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Wes sat there in the silence, patiently waiting for Liam's response. Part of him hoped that his attempt at sharing wisdom would make it's way past the son of Ares's thick skull. But when he felt lightness in the air and even saw a smirk on the man's face, it took a bit of self control not to get up and walk away. Instead, he simply sighed and shook his head. Wes couldn't care less at that point if his frustration rendered or not. But he decided to be patient and see what Liam had to say on the matter.
"I just donāt understand what itās like to not be like me. I donāt get people that let things happen to them. Those things never mattered to me because I just let the world eat the weak as itās supposed to do. Then thereās Sloane, and sheās different to me. I donāt knowā¦ why sheās different. I do, but I donāt - you know what I mean." Wes contemplated interjecting his own opinion, but decided to remain silent and let Liam finish his thought before giving his own rebuttal.
He watched as Liam held out his hands, staring at them like weapons rather than appendages of his own body. "But I donāt know what to do for her without making her feel indebted to me, angry, or whatever. I certainly donāt need her to be scared for me. Iām a big boy, I can handle myself." He then leaned back crossing his arms over his chest, coming to the end of his own argument. "I guess you could say weāre one in the same. Our tiny worlds just opened up to something bigger. Whoādāa known?"
Liam's last comment took him by surprise, it was almost wise. His own chuckle brought a slight smirk to Wes's face for a brief moment. But he couldn't leave the conversation at just that. "So, what you're saying is... Because Sloane is weak, by your definition, the world should of had its way with her and that've been the end of it?" He asked. Of course, that's not what Liam meant, technically, but with his argument that's the way it sounded. "Has it ever occurred to you that strength is more than how much you can bench press? He let that sink in for a moment before continuing. No joking, just a plain expression on his face.
"You and I," Wes continued, motioning between the two of them. "Are strong... Physically. No one would deny that. And Sloane is stronger than the pair of us." He held Liam's gaze to show he was serious. "Someone hurts our pride, and we stomp off like a scolded child. And those are just words... Or maybe a shove in front of our friends." Liam didn't needed to say what Sloane did hurt his pride, he could feel it. And most of all, Wes was a guy too. Regardless of how comfortable they were with themselves, when a female shows them up in front of others, they're embarrassed.
"She has been dealing with her brothers verbal and physical abuse for... years, I'd assume. And she's not crazy, or suicidal, or begging for help. She took it and accepted it, because to her, that protected other people. So, while it's not physical strength, it's mental and emotional. And you and I both have the emotional fortitude of tissue paper."
Wes still wasn't sure if Liam would be able to wrap his head around that, but there wasn't many other ways he could have explained it. He sat there in silence for a moment as he went over what Liam had said once more, making sure to address everything... Or try to at least. When he came to his next point, he sighed and clapped his hands together softly. "Women will always get mad at us... for something. We always mess up somehow, someway... More often then not because we aren't mind readers and need shit spelled out for us. And you, my guy," Wes's lips pulled into a tight, apologetic smile. "Don't have as much game as you think you do, and definitely don't understand what women are thinking. If you plan to stay in Sloane's life, you'll have to accept that you'll piss her off a lot more."
Hopefully that didn't get him a swift punch in the face. Wes wasn't try to insult Liam or poke fun, but simply be honest with him. The son of Ares acted like he was the Gods gift to women, as most cocky men do... as Wes did at a certain point in his life. But Liam had the subtly of a freight train. He didn't know how to be gentle with a woman and damn well didn't know how to be romantic. And perhaps that wasn't his goal, maybe he was just trying to helpful, but regardless, his handling was rough and he needed to know.
"I don't know if you ever been in love..." Wes held up his hands to stop Liam before he started. "I'm not saying this is love. But love, or caring for someone, is irrational. I could be best friends with Zeus and still worry about his well being. Sloane knows you can handle yourself, and yet... She will still worry about you. That doesn't mean she thinks you're weak... It means she cares."
"Look," Wes sighed, as his hand raised to rub his head. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I'm just trying to help you understand maybe a fraction of what she is feeling." With that he shrugged his shoulders and leaned back against the tree. He had no clue if any of that got to Liam, but it was the best he could do.
