frenchkiss | INBOX

[ Alex was just starting to grow accustomed to weird changes and reactions coming from herself, but this…this was new. It came and went as it pleased, choosing to disappear for now as she walks the streets of the Ruby underground. Should she be grateful for the experience the ghost of Barry had given her…?

No, even the thought of him sent a chill down her spine still, heightening her wariness to the point of almost swinging her arm at the poor man who came just a little too close to her. ]

A-ah, sorry, I didn’t mean to…

[ Somehow, lurking down here in the underground is easing the shadow that keeps appearing to follow him around. He's used to voices - used to ghosts - but they're usually not himself. With drink and other outlets, he can ignore this one, somewhat, but it's not foolproof.

Laurent startles, having been in his own head as much as she was, and steps back before he hits her. He smiles easily, waving a hand. ]

Just glad to know I'm not the target you were swinging at. Is someone bothering you?

Just…I thought…

[ She glances around, looking for the pesky apparition. ]

I thought you were that…shadow thing. Um, I’m not sure if you’ve seen them…

[ Hopefully not. ]

[ Poor thing. She looks antsy. He can understand. He's personally exhausted. ]

I've got my own little ghost following me around, yes. I'm guessing yours is giving you a particularly large headache.

[ She peers behind him, in case it was there. ]

It’s…different from what I’m used to.

[ But maybe that was being too personal. ]

Sorry about that. It probably isn’t the best time to be out.

I know what you mean. It's not usually like this when it happens.

[ He might as be a little honest back to this poor, bedraggled woman who looks just as skittish as she is worn down. ]

It's alright. Why don't we find somewhere to be less 'out' together, hm? Harder to listen to voices when we're listening to each other.

[ Was this complete stranger really so willing to help…another complete stranger? There was a moment of doubt, what she usually has at unusual kindness, but he also wasn’t wrong. Being alone did not help dispel the voices, and if anything, it might be best that it was someone who had yet to know her than someone who has a more positive view on her. ]

If you don’t mind…I’d appreciate that.

Edited 2021-09-06 20:49 (UTC)

[ Strangers helping strangers was, in an odd way, exactly how he'd survived. He can only extend the same to others... in his own way. With this woman who seems to be just as distraught as he feels, he can't help but soften up for her here.

He motions her closer and nods down the sidewalk. ]

Of course. Let's find a shady tavern or something to duck into. Are you hungry at all?

[ Or was her appetite as shot by stress as his was? ]

[ But she wasn’t the only one dealing with this, was she? He didn’t have to accommodate just her.

Alex shifts to face him directly, her expression dead serious. ]

Do you want to go away with me?

[ Honestly, the question is surprising, but clearly she has something on her mind. He's made more impulsive decisions for less beautiful people that this woman.

Why not? ]

I'd be just fine with that.

[ This is not the first time Alex has whisked an unknown man into an unknown location but different context. It’s not till they’re on the train that she starts to wonder what the hell she was doing, because…she didn’t exactly have a place in mind. She’s sitting stiffly next to him, stealing a glance every now and then. Was he…really not going to questions anything? What if she was a psycho that was about to murder him and dump his body? ]

It’s…a bit late, but I’m Alex.

[ Definitely less suspicious now. ]

[ Laurent can think of worse things in life than being carelessly lead off the street by a beautiful woman. He sits back in his seat on the train, posture much more lax than Alex's, almost relieved at the company. Things feel more quiet and he's thankful. ]

I'm Laurent. It's a pleasure, Alex. Do you have anything in mind when we get to... where are we going, actually?

[ At least he was being such a good sport about it. ]

Actually…no.

[ She finally admits it with an embarrassed smile. ]

I was thinking we just jump off when we feel like it and see what we can do?

[ Laurent can't help but chuckle. She really just went for it, but she needed to escape. He gets that. He wouldn't have come along if he didn't. ]

Sounds good to me. We'll just gamble and see what we get when we step out the door.

[ Her fist gently smacks against her open palm when she has a lightbulb moment. ]

How about this. We flip a coin at every stop to see whether we get out there or not. What do you think?

[ Laurent grins and nods immediately in approval. ]

That sounds like a fantastic idea. We can truly leave it up to fate... maybe we'll have better luck than we have had so far this week, hm?

[ Lucky was definitely not something Alex could call herself very often, but he had her thinking it might be possible this time.

As the first stop approaches, she turns very seriously towards him, holding a coin between her fingers. ]

Head or tail?

[ Laurent watches the first stop approach, curiosity spiked, before looking at her when she leaves the decision in his hands. ]

Heads.

INBOX

Forwarded dated to 8/13

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im sorry this is so late...

No worries!!

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