To New Beginnings {Marree}

[cameo]

Not to sound full of myself, but the first year of Brooklyn's life I was one hell of a mother. My only responsibilities were her and training, and it's easy to tell which came first. She still continues to be my entire Panem. But back then I felt relatively normal for once, despite my young age. Brittany relaxed a frack load with the Rugrat around, and life was simply enjoyable for a change. No one judged me, simply because they knew nothing about me. The tiny Brooklyn maintained everything she needed. It's all I could of asked for. Now if only it all remained that way. 

About a year ago, Brittany declared that she 'fell in love.' It's complete bullshit to me. Though don't get me wrong, they're absolutely perfect for one another; manipulative, assertive, and undermining. So obviously, I attempt to avoid the house as much as possible. Only problem, is that poor Brooklyn gets the bad end of it all. Before she was born, Brittany and I decided on the story that Brittany is her mother. That we're only sister. And to keep that believable, it's probably best to not be constantly seen together. A tough career that's extremely close to her baby sister? Might cause some questioning. 

"I'm sorry baby girl. But you don't want to stay home with Granny do you?" My heart breaks as she whimpers and shakes her head back and forth. It was so much simpler when we only had to deal with Brittany at home; a task I can actually handle. Now i'm always bringing Brooklyn to daycare, and heading off to the gym, just as Brittany's boyfriend requires. "Plus, I'm sure your friends and teachers miss you." I attempt to reassure, but she holds no interest in going. Those crocodile tears slowing my steps. 

"I no wanna go." She cries, and I have to bite down on my inner cheek. I can break someone's bones and not feel a thing, yet Brooklyn's sobs never fail to get to me. 

"Okay." I have to cave. She's usually excited for daycare, but she's far from it today. Must of been too long since we've had a day together. "Lets play hooky." And instantly a shaky grin is spreading across her cheeks, while she's sniffling back her tears. It's not like a bad ass career can't spend one day with her sister. "The park?" I offer rhetorically, since she's automatically nodding her head. Figures. But that is much better. I tickle away the rest of her sorrows and head towards her favorite location. 

Perhaps we both needed a break from our normal routine. Feels like there's so much I missed, as I nervously keep my hand inches away from Brooklyn's back while she climbs. But the little one doesn't falter during a single step. Man has she grown. "Careful." I still catch myself saying, though she only giggles at me with confidence. Why did she have to take on my daredevil side? 

I have to take a break, after bringing Brooklyn over to the smaller playground of course. Feels like I might get a heart-attack if she explores one more tall obstacle. Shouldn't I want her to be fearless like me? I certainly don't want her to be a career. But what about being enough of a fighter to protect herself? My eyes  stay trained on her still as I sit on the bench next to her stroller, and my mind wanders off on how I'm supposed to be raising her. 

[Marree]

"KY-AN-NITE! Wait."

"Jins. It just... isn't working out. Okay? I don't know how else to say it. You don't trust me. You don't even let me go out with my friends anymore. And last night..." I throw the words out to him as I walk, though he keeps just a few steps in behind me as we do. Once or twice, I feel his hand and fingers graze against my arm, but I pull it away post haste and shake my head. I can't do this anymore and I don't know why he continues to want to keep me under his control. Is it control though? I have the ability to leave him if I really wanted to, right? That's what I'm doing right now, isn't it? Will he let me go? Will he finally let me take my leave and get out of this relationship?

"Baby. I'm sorry! I didn't want to fight with you. You just made me so mad. I promise I won't do it again. Okay? Please. Kya - baby. Listen to me." I shake my head and starting going toward the playground meant for kids in hopes that there would be a lot of people there, but as I get closer, all I see is just a handful or less. Though, some of the kids that are there are just a tad bit older but the women they are with are definately older except one of them. My vision goes directly to the blond as she sits with her child. Yet again, his hand pulls on my arm and I stop in my tracks.

"Please, Jins. Don't make this any harder on me or you. Just let me go. I am not going to be subjected to your bullshit. Get it? I need to be free. I need to be able to breath and I can't when you are constantly thinking I'm cheating on you. I can't live like this. Not anymore. Just, let me go. Now." I state and give him a meaningful look and take a step back before his face screws up into a frightful glare and suddenly envelopes me into a hug; his arms completely surrounding me and holding me against him.

"Kyanite, I will never be with anyone else." Without waiting, I push my hands up and in between us and push him away gently. The look I give him is nothing but pity and a bit of remorse. My left foot slowly slips backwards a step and then the other one follows until I finally turn around and starting walking away. "Kyanite. You'll regret this. You will."

"I gotta go, Jins. I'm meeting my friend. Just go."

I hear his words slip into my ear over and over again and hang around my conscious thoughts. What does he mean by that? What could he possibly do make me regret my decision when his hand is the one that caused me to be convinced he was no good for me? With a heavy heart, I turn around to see if he is still standing and with a gnashing hatred he keeps staring at me. With a bit of uncertainty, I look to the blond that is watching someone out on the playground and decide to use her as the girl I had said I was meeting.