Wes sat there in the silence, patiently waiting for Liam's response. Part of him hoped that his attempt at sharing wisdom would make it's way past the son of Ares's thick skull. But when he felt lightness in the air and even saw a smirk on the man's face, it took a bit of self control not to get up and walk away. Instead, he simply sighed and shook his head. Wes couldn't care less at that point if his frustration rendered or not. But he decided to be patient and see what Liam had to say on the matter.
"I just donāt understand what itās like to not be like me. I donāt get people that let things happen to them. Those things never mattered to me because I just let the world eat the weak as itās supposed to do. Then thereās Sloane, and sheās different to me. I donāt knowā¦ why sheās different. I do, but I donāt - you know what I mean." Wes contemplated interjecting his own opinion, but decided to remain silent and let Liam finish his thought before giving his own rebuttal.
He watched as Liam held out his hands, staring at them like weapons rather than appendages of his own body. "But I donāt know what to do for her without making her feel indebted to me, angry, or whatever. I certainly donāt need her to be scared for me. Iām a big boy, I can handle myself." He then leaned back crossing his arms over his chest, coming to the end of his own argument. "I guess you could say weāre one in the same. Our tiny worlds just opened up to something bigger. Whoādāa known?"
Liam's last comment took him by surprise, it was almost wise. His own chuckle brought a slight smirk to Wes's face for a brief moment. But he couldn't leave the conversation at just that. "So, what you're saying is... Because Sloane is weak, by your definition, the world should of had its way with her and that've been the end of it?" He asked. Of course, that's not what Liam meant, technically, but with his argument that's the way it sounded. "Has it ever occurred to you that strength is more than how much you can bench press? He let that sink in for a moment before continuing. No joking, just a plain expression on his face.
"You and I," Wes continued, motioning between the two of them. "Are strong... Physically. No one would deny that. And Sloane is stronger than the pair of us." He held Liam's gaze to show he was serious. "Someone hurts our pride, and we stomp off like a scolded child. And those are just words... Or maybe a shove in front of our friends." Liam didn't needed to say what Sloane did hurt his pride, he could feel it. And most of all, Wes was a guy too. Regardless of how comfortable they were with themselves, when a female shows them up in front of others, they're embarrassed.
"She has been dealing with her brothers verbal and physical abuse for... years, I'd assume. And she's not crazy, or suicidal, or begging for help. She took it and accepted it, because to her, that protected other people. So, while it's not physical strength, it's mental and emotional. And you and I both have the emotional fortitude of tissue paper."
Wes still wasn't sure if Liam would be able to wrap his head around that, but there wasn't many other ways he could have explained it. He sat there in silence for a moment as he went over what Liam had said once more, making sure to address everything... Or try to at least. When he came to his next point, he sighed and clapped his hands together softly. "Women will always get mad at us... for something. We always mess up somehow, someway... More often then not because we aren't mind readers and need shit spelled out for us. And you, my guy," Wes's lips pulled into a tight, apologetic smile. "Don't have as much game as you think you do, and definitely don't understand what women are thinking. If you plan to stay in Sloane's life, you'll have to accept that you'll piss her off a lot more."
Hopefully that didn't get him a swift punch in the face. Wes wasn't try to insult Liam or poke fun, but simply be honest with him. The son of Ares acted like he was the Gods gift to women, as most cocky men do... as Wes did at a certain point in his life. But Liam had the subtly of a freight train. He didn't know how to be gentle with a woman and damn well didn't know how to be romantic. And perhaps that wasn't his goal, maybe he was just trying to helpful, but regardless, his handling was rough and he needed to know.
"I don't know if you ever been in love..." Wes held up his hands to stop Liam before he started. "I'm not saying this is love. But love, or caring for someone, is irrational. I could be best friends with Zeus and still worry about his well being. Sloane knows you can handle yourself, and yet... She will still worry about you. That doesn't mean she thinks you're weak... It means she cares."
"Look," Wes sighed, as his hand raised to rub his head. "I'm not trying to tell you what to do. I'm just trying to help you understand maybe a fraction of what she is feeling." With that he shrugged his shoulders and leaned back against the tree. He had no clue if any of that got to Liam, but it was the best he could do.
