sirenspull_logs | (no subject)

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Who: Alan Humpries |

amongthethorns , Eponine Thenardier |

makeflowersgrow , & Eric Slingby |

ochitashinigami
When: July 15, afternoon
Where: Apartment 702 at the Tower Apartments
Summary: Eponine has been living with the boys for almost a month. While Eric is out Alan asks Eponine to come into the bedroom to see something and she gets the wrong impression entirely assuming it's time to 'earn her keep' as it were; Eric arrives at what is a mix of the best and worst possible time.
Warnings: is painful awkwardness a warning? Unwanted sexual advances. ~~Honest, I don't know what to put here - Never do. Watch me edit this a million times.~~

[Anyone who'd known Alan before would know that he's a big fan of flowers and he has something of a green thumb. There was a small herb garden set up in the kitchen mostly mint, sage and rosemary. The point of it was there was only one room in the entire tiny apartment that didn't have a plant or two residing in it.. He's certain he drives Eric out of his mind by the way he often nudges him when he see's one of his blooms ready to unfurl itself and show the world it's color; but he's nice enough to come over and humor him by watching as always - even before coming to Port.

Today is one of those days but the tradition is broken because Eric isn't here and already the dark pink azalea he'd planted were starting to unfold themselves, like sleepy children climbing from their beds; slowly gently. He fussed and fidgeted slightly - he's so used to the tradition and sharing moments like this that the fact that he isn't sends a jolt of something like anxiety through him. Beau wouldn't understand even if he could coax the cat from his perch top the dresser.

it's then that he remembers he isn't home with just the cat while Eric's gone. The fidgeting stops and he smiled brightly. Yes He can share something like this with that unfortunate young lady. Maybe she'd like the flowers and the wonder of watching them come alive as much as he does! It's with this in mind he moves hurriedly to the peek out of the bedroom; not in the frame but a shy, hesitant poking of his head from the room. His eyes are lit up with absolute joy by the time they settle on her and he's smiling the biggest smile.]

"M-Miss Eponine?"

[There's excitement and a hint of reluctance in his voice, after all he doesn't want to disturb her; perhaps he should reconsider. In the end he soldiers on. Beckoning at her with a hand towards the bedroom, his delight and eagerness showing in the movement.]

"Can you come join me in the bedroom? I want to share something with you."

{OOC| - Hopefully this works. We can do whatever format you want I'm game for whatever. Sorry this took so long. }

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Eponine looked up from her work as soon as Alan spoke. She had been trying her best to mend the long rents in her skirt with some cloth patches and the needle and thread she had splashed out on. A smile had lit her face as Alan spoke; she did her best to always seem cheerful around both Alan and Eric. After all, they had given her a bed; being happy was the least she could do.

Her smile, wavered, though, as she realised what Alan wanted of her. To go into the bedroom. He had said that he didn't want any repayment... but... Eponine had been round men long enough to know that sooner or later, that kind demeanour slipped and they wanted their reward for their kindness.

She forced her smile to be true, and secured the length of thread before slipping the needle into the waistband of her skirt. She stood up then, and went to the bedroom, her head high.

"You like me on the bed, Monsieur? Or against the wall?" Some men didn't want her on the bed; scared she'd mess up their fancy sheets, she supposed.

That smile relaxed into a natural smile, all that anxiety fading away. Oh good, he wasn't being a bother and she seemed to be okay with coming to sit with him. He blinks, brows furrowing together after a moment. He gives a little laugh and gestures with a hand to the bed.

"Why would I want you against the wall? The bed is much more comfortable. We'll be in here a bit, it takes a while even after it's started." But then he tilts his head. Perhaps she thinks the bed is off limits or maybe she'd rather stand so he corrects himself; unknowing, unassuming the connotations his words are having in her mind. "Unless you prefer being against the wall, some people do." There's a laugh as he continues. "Of course, you could do both; there's not set place or position; we can move around a bit so you stay comfortable."

The fact that he's loosening his bolo tie isn't going to help matters in the least then working at the cuffs of his sleeves. "It could take hours but I think you'll enjoy eery minute of it - at least I'd hope so."

She closes her eyes briefly as she slips past him into the room, and sits gingerly on the bed. She forces the smile on her face again.

"I can move as you wish, Monsieur. I do not mind. Whichever gives you the most pleasure."

She pulled her tatty old cap off her head, and undid the belt holding her skirt on. Now at least he had easy access to her.

"Will you sit down, Monsieur? And then we can start."

"As I wish? Well I really don't see how how you move matters since it's just us." His brows arched and furrowed - what a queer choice of words, but he'll over look it. "You should do as you like, I shouldn't be the only one getting pleasure out of this."

