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alycesinner:

“Oh Isabella, you don’t need to worry about that stuff. We will make sure you’re working properly, but part of that is you not being uncomfortable. Despite what Doctor Strange may say at times, I’m sure he doesn’t want that either.” Alyce was probably lying to the girl, but she had to make her feel like they all cared about her, even in a small way. She just wanted to make sure that Isabella knew that Alyce cared the most.

She hated to see the discomfort in the girl’s eyes at all of the experiments they inflicted on her. The young doctor would make sure to have words with the team, no matter if they took her seriously or not. The latter was more likely, but she was sure it wouldn’t be long before she was in charge herself. She was sure of it.

“You can tell me anything my dear, I will always promise you that.” This wasn’t the same girl who ran into Arkham’s grasp all of those years ago. The girl who rarely loved seemed to be transformed now that she had somebody to protect. Somebody who she could nurture so that they could handle themselves. Even the other staff had noticed a difference. She shrugged it off as professional interest though, but they all knew better.

The question threw Alyce slightly. Not in a bad way, she always encouraged Isabella to be inquisitive, but she had never really shown much interest in the doctor’s life. She couldn’t help but think that maybe this was some sort of indicator of trust. “I suppose it’s a habit. I’ve worn them since I was a little girl.”

Removing one of them she unravelled it to reveal the writing on it, she showed it to Isabella, wanting to prove that the trust worked both ways. “I don’t show many people these. This one says pride, which is something I feel about you.” She smiled once more as she took the rest of them out. “They each have a deadly sin written on them. They remind me that even though the people I treat are criminals, I myself am not free of sin.”

As Alyce spoke, Isabella tried to sit completely still, to avoid moving the rod again. She wasn’t sure, but she thought that it had to stay where they had put it. She didn’t like how it felt, when it rubbed against her muscles, but if she took it out, they wouldn’t be happy. And Doctor Strange had said that she had to make everyone happy.

“I don’t worry, Alyce,” she replied. “I have to do my part. That’s what Doctor Strange says.” He was always very serious, so Isabella knew that what he was saying was important. She had to do her part to help them, by complying.

When she had asked what that meant, he said it meant doing what she told always, even if what she was told seemed bad or gave her that odd feeling. Because she wasn’t a real person, he said that she sometimes had the wrong feelings about things. She had to ignore her own feelings and always ask him or Alyce, or one of the other doctors if she wasn’t sure.

She had noticed Alyce’s ribbons, because she noticed everything that was different about other people. Alyce’s hair was dark, and she had lots of coloured ribbons tied in it. Isabella hadn’t asked about them, because she hadn’t really understood that Alyce was real until recently. When Alyce was in front of her, she was real. But when she went away, Isabella assumed she stopped being.

Doctor Strange had told her that everyone existed even when she couldn’t see them, and this was called object permanence, and it was a very important thing. Isabella listened to Alyce’s explanation, but she got stuck on the words a little girl. Alyce had been a child, just like Alice in the book. Isabella was told she had been a child, once, but Doctor Strange said he would explain her past later, when she understood more things. He said it would only confuse her.

She looked at the writing on the ribbon, and blinked. Alyce was proud of her. She felt the warm glow again, like the sun was inside her chest, and she smiled, even though she didn’t fully understand. So, she focused on what made sense. “You need them to remind you of something  about yourself that you might forget,” she said. “I understand. I need reminders too.” Anything that was similar about her and someone else made her happy, because it made her feel human, even though she wasn’t.

“They’re very pretty,” she said, because it was polite. She reached out and touched the ribbon that said lust on it, and looked up at Alyce, and tried not to blink again, so that she would understand that this was serious. “Why do you treat criminals? Do you want to?” Alyce had told her to ask questions if she didn’t understand, and she wanted to understand. It would make Doctor Sinner seem more real.

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… I’m listening

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jonnyxfrost:

Jonny’s eyebrows raised, and he dropped his arms, tilting his head as he looked at her. He was quiet for a moment, though his smile never left his features. Something darker washed over him, though, dulling that manic personality he usually had, and instead, replacing it with a quieter insanity, something more buttoned down and frankly, more deadly.

“While I’m always willing to let someone else enjoy their misplaced sense of superiority, I’m afraid that I’m the one handling Jay’s books now.” He tilted his head. “So if you want to see him, you’re going to have to tell me what is going on, or you’ll never get to see him.” Jonny shrugged, taking a sip from the drink in his hand. “Your call.”