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"Why are you sorry?" The red head asked with a cocked head, while the woman that accompanied her vanished. "Being sorry for interrupting because you were in the area makes so sense. I really wish people would quit apologizing for uncontrollable actions..."
"Habit," was all Sloane managed to respond with. For most people that was the polite thing to do. If they stumbled upon what seemed like a private moment they apologized, even if it wasn't an accident. But Sloane's finishing school antics didn't look to be in similar company with the red head. She came off blunt, and honest to the point of being offensive and unbothered. Not that it overly bothered her, Sloane had more on her mind than worry about the way one girl she never met treated her.
The red head began to collect arrows, which Sloane took to be the end of their very short conversation. She started to take a step back in the direction from where she came when the girl spoke up again. "It was just my mother. You know - mother-daughter talks and such. I say that sheās a bit too late for that, if you ask me!" Then she laughed, although it didn't sound like it was due to some great joke, but the irony of it. Sarcasm or humor as a defense mechanism was common.
"Nameās Rae, by the way. Artemisā biggest mistake. Sheās far too kind to admit it, but I am hugely too flawed for one to even assume that I am her spawn. Who would you be?"
Sloane took a moment before parting her lips to respond, but Rae interjected before a sound was able to escape. "Wait - wait. Let me guess, hmm? Iām kind of good at this."
She let her mouth close as she cupped her hands together in front of her. Sloane decided to humor Rae, she'd be curious to see what conclusion the girl came to. Based on her own knowledge of... well, herself, Athena would be her assumption, or perhaps Hestia. Yet neither of those crossed Rae's lips. "I can see that youāre an Ares child."
Sloane was so surprised by that comment, she actually snorted. She quickly brought her hand up to cover her mouth as she chuckled for a good moment. "No. I can't fight to save my life." She let out one final laugh before deciding to introduce herself similarly to Rae. "I'm Sloane. Reluctant protƩgƩe of Eris."
"Iām going to go eat. Did you eat yet? It looks like you could stand to eat a little more..."
Sloane looked down at her waist as Rae made a gesture at how skinny she was. She contemplated the offer for a moment, even looking in the general direction of the cafeteria, or where she assumed it was anyway. Sure, she could mope around all day in the woods, which would do nothing but make her more angry or feel more guilty. Plus, the mention of food made her stomach growl. It had to be about lunch time at that point and she could definitely go for some food. "I had breakfast a couple hours ago. But I could go for lunch."
Once Rae turned and headed toward the mess hall, Sloane hesitated a moment before trailing after her. Neither one of them seemed to be in a particular hurry and she was fine with that. It gave her more time to clear her head and digest everything that transpired. She also tried her best to wipe whatever tear residue remained away from her cheeks and appear like she hadn't just been crying.
Unfortunately for Sloane, luck did not seem to be on her side that day. As they traversed the woods and grew closer to the center of camp, a feint male voice could be heard ahead. She thought about turning around or diverting, but she wasn't leading, and soon enough Rae ended up leading them right towards it. Sure enough, sitting before them was Wes... and Liam. Sloane stopped dead in her tracks as she looked between them. It gave her one of those sinking feelings like when you walk into a room where everyone was just talking about you.
She had been standing there too long not to say something, or it would get awkward... It was already awkward. Sloane blinked and swallowed before managing to find her voice. "Wes. Liam." That was enough and she had zero desire to stick around and chat. Without caring about personal space, Sloane took a hold of Rae's arm and tugged her along as she lead them away from the pair. This time her steps were quicker, determined to lead them away before either one of the guys could manage to sit up and follow after them... hopefully.
Once they reached the center of camp, with the mess hall in sight, she released Rae's arm with a sigh. "Long story." That wasn't much of an explanation... at all, but it was something. Sloane resumed walking toward the cafeteria at a more leisurely speed, only to stop after a couple steps and turn back toward Rae. "Uh, sorry... For just dragging you along." She then gave the best half smile she could manage before continuing on towards the hall.
"Why are you sorry?" The red head asked with a cocked head, while the woman that accompanied her vanished. "Being sorry for interrupting because you were in the area makes so sense. I really wish people would quit apologizing for uncontrollable actions..."
