All is Aching Finished PV Adlai Rod

Flash nodded along, feeling much more at ease. It was always a great relief for him when he got to just talk to other people. He attached to them like they were an iron lung, soaking in all the details of their lives. He wondered what kind of dancing Adlai liked to do, whether it was something free and expressive, or if she reigned herself in. He wondered what her family thought about her expressing herself with dance, whether they accepted other parts of her when they were so unwilling to accept her innate abilities.

When she said, 'oh', however, there was a subtle change in her smile. It didn't really move or change, but her eyes did. Something changed, though he didn't know what. That was, until she continued. Was he really one of the only people she talked to? It seemed absurd, she was such a gentle and sweet person, certainly she would get along with nearly anyone. Then again, it wouldn't be the first time that Flash saw something that others failed to see.

"If they'll let you...?" Flash's smile was diminishing slowly, like a candle burning out. "I don't see why not... you... you're lovely company."

With that, her bidding of him to have fun seemed somewhat hollow. Was she expecting him to hear that she might be alone and feel nothing? He stopped leaning and sat up properly, his face now changed into a look of concern.

"If something goes wrong, or you find yourself alone, please tell me. Because... you aren't alone... alright?"

@Adlai Rod

Adlai was somewhat taken aback by Flash's last remark. Was she that easy to see through? In all honesty she didn't know why she felt the way she did or what it possibly meant. And so she sighed and allowed her smile to relax. "Thank you Flash, but don't worry. I know I'm not alone, because I have you."

"And know that you aren't alone too, ok? If anything is ever wrong, you can come talk to me too." She said as she stood from her seat and ruffled Flashes hair before throwing her bag over her shoulder. "Anyway, I should probably get going. As much as I don't want to I have transfiguration home work to do." Her nose scrunched up when she said 'transfiguration.'

"Don't spend too much time with your head in a book, ok? Promise me you'll take a break every thirty minutes." She knew Flash wasn't one to not keep a promise, and thus as "horrible" as it may be for her to, she would very much so use it against him to help him keep his head on his shoulders.
"I better not see you reading during supper either, if I do I'll send you a howler!" She laughed, meaning it was an empty threat.

Attempting to leave the Thread

@Flash Holmwood

Flash was relieved to see a smile return to Adlai's features, she wore it so well. She was such a sweet-hearted girl, it felt a shame that his own problems might have found a way to darken her skies. She was so willing to give the benefit of the doubt, really... Flash rarely ever had so easy of a time making someone comfortable around him. It was almost as if he barely had to do anything but exist. With the words she said, the way she thought of him and wanted to cheer him up... he wasn't exactly sure what he had done to deserve such nurturing.

At best, he figured it was just the kind of person she was, one who was happy when the people around her were happy. It was an admirable way of seeing life, much more optimistic and free-spirited than Flash's world. In the moment, he felt a strange gap between them, the one that formed from Flash's childhood of isolation. For all the kindness she had to offer him, he couldn't help but wonder what the price was. Adlai would likely think she wanted to listen to Flash's worries and troubles, but she had no idea how wrong she was. She wouldn't be glad she listened, and it didn't matter, because Flash was sworn to secrecy. For all he knew, if he told anyone, he'd be killed.

But... he didn't want to think about it. Adlai was only just being considerate. He had listened to her woes and she wanted to reciprocate. He would smile and nod, but the truth was, he still very rarely ever talked about himself, and that wasn't likely to change anytime soon. He learned early on to keep his thoughts to himself, and focus on maintaining a good reputation. He might have had reasons to doubt his family's teachings, but how could he when the results were so crystal clear? It worked. People loved him, and listened to him. When he talked about his feelings... it was always a disaster. Flash was a disaster. Next to him, Adlai appeared so divinely gentle.

With that, she ruffled his hair, eliciting a chuckle from him as he instinctively bat her hand away. She alluded to homework she would be doing elsewhere-- likely a preferred place away from distraction. A warning then, to not drive himself too hard, and when to take breaks. Flash's eyes would follow her with a dopey smile, bemused at her winsome worrying. He waved lightly to see her off.

"Alright, I won't disappoint you."

@Adlai Rod