It's the big things. (Malikhi) on Quidditch Pitch

Evelyn Stones, Pecari

August 30, 2018 10:44 PM

It's the big things. (Malikhi) by Evelyn Stones, Pecari

Established in Self-Realization, one is not moved even by the greatest calamity.

It had been a long summer, awaiting the start of what had, at the time, felt like certain doom. Reading an English translation of the Bhagavad Gita had started as just a distraction, but quickly turned into an act of meditation. Evelyn had been hesitant to bring many of her books from home, mostly because they were actually her father's books. She had also been pretty confident that she would acquire a new slew of books while at Sonora, but her luck had been pretty minimal in that regard so far. Still, the library was certainly incredible and she'd checked out a book on the symbolism of the sky in ancient texts for some reading this evening.

Instead, she found herself laying on her back, in the grass, in the middle of the Quidditch field. The sky was an array of light blues and violets, peeking from beneath orange clouds that betrayed the Arizona sunset despite the charms on the school's own grounds. It was the sort of place that made Evelyn want to close her eyes and just breathe but the sort of sight that made her never dare close her eyes for fear of missing even one moment of the beauty above her.

The stadiums kept the wind still at ground level and Evelyn's humming was the only sound around her for what seemed like a long time. She couldn't remember the name of the song, but she was pretty sure her mom had sung it to her growing up.

"Let those eyes sparkle and shine," Evelyn sang quietly to herself, trying to pretend she didn't miss her mom at all. "Never a tear, baby of mine...." Her voice trailed off and she peered up at the sky for a few more heartbeats before noticing the sound of approaching footsteps.

Evelyn turned her eyes to see who was there, deciding that she probably looked like a mess. She'd decided to come out to the field only after removing her makeup and washing her hair, so she hadn't had a chance to fix herself up before coming outside. Dinner had long since been over and she hadn't anticipated running into anyone but a few stragglers on her way out or some housemates on her way back inside. Her hair had dried and was tumbling around her like a literal brainstorm might look -- she'd always enjoyed the imagery of that particular compound word -- and her face was barren of her usual brightly colored lipsticks.

"Malikhi," Evelyn breathed as she smiled. She watched him approach and let out tension she hadn't meant to be holding when she saw him smiling back at her. "Come down here with me. If you put your head here," she said, pointing near her own. "Then we can whisper and the stars won't hear us."

(OOC: Bhagavad Gita quote from https://www.successories.com/iquote/author/3059/bhagavad-gita-quotes/1 and the lyrics are from "Baby Mine" in Dumbo. It's the song Dumbo's mom sings to him before she's taken away.)

22 Evelyn Stones, Pecari It's the big things. (Malikhi) 1422 Evelyn Stones, Pecari 1 5

Malikhi Hill, Pecari

August 30, 2018 11:23 PM

I'm just a mess by Malikhi Hill, Pecari

Malikhi was not having a good day. He actually hadn't had many since meeting bloody Ness McLeod. The girl had made him so angry and then upset and now, he just felt wrong. He wasn't sure whether she was truly annoying with her know-it-all facts or whether it was him who was annoying, with his stupid jokes and his raucous laughter and he probably wasn't serious enough when he needed to be.

It was these thoughts swirling around in his head that he wandered out of the academy building after dinner, wanting to get some fresh air and clear his head. He found that, when feeling like this, he really missed his Mum. She always knew what to say and what to do, whether that was giving him one of her wonderfully warm hugs while rubbing his back or ritually coming into his room every night to check on him before he went to sleep. She didn't think he was stupid or that he laughed too much. She'd always said that she liked his jokes and his cheeky personality and Malikhi had always liked making his mother laugh. He sniffed, trying to hold back tears. He really wished he was back at home.

He found himself walking out onto the Quidditch Pitch and was about to head up into the stands to take a seat when a head of unmistakeable white hair caught his eye. Evelyn. Linney.

He nearly would've walked away as it usually seemed that he never found her on her own anymore, Ness often in her company. However, today, he saw no sign of the Aladren and, after a moment's hesitation, he started to amble on over. He took a deep breath, trying to reign his feelings back into control. He didn't want to worry Evelyn at all. After all, he was probably just being stupid. Simple, stupid Malikhi.