Isabella realised, immediately, that he didn’t appreciate her tone. She must have come across as judgemental. How could she have been so stupid? She was always coldly polite to Joker, but that was backed up by genuine respect. This man had insulted Edward, and Isabella had taken a disliking to him, and that had shown.

He dropped the flamboyant persona in a second, and something in the air changed, and she knew she that she had to tread carefully. He couldn’t hurt her, but being shot, or injured, would have been unpleasant, and she’d have needed medical attention. And it would have been very, very, stupid to get on the wrong side of one of Joker’s men.

“I didn’t mean to come across as arrogant,” she replied. “I apologise if I did. This matter is delicate. I didn’t want to discuss it in my public. But, seeing as you’re handling Jay’s books, then I suppose there’s no harm in talking about it with you.” Every word was carefully chosen, and Isabella clasped her hands together in front of her, and met his gaze.

“A man named Adrian Veidt accused Jay of killing his secretary. He said it was because of a dispute about Mr. Veidt’s toy production, I think. He also implied that Jay is insane.” She didn’t have any issue with throwing Adrian under the bus -- in fact, it was oddly satisfying to do so. Her cold tone was now tinged with obvious dislike, aimed at Adrian. “It’s all very petty. I just wanted to discuss it with Jay, to get his side of things.”

Isabella hated having to defer to this man, who she didn’t know, who hadn’t even given her his name, but she put her own pride aside for the sake of safety, and professionalism. There was no mistaking the tension between them now, and she met his gaze unblinkingly, and waited.

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💭

“Where do I even begin? We met at the festival completely by chance, and while I was shocked to learn not only was she dating my dad, but he didn’t even bother mentioning me. Which, alright, I can understand. Though we hit it off pretty damn quick, and honestly I think that surprised me the most. Thank god it wasn’t a problem, that would have been unnecessarily messy! It’s good to know she seems to be able to play with those on the opposite side of the law, especially now. She’s easily becoming apart of the family, which is something I’m weirdly looking forward to. We’re in desperate need of more women around, anyhow, no offense to my wonderful dads or anything.”

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alycesinner:

If Alyce had her own way, they would leave her body alone now, giving the priority to her mind, but they rarely listened to the young doctors thoughts thinking that she was simply overly emotionally attached. They didn’t know her properly though, their prejudices clouding their vision. She had to admit that she was more attached to Isabella than she had ever intended to be, but how couldn’t she be. Their creation was amazing, yet the men on the team liked to pretend that Alyce’s endeavours did not exist as she seemed to be hindering their own ideas.

Seeing Isabella frown was not what she wanted, she much preferred it when she seemed to be happy. There were certain ways of getting her to feel that, but other than small doses of happiness, she couldn’t really get any other emotions out of her. Alyce couldn’t say much as her life seemed to be the other way around. She felt anger and annoyed most of her days, and yet happiness rarely passed her mind. At least she could attempt to give her creation a better mind than her own.

The eye contact was definitely something that she had picked up from Strange. He always managed to make people feel uncomfortable. Alyce on the other hand just found it off putting. She wasn’t going to tell Isabella that though, she hoped that it would be something she learnt as she began to act more naturally.

“Despite what Doctor Strange says, you shouldn’t be putting sharp objects into anybody, no matter if they can feel it or not.” She would have to speak to Hugo about what he was telling Isabella. She didn’t want the girl getting any wrong ideas about things. 

“And I’m guessing that you don’t like that feeling.” She used her thumb to slowly stroke the girl’s hands, again focusing on making her feel secure. “You know that I am always here for you, if you ever want any of the other doctors to stop doing things, just tell me. I can’t promise you that they’ll listen, but I will try my hardest for you Isabella.”

Even though eye contact was good, Isabella had to blink, so she did, but she kept looking at Alyce. There was something in her eyes that Isabella thought she recognised, but she found it difficult to name emotions on other people’s faces. It might have been sad, or maybe something else. She couldn’t label it.

Alyce disagreed with Doctor Strange, and Isabella didn’t like how that made her feel. It made her think that maybe something wasn’t right. But thinking that made the bad feeling worse, so she stopped. Doctor Strange told her that, when she felt that emotion, she had to stop thinking about what made it happen. Isabella didn’t know what to call the bad feeling. Alyce hadn’t told her.

