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Post by Your Mom~ on Sept 9, 2013 8:30:25 GMT -8
[Three days prior.]
As his Voice, Olesya took on all of David's responsibilities in his absence. This included running meetings, organizing troops, strategizing potential Barker attacks, gathering Intelligence, ensuring the civilians were safe and that the resources were plentiful. Not only that, but she was now a single mother to a rambunctuous ten year old. Needless to say, Olesya was exhausted.
She was leaving the main War Room after a day of planning, though made it five steps before a commander approached her.
"Voice! Shipment has arrived from the North. We're holding it at the North Gate pending your approval."
"Scan it to make sure the shipment is clean, and then send it to the barracks."
Another five steps...
"Voice! The tomato crops have died out, too much sun, the agro-team says."
"Take a portion of the reserve seeds and move the crop from the rooftop to the secondary greenhouse. I want a 24hr shift on it until the crop stabilizes."
Five more...
"Voice! Ambassadors from the Crows have arrived. They've been registered and been given visitors badges..."
"And?"
"Well, they're here."
"Have you sent a hospitality specialist to make sure they're housed and fed?"
"Not yet."
"Then do it! Rumo ramm! If you can't do your job, I'll find someone who can."
She snapped, running her hands through her disheveled white hair. It was getting longer, brushing her shoulders now when she moved. With all the work she'd undertaken, she didn't have time or patience to get it cut. Olesya shook her head, waving off the following questions as she made a beeline for her house. She still had to make dinner for Maddie and make sure she did her homework.
"You can always hire a nanny, you know."
Youchi appeared beside the tired Voice, speaking aloud what Olesya had been mentally fighting with for the last week or so. Olesya sighed, pressing her lips together.
"I know, but I don't feel like I should hire someone to raise my child for me. I should be there for her, my mother always was, and she ran her own business!"
"Running a business and running a territory are comparing apples and oranges."
"Shut up, stop being right."
Les conceded, shaking her head. In the weeks that David had been gone, Olesya had grown close with Youchi as a confidante. Youchi had stepped in to help Olesya pick up the slack, acting almost as her personal assistant. Without Youichi, Olesya would have probably lost it by now.
"Would you be up for the task? Maddie loves you and trusts you. I don't want to assign you something so menial though, because your talent could obviusly be used elsewhere..."
"I'll do whatever you need me to, Les. Besides, Maddie makes a great little protege. She'll make a good assassin one day."
"One day, not today."
Olesya's maternal nature surface, raising a laugh out of Youichi.
"There aren't enough rooms in the house. They say David's place is still unoccupied. Would you consider moving in with us there?"
"Sound good enough to me."
====
[Present day.]
"Voice! News from the Bravo team. Barker seems to be making more of his mutagens, he's amazzing an army."
"Bring your findings to the offensive coordinator, and put a copy in my inbox."
"Hey, Voice! Wanted to get your opinion on the new recruits-"
"Set up a ropes course for oh-eight-hundred hours tomorrow. I'll evaluate their progress then."
She waved off further questions to her personal assistant as she approached her house. David's house. Even though David had taken up residence outside of the city, this still felt like very much his house. The furniture was all the same, and she had taken over his room, and Youichi took over Olesya's old room. Maddie was ecstatic to be back in her room, reunited with the items she'd left behind when they initially moved out.
"Bee, what's for dinner? Smells great."
Les called, slipping off her shoes in the doorway. Maddie would be returning home from school soon, if she didn't already have plans with her friends.