He plastered a smile onto his face as he approached and his first thought was that she actually looked a little odd. He wasn't sure for a moment what it was. Then, she smiled at him and his eyes flickered down to her lips and it was then that it clicked. There was a total absence of some bright colour and, after always seeing her with all her brightness, she looked rather weird. It wasn't in a bad way, though. He still thought she looked pretty. Very pretty.

Stop it, Malikhi.

Then, she was pointing to the free space next to her and he obediently lay down, his head turned to the side to look at her.

"What's up?"

Malikhi could've hit himself. That was so lame.

20 Malikhi Hill, Pecari I'm just a mess 1423 Malikhi Hill, Pecari 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 30, 2018 11:53 PM

You're my mess. by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn had searched his face for any betrayal of emotion at seeing her 'raw' face as she called it. She felt naked without lipstick and hoped he wouldn't be disgusted by seeing her so vulnerable. When he seemed surprised, but not much else, Evelyn accepted it and relaxed. He lay beside her and she felt a wash of tension that seemed to be emanating from a pit in his stomach. She could feel it as sure as she could feel her own tension reacting to the expression on his face.

"Well," she said, hoping she could take advantage of his question by making him laugh. "It depends a bit. The sky is up in the conventional sense, but if we're laying down does that mean...." She grunted a bit as she tipped her head back, resting the crown of it against the grass and eyeing the stands to see if there were any discernible features above her head that direction. "No, there's not much up that way."

She smirked at him and hoped he wouldn't take it poorly. Things had been awkward recently, she thought. There had been time to hang out in the Common Room or at meals but Ness was usually around if they weren't in Pecari together and by the time they made it back there, Evelyn was usually ready for bed. She wondered if vulnerability would help her dear friend relax, but was also afraid he'd be angry with her the way her father got angry for her flaws and weaknesses. She supposed that was the difference, though.

With her father, it was her flaws and weaknesses.

With Kai, it was her vulnerability.

That didn't make it much easier, but at least she could trust that Malikhi Hill was not going to respond like her father. Her chest ached when she realized she still hadn't talked to Malikhi about this particular life problem. She wondered at whether this would be the moment to do so and quickly brushed the idea aside. She still hadn't written to her parents yet and with a beautiful night like this to enjoy, it seemed selfish to sour it. Particularly when Malikhi seemed to be carrying his own weight around tonight.

"What about you?" she asked, looping her arm through his as best as she could with the grass pressing into them from below. "I've missed getting to talk with you--" and I know you're not okay because I can see it and please talk to me and I don't know what to do to help you but I really care please talk to me "-- and just...hang out."

Her words certainly didn't demonstrate the depth of her feeling but she hoped her tone did. The night felt very quiet again as she waited for Malikhi to speak, and she thought for a moment that it was just the two of them in the whole universe. The sky, the grass, and two beating hearts to light the darkness.

22 Evelyn Stones You're my mess. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Malikhi Hill, Pecari

August 31, 2018 12:08 AM

I shouldn't be a mess though. by Malikhi Hill, Pecari

Malikhi let out a small laugh, though he was conscious not to make it too loud or powerful. Linney, his Linney, was so lovely and kind and gentle that there was no way that he wasn't able to smile around her, even if he didn't feel quite as joyful as his smile may appear to be. He hadn't really made any other friends at Sonora, only really kind of chatting with a few other of their peers in classes but no one he could hang out with outside of lessons. When Evelyn was busy with Ness, Malikhi was very much on his own.

He supposed that it was really his fault though. Maybe he should make more of an effort to be friends with other people than just Linney.

He realised that she was asking about him and he blinked in surprise. Was he being that obvious with his feelings or was Linney just insanely perceptive? Still, he didn't want to burden her with his silly troubles, especially given that she probably had bigger issues than he did. He was still concerned about the mention of her Dad at the Opening Feast but she hadn't brought it up and he hadn't wanted to either, wanting to try to avoid upsetting her.

"I'm fine," he told her, tearing his eyes away from her to look up at the sky. The truth was, he couldn't look at her because he was a terrible liar. "I've missed you too."

