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Alisa U Zemlji Chuda
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@leah-bishop
flashback || our antebellum innocence
Ben knows by now to expect the hug as soon as the door opens, but she still has to fight back the instinct to push back as Leah’s arms wrap around her.
"Hi," she mumbles into strawberry-scented hair, awkwardly shifting her arms as she debates whether or not she should return the hug.
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you can dance right through your life [L I S T E N]
come on eileen - dexy’s midnight runners // why should i worry? - billy joel // i want you back - jackson 5 // i wanna dance with somebody - whitney huston // hold the line - toto // it’s my life - bon jovi // flashdance… what a feeling - irene cara // heroes (david bowie cover) - janelle monae // mr. roboto - styx // hooked on a feeling - blue swede // hungry like the wolf - duran duran // dancing queen - abba // i melt with you - modern english // you make my dreams - hall & oates // billie jean - michael jackson // september - earth wind & fire // sweet dreams - eurythmics // under pressure - queen & david bowie // we didn’t start the fire - billy joel // maniac - michael sembello // born to run - bruce springsteen // don’t you (forget about me) - simple minds // edge of seventeen - stevie nicks // o-o-h child - the five stairsteps // man in the mirror - michael jackson
not so starry-eyed || benn & leah
"Yeah, that’s him," Ben grimly smiles even though she feels sick. She doesn’t know if she should be happy because she finally got a rise out of Leah, or ashamed because of the lies she told, or bitter because none of this was new.
"Figures you know him." She readjusts her backpack (full of the few possessions she has left that survived with her from Wales to the army to Hailgrove and everywhere in between) and once again moves to walk past Leah.
"Don’t worry, I’ll leave this shithole soon and you’ll never see me again." It was eerily similar to the words Ben spoke last time they saw each other, and just like the last time, Ben feverently hoped that it would be true.
Leah's mind is still trying to wrap itself around the sudden revelation - that sweet, goofy Andy was related to misanthropic, bitter Ben - that she barely focuses on the fact that Ben was leaving once again.
"Ben," she says roughly, unsure of what to say but convinced that Ben wasn't leaving without Leah having one more word. Again, Ben doesn't turn around, but she does stop, so Leah presses ahead.
"Take care of yourself," she says finally, unable to say anything harsher. Ben doesn't respond and continues walking. Leah lets out the shaking breath she didn't know she was holding. What just happened?
not so starry-eyed || benn & leah
Aaaand there it was, that irritating positiveness that Leah always turned to whenever things were anything but positive. So Ben takes another stab at this whole “truth” concept, partially hoping Leah might snap for once in her life.
"His last name isn’t Yates. Neither is mine. Didn’t exactly join the army under my legal name." As she speaks, Ben glares into Leah’s eyes, searching for some anger behind them. "I’m Ben Sayer," she jumbles her last sentence, suddenly regretting ever deciding to speak to Leah again. But Ben crosses her arms across her chest, daring Leah to call her out on her past lies.
Ben was trying to antagonize her, that much was clear. And Leah is angry, because Ben is doing it just to get a rise out of her. Her and Ben's outlooks on life might not see eye-to-eye, but whereas Leah was content to live in harmony despite their differences, Ben was always stubbornly refusing to comply with anything positive.
And Leah was pissed.
A part of her wishes that someone else was there with her - Corinne, or Sage, or heck, even Marcus - someone to ground her. But Leah was alone with Ben, and another part of her is glad. She knows that afterward she'll be embarrassed by her sudden show of harshness.
"Sayer?" She's so focused on the unfamiliarity of her anger (at Ben's cynicism, at Ben's antagonism, at Ben's lies) that she almost misses the name. "Wait, is your brother Andy Sayer?"
not so starry-eyed || benn & leah
Ben sighs, because of course Leah wasn’t going to let her off the hook so easily. But Leah’s inquiry had some validation behind it, and Ben guessed that she could even indulge Leah in the truth. Or part of the truth.
"My brother goes here." She turns around to face Leah, though her eyes are still downcast. "Was just gonna visit him for a few days." She almost adds on a comment about forgetting that Leah went here, but that would probably be mean and Ben for once had some sense.
"Oh!" Leah perks up at Ben's explanation. "That's so cool! What a coincidence!" She racks her brain, going through all of her classmates trying to find another Yates, all while ignoring Ben's glare. Leah can practically hear Ben's voice in her head: You know I know you're not that naive, right? Stop pulling shit.
"Hm, I don't think I know another Yates. But maybe I'll keep an eye out. From what you've said about him, he seems like a real cool guy."
not so starry-eyed || benn & leah
Benn grimaces and tries to force it into a smile. Play nice. Don’t be a dick. “Hey.” Okay, that’ll work.