"Bethany! Hey! How are you doing?" I modulate my voice to be pleasant and act as though I know who she is. "Sorry, it took so long to get here."

I can see how the girl's reaction is what I was expecting: confused, unsure and looking at me like I was crazy. Instead of giving up, I keep walking until I sit down beside her, a little closer than a normal stranger would. I plaster a smile on my face. "How's your sister?" I question her and randomly wave in the direction of the playground. I only mention her sister cause she's super young looking, like she's only a year or two over me. I look at her, smiling while mouthing the words 'play along'.

[cameo]

Something pulls my attention away from concentrating on Brooklyn; a random stranger nearly suffocating a cute redhead in a hug. It's not the romantic embrace that draws my eyes though. As calm as they're making it appear while in a public park, it feels off. My focus darts between the little one I automatically always watch over, and the girl I don't even know. Hard to tell if she'll need someone to step in, which I feel obligated to do oddly enough. 

I pull my stare back over to Brooklyn, as the girl finally escapes from the guy. Guess she can handle her own, that's a pleasant surprise. My bottom lip sneaks between my teeth while I resist the urge to see where she's going. Why is this chick yanking me like a magnet? Subtly I sneak a quick peak at the dude that was bothering her, to see him finally walking off after a long stare. Then I notice those beautiful red locks reaching closer my way. Instinctively I gaze back to Brooklyn, not wanting to seem like I've been eavesdropping. 

"Bethany! Hey! How are you doing?" Her sweet voice turns my head back to her direction. That's certainly not my name, yet she's acting as though we're friend. Can only assume it's a tactic to get away from that guy; and after being instinctively confused, I begin to play along.  "Sorry, it took so long to get here."

"No problem." I reassure with a short chuckle, slightly amused by what's unraveling. Will definitely get some amusement out of this if nothing else. She sits next to me, and it feels as though we have been friends for a while. She must be really good at acting. Somehow she even predicts that I'm here with my sister, making me question whether we've actually have met each other or not. But her lips I easily read, reassuring my first prediction to what's going on. 

'Course I'm not going to send this girl away. "She's doing great." I answer, and point to Brooklyn with a grin plastered to my face, to play it off as though she was doing something extremely cute. "How've you been?" I then question, while I take a quick glance over to where she came from. "Don't worry, he's gone." I reassure when I notice her friend's completely out of sight. Curiosity only grows over what happened. 

[Marree]

Anxiety runs through my veins, pushing my heart to pump more blood through my system even though it feels icy. It's a weird feeling to have this unusual reaction to Jins. After last night, it just kinda occured. Though, his breath on my neck as he whispered that empty threat didn't help. I feel something close to adrenaline making me seem a bit high right now; excited, almost. Even though I have found somewhere to sit for a moment, the reaction to him and the whole situation has gotten my legs a bit gelled and unstable.

On the other hand, I do well to hide the almost panic that wants to surface and I pass off the idle threat with this girl that I've somehow found. There's no way that Jins would suspect me to be lying when she is young and could possibly have been one of the many friends he kept me from seeing. One that might have thought that I would spend more time with than him. Who knows? All I care about is that this charming blond is playing along without even me telling her to, but there's this sense of security around her already.

"No problem." She states, as though it wasn't rehearsed, which in turn makes me grin heavily while on my high. When I inquire about her sister, whom I'm not even sure she has, she keeps it going by telling me she's great. I give her a gentle nod, then just to pass off the scene even more, I gently place my hand at her arm for a moment whilst giving that friendly gesture of a nod.

"That's great, Beth. Oh, I'm doing fine. Just needing a break. Figured I'd hang out with you for a while." My voice is honeyed at this point.

"Don't worry, he's gone." The way she says it, in such a reassuring voice makes me visibly relax and my posture suddenly tones it down from stiff and rigid to limber and my back finally touches the back of the bench.

"You sure? He's not lingering around?" I ask, almost afraid that she might be lying to me, but her voice and her whole aura is just too calm to be fibbing to me. A deep breath is released from my lungs, expelling all the nerves that was tensing my fingers up. "Thanks for not ratting me out. Appreciate your help."

A fruity laugh somehow finds its way out of me as I dip my head down and pinch the bridge of my nose. "Sorry, I didn't mean to single you out, but you were prime realty and good timing. That guy was an ass. I was just trying to lose him, but he wouldn't let me go." I try to explain without too much detail. I'm not the type of person to just tell my whole life story to some random stranger. "I never got your real name. It isn't Bethany, is it? I'm Kyanite."

I extend my hand out to her and raise my right eyebrow just a bit and wonder if she will continue her friendly facade as well?