"Habit," was all Sloane managed to respond with. For most people that was the polite thing to do. If they stumbled upon what seemed like a private moment they apologized, even if it wasn't an accident. But Sloane's finishing school antics didn't look to be in similar company with the red head. She came off blunt, and honest to the point of being offensive and unbothered. Not that it overly bothered her, Sloane had more on her mind than worry about the way one girl she never met treated her.
The red head began to collect arrows, which Sloane took to be the end of their very short conversation. She started to take a step back in the direction from where she came when the girl spoke up again. "It was just my mother. You know - mother-daughter talks and such. I say that sheās a bit too late for that, if you ask me!" Then she laughed, although it didn't sound like it was due to some great joke, but the irony of it. Sarcasm or humor as a defense mechanism was common.
"Nameās Rae, by the way. Artemisā biggest mistake. Sheās far too kind to admit it, but I am hugely too flawed for one to even assume that I am her spawn. Who would you be?"
Sloane took a moment before parting her lips to respond, but Rae interjected before a sound was able to escape. "Wait - wait. Let me guess, hmm? Iām kind of good at this."
She let her mouth close as she cupped her hands together in front of her. Sloane decided to humor Rae, she'd be curious to see what conclusion the girl came to. Based on her own knowledge of... well, herself, Athena would be her assumption, or perhaps Hestia. Yet neither of those crossed Rae's lips. "I can see that youāre an Ares child."
Sloane was so surprised by that comment, she actually snorted. She quickly brought her hand up to cover her mouth as she chuckled for a good moment. "No. I can't fight to save my life." She let out one final laugh before deciding to introduce herself similarly to Rae. "I'm Sloane. Reluctant protƩgƩe of Eris."
"Iām going to go eat. Did you eat yet? It looks like you could stand to eat a little more..."
Sloane looked down at her waist as Rae made a gesture at how skinny she was. She contemplated the offer for a moment, even looking in the general direction of the cafeteria, or where she assumed it was anyway. Sure, she could mope around all day in the woods, which would do nothing but make her more angry or feel more guilty. Plus, the mention of food made her stomach growl. It had to be about lunch time at that point and she could definitely go for some food. "I had breakfast a couple hours ago. But I could go for lunch."
Once Rae turned and headed toward the mess hall, Sloane hesitated a moment before trailing after her. Neither one of them seemed to be in a particular hurry and she was fine with that. It gave her more time to clear her head and digest everything that transpired. She also tried her best to wipe whatever tear residue remained away from her cheeks and appear like she hadn't just been crying.
Unfortunately for Sloane, luck did not seem to be on her side that day. As they traversed the woods and grew closer to the center of camp, a feint male voice could be heard ahead. She thought about turning around or diverting, but she wasn't leading, and soon enough Rae ended up leading them right towards it. Sure enough, sitting before them was Wes... and Liam. Sloane stopped dead in her tracks as she looked between them. It gave her one of those sinking feelings like when you walk into a room where everyone was just talking about you.
She had been standing there too long not to say something, or it would get awkward... It was already awkward. Sloane blinked and swallowed before managing to find her voice. "Wes. Liam." That was enough and she had zero desire to stick around and chat. Without caring about personal space, Sloane took a hold of Rae's arm and tugged her along as she lead them away from the pair. This time her steps were quicker, determined to lead them away before either one of the guys could manage to sit up and follow after them... hopefully.
Once they reached the center of camp, with the mess hall in sight, she released Rae's arm with a sigh. "Long story." That wasn't much of an explanation... at all, but it was something. Sloane resumed walking toward the cafeteria at a more leisurely speed, only to stop after a couple steps and turn back toward Rae. "Uh, sorry... For just dragging you along." She then gave the best half smile she could manage before continuing on towards the hall.
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Mason's hand moved to rest atop her own that cupped his cheek. "It's okay," he tried to assure her, but it didn't do much. After a moment or two, he tried to sit himself up and Andy aided what she could. But his effort didn't last long before he fell back into her lap. "Shit, sorry. Are you alright?"
"It's ok. I'm fine," she tried to reassure him in return. As Andy knelt there, she tried to figure out how the hell she would get them both out of there before a bunch of unwanted campers stumbled upon the scene. She couldn't very well help him up while keeping herself stable. Maybe a little bit of her powers... just a smidge. Something so small Mason wouldn't notice and it wouldn't take too much out of her.
