|
|
Post by Brian Ackerman on Jul 17, 2009 2:28:42 GMT -5
The man was being overly hostile which made Brian more cautious. He had never seen this man before, so the only thing he had to go on was based on what Riley had said about him. Suddenly he felt a bit betrayed. Yes they had their arguments, their disagreements, but at the base of it all, they were still family.
At least that's what he told himself when he came there in the first place, that and the fact that he had never turned her in to the police, or the government or anything for being weird...didn't she owe him some sort of loyalty?
"Look...guy...." he said biting back an offensive name, " I believe, seeing as how this place belongs to Riley, and since I am her brother, that the conversation should be between me, and *my* sister. In all the years I've known her, she's never been someone to let other people do her talking for her. "
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jul 17, 2009 11:28:38 GMT -5
Roland glanced at Riley, his eyebrow raised, then turned back to Brian. There was a dangerous look in his eyes as he spoke. "Well, actually, I do believe I have a say in this matter. You see, I was invited to stay here, which is more than I can say for you. Yes, it's Riley's apartment, but she did ask me to move in with her, so if you want to get technical, it's my apartment, too. But of course, if Riley really wants you to stay, I'll back off.... I just don't see her jumping up and down with joy to see you. And to be honest, I don't think this apartment is big enough for the four of us." He nodded toward Phoenix, who was growling softly at Brian. The fur along the dog's spine was sticking up in a little ridge.
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jul 17, 2009 11:49:01 GMT -5
If Riley had any doubts about Brian, Phoenix's reaction would have solidified her hatred. Then again, she wondered if Roland ever turned on her, Merlin forbid, if Phoenix, out of loyalty, would be growling at her with his hair on end as well. God, she loved that dog.
She took a breath and said, "Roland, it's okay. I can handle this." She put a hand on his arm and gave him a soft look. She appreciated his immediate protective instincts, but she also knew Brian. Or, Brian from 6 years ago. He wasn't going to respond well to another man posturing in front of him. And she wouldn't put it past him to kick the dog. He was just that kind of person.
"You should go, Brian. Find a hotel or somewhere to stay. I don't even know how you found me, but you should know that you're not welcome here."
At those last words, Phoenix's head dropped below his little shoulders, and he let out a long growl.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brian Ackerman on Jul 18, 2009 17:52:16 GMT -5
"So that's it?" he asked, or rather scoffed, " It's been what, six years and we haven't seen one another? I come to you, tell you that I have no where to go, and nothing to my name. A hotel Riley?" he asked, " I'd be lucky if I could afford a cardboard box to go and sleep out in the alley."
One thing had changed in the past six years, where before he was simply an angry little boy, he now had a layer of civility in him, a layer of the man he might have been once, had he been loved. Had his father deigned to care for him just a little bit, or in Brian's eyes, that if his father simply hadn't hated him.
And Riley and her mother were the reason his father couldn't care for Brian. Well they were half of it, his own mother dying had also taken it's toll. But afterward...Riley was given at least the pretense of a childhood, his father had treated her like a daughter, and he was always the dirt beneath someone's shoe...In his mind Riley owed him.
"I know we haven't always been close. I know there are times when you outright hated me, but underneath it all I still believed that we were family...somewhere."
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jul 18, 2009 22:36:46 GMT -5
"When were we ever family?" Riley asked, a hint of anger in her tone, but it was softening. It just wasn't in her to be cruel, and if Brian really had nowhere to go...
The thought even trailed off in her mind, and she put her hands on her hips. "It's a small apartment. I don't have room for you. Why are you even in London anyway?" she added. He never answered her about how he had found her. That was the most distressing thought so far. That and the mess he'd made of her apartment.
She steeled her resolve and shook her head, remember all those times she'd cried to Geoffrey because of the man in front of them. "No. Find somewhere else."
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jul 18, 2009 23:16:20 GMT -5
Roland was standing back quietly, his arms folded over his chest. His eyes were hard, and his mouth was twisted into a scowl. Given his choice, he would have physically expelled the guy already. But Riley wanted to handle it, so he would let her. However, he wanted to make clear his disapproval, in case she started to weaken to Brian's demands. There simply wasn't enough room in the small apartment for all of them, and if she allowed Brian to stay... well, he'd have to go back to his own apartment, most likely. And he couldn't even stand that much distance between them right now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brian Ackerman on Jul 19, 2009 4:16:01 GMT -5
"There is no where else. That's what I've been trying to tell you. Do you really think I'd be here if there was somewhere else I could go? I know how much you hate me." he brought his hand up to his face and rubbed his brows in a true sign of distress.