And he had. He'd missed her wild hair and her bright lipstick and her smile. Now that he was out here with her, he could pretend that for a while, there was no Ness McLeod. That she was just Linney and he was just Kai and there was nothing else that could interfere with that.

20 Malikhi Hill, Pecari I shouldn't be a mess though. 1423 Malikhi Hill, Pecari 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 31, 2018 12:39 AM

Everything in the world is a mess. I promise. by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn didn't turn her eyes to the sky when Malikhi did, instead nestling her cheek into the grass and examining him more openly.

"Careful," she teased. "That almost sounded like you meant it. You know you can talk to me, right?" she finished more softly.

She didn't want to push. Boundaries aren't always healthy but they always have a reason, and the last thing she wanted was to force her way through Malikhi's. She would wait with him all night (well, until 10:00pm at least) until he was comfortable lowering those boundaries.

He hadn't said anything about her looping her arm through his so she left it there, satisfied that he would have at least stiffened up if he didn't like it. She hoped it was comforting and remembered his attempts to comfort her by rubbing small circles on her back. Making a mental note to do the same when he sat up next, Evelyn's voice was hardly a whisper when she spoke.

Malikhi's eyes were dark, but still clearly brown. With the sky reflecting in them, they reminded Evelyn of the old sepia photos she'd seen in her mom's scrapbooks. His skin was smooth and his hair was a tousled mess, but it was perfect. Malikhi was always perfect, even when he looked so worn. Something in her chest, near her heart, hurt when she realized she couldn't remember his last smile or joke. Not a real hearty one at least.

Apologies came to mind first, then explanations. Excuses. Then the understanding that she had no idea what was wrong. With her best friend. How could she not know what was wrong?

"We should do this every week," she decided. "Rain or snow or whatever else weather they get here. We should come out here every week and talk about stuff. Life. Classes. Whatever."

Evelyn rolled over suddenly, propping herself up on her elbows and looking at Malikhi more directly. He seemed so innocent just laying on the grass like that and she smiled at him, cocking her head as if she'd just discovered something amazing. Which, of course, she had.

"My mom and I used to play a game called high and low, and we'd tell each other what our high was and the low was, or like good stuff and bad stuff." She considered this for a moment. "My high this week is right now," she smiled, and blushed and why was she blushing? "And I think my low was Charms. I'm bloody awful at it so far," she laughed. "What are yours?"

22 Evelyn Stones Everything in the world is a mess. I promise. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Malikhi Hill, Pecari

August 31, 2018 1:08 AM

I think I'm on the verge of a breakdown by Malikhi Hill, Pecari

Malikhi kept his eyes fixed on the open sky, wishing very much that he could be a bird and just be able to fly away. He thought that it was perhaps rather cowardly to think such a way, to want to run away from his problems. His father had said to him once that a real man didn't run from his problems but instead stayed and dealt with what came to pass, good, bad or otherwise. Malikhi could do with the advice of his father. He wished that both of his parents were here.

"I really did miss you, Linney," he told Evelyn again, more emotion in his voice this time. He needed her to understand how much she meant to him.

He didn't say anything in reply to her suggestion that they do this every week, regardless of the weather. He didn't want her making promises that she may not be able to keep. She wasn't just friends with him. There was Ness to think about and he had a feeling that if it came down to a choice, he wouldn't be the one chosen. The feeling was a crushing one on his chest.

He gave her a weak smile when she started talking about the high-and-low game that she and her mother used to play. It became somewhat more real and genuine when she said that her highest moment was with him in this very moment. He was, however, momentarily confused when he saw her blushing. Why was she blushing? He had to admit that she looked lovely with her cheeks all pink. They rather reminded him of the pink of the petals on a cherry blossom tree he'd seen once.

"My high is, obviously, right now," he told her and impulsively reached out to take her hand. He didn't know why, it just felt like the right thing to do. "My low... I think was Transfiguration."

He offered no more explanation on it though in his head, he knew it to be true. Transfiguration class was where everything seemed to have gone wrong, with Ness being a know-it-all and snapping at him and him being generally useless with helping Evelyn feel better. He squeezed her hand gently, needing comfort. Then, to try and lighten the mood, he tried a small joke.

