I aM tHe WaLrUs

[KERFUFFLE]

You do that, then! ;D

Haha, we all should. It'd be hilarious xD

Ah, a Christmas show. Awesome

"Okay, sleep well, dear," Sarah replied.

"'Night, Lucy," Bill said in return, as well.

Asher had stood up to give her a quick kiss goodnight. She got there first, and he was surprised by the length and the intensity of it considering it was in front of his parents. Still, let them think what they liked, he wanted this. "Good night, Lucy. See you in the morning." He caressed her cheek gently for a moment. "I love you, too. Sweet dreams." He pressed his lips to her forehead one more time before they parted. He then sat on the couch again. He loved his parents expressions just then. It had actually dawned on them that his relationship with Lucy was really much more deep, intimate and loving than they had first though.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Maybe I will! Oh, how's the recording going?

But of course! Although, knowing me, I would trip and fall on a treadmill or something (it's happened before. I dropped my phone, bent down to get it while I was still moving, and I fell and got thrown into the wall.)

I'm super pumped, although apparently that's the show where everyone gets sick. Wahoo!!!

Lucy went into the guest room and used the bathroom to tidy up before actually going to bed. She changed into pajamas, then slid under the covers, giving a loud yawn. Once she had slipped in, she felt very lonely. She hadn't realized how comforting and safe having Asher there with her was. She tossed and turned quite a bit, trying to get to sleep, but now her mind wouldn't let her body shut down. Sighing softly, she moved onto her back and stared at the ceiling.After a while of that, she rolled onto her side and stared at the wall. Still no luck. finally, she laid on her stomach and buried her face in the pillow. There, much better.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Fine, except I've got the most horrible hum from the vocal mic. Still, not that I can sing well right now anyway. The backing track is on my MySpace, though.

Um, is it just me or was it general logic to stop the treadmill first..?? xD It's okay, my Dad always jokes because he is obliged to carry the emergency stop tag at all times in case he loses coordination at any moment.

Oh, yeah, that's true, actually. Happens a lot around Christmas time.

Asher was just talking to his parents for a little while, maybe another 20 minutes or so, and then said he was to head to bed himself, as well. He smiled and gave his parents a hug, which surprised them, too. Usually he only hugged them when he was leaving to go somewhere for a long time or when he returned. They had noticed an unbelievable change in their son. Lucy was to be thanked for that. He bid them goodnight, changed into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt for sleeping in, and took his painkillers. It was harder now to get to sleep, knowing that Lucy was only in the other room, and yet she could not be there with him. Soon enough, though, the painkillers took effect and he was out for the count.

Bill and Sarah went to bed, too, tired for the reasons shared by everyone in the house. Asher had prayed that his painkillers would keep him quiet, that they would work through the whole night for a few weeks or so, until his body got used to them, and then he wouldn't scare his parents. No suck luck. The attack wasn't nearly as severe as the one he'd had a few days ago, back in New York, but he still woke up in a cold sweat and was unable to stop the burning pain in his scars and the screams that pushed their way out of him.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Vocal mics tend to have really bad quality when they're built into the computer. It's the same way for mine. :\ But I can't wait to hear it all put together!

I didn't even think about it when I did it! xD But yeah, my friend looked at me all horrified. I was just laughing. And all the other people working out kept asking if i was okay. xD Best fml moment I've had so far.

Plus, since there are adults and younger kids in the show, the germs fly!!

Lucy hadn't been asleep for long when she heard the sounds of screaming. She immediately knew what that meant, and she got to her feet as quickly as she could, stumbling towards Asher's room. She cautiously walked in, then went over to the bed, wrapping her arms around Asher gently, holding him close and singing softly to him, planting kisses in his hair. She would stay with him as long as he needed her; she really didn't mind. If he needed her, she planned on being there for him, and she planned on making sure he was okay before letting him go back to sleep. In fact, she figured she just might stay in his room with him, to be a comfort to him if necessary. Slowly, she rocked from side to side, trying to soothe his pain and fear, gently caressing his skin with her hands.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Yeah, I know, my built in mic is even worse. But this one is an external mic and it's still awful :/

Haha, I can just imagine it. It's alright, I'm clumsy, too xD

That's why you need hardy souls such as myself! (says she who had the day off yesterday! xD)

Sarah and Bill were immediately woken by the screaming. At first, they had no idea where it was coming from. Then, when they paused for a moment, they could hear it coming from across the hallway, and they knew something was wrong with Asher. They rushed through to his room to see Lucy already with him-- it looked like she knew what was going on already. Sarah and Bill both looked terrified. As a general reaction, she turned the light on.

