Breaking Naim - {Jacklexington}

[Jack Lexington]

Storm is so small when he's wet. Like a wet rat but much cuter. "Puppy, you have to stay inside. I know you love Storms but it's dangerous for a little guy like you." Rubbing his ears I feel how he's grown to me in the short time I've had him.

"I have a lot of good memories. Mostly with Sam out riding and swimming in the creek. One time I dared James to climb on the roof of our neighbors house with me. He did and we stayed up there until night fell and watched the stars. That night there was a meteror shower that look amazing. I don't know." I shook my head. I really didn't want to talk about my brothers anymore. Even though the memories were good they still stung knowing there wouldn't be any new memories added.

My fingers interlace with hers and I close my eyes. The day was quite long and exhausting.
Before I know it I drift off to sleep.

Lucky Storm. Usually he gets shoed out of my bed before I sleep since he's not potty trained yet. Tonight I don't care as long as I can stay close to Tallulah.
"Night." I mutter.

In the middle of the night I wake with a start and can feel my heart beating heavily. What happened? I have to think about it for a moment. I had a dream about Sam and James and the capitol. How they are getting chased by a herd of peacekeepers with spears threatening to pick them up. My heart beats as if I had been running from them but then I notice Tallulahs small frame next to me and lay my head back down. For a while I lay awake worried the dream might come back but eventually fall back asleep. It's an uneasy, restless sleep and gets interrupted each time I accidentally move or roll onto my right arm.

In the morning I groan loudly and mutter. "Oh shit, what a night." It's like I haven't slept at all despite my lovely companion.

[Serenity]

I wake up to words I probably don't ever want to hear in the morning again.Swearing in the morning wasn't exactly the best thing to do. I groan covering my head with the pillow on Jacks bed. My. Hair. Looks. Horrible! (I think). It seemed rather light and I think there were untaimed ringlets scattered all over my hair. Rubbing my eyes, I emerge from the pillow cave. Jack looked horrible. Not in the rude way. I was worried, he looked horribly tired and sore. Rubbing my eyes I realized at some point in the night, our hands had seperated. Awww... I had thought it was cute he was holding my hand. I wanted it back but, I could see he was angry about his lack of sleep. That made me feel bad, I had had a good dream about me and Jack riding horses. By the end of the dream, I hadn't been able to see him, he had gone too far ahead. I look up, sternly looking him in the eyes. "Jack what's wrong?"

OOC: Short post, sorry!

[Jack Lexington]

Leaning forward I give her quick kiss on the cheek. It's really nice to wake up next to her despite my aweful dream. Her faces looks content and the crazy hair makes me smile a little. I'm sure mine's no better.
"Nothing...just had a bad dream and not enough sleep." My voice can't quite hide my grumpiness.
Lifting my right arm I notice that my fingers are slightly numb. So I pull back the sleeve of the flanel shirt. The bump hasn't gotten any prettier over night and I'm aware I need to do something other than ignoring it.
Dropping it back to my side I state. "I'll quickly have breakfast and then head over to the butcher." Surely Tally knows who I'm referring to. I'd love to ask her to come along but don't want to sound like a little girl so I simply get up.
"Do you want to sleep some more or have breakfast? We have eggs from our hens."

Downstairs I see mom boiling some eggs and walk up to her.
"Morning...where's dad?"
She just gives me a look and I know he's not well. So I go and find him in his bed.
Despite his state he gets up and takes me out the back door, where he leans against the wall in the cool morning air.
"Son, we need to talk."
Oh no, I don't think I want to hear this. I've been dreading this moment for about two years and he knows it.
"Listen." My eyes meet his, which look the same, bright green with small yellow dots.
"I'm not sure how much longer I will be around. Promise me to take good care of your mother."
My chest is suddenly tight and it's hard to breathe. So I just nod, then I hug him.
"You're the only one she's got. Take care of yourself, too. Be more careful."
Again I nod.
"And there's one more thing. I know chances are slim and there's only one more reaping for you. Hide that day."
I knit my brow. Dad knows that it's forbidden not to attend.
"Promise me that. She can't loose another son to the capitol."
Slowly I nod and whisper. "Okay. But you won't die, dad. I'm going to take care of you. Did you hear me? I'll help you." Of course my dad can't know what I mean but I want to give him hope.
He pulls me in another long hug and I can feel him breathing. It's good to hold my old man. A lonely tear rolls down my cheek which I wipe away immediately. "Sorry."
"It's okay to have feelings. I'm glad that girl came around. I haven't seen you as happy in a long time." With that he opens the door and is gone leaving me alone.
For a moment I think about his words before I go inside as well and find tallulah and my mother setting the table. Silently I sit down still in thoughts.