"I think my other low is when I ran out of chocolate covered strawberries at dinner."

20 Malikhi Hill, Pecari I think I'm on the verge of a breakdown 1423 Malikhi Hill, Pecari 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 31, 2018 1:38 AM

I think I might throw up at the same time. by Evelyn Stones

Whatever Evelyn had eaten that day, she was pretty sure it wouldn't taste good coming up. She felt rotten to her core that Malikhi's low had been their first class together, but at the same time, she couldn't blame him. It had been a low for her, too. And then he was holding her hand and she was pretty sure she was the worst friend ever.

She tried not to look at their joined hands, although she had the urge to rest her forehead against Malikhi's fingers.

Everything that had ever made Evelyn question her worth sprung to the forefront of her mind, as if her brain was determined to sabotage any attempts at happiness. She swallowed her bile and tried not to move, wishing she could be this warm forever. Malikhi's hand felt like she had plucked a star from the heavens and was holding it. She supposed she was in a way.

Not expecting his second comment, Evelyn burst out laughing for a moment. It would be just like Malikhi to be so upset about chocolate covered strawberries at a magical table meant to fulfill their greatest dietary desires.

"You're always so funny," she said. "I wish I was as funny as you. You always find something worth laughing about and I really love that about you." She smiled at him and examined his expression for a moment.

Guilt pressed on her chest and she looked away. Her eyes were stinging as she rolled onto her back and moved their held hands to the space between them. It felt like a lot of space somehow, and the grass tickled her fingers.

She had the sudden urge to beg him to be her friend, terrified as she was that he would abandon her at some point. Or worse. What if she made him mad, too? She dismissed the idea just as quickly as it came to mind, but she knew it wouldn't stay gone. It seemed like it would be wonderful to just disappear.

Turning her head to look at Malikhi, she found that he was already looking at her, his expression unreadable. Maybe it wasn't an unreadable expression exactly, just that she was in no mind to read it.

If you knew everything about me, would you still want to be my friend?

She pushed the thought away and smiled, trying to find the happy place she'd been in before guilt attacked.

"You smell like oranges and warm blankets," Evelyn whispered with a smile. Color rose in her cheeks again but she held her ground, decidedly not allowing awkwardness to get in the way of affection. She didn't have much affection anywhere else and she wasn't going to give up the opportunity to have it with Malikhi. "It's nice."

22 Evelyn Stones I think I might throw up at the same time. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Malikhi Hill, Pecari

August 31, 2018 2:12 AM

Please don't. That's gross. by Malikhi Hill, Pecari

Malikhi was feeling better and better the longer he was spending with Evelyn. He'd missed it being just the two of them and she had this ability to make him feel better, regardless of what was worrying him. Her hand was warm in his own, her laugh was a wonderful sound, her green eyes were lovely. Then, he seemed to have said something wrong as she rolled away from him and the sadness was back, an unwanted return visitor. It wasn't an enjoyable feeling and he shouldn't be feeling it when Evelyn was around. She made him happy and he wanted to make her laugh. This meant that only good things should be felt.

He didn't like it when there was a distance between them. It didn't feel right and he wanted to do something about it. Then, she mentioned him smelling like oranges and warm blankets and that it was nice and an instinct took over him and he let go of her fingers as he rolled onto his side, closing the newly made space between them. He curled an arm across her, pulling her closer and his face was so close to hers, his mouth close to her ear. He hoped desperately that she wouldn't pull away from him.

"No matter what happens," he began, his voice no loudeer than a whisper. It didn't need to be. "I will always be there for you, Linney."

20 Malikhi Hill, Pecari Please don't. That's gross. 1423 Malikhi Hill, Pecari 0 5

Evelyn Stones

August 31, 2018 4:07 PM

Well... you're not wrong. by Evelyn Stones

At some point in some book, Evelyn had read that drunk people often survive incidents that sober people couldn't simply because their response time is limited and they don't stiffen up in dangerous situations. She'd been reading about the effects of alcohol on the human body and most of it went over her head, but that part had stuck with her. Ever since then, she'd practiced it herself. If she could learn to relax when she was afraid, then maybe the scary things in life wouldn't hurt so much.