[cameo]

What is it about her voice that draws me so much? The shakiness in her pitch is settling, presenting the sweetness it truly contains. I want to hear her talk further. Though we only continue with this act of knowing one another. She proceeds to share that she's doing well, and was only desiring a short break with her old friend. Why am I stuck hoping this goes further then our short pretend scene? No matter what I don't falter in having this girl's back though, despite the lack of ever meeting her before or being given the truth.

Once I assure that her stalker is gone, her posture seems to relax just slightly. She doesn't automatically assume she's in the clear though, and questions whether I'm sure.  "Watched him go down there." I gesture my head towards the concrete path he took. Don't want to instantly predict that she thinks I'm a lier, probably just cautious. 

"Any time." I grin when thanked for going along with everything. Not like it was a huge ordeal. Quite entertaining if anything. Just hope she's save beyond this point. I want to question what happened, but luckily she beats me to the bunch with an explanation. That makes things a whole lot easier, as far as my curiosity goes.  

A larger smirk spreads across my face when she mentions that I'm prime realestate. That certainly makes all of this worth it, especially with the addition of saving someone from an unwanted crush. "Guess I scared him off." I joke to laugh along with her. Still can't place my finger on why this girl is so appealing. Have to figure it out though, and this situation presents the perfect opportunity. 

"Vy." I answer when she asks for my name. Kyanite, now that's unique and pretty. "And that's Brooklyn." I introduce the Rugrat playing in the sand a few yards away. "So how long has that guy been bugging you?" I wonder out-loud while my curiosity gets the best of me. 

[Marree]

"Anytime." This chick's smirk makes me curious what's going on in her head to have some random girl sit beside her, call her some random name, and expect her to play along to something she has no idea about. If anything, she's quite a trooper though. After a small explaination she makes a joke, which makes me keep giving off a fruity chuckle.

"I guess you did. Thanks!" An exchange of some personal information, in the form of my name, comes out and I extend my hand for her to take. Though, my name reaches her ears, my hand does not. Instead of shaking my hand, she sits there and answers with a name. "Vy?" I ask, making sure that I heard her correctly and I slowly let my hand drop enough and then bring it up to brush my red hair back behind my ear as the wind wants to blow it back out from the holding spot. Another name comes out and I look to the little girl that is playing on the playground.

"She's cute. Little sister, right? If so, then I have good intuition. I didn't know. I just assumed you had a little one out here playing or you wouldn't be here." I shrug my shoulders. "Then again, I don't have one and I'm here."

"So how long has that buy been bugging you?" She questions the guy that was with me. So, in response, I shrug my shoulders.

"Doesn't really matter. A couple of years? Going on two, actually, but I don't have to worry about him anymore. I just broke up with the guy." I tell her confidently and let the air flow into my lungs as I stand. "Hey, Vy. Maybe I'll see you around. THanks again for your help. Have a great day with your sister! I'll catch ya later."

I give her a grin, a small wave and then watch her features as I turn around and look toward the ground and watch my feet as I make my way away from the girl. My toes curl around the sandles and I press my hands down to smooth out the short dress that barely even reaches my knees when the wind picks up yet again and I stare to the path that the girl had told me he walked down and decide upon the opposite direction.

Two steps into the next alley I halt to the sound of a great 'thud'. I turn around suddenly to see the shadow of someone behind me and then his hands grab onto my shoulders. "Kyanite. Baby. Please don't break up with me. I love you, girl. I'll forgive you if you take it back. I'll be good to you."

"Jins. I said no. How many times do I have to tell you? We are no longer a 'thing'. I broke up with you." A crossed look comes upon his face and he shakes his head and then oversteps me until he runs me against he wall and I duck under his hand and take another two steps before he furiously grabs my arm and pulls me closer to him.

"You aren't leaving. You're my girlfriend. You're just mad, Kyanite. You'll get over it tomorrow. Let's go out."

My head moves from left to right a few times before his grip tightens and with my free hand, I take a forceful blow against his gut. "I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!" I scream at him and backstep from him. Without realizing it, his hand moves quickly and pain surges out of control around my lips and my knees buckle until I feel the ground below me and I curl over my knees, a sudden cry of pain escapes my throat. "YOU ASS!"

[cameo]

"Yeah." I answer after Kyanite repeats my name to verify she heard correctly. 'Least she doesn't automatically wonder what it stands for. She's satisfied with it, just as I am with the way it flows from her thin, red lips. Usually that simple letter sounds so rough when spoken from someone else, yet it's almost sweet coming from her. Why do I suddenly find myself grateful for her creepy stalker? Hard to imagine how else we would of met.

Just as I'm good at, I remain quiet while I listen to her talk about her keen intuition to why I'm here. Sort of guessed the lie that I tell everyone, but she doesn't need to know this. "Pretty spot on." I only grin while keeping my focus upon the Rugrat we're speaking of. Pretty obvious why she's here as well; though I only wonder about her friend, to avoid the risk of potentially being rude. 

