"She's 7 Officer. And I left my slipper at the studio which means I'll have to stop there too grab it." And so, while only wearing one slipper, she began to hobble along out of the building towards the front, where she was given some paperwork. She leaned against the counter and filled it out, handed it over, and struggled out the door, and down the icy sidewalk. She was very likely to slip and fall, especially in her condition. Even Officers such as Jacob with military grade boots have slipped and fallen on the ice. She was high risk. The doctor while Rain left, came back and handed Jacob back his card.
Jacob sighed and followed Rain, not caring if she would object against it. He made sure she wouldn't slip and fall, speaking to her as they walked. "How about I come to check on you at your home from time to time. Your sister is too young to care for you and herself, I could help you out with that." He knew it was a strange request, hell, the two of them had just met the night before. But he didn't care what Rain thought at this point. He just hoped she would let him help her. "I want to make sure your dancing career is not over." He added, so as to possibly sound less creepy, but it did not help the awkward moment.
She raised an eyebrow. "Officer. I do appreciate the sentiment." She gave a small grunt as her foot twinged in pain as she hit a bump in the sidewalk, and she leaned on him a bit, in a way. Well it was more towards, so if she fell he'd be able to catch her. "But I've had to carry this weight on my shoulders all on my own. How would you like to see your friends and family slaughtered right before your very eyes, and then be expected to not cry? How do I know you're really concerned about my career? You might still be suspicious that I'm a spy. You could kill my little sister while I'm making her lunch, because you thought you found an inkling of suspicion. And even if that IS your intention, at the truest depths of your heart, why? We only just met yesterday Officer. Are you going to sacrifice that much for the art of one girl? I can carry on perfectly fine on my own. But, because you are so persistent. I wouldn't mind you checking in. Some company around would be lovely. I'll have to pay a bit more to get some tea then…" She sighed as she turned down a corner, the ballet studio now seemingly to be forever away, as she shivered and kept going.
Jacob sighed, understanding the woman's concern. "I suppose you are correct. Neither of us truly know one another's intentions." He kept following along. "I… I'm not sure why, but I am interested by you. you have such grace and charm, even not dancing. I can see it in your features, in your kind nature. I have not seen this in any person I've met before. Apologies, if I have frightened or intimidated you with my presence. I… Have a way of figuring out things that I am interested in. You now being one of them."
She blushed and giggled a bit. "Officer I really am flattered. I do not know your intentions. But. I can see if I have anything in our cupboards, you could meet my little sister. If she trusts you then you're okay in my book, for the time being." She then carefully went up the steps to the studio, and stumbled inside. She nearly fell on the stairs but managed to gain her balance. Gabriel came over and hugged Rain. "Mon Cher! Are you alright?" "I just broke my ankle, do not worry about it. I came for my other slipper." He nodded and grabbed it from the ground, and came over, handing it to her. "Do you need me to take you home? I may not have many rations but I bet I have something. I can stop by and help if you need." "Thank you Gabriel, but really I'll be okay. It won't take very long for it to heal, and soon I'll be in your arms again." He smiled and grabbed her hand, kissing it. "I hope so. No one else flies through the air quiet like you do, madammoiselle." She blushed and smiled. "I appreciate the praise but really there is no need Gabrielle." "But of course! You are a rare flower on a snowy day, beautiful and translucent. Do not down your beauty and your hard work Cloudy. You truly are a wonder." She shook her head, black hair curtaining itself in front of her face before he carefully reached out and tucked it behind her ears, his hand lingering just a bit too long on her chin before dropping it. "Get better soon Rain. I will wait for you to be dancing with me once more." "And you Gabriel, work on that hand work with those spins. We are supposed to be graceful clouds not wrecking balls." He chuckled. "Will do." She then turned and headed back out the door into the cold once more.
(Fun fact: Mon Cher in french means My Dear. Just. Thought you should know that)
Jacob just glared at Gabriel the whole time, hoping to make the man nervous. He didn't like him. Not at all. He followed Rain when she left, glaring at the french man inside until he was out of sight, then relaxing slightly. "So… That is your dance partner, then?" He asked, a hint of irritation in his tone, but not much. "He's… Very friendly with you, isn't he?"
