Raindrops (Karel)

[Rasha Sorel]

((OOC: Geez I know it took me awhile. Me sowry))

The rain fell from the sky, each drop finding a place to rest. The night sky seemed darker than usual as the water poured down upon the earth. The lighting lit up the darkness as the thunder roared with all its might. The city lights shinned as people rushed to get home and out of the rain. Couples huddled with one another under a single umbrella. Such a depressing mood was set by the weather, yet many people still seemed joyful. Though the heavy down pour and fierce clashes of thunder and lighting they still found something worth smiling about.

If only it was that easy for her. A smile hadn't crossed Rasha's lips in weeks; at least not a true one. The little smiles that she did give was only to reassure Mystel, Marcus and Yahiko that she was alright. Despite the fact that deep inside the wounds that she beared had yet to heal still. Rasha had practically cut herself from the world. She hadn't really been to school in weeks ever since 'that day'. Every day she would leave the house pretending to go, but would always either sneak back in or just find a place away from a lot of people.

That was the kind of person that she had become. Very quite and very distant. Before she used to be very outgoing and quite rebelious, but those days seemed to be a part of the past now. Her pride and diginity was stripped from her. Any joy that she might have felt about anything had been taken as well. The Rasha that had once existed, had been locked away deep inside. Way deep inside that it almost looked hopeless to try and get that person back. The hopelessness was even apparent tonight in the way she walked, in the way she looked.

The rain fell upon her as she just slowly walked through the streets of Long Beach. Her head hung low. Her black hair soaking wet, some strainds even in front of her face. Her black jean jacket, red tank and black jeans hugged her body tightly due to the amount of water they held. And those once beautiful, captivating, determined hazel orbs - had such a sadness and despair about them that it was practically alarming. There were some people you attempted to approach her with some help or to ask if she was ok, but she just simply moved away from them - ot ignored them completely.

The rain is soothing... but still not soothing enough...[/color]

Finally she found her wandering had lead her to the park. Walking a bit further in she stopped and sat upon one of the soaking wet benchs. Not like it mattered to her considering the fact that she too was soaking wet. She looked up for a moment seeing a flash of lighting go across the sky, letting the rain fall upon her face - before placing her head back down.

The rain is soothing... but not enough... the sky is angered... but it could be more...[/color]

[Karel]

He was a right mess... having only recently come out of the hospital by a few weeks ago, his left eye had been closed for the majority of his days. It was a constant reminder of his failure... his sin, if it really mattered. His knuckles and hands alike were bleeding - thing bandages barely covering his fists while the mark Chihiro had left on his face was most obvious under this sky. He was attacked multiple times a day... and had also been responsible for quite a few of them. Having tired himself out, he wanted to let himself bleed - to lie here in the grass, face down with the pelting rain to bear witness to his death...

[Rasha Sorel]

As she sat there she leaned back against the bench -lazy like- tilting her head against the brim of it. Once again the raindrops fell upon her saddened face. Her eyes remained shut as she took in her somewhat quite surrounding. The lighting and thunder danced above her, as her sorrow filled the air around. Her aura shinned ever so dimly, as if it were dying with each passing moment. It had been weeks and she still felt this way. She still wasn't able to fully get over the events that had occured. Maybe it was because she had no one to help her get through it. But that isn't true.. she did have people. But the real truth is she wouldn't let them in. She wouldn't let them near her to even attempt to help. A sigh escaped her lips soon followed by a sneeze which forced her to sit up. Another sneeze followed after that one. Rasha sniffled a bit as she sat there, of course catching a cold as bond to happen.

[Karel]

Taste? None.... feeling? None. Cold? No... no heat. All cold. Green grass? No green... just grey. Hand? Red... and red, and red and red and red....and red.... all red.

All red, all grey.

The one eye he had opened was constantly irritated by the downpour of rainhis clothes, now soaking - even his jacket that he was at one point so proud of was drenched in what the heavens had cried - and he was not about to stop it. He deserved hell for what he had done - and no excuse - even being a schizophrenic could ever excuse him. It was his fault, and his alone. And there he felt it... his breathing, slow now, and erratic - irregular, as no longer was it simple puffs of grey smoke... it was now simply heaving groans. To anyone nearby, they might have heard it...

