Let's Discuss Chuck [AIM Log]
Marcus: *when he can't find his cousin in the house, he takes a wild stab at checking the barn and then finally walks out to the one of the pastures as he picks up the sounds of hoof-beats and Sheba's particular whinny. Figures. There they are, Liam taking the mare through a slow trot and then into an easy canter. Marcus climbs the split rail fence and sits on one of the thick posts, not actually entering the area in case he either accidentally spook the horse in the dark or Liam's still angry at him.* A bráthair...yo, bro? *something he very seldom addresses the older boy as, but always done with the intention of being affectionate*
Liam: *Liam glances up at Marcus' greeting. While he and Sheba finish their circuit of the pasture, he probes his feelings concerning his cousin and finds quiet calm. An after the storm kind of peace, all his rage blown out in the squall of their fistfight. No denying that he still feels a little raw, a little wary, but he can accept Marcus' olive branch in the spirit intended. When he reins up near his cousin, he echoes the Morgan mare's nicker of greeting with a crooked but genuine smile.* "Hey."
Marcus: *Marcus gives Liam a lopsided smile of his own but holds out his hands to stroke Sheba's face, nickering at her and sliding his fingers under her halter to scratch at skin irritated by sweat trapped under the leather straps* What's he doing making you wear all this junk, huh? What? Are you pretty? Yeeeeeeeeeeah, you pretty. *Marcus can and does apparently flirt with anything female, regardless of it being human, equine or fae* Can we talk, for real? *that's for Liam though Sheba continues her conversation anyhow* Nag? Never...pretty girl, so pretty.
Liam: *Liam's smile turns smirky at Sheba's reaction, which is to snuffle at the taller boy's chest, eyes contentedly half-lidded. The mare of course knows nothing of the cousins' fight and would likely dismiss it as foolish colt behavior if they tried to tell her.* Sure we can, cuz. What's on your mind? *he's pretty sure he already knows*
Marcus: *Marcus continues to stroke and pet the horse, debating whether or not to remove her head gear but leaving it be since Liam likely tacked her up for one reason or another.* ...Um, your...girlfriend? *If she still is, considering the conversation she had with him and the fact that Marcus isn't sure she's still considering him a friend. Maybe she doesn't consider Liam her boyfriend any longer either. God* She actually, seriously thinks I'm going to hit her or something. The hell, man. Do you know how often I've gone after that shithead stepbrother of hers for hurting her? I'm not going to do anything to her.
Liam: *Liam's smirk drops away and sadness surges back to the forefront of his eyes* As far as she's concerned, anyone that can get violent out of anger can't be trusted. Ever. Which ... hell, that part at least I can understand. I can see her reasons, even if it frustrates me that those reasons just don't apply to you and me. But you know what's even worse? *he looks fair well miserable now* She actually wants to stay the girlfriend of someone she honestly believes is going to beat on her some day. "I'll still love you, even when you hurt me," she said. Not if. When. *instinctively he reaches out to smooth a palm down the mare's neck* Do I want her to break up with me? No. But the thought that she's just going to keep waiting for me to haul off and hit her some day makes me sick to my stomach. And I don't know what to do about it.
Marcus: You ever hit her, I'll kill you. *It comes out of his mouth before he can stop himself. No idle threat here, only a promise. Then Marcus drops his head nearly to his chest and sighs while muttering an apology.* Li...that's so messed up, you know that, right? *he feels a bit queasy the longer he thinks about it, not even that Chuck expects his cousin to hurt her but that she'd just stay in situations where she believes she'd be hurt. Like she expects it. He always wondered why the girl never does anything to get away from her stepbrothers and the conclusions he comes to now both anger and sadden him* What the hell is wrong with her? She's going to end up dead some day, doing that.
Liam: *Marcus' automatic initial comment nets him a glare that's mostly you fucking idiot, what did I just say? Liam's irritation trickles away, however, as his cousin apologizes. He sets his jaw stubbornly at Marcus' conclusions, though* I don't know what's wrong with her. I do know that I'm going to do my damnedest to make sure she doesn't get hurt anymore because of it, whether she trusts me or not. He leans forward until he's almost draped over Sheba's neck for comfort, a posture that contradicts his mulish expression* But there must be something I can do to convince her. I don't know ... something.