(~Somebody's obseeeesed!~ ;D lmao)
She laughed. "Indeed. I do adore the flirting he does with me. He's struck my eye himself, but alas. He is a bit too childish for me. Not that it is any of your concern. You are an Officer, Jacob. Not a friend. Not yet, anyways…carry me down the stairs? Please? I normally wouldn't humiliate myself but I fear face planting, especially on the ice." She stood at the top, looking back once more and waved to Gabrielle, who was watching her through the window with a loopy smile on his face.
Jacob narrowed his eyes at the man, his expression harsh. He then returned to his normal soft expression. "Of course." He replied, lifting Rain up and walking down the stairs with her, keeping a hold of her crutch as well somehow. "I… Was just curious, as usual." He huffed. "Not a very honorable trait for a Russian man. Curiosity killed the cat, after all." He said absentmindedly, not even thinking about whether he was hinting to any of his past. This woman did not need to know much more than this, for now, at least.
"Curiosity killed the cat but satisfaction brought it back. That's the whole phrase, Cher. Do keep it in mind." She clamored out of his arms, and balanced herself on both crutches, and began to walk along the icy sidewalk once more, shivering as it began to snow again, making white melting speckles in her dark hair, icy eyes observing the cold day. "Also are you jealous of him? You don't think I don't notice your sour expression or the cold glares you shoot him? Why? He has done nothing to you. He doesn't even know your name."
Jacob was silent a moment. He knew Rain was observant by now, but he hadn't thought she'd noticed. "Jealous? Of a french man? Of course not." He scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest. "And what reason do I have to be jealous anyhow? It's not like I care how he was dancing with you. Or how he looks at you." Truth was, he was more than jealous, not just because of Rain. He had never received affection in his life, and this man gives it out for no reason? It was an outrage.
"Ah ah ah, you're getting defensive. It's amusing really." She giggled. "Are you jealous because of he's with me? Do I make your heart skip beats?" She teased the officer, knowing he was safe enough. She continued to walk along, as the wind made her hair sway back and forth, which made the snowflakes dust along her eyelashes once more. "Me and him have been dancing together for years, we're very comfortable with eachother. We've bonded. Do not furrow your eyebrows so. Though the way it makes your nose scrunch up is…in all honesty. Cute." She then sped up her hobbling, so he wouldn't notice the red blush that very obviously accented her paper white skin.
Jacob turned bright red a the implication. "What?! O-of course not! I- I just-!! Um!" He tripped over his words, making the tall buff man seem more like an insecure teenager. "I d-don't trust him! No one can be trusted! No one!" He quickly reminded himself out loud without thinking. He then realized his awful mistake, going quiet. It was clear he had some issues that he didn't want to voice. "I… Sorry, I…" He had no idea what to say now, the whole situation having become extremely awkward. "I didn't mean that towards you…" He said quietly.
She huffed and fell silent, and then she laughed. It was a belly laugh, which could be compared to the harmony of windchimes. "Oh Officer. I am even more so flattered. Hurry now, and we may even get to my humble home in time for lunch. And I wouldn't trust anyone either in these difficult times. No offense is taken. Why you suspect Gabriel I will never know." She sighed as carefully went up to the second floor of her apartment, and opened the door. It was a small plain looking one bedroom apartment with a tiny kitchen, and a small desk set up in the room for her little sister to work at. She opened the door carefully with a key she kept beneath the rug, and waddled in. "Oh Allison~ Are you working on your studies?" She called, as she hobbled over to the couch and sat down, taking a deep breath as her little sister skipped into the living room, not noticing Jacob still in the doorway. "Yes sissy. Why are you home early?" She asked while sitting next to Rain. She had long black hair in two braids, and wore a little red dress with white leggings and little black boots, along with a white cat robe to keep her warm. Rain looked down at her boot. "I broke my foot while dancing." "Ohhhs…okay. So you'll be home more? So then we can play together?" "Maybe. Once you finish your work for the day." Her little sister pouted a bit, and looked over to the doorway. "Whose that?" "That's a nice Officer who helped me to the hospital and then back home to you." Allison kicked her legs back and forth on the couch, looking at him with big wide brown eyes.
Jacob waved at her. "Hello Allison. I am Jacob. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." He said with a nod of greeting. He walked further into Rain's home as she did, not daring to make either of them uncomfortable in any way. He did not wish to be feared by Allison, or Rain. "You have a very lovely home, Rain." He states, looking around. It wasn't elegant but at least it was cleaner than the apartment he lived in. Much cleaner. Whether it was because papers weren't scattered about or they had less stuff, he was unsure.