[Rasha Sorel]

*Sneezes*

Another sneeze, and she still didn't care. Catching a cold was the furtherest thing from her mind at this moment. Yet then again, considering that there was so much on her mind it left her unfocus with her surroundings. Now was one of those opportunities that she could be an easy target for 'them'. Lord forbid 'they' would show up now. She wouldn't even be much of a fight. Hell, she would be dead were she sat. Beyond the clashing of the thunder, a sound broke through. A sound of someone groaning.

Rasha lifted her head slowly as a slight 'hmm?' sounded from her lips. Truthfully at this point the troubles of others didn't phase her. But the noise seemed close by which spark a curiousity within her. Slowly she rose from the bench the fabric of her clothing unsticking itself from the bench. Feeling a bit cold she crossed her arms over her chest, holding the opposite of each. Ever so slowly her feet began to move around the bench and towards the grass, the sound growing a bit until her eyes locked upon a body on the ground.

Her eyes didn't even widen at the sight, they just remained staring as she walked a bit closer. And closer...and closer.. until she could finally make out who it was. Now her hazel orbs widened as a form of fear fell across her face. With a gasp she went to quickly take a step back, but the step was too quick and she slipped. Though in the attempt to catch herself from falling backwards, she ended up falling forwards. Her knees hit the grass as her body fell over Karel just a bit. She caught herself enough that their bodies didn't touch, but her face was right over his. That 'man' whom took practically everything from her and whom she had been trying to avoid - was now literally face to face with her again.

[Karel]

"S-sorry..."

She had caught herself nicely, but now it was his turn to freak out. When her face appeared before his own, the one thing he heard was within his mind - "get away from me". Those words were her last order... and even now, he would abide by it. Summing up all his strength he did his best to quickly slide out from under her without touching her body - he rolled over in the grass and hid his face. Had she only seen.... the side of his damaged eye, was just a mess of crimson. But his soaked clothes and even the rubber on his shoes had lost its grip... as he struggled to stagger, all attempts were painful, and as such he fell once again... this time, the right side of his head struck the edge of the pavement - another cut would be added to his wonderful collection.

[Rasha Sorel]

((OOC: I already made my apologies so ya...))

'S-Sorry'

Those were the words that escaped his lips as he pulled away from her. Rasha remained in the position as her head tilited up; her eyes following his movements. The rain poured down hard, dripping off her face, her hair, and the rest of her body. A few flashes of lighting went by as she watched Karel stumble and then fall to the ground, hitting his head against the pavement. Out of some sort of instinct, she crawled forward a bit one hand reached out slightly - as for some reason or another his name spilled from her lips. Though the tone was low it was still audioble.

"Karel."

Though remembering what happened between them, she retracted her hand and sat back on her knees. Her head down once more as a small sneeze escaped. She was getting pretty sick from being out in this rain. But why did she attempt to go towards him? That is the mystery question isn't it.

[Karel]

It was a conflict to him - while he was still self-loathing and wished she had killed him on that night, and even told him to get away from her... she had sneezed. Her health was suffering, and he had long since swore he would protect her. But at the same time... he had also promised to do whatever it was she had asked. To turn around and wrap her in warmth - or to bite the ground and scurry away? His head, looking away from her was bleeding profusely, his right eye with its scar over it had already been bleeding under the exposure of moisture from being only semi-healed. His body was cold. All over, he felt the numbness, the air clawing at his throat with each heave of breath that rolled in and every moment of hell he welcomed for he had done more than deserve it.

But why? In his mind he thought of all the things they had shared. Why was it that he was able to live every order from her without hesitation? Without regret?

Because it is for her that I live... for her I make my purpose.

A voice echoed withing his head... he knew now what to do. Even as the storm would tear through him.. .with every aching muscle, he knew he would still treasure her. His crime was his curse... she was a blessing - he would not ask her to forgive him. The way he felt... he was expendable. For her to use, and cast aside when he had outlived his usefulness. The perfect soldier.

Despite the battered state of his body, he barely managed to shrug off his leather jacket, as he sat up and turned toward her, quickly placing the comfortable leather over her - the only piece of clothing he owned which had lasted him his entire life. With it, he covered her head and the upper part of her body - his arms around her to give her what little warmth his core could give. He was still afraid... far too afraid to let her see his body and face in its wretched face. He thought this, as he felt a fresh, warm trickling down the side of his head....

... you should have killed me. I asked that single thing from you... but...

His mouth unable to move, as the words remained unspoken..

