week one, sunday

[jettisons]

[Bellamy has been simmering with rage ever since they found Haru on the beach, and only the fear of making things worse for Nino was able to keep him in check at the execution. He doesn't show up at their hut right away—he makes sure he's calm and steady first, which takes him a while. Nino doesn't need him angry right now, and neither does Jaffar.

The door of the hut is slightly ajar when he approaches, and he knocks on the doorframe first before easing it open. Bellamy has a book in one hand and a small, vibrantly colorful bouquet of flowers in the other. It's nothing, he knows, nothing compared to what just happened to her, but he's been trying to think of anything he could possibly do to cheer her up for the last hour or so, and it's all he's got.]

Hey. Mind if I come in?

Comments

[killerfang]

[ okay, that gains Bellamy a few points back in Jaffar's eyes. He nods strongly after the older boy finishes speaking. If his words didn't sink into Nino's head, maybe this person's will.

And when they apparently do, part of him wants to respond that she should have realized that sooner (then she wouldn't be in this situation right now), but he still can't find it in himself to scold her when she's still suffering, and especially not when she speaks about him so seriously. He ducks his head slightly, gaze roaming to some corner of the room. Is he feeling shy, perhaps? It's hard to tell, but... ]

... Remember that next time...

[jettisons]

[Good. That's settled, and he can tell Nino's in good hands with Jaffar. It's clear that he'd do anything for her, and Bellamy knows how powerful that is. He nods at Jaffar again, and then steps forward to set the book he's holding in Nino's lap. The corners and bent and the cover is scuffed, but The Iliad is stamped clearly on the cover, not that poor Nino can read it.]

I still owe you lessons, remember?

[learnings]

... I know. I'm sorry.

[That's said softly to Jaffar--she's definitely not going to fuck this up again!!

But then she's turning her attention right back to Bellamy, breathing out a quiet breath as she runs her fingers over the cover. She can't read a single part about it, of course, but... she still knows what it is.

How could she not?]

This is... The Iliad, right? The book you were talking about?

[killerfang]

[ he's a little bit surprised to see him pull out a book - especially one that looks sort of intimidating like that one - and glances back towards Bellamy when he does, almost skeptical. Surely he knows that Nino can't read... Of course, that question is answered when he mentions lessons. The title written on the cover is unfamiliar to him, as well. ]

...

[ he's curious about it, too, but he won't repeat Nino's question. ]

[jettisons]

[Bellamy nods again.]

That's right. I'll think of happier stories to tell you in the meantime. Don't want you getting bored, right?

[learnings]

Stories too...?

[She feels like she's being spoiled here, honestly--but she doesn't have it in her to protest at all.]

I'd...really like that. [A slow, but happy smile.] Thank you, Bellamy...you're always so nice.

[killerfang]

...

[ Jaffar feels slightly like he might be a third wheel here. He wants Nino to have friends - but his presence is often a deterrent, he knows. This "Bellamy" seems trustworthy enough to leave with her. If he stays, he'll simply make things uncomfortable, he thinks. Quietly, he stands up from her bed, nodding to both of them. ]

I will go fetch more water.

[jettisons]

You're welcome, Nino.

[But when Jaffar speaks up, Bellamy shakes his head, stepping back again.]

It's alright. You should stay with Nino. I just wanted to make sure she was alright.

[learnings]

[Yeah, her hands definitely tighten in Jaffar's clothing when he makes any move to leave.

Nah.

Nope.

She just offers Bellamy a soft smile.]

... Thank you. For checking on me.

[Everything feels a little less despairing with the knowledge that there are good people here--who care about her and Jaffar both.]