Conan*Raimi

As he made his way back toward the trailer, Conan was still in quite the foul mood. Due to the fact that Raimi had almost a sixth sense about how his brother was feeling, the teen's anger and frustration with Ben had kept the toddler in tears all the way home. And Conan, unable to comfort his brother, even with his low hum, was becoming all the more angry with every wrenching sob the kid let out. The situation was feeding on himself, and he knew that he needed someplace to quiet himself and ease his emotions if he was going to be able to soothe Raimi.

So despite everything else, he made his way back to Summer and Collin's home, Raimi held tightly to himself as he wound his way carefully around the multiple potted plants and flowerbeds that decorated the front yard, heading toward the trailer in an attempt to get inside without being noticed... though with as perceptive as Summer was, goodness knew how likely that attempt was to be successful.

Summer & Collin Wallock

Unfortunately for Conan, not only was Summer home, but so was Collin. The husband was currently working in the kitchen area, long hair kept back in a ponytail as he was busy mincing a sprig of chives and cilantro for a fresh salsa dish. Summer was sitting on the floor in front of the couch, sorting through a variety of clothes she had picked up at a garage sale, trying to decide just which ones she thought she go to Conan, and which one should go to her son.

Considering how tiny the home was, he was spotted by both parents as soon as he entered the door, and received a duel set of smiles and friendly 'hellos' from both. But, straight away, the two could clearly see that all was not well. Summer stood up, her smile softening around the edges, "Conan, honey, what's got you and Raimi upset?"

Conan*Raimi

In the spare few days he'd stayed with the Wallocks, he'd come to suspect that Summer was truly and genuinely a kind person, someone to be trusted. And a person further from Michael than was Collin could not be imagined. Never in this household was a voice or hand raised in discipline or anger, or anything more than quiet exasperation.

But due to his state, and that of his little brother, Conan flinched back as if Summer had walked up and struck him a square one across the face. He was wordless in silence, and his face even and calm as he recovered that control, but the action spoke volumes to tell both of them that neither he nor Raimi were alright. And, as if to add to the chaos of the situation, Raimi's wails redoubled, bringing a shimmer to his older brother's eyes and forcing him to bring one hand to his face, scrubbing tiredly at his nose and cheekbones to disguise the distress and strain he was battling.

Summer & Collin Wallock

Husband and wife shared a look, where a lifetime spent together afforded them more communication through simple expressions than words could ever do. Collin, after quietly scraping the tangy, pungent scented herbs into a dish, excused himself outside to finish picking tomatoes and peppers for the dip.

This left Summer to contend with the two brothers, who she continued to foster a sympathetic and kindly smile for. "Conan, why don't you sit down? Oh, Raimi..." The woman had raised a gentle hand, in a move to touch Conan's shoulder and guide him towards the couch. Thinking better of this at the last moment, she forced a broader and still more tempered smile and lowered the hand again. "I can get you some fresh lemonade, and we can talk. About anything you want." She wasn't going to force the teen into anything, nor did she press the issue of what had him and his brother so upset; but she left the offer open, and could only hope that he'd agree to it to some extent.

Conan*Raimi

He'd flinched again when she reached a hand toward him, half expecting the innocent-looking movement to turn into a blow or a sharp pinch of some kind. Or worse, that the fingers would be coated with an invisible layer of amoxicilin. It had been this drug which Rayna had coated the pads that she had used to 'treat' his bullet wounds: a compound that he was violently allergic to. And his mother had always taken great pleasure in the amount of pain even a topical application of this could inflict upon her son.

But Summer's quickly recovered instincts saved him a complete panic as she drew the hand back at the last second, before coming into contact with him. And that simple action, over all the swirling things he was grappling with, spoke volumes to him, and calmed him enough to allow him to let her lead him into the living room. He sat down on the indicated couch, though even seated he was obviously a tense, frightened thing, and shifted Raimi into a more comfortable hold, beginning again to hum in a deep baritone voice and stroke his brother's back in an attempt to soothe him as Summer fetched the lemonade. When she came back with it, he considered the offered glass for a moment before he took it, staring down into its depths in a brooding way as he hummed to Raimi, who slowly, now that his brother was calming, lowered the pitch of his cries and began to relax again, though every now and then a whimper would escape him.