As she removes her hat he smiles, this is a good sign - at least he thinks it is. It means that she's getting comfortable in the apartment and with them. But then she goes after her belt and he's more than a little confused by this action.

He moved to take a seat next to her, hands resting on his lap. Of course by now he's feeling more than a little bit uncomfortable. He's not sure if this is how she is - and if so he doesn't want to make her self-conscious but he's filled with an unease that grows with each passing moment.

"Start what exactly?"

Eponine, in turn, was confused. Should she be getting pleasure out of this? She'd never felt particularly happy before - in fact, she didn't usually feel anything, unless it was Montparnasse... She shot Alan a wary look, and moved her hand to his own in his lap as he spoke.

"What you wish, Monsieur."

She smiled as cheerfully as she could, and withdrew her hand. Swiftly, she pulled her ragged top up over her head. She fought for composure in that brief moment when her face was covered by the dirty material.

"Go on, Monsieur. I knew you would want repayment. People always do."

[Eric had forgotten something. He comes back in, closing the door behind him loudly.]

Alan... where is my... [Huh, he's not in the main part of the apartment. And that girl... where are they?]

Alan?

[He goes into the bedroom, looking for him. Alan's always fussing over his flowers. Perhaps he wanted the girl to see some of his blossoms. He always liked showing them off. Walking into the bedroom, he asks...]

Alan, have you... oh...

[He sees.

The girl is naked from the waist up. Her intention is plain, and Alan's expression is clearly startled.]

[Alan looks like a mouse trapped by a cat. And, this girl could not possibly have a more-wrong idea about the nature of her stay here.

He can't help it.

Eric begins to laugh, loud and hearty.

He doubles forward, and holds onto the door frame to keep himself up. He begins to chortle as he wipes the tears of laughter off his cheek with his free hand.]

My dear... my dear girl...

[He manages to choke out in between uncontrolled laughter. With his free hand he beckons Alan to come to him. The younger shinigami does so quickly, and Eric pulls him to his side.]

Dear girl... I'm very sorry to disappoint you, but your efforts are misguided.

[He pulls the startled Alan too him and kisses him full on the lips. It's long, slow, and deep, and leaves no doubt as to the nature of their relationship.

When the long kiss is over, he throws Eponine an amused glance over the top of Alan's head. He pinches Alan's chin, and places a small light kiss on the tip of Alan's nose.]

I'm afraid this one is not for you...

He pats her hand gently. "It's really not something you have to do but it would be nice to share a pleasant experience..." And out of the corner of his eyes he catches her movement and turns blanching, eyes wide.

He gestures with his hands to her chest. "No. Not thank you. Why are you... Put your shirt back on." His cheeks were a flaming scarlet and he looked ready to bolt at any instant. He is ready to take flight like a fox set upon by vicious hounds.

"Miss Eponine, I don't want your s-services. I'm no-"

He hears it the opening and closing of the door and Eric's voice. He turns towards the bedroom's doorway.

"Eric..."

Oh death please. Fates, please just let a void open and swallow him down. Then Eric's laughing and all he can do is nervously watch him, barely daring to breathe- his chest painfully tight; a slight catch to it. he feels weighted and bound - his body, his voice nothing will respond now; frozen with fear.

That gesture is the key to freeing his body and once it's made he's on his feet and at Eric's side in swift strides. Pulled to Eric's side, Alan grips at his shirt, peering up at him; unsure if offering an apology is required or not. He gaze move to the blooming plotted plant that started all this as if that was explanation enough.

Anything he might say is gone when Eric kisses him like that. Alan doesn't care anymore, he leans up and kisses Eric back arms wrapping around his neck; fingers tugging at his hair. While the kiss was the last thing he expected it reassures him that Eric isn't angry with him and that is exactly what he needs right now that, reassurance.

He lets out a soft sigh and closes his eyes.

Eponine glances up when she sees Alan. And for that first moment, her heart sinks. Has it been arranged? Do they want her together? She's done that before, too, but it isn't something she enjoys.

But then Eric is laughing. Why is he laughing? At her body? Well, she knows she's not exactly attractive but laughing is a little harsh. Her eyes fill with tears and she blinks tgem away, looking up only when Eric speaks.

Eponine watches with growing horror as Eric pulls Alan to him, kisses him.
What? No? What - but - but Alan- her eyes widen as she begins to realise the nature of the men's relationship. And then she's onher feet, grabbing her chemise, covering herself with her hands, and she's stumbling out of the room, tripping over the ends of her skirt as it falls down without her belt.

Her normally impassive face is crimson as she pushes past both men. She needs to get away. She needs to get dressed.
And now she needs a place to stay.

Woah hey... slow down, girl...

[He's away from Alan and at Eponine's side in an instant, holding her arm firmly, but gently.]