"Wow, two years." I instinctively comment with widening eyes. No wonder the guy isn't taking this very lightly. But before I get to dissect the situation any further, Ky's springing from her seat and presenting a goodbye. Damn, maybe she really was only in need of a diversion from her Ex. That's unfortunate. "No problem." I smirk anyways and closely watch as she walks away from me.  Last thing I want is for her unwanted friend to come back around, and make all of this pointless. All clear so far though. 

Giggles begin to approach me, and I don't even need to look over to scoop up my little one once she reaches my legs. "Hi baby girl." My smile grows even larger as I finally pull my gaze away from the Redhead. "Having fun?" 

"I hungry." Brooklyn shares with her bottom lip curling up, though she breaks into a grin moments later. Have to love how easy it is to keep this Rascal happy. 

"Alright, lets go home and make some lunch." Plus my gut is telling me to make sure Kyanite hasn't run into an altercation on her way out. I strap Brooklyn into her stroller, and take the long way around the park just to check. Why I care so much? I really can't explain. 

I knew it, or at least my instincts did. A scream of 'Leave me alone,' quickens my steps, and I swing around a corner to witness exactly what I was fearing. The girl I just met is curled over on the ground, clenching her lip, with that douche standing right above her. "Ay!" I scream to grab his attention. Instantly I'm dashing over there, and leaving Brooklyn and her stroller a nice distance away from the drama about to occur. My fingers are already clenched together, ready for a fight. 

Without a second of hesitation my fist is aimed for his face. If he's stupid enough to harm a girl because of a breakup, he sure as hell is gonna pay. My knuckles throb in pain, but I'm guessing he's feeling it a whole lot more. "You've made a huge damn mistake." I inform and waste no time to deliver another attack. 

[Marree]

Pain is a normal thing. You fall. You get back up. You hit your opponent. They hit you. It's an endless amount of ring around the rosey, but in this situation, it needs to only be one way. It's suppose to not even happen between two people that were once 'in love'. It wasn't suppose to end like this but sadly, I'm the one feeling a right amount of fire burning my mouth; filling my tastebuds of hot copper and a nasty taste. I spit out a fair amount of blood on the ground after I curse at Jins, calling him an ass. Only at that exact moment, I hear another voice, but it's a girl. It's that girl. Where did she come from?

"Ay!" I look up and watched her dashing over toward me. My vision has tunneled as I watch the look on her features and the speed at which she's coming after me. No. Not me. Jins. She's got a eyes that are deadlocked upon Jins and I look over to him to see what his reaction is and wipe away at my lip and feel absolutely nothing. It's completely numb and I wonder if he's knocked out any of my teeth or if it's worse then I can feel. All I know is my face tingles with nettles and I push against the wall to stand and watch the georgous blond aim her fist into his face and watch the smirk fall off his face as he backs away and curls over for a moment, holding the left side of his face.

"Get out of here, Vy. This is my fight." I try to tell her because at that moment, I look to see her sister in the stroller a fair amount of space away from me and the fight and I fear for the little girl to see this. She's too young to know about the choosing and the maze games. She don't need to see such violence until she's ready. My attention falls back to the girl when her voice graces my senses and I hear her tell him that he's made a mistake.

"Damn right he did." I mutter, and stand, wiping away more blood that seems to penetrate from the wound inside my mouth and fire boils into my veins and without waiting for Vy to try to attack him again, I bring my elbow back quickly and cut through the air and aim for his jaw, but he saw me coming. He noticed just in time to move his shoulder up and my knuckles meet with his boney shoulder bone and yet again, icy white pain shoots up my hand. The sound of something breaking resonates through my ears and my fingers become limp. What I do notice is Jins's howl of pain as he turns away from the two of us and grasps onto his shoulder. The only thing going through my mind is wondering if I might have damaged his shoulder enough to prove my point. I don't want him to see me fidgit with pain so I keep a stiff upper lip and bring my arms up against my chest yet again, waiting for him to turn on me again, but he don't. He stands there like an idiot for a moment and his eyes dart from mine to Vy.

"Next time..." He growls and takes one simple step away but with the moment of relax, he rams his shoulder into Vy to try to make his exit.

[cameo]

The last thing I'm expecting to hear, proceeds from those lovely lips that are now busted and bleeding. "Get out of here, Vy. This is my fight." She claims, and informs me of how stubborn she is. Some gratitude. This dude could of easily followed with a kick, taken complete advantage and had his way with her. But I won't stand to see that happen, even if she'd prefer to not have my help. 

"Seriously?" I question while her Ex's preoccupied with comforting his new wound. If she has the nerve to play me off as her friend to get away from this guy, she's going to have to accept my assistance. I spit my words into the dude's face, hoping he'll finally get the picture and back off. 