Allison waved a bit and giggled, before returning her attention to Rain. "Can I watch cartoons while I eat lunch?" "Of course, but right after it's back to your work book missy." The little girl got up and ran to the kitchen, grabbing herself the food Rain had prepared earlier, sitting beside Rain at the couch. She then pulled up the coffee table a bit, and began to eat. It was only a three seater couch, but there was an arm chair to the left of it, it's back towards the doorway. "Please sit down Jacob. And take off your boots. I don't want to be tracking snow all throughout the apartment." She sighed and got up. "I will have to find something for lunch…would you like anything Jacob? I don't have much but I am sure I can find something…"
Jacob shook his head. "Thank you, but I cannot accept. I have plenty of food I can eat at home." He took off his boots and left them at the door, going to the armchair and sitting down, but in an odd position. He didn't even relax into it, instead, he sat straight up, hands resting on his lap. He turned to Allison giving her a small smile. "What kind of cartoons do you like to watch?" He asked her.
"I like bugs bunny! And the Powerpuff Girls!" She cried out while flipping through the channels. Due to war times, they started playing reruns and even really old commercials like Little Lou Lou and all the old Looney Tunes. She giggled as she ate her sandwich, watching a really old Fourth Of The July episode of Tom And Jerry, as Rain made herself a bowl of soup. "Jacob? Be a dear and set my soup on the table for me? I wouldn't want too spill it."
"Of course, Rain." Jacob replied, walking over and grabbing the bowl, carrying it to the table. "Let me know if ya need anything else, 'kay?" He then went and sat back down in the same position as before. It hurt his back when he first ever started doing it, but he was used to it now and it was how he sat anywhere. He watched the cartoons in interest, not having seen any for a good while.
She noticed his cold front turn into something much more casual, and smiled as she sat down, and began to eat. The apartment fell silent, with the only noise coming from the TV. Rain was surprised they were playing american cartoons, but it kept her little sister entertained and distracted her from the reality that was now what they lived in, and so she didn't complain. Just ate and glanced over at Jacob, watching his mannerisms.
Jacob would occasionally adjust his hat, being very fidgety, which wasn't normal for a Russian officer. He didn't seem to notice it though. Soon enough, he felt Rain watching him, looking over. His look was very soft, even kind. It was just missing a smile, and he would look… Happy? But he rarely smiled, ever. He couldn't remember the last time he ever had.
She sighed as she ate, and turned off the TV as soon as her sister was finished with lunch. "Awwww cmon just a little longer? Please?" "No. I will not have you delving all of your time into cartoons. You must use that little head of yours. Now then. Back to your work. By now you should be about halfway with your french lessons. Don't you like reading?" "I dooo but cartooons." "How about this. If you do your work for the rest of the week, I'll pick you up a lollipop when I go to the store next. Deal?" Allison nodded and shook Rains hand. "Now go. And if you need help just bring your workbook out here." And off Allison ran back into the bedroom, as Rain shook her head and smiled. "Cute as a button."
Jacob watched the girl leave, and nodded some. "Indeed she is. You got things under control here? I will need to return to work soon." He stood from the chair, walking over to Rain, and taking care of her bowl for her. "But I can always call off if you need me to."
She watched him do so, and nodded. "I'll be okay. Thank you Jacob. I will call you if I need anything else." She said this with a smile. "Do not worry so much about me Officer. I'll be alright. I will see you around." She smiled a bit. "Be careful out there Office. OH! And when will you stop by again? So I can be prepared."
Jacob went over to the door and started pulling his boots on. "I'll probably come back tomorrow, or if you call me." He looked back up at Rain after his boots were finally on, then after a moment, a very slight smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Is that alright?"
She smiled and nodded. "Of course it's alright." She smiled as he left, and returned to just relaxing, and helping her little sister with her work. The day and night passed pretty calmly for her. The next few days Rain expected to be boring and drag on, since she would only be leaving the house for her usual food stamp rations.
(So, how we gonna get them to connect more?)
(Lotsa chit chat I guess? Spoiling her is a good way of doing things.)
(Ooh, okay then!)
Jacob stayed on his parole for the rest of the day, looking for his next spy victim. He looked at his list, then saw what he thought was a familiar name on there. He raised an eyebrow, curious. What was Rain’s friend’s name again..? He decided to ignore it, as the name was down lower on his list than others.