It was after several long, awkward seconds that he looked up to meet Summer's kind gaze across from him, and his fingers moved slowly. The threats continue against Raimi and myself. I still fear for your safety while we remain here.

Summer & Collin Wallock

With patience as endless as time itself, Summer didn't prod the boy into spilling what was on his mind, or even to talk about anything at all until he was ready for it. It was clear enough to her that, whatever was effecting him, it was a horrendous weight, and she would let him express it in his own way, and at his own pace. So it was that she sipped quietly at the lemonade, watching the two keenly, but trying not to be over bearing in her presence.

The woman, as much as she strove to comfort the teenager and toddler, refrained from putting a comforting hand on Conan's back, or to stroke at Raimi's cheek to clear away the spilled tears. It broke her heart to see their turmoil, but she remained respectful about Conan's space and provided solace in the simple matter of being there, quiet and unjudging, to listen to whatever he wished to speak about.

"I would much rather help you and deal with these threats than cast you out on the street to fend for yourself, just to spare us harassment from the gangs." She assured in a soft voice, that seemed incapable of bearing anything harsh or negative, "If it makes you feel any better, a friend of Greg's is a police officer, and he's agreed to help us out."

Conan*Raimi

There could not have been a better tactic at getting the unwilling teen to talk. Her continued silence, soft voice, and acknowledgement, rather than denial of the problem, moved him deeply, and he listened carefully to her words, taking them all in. It made it a little easier for him to share what was weighing so heavily on his mind and heart, giving a little relief to him as he slowly answered her.

It makes me feel better about the gangs, but they aren't the only threat in play, here. There are several others that you need to look out for, my father not the least of them. My mother is dead, but he believes that it is my fault she is dead. If he finds that I am here, and that you have been protecting me, a policeman will not stop him. They never did before when- His fingers stopped moving, not willing or really even able to complete that line of thought.

He took a moment to still the trembling that had set into his hands before he continued in an almost puzzled way. Why? Why do you do this? You never even knew me until Greg brought me over here, and I'd never met him until we stumbled into his house in a dead panic and me with a gunshot wound. All of you know what a danger it is, having me around. Why?! That was part of his distress: a confusion and a lack of ability to comprehend the concept that sometimes people were just kind, and did kind things because they wanted to. The world Conan lived in did not possess this as reality. He and Aralyn helped each other because they had suffered similarly, and he and Nadeem helped each other because they both cared for Aralyn. Those were solid reasons. This vaguer and yet somehow simpler and important idea was beyond the abused and traumatized teen.

Summer & Collin Wallock

At his faltering in explanation, the woman turned her storm-gray eyes downward, in a sign that she wasn't going to inquire about this obviously painful part of his past. She had an insight on his life now, if only a very brief glimpse, and it brought an ache to her heart that was just as genuine as if she'd heard an equally traumatic revelation from her own son. "We can only hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Reguardless of the dangers, you and your brother are a welcomed part of this family, and I would not turn you away even if the entire town were against you." Her spirited eyes were lifted again as she gave him this response, just as quietly and easily spoken as her other words had been.

To the next question, Summer's smile grew more sincere, bringing up several fine lines of wrinkles around the corners of her mouth and eyes, "Because we care, Conan. It doesn't matter how long we've known each other, or what dangers might follow after you. You're a person in need of help, and that is all that matters."

Conan*Raimi

Her first answer moved him still more, making him pause in wonder at the strong words she used and the soft, sure tones in which she said them. It was almost like... no. No it had to be a lie. It was just like any other lie that had ever been told to him, by Ben, by mother, by anybody... convincing, but false. Just like that, Conan made up his mind not to continue this discussion.