Despite my best predictions, Kyanite's pulling back to her feet and unexpectedly throws a hit towards the one she wants to end things with. It's quite appealing and attractive, can't deny that. A grin returns back to my features, until I notice the pain exhibiting from her. Looks like her punch didn't unravel as she was hoping. I flinch in sympathy, my entire focus upon her now. Gently I place a hand on her back, greatly concerned by what could of happened. "Yeah, get the hell out of here." I demand when he assures they'll be a next time, my concentration far from what he's doing. Bad idea. 

His shoulder suddenly rams into one of my eyes, leaving my vision temporally impaired. "Frack!" I curse out with a growl, and instinctively cover the ache with my free hand. He's quickly retrieving before any more damage can be given to him, but I somehow manage one final hit to his ear. Not going to let him get away with the last attack. Luckily he's then off like the coward he is though. "Damn ass hole." I mutter while following his exit with my only good eye, making sure he's actually leaving for good this time. 

"You alright?" I question to Kyanite as I bring my focus back to her. My vision darts over to Brooklyn for a second, to see she's completely content and giggling away in her stroller. Not sure if that's a good thing or not. But for now I have to make Ky's okay; and judging by her expression, she's not. She's grasping one of her hands like it's in serious pain. "Let me see." I gesture for her to show me what's bothersome. Have had my share of bad attacks, I'll easily be able to spot her condition. 

Delicately I scoop up her hand into mine, not wanting to cause anymore discomfort. "Doesn't look good." I comment in a low tone, noticing the harsh disposition of two of her fingers. "Let me walk you home, make sure that creep doesn't come around again. Think you can get there?" Impossible to tell just how far away she lives, or whether her pain's bearable enough for the journey. I keep my gaze trained on her, while not pushing away the simple touch of her's that I hold. Why do I feel such a connection? 

[Marree]

"Damn ass hole is right." I grimace now that he's retreating away like a dog with his tail tucked between his legs. Only now does the realization hit from what just happened. He actually left a mark this time. I can't really believe it because he just promised me that it wouldn't happen again. After last night, he said it wouldn't happen again, but he did much worse than that. He even hurt someone that was trying to help me. What I don't get is why was she helping me in the first place? How did she even know where I was? I didn't ask her to, nor did I want her to. I could take care of him on my own but I'm not going to be mean to her. Not when he just caused her some pain, too.

My voice is caught though. It's held captive as I try to bite back the poison of pain that's trying to seep through my voice and cause me to cry even though I can feel it rising up from the pit of my belly. The acid of my stomach contents already wanting to expell the horrid liquid that's being swallowed in attempts to not cry in front of my heroine.

"You alright?" She asks and the first and only thing to do is to shake my head and give her a positive thought to gnaw on until I see her looking back to her sister. As much as I'd like to pretend that what just happened didn't hurt, I can't go on anymore without letting my eyes fill up with tears. I hate tears. They are a sign of weakness and regret. They show others that you aren't perfect and full of mistakes. Already, she sees my face and my pain that is probably written all over my face but around her and no one else, I feel like I can let the pain show freely.

"Let me see." She asks and I don't even get a chance to reject her gentle hand before she's scooping my hand into hers and her slightly chilled hand sends nothing but shivers down my spine and for a moment I look at her, tear filled eyes and all, as I watch her examine my hand. Words that I don't want to hear come out cause I've not gathered the courage to look at the damage but it must not be good since she said it so I take a peek down at the hand in hers and a sickening feeling rises yet again and I move my eyes away from the darkening color of the two middle fingers. Slightly jagged, I know they've been broken just by the position.

A deep breath fills my lungs as i finally just let the tears fall as I clench my eyes shut and try to take a few deep breaths.

"Let me walk you home, make sure that creep doens't come around again. think you can get there?"

I nod and quickly wipe away the tears in my eyes and try to keep up a strong facade despite the radiating pain and for a moment, I look to her face and notice the reddening mark around her eye. "He hit you. I'm sorry!" I try to make my voice seem so sincere but the wavering in my voice is beyond recognition for pity. "Yeah. My mom is going to need details once she see's me."

I have to wonder what my mom will think to know that my boyfriend is the one that did this.... well, ex-boyfriend now. Will she go after him or would it be better she not know? I push those thoughts out of my head because I let my eyes travel to the hand still holding onto mine. She's being so gentle. So careful with me and even though the tears have messed my makeup up, I give her a gentle smile.

"Me mum's a healer. She can help us both." I tell her and wearily I feel like wanting to sit down and just to rest, but I give her a nod instead. "Ready when you are, my knight in shining armor." I tease her. "Please don't tell me I broke my own hand by punching him..." I ask in curiosity. How horrible would that be that I'm the one that caused my own pain? "I"ll wait here. Go get your sister, okay? I won't want you to leave her alone any longer."

I talk to her and guide her with my eyes to the little girl whose giggling and playing with her right shoe trying to take it off and suceeds the moment I look at her. "Damn this hurts." I tell her.

