofawesome]

Luke has his father, and I asked him to take care of Flora should anything happen to me. They'd be alright if I disappeared.

[He brushed his lips against her hair, voice hardening.]

But... I'll make sure it won't come to that. I'll make sure we all get to go home together -- I swear it.

Claire 8| claire cares about everybody ever

[puzzledwife]

[She paused...

Then turned her head up to his and met his lips with hers.

How could she lay her doubts on him? Even if he could bring her home, he'd bring home somebody that should no longer be alive.

Didn't it seem unfair? For her to go back to London--alive and well--and for all the people in that same accident to die...

It wasn't... But... She didn't think he'd understand right now.

As the thoughts spin through her mind, her head remains tilted in Hershel's favor, but as soon as he let's go, she'll want no more of it for now.

She felt exhausted....]

lol

[tophatofawesome]

[He kissed her back, gladly -- glad for every second he could have with her. But he could sense there was still something wrong; he broke away and loosened his hug.]

Are you alright?

[puzzledwife]

[She took advantage of his loosening grip to pull away.]

I'm just tired; I don't think I got enough sleep last night.

[tophatofawesome]

Why don't you lie down for a while? I can join you later if you'd like -- I need to see if Med'an needs anything.

[puzzledwife]

I would like that.

[She smiled, then kissed him on the cheek before starting upstairs.]

If I'm not already asleep, we can talk. Good night.