And that decides it; coming to Hailgrove was the stupidest mistake she could possibly make, and Benn has what could possibly be the most-spectacularly-fucked-up record of stupid mistakes.
"So. I’m going to go now. Have a good life, or whatever." That counts as playing nice. I wished her a good life. Benn forces another grimace-smile and steps around Leah. There has to be one pub around here that’ll serve me. There has to be.
Leah can't help the grin that comes over her face as Ben greets her back, but Leah was sure it looked pretty pathetic. She can tell Ben doesn't want to be talking to her, but Leah would really appreciate it if the bad blood between them was cleaned up a bit. In fact, Leah would more than appreciate it, she wants it. So she doesn't let Ben leave so easily.
"Wait." Leah reaches out to grab Ben's arm, but catches herself just in time. The last time she saw someone catch Ben unaware, she pinned them against a wall. So she's thankful when Ben stops on her own, her back still turned to Leah.
"Um, so, what brings you to Hailgrove?" Leah had the fleeting thought that Ben had come for her, but that thought left as soon as it arrived. "I mean, this is the last place I expected to see you."
@leahbishop: all the plants may be covered in snow, but i definitely think campus is prettier in the winter!!! sage will agree eventually ;) #snowdaywalks #prettyevergreens #happy
not so starry-eyed || benn & leah
Benn was relieved when Andy didn’t press her too hard, but then again, he never really did. The news of Iain didn’t help, she was sure. If she knew her brother - and she did - she would bet that he was already throwing himself into a project in order to avoid the grief. Benn didn’t have that luxury, unless she chose to interact with someone else, which she wouldn’t. She contemplates heading toward a nearby bar, but she’s still underage in the States and her fake ID was out of date. She could call Andy again, admit she lied about not being on campus yet and spend the night in his dorm, but he’s likely still sore from the bad news and Benn really, really does not want to deal with any of that.
And so she walks around campus as if she has somewhere to go and contemplates her next move. How typical of her to charge into territory far over her head without any sort of plan. How typical of her to forget the fact that Andy is not the only person she knows at Hailgrove.
Benn almost doesn’t see her, because it’s not like Benn ever bothers to really look at the people she passes, and she wishes she didn’t. Because once she makes eye contact with Leah Bishop, her blood runs hot with anger. How stupid of her to forget. Benn wants to bolt, but Leah has also noticed her and is moving toward her. Of-fucking-course. Benn sharply inhales and prepares for the worst.
Corrine was always reminding Leah to pay attention when she was walking, because as even Leah was willing to admit, she did not have the best track record with keeping her eyes on the path in front of her. (It was also the reason why her parents never let her take her driver's test, and Leah doesn't blame them.) In actuality, Leah pays attention more often than not; she loves taking in all the sights and sounds around her. Even on the most well-worn path there's something new to discover. But whenever Leah's mind grabbed a hold of a distracting enough topic, well...
She's still focused on the sounds around her, carefully taking in each melody and vibration and matching it with the notes Sage had taught her. It would help her powers, if she was able to have a better grasp of the noises she was manipulating. Well, it would help in theory. Leah has always had her own methods of understanding the vibrations she felt, and after twenty years, adding another vastly different element was throwing her off her game. For now. She would get it. She just had to practice. And practice. And practice...
The next sound she hears is unmistakably and intersection and Leah pulls herself out of her head to try and not get run over. As she hums to herself, Leah casually looks around her, smiling at the few she makes eye contact with as they all wait for the light to change. And then she glances across the street...
The chorus of "Billie Jean" is suddenly interrupted as Leah's surprise shocks her into stopping humming. And, she's... afraid? No, that can't be it. Why would she be afraid? She has no reason to be...
But she is, and Leah can't help but reach for the hand that isn't there next to her before she stops herself. She had to handle this by herself. She couldn't ignore it. And so once the light changes, she walks over to Benn Sayer, the one person she thought (and maybe, possibly hoped) that she would never see again.
"Hey, stranger. Long time no see, huh?"
taking flight (mp) || sage and leah
That was probably the smoothest hit you could’ve gotten your first time. I’m so proud. [Sage pulls out a water bottle from his backpack and hands it to her as she hands him the bowl. He notices the way her eyes lock with his and he smiles, a little embarrassed to be the first one to break it when he looks down.] Thank you for staying. [He hits the bowl again and passes it back to her. Once the high starts to set in, Sage lays back and lets his arms fall open. At first he doesn’t notice the way the flowers start to grow at his fingertips—the way they start to grow around him—but when he does, he laughs up at the sky. All at once, he’s hit with an idea.] Hey, uh. What’s your favorite flower, Leah?