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Post by David B. on Sept 9, 2013 18:18:13 GMT -8
-Three Days Prior-David, hood pulled up, eyed her from out of the crowd. Watching silently as she gave orders, he contemplated several times the thought of coming to her. Approaching her from the wave of people around her and pulling her into a hug. He...stayed where he was. Too many people were brushing by to even recognize him, and Youichi at approached. The two of them were walking off, speaking in confidence- luckily he could hear every word. That Youichi was to watch Maddie. That they were moving into his house. That...she was exhausted. He knew all too well her frustration. Still, he followed behind slowly...eyes taking in her form. Longer hair...still sleek and trim. He stopped at the corner as they made their way out- toward home. He looked to the ground, turned, and left. -Present Day-He bit his lip a moment, chewing it in thought. It had been a day or two since his chat with Kiyr...and he was more confused than ever. Of what he wanted. What he needed to do. Who...he needed to let go. In truth he had no idea but...he knew she wanted him to visit. To see her. He let out a deep breath, raised his arm to knock and held it for a moment before- Rap Rap Rap. He lowered his hand, waiting, dressed fairly casually, his hair cut shorter than usual, but still long enough to run his fingers through. He felt a flutter in his chest as he waited, expecting the door to open to...
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Post by Your Mom~ on Sept 10, 2013 4:12:11 GMT -8
"Zacic Lrnecd drec paddan pa kuut.."
Olesya swore, rubbing the bridge of her nose. Maddie, Youichi, and August didn't knock, so who the hell could be bothering her now? She'd have to have a talk with her personal assistant, Trish, about this.
"What-"
She started as she opened the door, but the words diedin her throat as her multicolored hues recognized the form in front of her. His hair was shorter (she resisted the urge to run her fingers through it), he looked a little leaner, maybe, but she would recognize the man in front of her anywhere.
"David."
She stood frozen for a moment, just staring at him. It had been forever since their encounter on the rooftop, Olesya didn't expect to see him for at least a month or more. Her chest tightened, both happy to see him and a bit...scared?
"Oh, um...come in."
She stepped aside, welcoming him in. Her heart thudded in her chest, everything was so unpredictable these days when it came to David. First he were here, then he was gone, then he was saying goodbye behind her back. And then there were Kiyr...the conversation still rang in her head, keeping her up at night. It was David's decision now, and those none of them could help loving antoher person, decisions had to be made.
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Post by David B. on Sept 10, 2013 15:17:32 GMT -8
David eyes came up as she opened the door, her slightly shocked gaze gripping his. His chest tightened quickly, almost reflexively, as she said his name. A small, easy smile came to his face- despite his misgivings, his previous attitude or even his desire to leave the dragons and live outside the city, it was quite obvious that he was happy to see her. His eyes brightened, and his face flushed only a little.
"Hey..."
As she offered him to come inside he gave a small nod.
"Thanks..."
His eyes would come to Youichi, and he would give her a small nod as well- the assassin was another face he was glad to see- strange as it was, those few weeks away were...difficult. He had to adjust to being alone, never having to answer questions or give orders. That duty fell on Olesya, now. He would step inside and allow her to either close the door behind him or for him to do so if she had backed away. Food smells tingled against his nose as he removed his shoes, setting them by Olesyas and eying her a moment. He knew there might be an awkward air....some kind of feeling of 'what now', or 'what to say'?
He would clear his throat, and if she started to say something like 'Soooo....' Or something, he would interrupt... By stepping forward and engulfing her in a hug. He didn't care who was there....he wrapped his arms around her and spoke lightly in her ear.
"I...missed you, Les."
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Post by Your Mom~ on Sept 11, 2013 6:33:37 GMT -8
Of all the things Olesya could have expected, a hug was not one of them. She froze at first, having kept just about everyone at arms length since their fight so many weeks ago. The only person she hugged regularly was Maddie, and this was obviously...different. After a moment, her arms rose, almost hesitantly, and hugged him back. Her mind was instantly spinning...what did that mean? Was he coming back? Was he just stopping in before leaving again? So much was unknown when it came to David that Olesya couldn't predict any of it. It was both frustrating and what kept her hooked.
"I missed you too."
She replied, the uncertainty masked in her voice...not for what she was saying, but what it all meant. After a moment she pulled back to look him in the eyes, not exactly ready to let go but wanting to see him, wanting to know.
"Where have you been?"
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Post by David B. on Sept 18, 2013 3:59:02 GMT -8
He took in her scent silently- the feel of her, holding him. Kiyrs words slammed into his gut like a wrench... let out a breath as she pulled away, turned and smiling to Youichi.
"Good to see you too, Bee. Glad you've been keeping them safe."