Before she had the chance to do anything, another person dropped down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Andy looked over noticing it was Trinity as she spoke, "Hey, you okay? Are you hurt?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Andy nodded her head, while wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, trying her best not to get Mason's blood everywhere.
"What happened to you two?" It wasn't until Andy heard a growl come from Trinity, that she noticed what she was looking at... The culprit. For the time being she was focused on Mason rather than answering the question. It could wait a minute. And while she knelt there watching Mason in pain and bleeding, Trinity pressed her head gently against hers, a silent way to show her support, something that Andy greatly appreciate.
"You had one job," Trinity scolded Mason.
"It's not his fault," Andy said as he grimaced before sitting upright, keeping his back to them. "Mason has been with me all night. Even got me out of the infirmary. Ajax just showed up and punched him."
Trinity sighed. "Okay, come on." First she helped Andy to her feet, slowly and gently. One of the blonde's arms slid under hers for support before she helped Mason to his feet and picked up the bag. Andy had no idea how she managed it all but she didn't question it. After Mason gained his bearings, she felt his hand gently stroke her back reassuringly. "Where did youse wanna go?"
"Her cabin."
It didn't take too terribly long for them to reach her cabin. Trinity refused to release her hold on either one of them until they were near the foot of Andy's bed. She ordered for them to sit and while Mason listened, Andy slowly walked over to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet and began to wash his blood from her hands. All the while, trying her very best not to look up at the mirror. She was almost certain she probably looked she was hit by a car... She didn't need it confirmed.
Once finished, she grabbed one wet cloth and another dry one before rejoining them. Just as Andy stepped back out into the room there was a nasty crunch as Trinity snapped Mason's nose back in place. "N- Jesus!" She winced slightly, the sound enough to churn her stomach.
Andy made her way over to the foot of the bed, taking a seat beside Mason. "Here," she said softly as her right hand softly took ahold of his jaw and turned his face toward her. With the wet wash cloth Andy began slowly and gently wiping away the dried blood from his face. Her heart sank a little at the sight of his nose already bruising, the purple and blue spreading a little under his eyes. She hesitated for a moment before continuing and ran the rag along his lips. Her gaze briefly shifted between his own and his mouth. Andy shouldn't have been thinking about the night before, there were far more important things that could plague her mind. Yet as she brushed away the blood from his bottom lip all she could think about was the closet.
She inhaled softly and diverted her gaze before she had a chance to blush or make her self look even more ridiculous. While looking away Andy made sure to clean his hands before offering him the clean dry towel. "In case it starts to bleed again." She gave a weak smile and moved to her feet, taking the dirtied rag into the bathroom.
Andy tossed the bloodied cloth into a dirty clothes basket with a sigh. And as she stood there for a moment, she allowed herself one begrudged look at the mirror. It wasn't as bad as she expected... She had Cherise to thank for that. Mostly she look exhausted and feeble. But no scorch marks or wounds. Just weak, like a battery drained of it's life.
She sighed and stepped back into the room where there was still a heavy looming silence. But it seemed the moment she locked eyes on Mason, he took it upon himself to break that silence. "You know you've heard it a thousand times but the Valises are assholes. Did everyone but him see Alex send a thousand volts through you." Andy began to take a step forward and part her lips, but he held up his hand to stop her and continued. "Iām just saying itās a bad move. Sure, he's thought about you and cared about you, second. I've always thought you've settled for less than you deserve."
Andy's fingers fidgeted as she waited for her chance to speak. "No, you're right," she agreed as she crossed the room and resumed her seat on the bed beside him.
Mason sighed as he looked over at her. She could sense his... compassion? Gods, she hoped it wasn't pity. She already hated that she was a burden to both of them. She didn't want their pity too. Her gaze fell to her hands as Mason's arm wrapped around her and he placed a soft kiss upon her cheek. "I'm sorry this has all happened to you," he whispered into her ear. Did he mean the fight with Alex? Ajax? Himself?... Maybe it was a bit of all of it.