“He says they have to put sharp objects into me,” she explained, simply. Maybe Alyce didn’t understand. She wasn’t a scientist, like the others. “He says they have to make sure I’m working properly.” She liked it when Alyce stroked her hand, and she focused on that, and nodded at the question. She had learned that a nod meant yes without words. But, when she moved her head, she felt the muscles in her back rub against the metal rod, and it felt wrong, so she decided not to do it again.

Alyce spoke again, and Isabella didn’t understand. Why did it matter what she wanted? Only what Doctor Strange wanted mattered. But Alyce seemed to think she was being nice, and Isabella didn’t want to make her sad, so she didn’t say anything. She was quiet for a few moments., and then she said, “Thank you,” because that was what you said when people were nice. “I will tell you if I don’t want them to do something.”

It wasn’t a lie, it wasn’t true either, because Isabella didn’t really understand what Alyce was asking. She wanted to do what Alyce told her, but what she wanted didn’t matter. How could something be true and a lie at the same time? The books they gave her to read were lies. But everything Doctor Strange said was true. Things could only be one or the other, couldn’t they?

Isabella didn’t like thinking about this. It made her head hurt. So, to change the subject, she said, “Why do you have ribbons in your hair, Alyce?” She had always wanted to know, and Alyce told her to say when she wanted things.

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jonnyxfrost:

Jonny couldn’t help but laugh at the way she spoke to him. Respect was important—Boss had taught him that much—and her lack of respect had to mean that she was fair game, right? Even if Boss was fond of her, lack of respect was worse than anything else. And besides, Jonny wouldn’t mind messing with someone new. The long con was always his favorite, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity for it. 

“Jay’s busy,” he replied simply. “But have no fear! I’m here to take care of everything you might need,” he said, a grin on his features, spreading his arms out in a gesture that loosely meant ta-da! as if he was some sort of prize. “So, let’s hear it.” 

The man’s theatrics and overly cheerful tone immediately grated on Isabella’s nerves, and she smiled tightly at him. “I should have called ahead, to check if he was here,” she said. The last thing she wanted to do was discuss her business with a complete stranger. She had wanted to quiz Joker on his murder of Adrian’s secretary. It had been a pointless visit, really.

“He’s been accused of something,” she said, in a coldly civil tone, automatically donning her controlled, professional, demeanour. “It’s nothing legal, or official. It was in casual conversation. I have no doubt that he did it, but I want to know why. The man who accused him was biased, and he assumed a reason on Jay’s behalf.” She paused, before saying, “So you can see why it’s a matter best discussed with him.”

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hxroldosborn:

HARRY: [As much as Harry dislikes that Isabella is in this sort of uncomfortable position, he’s glad to be able to talk about something else for a change - something other than himself, than Gwen, than the funeral, the constant ache in his chest from missing her.] Still, I’m sorry you’re in this position.

[Her question takes him by surprise, and he has to keep himself from jumping to answer with a very eager yes. Because he does, painfully so - he knows exactly how it feels, being two people, having two entirely different personalities, entirely different people living inside his own mind.] I.. I have an idea, of how that feels. [His answer is a little careful, hesitant in a way, somewhat worried about giving too much away.] Did that have something to do with this disagreement?

ISABELLA: [It had been a pointless question to ask. Wasn’t everyone different, around different people? Of course Harry knew how that felt. But wasn’t it more pronounced, for her? Isabella recalled how she was around Joker, and how she had been around Duela. Jubilee had almost seen that side of her. It was impossible to tell which version of herself was more real.]

Yes, it has something to do that it. [Her voice was quiet, and she was thinking carefully as she spoke.] I acted... rashly. Towards the person I fell out with. [She paused, and knew that she would regret telling Harry this. She hardly knew him. But now she was talking about it, she couldn’t stop.] I felt in control. I felt very levelheaded, and calm. I didn’t act impulsively. But I said some pretty stupid things.

Call →  Isabella

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jonnyxfrost:

@kristencoded liked for a starter!

“You must be Eddie’s squeeze.” Jonny felt a slight twinge of jealousy as he saw, if only because he knew that while he was gone, Joker had still held his own brand of fondness for Isabella, but that jealousy passed as quickly as it came. He was standing outside, about half a block away from the entrance to one of Joker’s clubs, a drink in his hand that he had barely sipped from as he kept gesturing with the glass as he spoke. “Tell me, does he ask you riddles in bed? Wouldn’t that be a hoot?”

