[Seth Perry]

[googlefont=Whisper]

[attr=class,SETH]

Tomorrow is another day

And you won't have to hide away

---

This moment felt somewhere between dream and reality. Seth knew that if it had been one of her dreams, though, he’d have tried to hurt her by now. He’d have done something uncharacteristic, something more like a Hunter than like himself. But this was no dream. As hard as it was to believe, he’d finally made his way back to her. Finally found her.

Seth could let her mind wander to all of the horrible things that must have happened to him since they were parted. She could dwell on whatever it was that had happened to him that was keeping him silent now, clearly unable to talk to her as he’d tried to get out words a couple times already with no luck. She didn’t know if it had been a gift used against him — were there even gifts that took away the ability to speak? She wasn’t sure — or it could have just been something physical. Was it going to be like this forever? These were all questions she had, concerns that were lurking beneath the sheer joy of seeing his face again. But she wanted to push them all back, to embrace the moment with him before worrying about all the rest.

She enjoyed the feeling of his fingers playing with her hair. The closeness to him. The comfort of knowing, once and for all, that he was still alive. Maybe not okay, but alive. And that was the more important part. He could get back to okay. Some day. Hopefully…

When he looked back toward the camp, reality crept back. She’d been getting ready to have breakfast, berries now left abandoned back at the campsite. She let out a quiet chuckle, thinking about the very likely possibility that the racoon had already gotten to the berries they collected. “I wonder if Bandit’s at camp already.” She started explaining. “He’s a racoon. You’re gonna love him.” She declared, her eyes dancing with possibility.

Would he see Bandit like she did? A goofy, mostly harmless chonk of a racoon? Would he think he was cute like she did? Or would he want to shoo the animal away, keep him from consuming resources that were going to be a bit tighter now that it was the two of them again? She’d had more than enough for just her the majority of the time in the forest here, but would that still be true now that Jason was back? Would the two of them continue to thrive the way that she had on her own all this time?

More thoughts and questions for later. Right now there would be no answers. Jason couldn’t even speak her name, let alone discuss what the next few days were going to look like, what their future was going to look like.

Another question intruded her mind as she started back to camp, grabbing Jason’s hand as she moved (afraid to be too far apart from him). What if he wanted to leave? What if he wanted to pack up and get out of Los Eurosia?

She didn’t know how he’d managed to catch up to her finally. Was someone after him? Had he been followed to town? Without talking, just from what he’d shown her of the scars, she could tell that he’d been tortured, hurt. Where had that happened? How did he get away? Did someone help him?

Too many unknowns, too many problems that might arise. Her breath caught in her chest as she tried not to let it all overwhelm her.

Maybe, if Jason was still in danger, she could talk to Noah, ask for his help. He’d told her that’s what he did, helped people like them, Gifted. That’s why he came up to her that first time, when she attacked him out of misguided fear. She was certain that Jason wouldn’t like that idea, that he probably wouldn’t trust Noah, but maybe with his help they could find a way to stay, to make a life in town safely.

That’s all she ever wanted.

“Looks like Bandit didn’t get here yet.” The berries were still in the container she’d left out. She forced a smile back on her face before turning back around to face Jason. “I was just about to have breakfast. Are you hungry? It’s just blackberries and strawberries I picked this morning...” She waited for him to answer, any nod or shake of the head that would be a sign, tell her what he was thinking, what he wanted.

This was going to be harder than she’d ever imagined.

---

Jason Sharpe | this got a little angsty and long. let me know for changes

[newclass=.SETH b]color:#86608E;[/newclass]

[Jason Sharpe]

Part of him ached to talk to Seth. To pick up exactly where they had left off. To tell her what happened after two years. To...well...to tell her how much he loved her. Maybe it was best he couldn't just blurt that out since it would be embarrassing, but as accustomed to not speaking as he had gotten, he might almost prefer the awkwardness.