"No, turn it off!" Asher shouted, "They'll find us!"

"Dear, it's okay, it's just us!" she said to him soothingly.

"Turn it off!" he repeated, not even aware of what was going on. "Turn it off!" He was sounding louder and more desperate.

"Turn the dam.n light off, Sarah," Bill said to her impatiently. Asher was shivering and sobbing, and when his parents tried to reach out for him, he was still convinced they were people he should be afraid of, and he stared at their hands, looking terrified. "D-Don't hurt me. Don't touch me.." and then he started making noises that showed the pain he was feeling.

And at that moment Sarah began to sob, as well. She didn't understand what was going on until Bill whispered to her, "Something happened to him while he was away, it looks like. And now he thinks he's still there. It's okay."

Eventually Asher's cried subsided and Sarah tried to hug her son again. This time, he let her. She could feel the scar on his back through his shirt easily. "Oh, honey.. I'm so sorry.. They tried to hurt you, didn't they?"

He nodded, eyes wide, and then just held onto his mother's hand, only wanting to be enveloped in Lucy's arms. She always calmed him down so much more quickly.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

That's frustrating! Is it a high quality mic or not?

I got up and just went back to running again. xD but I was extra careful from that point on!

Lucy kept her arms around him, planting kisses on the back of his neck, then cradling him closer to herself. "You just cry it out, okay?" She whispered, keeping her lips close to his ear. "I'm right here, It's me, Lucy, your fiance. You're back home, in Montana, with me and your parents. Nobody is going to hurt you, we're going to keep you safe." She enveloped him in her arms as much as she could, then kissed his hair. "Are you feeling better now? Tell me what you're feeling, what you need," she said soothingly, her voice velvety and kind. She kept the sadness and fear of his being in pain from her voice, and instead maintained a sense of calm, so she wouldn't upset him further.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Hey, sorry about that. I had to rush off to TKD

And now I'm about to rush off to dinner. Thai green curry. Omnomnom <3

It probably isn't. I didn't buy it so I don't know. Ahh, well xD

Haha, I told my Dad and he had a chuckle, but he said, "That must've hurt in the morning!"

"F-f-f-feeling better," Asher replied, softly yet he had to put a huge emphasis on the words he was stuttering upon in order to get them to come out. He stopped crying after a time, he just wished he could stop shaking like this. "Feeling.. S-scared, but I'm.. okay. J-just don't l-l-l.." He was getting frustrated now, that he couldn't get the words to come out. "Don't leave me." He squeezed his mother's hand in his own, shaking slightly, and then reached for his father's with the other. "I'm so.. So sorry th-that you had to see this."

 

[Bunny_grl07]

It's okay! And that sounds delicious! xD *is jealous!*

And at least you have a mic. I didn't have one for years. it stank! But now all is good!

It really did. And my dignity was a little hurt, too.

Lucy shook her head and said, "Asher, you know you don't have to apologize. We're just worried about you, that's all." Lucy slid one of her hands up the back of his shirt, rubbing the uninjured side of his back carefully. "This is going to be okay, and it'll pass soon. You just hold onto us as tightly as you need to, we'll stay right here." She hummed softly in his ear, a soothing song that made her feel better when she was younger. All she wanted was for him to be happy and healthy. She wasn't freaked out by him, she knew how nighttime attacks felt. After she'd been attacked in the park, she'd had nightmares and panic attacks for a long time. It even scared her to be in crowds for a while. But time, and having Asher with her, had helped her to regain confidence and to let go of the negative memories. She wanted to help Asher in the same way.

 

[KERFUFFLE]

It was. I'm just super full now.

That's cool. And, yeah, that's true. For the most part, over the instrument track, you can't really hear it.

I can imagine. Don't worry. I am the queen of falling over on AstroTurf. xD

"It's okay, honey, really. We just want you to calm down and not to worry, you aren't there anymore, and you never have to go back," Asher's mother said to him softly, squeezing his hand back reassuringly.

Asher just closed his eyes and willed himself not to worry anymore. His mother was right, nobody was going to hurt him again. He felt silly, acting like this, but he couldn't help it, it wasn't his fault. The doctor had even said it was to be expected after everything he'd been through. Eventually, the shaking stopped and the cold sweat ceased to gather in the palms of his hands and on his forehead. He took a deep breath and said, "I'll be okay now.."

 

[Bunny_grl07]

*is even more jealous* xD Hmmm.... I wonder what we'll have for dinner here.

That's definitely good. and if it all works well together, nobody will really notice too much.