Marcus: *shakes his head and is a lot closer to Liam than he has been in the last few days because of the way they are both leaning forward, Marcus because he's petting the mare, Liam because he's hugging her with his body. They are, in effect, nearly eye to eye.* I'd like to see you stop Jeremy from wailing on her. I live there and can't do anything until after the fact. *this obviously pisses him off* I don't know. She won't listen to me either. I told her we'd never hurt her. She just...got this really weird look on her face, like she was going to wait it out and then say 'I told you so' or something.
Liam: Waiting it out. *he lets out a gusty sigh of exasperation, sounding very much like Sheba ... or his father* That's exactly what she's doing. Waiting to go to college to get away from her harpy stepmother and assholic stepbrothers, and using your place as a halfway house in the meantime. I almost wish she could flat out move in with you guys; at least that way I'd know she wouldn't be around Jeremy. *slowly combs his fingers through the dark bay mane* But how long is she going to wait for that hit from me that never will happen? How long do I have to see that wary look in her eyes before she decides maybe it's okay to trust me again? Months? Years? Always?!
Marcus: I...don't know. I'm sorry, Li. I'm really sorry. *and he is, if he knew fighting with his cousin would lead to this, he never would have started shit with Chuck anywhere near them*
Liam: *sighs and shrugs. He can hear the sincerity in his cousin's voice* Hell, Marc, it was partly my fault. Takes two to make a fight, and Lord knows I made my contribution. *sits up again, still ruffling horsehair* I just wish I had some idea of where to go from here.
Marcus: I've thought about telling Da...*he falters, knowing this is the last thing Chuck would want*
Liam: *his nod reveals that he's had similar thoughts* What do you think
he'd do if you did?
Marcus: I have no idea. I guess I just kinda hope he knows what to do, you know? *parents are supposed to be able to solve problems, aren't they always saying crap about being older and wiser?*
Liam: *thinks for a bit, gnawing on his lip* I just have to wonder if Uncail Rory would feel obligated to tell her dad. Because he'd want to know if she were his kid, that kind of thing.
Marcus:*shrugs* Would that be so bad? I'd be more worried that he'd say something to that woman.
Liam: That would depend on her dad. I don't think I've even met the man. *brow furrows* I don't know if he'd even believe your da, much less what he'd do after being told. On principle I agree that he should know, but ... the fallout would have to be messy. And Chuck would be stuck in it. *rubs the back of his neck* Doing the right thing has gotten real complicated of late.
Marcus: He's nice if you can catch him. Just hardly ever home. I mean...back when we were little and I used to actually play in their apartment with Chuck, he was always nice to me. *more shrugging* I know. I know she doesn't want anyone to know...she pretty much begged me to not tell Da what really happened back when Jeremy broke her fingers. She's worried she's going to be the one in trouble which--it's just messed up. I've enver been able to get her to realize that it's not her fault the guy's a moron.
Liam: *slowly* I think on some level she knows it's not her fault, but she's been stuck with them for years now. And I think she's also very aware that if anything bad happens to Fuckface and the Smegflakes, she'll get blamed and have it taken out on her. One way or the other. *scowls* Did you know that bitch told her that if she got pregnant, she shouldn't bother coming home?
Marcus: *his jaw drops at that* I... she... you... She's not is she? *because that would be a mess of epic proportions that has nothing to do with Marcus' personal feelings about his cousin and his childhood friend dating each other* I didn't know she said that but I'm not surprised.
Liam: *his scowl turns to a very wtf look* God, no, of course she isn't. Just the threat was enough to freak her out, though. Chuck knows full well that the harpy wants her gone, and that apartment is pretty much the only home she remembers, isn't it? Even with her steps acting like jackasses to her, she doesn't want to lose it.
Marcus: *another muttered apology* She's never lived anywhere else. *sighs* I don't know, Li, but this is getting really uncomfortable. I don't like knowing what goes on there and not saying anything. What if something does happen to her? What then, when we know that they've been..., it would be our fault for not saying anything, wouldn't it?