When Seth mentioned the name 'Bandit' he thought at first it might be another person. IT would make sense for her to have made a few friends after all, to seek out company or, honestly, for company to seek out her. But...he had a suspicion it was maybe a cat or a stray dog? Even in the relatively short time he and Seth had been together, he had seen firsthand how she was the 'can we adopt them' sort. It had been cute while they were living the pretend life of normal students. On the run it had still be amusing, but most of the time he had said no. They couldn't feed themselves, let alone a dog.

He hadn't expected it to be a raccoon but he supposed it made sense. Trash pandas stick together, right? Jason chuckled and nudged Seth gently to lead the way back toward camp, sticking close to her side. He wasn't so sure he loved the idea of a raccoon snooping around camp so familiarly and eating all the food, but...asl long as the thing didn't want to cuddle, maybe? Raccoons were cool mammals, but Jason wasn't about to attempt to domestica one. He liked keeping all his fingers and avoiding rabies.

No raccoon at camp made things a bit less contentious. It was a bridge to cross later. For now, he shrugged off his pack and set it next to one of the camp chairs, easing himself down and sinking into it with a groan. He allowed himself to close his eyes for a moment before looking back over at Seth. She'd picked a nice place to set up camp and clearly put a lot of work into protecting the place from the weather and prying eyes. With her magic even. He was so proud of her. Even if self-defense had been difficult to pick up, the utility of her Gift, especially out in nature like this, had no ceiling. Pun intended.

Jason perked up at the mention of food. He could always eat. Not that he was a very large man, by any means, especially at present. He hadn't been starved while held captive, but he hadn't eaten well. Exercise he had attempted to maintain but he could definitely serve to gain a few pounds. He nodded and pulled his pack around to between his feet, rummaging for the box of peanut butter granola bars he knew he had. Of course, he found something else in there too. He'd risked an ATM withdrawal on the way here to get some cash, largely for food and clothes and water and rides. But he'd also bought some gummi bears. As a 'sorry I vanished for years' gift for Seth. Clearly Jason had wanted to be optimistic. He pulled both out, setting the granola bars in his lap and hefting the bag of gummy candy, showing it to Seth and then playfully tossing it her direction.

He was determined to not make his lack of words a big deal. Gestures and noises worked pretty well. He supposed he could write notes down too. But he didn't have a phone to type anything, and he hadn't honestly thought about pens a paper. Maybe it was silly and obvious, but he had been quite focused in his need to get here. To get to Her.

[Seth Perry]

[googlefont=Whisper]

[attr=class,SETH]

Tomorrow is another day

And you won't have to hide away

---

All this time, Seth had hoped and prayed to see Jason again. She had wondered. She’d dreamed about their reunion in the beginning. Then those dreams turned to nightmares. She feared that she was being naive, but she still tried to cling to some hope, some small feeling that he was still out there.

She’d almost lost that hope. Almost given up the possibility that he was still out there. But now, it wasn’t some distant thought. It wasn’t a dream — or nightmare — he was actually here, in camp with her. And she didn’t know what to do.

He wasn’t speaking, couldn’t speak, and she didn’t want to ramble. But the silence stretched out. It was uncomfortable. She didn’t want to admit it, she didn’t even want to think it, but she was uncomfortable.

This was Jason. Still her Jason. But she had to acknowledge that they were closer to strangers now than they were to those two kids who’d fled from Connecticut. She had no idea what he’d been through, and he didn’t know the things she’d been through, the things she’d done. Would he be proud? Mad? Disappointed?

Would he understand?

There were so many things she wanted to talk to him about, to ask him. They would have to wait, though. They had to find a better way to communicate, to have a conversation. For now, food was going to be the focus. It was something she could do, something she could put her energy into.

“Well, when you do meet Bandit, I think you’re gonna love him.” She acknowledged the lack of her racoon friend, and started sorting the berries into two piles, one for each of them, setting some on the lid for herself and leaving the others in the container for Jason. She didn’t say anything, but she made sure to leave a few more berries in his share. He’d clearly lost weight in the time he’d been gone.

When she turned back around, Jason held up a small bag then tossed it to her. When she caught it, a smile quickly formed, and she could feel tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Happy tears. He’d remembered her favorite candy, her favorite brand even. How long had he been carrying them, hoping to run into her? Had he already known exactly where she was?