He turned his eyes back to Olesya, shrugging a little at her question.
"North Dakota, for a bit. Then I stayed at an old complex of mine, one thats been up and running for a few months now, I guess. Got a couple things and...came back. Been living just outside the city ever since."
He gave a small, secret smile.
"How has leadership been treating you? Want to burn down the war room just to get a break yet?"
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Post by Your Mom~ on Sept 24, 2013 4:47:17 GMT -8
On one hand, Olesya was angry that David had just run away from his problems, leaving them for her to pick up and carry in his absence. It was like 259 all over again, when he up and left for mysterious reasons to a mysterious destination, leaving the work for Emily and herself. Except now Emily was dead and Olesya was alone to bear the weight of responsibility.
"It's a lot of work, as you well know."
She said guardedly, though unable to mask the exhaustion in her voice. Where had he gone? Why did he leave? Why North Dakota? All these questions spun around in Olesya's brain, but she held her tongue.
Her familiar guarded look fell into place, the surprise of his prescence wearing off. It wasn't just because of him that she wore it, she learned to wear it like armor since taking on so much responsibility. When you're a leader, you can't let them see you crack.
You can't let them see you break.
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Post by David B. on Sept 24, 2013 8:59:57 GMT -8
Davids smile faded only a little as she spoke- her edge was back. It was understandable...he may have been gone for a while, but that didn't mean he made her understand why. And without that why, she was left feeling abandoned, dumped with the burden of the largest Californian army. He ran a hand through his hair, not adressing her statement yet.
"Maddie isn't here yet. She...off with friends today, then?"
He wanted to see the little girl, to show her he was making the first stops of many, but he also wanted to have a long talk with Olesya, to sort out...them. He would wait for her response before looking to Bee.
"Hey...any chance Me and Les could...take a walk? You can tell Maddie when she gets home that she went out with a friend. Will make a good surprise for her."
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Post by Your Mom~ on Sept 24, 2013 11:11:31 GMT -8
Olesya didn't mean to resurrect her walls when it came to David, he had been the one to break them down. But when you need to be a strong fearless leader and a flawless, strong mother figure, you can't afford to show weakness.
"Yeah, she generally plays with her friends for an hour or two after school."
She looked from David to Bee, then back to David. She had an inkling what he wanted to talk about alone, and she could feel her heartbeat quicken at the thought of it. The last time they'd tried to discuss...them...they'd wound up screaming at each other. She was hoping it wouldn't take that route again, especially after what Kiyr had said to her.
"Stay out of trouble, you two. I don't wanna have to clean it up."
Olesya waved her off with a 'yeah yeah' kind of expression, walking out the door with David. It was growing cooler out, the breeze tickling her skin and ruffling her hair.
"How long are you staying for?"
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Post by David B. on Sept 24, 2013 11:39:58 GMT -8
David would smile at Youichis warning, giving her a reassuring wink as he walked out, Olesya gently closing the door behind them. He headed down the stairs, the white haired woman in toe. Her question was expected, as he was sure he knew how she felt. That first question was a reflection of past mistakes he made. So he would let out a breath and respond kindly-
"Staying? You mean in Dragon territory? I'm not sure- maybe a couple days. But I'll still be in California. I'm on 8th street, north east side. Have a nice little residential house there."
He would walk a bit, heading immediately east, where things weren't as densely populated as the heart of the territory. He would skip ahead to the meat and potatoes.
"Its pretty obvious, I think, Why we are going on a walk. Rather than trade pleasantries as is custom, Im going to try...try my best to speak from the heart and skip all the filler. You deserve that."
He would stuff his hands in his pockets, looking to her from time to time as he spoke, showing he was unafraid of...spilling his guts. At least for now.
"We met again quite a while back. I fell in love with you, and you fell in love with me. You left, for a long time, and at that time I was unsure about the status of..of us. We hadnt started dating yet. During that time there were battles, missions and various other activities that drew me close to Kiyr Barrial. I came to care for her greatly. When you came back, I was confused, but still very much in love with you as was evident, I think, at my island home."