So when Malikhi put an arm over her and she found herself instinctively relaxing. The instant fear reaction made her stomach clench and her eyes widen. Then she noticed that Malikhi's hair was tickling her cheek and he really was very close. His arm was warm and soft and kind. His breath seemed very present, as if all the night air had warmed and softened and it all poured from Malikhi's lungs.

She thought of her mother and the way she would rest a cheek against Evelyn's hair when they cuddled. Then she thought of how disappointed her mother would probably be to find her daughter cuddling with a boy. Then she wondered what cuddling really meant and decided she'd cuddled with Ness so she'd cuddled lots of different people.

Then she relaxed and knew for sure it wasn't fear. Probably. She wasn't going to let it be fear, though.

No matter what happens.

The words hurt. What about what had already happened? What about all the things she hadn't told him about? What was there really left to tell?

"Thanks, Kai," she murmured, putting her opposite arm on top of his across her stomach. "You're a great friend."

It was true. It was just a shame that she wasn't.

22 Evelyn Stones Well... you're not wrong. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Malikhi Hill, Pecari

August 31, 2018 5:32 PM

I'm never wrong! by Malikhi Hill, Pecari

Malikhi found that he could lie cuddling Evelyn for hours. All the tension he'd been feeling in his entire body seemed to be slowly melting away. She smelled like flowers and it was sweet and familiar and comforting. Her arm was resting gently on top of his and he moved his hand to gently take a hold of it, squeezing it gently. He didn't want to move, content to just close his eyes and lie there, cuddling his Linney.

"My Mum used to read me a story," he began quietly. "It was about a princess trapped in a tower by a horrible witch. I don't remember all the details exactly but I do remember that she was rescued by a prince in the end."

He shifted a bit but didn't move away from Evelyn, falling still again. "I'm no prince and I know I'm kind of stupid but if you ever need rescuing, from anything, I'll do everything I can to save you."

There was an implication lying in his words, about her father. He didn't want to say the words out loud. He didn't want to ruin the time they were sharing together. He did, however, neeeded her to know. He didn't know what exactly he'd be able to do. He didn't know many spells and he wasn't as smart as Ness. Really, all he was good at was cracking jokes.

And flying a broom.

He smiled lightly. Maybe that's what he could do if she was ever in trouble - just fly in and save her on a broom, taking her away from whatever situation she was in. Yeah, that's what he'd do.

20 Malikhi Hill, Pecari I'm never wrong! 1423 Malikhi Hill, Pecari 0 5

Evelyn Stones

September 01, 2018 4:49 AM

Ehhhhh by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn was glad she wasn't looking directly at Malikhi. Her mom had told her a similar story growing up, except in those versions, the princess always learned to sPerhaps it was harsh to compare her father to a dragon, but it felt like it sometimes and it fit the fairytale narrative.

There was something else though that Malikhi had said that made her react before she really had time to consider it.

"You're not stupid," she said firmly. The word made her ears ring. Two little syllables with so much power and so much force and she hated it. It was a terrible word. "You're not stupid."

What would Malikhi think if she told him she was going to stay with Ness over Christmas? That she was letting someone else save her? Or that she was saving herself? Did she owe him an explanation either way?

"Kai, I can't stay at home," she said quietly, stiffening enough that it was clear she didn't want to look him in the face right now. "It's not... it isn't a good place right now but we aren't sure what I'm going to do. I won't be at home over Christmas break because..." Because what? "I don't want to be trapped in a tower. Does that make sense?"

22 Evelyn Stones Ehhhhh 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Malikhi Hill, Pecari

September 02, 2018 2:41 PM

What d'ya mean 'ehhhhh'? by Malikhi Hill, Pecari

Malikhi's chest swelled with warmth when Evelyn told him that he wasn't stupid. She'd said with such force that he had to believe that it was true - though he did know that there was no way he'd be able to measure up to Ness when it came down to intelligence. The girl was so far ahead of him when it came to knowledge that he doubted that he'd ever be able to catch up even if he studied every single day for the rest of his life, if only because it wasn't in his nature. He found studying terribly boring.