Seth pushed back the questions, and walked over to him, carrying the berries and the bag of gummies. “You knew you were going to find me?” She questioned in a quiet voice, unable to find the right way to express what exactly she was feeling at the moment. Probably because she had about a dozen different emotions swirling inside, unsure how to sort them for herself yet.

---

Jason Sharpe | YOLO. did this one quick so let me know for changes or if it’s too rambly

[newclass=.SETH b]color:#86608E;[/newclass]

[Jason Sharpe]

Jason didn't mind the silence. But he could tell it was from a place of discomfort rather than serenity. He wanted to reassure her, to tell her everything would be okay. That he was still himself. But he couldn't. Not right now. Maybe never. But…he still wanted Seth to know that just because they had been apart didn't mean they couldn't figure this out together. If she wanted to. Because he wanted to.

So lacking words, the best he could do was act like he was okay. Or close to it. To show her he knew he was supposed to be here, on the other side of the country, with her. He smiled and nodded as she continued about the raccoon. Like it was a dog. Probably the closest thing to one, since caring for herself seemed hard enough.

He watched Seth split the berries up, noted that she gave him a few more. His stomach growled in appreciation but he grimaced awkwardly. He already felt bad for taking half her meal. More than that felt…wrong. Selfish. But that was where the gummy bears came in. Sure, it was mostly sugar, but it was something.

Jason offered a hopeful smile and shrugged. He let out a soft “eh” sort of noise, trying to suggest that, no, he hadn't known he would find her but he had so very very badly wanted to. Hoped to. Needed to. That he wasn't going to stop until he found her, whatever state she was in. He’d had to know. And when he did find her, worrying he wouldn't be able to talk to her, he wanted to have something to show her he was still him. They could still be themselves. Even if they were both a bit different now. He cared about her. No matter what.

He reached up to brush her arm affectionately, encouraging her to sit next to him, eager to reassure Seth. She was his person and meant more to him than he could ever express with words.

[Seth Perry]

[googlefont=Whisper]

[attr=class,SETH]

Tomorrow is another day

And you won't have to hide away

---

Seth sat beside Jason, emotions and thoughts racing in a million different directions. She was happy Jason was here, thrilled. But she was also concerned about whatever it was that had happened to him, what kept him from her for so long. And how it was that he got free, how he found her out here in the woods.

She didn’t get the feeling that he knew a tracker, not someone who could locate her like Noah had with his borrowed gift. He’d have found her much sooner if that was the case, or at least she convinced herself that he would have. How long had it been since he got free anyway? Days, weeks, months? How did he get here? She still had his car. He’d have had to find rides. Take buses from one place to the next. Unless he had been nearby?

It killed her to even have a thought that he’d been close this whole time, and she hadn't known. She refused to let herself go too far down that train of thought.

Even with all the worry, all the images she was struggling to put out of her mind about what filled the time they were apart, Seth felt just a little safer now that Jason was next to her again. She wasn’t alone anymore.

Seth leaned over and rested her head against Jason’s shoulder, letting out a slow breath and trying to quiet her mind. She wanted to enjoy Jason being back with her, she wanted to only think about the good parts, but that wasn’t realistic.

“I’m glad you’re here.” She stayed leaned against him as she spoke in a quiet tone. “I think you’re going to like Los Eurosia. I’ve even made a couple friends here.. Well, more like acquaintances…” She trailed off unsure if he’d find any comfort in that fact. After two years alone she was glad to know at least a few friendly faces, even if it was a bit of a risk.

---

Jason Sharpe | let me know for changes

[newclass=.SETH b]color:#86608E;[/newclass]

[Jason Sharpe]

He relaxed as she pressed closer and he wrapped his arm around her without a second thought. He knew Seth well enough to know she was still coming to terms with everything. He himself wasn't sure either. But he wanted to be a pillar for her, so that she didn't have to worry about these things. Only...he wished he could talk to her.

He let his fingers toy with her hair softly, admiring how beautiful she was, even with her windswept and hard living appearance. And he'd thought she was cute before seeing her like this. His shy little doe all grown up. Or mostly.