Calm down. Nothing's wrong no one is going to hurt you...

[The idea that she might actually be disturbed by their relationship hasn't occurred to him. So, Eric's a little baffled.]

"LET GO OF ME. Let go, Monsieur." Eponine jerks her arm away. Her chemise is slipping, and for a moment, her breasts are exposed again before she yanks at her chemise and covers them again. Usually, she's not at all ashamed of being naked - but now, with these men -

"I am moving out. LET ME PASS."

It's not fear of them, of Eric and Alan. More - it's pure embarrassment.

[Human Emotions Eric's never been very good at.]

Now, calm down. You don't have any place to go. You're safe here, and no one wishes you to leave.

[He feels awkward as, with his free hand, he pulls her chemise up over her shoulder, covering her.]

"Don't TOUCH me." Eponine flinches away. "Please, Monsieur."

She bites her lip. She's messed up. But she thought - she really thought that Alan was coming onto her.

"I have money. I have been working. Thank you for letting me stay. Now let me pass."

She bites her lip, annoyed that she's blushing. Things have gone so badly wrong in such a short space of time. Thank god for the money from Afterglow and Xino E. Mao. And she has the rings. She can sell them...Get a house, anywhere. The poor districts can't be expensive, can they?

Shhhh... I'll let go of you. I'll let you leave. But, will you talk to us first? Please? Before you do something rash?

[He gently lets go of her arm, but makes ready to hold er again if he needs to.]

No one is mad at you, and I'm sorry I laughed. I think you frightened my Alan. I was laughing at him more than anything else.

[He glances over his shoulder at Alan.]

Please forgive me.

Frightened is an understatement. Really he's confused, more like absolutely lost even more so when she starts to cry and tries to runaway. He blinks just watching before it clicks and he finds himself leaning in the door-frame of the bedroom.

"Miss Eponine, Please there's no need for you to leave." His voice is calm, gentle but he's not smiling because he's got a sinking feeling this might not end well. "It was nothing more than a simple misunderstanding. Let's all be reasonable, rational adults and talk about this."

He can set aside his embarrassment long enough for that. Stepping from the bedroom he'll gesture Eponine towards it. "Please, just go in here and cover yourself. Eric and I will wait out here - then we'll talk, just talk so you can ask questions if you need to. If you still want to leave after that, we won't stop you."

He rubs at the back of his neck and sighs. "To be honest, if roles were reversed I'd have laughed, too. If I looked half as ridiculous as I think I did it's a wonder you're not on the floor sobbing from pain and amusement at my expense." He tried to seem annoyed really he did but he couldn't because he knew he looked like a skittish deer or something similar. Besides he knew if it had been Eric with a half naked woman his reaction would have been - horrific.

She casts a glance at both men, before turning away and pulling her top on quickly. What's the point of hiding? They've now both seen her chest anyway.

She doesn't want to turn round again. Her cheeks had flared crimson at first, but now she was pale, deathly pale. But she does turn back, of course, though she avoids eye contact with either man.

"You wish to ask questions?"

There're going to start digging into her jobs and her past and - and things she doesn't want to remember. But if it means a quick exit, she'll tell them everything.

Mademoiselle, I can't think of anything that needs to be asked of you. Can you, Alan?

No, we thought you might want to ask questions of us. You seemed... shocked.

He shook his head slightly. "I don't have any questions for you..." Alan gestures a bit giving a nod at what Eric says.

"You seem uneasy with the way we are." He was trying his best to put it politely and not sound offended. "I know where you're from it isn't common or out in the open - our kind of relationship. We could explain it if you wish."

She looks from one to the other.

Yes, she's shocked about their sexuality. Yes, it's a rarity in her world - and frowned upon. But then, so is Eponine herself. She's poor, and a thief, and a prostitute to boot. Who is she to judge anyone else?

And right now, she is embarrassed. So embarrassed. Mortified. She just doesn't want to stay onger. Never wants to see either man again. That's a lie. They are the kibdest men she knows - but she's so embarrassed. So she says the first thing that pops into her head.

"You are in love?"

[This makes Eric laugh again. It's warmer this time, more friendly, though. He puts his arms around Alan's waist.]

What do you think, Alan?

[He nuzzles the other man's ear.]

Alan just kind of leans into Eric a bit, fingers gripping at the dark fabric of his sleeve. That laugh makes him smile and he might just hold his head the tiniest bit higher at it.

"Absolutely."

And it's the first time he's ever said it out loud to anyone other than Death and that had been said in the strictest of confidences. But he knows it with complete clarity and says with with all the conviction he has because he is in love with Eric and there was no doubt of it.

"We love each other very much."

"Oh."