"I've been living in London for the past three years." he told her, "I saw you walk into this apartment building a while back...I might have stopped by although I didn't think you'd see me...but now.. I'm desperate Ri."
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jul 19, 2009 21:18:54 GMT -5
Roland rolled his eyes. He wasn't for one second buying Brian's act. Maybe he really was desperate and out of options, but Roland did not believe that he had any qualms about taking advantage of Riley. One thing was certain, there was no way this guy was staying in this apartment.
"I'm very sorry for your troubles," he began in a tone that very clearly said the exact opposite. "But we've told you repeatedly that you cannot stay here. If we gave you some money, would you leave?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jul 19, 2009 21:29:48 GMT -5
"Don't give him money," Riley said quickly. It was easier to respond to Roland than Brian, and she was still a little shell shocked that he was even here. He'd known she was here for three years now? The idea gave her the chills. He had to have been watching closely if he knew which apartment was hers. But why?
Turning back to him, she said, "You also seem to be making it quite clear that even you don't want to be here. Let's save everyone the misery. Get out."
|
|
|
|
Post by Brian Ackerman on Jul 20, 2009 1:37:23 GMT -5
It wasn't as stalkerish as Riley seemed to be thinking, although if he had a clue how frightened he made her he might have used it. He certainly wouldn't have hesitated if he had the upperhand, but at this point he needed her help.
When Roland mentioned money Brian inwardly perked up, he could definitely use some money right now, but then Riley snapped at him not to give him anything, typical.
"I only don't want to be here, because I know you don't want me to be here." and because you're a freak who could hex me dead..."But I am here, and being here wouldn't be miserable if you just gave me a chance Riley. I'm your brother, and kicking me out to the streets isn't going to stop that from being true. Even at our worst Riley I never would have sent you away without a bloody sou." he said giving her a pained look before he began to gather himself together. He really did make a pitiful picture concerning his hangover and meager amount of worldly goods.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jul 20, 2009 23:47:40 GMT -5
Roland was tempted to physically eject this guy from the apartment at this point. He sincerely doubted that, if Riley were in trouble, Brian would have responded with anywhere close to as much patience as Riley was showing him now. And he certainly wouldn't take her in if she needed it.
But most of all, he was annoyed, because Riley had just been through hell and deserved a break. The last thing she needed was to deal with the man who had made her childhood miserable. She didn't need guilt trips and additional stress.
"If you're so broke, you might have wanted to save your money, rather than spending it all on liquor," he commented dryly.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brian Ackerman on Jul 21, 2009 1:18:29 GMT -5
"I don't have anything to explain to you." he snarled at Roland. The truth was the liquor was already his, he had managed to grab it while the repo guys came in and took everything else. As for him not taking Riley, Roland was deeply mistaken, he would have allowed his sister a place to live, how else would he lord it over her that he was superior while she needed him. No, he definitely would have allowed her to stay, if only to make her more miserable.
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jul 21, 2009 12:12:08 GMT -5
"Hey!" Riley said, almost angrily to catch his attention. "Don't talk to him like that," she said. It was the way he reacted to Roland that angered her more than how he treated her. He didn't even know Roland; he didn't have a right to snap at him.
"No," she said again, shaking her head. "You're obviously not thrilled to be here, and there isn't room for you, and you've already stayed here, unwelcome, for who knows how long. I want you out, and I don't want you to come by again."
The difference between them was that Riley, even hitting rock bottom, would have never gone to Brian for help.
|
|
|
|
Post by Brian Ackerman on Jul 21, 2009 13:15:27 GMT -5
Oh that was rich. What a little priss Riley had become. He was insane to have come here in the first place that was true. Roland had been snarling at him all night, even when he was in pain and passed out on the bed, did the man have reason, perhaps, but if you kept pushing and you kept snarling then it was only a matter of time before the pushed pushed back, frankly it was a surprise that Brian hadn't gotten angrier earlier at how rude Roland had been to him, the man didn't know anything about him unless Riley had whined and wheedled tears from her pretty eyes to garner sympathy, a woman's trick that she probably learned from her slag of a mother.