Liam: I know. *frowns and worries the reins some more* Normally I'd talk to Chuck, try to explain why we're worried and how telling your Da might help, but I don't even know how she'd react now.
Marcus: *reaches over Sheba's head to still Liam's hands* Stop that before you make her crazy. *poor horse can feel the rein movement but doesn't know what he wants her to do about it* She'd probably do what she did the last time I tried telling her that. She stared at the wall and acted like some sort of statue. Totally zoned out.
Liam: *snorts and coils the reins in front of him, reaching out to soothe Sheba mentally* Great, so we either betray her by breaking her confidences or risk something awful happening to her if we don't. Fuck.
Marcus: Why do you think I haven't told Da, or even talked to you about it before? I never knew if she said anything to you about it but well now, I mean...you know.
Liam: So I get to make the decision? *eyeroll* Gee, thanks.
Marcus: *narrowed eyes* No, asshat. That's not what I'm saying. You're dating her or whatever and I know you know what those idiots do to her. You saw it yourself in March. No reason to not talk to you about it anymore. *frowns* I'll tell Da if you want me to. Let Chuck think it was me then she can't be upset at you for it, right?
Liam: *shakes his head* No, I'm not trying to shove it all onto you, cuz. I'm not. I just hate damned if you do, damned if you don't situations is all.
Marcus: She gets upset with me a lot, she calms down fast enough. I'm not really worried about that. She just totally creeped me out with her comments the other night, that's all. Her thought process is pretty whacked for someone supposedly so smart.
Liam: *his throat tightens, his voice goes low and thick* I guess that's what feeling trapped in abuse does.
Marcus: *looks away, thanks for the guilt trip* I never should have kept my mouth shut in the first place. The first time I found out those jerks...
Liam: You were doing what your friend wanted you to do. Don't beat up on yourself. *rubs the back of his neck* Christ, now my thoughts are just chasing themselves around in circles...
Marcus: Fun, huh? *scrunches up his face and looks towards the house* I worry about her, Li. She's like...this annoying, pain in the ass little sister I never wanted but got anyway. I don't want anyone to actually hurt her. And I don't want her thinking I'm going to start hurting her either.
Liam: *sighs* Let me talk to her. Or try to. Something has to give.
Marcus: I'll...make myself scarce if you want me to tonight. *he's really trying not to think about the offer he's making, he can't stand thinking about Chuck in those terms*
Liam: Maybe. *rubs Sheba's neck again* I'm gonna ask her if she wants to go up to the creek or play with the kittens or something. I don't know, maybe something fun will help.
Marcus: All right man. *finally slides off the post he's been perching on* My ass is numb. You want me to give the pretty pony a rub down so you can go talk to Chuck?
Liam: Sure. *produces something approaching a smile* No sense putting it off, I guess.
Marcus: *gives Liam a wink and a bit of a smirk* then get down from there unless we're playing dude ranch and you want me to walk you both in circles
Liam: *gives Marcus a mild version of his preferred btchplz look and dismounts, reins in hand. As he gives Sheba a nose rub, she nudges hopefully at one of his pockets. Chuckling, he produces a chunk of carrot and feeds it to her before leading her toward the nearest gate* Horses are easier to understand than people sometimes. *thinks* Most of the time.
Marcus: *reaches out and pats his cousin's shoulder before he moves too far away* No one is ever going to understand your derpy Niall, don't worry. *goofy grin, then he sobers up* Take her up to the creek maybe. It's pretty up there, Rina and I...never mind. *he shakes his head, sparring Liam some TMI*
Liam: *snorts softly* Oh, he's easy enough to understand. He just has to try everything, even if it's goofy. *opens the gate and leads the mare out* You should give Rina a call.
Marcus: *follows, one hand holding the horse by her halter* Or disgusting. How many times do I have to tell him not to crap IN his feed? *shakes his head* I should. Maybe she'll take pity on me and come pick me up.
Liam: *closes the gate and heads toward the barn* I'm sure she will. *his eyes are still troubled*
Marcus: *calls after him* Li?
Liam: *turns* Yeah?
Marcus: We'll fix this, okay?