Isabella had never met him personally -- and she couldn’t put a name to his face -- but she recognised the man from around Joker’s club. For a moment, she considered walking right past him, and ignoring the taunt. She hated being referred to as nothing more than Edward’s girlfriend by people who didn’t actually know her. But she knew that would only cause trouble, so she stopped.

She looked at him coldly, and didn’t take the bait. He obviously knew who she was, so there was no point confirming it. It took immense effort to not snap at him, and to not answer his stupid comment. “I’m here to see Jay,” she said, bluntly, using the nickname, because saying Joker still seemed ridiculous. “Is he in?” She hadn’t checked before arriving, and now wished she had.

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ofintellectualpenguins:

[TEXT: Isabellahhh] My mother owned a beautiful copy, leather bound with gold inscription. I still haven’t gone through all her things since moving here. Perhaps you can help me? If anyone can appreciate it, it’s you. 

[TEXT: Isabellahhh] Wonderful. I knew you’d be interested. I’m just looking for something for the dinning area. A centerpiece for the Spring. What do you think?

[TEXT: OSWALD]: It would be a privilege, Oswald. I’m sure your mother owned some beautiful things. Thank you so much for the offer. [TEXT: OSWALD]: I think that’s a lovely idea! I have quite an eye for home decor, even if I do say so myself. I look forward to it!

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Jennifer Lawrence in mother!

Directed by Darren Aronofsky

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alycesinner:

“You don’t have to apologise my dear, this is all a learning process. You’re not going to get everything straight away, trust me when I say that you are progressing faster then anybody could ever hope for.” Strange didn’t seem to think this side was as important as his science, but in Alyce’s mind there was no use of reanimating a body if they were just making an empty shell. The real genius of it came from giving her a mind.

Pain was always a sore subject for the doctor. The fact that their creation could not feel anything was incredible. A hand removed on of the ribbons from her hair, wrapping it tightly around her hand so much that it hurt. ENVY. The kinks in her hair showed that this one wasn’t removed often, jealousy was not a feeling that Alyce normally encountered.

Suffering from a disability, Sinner couldn’t imagine a day without feeling any pain. Even with her medication she barely managed to push it to the back of her mind. Then again what Isabella had to go through to lose her ability to feel pain was probably not worth it. Even the thought of the girl’s death was enough to make her wrap the ribbon back into it’s rightful place.

For somebody who relied on her brains rather than physical strength she couldn’t fathom being brought into the world once again but knowing nothing. If it was a choice between her mind or the pain that she felt, she would choose her knowledge every single time. That was why she was determined to give this woman a good second chance at a good life.

“I suppose it could be an emotion. Does not liking it make you sad? Angry? Annoyed?” Alyce teaching somebody how to feel emotions was some sort of cruel irony, seeing as the woman wasn’;t exactly the most empathetic of people. “I’ll remember to let Doctor Strange know though. It’s all well and good doing the tests, but it means nothing if we can’t get you to feel happy!” A genuine smile was on her face as she reached out to hold the girl’s hands.

It was good to hear she was progressing quickly. Isabella felt a warm glow inside her chest that Alyce had told her was happiness. It was nice. She felt it when Alyce gave her a new book to read, and when Doctor Strange told her she was doing the right thing. “It’s good that I am progressing,” she said, shifting a little in her seat. The thin rod in her back made her feel like she had to sit very straight, and very still, in case she accidentally dislodged it. She wished it wasn’t there.

The question that Alyce asked made her frown, and she murmured the words to herself. Sad. Angry. Annoyed. She understood those words. Alyce had told her what they meant, and shown her photographs of people feeling those emotions. But she didn’t feel sad or angry. She had never cried. When she was by herself, Isabella had looked in the mirror and copied the faces of the people in the photographs. But she hadn’t felt the emotions inside.

“I don’t think I feel those things,” she said. She let Alyce hold her hands, and looked down at the other woman’s fingers. Other. That meant not her. She had learned that early on. Alyce was Other. Isabella looked up and saw that Alyce was smiling, so she copied her and smiled too. Then she said, “It makes me feel... wrong.”

It was difficult to explain, and she looked at Alyce’s eyes to show she was trying to talk about something serious. That was what Doctor Strange did. He said eye contact was a good thing. Isabella didn’t blink as she spoke, so that she made lots of eye contact with Alyce.

“Doctor Strange says that I couldn’t put a sharp object into him, or you, or the other doctors, because it would hurt and that’s not good. He says I am different. That makes me feel like this --” she squeezed Alyce’s hands very tightly, to show what she meant, “-- inside. That is the emotion I feel because of what’s in my back. I don’t have a word for it.”