But her next words made his resolution faltered at her second answer, mostly because, like Nadeem's admission of guilt over letting Aralyn get hurt, her words disarmed him completely. And despite his decision to say not another word to her, his fingers twitched again. I don't- a pause, and then he finished, I don't understand.

Summer & Collin Wallock

"You've had a rough enough day as it is, you needn't fret over anything right now." Summer dismissed his confusion with a subtle wave of her hand, and although she honestly had no clue what all had Conan and Raimi so upset, just given the toddler's crying and the teen's shaken demeanor, she could just imagine that it was nothing good. And far more than anyone of his age should have to deal with. "All you need to know is that we will always be here for you. I can't guarantee you're safety any more than I can mine or Collin's or Greg's, but I promise you this - we will do all in our power to keep you safe and happy, and you will never be turned away." Still, the gentle smile never left her voice, though there came a stern determination that told just how adamant she was about her words.

"Now then, I was just going over a few things I picked up today..." Catching the subtlest of cues and the speech of body language, it was clear to her that the current topic was not something he wanted to dwell on any longer, so she readily changed it to something neutral, "...I'm not sure what kind of clothes you like, but I got quite a few today. And a few things for Raimi, too." Summer explained, scooting a large, worn cardboard box towards the brothers. It was nearly over flowing with hand-me-down clothes, both old stuff from Greg's room and several items she'd picked up at local garage sales.

Conan*Raimi

Her dismissal of the topic helped a lot in calming him, allowing him to let go of some of his anxiety and suspicion. And this, in turn, allowed both brothers to relax some, bringing an end to Raimi's tears and allowing the teen to set the youngster down again. And when Raimi instantly moved to crawl up into Summer's lap and rest his head on her shoulder, thumb in mouth, the elder brother did not protest, though his eyes followed the kid and noted exactly where he came to rest before turning his attention to the box Summer pushed his way.

The contents of that box were more clothes than the teen had ever owned in his entire life, including the ones he'd saved to buy when he'd been living with Aralyn and the Lady. And so he began, hesitantly, to sift through the contents, pulling out all the Raimi-sized outfits and folding them neatly with an ease that spoke of endless hours of old practice. When Michael had lacked the energy to beat his son, Rayna had often set the teen to endless household chores to keep him out of the way. As he folded and sorted Raimi's various things, he couldn't help but notice the things that Summer had picked for him, all of which, though used, were in good condition, and better even than the clothes he had on right now, which were an old outfit of his own, and spoke cleanly as to the state of poverty out of which he'd provided himself with raiment. If he was honest with himself, he was touched by this gift, but one thing bothered him immensely. Undoubtedly with a mind for his comfort, Summer had chosen clothing that was made of light, airy fabric, and designed for the heat of the coming summer. This wasn't so much a problem, but each and every one of the shirts he unearthed were short-sleeved. Never since he was about six or so had Conan ever owned or had on his body a short-sleeved shirt, due to his self-consciousness over the endless and obviously inflicted marks that scored both arms.

But he didn't say a word, merely signing a careful but genuine thanks to her, and offering a pale smile to hide the turmoil that had arisen anew in him. Even if he'd had enough clothes never to need what Summer had bought him, he feared hurting her feelings by not wearing the things she'd selected. But just as much he feared letting her see his arms. But he kept this to himself as he thanked her and folded the things, his eyes shifting every now and again to Raimi, who had settled onto Summer's chest as if he'd cuddled there his whole life.

Summer & Collin Wallock

Having the toddler come to her brought a sparkle of maternal delight to the woman's eyes, who more than welcomed the youngster to settle himself down. Doing as she always had with a baby Greg, Summer ran a hand strokingly across the sea of red hair that topped the toddler's head, "I just can't get over what a cutie you are. Why, just look at all those curls and freckles." She murmured, after sparing a look and an acknowledging nod to Conan when he thanked her for the outfits. Had she known about about his understandable reserve about short sleeves, she would have never gotten them. But as it was, this was a fact she didn't yet know.