He scrunched up his face, a bit, in thought.
"It was...hard, you know? Having all of the stress you do now, plus the stress of a family and...and being scared of you finding out for fear that you might think I was unfaithful. When I told you, I figured we were...going to adopt and look to our future. I didn't want to do that feeling like I was keeping something from you. But...the effect of having someone look at you and say 'you don't love me' or...your a liar just...tipped the scales. I guess for someone as strong as me, self doubt can be crippling. I worried I wasn't right for you or..anyone, including as a leader. Someone who, it seemed, couldn't instill faith and trust even in his own family had no business leading. And I still feel that way."
He watched her as they walked, now, curious about what wheels were spinning in her head.
"I don't know what to do, at this point, Les. Will I ever face this again? You telling me to leave or feeling like I don't love you, am I not trusted? And more importantly...are you and I ready for this commitment, both physically and mentally? I just...worry Im pushing you too soon and I don't want to harm all the progress you have made for selfish reasons."
He turned his eyes forward, trying to keep his feelings in check, keep himself under control.
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Post by Your Mom~ on Sept 24, 2013 12:04:59 GMT -8
So he had another residence a couple blocks away. Les wasn't sure what she expected when he returned to town...that he'd come back to their place? Their bed? She would be lying if she said she hadn't had the thought in mind when they moved back into the house. Hearing that he lived across town made it seem less permanent.
When he got to the jist of things, Olesya could feel her palms sweat. This was it, wasn't it? "The Talk." The making or breaking point. They'd both made mistakes, and both paid for them. Was it worth it to keep beating themselves up about it?
"I guess...I just felt put out of place when I found out. You'd basically taken Maddie as your own in my absence, and grew close to someone else. To Kiyr. Had I not come back, you would have probably continued to persue things and it may have been Kiyr adopting Maddie instead of me. I felt unneeded. I felt like it was the second chance I didn't deserve. When you were gone...I saw her again. Ophelia, the monster I used to be. And it scared the shit out of me. I went to Doctor Twist for help and he had to sedate me. I never want to be that person again."
She broke off, clearing her throat to calm her emotions. It had been hard to accept these realities, but now that she'd begun talking, it was like a floodgate letting loose.
"My doctor said that we are who we choose to be. I choose to be better, I choose to be stronger. I choose to be a mother to Maddie and I choose...to love you. We've both made mistakes, but it doesn't mean that I don't want you in my life. I feel like I could live a thousand lifetimes and still never deserve you. But you managed to break down my walls time and time again from the day we met at 259 to the fight on the roof in the rain, to now. I love you David....and I'm sorry. I'm so s-sorry."
Her voice faltered and her vision blurred. She so vulnerable, like her armor had been ripped away and here she stood, laying it all out on the line with him. He had said he wanted to be honest and frank, and he deserved the same treatment. She was not this vulnerable with anyone else, she never let anyone get that close. That had to count for something.
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Post by David B. on Sept 24, 2013 12:23:45 GMT -8
He stopped, turning to her, eyebrows drawing down as she spoke. She saw Ophelia again? He watched her talk and, strangely, open up. It was like two giant doors swinging open, and she actually laid her feelings on the line. She started crying, and damn if that just wasn't something you saw every day from her. He would walk forward and envelope her in his arms, wrapping them around her smaller and, honestly, fragile frame. He didn't ever watch her as someone who could be frail, as Olesya was one of the strongest people he knew. He brought a hand up, into her hair, to hold the back of her head against me.
"Its okay, Les. I understand...I love you too. I know you struggle and I want to be there for you. I just...need you to know that, if we were together again, I couldn't just forget my feelings for Kiyr. I have spoken with her already and she knows why I'm coming to you. I want you but...really think about it."
He would take her shoulders and gently pull her away, looking into her eyes.
"Are you ready for it? Can you handle what We had? And can you accept that I can't just make feelings go away?"
He would watch her, keep his eyes on hers as he waited for her response, unsure himself of what would happen after she answered.