I guess I'm a woman of many talents. [The high is definitely starting to set in, Leah notices as flowers start sprouting around Sage. That's not normal, that much she registers, but she can't be bothered with worrying about it. She lies down near Sage, laughing as flowers bloom near her and brush against her bare arms. Gosh, she likes weed.] The passiflora. [Her answer comes quickly, almost reflexively. She didn't realize she had a favorite flower, until asked.] That's like... a general term? There's different types, but they're all so pretty. Like something from a sci-fi or fantasy movie. [She laughs again, even though nothing she said was particularly funny.] You've heard of them, right? I just figured, you seem to know a lot about plants and stuff.
taking flight (mp) || sage and leah
[Sage moves a bit closer to her, filling the bowl with the weed he always grows himself. He looks up at her for a second, still smiling—happy to have company out here for once—and nods.] Stress relief, mind clearing, all of that. And then some. [He takes out his lighter and puts the opening to his lips, his eyes falling closed as the smoke fills his lungs. Sage figures now’s as good a time as any to show off, so he huffs out tiny rings and watches them disappear into the air. He hands the bowl over to her and nods encouragingly.] All you have to do is take a long, deep breath after I light it. And don’t inhale too fast, or else you’ll cough. Think you can handle it?
[Leah thinks she should be more apprehensive than she is, throwing away a vow she had kept for so many years, but she's finding it hard to even care at all. The promise of no stress and a clear mind is all too tempting, and besides, she's occupying herself by studying Sage's lips as he huffs smoke rings. When it's her turn, she carefully holds the bowl, nodding along to Sage's words.] One long, deep breath, just not too fast. [She looks up at Sage, grinning.] Yeah, I think I can handle it. [And she does, almost, barely coughing as she inhales. A certain rush fills her, though she's not sure if it's from the weed, or the thrill of such an impulsive decision on her part. Maybe both, perhaps.] Wow, [she chokes out between coughs] that really is something. Not what I was expecting, but that's not a bad thing. [She makes a point of making eye contact with Sage as she hands the bowl back.] Thank you. For both the weed, and letting me crash your ultra-cool, secret garden.
taking flight (mp) || sage and leah
It’s cool, Leah. I promise. You’re not intruding or anything. [Sage chuckles quietly. He’s never had any company when he’s been out here—he wasn’t even sure if anyone else knew about it before then. He notices the way she avoids his eyes, and his smile falters just slightly. But her compliments change that just as quickly.] Wow. Thank you. For real, that means a lot to me. And, you know… you can stay, if you want. [He looks around, then pulls the brightest, pinkest flower he could reach from the ground and holds it up to her. Sage smiles at her, then pulls out his piece and a dub from his pocket.] Do you smoke? I got plenty to share.
[Her eyes stop moving around, and she finally makes eye contact with Sage. He certainly seems nice, but it's his smile that sets Leah at ease. Someone with a smile that genuine and happy can't be all that bad.] Really? You don't mind if I stay? [Leah falters for a moment as Sage asks her if she smokes - because no, she doesn't, she had vowed that she would never do anything like that. But it was just weed. Nothing dangerous, like meth or cocaine. And a sudden, strange impulse takes over her, throwing all of her worries aside as she sits back down.] Actually, um, I've never smoked before. But I'm willing to try it! It helps with stress, right? [She hesitantly laughs.] I could really use some of that.
taking flight (mp) || sage and leah
[As a graduate student, most of Sage’s school-related work manifests in hands-on, studio productions, which meant he could take as much time for recreation as he wants. He spends most of his time outside of the studio in the area surrounding Hailgrove. On this particular day, Sage decides to head to a spot he’s been to a few times before, when usually he’d blaze a new trail for himself. He can see where he last left his mark, the bright and vivid flowers a stark contrast to the seemingly always dark forest. Often in his own world, Sage doesn’t notice the path that already covers his own, nor does he notice figure sitting against the tree from where he is. Once he gets close enough, he stops in front of the girl. The fuck?] Uh. Hi. Thanks for watching my plants for me. [He flashes the girl a toothy grin and sits on the ground facing her.] I’m Sage. And you’re in my garden.
[The sudden voice startles her from her thoughts, and Leah shoots up from her spot. It made sense, that such a beautiful spot was being cared for by someone other than Hailgrove's somewhat-lacking maintenance team, but she felt like she was intruding on something private.] Gosh, I am so sorry. I had no idea this was your garden. I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, and... well... [She brushes the dirt off her hands, nervously smiling at the newcomer.] Um, I'm Leah. And I am also sorry, again, for intruding. [She looks around at the plants surrounding her, suddenly nervous about making eye contact with Sage.] Your plants are lovely. I don't think I've seen flowers this pretty without the help of Photoshop.