[cameo]

Tears flutter into Kyanite's eyes; yanking at my own heart strings, as I notice her attempting to hold them back. She must of really damaged her hand while punching the guy, whose now run off like the chicken he is. Automatically guilt sinks into my core. I shouldn't of let her leave so soon, and that I entirely blame myself for. Even if a bad throb is consuming one of my eyes, I feel more pain over the harm inflicted on her for some reason. I could of prevented this. 

The worst part is seeing the pained feature illuminating from Ky. She averts her concern over to my mere wound, but I simply shrug it off. "Don't worry about it." I try to reassures when she apologizes. It's not like she forced me into step in. Hell, she wanted me to back off. Entirely my decision, and I'm still glad that I did. A pathetic grin slides to my face as I watch her attempt to cover up the discomfort that must be consuming her. Sort of cute how she acts so tough. 

Without even being aware of it myself, I slowly wrap my arms around her in a gentle hug. Just seems like she's in need of one. She's trying so hard to ignore the wrong disposition of her fingers, and dealing with the breakup I just witnessed. My nurturing side's never evoked for anyone aside from Brooklyn, yet comes so naturally towards this stranger. I only want to show her that she no longer has to keep up her strong face. That ass hole is long gone, and I'm more then willing to deal with the tears she's resisting. Unsure what's gotten into me. 

"Can't wait." I joke to her warning of a needed explanation for her mother. As long as she's not like Brittany, it shouldn't be too hard. By now I've released her from the potentially unwanted embrace; and make my way over to Brooklyn, while listening to Ky talk about this mother of her's. Sounds sweet if by her words, but I don't want to make any quick assumptions. A grin returns to my cheeks as she then calls me her knight in shining armor. Has a nice ring to it. 

Now a chuckle escapes me, as she wonders if she broke her fingers during the punch. She makes it sound as though that's a bad thing. "I'd say that's pretty bad ass." I reassure, and give Brooklyn a tickle as I reach her. Should probably watch my language while around the little one, but it's too late for that. "Ready." I grin while strolling over the toddler. 

"You wanna push for a little support?" I offer while pausing for a minute to allow her to take the lead, and the stroller if need be. Difficult to tell what'll help, I'm no healer. But i'm more then willing to offer whatever support I can. 

[Marree]

I feel absolutely nothing towards the guy I used to like. No remorse or fear for him, but only hoping that he got as much pain as I did. I have to wonder though, if his shoulder is busted like my hand. If it isn't, his bones are rock hard and I know that he's pretty sturdy. Why didn't I think that he would try to block my fist from diving into his jaw? Why didn't I think about hitting somewhere else or going after him with a little less force? The more I tend to glance down to my fingers, I see how much force there was behind the hit. HOw much anger and hatred I actually harvested toward Jins in just a short two days. Did I really care for him at all?

The only thing I do feel is this girls arms that wrap around me suddenly and for a moment, all the pain seems to numb to a bareable pain level. There is something so strangely satisfying to have this stranger's arms around me, enveloping me in comfort and care after what just happened. It's putting me into this sense of security that I don't want to let go and slowly, my good hand touches her side as I barely put my forehead against her chest to take a much needed breath. Those feelings all change so suddenly when she releases me and goes to fetch her sister, while I follow her over to the little tyke.

Only once do I actually catch her grin and it's wonderfully charming to see how her right side of her lips moves up just a hair bit more than the left. A wrinkle presents itself on the right side of her eye, too. She continues to make me wonder what's going on with her when she tells me that what I did was pretty badass. I half grin cause I can't really feel my one side of my lip moving much. Then I advert my eyes away though when she asks me if I'm ready.

"To meet my doom and have my mom fuss over me, not really. I hate the million questions." I try to explain and close my mouth as much as I can but the numbness is wearing off on my lip and I can feel it swelling big time. So, I move my hand over my lip and feel the sticky copper mess still lingering, but at least the taste isn't as bad as it was a few minutes ago. "I'll be fine." I tell her. I don't want to push the stroll for fear that I'll actually put too much preassure on the four wheeled buggy and send the little one off flying down the hill. Not to mention with one busted hand, I'd rather just wing it. So, I just take another step and halfway expect Vy to follow my lead without holding onto the stroller.

I fall into step with my knight as I stay close to her, casually bumping into her once or twice along the way. I can't find the motivation to talk much though. Instead, the pain is making me cave though I choose not to let it show in front of Vy, but the tears keep welling up and I can't stop them as they casually want to roll down my cheek until I push them away with a quick wipe each time. "Don't tell my sister I've cried. Okay?" I ask, as I glance to her. Brooklyn, on the other hand, makes herself comfy in the stroller and babbles along as if she's having the world's best conversation in panem.