Conan*Raimi

Winter's on the wing,
'ere's a fine spring morn'.
Comin' clean through tha night,
Com' a May, I say...
Winter's taken flight,
Sweepin' dark, cold air
Out to sea.
Spring is born com' a May I say...

With all of the clothes folded, Conan now occupied himself with watching Summer. And, with himself a good deal calmer than when he'd walked in, his normal, intent perception was kicking into gear, and the teen could clearly see how definitely and genuinely fond of the boy the woman was, and that this was something the toddler shared.

So het finally let himself relax, moving back into a more friendly stance and manner as he answered her murmuring. He looks like Ratri. The oldest of our brothers. Except for Ratri had dark hair. He got our mother's hair and freckles, and our father's eyes, but he'll be the favorite of all the female things in town, once he's old enough for that sort of thing to interest him. This he offered with a smile older than his years, and even the topic was one that spoke of a good deal more wisdom than your average fifteen year old should have. But at least it had gotten the scowl off of his face.

Summer & Collin Wallock

She'd taken note of the past-tense vocabulary that Conan used when speaking of Ratri, and so she gingerly refrained from speaking about the elder brother. As it was, she danced carefully around her response, not wanting to bring up any painful memories, now that she knew his mother was dead, and that his past was far from a pleasant one. "Ah, is that so?" She chuckled, brandishing a brighter smile that came in response not only to the comment, but to the fact that Conan was a little more relaxed now. "We'll have to keep him from getting pointers from Matt, in that case."

Conan*Raimi

When you feel your heart is poundin',
fear a devil's at your door,
there's no place to hide;
you're frozen to the floor...
what you do then is you force yourself,
to wake up, and you say,
'It's this dream, not me,
that's gon' to go away.

Her laughter almost startled him with the pleasantness of the sound, but at least this time, he didn't flinch away. Instead, he answered with a smile that was a half-degree warmer than before, and asked, So Matt is something of a ladie's man, is he? He came across as a mischeivous type. I understand that you've known him since he was quite small. Enlighten me.

And Raimi, now perfectly content since his brother's raging sea of fear and uncertainty had ebbed, relaxed his weight against Summer, tucking his thumb more firmly in his mouth and soon fast asleep, as he was wont to after a long and stressful day. This too, made Conan smile, for the toddler had missed his afternoon nap, and he'd been worried, but now he felt a little relief.

Summer & Collin Wallock

The smile turned to a half-morphed grin at the thought of Matthew, whom she was soon explaining to Conan, "He and Greg have been best friends since pre-school. You'd think he was my son, for as often as he was over here. And yes, mischeivous is a good way to describe him." She shook her head in fond exasperation, "He's a flirt for sure, but I think he just tries too hard sometimes." She was looking down at Raimi now, brushing a strand of errant curls from his face as he drifted into slumber.

"Matthew and Kate; they're a great group of friends, and there's no doubt they'd help you out with anything if you need it. Kate works at the Wolf Center, if you're at all interested in that sort of thing." The woman went on, turning her eyes to Conan now.

Conan*Raimi

The teen might have pursued the topic of Matt if another, more curious thought hadn't popped into his head. With a sudden spark of interest, he leaned forward and signed, What about Innuo? What's the story with him Ever since he'd woken up to find his little brother trying to stroke the huge cat, he'd been enveloped in a mix of feaer and fascination over the liger. Here was the chance to satisfy that curiosity.

Summer & Collin Wallock

"Ah, Innuo." Summer again chuckled, thinking of just how strange it had been to have the growing liger cub in their tiny home. "Greg found him apparently abandoned in the Croal Mountains almost two years back. We figured he escaped from a breeder-" A not of disdain hit her words at that, showing just how 'highly' she thought of the prospect of breeding the big cats for money, "-and in any case, Collin and I couldn't refuse him."