[h2][color=d86c00]Nina Jelen[/color] and [color=003471]Everett Wilcox[/color][/h2] [img]https://49.media.tumblr.com/91c5dc97cab62e25bd723c159faa75e2/tumblr_nnsfwn2jDp1qgn6muo1_500.gif[/img] Location: Wilcox Lands Interacting with: Everett [@AcerRo] Time: 10AM~ 1PM [hr][hr] After realizing that Everett would be a while, Nina decided to clean up a bit. That was part of the reason she was there, she figured, to help out. She started with the campsite, picking up any trash that was there, and putting it in a pile on the porch of the cabin. She figured that once she was done with the campsite, she’d turn her attention to the cabin itself. After about an hour or so of picking up the campsite, she figured it was as good as it was going to get. She picked up the dutch oven that was by the fireplace and took it inside the cabin, hoping that there would be a way to clean the cooking wear inside. Inside the cabin was impressive. There was a small kitchen like thing, as well as a bathroom. With running hot and cold water. Jackpot. She went over to the sink and started cleaning up the dutch oven, and realized there were several other dirty plates as well. She got to work on them, humming all the while. When the dishes were set out to dry, she turned her attention to picking up around the cabin itself. Armed with a trash bag she had found under the sink, she started picking up trash, starting with the stuff she had left on the porch. She continued to hum to herself as she cleaned, however her mind did wander at times, thinking of Everett. [color=d86c00][i]”So… what does it mean? I mean that kiss? And the fact that I kissed him back? Does that mean that we’re… No don’t jump to conclusions Nina. Wait… talk it over with him.”[/i][/color] [center] [i] [color=003471] I'm alright Nobody worried about me Why you gotta give me a fight Can't you just let me be. [/color][/i][/center] Everett sang as he rode into the campsite. The last bit of his cigarette on his lips. He rode right up the fire and tossed the butt in. He was shocked at how good the campsite looked. It wasn't neglected by any means, but no one ever had the time to keep them up the way they should. [color=003471]“Well I'll be damned, girl works I'll say that much for her.“[/color] His ears heard exactly what they wanted to hear. Snarls and growls coming from the cabin. The loud and vicious sound of an angry wolf defending what was his by force if need be. It was easy for Everett to forget just how threatening Dags was. He was used to it. He knew the rules of Dagnasty. So he smiled at the sound and sight of his angry wolf. The moment Dags laid eyes on his the anger was replaced by a wagging tale. [color=003471]“Wanna eat Dags?”[/color] He shouted as Dags chased after the elk meat. Everett reached in a game bag and pulled out the bruised rib meat. Hold the lot of it in his hand. Everett gave Dags a few commands. Dags it was Dags favorite game. Dags didn't play fetch or a lot of other things dogs did. Dags wanted to hunt, protect and be respected and keep Everett and Aunt Lou happy. Everett loved Dags to the moon and back for that. Everett cut off two pounds of meat and tossed it on the porch. [color=003471]“Go on and eat now. “[/color] Everett said smiling at his companion. Nina heard Dags snarls and growls turn to happy sounds and heard Everett return. She smiled and walked out of the cabin and then frowned, mostly from the smell. [color=d86c00]”I see you found an elk while you were gone.”[/color] She tried not to show her disgust, but was failing as she looked him over. The smell alone was enough to probably make her vomit. [color=d86c00]”Hope you don’t mind that I picked up around here a bit.”[/color] Everett laughed at Nina grimace. [color=003471]“That bad huh? You get used to it. Being caked in blood bothers me more than smell.”[/color] Everett said as he took his boots and socks. A soak in the sink would help both hugely. [color=003471]“I see you did a little more than clean up. Place looks great, hasn't look this good in a couple of years.”[/color] Everett rang the blood outta his socks. [color=003471]“Think you could grab me a bucket of water or three? Kinda need to clean off a little.”[/color] [color=d86c00]”I’ll say.”[/color] Nina headed back into the cabin and looked around for a moment and soon found a bucket. She filled it with warm water from the sink, and stuck a small hand towel in there as well. She walked back out and set the bucket in front of Everett. [color=d86c00]”Bucket number one. I’ll refill it as you need.”[/color] Everett stuffed the hand towel in back pocket and took a couple of deep breaths as he dumped the whole of the bucket slowly on his head. When the bucket was about half empty he thrusted his hips forward a little so the water could fall over him. When the water was gone he handed the bucket back to Nina. [color=003471]“Many thanks sweetie. “[/color] Using the hand towel he started wiping blood off of him. [color=003471]“Can I get another one? Oh there should be some small A Frame chairs in there. Can you bring two of them out?”[/color] The chairs he was talking about were made a few years back. A pet project by Everett and his father. They didn't sit off the ground but were more like backrests. They were handy to have and made with branches and vines they'd found in the woods. [color=d86c00]”Alright. I’ll be right back then.”[/color] Nina had been a little transfixed watching Everett pour the bucket of water over himself. There was no denying that Everett was attractive, and drenched in water just sealed that. She headed back into the cabin, trying to hide her blushing face. She found a few more hand towels, and the A frame chairs that Everett had asked her to bring. The looked very handmade. She smiled a bit as she ran a hand over them before heading back outside. [color=d86c00]”Here you go, more towels and chairs for you.”