[Rasha Sorel]

Her body finally began to shiver in the cold rain that drapped over her. Every now and again a sneeze would come, but now it was beginning to follow with a cough. But still she didn't care. But then again now with the shivering beginning, it was like she couldn't even move from where she kneeled. Her soaking wet hair covered a bit of her face, her clothing sucking onto her body. If it was possible they would be able to stop her breathing. Why did she reach for him when he moved away and fell? Why did she call his name?

Because he brought something to her. What? That was another mystery. But it was something. Even though he brought 'something', he also managed to take away so much. So why, why still call for him? Did she need him? Did she truly need him? Shivering arms slowly began to wrap themselves around herself, trying to keep a bit warm. She hadn't noticed him facing her until she felt something covering over her head and body. She froze in fear; her body tensing. What was he trying to do to her now? Finish her off? Then she felt his arms wrap around her, pulling her close to him. He was trying to keep her warm? Her eyes remained wide open within the confinds of the leather jacket.

Wha...what is this?.. Why..why is he trying to keep me warm?.. What does he care?

Those words rang in her mind as her lips subconciously parted and words spilled out. Though a bit shaky due to her shivering.

"Wh..why?...Wh..Why Ka...Karel?"

[Karel]

His hands slackened. Being conscious alone was draining more energy than he even had within his body - and even for him, he was drawing strength from the very air that consumed him. With a dry throat, itching and no doubt damaged under the pressure of hyperventilation, his loosening grip of hers still persisted on clinging on. Mis muscles became stiff, though he could not feel it at first until he had tried to move - it fought him. She spoke.. her words, he knew he had missed - her voice. Soothing, and yet poisonous - he put on foot firmly on to the cement as he got to his feet, with Rasha still wrapped in his jacket, he wanted to get her out of the rain. This park... was close to the workshop. He knew that over there they had more than enough facilities to keep themselves warm and last the storm.

But first... he hugged her. He needed to gather his strength... for the walk seemed so long, for his weak state... he couldn't answe her. Couldn't speak. He was hurt... all over - in the chest... mouth, throat... and now his thoughts were robbed from him - leaking out the side of his head. He was pushing himself to an extreme... one he had never taken before.

[Rasha Sorel]

Her body continued to shake, gradually becoming more often. As well as her sneeze and cough were getting worse. Thoughts filled her mind, yet then again she couldn't exactly make a clear one all the time. They were becoming incoherant. Her muscles were tensed from him grabbing a hold of her. Her body was frozen in place as if she couldn't or didn't want to move. Soon she felt her body raising, being carried up by him. Though she also felt his fatigue, they both were but it seemed like he was worse than she was.

As they stood up, she still couldn't find it in her to push him away, to yell at him. She was in such a dazed out mood that it was pointless. She had barely no strength, but even so she must've had more than he did. He hugged her. Her head being buried within his chest. Yes she could recall many times were her head was buried in his chest, they were all on good terms. Though she recalled those memories for a moment, her mind couldn't help but to dart back to that night. Wanting to push away again, she couldn't. Why? Why? Instead of moving away, she felt herself in her fear pushing into him instead of away. Maybe it was the fact that he was holding her and she needed it. Things are still a mystery.

[Karel]

How she thought of him was as he wanted it - how he understood it, and how he hoped for it. That he was a means to an end - a tool to get things done. He felt his resolve steel itself as he walked on to the concrete, with her still in his arms. The battering rain striking his face, his head above hers and his closing the gaps that the jacket could not as he would shield her gladly. Blurred vision, misty haze as he spied the structure known as the workshop in which he made a living... and where, for the past few weeks he had even lived.

"Nnf...nnh.." He breathed. He fought off the urge to cough - the urge to sneeze.

Signs of weakness, he could not show her. Like any man that was pressured into society's views, he wasn't allowed to cry. He wasn't allowed to complain. He wasn't allowed to feel down or cry out... he was supposed to sit there and take life's punishments. And as he walked, his loosening grip over her would occasionally tighten again - the blood loss to his head causing his attention to divert, he did all he can to keep hjimself awake. How he would hide his hideous skin and face after all this... he could not fathom.

