stuff us in boxes that's where you want us

cardboard is boring, we brought our matches - look how it burns

How did she explain to Matteo that hope for her was always a bubble? A fragile bubble that was so easily burst. Reality was the bitter pin that would pop it, time and time again. It was much better not to hope at all, but seize the reality. Reality was her tangible, the here and now is what she would live for. She gave up chasing after those elusive bubbles of hope so long ago. Perhaps one day, it would return but for now, she was steadfast in her belief that the present was all that she needed. So long as she had breath to fuel her, she would squeeze life until it gave her no more. Even with all the knowledge in the world of that future that Matteo could glimpse at, it was the here and now that mattered most of all.

It was when she downs that shot, she pops that illusion that she would be lost to the hellish fiend that was Risque. Risque had got exactly what she wanted, now she wanted to bask and destroy what was left? A frown may have marred Harley's face then when she surfaced from that spiced drink, but there was determination flaring within her vibrant eyes. At the very least she could fight, whatever that capacity was she had no idea. But she knew the one thing the vampire could not take from her was whatever was salvaged from the wreckage of her life. That was hers and hers alone. Along with the molten resin she used to cement it all. "We will see about your hope.. but for now I will focus on the things I can control. There is no time to chase after butterflies that don't want to be caught." Time was a luxury she could not afford chasing after foolish dreams. She had a weapon to become.

That conversation seems to become a life of its own as it shifts to the beings within that photograph, and then those dredged up emotions that somehow rose to the surface. She was hardly expecting how that very photograph would affect her and even after all the time that had had stretched between those memories, they were ones that still seem to nag the hell out of her. How blissfully unaware she was of that very protectiveness that seemed to swell in Matteo then. He didn't allow a single crack within that carefully placed shield of his show. Perhaps they even rivalled her own constructed walls. How they fail her now even as those words drift from her like some kind of autopilot. She scrapes up her own composure, whatever was left of it. Tonight was not the night for this story, but would it be the worst thing in the world to one day share that story? There was not a soul that knew it in its entirety. It seemed useless to dwell in her past and besides that story still meandered beyond the curtain and in front of it.

"Maybe so. When you need a break from your own story." She looked to those photographs and an idle gesture cast towards them as she scrunched her face in thought. "They aren't invited, they are distracting." She muttered in reference to the photos that possessed their shared enemies and people they wanted to keep safe. How ready she was to leave that photograph of Nathaniel in the dust metaphorically and tangible, drifting from one photograph to the next. Until that opportunity to arise, a brief reprieve that she seized upon, knowing very well the reaction she might provoke from him.

That expression of that adorable boyish pout seemed to amuse her greatly, she could hardly stop that beaming grin from her face. AHA she had won! Woman please, those words provoked that defiant gleam as her smile still lingered upon her lips. "Yeah okay, man." Sarcasm dancing upon those words she offered. "Luck is arguable, all I am hearing is victory, accidental or not. A victory is a victory, you should know this. Merci beaucoup for making it so easy!" That grin was nothing but smug then, flaunting it. Oh, he was good at wordplay, but this was Harley's forte, her tongue kept deadly sharp when she so needed it. That playful shift was also a damn nice reprieve from the heaviness that cast a shadow in them before. How quick that impishness returned to his features, as that perfect façade snapped back into place.

Although, there was still a warning within that jest. A soft snort escaped him as he sunk into the plush of that couch. "Hydra or not, I don't plan to be in striking distance. I don't know why people always go for the head.. you aim for the heart. Don't you worry. I may be small, but I am quick. There will be no head chopping for this girl yet.. I need to figure out my place in all of this first. This isn't my first time in the dragon's den." She reminds him, then again, he truly didn't know her story yet so it was fair to expect that of him.

He claimed he saw a vision of her with that gift in tow, and that blasted curtsey. "So cocky.. So, if you saw it? What did I give you, huh?" Maybe she could goad an actual reply of this so called future he saw, she was doubtful, however. He seemed to keep his future visions close to his chest.

"As for the glasses, you will be entitled to stories and maybe photos if you're lucky. Besides... you need a picture of me to add to your little pyramid of misery... hmm, I want to go.... Right... here.." She points to the top, even well above Risque.. "They just don't know it yet."

