walking and talking - The Den

He nodded. "Seemed like it. Seemed like more, though. She was all happy 'bout it an' huggin' me an' shit, wantin' ta make sure ya didn't get hurt."

"Really?" looking perplexed "I just remember her and Rai's words to me before my "vacation"." with a sigh

He frowned and looked at her. "What words?"

"Dont worry about it." with a sigh.

He reached up to brush a finger over her cheek. "Ya sure? If it bothers ya, I'm happy ta talk about it."

"You realize in someways my time away felt like a long weekend and not three months. So some conversations feel like yesterday. After her conversation with the Sheriffs points too I am very surprised it was positive that's all." leaning into his touch with a sad smile.

His brows rose. "I get that. But I'm wonderin' why you're surprised. Ain't either of them women got any hold on me." ....much.

Okay that got a laugh and a shake of her head "you don't even believe that statement Jim." looking out the window.

He squeezed her hand. "They don't. Much. Not like ya think."

"Okay." she replied with no confidence, a sad tune softly hummed and then a sigh "Thanks for calling I really wanted to hurt him. Cant' quite figure out how Charlie fits into all of this but hey not my job to figure it out right?"

He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "You can ask, baby. Or I can. An' I promise. We'll take her out for some karaoke or somethin' soon."

"No it's just a mess and Cass well she's really young." with a sigh "I just feel bad for her. She really wants her clan to accept her and well they warned her about Alex and she really thinks they are going to destroy her art."

"Just sucks in far too many ways."

He frowned. "Why would they wanna do that? Most Torries I've seen would cut off limbs 'fore fuckin' up some art."

"She thinks that's how they're going to get her back. Her photo combines to a tree which is similar to a tattoo Alex has and she didn't know till after it was done.". Looking at him "Sorry I'm rambling."

He shook his head and kissed her fingers. "That's alright. Just seems silly. Want me ta talk ta Mal about it? Make sure?"

"I don't know really if that's going to make it worse or not." looking up at him. "Am I being a nosy busy body aren't I?"

He laughed and shook his head. "No. You're bein' a good an' concerned friend. With tha right words, I can make Mal make sure nothin' happens ta her art."

"I'm worried about her Jim, she seems so fragile. And" her voice softens "I know what it's like to be worn thin and have everything seem like a mistake you are doing."

He nodded. "I'll talk ta Mal."

Leaning over and kissing his cheek "Thanks dear. I am thinking I should just stay in the house and order a ton of pizza." with a sad chuckle and a lean into him.

He laughed. "We can do that, too. I can talk ta Mal later."

"Well I still want to let him have a taste of having a voice in his head all the time." softly said.

"Mal or Alex?"

"Oh Alex, I don't think he gets it and I don't know Mal well enough to not like him." with a smile at him.

He laughed. "Oh, Alex. Torment that guy all ya wanna. I can help, maybe."