[Rasha Sorel]

Her feet seem to just be moving on their own, or rather with his help they moved along the ground. If it was truly up to here she probably would've just stood there, getting sicker by the minute. Her body still shook within the confines of his jacket and grip. Though she began to feel a bit warmer than before, the shivering did not cease - for it was more than just the cold that was affecting her. It was the whole situation. Seeing him again. Being so close to him again. Allowing him to touch her as she touched him. It was hard to explain this all.

There was only one other time where she felt such fear. Where she felt so low and weak. But she had recovered from that, with a bit of ease. Though she still fears him in a way. She would do practically anything to stay far away from him as possible. Once again the thoughts continued to dwell in her mind about why did he care about her at the moment? He was such a monster to her before. He had humiliated her. He had done the worst thing possible. The one thing that was capable of actually breaking her barrier.

Soon enough her feet just stopped, most likely forcing him to stop with her suddenness. Rasha just stood there, still buried within his chest. The rain beating down on them. She could feel his head above hers. Slowly she moved her head a bit, forcing it out of the protection of the jacket. Ever so gently and seemingly calmly her head moved to rest between his neck and shoulder. Her face so close to his neck that her lips brushed against it. Rasha's hazel orb's were slightly open as she began to speak. Her voice low, like a whisper only for him, and a bit shaky from the cold.

"Wh..Why Ka..Karel?...Why do...you care?...Pl..please...speak.. to me.."

Her feet seemed firm enough on the ground, as if she was making a statement that she wouldn't move unless her said something. She was still scarred of him, and still angered about what he had done. But she wanted something from him, she wanted answers from him. She needed something. But what was it? Closure? Could he give it to her?

[Karel]

Was it so hard to understand? That he, this man would go so far for her? Despite what he had put her through, there was a part of him left unchanged - a remnant, a reminder of who he was and who she was to him. And even now as he stood in the rain, stopped by Rasha's want for answers his health continued to deteriorate - the heavy water beating against his already icy skin. He could hardly breathe. But it must have been obvious to her - even after that, she must have known.... this was him. It was really him. With his quivering hand he knew it was impossible to keep moving - and so he stood there, unable to act. He lowered his head. Eye lids heavy, the drowsiness made itself apparent and the signs of a cold would soon be noticeable.

She had asked him a question - and he was hers, he would comply no matter what state he was in.

"Because..."

He was sure he had said it before. When exactly was it? On that night he had confessed and sealed the contract with her under the stars, the Silent Night where he had promised to make her happy. And also the only time he had ever asked anything in return - to kill him should 'Anything happen'... to never hesitate in doing so. And yet even after what they had been through, here he was... alive, because she had chosen not to fulfill his request. But at least now he was over it all for her sake so that he might have a more bitter tomorrow. But if it was required of him, he would spend his entire life making it up to her.

"... you mean everything to me."

He staggered. His ability to stand was clearly wavering under his exhaustion...

[Rasha Sorel]

"Because.."

There's was such a pause after that; like silence fell upon the world. The beating of the rain had silenced, the sound of the thunder had rumbled into nothingness. There was only the sound of hearts beating. That onimous sound when it gets quite and you're awaiting the climax of the situation - that sort of heart beating. Her face was still within the confinds of neck, as she awaited patiently for his answer. That's all she truly wanted was the answers to the questions that plauged her mind. Truthfully she hated herself for allowing herself to become so weak. To have so much fear for someone. To allow someone to make her this way. It was unexceptable to her.

She had always known she was stronger than this, but it's that inner deep feeling inside that she can't escape. That let's her know that she is still human. That she does have feelings, even though she was taught to hide them - to control them; to erase them. But never could she erase them thanks to Marcus. Marcus woudln't allow that. But he couldn't stop her from hiding them, from buring them deep within herself.

"... you mean everything to me."

Those next words caught her a bit off guard, as well as his staggering just a bit. She held his body just a bit tighter to keep him up, using what strength she had within her body. His words sounded familiar, hitting her like a ligthing bolt. Yes he had said those words to her once before at that little outdoor cafe'. During that time she believed him. She believed that he meant it, though deep inside she was still a bit 'iffy' about it. Her feet began to move as she proceeded to walk again with him - though still allowing him to lead of course. If she wanted anymore answers from him, they both would need to be in better conditions than this - especially Karel. Though as she walked with him she spoke calmly.

".. You say that...but...but I don't know...anymore...I wasn't..even quite sure when you first... said it.."

She was being honest. She hadn't fully believed it, but what now. Would he speak to her or would he stay silent as normal?