Liam: *a nod and a half-smile* I know we will. Somehow.
Marcus: The creek, serious. *gives him a thumbs up even if he's being overly optimistic about things*
Liam: *nods again and heads on, deep in thought*
Marcus: *takes Sheba into the barn and puts her in the cross ties so he can unsaddle her and wash her down*
Liam: *Liam glances up at Marcus' greeting. While he and Sheba finish their circuit of the pasture, he probes his feelings concerning his cousin and finds quiet calm. An after the storm kind of peace, all his rage blown out in the squall of their fistfight. No denying that he still feels a little raw, a little wary, but he can accept Marcus' olive branch in the spirit intended. When he reins up near his cousin, he echoes the Morgan mare's nicker of greeting with a crooked but genuine smile.* "Hey."
Marcus: *Marcus gives Liam a lopsided smile of his own but holds out his hands to stroke Sheba's face, nickering at her and sliding his fingers under her halter to scratch at skin irritated by sweat trapped under the leather straps* What's he doing making you wear all this junk, huh? What? Are you pretty? Yeeeeeeeeeeah, you pretty. *Marcus can and does apparently flirt with anything female, regardless of it being human, equine or fae* Can we talk, for real? *that's for Liam though Sheba continues her conversation anyhow* Nag? Never...pretty girl, so pretty.
Liam: *Liam's smile turns smirky at Sheba's reaction, which is to snuffle at the taller boy's chest, eyes contentedly half-lidded. The mare of course knows nothing of the cousins' fight and would likely dismiss it as foolish colt behavior if they tried to tell her.* Sure we can, cuz. What's on your mind? *he's pretty sure he already knows*
Marcus: *Marcus continues to stroke and pet the horse, debating whether or not to remove her head gear but leaving it be since Liam likely tacked her up for one reason or another.* ...Um, your...girlfriend? *If she still is, considering the conversation she had with him and the fact that Marcus isn't sure she's still considering him a friend. Maybe she doesn't consider Liam her boyfriend any longer either. God* She actually, seriously thinks I'm going to hit her or something. The hell, man. Do you know how often I've gone after that shithead stepbrother of hers for hurting her? I'm not going to do anything to her.
Liam: *Liam's smirk drops away and sadness surges back to the forefront of his eyes* As far as she's concerned, anyone that can get violent out of anger can't be trusted. Ever. Which ... hell, that part at least I can understand. I can see her reasons, even if it frustrates me that those reasons just don't apply to you and me. But you know what's even worse? *he looks fair well miserable now* She actually wants to stay the girlfriend of someone she honestly believes is going to beat on her some day. "I'll still love you, even when you hurt me," she said. Not if. When. *instinctively he reaches out to smooth a palm down the mare's neck* Do I want her to break up with me? No. But the thought that she's just going to keep waiting for me to haul off and hit her some day makes me sick to my stomach. And I don't know what to do about it.
Marcus: You ever hit her, I'll kill you. *It comes out of his mouth before he can stop himself. No idle threat here, only a promise. Then Marcus drops his head nearly to his chest and sighs while muttering an apology.* Li...that's so messed up, you know that, right? *he feels a bit queasy the longer he thinks about it, not even that Chuck expects his cousin to hurt her but that she'd just stay in situations where she believes she'd be hurt. Like she expects it. He always wondered why the girl never does anything to get away from her stepbrothers and the conclusions he comes to now both anger and sadden him* What the hell is wrong with her? She's going to end up dead some day, doing that.
Liam: *Marcus' automatic initial comment nets him a glare that's mostly you fucking idiot, what did I just say? Liam's irritation trickles away, however, as his cousin apologizes. He sets his jaw stubbornly at Marcus' conclusions, though* I don't know what's wrong with her. I do know that I'm going to do my damnedest to make sure she doesn't get hurt anymore because of it, whether she trusts me or not. He leans forward until he's almost draped over Sheba's neck for comfort, a posture that contradicts his mulish expression* But there must be something I can do to convince her. I don't know ... something.