[She's quiet for a minute as she studies them, and her face clouds. Perhaps they'll think she disapproves of their relationship. Perhaps they'll think that she, like her father and her mother, and everyone else she knows, dislikes the idea of two men being in love. She doesn't. She thinks it's strange. She can't imagine being attracted to a woman herself.But if they want to do it - well, she doesn't have to think of what they do behind closed doors.

And perhaps, perhaps, she's just a little jealous. Nobody has ever loved her like they obviously love each other. Nobody has ever put their arms around her and held her close and nibbled her ear. Never been kissed - not affectionately, anyway. Never had any love at all.

Their display of affection is hard to watch. Eponine finds that she's near tears as she watches them, and a lump the size of a tennis ball (if she knew what that was) is forming in her throat. She blinks hastily, willing herself not to be weak enough to let her tears fall.

All she wants to do is leave. She is SO embarrassed. She can't go back after they've been so kind and she did that. Now they'll know that she's just a cheap prostitute, and not fit for respectable society or nice company. She can't be around such happily in love people. It just reminds her of everything she doesn't have and never will have, and everything she longs for. She coughs before she speaks, willing her voice to be steady and assured.]

May I go, Monsieurs?

No one's keeping you prisoner. We'd prefer that you stay, and not leave this way. We'd like to see that you have a safe place to go first.

Can you do that?

"You don't have to stay but I would like for you to." He draws away from Eric for a moment to cross over to her and touch her shoulder. "It isn't safe out there at night and I really would worry about you if I didn't know you were safe."

He smiled a bit and sighed softly. "I don't see you differently because of what happened in there. I don't really judge people about things like this. It was an honest mistake." A few steps back because he know he's invading her space and she must still be more than a bit frazzled.

"But I would understand if you want to leave. Just let Eric and I find a place for you to stay, please. I need to know that you would be safe."

She steps back immediately, as if Alan's touch can burn her.
"Please, Monsieur... Please don't."

She feels in her skirt pocket for her rings, and slowly pulls them out.
"There is a man - Mr. Gold. I will go to him, and he will give me money."

She has to pause, steel herself as tears form again.

"Truly I'm sorry, Monsieurs. I did not mean to imply - I am sorry."

As soon as they move, she'll be off, Out of the apartment and then running as fast as she can to find somewhere deserted so she can cry her embarrassment, jealousy - longing away.

Listen... [Eric's tone becomes more serious.] This place is a very bad place to go running off. There's no need to sell your rings when you can just stay here.

The couch is yours. Nothing has changed. Everything is the same as it was before this happened for us.

You're safe here.

"There's nothing you need to apologize for, Eponine. It wasn't anything horrible. I know you're not- Really it's fine. Please don't be upset with yourself. I'm not upset or anything."

He shook his head watching her. It's obvious she's going to leave the minute they're not here to stop her. It's not really right to make her stay.

"Eric-Sempai."

He's quiet a moment before he reaches gripping Eric's sleeve. "We can't make her stay here even if we want to. It wouldn't be right. But couldn't we get her a room at Doctor Xavier's? They had more than enough room. She'd be safe there. She'd also have some space to calm down."

"Please, Monsieurs, let me go."

She doesn't want to push past them. But she can't stay here, as much as she wishes she could. She's too embarrassed. And so upset with herself. They were so nice and she's ruined it.

"I will trade the rings and I will find a room. I've always wanted my own room anyway."

Eponine, I told you. No one is making you stay. We're just worried about you running off like this. All right?

He worries at his lower lip and closes his eyes. After a minute or two of being still, he sits down. He wants to laugh but he knows it's not funny - or rather it is. Even if it wasn't for the events before, there was the fact that Eric, the stubborn one that he was, seems to have met his match in a little slip of a girl that should be bloody well terrified of him.

He gives a strangled little sound something between a wheeze, a cough and laugh and his fingers come up to press against his lips. Then he's laughing shaking his head.

"If she's going to let a simple misunderstanding run her off there isn't anything you and I can do. I just thought she might be a bit more thick skinned than that is all."

Eponine glares at Alan. She is SO annoyed at his words. Simple misunderstanding? She thought this nice gentleman wanted to have sex with her. He could have her locked up and doing hard labour for ten years for that. In her books, it is not a simple misunderstanding. It is a perilous position to be left in and downright embarrassing. Even if they don't seem like the type to hand her over - people still talk.

"Do not laugh at me, Monsieur." She musters what dignity she can, before turning back to Eric.

"Concerned, Monsieur? I have lived in Paris, have I not? I kept myself alive, did I not? I even kept my brother and my sister alive. I can look after myself. You do not need to worry about me."

If I needed to, there wouldn't be much of a point. I care because I want to.

Please, stay.

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