A Drink

[~Captain Flint~]

Rube blinked fearfully and returned downstairs to answer Livi's scream, hoping the man was mistaken but knowing he was not. She picked up Livi. It's okay, darling, monster's gone. she cooed, For now she thought, morose.

Get away. Addy said, looking up at him and narrowing her eyes, the dark blue appearing to be an emotionless black. The girl wiped her eyes on her sleeve, sniffling loudly as she tried to get herself under control. She had known him since she was but a city child, and her whole world had crashed down around her. She stood up, pivoting towards her house. She wondered if he would follow. Addy pretended she didn't care. If I don't let him in, he'll find a way if he wants to anyway, she thought bitterly. She unlocked her front door, slamming the screen shut but leaving the door open. Cats mewed in surprise, and Shep ran and nearly tackled her, licking her hands with determination, and sniffing her to see what was wrong. She smiled in spite of herself, bending down to his level. It's alright, little man. she told him. I've just found out my oldest friend is a dirty thief, that's all. I was probably raised on the gems of random noblemen, and the gold pieces of little old beggar ladies. she said, loud enough for Tom to hear, undoubtedly.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Olivia clung onto her mother, sniffing slightly as the tears stopped. She cuddeled into her shoulder and feel into a peaceful sleep, suddenly drifting into a dream world of her own.

Tom followed Addy, trying to catch up to her hastened steps. Addy, please wait... She suddenly turned into a house and closed the screen door on him. Placing his hands on either side of the door, he leant his forehead against it, eyes closed, when he heard Addy speaking to Shep. I've just found out my oldest friend is a dirty thief... he felt as though his heart was going to be physically ripped from his chest with her words. Addy please, listen to me... His voice weakened. You weren't raised on stolen goods, I'm not a theif...this was...If I didn't do as they'd told me... He turned and sunk down on the step, his back resting against the screen. I won't barge my way in there, Addy. You know I won't. But, please, I want to explain. His head feel between his knees, I wish I didn't have to... He suddenly looked up as he saw a shape move across the rooftop. He gazed up at the figure, the figure that was looking around for something...or someone. Tom was well-hidden in the shadows from neighbouring houses but he didn't want to test his chances. Addy, he hissed out to her, Addy, please you have to let me in before...

[~Captain Flint~]

Shep suddenly growled a low growl, moving away from Addy, towards the door. Addy had been pretending not to listen, but had heard every word Tom said clearly. Shep had never growled at Tom before; something was wrong now. Come in, Tom. Come in now. she murmured, for his hearing alone. She stood up, ready to close the door behind him. Is someone after you? she wanted to ask him. But it would all be explained when he got inside.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom scrambled into the house as Addy let him in. He immediately moved to a window and peered out carefully. The figure had begun to move away, it seemed that he had not been spotted. They are everywhere, he said softly. He then turned to face Addy and his face fell and he hung his head. Addy I... He turned away again, unable to face her. I know what it looked like but t isn't like that...'m not a theif...[/colour]

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy bolted the door behind him. Her eyes narrowed with mistrust. Then what is it, Tom? she asked, gesturing to the couch. I've got all night. Explain it. You could have gotten money another way. Gotten a respectable job. she said, turning away, getting food out from her fridge to hide her tears. You could have asked me... she murmured, a tear falling down her face and sitting on her chin, as though frozen in time. She wiped it away and finished making two sandwiches, and put them on two plates. She thrust one towards him. Here. she said coolly, still not done being mad, or disappointed, or whatever emotion she felt swelling beneath her chest.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom sat down heavily on the couch. I had a job, and it was fine, until the factory burnt down. At first, I thought it was an accident, until I saw four words scorched on the wood of the orphanage door. 'Tom Button, Luke Swordsmith.' That's why I replaced the door a while ago. About a month ago these, men approached me. They seemed friendly at first, until they knocked me out and dragged me into an alley. They started asking me about Luke and the orphanage. I was scared and they threatened to burn down the orphanage if I didn't do some jobs for them. They give me money to keep the orphanage going. I couldn't refuse, if they it down, those kids would be back on the streets. He sighed and pleaced his head in his hands, sobs leaked forth.

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy sighed, her morals swooping around in her head. Where was right and wrong in a situation like this? She didn't know. What she did know was that Tom was in trouble, and that she would do her best to help him. She set her plate down and scooted towards him, putting her arm around his shoulder and kissing his cheek without a second thought. It'll be alright. she said, alarmed to see him cry, but doing her best to stay strong for him.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom turned his face to Addy, merely inches away. The lines of wet from the tears still visible along his cheeks. I don't know if it will Addy, I don't even know what it is that they want ultimately, but they know Luke. Something bad is going to happen....something bad is happnening...and I have no control over it... His voice cracked as he realized that he could lose everything...the orphanage....the kids....Addy...