Marcus: *shakes his head and is a lot closer to Liam than he has been in the last few days because of the way they are both leaning forward, Marcus because he's petting the mare, Liam because he's hugging her with his body. They are, in effect, nearly eye to eye.* I'd like to see you stop Jeremy from wailing on her. I live there and can't do anything until after the fact. *this obviously pisses him off* I don't know. She won't listen to me either. I told her we'd never hurt her. She just...got this really weird look on her face, like she was going to wait it out and then say 'I told you so' or something.
Liam: Waiting it out. *he lets out a gusty sigh of exasperation, sounding very much like Sheba ... or his father* That's exactly what she's doing. Waiting to go to college to get away from her harpy stepmother and assholic stepbrothers, and using your place as a halfway house in the meantime. I almost wish she could flat out move in with you guys; at least that way I'd know she wouldn't be around Jeremy. *slowly combs his fingers through the dark bay mane* But how long is she going to wait for that hit from me that never will happen? How long do I have to see that wary look in her eyes before she decides maybe it's okay to trust me again? Months? Years? Always?!
Marcus: I...don't know. I'm sorry, Li. I'm really sorry. *and he is, if he knew fighting with his cousin would lead to this, he never would have started shit with Chuck anywhere near them*
Liam: *sighs and shrugs. He can hear the sincerity in his cousin's voice* Hell, Marc, it was partly my fault. Takes two to make a fight, and Lord knows I made my contribution. *sits up again, still ruffling horsehair* I just wish I had some idea of where to go from here.
Marcus: I've thought about telling Da...*he falters, knowing this is the last thing Chuck would want*
Liam: *his nod reveals that he's had similar thoughts* What do you think
he'd do if you did?
Marcus: I have no idea. I guess I just kinda hope he knows what to do, you know? *parents are supposed to be able to solve problems, aren't they always saying crap about being older and wiser?*
Liam: *thinks for a bit, gnawing on his lip* I just have to wonder if Uncail Rory would feel obligated to tell her dad. Because he'd want to know if she were his kid, that kind of thing.
Marcus:*shrugs* Would that be so bad? I'd be more worried that he'd say something to that woman.
Liam: That would depend on her dad. I don't think I've even met the man. *brow furrows* I don't know if he'd even believe your da, much less what he'd do after being told. On principle I agree that he should know, but ... the fallout would have to be messy. And Chuck would be stuck in it. *rubs the back of his neck* Doing the right thing has gotten real complicated of late.
Marcus: He's nice if you can catch him. Just hardly ever home. I mean...back when we were little and I used to actually play in their apartment with Chuck, he was always nice to me. *more shrugging* I know. I know she doesn't want anyone to know...she pretty much begged me to not tell Da what really happened back when Jeremy broke her fingers. She's worried she's going to be the one in trouble which--it's just messed up. I've enver been able to get her to realize that it's not her fault the guy's a moron.
Liam: *slowly* I think on some level she knows it's not her fault, but she's been stuck with them for years now. And I think she's also very aware that if anything bad happens to Fuckface and the Smegflakes, she'll get blamed and have it taken out on her. One way or the other. *scowls* Did you know that bitch told her that if she got pregnant, she shouldn't bother coming home?
Marcus: *his jaw drops at that* I... she... you... She's not is she? *because that would be a mess of epic proportions that has nothing to do with Marcus' personal feelings about his cousin and his childhood friend dating each other* I didn't know she said that but I'm not surprised.
Liam: *his scowl turns to a very wtf look* God, no, of course she isn't. Just the threat was enough to freak her out, though. Chuck knows full well that the harpy wants her gone, and that apartment is pretty much the only home she remembers, isn't it? Even with her steps acting like jackasses to her, she doesn't want to lose it.
Marcus: *another muttered apology* She's never lived anywhere else. *sighs* I don't know, Li, but this is getting really uncomfortable. I don't like knowing what goes on there and not saying anything. What if something does happen to her? What then, when we know that they've been..., it would be our fault for not saying anything, wouldn't it?
Liam: I know. *frowns and worries the reins some more* Normally I'd talk to Chuck, try to explain why we're worried and how telling your Da might help, but I don't even know how she'd react now.