She let herself sink into his hold slightly as she looked between him and Trinity. "It wasnāt always bad, you know?" Andy admitted to them both. "I donāt think it got bad, or I ever really noticed it, until Alex becameā¦ unhinged. He was so focused on her and Iā¦ had my own problems." Then it all just started coming out. Like a dam was broken and everything that was bottled up in her flooded out. "Danielās death, the underworldā¦ and I felt like everywhere I turned there was fighting. You and Ajaxā¦ you and me."
For a moment she grew silent. Andy's fingers tugged at the hem of her shirt. "Gods did we fight a lot... I donāt think we could go a day without arguing." She began to move her hands like weighing the different arguments. "You were mad at me because I spent the night with Ajax. I was mad at you because you slept with Eve. We both thought each other deserved better andā¦" Her voice trailed off.
Was that it? Was it all that simple the whole time but either of them had been too stubborn to see it? All their arguments and fighting simply because they thought each other deserved better? Or was it more than that? Part of her always felt that a piece of it was jealousy. But it wasn't like Mason ever let anyone know how he felt unless it was anger... the one emotion he was more than happy to share. Andy wanted to ask him, but part of her knew she'd never get a straight answer, and if she did it wouldn't be while Trinity was there. But maybe, just maybe this all at least meant the fighting would stop... For now at least.
"Ajax and I might have fought more, but we were barely around each other," Andy continued hoping to sweep her previous comments under the rug. "Alex took every waking moment of his attention while I waited around for him. It was exhaustingā¦ constantly putting him first without receiving a fraction in return."
And with that comment, her eyes widened slightly. Andy sat upright, putting some distance between herself and Mason as the realization sunk in. "Iām sorryā¦ Iām no better than him. He put Alex first, I put him first and you put me firstā¦ Iām your Ajax. Jesus." She sighed. Her elbows rested on her knees as she buried her face in her hands. No tears, she's shed plenty of those. Just disgust. Disgust with herself.
Mason's hand moved to rest atop her own that cupped his cheek. "It's okay," he tried to assure her, but it didn't do much. After a moment or two, he tried to sit himself up and Andy aided what she could. But his effort didn't last long before he fell back into her lap. "Shit, sorry. Are you alright?"
"It's ok. I'm fine," she tried to reassure him in return. As Andy knelt there, she tried to figure out how the hell she would get them both out of there before a bunch of unwanted campers stumbled upon the scene. She couldn't very well help him up while keeping herself stable. Maybe a little bit of her powers... just a smidge. Something so small Mason wouldn't notice and it wouldn't take too much out of her.
Before she had the chance to do anything, another person dropped down beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. Andy looked over noticing it was Trinity as she spoke, "Hey, you okay? Are you hurt?"
"Yeah, I'm fine." Andy nodded her head, while wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, trying her best not to get Mason's blood everywhere.
"What happened to you two?" It wasn't until Andy heard a growl come from Trinity, that she noticed what she was looking at... The culprit. For the time being she was focused on Mason rather than answering the question. It could wait a minute. And while she knelt there watching Mason in pain and bleeding, Trinity pressed her head gently against hers, a silent way to show her support, something that Andy greatly appreciate.
"You had one job," Trinity scolded Mason.
"It's not his fault," Andy said as he grimaced before sitting upright, keeping his back to them. "Mason has been with me all night. Even got me out of the infirmary. Ajax just showed up and punched him."
Trinity sighed. "Okay, come on." First she helped Andy to her feet, slowly and gently. One of the blonde's arms slid under hers for support before she helped Mason to his feet and picked up the bag. Andy had no idea how she managed it all but she didn't question it. After Mason gained his bearings, she felt his hand gently stroke her back reassuringly. "Where did youse wanna go?"
"Her cabin."
It didn't take too terribly long for them to reach her cabin. Trinity refused to release her hold on either one of them until they were near the foot of Andy's bed. She ordered for them to sit and while Mason listened, Andy slowly walked over to the bathroom. She turned on the faucet and began to wash his blood from her hands. All the while, trying her very best not to look up at the mirror. She was almost certain she probably looked she was hit by a car... She didn't need it confirmed.
Once finished, she grabbed one wet cloth and another dry one before rejoining them. Just as Andy stepped back out into the room there was a nasty crunch as Trinity snapped Mason's nose back in place. "N- Jesus!" She winced slightly, the sound enough to churn her stomach.