"You're absolutely right, I was insane coming here, to think that you, precious Riley, golden child, can do no wrong Riley could actually care about anybody other than yourself, what a ridiculous notion. You know I hope one day you have nothing, nobody, I hope you reach your hand out as you're falling and find only air. I hope one day you can taste the bitter ash that comes with defeat, and then what's left of your pride, and hope after you've gone hungry for three days I hope you choke then on your high principles, your unrelenting, your inability to forgive." he said coldly like a curse being thrust her way, then he turned to Roland, " As for the alcohol, it shouldn't be too hard for the girl to clean, she has her ways..." Brian said mysteriously still not "turning Riley in" though at this point he could well assume that Roland already knew of her "ways.
"And whatever you're deigning to think about me right now, the Alcohol was all I had to sustain me. I know full well that I'm breaking and entering, I wasn't about to add theft to that account though you have a well stocked fridge. Congratulations Sister, it's what you've always wanted, me on my knees so you can spit in my face. I'm ever so sorry I gave you the satisfaction." he said contemptously down at her before he slammed the door.
"b*tch." he muttered wondering where he was going to go from that point, as his stomach growled again.
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jul 21, 2009 15:26:43 GMT -5
Riley stood still, silent and not even trying to defend herself as Brian went on. He had always been on the extreme side of things... not necessarily dramatic, but extreme.
And while she stood still and took the brunt force of his words, they hurt. She wanted to help family, but as far as she had always been concerned, Brian was not family. Still, she felt bad turning anyone away when they needed help.
She didn't move when he brushed by her, and her eyes fell to her feet as he walked away. Silent, she took a breath and turned back into the living room, taking a quick look at the damage she needed to clean up and repair.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jul 21, 2009 17:25:36 GMT -5
Roland rolled his eyes as Brian left in a huff. "Thank Merlin," he mumbled. If Brian had lingered much longer, Roland would have been forced to get physical. He knew such things did not particularly impress Riley, and that she wanted to be the one to deal with it, so he had tried to mostly stay out of it. But he would have dearly loved to hit the bastard.
After he was gone, Roland glanced at Riley and saw the way her expression fell. His heart ached for her. He could easily understand how a guy like that could have manipulated Riley into thinking poorly of herself.
He followed her out to the living room, Phoenix at his feet. "Riley," he said. "Are you OK?"
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jul 21, 2009 17:46:49 GMT -5
"I'm fine," Riley said, taking out her wand and setting a charm to clean up the living room. The amount of alcohol bottles were ridiculous, and she didn't believe for a second that he brought it all with him. Maybe he did, how could she know? She added an additional charm to make the cleaning spell go to each room as it was finished with the current one.
She hated that he found her. She hated that he was here at all. What made him think she had any sort of obligation to help him? And the bit about her reaching out and finding only air... she worked hard to be where she was. Riley had never depended on anyone to get where she was, even Geoffrey. Riley rarely asked for help, even when she really needed it. So it was unfair to wish that on her.
Then, as the apartment was cleaning itself, she stood still, unsure what to do with herself now.
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jul 21, 2009 21:07:19 GMT -5
Roland walked over and wrapped his arms around her waist. He could tell that she was deeply upset by what Brian had said, and it made him angry. Just for that, he ought to find the jerk and make him pay. Brian had never even asked Riley how she was, where she had been. She had gone through so much and it was obvious that Brian didn't care. He just layered on the guilt trip, trying to make her feel bad, when he was the one who had treated her badly when they were younger.
"Sweetie..." he said softly. "Don't let him make you feel guilty. He's a jerk. And what he said... he was out of line."
|
|
|
|
Post by Riley Neves on Jul 21, 2009 21:53:29 GMT -5
Riley sighed, leaning back into his arms. "No, I know," she said. "And he always is. I just feel bad sometimes. What if he really doesn't have anywhere he can go? Merlin knows I don't want him here, but..."
She shook her head, wanting to change the subject because she was deeply bothered by Brian's appearance. She thought he was a part of her past that would stay there. And then, without warning, tears sprang to her eyes.
"Oh, God, I hate being pregnant."
|
|
|
|
Post by Roland Ferrera on Jul 21, 2009 22:02:23 GMT -5
Immediately, he eased her against his chest and kissed the top of her head. "Shhh... don't let him get to you. He can't stay here, we all know that... I'm sure if he's resourceful enough to find his way here and get through the magical locks to break into your apartment, he can find some other place to go. He just came here looking for a free ride and trying to play on your caring heart. He was so sure that you'd let him stay that he stayed here, making a mess of your place while you weren't here."
|
|