Then their topic about guns seemed to be one they differed on. "I am not a total asshole.. sometimes I think before I shoot. Sometimes a warning shot is all you need and very.... very convincing words." Words were perhaps her weapon of choice, they have gotten into more messes than she could count, but they have also gotten her out on more of them. He did seem to cleverly skip around that question about how many he had shot, but she had also got some more information that she originally anticipated. Although she hardly shouldn't have been as surprised as she was. "That many people, huh?" Then it seemed to sink in.. That was a hell of a lot battles... She blinked a few time. "People get ptsd after one battle and you survived several thousand... How are you not more..... fucked up?" that was one way to skirt around the bush.. He was truly a man who had defied odds, she was so quickly learning, how so very similar that they shared that.

How she had hung her own noose in that very moment.. As she asks for a damn good reason why she shouldn't treat Tetradore like the rest of the enemies that looked up at her from that table. She nearly scowled at him, she felt so fired up.. so agitated she could not stand it. Now that required work, to stomach the very man that had tortured her physically. How she tries to formulate a counter to those very words, every single fucking time it ended up a dead end. Uh.. Hmm.. But.. it all ended up the same old flatline. A sigh escapes her then before she admits defeat. "Well played.. You are lucky I like you." she grumbled, disgruntled at herself for saying too much of those words on her mind. The affection he seemed to have over that man seemed to disturb her. How could he befriend such a vile man whose strings were played by Risque herself? She couldn't help but wonder if she had misread Matteo entirely but her gut rarely was wrong before. Just because she agreed not kill him, it didn't mean she had to be nice. She detested the man and how easily it would be to utilize those newfound claws for some damn good for once. Niceness was earned from Harley, not given freely. She wasn't going to offer that to anyone, she could at least control that.

Now that conversation finally skips to the pinnacle of that that hierarchy. Risque. That bitch could not die soon enough. Even the very way Matteo's demenour shifted as he peered down at that very photograph, Harley knew this war was personal. How it almost mirrored that similar reaction she had when she looked at Nathaniel's photo. She could hardly help that curiosity within her grow. But she knew better of it then to flat out ask. One of those rare instances where she decided to choose her battles. He said those dark tinted words that spoke so very much and yet said so little. How she wished she could take a glimpse in his mind in that very moment to take a glimpse at his own demons so she could possibly chase them off with their tails between their legs. How that thick reverie seemed to overtake Matteo then, as though it threatened to take him to some other place entirely. So, Harley did what in those moments, she reached out and reassured him, the only way she knew how. A genuine glow peered from her vibrant as they searched to meet the lost silver of his own. The victims these monsters took without a care. It would seem these demons had surely made their wake, right across the board. "So.. we treat her like a monster.. with pitchforks and fire."

Harley assured him it was going to be ok when his gaze finally met her own. That rare look of genuine surprise peered out at her then, she hardly faded from that look. She only sat up with more confidence, lifting her head up high. She always fashioned herself to be the strong one, especially when there were those that needed it most. It was in that moment she made a silent promise, she would not let them drag them down into their despairing pits of hell they so choose to wallow in. One thing the enemy didn't know was that they were not alone in this and perhaps that was a stronger weapon than either of them gave it credit.

It was that thank you that surprised her most, her eyes widen at that near heartfelt spear that pierced her then. What the hell was he thanking her for exactly she hardly knew. How she paused for the briefest of moments before opening her mouth. "We help each other.. this is how this works." Harley replied self-assuredly. But that spear seemed to work like a double-edged sword, even though she believed her words. For the first time in forever, she felt as little as she actually was. She pulled back her comforting hand, pulling her knees so she could hug them for a moment, just for a moment she would afford herself this weakness before she began building. Building herself into that creature she needed to be to face every last one of them. Then they could hit her with their best shot. There was too much looming over her head, too many predators circling overhead it was near dizzying, near impossible. But she had faced worse odds before. Her fierce gaze bore into that bottle of gin, as though she could shatter it within her mind. For a second, it felt like she could, she felt that bottle seem to tremble beneath that determined crushing weight of her gaze. She knew, somehow, she hardly understood how, but she knew if she touched that bottle in that moment it would have burst into a thousand lost pieces. It was a strange feeling, a potent one. How she refuses herself that very moment to see if it were true as if not willing to see if she was going batshit crazy or not.

Matteo took another shot as Harley flopped back almost dramatically, snapping herself from that fucking weird trance, unfolding herself as she did so, making her declaration they have defeated those photos. The time for licking ones wounds was over. That was a start. She reveled in the warmth that the gin had spun within her, how it slowly worked its way through her blood stream, but a whisper. Just enough to dull that sharp blow they had taken. The real deal would be so much worse, she was so very certain of it. This was just a scrape of that ugly surface.