I put my hand up to my mouth a moment, feeling around the swollen lip and grimace loud enough to make it known. "This will take forever to heal." I whine, though I shake my head and slightly make a chuckle. "What is your parents going to say when they see your eye?" I question her and wonder if her parents will hail her a hero or a villian for getting involved with someone when she had no reason to. "It isn't much further to my house. It's just around the next corner."

Just within minutes, we reach the house as I stare up to the door and my heart patters out of control.

"You know what Vy... you should go in first. She gets patients all the time. I'll just, stay here for a few minutes, okay?" I stop in mid step as I fear what my mother will think. She liked Jins. She liked him a lot but he always had us fooled, I guess. Will she even believe me when I tell her that he's the one that did this? "Just don't tell her I'm..."

"Kyanite Ruze! What on earth happened to your face! My gracious..." Her shrill voice suddenly comes out in such a perfect pitch of surprise and accusation. I look to Vy and usher her in front of me first.

[cameo]

Having Kyanite protectively in my arms feels so normal, oddly enough. It's as though she belongs there, sinking into my embrace like we've known each other for years. And I feel exactly that way within my heart. I simply subtly shake my head though, forcing myself to pull away. 'Don't even know this girl, yet I'm acting like this. What's gotten into me? I avert my attention over to Brooklyn, in order to play off these unknown emotions. 

"You'r mom sounds sweet." I attempt to joke when Ky worries over the massive questioning bound to come her way once home. Somehow I have a feeling that her mom will understand. It's not as though she wanted that guy's aggression, unless I'm not aware of the entire story. Truthfully, I can't help but assume that everything is exactly as it appears though. None of this is her fault. 

We casually travel to her house, and I push along the Stroller since she declares that she's fine. Her hip bumps against mine a couple of times, evoking a slight grin with every touch. Occasionally I glance over, to spot those saddening eyes that have yet to change. "You'r secrets safe with me." I assure after she tells me not to inform her sister of her tears. Probably wouldn't of anyways, but oh well. Once again I bring an arm over her shoulder, and tug only slightly. She's got nothing to worry over with me. 

"It's a nice battle wound." I try to reassure her over her busted lip. Sort of makes her more appealing in my eyes, though I don't dare to mention that. I only listen to her wonder over what my parents will think. 

Do I share the truth as my instincts are telling me? "My mom probably won't even notice. I'm training for the Mazes, so it happens all the time." I shrug off once more, though it's very much the truth. Wouldn't be surprised if Brittany says nothing about it, let alone getting a reaction from her boyfriend. Honestly, I prefer it that way. "No problem." I reply with again when Ky shares that her house isn't too much further. 

"I'm not going in without you." I correct when Kyanite insists that she'll wait out here for a few. "I'm not even in need of any repairs." Have to point that out with a slight chuckle, and raised arms that form into a shrug. Seconds later my fingers return to the Stroller, to make sure it doesn't go anywhere. Right in the middle of her protest, whom must be her Mother, joins the situation. Well this will make things a whole lot easier. A sly grin spreads across my face as I cross my arms in approval. 

Suddenly more guilt comes across me though, and I willingly step in front of Kyanite when she pulls me. Is she that scared to tell her Mother what happened? "I'm sorry. Someone was harassing me, and Kyanite generously stepped in." Been quite good at story-telling since I was little, least that's what Brittany tells me. And with the condition of my eye, this one will be easily played off. 

"I'm guessing you must be her mother, or sister." Never knew I was so good with parents. Only ever dealing with Brittany, it's a difficult thing to predict. "I'm Vy, and this is my sister Brooklyn." I introduce with an unusually kind attitude for my nature. Not quite sure what this Kyanite girl's provoking from me, but I don't resist it for now. Instead a sweet grin stays upon my cheeks. 

[Marree]

In order to tell my mother the truth, I feel like I need to lie. Right now, the situation is still too fresh and real in my mind to tell her what's going on. What will I do if I do tell her? Will she fuss over the assailant or worry about taking care of me and this new girl. I may tell her later on tonight the truth, but for now, again, Vy saves me from the present situation.

"I'm sorry. Someone was harassing me, and Kyanite generously stepping." I look to Vy and my mouth partly opens in surprise though I close it a moment later because my jaw hurts to keep my mouth open any longer than a few moments. Maybe the hit I took disaligned my jaw or something? All I know is that the pain is becoming very present at this very moment and everything is starting to catch up to me.

"Kyanite. Honey... why on earth would you come home looking like this, scaring me to death? I saw you out the window moments before you got to the door. How do you think I feel about seeing my daughter covered in blood?" She fusses with me and looking to the other girl. "You need ice on your eye. Come in. Please. Bring the little one in and I'll get her a treat. Girls... you have to be more careful."

Her hand touches my chin, pushing my head upwards to try to inspect my face to see if I had any other injuries but she immediately notices how I cradle my hand against my body, afraid that she'll touch it and jarr it from it's comfortable position. "Kyanite. Did this person do this, too?"