sheer coincidence (mp) || fletch and leah
[There’s something about Leah - perhaps her warm demeanour - that relaxes Fletcher, if only a little. People make him inherently uneasy (through no fault of their own; Fletcher knows he has atypical difficulties when it comes to reading people), and too often, Fletch finds himself retreating and avoiding conversation with others.] Sh-she does? That’s, it’s … hmm. I see. [He runs his fingers under the sleeve of his sweater, adjusting the buttons on his shirt cuff. Fletch doesn’t look up as he contemplates Leah’s promise of silence. He’s grateful, and—] You’re nice. [The words come out in far too blunt a fashion, and Fletcher has to consciously make an effort to elaborate, to save from sounding abrasive. Or even just plain weird.] I just .. I mean, I appreciate that. And you are nice, as a person, I mean. I don’t feel nervous around you, not like I usually do — so you must be affable. Although, I don’t know why I am so surprised by this fact. Your sister is wonderful, and you are from the same stock, so the conclusion I’ve reached was verging on inevitable.
[Leah found herself taken aback by Fletcher once again, this time because of his bluntness. His compliment seemed genuine, without any ulterior motive added on to it, which was... a really pleasant feeling. She smiles as thanks.] I'll agree with you there, Corinne is wonderful. She's actually the most wonderful person I know. And I'm glad she has someone like you, even if right now all you two are doing is getting dinner and looking at the sky. [She shakes her head, nervously laughing.] Gosh, I'm sorry if that's too forward. You two haven't even had a first date yet. I just... I just really love my sister, and it means a lot to me that there's someone else out there who appreciates her almost as much as I do. [It's easier to be open around Fletcher, as opposed to other people on campus. She understands social conventions, and has no problem using them, but it was really nice to just be able to talk to someone without that barrier there. It was easy to see why Corinne liked him.]
text: leah → andy
Andy: Alright, fine. I am a man of my word, and will buy you an overly-priced baked good, sans Marcus.
Andy: We can pretend to be normal, civilized people, who treat ourselves to overly-priced baked goods on the norm, and not just because one of us lost a bet of who can get the highest grade on a midterm, like the nerds we are.
Leah: That sounds fantastic!
Leah: And don't worry, for your wallet's sake, I will only pick the second-most expensive item on the menu :)
Text: Corinne → Leah
Corinne: Okay, sister. Whatever you say.
Corinne: And you can keep them to yourself for now. ;)
Leah: Will do.
Leah: Have fun at your dinner! I can't wait to hear about it :)
sheer coincidence (mp) || fletch and leah
[Fletcher scratches at the back of his neck nervously as he settles back down into his seat. His brow furrows, and he takes a brief moment to study Leah’s face. She doesn’t seem hostile, or aggressive, he thinks, Still, it’s all too convenient that she approached me today, when I have an engagement with her sister arranged for this evening. Hmm. Best be especially polite. Just in case. As soon as she mentions the eclipse, however, Fletcher’s characteristic smile forms on his face.] I would hardly say I am an expert; it takes years of study and research to get even near that level. I don’t even have half of an undergraduate degree yet. I’d like to be one, though, someday … [Fletch trails off and takes a couple of breaths, suddenly feeling self-concious.] I’m— Sorry. My thoughts get the better of me sometimes. Yes, I am really looking forward to it. I’m planning on asking Corinne if she’d like to view it with me, and — Oh. I, uhm … bother. [He averts his gaze from Leah, screwing up his face in frustration.] I wasn’t meant — I, oh, I wasn’t planning on mentioning that too anyone, in order to keep it a surprise. My excitement got the better of me.
[Leah's smile gets even wider as Fletcher starts talking. He was often just so unabashedly passionate about the subjects he cared about, that much was clear from just a few afternoons spent in the same room as him, and Leah loved it. Even with the kids she counseled at summer camp, she rarely saw such pure enthusiasm about... well, anything. It seemed that the world was so afraid of being judged, that everyone was more concerned with hiding from each other.] Hey, it's totally fine. It's awesome that you care so much about this stuff. Corinne definitely likes that about you, she can't stop grinning whenever you start talking. [She hopes she isn't overstepping her bounds, but it was obvious Fletcher was nervous, and Leah wanted to reassure him that there was no need to be. If he hadn't asked her soon, she had been thinking about conspiring with Marcus and Andy to get the two together, for all of their sakes.] Don't worry, Fletch. [She offers a comforting smile.] I won't tell her about it. I'll even pretend I never heard it. But, if you did ask her - and you didn't hear this from me - she definitely would say yes.
text: leah → andy
Andy: You mean that bet we had last semester? Darn, I was hoping you would have forgotten about that.
Andy: But if you were missing my charming personality, you could have just said something. No need to make up an excuse.
Leah: You promised me a baked good, of my choice, from the only good bakery in town. Ha ha, I'm not going to forget that.
Leah: Actually, I was hoping the shame of losing a bet would make you leave Marcus at home.
Leah: I love you both, but honestly, sometimes I have no idea how Fletcher puts up with being a third wheel to you two.