It was that seemingly random spark of a question that prompted a very peculiar look from her. She declared that she would sleep when she was dead. She peered at him just to witness that eyeroll before her eyes gazed down at that cross that hung around his neck. A quip easily escaping her. He so easily replies about how important sleep was. She could hardly help that narrowed piercing gaze. Where was he going with this? She hardly sleepy, exhausted yes. But not tired, no not now while her thoughts still raged on in a battle of their own making.

Puzzled she tipped her head as he uttered some more obscure words about helping her sleep. "What do you even mean? You're going to knock me out?" She rose a pointed brow at him, it didn't seem like the worst idea in the world. It distracted her from those roaring thoughts as she focused on those very words when suddenly he is gone. She was startled wide awake from that very action, wondering where he went. She wondered if that whole teleporting thing was going to get any easier. It was the sound of the cutlery clinging together alerted her of his reappearance with that once shared plate within his hands. How it felt like a lifetime ago. Was that really tonight? How time seemed to whirl by, but that was a fleeting thought when she seems to be taken aback by that view of him in her kitchen. Washing... dishes. Even her Felix the cat clock seemed to eye him with that same suspicion, between that same monotonous shifting of his tail and beady eyes. Her gaze then flickered to her magical plant that lingered just to the right of him. A mischievous thought occurred to her, that maybe she could get him to touch it. That would hardly be fair of her after all they had experienced together.

However, he seemed to work ever so diligently, quickly finishing his task while she watches him in that peculiar way as she tries to make sense of something nonsensical. That was when he switches the light off.. "Hey.." What are you doing? She protests about to issue a mouthful before he scoops her up in his sturdy arms, pressing her against his chest like she hardly weighed a thing. How that feeling of that wash of warmth and that... luring scent seems to catch her off guard. Maybe she just had to stop breathing around him. She looks at him near defiantly but far more puzzled than anything, those eyes shining brightly then seemed to snap into that makeshift resolved she willed into place as she peers at him. His voice near placating to her as it was antagonizing! Oh no, he wasn't going to pull that trickery on her again. She knew his calling card, he was toying with her, luring her deviously into another loss. But what a 180 it truly was, she was hardly anticipating this game sparked anew. It was though he lit that match without her even seeing the matchbox. If anything, Harley had proven to be gasoline or dynamite depending on that very scenario. That surprise however, seemed to give him but a temporary leg up. He was trying to trick her into sleep, he wouldn't lull her so easily this time. "So what are you going to do, tuck me in and kiss my forehead?" She taunts that sarcasm not failing her now, she shifts slightly to give him the full weight of that piercing stare. Its not going to work, try me, it seemed to say.

Harley could hardly help the way her mind went there, as those suggestive words were nothing but a misleading guise. She knew better. How easily he navigated into the confines of her room, expertly dodging the door frame so she hardly hit her head. She was anticipating it anyways, lifting her head as she shifts a little in his arms to try and read his expression. But that easy façade was back in full force and he was locked down tight and this was hardly the best vantage point for face reading. "We barley played and you want to stop?" She hinted near dryly. "Quit pretending. You are so full of hot air you might float away like a hot air balloon." She seemed to be amused by her own words. He places her gently atop her bed, he thought she was ready to sleep? She wanted to cross her arms but she was hardly given the moment to. She half expected to sit on the edge of the bed and kiss her on the head goodnight. She nearly rolls her eyes before he does yet another thing she does not expect.

Disappearing in an instant the moment her back pressed against that plush surface. "Called it.." She nearly sang out after him, grumbling just about to get up, he was toying with her again, she knew it. But where did he go? But those words barely left her lips, barely offering her a chance to wonder where he disappeared to. When she near startled, her body twitches uncontrollably as he suddenly appears atop of her, legs on either side of her hips, effectively straddling her. The warm glow from her lamp seems to illuminate his impish face in a way that accentuated his features, a few strands of his unruly locks falling near intentionally into his face that seemed to make him the picture of allure. That near lazy way he looks at her is almost feline, that confidence exuding from him them. Fuck.. He idly brushes those defiant strands that fell in front of his face, her eyes near fixated upon them.

His suggestive words nearly made her mouth hang there. She could almost feel that prickle of embarrassment. "Now apparently." That quirk of her lips turned into the barest touches sarcastic grin. But just how long had it been? She genuinely thought about it and realized it had been far longer than she felt comfortable admitting. She props herself up on her elbows so slightly. "Nice effort, but after my little... trip up before. I am basically invulnerable.. to your words and your distracting... fuck." oh no she wasn't going to say that. She shook her head gently, she hardly knew where he was going with this and yet he doesn't give her any time to truly consider his next actions. His torso dipping lower then, she could feel the warmth of him spilling off of him in luxurious waves. Matteo's devilishly handsome face is but a whisper away as her head shifts upward to meet his own so slightly, as though to emphasize her point. Invulnerable she was invulnerable she said the god damn words. She met his eyes with that boldness but her body near anticipated what surely would never come.