[Serenity]

When we get downstairs, I can tell right away, somethings wrong. I follow Jack but, his mother grabs my hand, before I can leave the room. As confused as I am, I get the message. No, Jack needed a moment with his father. I peer over at Mrs. Lexington while picking out the dishes. She keeps scratching her face or something and curiosity was killing me to look over at her. In shock, I take a step back. I had never seen a full grown woman cry before. Ever. "Mrs. Lexington...?" Before I can ask what's wrong she grabs me, hugging me. I can hear her sniffling but, I'm too stunned to move my arms. What's going on here? Why is everyone so grim? I couldn't guess. When she moves back, wiping away her tears again, I see she's regaining herself. I keep peeking at her the whole time she's making breakfast. Putting plates and forks down on the table, I see Jack come back in. I try to make eye contact with him, try to silently ask if he's okay but, he seems to lost in thought. It was like death had just swagger walked in, slapped the Lexington family upside the head and ditched. I felt completely oblivious to what was going on. And no one was bothering to tell me.

A little put out, I sit down beside Jack, glancing at his face now and then. What. The. Hell. Was. Going. On?! As much as I was dying to know, I knew prying into business that wasn't your own, was wrong. I sit in silence all through breakfast. When I'm done, I stand up. Curiosity killed the cat. Plastering a smile om my face, I say, "Thanks for breakfast, I'll start walking home. Thank you for having me." With that, I drag my dishes over to the sink, grabbing my now dry clothes, then open the door and start home. It gives me a moment to think. Jacks father must not be doing so well. It was crazy rude how I stormed out. Bringing a hand up to my face, to shield it from who ever might be watching. Embarrassing, how could i be so rude to such a wonderful family. I see a guy sitting on the curb of the road, clutching his stomach. He looked starved. I stop in the middle of the sidewalk. I slowly walk over to him, cautiously. "Sir? Are you okay?" I ask him, quietly.

"I'm starving... Can you help me?" He says, still crouched over. I carefully walk over, sitting on my heels beside him. "How can I help you...?" I almost back away. He seemed like a shady figure. Suddenly, he grabs my foot, and I fall over onto my butt. I gasp, shocked. Was THIS the kind of people that lived around Jacks street? How terrifying. Scrambling back wards I yank my foot free. I see the strangers hungry eyes glaring at me. He was starving into a craze. He manages to grab my foot again, pulling me for wards. I also manage to shove him away. Tears form in my eyes and my heart thunders rapidly against my chest. He was going to kill me?! I squeeze my eyes shut, I shouldn't have left Jacks house. Why was I so easy to hurt, it didn't make sense. The only thing I could do right now was whimper Jacks name as the mentally crazed man pulled on my foot and I tried to back away. What the hells going on, dammit?! Shit! Jack! But, Jack must be at his house. Hell if I knew, I need help...

[Jack Lexington]

"Where did she go?" I ask my mother when I turn around from the sink. Did Tallulah really just leave without a kiss goodbye after spending the night in one bed?
With quick steps I follow her out of the house but I'm not sure in which direction she left. Assuming she went left to go home I take that path as well. Something must have upset her.
Walking down the street I can't see her but noise from an alley catches my attention. Somebody's struggling in the shade there.
"Tallulah!" I shout when I spot her ginger hair and see she's struggling and kicking. Some guy has got an iron grip on her. Without hesitation I grab the lid of a trash can and whack him over the head, then kick him in the chest until he lets go of my friend. His hand reaches for me but I'm faster and evade his grasp delivering another blow to his stomach so he finally gives up.
Tallulah is shaking and breathless. Quickly I pull her up and away from the alley.
On the open street I stop her and place my hand on her shoulder. "Are you okay?"
She looks unharmed just shaken up.
Behind us there's more noise in the alley so I usher her down the street where I wrap her in my arms. "What happened? Why did you run off?"
I can feel her trembling. That must have been awefully scary.

[Serenity]

My legs are shaking and I watch as Jack beats up the hungering homeless guy. I cover my mouth and peek out from behind my fingers, fighting tears. Jack? Jack was here, had he followed me? My heart flutters between horrified beats. I never wanted to go through that again. Ever. I look back at the man who tried to grab me, being pulled out of the alley. He coughed and a fea drops of red splattered the ground. As furious as I was, that hurt to see. Pity and frusteration coursed through me for a moment. My long legs weren't working very well snd I stumble into Jacks arms. My body is almost limp against him, and I squeeze my eyes shut, forcing tears back. I step between his feet, holding onto Jack, my face buried in his chest. "I'm okay, just scared." I mumble into his shirt. He was so warm and I could feel my heart trying to match his heartbeat. That's right, calm down Tallulah. I was with Jack, I'm okay. Everything's fine. Now remembering his questions, I answer them, forgettng the man for a moment.