I shake my head and look to Vy. Now comes the embarassing moment when I have to tell her, but I can only guess that I'm glad Cyanite isn't here to witness my next sentence. "I think I broke my hand when I punched the guy..."

"Oh?" She says, in another accusation like tone. Her voice getting deep with worry and that eyebrow that furrows in distaste. "Did you hurt him bad? Cause to punch someone as hard as you might to be able to break your hand you must have done something equivelent to him." She suddenly shakes her head, but I can see that very slight, tiny grin before she whispers into my ear. "Hope he learned his lesson."

"Thanks Momma." I say it out loud and proud in front of Vy and she points directly into the house for the three of us to go into. "Into the study Kyanite. Take your friend and the little one, too. I"ll be in there in a few minutes, I need to get some stuff to patch ya up."

I look to Vy as I offer the way into the house and go down the hall and to the study where mom my usually takes care of those in need of repair and medicine. The smell of antiseptic fills the room and when we enter it's dark, so I turn the light on and show the room. The bookcase on the far corner is stuffed with books about medicine and healing. Plant books and herbs that heal. The examination table is nothing but a table with padding on it, but on the right hand part of the room is a small cot. Usually good for those that need to rest or those that have to stay overnight. Luckily, I live here, so there will be no staying the night for me down here in this clean smelling room.

"KYANITE. ON THE EXAM TABLE." I hear my mother yell from whereever she is in the house and I point to the cot for Vy and her sister.

"Have a seat. You'll love my mom. She's great. Little over protective but it's just us. She wants to keep me and my two siblings close and never let us out of her sight." I get on the table with a bit of difficulty and use this time to bring my legs up and cross them, allowing myself to relax my hand on my knee and survey the damage.

"Hey Vy... why did you tell her that I stepped in to someone harassing you instead of telling the truth?" I'm curious why she would do that for me. Wouldn't any other normal person just extract the truth in the first place and let the person deal with the consequences?

[cameo]

Knew that Kyanite's mother is extremely sweet. For once my intuition didn't fool me. The resemblance between their personalities is so keen, exactly like the way my sarcasm connects me with Brittany. Guessing her father's either very nurturing as well, or entirely the opposite from them. But I'm not going to push my luck with these predictions. For now, I only grin at her pleasantly-surprisingly kind parent. Sort of nice to see how concerned she is over her daughter. 

"My eye is fine." I reassure when Ky's Mother averts her attention over to me. My worry is far more upon the Redhead's fingers, but for some reason I feel like that's inappropriate to actually say.  "Sorry again. Promise it won't happen next time." Can I declare such a statement? How can I guarantee to keeping Ky safe? Let alone whether they'll even be a next time. She might find me as creepy as her Ex. Of course I stay quiet though, and only return a smirk to my lips. All these damn assumptions roaming through my mind. 

Before we go in, Ky's Mother questions what happened to her fingers. Luckily my lies are no longer needed, as she quickly comes around with the truth. Her tone is low, and trails off towards the end. I bite down on my inner lip while awaiting her Mama's reaction. Is she going to be disappointed like a typical Career Parent? There's the tiniest grin upon her cheeks though, as she hypothesizes the damage her daughter must of inflicted. She's proud, just as I am.  

The relationship they share, has me craving that for myself for the first time in my life. I've never desired that sort of bond in the past, and now a bit of jealousy sinks into the pit of my stomach. Can only strive to provide that for Brooklyn. Will she openly thank me in front of her peers like that one day? Will she always listen to me? And most importantly, will I be able to patch her up after any battle she may have? I grab the little Tyke from her stroller, and follow Ky inside. "Thank you." I say to her mother while in passing. 

It's a quant house that I walk through with Brooklyn in my arms. The walls are warmly colored, and decorated with appealing artwork. Everything seems to have a proper place and order. Best way to describe it all, homey. Even the room where Ky's Mother must take a load of patients, doesn't hold that obnoxious doctor appeal. She wasn't kidding about her Mom being a healer. I take a seat where she directs me to, and keep Brooklyn in my lap. 

"I can already tell she's amazing." I comment when Kyanite feels the need to explain herself and her mom. Truthfully I wish I had her instead of Brittany, but that's another thing I won't say out-loud.  

Brooklyn finds interest in my new bruise, and decides to examine it herself. "Owie?" She questions, with an adorably sorrowful pitch. Then she pokes right under my eye during her inspection, which isn't as cute.

"Yes, owie. Don't touch it!"  I tickle her away, and remain calm as I always do while around her. Guess punching Ky's Ex was a little bit of an exception. Speaking of which, Kyanite wonders why I fibbed about what occurred to her Mom. "Sort of just happened. Wasn't sure if you wanted her to know. Sorry." I apologize. "Hope I didn't cause any issues." Though that would be just like me to do that, cause trouble while trying to do good. Typical. 

"Any way that I can help?" I ask when Kyanite's mother enters.