Suddenly, he felt Evelyn stiffen and said something about her not being able to stay at her home. He slid his arm from around her and sat up, his features drawing together in a frown that he'd been wearing more often over the past week or so, since that awful Transfiguration lesson. It didn't suit him, really, darkening his features.

What she was saying didn't really make sense to Malikhi. She was speaking in metaphors and it was somewhat hard to follow but his gut told him that she was talking about her father and the danger that he evidently posed. He was glad that she was realising this and was doing something about it but he got stuck on a word throughout the whole thing. She'd said 'we' and Malikhi knew that she didn't mean him and her. A feeling in his gut told him that she more than likely meant Ness which caused a pang of hurt through his chest. She'd been discussing something so awful and clearly life-impacting with Ness and hadn't included him. Did she not trust him? He thought about the Transfiguration lesson and the way he'd laughed at her when she'd accidentally caused their surroundings to flood. Maybe she didn't trust him to take it seriously?

"It's good that you've realised that," he said quietly, pulling his knees to his chest. "You need to be where you're safe and I was worried about you."

He turned his head away as his eyes started to sting with tears, unable to help it. He'd thought that she trusted him. Sure, he probably wouldn't know what to do himself but he could've written a letter to his Mum or his Dad, asking for help or advice on what to do. Now, he just felt useless.

20 Malikhi Hill, Pecari What d'ya mean 'ehhhhh'? 1423 Malikhi Hill, Pecari 0 5

Evelyn Stones

September 02, 2018 4:21 PM

Just exactly that. by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn was surprised by the rush of emotions that went through her in rapid succession. She was pretty sure she hated being twelve then.

At first, she was mad. Why was Malikhi making this about him? What right did he have to be upset when it was her life that was falling apart?

Then she felt guilty as she realized that she didn't actually know what Malikhi was feeling. What sort of friend had she been if she didn't even know why Malikhi was responding this way?

Sadness and pain were next as the weight of the situation crashed over her, and then, finally, desperation. She needed Malikhi to understand.

Evelyn felt worn as she pushed herself to a sitting position on her knees and put a hand on Malikhi's shoulder, encouraging him to face her. She hated to see him looking so sad and hated the angry streak in her stomach. It was no longer directed at him, though, but at the whole situation, and especially at her father for causing it all.

She could feel words in her throat, begging to come out, but she wasn't sure what shape to give them.

"Kai," she started, speaking quietly. "Did you know you're the first...." Evelyn swallowed hard, surprised as tears came to her eyes, too. They burned, sour and hot on her face. "You're the first...guy person that I've ever cared about that hasn't hurt me yet? But that's the thing isn't it? I'm just so caught on that 'yet'... I don't know what's going to happen and I was scared."

She looked up again as Malikhi looked at her, concern etched on his face. His eyes were so dark and there was something else there... surprise? pain? She wasn't sure.

"You're the most perfect thing in my life. Ness has seen so much... stuff... with the McLeod Foundation. Ness gets it. But you're all... kind and so sweet and I just... I couldn't... I can't be like that. I feel like I'm just going to ruin everything." Her words were slurred as her mouth became sticky with tears and she buried her face in her hands to hide a blush.

"I'm so sorry, this is so stupid."

22 Evelyn Stones Just exactly that. 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Malikhi Hill, Pecari

September 02, 2018 4:51 PM

You don't make any sense. by Malikhi Hill, Pecari

Malikhi was surprised when he felt Evelyn's hand on his shoulder and uncurled himself and looked at her, searching her face. His feelings of being left out melted away when he saw her crying, reminding him strongly of when they first met at the Opening Feast, when she'd just been sorted into Pecari. She'd been crying then too and he'd done everything to try and make her stop. This seemed different now, though. This wasn't about getting sorted into a different house than expected. This was about something deeper, darker and far more serious. This wouldn't be solved by laughter.

When she was talking, the tears were rolling and Malikhi couldn't help himself. He pulled sleeve of his robe down over and around his hand and started to gently wipe them away as she was talking.

"You can talk to me... about anything, Linney," he told her, his voice calm and reassuring and warm. "Good, bad or otherwise. I don't promise to have all the answers but nothing you could do or say would ruin anything between us. You're my best friend, my Linney and that means a lot to me. I want you to be safe, whatever it takes."