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hxroldosborn:

HARRY: [Listening to Isabella helps in a way - talking about something other than himself, about how he’s coping and what this is all doing to him, it takes his mind off it, and right now that’s what he needs. He can understand, though, if she doesn’t want to talk about it - they’ve only just met, it’s a lot to ask someone to talk about their personal life when they barely know you.]

Oh, I’m sorry Isabella. That’s never an easy situation to be in. [Harry can’t help but frown despite her assurances that it’s nothing to worry about, concerned for both her and Jubilee. He doesn’t doubt that, whoever Isabella’s had this disagreement with, it’s going to come back and effect Jubilee some way and… he doesn’t want that. Not right now. Not to mention it’s hard for him to imagine someone being harsh to someone as kind as Isabella.] I don’t mind, honestly - you don’t need to talk about anything you don’t want to, but if you do need an ear I’m happy to listen. It… it helps, it gives me something else to think about, that’s all.

ISABELLA: [Isabella didn’t really want to discuss Rosemary, and she hated the fact she’d stumbled onto the topic, even vaguely. She didn’t want to give that girl any thought at all, and she definitely didn’t want to discuss her with Jubilee’s boyfriend. There was nothing worthwhile to say about Rosemary, and anything that came to mind sounded petty and silly.] I’ve been in worse situations.

[She was quiet for a few seconds, looking down at her book.] If it helps take your mind off things, then I don’t mind talking about it. [Unsure how to begin, she sighed quietly, and closed her eyes, relieved that Harry couldn’t actually see her.] Do you ever feel... like you’re two people? [It was a stupid question, but it was how she felt, in that moment. She was one person around Joker, and Rosemary, and Duela, and someone completely different right now.]

Call →  Isabella

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blind-as-x-bat:

There was an uncomfortable silence between the two of them. She was probably just staring at him, taking in his undoubtably horrific appearance. Soaked, pale (probably), thin. Catching mice and birds was easy for him. He had a knack for it, but he just didn’t feel hungry since recovering from his feral state. He hated sucking blood and knowing he was a freak of nature. Donovan just didn’t feel like hunting and that was a problem. He needed to get out of the funk that would probably kill him if he wasn’t too careful. There was a looming gloominess that surrounded him and he just wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to be living in this city or just this world. He wished he could remember his past life, maybe that would fill in some holes. 

Isabella really seemed like she moved on, the place felt lived in. He lifted his head and visibly sniffed the air of the house as if he was taking it all in. It seemed nice. He could smell some old antiques about, wood, cloth, the kitchen- though she wasn’t cooking anything. He could smell the food in the fridge. The only thing familiar to him was Isabella herself. He had never been in this house and it had been a while since he had been in someone’s home. One that was completely furnished and very lived in. It was interesting to witness her new life.

Finally she was speaking to him in that soft voice he remembered. He longed to hear it from her, that she missed him and his eyes felt watered at the words. His chest tighter. He missed her too, he missed his family but they were all gone. Jubilee had wanted to kick him to the curb for his own safety but when he actually left- he allowed the monster in him to take over. He was feral for about a month before coming out of it and feeling more lost and confused then ever. Like a kicked puppy. 

A smile actually appeared on the boy’s lips at her suggestion for him to sit down and for her to bring him some tea. He wanted to talk with her, and it was nice she didn’t push him away. “Thank you, mother. I’d love to sit down…” 

Now that she’d recovered from the shock of seeing Donovan again, Isabella felt herself fall back into the role of mother again. She relaxed her posture automatically, even though he couldn’t see her, and watched him smell the air. When was the last time he’d been inside a house? Where on earth had he been? She had the ridiculous urge to pull him into a hug, and tell him that she was sorry, though she wasn’t sure what she was sorry for. There was nothing to apologise for, was there?

But she felt oddly embarrassed, somehow. Maybe it was because he was so quiet, and still. Maybe it was because this was where she’d run off to, when she’d abandoned Donovan and 5 and Howard, all those months ago. Gosh, she hadn’t thought about any of them. She’d moved in with Edward, and let her short, brief, time as a mother fade away. Of course, she was still Jubilee’s mother figure. But what about her boys? The other Indian Hill survivors?

“Okay, Donnie,” she said, gently, she reached out and brushed his arm very lightly with her fingertips, not even thinking about it, before she headed into the kitchen and pulled out a chair for him, deliberately scraping it against the floor. She knew he had echolocation, but she wanted to make sure he felt as comfortable and aware of his surroundings as possible.