[~Captain Flint~]

She sighed, moving away from him. She picked up her sandwich, taking a bite and pondering. We'll find a way to fix it. I'll do anything in my power to help you and the kids, Tom. she said, meeting his eyes with a determined expression. Worry about it in the morning. You're staying here tonight. I won't worry about you out on the streets. This house has three bedrooms, and I've got room to spare. You can sleep in my room, and I'll take the couch. Okay? she asked him, nearly pleading. She couldn't force him, of course, but she hoped he'd listen. The cat, who turned out to be Remy, batted Tom's nose with his paw, purring.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom bit his lower lip. I don't know Addy, it might be safer if I go. If they come looking for me when I don't turn up they could... He started to stand. Besides it would be unfair for me to kick you out of your own bed just because I'm having a few...problems.[/b]

((OOC: sorry no muse))

[~Captain Flint~]

Safer for you, or for me? she asked him, honestly not sure. If it were better for him to leave for his own sake, then he should go. But Addy wasn't worried about herself; she had Shep, and he was the best guardian a girl could ask for. No one saw you enter, or we'd know by now. You can leave early tomorrow morning if you want. she said, shrugging, not knowing what would be best. You should take the bed, Tom. The cats will bother you out here, and you're my guest. Please stay. she said, picking up a cat at random and holding it to his face.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom couldn't supress a smile at the indignant look that the cat gave to him. He gently took the cat from Addy's hands and placed it on the floor. Addy, I'm serious. I... He paused and wiped a hand over his face, Maybe I should explain. In truth he had needed someone to talk to about this mess for a while but he hadn't wanted to burden anyone with his problems. Now though, it was becoming too much for him to handle, so much that earlier in the week he had considered swimming out to sea to drown.

Tom took Addy's hands in his, I will stay but know this, if anything should happen I wll do my utmost to protect you. He waited silentely, athering his thoughts.

((OOC: ARGH pent up muse!!!!))

[~Captain Flint~]

I trust you. Addy replied, gazing into his eyes. She realized how odd that might sound considering the situation. She nearly laughed at the thought. Addy looked at their entwined hands, biting her lip with vigor. It hurt her to be attracted to someone who must see himself as a father figure. It made her feel ashamed. She owed so much to Tom, and she wanted more nonetheless. Addy had only realized her true feelings once she had seen Tom at his worst. She found that ironic.

Mentally scolding herself, she pushed her thoughts away and focused her whole attention on the man before her. She slipped her hands from his- instantly regretting the cool air that met her fingers in his absence- and took off her shoes, wiggling her toes for a moment. She put her shoes beneath the small table on which their sandwiches sat, then turned to Tom. She then ran her fingers through her hair, and sat down facing Tom, fully comfortable and ready to listen. You can explain if you want to. she said, careful to leave him the option of keeping the story to himself.

[Captain Leon Dagger]

Tom shifted uncomfortably, her simple request allowing him to keep his story made him desperate to speak of it all the more, maybe, just maybe she could help. He sighed and began.

About a year ago these men came to the orphanage, I never told the Matron. They mentioned something about Luke, I don't remember their exact words but it was something about his parents and some kind of inheritance. Anyway, I explained that Luke was grown-up and off at sea somewhere but they wouldn't have it, they said something about a promise and that they needed the child. I kept trying to explain, and eventually it came out that he had changed his name to Leon Dagger. Immediately, two of the three men ran off whilst the third said, very politely, "Thank you and goodnight," Tom gave a short laugh, I didn't realise what he meant until I felt his fist connect with my jaw. Tom rubbed his jaw absentely.

A few days later the men came back, they couldn't find any trace of Luke. No-one had seen Luke/Leon for years. Anyway, the only way that I could stop them from burning down the orphange in revenge was to pay them off. I used what little money the orphange had but it wasn't even half. Tom took a deep breath, The only way for me to pay them back was by doing...things...for them. Tears pricked at his eyes as his throat constricted.

[~Captain Flint~]

Addy blinked, fully assessing the situation Tom had found himself in. If you were to pay the sum of money back to them... Would they leave you alone? she asked him. Would they let you stop working for them? Money wasn’t too hard to come by, but a lot of money would take time.... So they have something against Leon, or they want the money he inheirted... It must be a lot of money, if that’s the reason... she thought absently, wondering what she could do. Do you think that they’re against Le-Luke, or that they just want the money? she said, voicing her thoughts aloud.