Nom nom nom (for Asher)

[speakscanadian]

 
What was that saying?

Beggars couldn't be choosers.

India had never been at the top of Ray's list of vacation hotspots but it wasn't like there was a brochure full of options for where they could go that year. He'd heard on the grapevine that it wasn't exactly a luxurious place but after bumping back down to reality after the disappearance of the mist, anywhere that was away was a step up in Ray's book.

With hindsight, maybe two giant suitcases and a bag slung across his chest wasn't the best plan. Especially not when he'd partnered himself with the least helpful or willing man on the planet. Never one to travel light though, there were very noticeable drag marks left in his wake as he ploughed ahead over the causeway and onto the second island.

"Thanks again, by the way," Ray drawled sarcastically for the third or fourth time. "For all of your help. Really."

Had Ray not spent so much time packing and repacking, maybe they would have reached their destination before nightfall.

Comments

[speakscanadian]

"What don't you understand?!" Ray asked, losing a bit of the cool he was trying so hard to keep hold of.

"I don't know this," he enunciated slowly, gesturing up and down at Asher. "You said what you did was a joke? Fine. But I know you've done worse before to people and it didn't end with a kiss on the neck. If you stay here--" He caught his breath, looking away briefly and shaking his head in disbelief, wondering how the night could have changed so dramatically.

"If you stay here, what happens if you go back to that?" The look he gave Asher was enough to show him that the thought alone scared Ray and he didn't bother trying to hide it. "Do what comes naturally?"

[asher_talos]

"What don't you understand?!" Asher echoed. For someone who wasn't keen on talking in circles anymore, it was like Ray was going out of his way to miss Asher's biggest point.

"I wouldn't, because I can control it. I don't feel a pang and pounce. I can, if I choose to, but I can choose not to, to leave before it gets to that."

[speakscanadian]

Ray wasn't going to tell Asher again that he understood. It wasn't what he was asking. This wasn't a conversation he wanted to have but if the joke had done anything, it was highlight to Ray any number of potentially horrific things Asher could do if he chose to.

"Will you choose not to?" He asked simply, holding his gaze. That was the question Ray was afraid to hear the answer to.

[asher_talos]

The only thing that stopped Asher from up and socking Ray right then and there was the fact that he was worried he'd actually punch a hole straight through his skull. He thought the answer was obvious; why would he have been so adamant on Ray understanding that he had the power to choose if he was planning a bloodbath?

Reaching out, Asher dropped the bags out onto the causeway, returning Ray's gaze with one a lot colder.


"I'll let you know."

[speakscanadian]

Ray closed his eyes but said nothing. He was still angry and he knew if he stayed he'd end up saying something he'd regret. Maybe he already had.

Scrubbing a hand over his head, he turned and passed through the invisible barrier without another word. He knew it would be futile to hope that Asher would follow him.

On the other side, Ray looked back over his shoulder but all he saw was beach and bushes.