Colin's posts

"Of course." Vincent nodded.

"I'm usually in my study." he told her.

"Oh, and feel free to explore the manor, not just your apartment." he then said.

"I don't mind sharing a place." he chuckled.

"And if you like, I can give you a way to get to school on your own, so you don't need to arrive with me." he then suggested.

"You know rumours will start if you're constantly arriving with me in my vehicle." he added, rolling his eyes.

".........." Ryker looked around, and then looked at Eke.

"We're back in the city." he said.

"Want to find a place to stay for a bit?" he asked.

"Well... assuming you want to stay here in this city for a bit." he continued.

"We've been walking for a while."

Ryker just sighed and followed Eke.

He said nothing, but followed Eke.

He followed him out of the gates, and sighed again.

"All right..." he said.

"Where do you want to go now?" he asked.

"Well, good thing it's a Friday." Vincent chuckled.

"But all right." he said.

"Feel free to get used to the layout and such." he told her.

"The kitchen isn't fully stocked, but it has some things in there if you get hungry." he went on.

"Guess there's not much left to say..." he then admitted, scratching the back of his head.

"I hope you find this place comfortable."

"If you say so." Vincent replied with a shrug.

"I'd be nothing for me to grab you some of your old clothing." he told her.

"But, if you still say no, let's broach that." he then said.

"When do you want to go do that shopping?" he asked her.

"I can help with that. Having a vehicle, and being able to cover any other costs, etc."

Ryker was silent, and just pinched the bridge of his nose.

"....fine." he replied.

"If that's what you want." he said.

He then started to pack up what little they'd brought, making sure he forgot nothing.

'...yep, he's hurt... real bad...' he thought to himself.

"You're going to have to at some point." Ryker told him.

"But that doesn't have to be anytime soon." he said.

"That being said, you should still eat." he told him.

"I can do up some breakfast... well... brunch, I suppose." he said further.

"Because you still need to eat, after all."

Vincent just sighed, and smiled.

"I could say something cliche here." he said. "Like, 'all I need from you is to try your best and succeed in life, and don't let anyone hold you back'." he told her.

"Which... to be fair, WOULD be enough for me." he admitted.

"However, if you insist upon a more... tangible... form of payment, I wouldn't say no to some occasional help around the place when it comes to cleaning and such." he then said further.

"...on another note, is there anything from where you were previously, brought here?" he asked her.

"All I need is your address and I can guarantee that I can get them here without anyone being the wiser."

"Very well." Vincent responded.

"I shall do so." he told her.

With that, the two of them headed down the stairs, where they reached a small landing with a closed door. Once there, Vincent opened the door, revealing a small corridor that branched out to the left and right.

"Feel free to explore it." Vincent told her.

"It's fully furnished, but there's not much personality in the decorating." he said.

"You have your own washing machine and clothes drier, as well as a dishwasher." he told her.

"The bathroom is stocked with the basics, so you can shower and brush your teeth and such." he went on.

"Oh, and the keys to the doors are in the kitchen, on the table." he went on. "One key for the door we came in through, and one for the slightly smaller door that leads outside." he continued.

"Ie: the fire escape door."

"....I'm here for ya." Ryker finally said.

"I know you had it rough last night." he said further.

"...and I don't know how to help." he admitted.

"But I'm here." he said further.

"I'm not going anywhere." he continued.

"I'll always be here for you."

"......I see." Vincent replied.

"I would like to hear a more complete story about how that came to be." he told her.

"However, if you do not wish to say anything more right now, I will not force you to." he then assured her.

"So you have a choice now." he said.

"Either give me a more complete explanation, or I can show you to the apartment." he offered her.

"Whatever you choose is all right with me." he then assured her with a smile.

By the time Eke had woken up, Ryker was already awake.

But he hadn't moved. He had stayed where he was. He hadn't wanted to get up, and wanted to have been there for Eke when he DID wake up.

He noticed that Eke just grabbed the pillow, and sighed.

"....hey." he said quietly.

He didn't know what else TO say here. So he said nothing more.

He didn't want to unnecessarily agitate the wound that Eke had sustained right now.

Vincent had taken her to the den of his manor, where he readied some alcohol and swabs, and started to clean the cuts that she had. It did sting her a bit, but at least they were disinfected.

For the minor cuts, he put bandaids over them, but the slightly more severe ones he covered in a special medical glue, so they could heal properly, without the need of stitches.

"...that should do it." he said.

"Now... I have questions. Questions that I know you know what they are." he went on. "And I know that you don't want to answer them." he said further.

"So let's start with one that's more generic, shall we?" he suggested.

"Are your family members responsible for these injuries?" he asked.

"I did." Vincent replied.

"However, I also said I wished to tend to some of your wounds." he told her.

"The bruises I can do nothing for, but you have some cuts and lacerations that need to be tended to, lest they get infected." he reasoned.

"So, before you go and see the apartment, please let me tend to those wounds." he continued.

"Oh, and incidentally, you're welcome on both regards." he then added.