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Post by Your Mom~ on Sept 24, 2013 12:33:51 GMT -8
She hated being frail, she'd never cried in front of David before. She hardly ever cried in front of anyone. But the stress, and her newly re-found emotions, it felt like everything was pressuring her on all sides, and it was only so long until she would break. That's why, Doctor Tsist had said, that she'd seen the hallucinations. She was too stressed, it as if seeing her former self was her warning sign, her wake up call.
When David wrapped her in a hug, she wrapped her arms around him, burying her face in his neck. She made no sound, but her shoulders shook. After a couple minutes, she finally lifted her head, her eyes were bloodshot and her cheeks were pink.
"As long as you never act on them while we're together, I can...live with it."
Of course she would find jealousy rear it's ugly head every once in a while when it came to them, but as long as David was faithful, that was all that mattered. He could have his feelings, she could have her jealousy, but as long as one remained in check, so would the other. She loved him too much to let him go especially into Kiyr's waiting arms.
"If you do, you're dead."
It seemed less threatening when followed by a stubborn sniffle.
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Post by David B. on Sept 25, 2013 7:30:51 GMT -8
OOC: Edited and reposted
David nodded. Thoughts raced through his head at one hundred miles per hour- that he had told Kiyr he may be ready to move on, that he was unsure of Olesyas mental strength, that he wondered if his own strength could last through for her, and if he could move on from what was said- but in the end, his mind rested on one thing: what person would expect perfection? Who could not forgive at least once? Had he not been forgiven for things many times in his life, and given a second chance? Perhaps he wasn’t ready for it- but that didn’t mean he needed to make her suffer, thinking she had wronged him so dearly.
"Les I...I do forgive you...."
He would take her cheeks in the palm of his hands and use his thumbs to wipe the tears from her face.
"I love you and forgive you. But I...can't say I will come back to lead the Dragons, or that I’m ready for a relationship again. I have done...unspeakable things since I have been gone and I want...no, I need to be stronger for you. And in order to do that, I need to know that I am ready, but more importantly, you are ready."
He would give a small smile and rest his forehead against hers.
“I know that you are strong, and will make it through this. I am always here for you- whenever you need me. Come by as often as you can, so I can see you and...maybe find my strength again. Hopefully, with it, we can be together- as you have told me everything I need to know about you, and everything I needed to hear about what you want for us.”
He wasn’t breaking up with her- that had already been done. But he wasn’t getting back together with her either. Now that he knew she could accept him, David needed to know if she would fight for him. He fought for her- God knows he wanted to take her in his arms and make them a family again. But...he worried that, despite what she said, he would still struggle with his emotions. And Kiyr...despite everything, had and would fight for him. Did Les want this enough to do the same?
He waited, to see if she would be angry, or sad or...just leave.
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Post by Your Mom~ on Sept 25, 2013 8:00:59 GMT -8
Olesya's expression became a mask of neutrality. She let him wipe her tears away, the evidence of pouring her heart out to him, and steeled her heart for what came next. He wasn't prepared to come back to the Dragons, or to her.
"I need to focus on your work, Mathew and Leon are unreachable, so it's falling to me."
She told him, informing him of the amount of work he'd given her in his absence.
"I can handle it, but you need to keep that in mind if you're going to keep coming and going."
Not that she didn't have time for him, she would make time. But being a full time mother and a full time leader was more than taxing. She recruited Youichi to help raise Maddie in David's absence, and she needed to re-establish her core of leaders to run the territory. She couldn't do it alone.
"Do what you need to do, I'll be here. Despite my heart being dragged through the mud, there is and never will be anyone who comes close. I don't love easily, I didn't think I could love at all after what Barker's done to me. Still, you managed to enter my heart against my precautions, and that won't ever change. I'll go to my grave with you in my heart."
There is was, her resolve. David may be torn, but she knew where her heart was. She didn't let anyone into her life easily, and when she did, she didn't let them go.
"Losing you...would put a hole in my heart too big to fix. Do what you must...but please come back to me."
She could take their separation for now while David sorted out his own business. She was strong enough for that, and she'd remain strong for as long as she needed to as long as she knew he'd come back when all was said and done.
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