the_lioness | (no subject)

(no subject)

*Holding Adam's hand, Alanna climbs the guest stairs with an odd mixture of trepidation, determination and hope. Adam is not happy, and she knows it, but this is something she has to do. When they reach Thom's door, she hugs him quickly.*

It will be okay. Eventually.

*She nods and knocks, not her usual knock as she doesn't wish to give away her identity.*

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*The door opens and Thom stands with his hand on the knob, looking startled.

Politely* Yes?

*Adam squeezes Alanna's hand, and doesn't look Thom in the eye.*

She wanted it.

*Alanna just stares at Thom, checking him over for signs of hurt, physical or otherwise.*

I did. Do.

*She gulps.*

Hullo, Thom.

*Not brother. Not yet, anyway.*

*He looks okay. Whatever that means.*

OK. Hi.

*Adam backs up a bit, awkwardly, moving to keep one hand on Alanna's lower back.*

Are you going to let us in, or do we get the privilege of standing in the hallway outside your room?

*Eyes wide, Alanna watches Thom. Emotion clogs her throat. She furrows her brow, fighting it back, but seeing him again and knowing what transpired is getting to her.

He doesn't seem particularly upset or happy to see her. In fact, she's not sure he cares one way or the other.

That hurts.*

I just want to talk to you.

*He smiles faintly.* Come in.

*And stands aside.*

*Adam lets Alanna go in, and he follows behind, though slowly, motioning for Thom to go back in before he does. He enters last and closes the door behind him, leaning on it.*

*The room looks all but bare. She thinks back to the last time she stayed here, and sighs, sinking slowly onto the bed.*

I know, Thom. I... know. *She looks up at him and quickly looks away.* You arranged for the painting?

Who else?

*He shows her his cut palm.*

*She flinches and nods.*

Than...

*Not quite able to say it, she meets his eye and runs a hand through her hair.*

Are you alright?

Yeah. You?

*Adam snarls quietly.*

What do you think?

*She looks at Adam and swallows.*

I am... okay. *Eyes still on Adam, she hazards a small smile.*

Thom, do you even know why I gave it to him?

No.

*He ignores Adam. Hard.*

*Alanna breathes in sharply and feigns interest in the wall.*

Image-magic. He had three images, Thom. Adam, Ingress and George. You know what he can do with those. You were there the last time.

You... helped me the last time.

But he was going to kill them. I had no choice.

And now.

*That's a question.*

Now they are safe.

*She wants to tell him all of it, but the words stay lodged in her throat.*

I imagine Roger is not pleased by that. Or by what you did.

*It's not quite a question, and she doesn't really expect an answer.*

Oh, I'm sure he isn't.

How did you break it?

*quietly* It?

*Her breathing speeds up a bit.*

Yes, it. The spell.

Which spell?

-- how many spells are there?

...Three figures, Thom.

*Alanna stands and begins pacing, her every movement unusually jerky.*

Does it matter how? I would have come to you. I wanted to, but how could I? I didn't know... I didn't...

*Blinking back tears, she advances on Thom.*

Why?

*Thom looks confused and a little frightened.*

Why what?

I love you. Why wasn't that ever enough? Why do you do it? Why do you constantly play games with my life?

*She takes a deep breath, fists clenched at her sides.*

You're my brother. My twin.

Why didn't you tell me?

*Someone's evading the questiooon.*

*Her eyes narrow.* Because I didn't want him to HURT you, Thom! Or anyone else. I'm not a fool. I didn't want you confronting him over it.

*Thom nods.* Uh huh. And when you didn't tell me, I went . . .

Where?

*She grits her teeth.* Yes, well. I wasn't thinking very clearly around the headache.

You went to him. And you... you...

*Making a low sound in the back of her throat, she turns around and looks at Adam.*

You have no idea how much that hurt - that you didn't come tell me.

*Adam reaches for her hand, without moving from his position. There's no way he's letting Thom away from this one.*

You went to fucking Roger, Thom.

Let's see. I didn't tell you. You didn't tell me.

So who did you tell? Him?

What? Do not turn this around, Thom. Yes, I told Adam. Several days later, after. And only because he plied me with alcohol and asked the right damn questions. I would have told you too under the circumstances.

Oh, that sounds good. I'll just get you drunk next time you start lying to me, how's that? Then everything will be BETTER.

I didn't lie. I just didn't tell you the entire truth because I was TRYING to protect your fool head, and since WHEN are you one to harp on that?

He was worried, Thom. And right. I needed to talk about it.

I needed you.

You needed me? to talk to?

But you didn't when I was there because you were trying to protect my, right, my fool head. So it was okay to talk to Adam because he made you talk to Adam. I get it. In the future I can ply you with liquor too if that makes me more trustworthy.

You can't not tell me and call me out for not listening to you. I'm not going to make you tell me anything.

*Alanna gapes at him.*

I'm not calling you out for not listening to me, Thom. I'm upset that you knew Roger's plans and didn't come to me. I'm upset because you chose him over me, Thom. Your sister. Do you remember that at all? Do you even care?

He was going to KILL me. And yes, you helped. I... do thank you for Sario's painting. That's why I'm here.

But you... and he...

*She buries her face in her hands, cursing herself for letting him make her feel at all guilty.*

You knew Roger's plans and didn't come to me when I asked you.

You know what? I'm sorry. I'm sorry I went to him, I'm sorry I went to Sario, I'm sorry.

From now on I'll sit here. When you think something's dangerous -- but not too dangerous for my 'fool head' -- you'll know where to find me. Maybe I'll get in a wine cabinet. Would you like that?

The plans I knew didn't directly endanger you, Thom. You wouldn't have suffered.

*dully* Sure. Wine. Perhaps I'll turn into a drunkard like Father.

*Which one? Doesn't matter.*

*Adam speaks, finally, and it's not a voice either of them have ever heard.*

Knock it off.

Both of you.

What --

It was one time!

*Alanna stares at the floor.*

Thank you for the painting, Thom. It... yes. I know that wasn't easy, and I know you did endanger yourself. If he so much as looks at you in anger...

*She swallows.*

I love you. I just wish that was enough. For you.

I'll leave you alone.

. . . what're you saying, I'll fold up and look helpless? What?

Enough for me to what?

*Looking specifically at Thom this time, he raises his voice.*

I said knock it off.

C'mon, Alanna.

For you to... believe me. Love me back. Stop choosing Roger.

I know you aren't helpless, Thom. It's just that I... I don't want you hurt, and would do anything to keep that from happening.

Huh.

*She nods at Adam.*

You think I don't . . .

Fine. Go.

Take your dog, too.

*Adam leaves his perch against the store and closes in on Thom. It's possible his hand is raised.

Possible.*

Don't. You. EVER.

ADAM!

*Alanna lunges forward, grabbing his arm quickly and putting herself between them. Breathing heavily, she stares at her brother.*

I don't. Know. What to think. Anymore. You agree to help kill me and then turn around and save my life. You have no idea...

Don't call him that.

I do love you.

Brother.

*Swallowing, she gently shoves Adam toward the door.*

*He watches them go.

To the door* Yeah. I love you too.

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