He realised that he'd been being selfish, thinking only of himself and his gut wrenched with guilt. How could he have been so self-centered when Evelyn was so clearly struggling with the things going on in her life. He felt horrible but he squashed it, the welfare of Linney currently being more important.

He'd pulled away from drying her tears when she'd told him that he was perfect and sweet and kind. He couldn't help but smile slightly. Didn't she realise that he thought the same way about her?

"It's not stupid," he told her gently, feeling very much like they'd just reversed roles. Only moments before, he'd been saying that he was stupid. "And you have no need to be sorry."

She looked up at him and he smiled. His eyes met hers and he tried to convey how sincere he was. He'd truly meant every word.

OOC note - any God-modding over last two posts has all been approved by both authors.

20 Malikhi Hill, Pecari You don't make any sense. 1423 Malikhi Hill, Pecari 0 5

Evelyn Stones

September 02, 2018 8:03 PM

Rude! by Evelyn Stones

Evelyn managed a smile and a chuckle, grateful that Malikhi's sleeve had saved her the trouble of wiping her tear-covered face on her wrist.

"Thank you," she whispered. "I'm glad I know I can talk to you."

Evelyn wanted to ask whether he would be okay with the fact that she wouldn't always. It was hard enough trying to talk about this stuff once, let alone multiple times, and she was sure that having any of these conversations with both Malikhi and Ness present, let alone Professor Carter or anybody else, would not be the way to handle it.

Tonight, however, had had enough drama and hard conversations, and Evelyn was sick of those more than anything. It felt good to be able to cry, but Evelyn loved Malikhi for his ability to make her laugh. Separating herself from him and laying back down in the grass, she looked up at him with a playful expression and wide eyes.

Malikhi was only a few months younger than Evelyn, but he seemed much younger in so many ways. He was innocent and inexperienced and so kind. Evelyn wondered if it was his naivety that so endeared him to her. With Malikhi, she almost thought she could be that way, too.

"Tell me a happy story," Evelyn said. "Not one with a happy ending, but one that's actually just a happy story." She patted the grass beside her and smiled at Malikhi, offering the space beside her, her honesty, and, if she was really lucky, her friendship.

22 Evelyn Stones Rude! 1422 Evelyn Stones 0 5

Malikhi Hill, Pecari

September 02, 2018 8:31 PM

But true... by Malikhi Hill, Pecari

Malikhi shifted so that he was sitting next to Evelyn again and pulled his knees up to his chest and rested his chin on them, his arms wrapped around himself. He thought for a short while about what to share with Evelyn. She wanted a happy story but not one that had a happy ending, which confused him. He wasn't sure how the two couldn't go hand-in-hand and wasn't sure, for a while, if he knew anything like that. He was about to apologise to her, when something occurred to him.

"Well..." he began slowly. "I remember something my Mum told me, not long before we moved here to America."

He paused for a moment, trying to get his thoughts straight in his head so that he could share his story correctly.

"An old man was walking along a beach when he came across a young boy throwing something into the sea. He didn't know what he was throwing until he got closer and he found that he was chucking washed up starfish. 'What are you doing, young man?' the old guy asks and the boy replies, 'if the starfish are still on the beach when the sun rises, they will die'. The old man calls him stupid and says that what he's doing is ridiculous as there are miles and miles of beach and millions of starfish. He says that what he's doing won't even make a difference. The boy disagrees and throws another starfish into the water, saying 'it'll make a difference to that one'. Then, he throws another. 'And that one'. As the old man said, he wasn't able to throw all the starfish back into the sea but the ones that he did had their lives changed from a horrible death."

He fell quiet again, pensive. His eyes were looking out across the pitch, taking in the stands and the green of the grass and the hoops at either end.

"I didn't want to move to America or come to Sonora," he said finally, sighing. "I was worried that I wouldn't make any friends or I'd suck at my classes and I'd just be 'the weird kid from England', you know? My Mum told me that story and said that no matter how big a challenge is, I should always take a stab at it. Even if I don't totally overcome it, at least I'll have tried."

20 Malikhi Hill, Pecari But true... 1423 Malikhi Hill, Pecari 0 5