♚ thirteenth step ♚

[polarization]

[ In the library sits Sefton. He clings to a large pillow that he got from who-knows-where and keeps his back to a bookshelf, rocking back and forth slowly. His hands worry at the edges of the pillow, and he seems to be trying to ignore just about everything else in the area... though if he hears someone or watches them pass by, it's with a longing look that he hides as soon as they might turn toward him. ]

This stinks... Why can't we just go home already...?

[ ooc: Sefton has a consequence! Due to this, drop me some form of contact since it'll affect your character, too. However, due to the consequence, you should keep in mind that the activation of his make-people-like-him power is much more likely before tagging. ]

Comments

[silenteden.livejournal.com]

[Kuhn took up residence in the library after the incident with the shield-eating-blob-of-suffocation, and as such, he overhears Sefton. He peers around the shelf he was looking through in order to see him. He sighs and nods in agreement.]

I don't know, but it'd better be soon. I've got this weird feeling it's only going to get worse before it gets better.

((OoC: You know how to find me. :P))

[polarization]

[ Sefton merely curls up around his pillow even more. ]

Tell me 'bout it...

[silenteden.livejournal.com]

Heh. I've got a feeling you already know, man.

[He can tell something's up with Sefton, so he moves to sit beside him, his back against the same bookshelf, one knee up and an arm resting on top of it. He looks off into the distance as he talks.]

So... how are you holding up?

[polarization]

[ Sefton hunches his shoulders. Strangely... he doesn't move away. ]

How d'you think?

[silenteden.livejournal.com]

[Kuhn sighs. He expected that. He also really wants to protect the kid, so hey, he'll just hang around. If anything comes near them, they'll have to get through him first.]

... I can keep you safe, at least. Anything else you think I could do to help?

[polarization]

Just don't—I mean, you— [ Words, how do they work? Sefton stares at the floor for a moment. ]

Stick 'round?

[silenteden.livejournal.com]

[Well, that settles it. Kuhn nods once, firmly, and gives Sefton a small smile that's meant to be at least somewhat reassuring.]

Yeah, definitely. You don't have to worry about that.

[polarization]

[ He nods. Still... he seems distressed with how he continues to rock back and forth. They're not big motions, yet he's obviously having a hard time of it. ]

[grand-gaia.livejournal.com]

[Wandering by, and hears Sefton]

I wish I knew....

...Hey are you alright?


(aim is cmakyouupgood, or any PM/whatevs is fine too)

[polarization]

[ Sefton merely stares at him for a moment before he forces himself to look to the floor in front of him. ]

I'm—I'm fine.

[grand-gaia.livejournal.com]

[Isaac suddenly doesn't want to be alone. So he parks next to Sefton]

You don't look it.

[polarization]

[ He shifts, slightly, not entirely moving away though not seeming super-comfortable with how close Isaac is yet. ]

Can y' blame me?

[grand-gaia.livejournal.com]

[Isaac seems a bit more relaxed just talking to Sefton]

Not really, no.

[polarization]

[ He closes his eyes, hands still working at the fabric of the pillow. ]

Didn't think so.

[grand-gaia.livejournal.com]

At least it's safe in here. A bunch of ghosts took over the baths.

[polarization]

They—what?

[oliverplus]

[catches sight of Sefton during his own worried wanderings, and stops, concerned] Sefton! Are you okay?

[polarization]

[ Not expecting Oliver (though really, he probably should have), his gaze jerks up to him, allowing a moment of fairly intense, aching loneliness, insecurity, paranoia, some fear and other Emo Teenager Emotions before he looks away again just as quickly. ]

I'm... I'll live.

[ True. But not exactly what he was asked. ]

[oliverplus]

[flinches from those feelings, making a beeline for Sefton] What happened?

[polarization]

[ Sefton pulls back, pushing his back into the bookcase, but doesn't actually move other than that. ]

I... there was a room.

[oliverplus]

[tenses instantly, moving to sit facing him] [softly] You made a choice?

[polarization]

[ He avoids Oliver's gaze, shoulders tense to match the rest of him. ] Two. Sorta.

[oliverplus]

[startled] What, really!? What did they ask you?

[forever-noble.livejournal.com]

[she frowns, worried, when she catches sight of him and heads over]

[gently:] We'll get out of here soon enough, sweetheart. We'll be all right.

[polarization]

[ Sefton watches her approach, then forces himself to look away. ]

It's already been three weeks.