[/color] Everett took the chairs and moved them closer the fire. [color=003471]“Come on with me now.”[/color] He said as patted on of the chair and sat in the other. He did his best to get whatever blood was left on him and him and dry off. There wasn't a lot he could do about the wet pants, the smell of Blood was gonna linger from them but he was doing the best he could with what he had. As far as he could tell the stench was leaving as well. Though it wouldn't be wholly gone till he had a shower. When he was done with the last pass on his face with the towel. He stopped and watch the still burning fire. He was reminded for a moment, of all the times he was with parents at this same campfire. He didn't have the heart to tell Nina that she's the first person since his were killed to see this campsite. Nina sat down next to the fire in the chair and looked around the campsite. The smell of the woods triggered some good memories for her, since her father always smelled of the trees. However, as she leaned back in the chair she looked over at Everett and frowned. SHe was sure something was bothering him, but what? [color=d86c00]”Penny for your thoughts Everett?”[/color] She looked at him curiously, waiting for his answer. Everett never looked at her. He just sat fixed on the fire. [color=003471]“When first came here. I hated it, we had nothing back in Tennessee. I was only thirteen when I was dragged here. Couldn't find no sweet tea anywhere, people didn't say sir or ma’am, no one held the door open. I thought this place was hell I thought this place was hell incarnate.” His accent was coming out again. “This was the first place we ever made camp. Since that night, I've loved every second of time in these Hills… County sheriff came out and told me what happened, I just saddled up a horse, grabbed my rifle, and came here… I was out here… bout a week. When I went back to the house. I was expecting Aunt Lou to be pissed she just said hugged me told me she loved me and said, she said you're a man now boy. Hadn't had a day off since. “[/color] Everett said as calmly and collected as he would talk about the weather. [color=003471]“Dags! Get my bag boy. Come on get it.”[/color] When Dags brought his backpack over Everett made a few comments on how smart Dags was. Everett lit a cigarette, gave Dags some jerky and handed Nina a bottle of water. After a long drag of his cigarette he pulled out a bottle of water for himself and sat the bag in between Everett and Nina, while Dags took the real estate next to Everett. Nina listened silently as Everett talked and looked at him and sighed. She took a sip of water. [color=d86c00]”You never looked at Petyr and me with pity. ‘Oh look it's the twins whose mom died. Their dad works all the time and they look like they got their clothing out of a trash bin.’ I know everyone doesn’t think that, but… you honestly never gave us ‘the look.’ And then… everything changed. I… I wanna be there for you Everett, but… you gotta let me in. You gotta let someone else in, even if it isn’t me.”[/color] Nina took another long swig of water and leaned back in the chair, and looked into the fire. [color=003471]“I'd trade lives with you in heart beat. You got one above ground, more than I can say. At eighteen I got more more than most people for five counties around. I'd not think twice about going back to rags for one more day with my family. Hell I'd give all this up for a lunch picnic with them… Anyways it is what it is. We got to do something about that tree. Got an ideas?”[/color] Everett said taking another long drag. Nina reached over and put her hand on Everett’s cheek. [color=d86c00]”Ev… they’d want you to live. Not keep dwelling on the past. I know it’s hard, but… find something to live for, ok?”[/color] She pulled her hand back and blushed. [color=d86c00]”Sorry… uh… the tree. Well, it’s pretty much dead at this point, probably just chop it up for wood? It will burn good given the type of tree it is. There isn’t too much you can salvage otherwise.”[/color] [color=003471][i]“She means well.”[/i][/color] Everett kept telling himself over and over again. He did his best to not get angry at her. She's just trying to help. If there was one thing Everett hated it was someone feeling bad for him. Like that one scooter girl. Always looking at him with pity in her eyes. He pushed the thoughts from his mind and took another long drag.[color=003471] “I'm of a mind to see if our new found toys could make this go quick. Otherwise we gonna be at it all day.”[/color] [color=d86c00]”Just one thing before we start then. Why did you kiss me?”[/color] Nina turned to look at Everett. She wasn’t just going to sit on that forever and let it linger. [color=003471][i]“Careful Everett, this could be a trap.”[/i][/color] He thought to himself. Everett looked over and met her eyes. He was silent for a long moment. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know why he did it. He did it cause he wanted to, was that the right answer? Could you say that to a girl? [color=003471]“Well I… “[/color] Everett stammered out. [color=003471][i]“G-d fucking damn it dude, stop being such a chicken shit. Say something fuck nut. Go now say something. You kill bears and make shit explode with your hands. Don't let her shut you - oh fuck it.”[/i][/color] Everett thought to himself. Without another thought Everett leaned in and kissed her again. Longer than the other two previous combined. Slowly he pulled back and met her eyes. Softly he whispered in her ear. [color=003471]“I wanted to.”[/color] He quickly rolled to his other side got to his feet. Expressions of relief and fear all crossed his face. [color=003471][i]“Dear Sweet Baby Jesus. Please, help me, let this be over. I'll do shit for the needy. Please let this be over.