What a good question, why had I left? I couldn't be involved in every problem. That's just complicated. Maybe I had just wanted to see if I could do anything for his father. "I wanted to give you and your family space. I've been following you around all the time, I don't think they ever see you anymore." Then, I realize he might have thought I was mad at him. I was anything but mad at him. All my emotions to him were completely positive. Peeling myself off his chest, I look him straight in the face. "I'm sorry if I made you think I was upset. I'm not, I'm just stubborn." Re thinking this, I should probably tell him the full truth. "Your mother was crying, whats going on? I'm worried." I want jack to tell me whats going on. I love him and his family, I wanted to help.

[Jack Lexington]

Ignoring her question for now I look her up and down once we're a bit further away and ask. "Did he hurt you?"
Again I pull Tallulah into a hug because I'm incredibly relieved that I came in time to prevent her getting hurt. "You have to be careful on this side of town. There are a lot of poor, hungry people here."
Shes probably not used to this or the fact that people will try to take advantage of her help.

Arm in arm we make our way down the street and around a few corners. "My mother is worried sick." So am I. My chest still feels tight from the talk with my father and Tallulah being attacked didn't help.
"Dad's pretty bad." That's an understatement but I leave it at that. "That's why I have to get him more medicine right away."
Stopping for a moment I look at her. "Do you understand why I have to go to district 11? If there might be a cure I have to get it soon."

At the end of the next street there's a stone house on the right.
"Please come inside with me. I promise you'll get to know a whole new side of me you never wanted to see." I'm aware of how she feels about the 'butcher' as we call our local doctor and I really can't blame her because my palms are sweating even before I enter the door.

[Serenity]

Squeezing my eyes shut, I let him pull me into another hug. Again, I rest my head on his warm chest, letting my mind wander. Who in their right mind would just take advantage of someone like that? My ankle felt a sort of sting but, that was it. There would probably be a bruise. I shake my head against him, to say, no, he didn't hurt me. I'm okay. Jack, my knight in shining armor, has once again saved me. I actually mumble that against him, blushing after I did so. Then, we start walking off. I'm not quite sure WHERE but, I trust Jack enough that it isn't a rapist bar or a kidnapping HQ. It's probably the butcher- doctors, I correct myself. If I call him the butcher to his face, I might just become mince meat. I hold onto Jack tightly while were walking. I wasn't in the mood to be grabbed at again. I stumble once or twice on the sidewalk, legs still shaking a bit. Jack probably has no idea how grateful I am for him rescuing me. He doesn't look all to happy though. I know he cares about me so, I don't worry too much until he brings up his father. At this point in time, the best I can do is help him. He's already made up his mind.

"Jack, when you leave I'll take care of your parents. Just, come back to me in one piece." I say, getting close to the doctors office. I was right, it was the doctor. I hated that man. A true inconsiderate man. Only out for money and not to actually help. I smile, rubbing Jacks back, trying to sooth him. "Don't worry, I'll be right here. So, if you make any strange noises, or do something weird, I'll help." Of course, this place makes me crazy, it smells like a crazy house. Everyone all freaky and what not. I slide my hand down, clutching Jacks hand. I hated this crazy house. Stepping inside, I'm hit with the smell of medication, dust and spice. And sharp metal objects. My stomach sucks in and I tighten my grip on Jack hand. It was frightening, in here. The waiting room was basically a bunch of chairs pushed up against the wall and a book or two thrown around. I see the butcher-Doctor, I correct again, has got himself an assistant. A young boy around me and Jacks age, he's completely transfixed on a book about animals. Nice.

[Jack Lexington]

The medical smell assaults my senses and makes me want to turn around and run. After I tell the boy that I'm here to see the doctor Tallulah and I sit and wait for a while. Inside we can hear a kid cry and a woman's efforts to silence her child.
The instruments that are displayed on a glass shelf on the wall make me imagine the various ways of painful use and I'm hoping that none of these will ever be used on me or my girlfriend. 'Girlfriend' what strange term to be thinking about.
My fingers are entwinned with hers and I can feel her shaking a little.
"Don't worry. You're not the one on the table today." I try to calm her even though my own heart is noticably faster than usually.
"Thanks for coming along."