Jason hummed a soft agreement to her words, very glad to be here with her, stroking her hair, admiring her. He liked it very much already, thought Jason had a feeling he could like just about anywhere if Seth was there with him. He smiled as she mentioned friends, then winced internally as she suggested maybe they weren't friends. But he knew it could be hard. He didn't exactly have any friends himself. That she had even put herself out there spoke volumes of her confidence and bravery.

He turned and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead, pulling away after a moment. And then, a bit more hesitantly, he reached over with soft fingers and tilted her chin up so he could kiss her lips. He couldn't help it, he needed her more than he could express, even if he had been able to speak. This time, he didn't pull away.

[Seth Perry]

[googlefont=Whisper]

[attr=class,SETH]

Tomorrow is another day

And you won't have to hide away

---

With Jason’s arms around her, his hands running through the strands of her hair, it should have been easy to let go of the anxiety and fear that she’d been carrying for two years now. All the worry that he was gone, that she’d never see him again. But she couldn’t bring herself to relax, to let go of the things that had haunted her dreams.

However, she could close her eyes and pretend like none of it happened, just for a moment. She could imagine them sitting out in the forest, animals frolicking around them, birds chirping in the early morning with dew still wet on the blades of grass. They’d be doing much the same thing as now, cuddling against each other, sharing a breakfast of fruit or berries, enjoying the bounty and beauty of nature together. They would talk and smile and laugh with each other.

As soon as she opened her eyes, the imaginary scene was gone. It was back to reality. Jason was there with her, but he couldn’t talk to her, couldn’t tell her what had happened to him. She didn’t know anything about his last two years.

Was he still the same?

He’d searched for her, brought along her favorite treat, that had to mean something. Had to say that even if he’d changed, he was still her Jason.

Did it matter what had happened to him? Would it make a difference?

Yes…

She knew it would be foolish to think that he hadn't changed, at least on some level. That he’d made it through two years and whatever torment and pain he’d been put through without changing. She wasn’t even the same person she had been when they were last together.

When Jason put his lips on hers, all the other thoughts went away. This was her Jason. She loved him and he loved her. She wanted to believe that nothing else mattered, whatever happened they could work it out. She let herself believe that for the moment. She was hungry for the feeling of closeness, for the companionship, even for the physical affection that had been missing from her life since he’d disappeared. She’d been so alone most of the time, and she hated being alone.

It took a moment for her to realize that there were tears trailing down her cheeks. Seth pulled back slowly. “I’m sorry.. I don’t know what’s wrong with me.” She wiped at her eyes, angry at herself for crying. She didn’t want to cry. She wanted to be happy. She wanted it to be a good day. Jason was back, she shouldn’t be crying.

It was all just so overwhelming. And as much as she only wanted to be happy and relieved, Seth was confused. She was still worried about what he’d been through. She wasn’t quite sure they could just pick up where they’d left off, even if she desperately wanted to.

---

Jason Sharpe | let me know for changes

[newclass=.SETH b]color:#86608E;[/newclass]

[Jason Sharpe]

When she pulled away again, he let her. Even though he didn't want to. Jason reached up and used his thumb to wipe away some of her tears. He offered a smile. It was okay. She was allowed to cry, he didn't think she was overly emotional or silly or anything like that.

Instead he simply pulled her closer. It was enough to have her close, like a long missed security blanket.

Before, Jason had been the certain one. The pillar of confidence and bastion of safety. But now...and honestly, even then, Seth had kept him grounded. And he really needed that right now. If that meant they weren't quite the way they were before, that was fine, he just needed her to know he was here for her, in whatever capacity she needed. And if right now, that capacity was to let her get out her emotions, that was okay.

He wasn't sure 'happy' was the right word, but...the warm feeling in his chest had to be close to that. After such a long time away from everything, away from her, trapped in a cell, being cold and hungry and hurt...having Seth in his lap was perfection. He pressed his lips to her cheek and continued to play with her hair for as long as she needed, the berries half forgotten.

Tomorrow, he'd have to go into town, see what he could figure out about the area, but...that could wait. Tonight, he had his person back.

[end thread]