Andy made her way over to the foot of the bed, taking a seat beside Mason. "Here," she said softly as her right hand softly took ahold of his jaw and turned his face toward her. With the wet wash cloth Andy began slowly and gently wiping away the dried blood from his face. Her heart sank a little at the sight of his nose already bruising, the purple and blue spreading a little under his eyes. She hesitated for a moment before continuing and ran the rag along his lips. Her gaze briefly shifted between his own and his mouth. Andy shouldn't have been thinking about the night before, there were far more important things that could plague her mind. Yet as she brushed away the blood from his bottom lip all she could think about was the closet.
She inhaled softly and diverted her gaze before she had a chance to blush or make her self look even more ridiculous. While looking away Andy made sure to clean his hands before offering him the clean dry towel. "In case it starts to bleed again." She gave a weak smile and moved to her feet, taking the dirtied rag into the bathroom.
Andy tossed the bloodied cloth into a dirty clothes basket with a sigh. And as she stood there for a moment, she allowed herself one begrudged look at the mirror. It wasn't as bad as she expected... She had Cherise to thank for that. Mostly she look exhausted and feeble. But no scorch marks or wounds. Just weak, like a battery drained of it's life.
She sighed and stepped back into the room where there was still a heavy looming silence. But it seemed the moment she locked eyes on Mason, he took it upon himself to break that silence. "You know you've heard it a thousand times but the Valises are assholes. Did everyone but him see Alex send a thousand volts through you." Andy began to take a step forward and part her lips, but he held up his hand to stop her and continued. "Iām just saying itās a bad move. Sure, he's thought about you and cared about you, second. I've always thought you've settled for less than you deserve."
Andy's fingers fidgeted as she waited for her chance to speak. "No, you're right," she agreed as she crossed the room and resumed her seat on the bed beside him.
Mason sighed as he looked over at her. She could sense his... compassion? Gods, she hoped it wasn't pity. She already hated that she was a burden to both of them. She didn't want their pity too. Her gaze fell to her hands as Mason's arm wrapped around her and he placed a soft kiss upon her cheek. "I'm sorry this has all happened to you," he whispered into her ear. Did he mean the fight with Alex? Ajax? Himself?... Maybe it was a bit of all of it.
She let herself sink into his hold slightly as she looked between him and Trinity. "It wasnāt always bad, you know?" Andy admitted to them both. "I donāt think it got bad, or I ever really noticed it, until Alex becameā¦ unhinged. He was so focused on her and Iā¦ had my own problems." Then it all just started coming out. Like a dam was broken and everything that was bottled up in her flooded out. "Danielās death, the underworldā¦ and I felt like everywhere I turned there was fighting. You and Ajaxā¦ you and me."
For a moment she grew silent. Andy's fingers tugged at the hem of her shirt. "Gods did we fight a lot... I donāt think we could go a day without arguing." She began to move her hands like weighing the different arguments. "You were mad at me because I spent the night with Ajax. I was mad at you because you slept with Eve. We both thought each other deserved better andā¦" Her voice trailed off.
Was that it? Was it all that simple the whole time but either of them had been too stubborn to see it? All their arguments and fighting simply because they thought each other deserved better? Or was it more than that? Part of her always felt that a piece of it was jealousy. But it wasn't like Mason ever let anyone know how he felt unless it was anger... the one emotion he was more than happy to share. Andy wanted to ask him, but part of her knew she'd never get a straight answer, and if she did it wouldn't be while Trinity was there. But maybe, just maybe this all at least meant the fighting would stop... For now at least.
"Ajax and I might have fought more, but we were barely around each other," Andy continued hoping to sweep her previous comments under the rug. "Alex took every waking moment of his attention while I waited around for him. It was exhaustingā¦ constantly putting him first without receiving a fraction in return."
And with that comment, her eyes widened slightly. Andy sat upright, putting some distance between herself and Mason as the realization sunk in. "Iām sorryā¦ Iām no better than him. He put Alex first, I put him first and you put me firstā¦ Iām your Ajax. Jesus." She sighed. Her elbows rested on her knees as she buried her face in her hands. No tears, she's shed plenty of those. Just disgust. Disgust with herself.