When my name is called 'Jack Lexington' I put on a brave face, get up and walk into the examination room as if I'm absolutely not bothered by my memories of this room but don't let go of her hand for one second.

The doctor is washing his hands and has his back in his tight white robe towards us but when he turns around it's obvious he's seen me one too many or in this case too little times.
"Jack." He gives me a look over the rim of his glasses.
"Finally decided to come again?"
Blushing I look away. Of course I haven't told anybody that I was supposed to get the splint exchanged for a cast as soon as the swelling subsided. I'm a true chicken when it comes to seeing this guy here.
"Well, actually Dr. Marten, I came for another dose of my dads medication."
The grey haired wrinkly guy raises a brow and wonders. "But he's had one last week."
"He needs another one, sir."
If I didn't know better I'd say he's actually concerned about my dads well being.
"Very well, then. Do you have 10 coins? I'll give it to you a little cheaper this time. You must be almost broke."
"Thank you, sir." I answer politely.

While he goes to his cabinet and pulls out a small bottle of pills I give Tallulah a meaningful look. She looks okay right now.
He comes back and when he hands me the bottle he reaches for my right hand and makes me wince. "Where's the splint? My oh my, you fool." He shakes his head and scolds me with words and his angry face.
"The school is paying for your treatment so quit behaving like a baby and be a man. I've never seen a guy your age who's a bigger chicken than you!"
I hate his scolding frown and his words even more. Why does he have to make me look like a coward in front of Tallulah.
"It doesn't hurt anymore." I lie through gritted teeth.
"Right!" With his meaty paw he holds on to my hand so I have no way of escaping and pushes up the sleeve of my shirt reveiling the shape my arm is in and proofing me a liar.
Averting my eyes I don't even dare to look at Tallulah right now.

[Serenity]

The doctors jokes would be funny if they weren't insulting and it wasn't him telling them. My glare darkens and I avoid looking in the doctors eyes, though his focus isn't me. How dare he insult Jack. Jack was a bigger man than he was. Jack broke horses for a living, he helped me during a fire, he was going to District 11 for his father and, he was getting his broken arm looked at. He had been in a storm, locked away with another student. It took guts to take care if someone else in chaos. He wasn't a chicken, he was the most brave, most selfless, kind, caring guy I have ever met. Jack was amazing and this butcher had the balls to comment on him like this? The nerve. At least he showed some care, lowering the price. If I could, I would pay for Jack, let him stay here rather than venture off but, I knew he wouldn't take it. What a boyfriend... Were still holding hands, he hasn't let go since the waiting room. He looked a lot braver then me. But, the fact he hadn't let go told me, there was something more. There was something bugging him. The doctor seemed informal with Jack. He had been here many times.

The doctor reacts by grabbing Jacks hand, firmly yanking it. I react by jumping forwards, stopping my hand from smacking the doctors away. Then, I freeze. I stare at Jacks arm, to his face, his arm, face. His face was pale, my expression changes into something sad. For the rest of the apointment, I sit in silence, the image of my boyfriends arm haunting my vision. I avoid Jacks face. I avoid his eyes. "...Jack..." I whisper, quieter than anyonr should hear. Why hadn't he told me his arm was worse? I clutch his hand, fingers laced through his turning white at the knuckles. He must be scared. It sucks, knowing the only thing I could do was be beside him and try to help. I suddenly find the folds in my shirt quite interesting. I had my hair over my eye as usual, it felt different, hiding it. The past week or so, I hadn't been scared. But, this was a doctor, if he found out and asked questions well, I'm not going to lie to a doctor. What my father did is considered child abuse. Without a doubt, I would be taken away and put in an adoption center. If that happened, I wouldn't be able to be with Jack. With that, I relax, letting Jacks blood flow into his hand again. What an eventful week.

[Jack Lexington]

The only escape of the doctors stern look is Tallulah but she's busy hiding herself away under the veil of her hair. I try to get a glimpse of her eyes but she's obviously scared. Reassuringly I squeeze her hand and then decide that I need to be a man-for her. I don't want her to think of me as a coward.
So I give the doctor a nod to let him know to go ahead and he answers with a smile. Maybe the first one I've ever seen from him.

Then it's my turn to look away because his prodding and turning is anything but pleasant. A few times I flinch and try to pull my arm away but I manage to only scrunch up my face but not let any sounds out. I'm so grateful Tallulah's here and giving me strength. If she wasn't here I wouldn't stay either. Especially when he tells me that operating the shifted radius and ulna would be his treatment of choice." My gutt drops and I shake my head totally forgetting about my resolution.

