by portal2lbp2 » Mon Dec 28, 2015 11:37 am
Zeph/Study/Everyone
Zeph cracked the whip loudly, seeing just how much electricity he could put into it.
Holy Goddess, Zeph, you scared me. Ferondir said from across the room.
Not my intention, though that will surely be useful in the future. Zeph jested, coiling the whip around his hand and up his wrist.
New hook, huh? It's certainly shiny, Ill give you that. He said,making his way to Ferondir and glancing at the hook.
You're not wrong. Ferondir said, rolling his eyes and giving the faintest of a laugh- as he distractedly looked over Zeph's shoulder, his expression faded into a solemn look of recognition.
Zeph had seen this look, many times before. Either given to him, or from him.
He knew exactly what he'd see if he turned around.
Sapphire, mourning her sister.
Zeph turned from Ferondir- unable to bear that expression.
For the past few years, there were two looks Zeph would receive if he went into the town.
The first being the look Ferondir had on his face right then, a complete look of empathy, in which people attempted to sympathize with him- comfort him. Even though they had no idea what I'd had to go through. "Oh, dearie, I'm so sorry! Please, if there's anything I can-" There isn't. Very rarely was there anything anyone could do. He thought, clenching his fists.
Or the second, the one he'd grown to live with. A look of hatred or fear, masked by false smile. These were the kinds of people that treated Zeph as if what he'd done was completely his fault, as if he'd done it on purpose. These were the people that would go silent when he walked into a shop, or whisper as he walked down the street.
The one thing they had in common? They all pretended to understand. They would act as if they knew what he was going through- just because something had happened to them? They had no idea. Zeph looked down at his fists, which he was clenching so hard they had become bright red, and watched the electricity surge between his fingers.
He opened his hands, allowing the tension to ease.
Nobody cares, Zeph. That's what I learned. Empathy is temporary.
He closed his eyes and heaved a deep sigh.
Now is not the time. It's never the time. You aren't 10 anymore. He shook his head, opening his eyes and forcing that same fake smile he's so used to wearing around other people.
It's time to care. Or, at least pretend.
Ferondir turned to face Zeph, his eyes red with emotion. He was probably thinking about... her. He thought, analytically.
I'm so used to having people point out our similarities- but there is one astounding difference between us- I can hide how I feel.
I remember. Ferondir said whimsically.
You- remember? That was not at all what Zeph expected to hear from Ferondir.
Oh! Your memory! Out of all the things that could of restored your memory it was-
-Well, welcome back! You probably can't tell- but, how much do you remember?