“[/i][/color] His inner monologue droned on. [color=003471]“Well then, let's uh… Yeah… let's see if we can figure out these powers huh?”[/color] The normally calm and collected Everett said obviously shaken. Nina was a bit stunned. He wanted to? That just left her more confused, but she was also happy. Even if he tasted a bit like an ashtray, kissing him felt really really good. She stood up and walked over to Everett and looked up at him. [color=d86c00]“So… you wanted to huh? Well good. However, if you’re going to keep kissing me, its as my boyfriend… sound fair?”[/color] She blushed. [color=d86c00][i]”What was that? Where the hell did that come from? When did I start acting like this? Oh god what is happening…”[/i][/color] [color=003471]“Making demands is how you wanna start a relationship is it?”[/color]Everett said as held his hand up fixated on it. Slowly but surely light gathered and formed a rather odd shaped orb in his hand. Slowly and mind full of each and every step, he walked over to the tree and lowered his hand on top of it. With a deep breath he sat the orb down and walked away quickly. As soon as he stopped moving it exploded. [color=d86c00]”Not really… I mean I prefer if you’d ask me, but I mean… only if you want.”[/color] Nina sighed, mentally kicking herself, and walked over to the fire and stuck her hands in. She pulled her hands out, a small orb of fire in each of her palms now. She walked over to the tree, after it had exploded, and focused. She took a deep breath in and out, and started by transferring one of the orbs in her hand to the tree, and kept the flame small for the moment. He watched as she laid the orb on top of the tree. He ignored her last statement. He wanted to get away from this topic. It bothered him too much. [color=003471]“So.. What can you do with that?”[/color] He asked still a tad bit shaken. Nina felt a bit hurt as he seemed to ignore what he had to say, but took it as a sign. However, the little orb on the tree grew bigger, and soon started burning away at the tree. [color=d86c00]”Oh no!”[/color] When she realized what it was doing, she tried to calm it down, but it was out of her control and quickly. [color=d86c00]”Can you get some water please!?”[/color] done Everett rushed to get the two bottles of water. He poured one on Nina’s hand first. But the second one, the second one he couldn't help himself. He tossed it up and the same gun hand me had made the day before shot the bottle in the air using his light powers. Most the fire was out the rest he kick out, mindful of his bare feet. He looked at the tree for a moment and thought if I can make a bullet and a bomb can I make a beam outta it? Seemed simple enough, he held his hand out as it started to glow. More and more light filled his hand. As he let loose the blast the recoil from it threw his hand back. But the tree, the tree didn't manage so so well. It was clear where beam had it, there wasn't anything left. In his excitement, he ran over to Nina spun her to the fire. [color=003471]“Okay I think I'm on to something. I think this more about focus and concentration than anything else.”[/color] Standing behind her he lowered his head and said softly, [color=003471]“Fixate on the fire. Think about what you want it to do. Worry only about the fire and you want it do.”[/color] [color=d86c00][i]”Easy for you to say… You… forget about him Nina. I think we got his answer… So fire. Focus on the fire. Only on the fire. What do you want it to do? Fire…”[/i][/color] Nina looked at the fire, her eyes narrowed. She lifted a hand and the fire took shape. She moved her other hand and the fire twisted itself, becoming a small pillar. She moved her hands and the pillar smashed, and the fire divided into four little fires within the pit. She flicked her wrist and the fire was suddenly just one simple campfire again. [color=003471]“Haha, see I told you. You got this. Look at you acting like it's all hard. That's more than I can do.”[/color] Everett said giddy as a schoolgirl. [color=003471]“Well that tree is about gone. You wanna ride back or keep going?”[/color] Nina sighed to herself. [color=d86c00]”I think I’ll head back… I’m sure that Petyr is freaking out, and well… Yeah. I’ll head back.”[/color] Nina walked over to the horses and paused. [color=d86c00]”Huh, seems my horse is occupied.”[/color] [color=003471]“We can stay sweetie, ain't a one gotta run off. But we'll go if that's what you want.”[/color] Everett was a little hurt, he thought things were going pretty good for the most part. Still he put on his boots and shirt. The A frames were put on the porch. When he was done he took the reins mounted his horse. He offered his hand and stirrup for her to climb on. [color=003471]“Gotta ride with me, I'm afraid.”[/color] Everett said with a smile. Nina took his hand and got up on the horse behind Everett and loosely looped her arms around him. Not as tight as she would have wanted to hold him, but… didn’t matter. She kept herself up straight and looked off to the side. [color=d86c00]”Whenever you’re ready then.”[/color] Everett removed her hands from his body and moved them tighter. Bring her closer to him. He never said anything other than calling for Dags. As they rode off Everett started singing his little song again. [center][i] Trailers for sale or rent Rooms to lent fifty cents No phone no pool no pets I ain't got no cigarettes Ah bit two hours of pushin broom Buys an eight by twelve four bit room Imma man of means by no means, King of the Road [/i][/center] Nina closed her eyes and kept close against Everett as they rode back to the lodge. As the road up the lodge Everett ready for the coming onslaught. Aunt Lou was at the back porch. He knew what was coming.