Marcus: *reaches over Sheba's head to still Liam's hands* Stop that before you make her crazy. *poor horse can feel the rein movement but doesn't know what he wants her to do about it* She'd probably do what she did the last time I tried telling her that. She stared at the wall and acted like some sort of statue. Totally zoned out.
Liam: *snorts and coils the reins in front of him, reaching out to soothe Sheba mentally* Great, so we either betray her by breaking her confidences or risk something awful happening to her if we don't. Fuck.
Marcus: Why do you think I haven't told Da, or even talked to you about it before? I never knew if she said anything to you about it but well now, I mean...you know.
Liam: So I get to make the decision? *eyeroll* Gee, thanks.
Marcus: *narrowed eyes* No, asshat. That's not what I'm saying. You're dating her or whatever and I know you know what those idiots do to her. You saw it yourself in March. No reason to not talk to you about it anymore. *frowns* I'll tell Da if you want me to. Let Chuck think it was me then she can't be upset at you for it, right?
Liam: *shakes his head* No, I'm not trying to shove it all onto you, cuz. I'm not. I just hate damned if you do, damned if you don't situations is all.
Marcus: She gets upset with me a lot, she calms down fast enough. I'm not really worried about that. She just totally creeped me out with her comments the other night, that's all. Her thought process is pretty whacked for someone supposedly so smart.
Liam: *his throat tightens, his voice goes low and thick* I guess that's what feeling trapped in abuse does.
Marcus: *looks away, thanks for the guilt trip* I never should have kept my mouth shut in the first place. The first time I found out those jerks...
Liam: You were doing what your friend wanted you to do. Don't beat up on yourself. *rubs the back of his neck* Christ, now my thoughts are just chasing themselves around in circles...
Marcus: Fun, huh? *scrunches up his face and looks towards the house* I worry about her, Li. She's like...this annoying, pain in the ass little sister I never wanted but got anyway. I don't want anyone to actually hurt her. And I don't want her thinking I'm going to start hurting her either.
Liam: *sighs* Let me talk to her. Or try to. Something has to give.
Marcus: I'll...make myself scarce if you want me to tonight. *he's really trying not to think about the offer he's making, he can't stand thinking about Chuck in those terms*
Liam: Maybe. *rubs Sheba's neck again* I'm gonna ask her if she wants to go up to the creek or play with the kittens or something. I don't know, maybe something fun will help.
Marcus: All right man. *finally slides off the post he's been perching on* My ass is numb. You want me to give the pretty pony a rub down so you can go talk to Chuck?
Liam: Sure. *produces something approaching a smile* No sense putting it off, I guess.
Marcus: *gives Liam a wink and a bit of a smirk* then get down from there unless we're playing dude ranch and you want me to walk you both in circles
Liam: *gives Marcus a mild version of his preferred btchplz look and dismounts, reins in hand. As he gives Sheba a nose rub, she nudges hopefully at one of his pockets. Chuckling, he produces a chunk of carrot and feeds it to her before leading her toward the nearest gate* Horses are easier to understand than people sometimes. *thinks* Most of the time.
Marcus: *reaches out and pats his cousin's shoulder before he moves too far away* No one is ever going to understand your derpy Niall, don't worry. *goofy grin, then he sobers up* Take her up to the creek maybe. It's pretty up there, Rina and I...never mind. *he shakes his head, sparring Liam some TMI*
Liam: *snorts softly* Oh, he's easy enough to understand. He just has to try everything, even if it's goofy. *opens the gate and leads the mare out* You should give Rina a call.
Marcus: *follows, one hand holding the horse by her halter* Or disgusting. How many times do I have to tell him not to crap IN his feed? *shakes his head* I should. Maybe she'll take pity on me and come pick me up.
Liam: *closes the gate and heads toward the barn* I'm sure she will. *his eyes are still troubled*
Marcus: *calls after him* Li?
Liam: *turns* Yeah?
Marcus: We'll fix this, okay?
Liam: *a nod and a half-smile* I know we will. Somehow.
Marcus: The creek, serious. *gives him a thumbs up even if he's being overly optimistic about things*
Liam: *nods again and heads on, deep in thought*
Marcus: *takes Sheba into the barn and puts her in the cross ties so he can unsaddle her and wash her down*