Her heart nearly skipped a beat as she almost just barely felt his lips against her own. Like he intended to press those lips against her own, her heartbeat thunders an increased rhythm, a near fleeing beat. She knew his game, teasing until that very cusp only to pull away. Only he does not, at least not yet as he all but whispers those words into her mouth and they nearly steal her breath away. How she almost parts her lips for that kiss that would surely undo her. She found her fingers twisting into the sheets as if to force her own resolve into being, his words about playing another games seemed to almost teeter her resolve and perhaps incited that burning curiosity. He was dangerous, and he knew exactly what he was doing. Yet all it does is make her want to bring him on that same cusp, just to make him feel that desire only to pull it away. She wondered if she could possess that kind of control, it was never a problem before. Of course, she could. She swallowed down that pulse in her throat before responding.

"One problem, you are in my position. Plus, we already determined you are..."

She could not help the way she parted her lips as though she were about to kiss him. Inhaling that bated breath. It was barley a whisper and yet how she was almost surprised at her own resolve that she nearly startled herself, clearly not as expert as he was in staying perfectly still. Her lips accidently brushing into his own. Shit. Not part of the plan. But he rolled away like nothing and her wound form seemed to sink into the pillows and she released her hands. She exhaled a near ragged sigh.. Case and fucking point. "All talk.." She nearly laughs, but only a singular whispered sound of one escapes her then. How those photographs seemed so far away then, how those sad tinged words long since lost.

A chuckle escapes him then, ending up on his back, that glance in her direction. She tried to make her face as blank so possible but that was impossible. Those words easily find him then, clearly, she was the only one effected. How the fuck did he do that? But it was then that his promise seemed to catch her attention. Safe.. what did that even feel like anymore? How the promise of those very words seemed too good to be true. He flicked off the switch of that lamp easily then, her eyes quickly adjusting to darkness. The silvery moon's glow creeping its way in. He offered her that smile that nearly had her heart beat pounding all over again, the silvery light seemed to emphasize that very look.

"Sleep.. right. You jerk.. you know now that I am wide awake. You are going to have to work at least ten times harder to put me to sleep after that all that." Perhaps that was a slight play of innuendo in her words.

HE had got her all worked up and yet again the man was all talk. How damn good he was with those words, they felt like caresses on her skin. Just to emphasize her point that he was all talk he began his story. She drew in a breath before she rolls onto him, well at least half. On an angle along his own torso, her legs defiantly draped off to the side. She folded her arms so she could rest the weight of her head upon them. . The moons tender glow caressing his features in a near otherworldly way. While she wanted to make him eat his teasing torment, she wanted to hear this story, she was far from sleepy now that he effectively jumpstarted her system. Her own heartbeat still sang within her chest, but it was his words that lull her in. He was like a god damn rollercoaster. But his mouth and his voice and the feel of him talking seemed nearly mesmerizing.

She listened to the story he offered her and damn she wanted more, she had so many questions swimming within her already occupied mind. Go to sleep and that defiance floods through her then. "Make me go to sleep." She dared, crawling up upon him, her movements near fluid like a cat, perching herself on top of him like he had, straddling him, allowing her fingers to idly toy with his shirt.

"Potato farmers, huh?" she asked almost deviously. That would explain why he got so offended by her comment earlier. She would never understand what was the point to have all these people to love and care about, only to have them ripped away. She knows he had a long time to deal with the loss of his family but did that make it any less potent? To her it didn't. Her voice seemed to soften then. It seemed like he was alone, save for his two children. "Do you miss them?" She missed her parents all the damn time and it was like her brother died along with them. "I know I do, all the time." The woman was thoughtful for a moment as she offered a tiny pinhole of a glimpse into her own life. But everyone had a sob story, she was no different. She wanted to ask what happened to his mom, but now hardly seemed like the time. She was burning with so many question she hardly knew where to start. But instead she lowers her upper body, drawing her face dangerously close to that warmth and his scent tormenting her all at once. How easy it would have been to bury herself into that nook she had found before, she had quite liked that.

"You know what, I do not like? I don't like when someone tells me to go to sleep when I am wired. What kind of game is that?"

Harley Westward