While I cling to her hand as if we were one Dr. Marten proceeds to set the bones and hides half my body in a cast. Content with his work he tells me to stay put until it dries, claps me on the back and leaves. I look crestfallen while I sit and wait with my arm immobilized from my fingers to just under my armpit.
"How am I going to finish breaking Naim now?" My eyes find hers. "You can stop looking so scared now. I don't think he even knows you are here."

[Serenity]

I sit beside him, and in a different I hear the shriek of a little boy. I wince, sinking closer to Jack. "Sorry I'm not helping. This is like a form of hell. Helpful hell. I hate it and I hate watching you in pain." I admit, looking at Jacks arm. The cast looked like it was getting stiffer and stiffer. That should make a lot of things difficult. Breaking Naim was the last thing on my mind right now. I wonder how long Jack will be stuck like this. My poor boyfriend... I keep playing the word over in my mind, I can't stop. It's something that makes my heart buzz and flutter every time I think of Jack and the word boyfriend. I decide to change my attitude up a little. Swinging my legs over, I play with Jacks feet. Footsie. Ah, a classic. I smile up at him, giving his cheek a kiss. If only we were the same height, I wouldn't have to reach up. I wouldn't have to stand on my toes to reach his perfect lips. "You'll be fine. If anythings gone horribly wrong today, it's me forgetting to brush my hair."

By the looks of it, he forgot about his too. I brush my hand through his hair. I'm impressed when I don't catch any knots. I couldn't say the same about my own hair. It was too long not to get knotted. I capture one of his feet between my own. I was totally off topic in my body language but, I was trying to distract Jack (I think). A sound of a knife dropping sounds out and I can hear the butcher-- DOCTOR! Doctor, doctor, doctor. I can hear the doctor swear creatively. I exchange a look with Jack. Then, I start laughing. I don't even understand what's so funny about the situation but, for some reason, it's hilarious. People always laugh more / cry more when their nervous. I pull a laugh attack, leaning against Jacks good shoulder. Our hands are resting between us and I let my laughter calm down, resting my head on Jacks shoulder. Tracing the back of his thumb with my own thumb, I sigh, laughter dying. Just a quiet smile is spread across my mouth. "So... Your scared of doctors?"

[Jack Lexington]

"No, what makes you think that?" It's a half hearted attempt of a joke but sounds pretty annoyed. I'm not annoyed by her though, who's stayed with me in this uncomfortable situation.
"Maybe a little." I admit before I brush back an strand of a hair to give her a quick kiss.

After 10 minutes the man returns and checks to see whether everything looks good. When he nods I roll down my sleeve to cover the cast as much as I can and catch the look he is giving Tallulah. That sort of nosy, inquisitive look.
I can tell he's going to ask about her eye and I know she's not comfortable talking about it.
Then he actually asks. "I remember you. You came to me years ago with that eye...I can't remember what happened."
Without asking permission he steps up to my friend and takes a closer look. "Can you see anything? If I can have a look I might be able to help you."
On one hand that's good news, on the other the girl by my side is most likely going to freak out and run away in a moment.
But I leave the choice up to her.

[Serenity]

I could feel his curious eyes focusing on me. His overly curious eyes rested on the corner of my eye and I knew he knew. He totally remembered me, I'm not sure how? I had been so young, I didn't think he recognized me. I hold onto Jacks hand, avoiding Dr. Martens eyes. "I-I, um, I scratched it... Accidentally." I wanted to bolt but, I stayed my ground. I wasn't going to run away. I didn't want to freak Jack out, thinking his girlfriend was a chicken. I didn't want to let the doctor see my eye but, Jack had already been brave. It was my turn to be brave. "I can't remember very well a time when I could see through it. You can try to help if you want but, I've long lost my vision in it."

OOC: RAWR I HATE SHORT POSTS... Sorry... T-T

[Jack Lexington]

Surprised by her being this brave and not freaking out I watch her in awe. The doctor takes a magnifying glass to take a close look at her eye, then goes and gets some eye drops which he drops into her eye. "Try this. It might smooth out your cornea. Maybe you get a little bit of vision back. The way your eye looks this is a superficial scratch. Maybe it's possible to restore some vision."
His words give me hope for Tallulah but there's of course the big maybe. I'm sure if she was a resident of the capitol she'd see in no time.

I get up and stand behind her to let her know I'm there. It's my way of paying her back I guess. Subconsciously I'm trying wiggle my arm out of its prison. That would take a while to get used to. I feel trapped.