The kitchen was a mess, and she was pleased he couldn’t see it. She turned away from him, and switched on the kettle. “How have you been?” she asked, rambling thoughtlessly to fill the silence. “I’ve got so much to tell you! I switched jobs. I work for the police department now. I’m a file clerk. It pays more than the library, and I enjoy it a lot more. And, of course, I’ve moved in with Eddie. He’s wonderful. You’d like him.”

She pulled two mugs down from one of the cupboards, and placed them on the kitchen counter, before turning to him and falling silent, realising that she was going on and on about herself, when he’d come to see her. Gosh, she sounded like an idiot. “I’m sorry. I’m talking too much. It’s just so good to see you, Donovan.” She smiled warmly.

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hxroldosborn:

HARRY: [Harry knows he’s been thanking her a lot lately and after a while it gets hard to know what to say, and he certainly doesn’t blame her for that. If anything, he’s just glad she understands how appreciative he is for her kindness - even if he didn’t deserve it, and still doesn’t]

I.. I hope so. [Harry answers, his voice a little soft, unsure. He wants to believe he will be, he’s been saying the words to so many people, but he’s not sure he’s managed to convince himself just yet. Maybe when he manages to get the cure to work, he’ll believe it.] I’m glad. She needs you, Isabella. [He can’t help but frown at Isabella’s words, the sense of hesitation in her voice.] Why, is everything alright? Did something happen?

ISABELLA: [Harry was obviously doubtful, and Isabella didn’t want to insist that things would get better, or easier. He must have heard that a lot over the last few days. So she let it go, and was quiet for a few moments. Harry sounded immediately concerned, and she mentally chastised herself for worrying him. It was nothing worth even mentioning. She had handled Rosemary, and, whatever Isabella’s feelings towards the girl, she didn’t mean any harm to Jubs.]

Yes, everything’s fine. [She smiled, hoping he could hear it in her voice.] It’s nothing to worry about. I just had a... falling out. With a mutual acquaintance of mine and Jubilee’s. We’ve been at odds for a while, and it came to a head. But, like I said, it’s nothing to worry about, Harry. You’ve got enough on your plate, without getting caught up in who’s friends with who.

Call →  Isabella

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but why is it so quiet? Why am I always waiting for something? It scares me that I need a tragedy. That maybe I always will.

Caitlyn Siehl, Before the Storm (via viivace)

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freqntflier:

You know I’m always here for you, right? He had been trying to focus on Isabella and what she was telling him; her plans to help Jubilee and Harry. He was proud of the initiative she had taken with buying them groceries and checking on them when she had the chance. Isabella was wonderful like that. He didn’t know why the words came out and so freely even after promising Jubilee he wouldn’t say anything and so he continued helping her with the cake they were baking the couple. “Uh. How many eggs again? Bird brain.” He chuckles hoping Isabella gets the joke and they can move on from his question. 

“I think they’re going to love this.This was such a nice idea.” He shrugs at her question. “I just wanted you to know. Came to mind and I wanted you to know that. You know…you’re my best friend. My best gal pal. There’s you and Harley but my relationship with you is different.”

It was so like Warren to check up on her. Isabella smiled, grateful but also slightly irritated. She loved Warren, and she wasn’t guilty about lying to him for Ed’s sake, but if he was constantly asking her how she was, it could be difficult to keep the truth from him. At least he’d dropped the subject willingly. Isabella would have hated needing to cut him off if he became a threat.

If she was being completely honest with herself, she had invited him over to see how she was around him, and she’d found that nothing had changed. There wasn’t a flicker of guilt or worry or sadness, when she’d seen him. The murder at the art gallery did not weigh on her consciousness, and not mentioning it to Warren was so easy that it was almost like it hadn’t happened at all.

She laughed a little at his joke. “When in doubt, I just use three eggs. And then measure the rest of the ingredients against the amount of eggs I’ve used,” she said. She kept her gaze on the ingredients as he spoke, and then nodded. “I know, War. You’re my best friend too. You’re always here for me when I need you, and that means a lot.”

After a moment, she cleared her throat, and opened the packet of flour to sprinkle it onto the kitchen counter. She would have to clean everything thoroughly after Warren had left, in case there was any mess left behind. “But that’s enough about me. How have you been?” she asked, in an attempt to draw the conversation away from herself.