Wow! That kind of takes talent... x3

Lucy went to the bathroom with a warm washcloth, and she gently dabbed at his face. Then she poured cool water on it, dabbed his face again, then dried his face on the front of her night shirt. She ran her fingers through his hair reassuringly, then said to Asher and his family, "If it's all right, I think I'm going to stay in here. I couldn't sleep, I was worried about Asher, and I'm hoping maybe it'll be helpful." She kissed Asher's cheek, and then his lips, briefly. "Here. Lay down," she said softly, tucking him in, then sitting on top of the covers beside him. "Just relax, we'll take care of you, and it'll all be fine. Do you want any water or something else to drink?"

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Um.. Should I send you some? :3

Yeah. I may even be able to cut the hum out, now that I think about it.

Honestly. I think there was only ever one time that I've not fallen over at least once. I have very little grip on my shoes, you see xD

Bill was ahead of the game, and had already been to the kitchen and came back with a glass of water for everybody. Sarah definitely needed it, after all her panicking, he figured Lucy might, he did and Asher certainly should get something.

Neither he or Sarah had anything against Lucy staying with Asher. It looked to them like he really needed her in those times when he panicked. "Of course. I think he'd like that."

Asher was tucked right under the covers, but he had brought one arm out to take Lucy's hand still. "Thank you everybody," he murmured, taking a sip of his water and then putting it on the bedside table."You should all go back to bed, I don't want to keep you up."

"Honey, really, it's fine. But if you want us to go now, then we will, as long as your okay," Sarah said. She leaned down and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek, as did Bill. They gave one to Lucy, as well. "Thank you so much," they whispered, before retiring, though they both knew they wouldn't sleep too well after that.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

xD Of course! It'll still be good by the time it gets here, right? hahaha

Yaaaay! That would be awesome!

Oh you! if you get a random package with good-grip shoes inside, they're from me lol

Lucy drank her glass of water quickly, then handed the empty glass back to Bill. "Thank you," she said softly, giving a weak smile. "I needed that. Goodnight Bill, Sarah. I'll come get you if we need anything later on, if that's okay." When they thanked her, she simply shook her head, smiling. "No need to thank me, don't worry about it. Now get some rest, both of you." After Asher's parents had left, Lucy slipped under the covers and wrapped her arms around him. She gave him a few kisses, then whispered, "Are you okay now?"

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Umm.. Well, I'm just worried since it's chicken. Think I'll have to hop on a plane and deliver it to you in order to get it there in time ;D

Haha, okay. But I like my old Chucks! They hold memories!

"'Night 'Ma, Dad," Asher said. He sighed when they left the room and closed his eyes for a moment, until he felt Lucy wrap her arms around him. "Yeah, I'm alright now. Thank you for everything you did. I just wish they hadn't had to see that.." He then wrapped his arms around her as well and returned her kisses. "It was another bad one, too. It hurt more than usual."

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Exactly! That would be fabulous! Then we could go grab authentic kfc! =D

Well, you can wear them when you're not on astro turf! xD

Lucy said, "I know, baby, I know. But at least they know now, rather than later. They'd probably be very upset with me if I hid it for months and months, and then you had a random attack. But I understand what you're going through. I'm sorry it hurts so much. I wish I could take away the pain and bear it myself." She cuddled closer to him, then soothingly ran her hand along some of his scars and bruises. "Do you want me to put some cool water on them? It might make you feel better..."

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Sounds like a rather chicken filled trip. Cool!

Haha, okay xD

"I suppose so. But I was hoping it'd get better with time.. I would tell them, but they'd never have to see it. It hurts everybody else almost as much as it hurts me, I'm sure," Asher replied softly. "You do take the pain away, when you hold me. Little by little, it goes away. But much faster than it would otherwise.. But I'd never want you to bear this kind of pain." He paused for a moment and said, "Yes, please, I think that might help." As she was doing it, he said, "I'm sorry for all of this, you know. You shouldn't have to put up with it."

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Not just chicken! Biscuits, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac n cheese, and other southern foods! YEAH!!!

I love it when I have lots of itunes money xD

Lucy got up and grabbed another glass of cool water and a washcloth, slowly maneuvering through the house in the darkness, trying not to make a lot of noise. Silently, she crept back into the room, then got on the bed, placing the cup and washcloth on a bedside table. She moved the covers, then gently removed his shirt. For fear of hurting him, she gently placed the wet washcloth on the bruises, scars, and burns, checking to see if there could be any infection which would add to his pain, and cooling his skin too. "Asher, you had to put up with my emotional scarring after getting beat up, not to mention my grieving over Richard. Believe me, we were made to take care of each other, us battered souls."

 

[KERFUFFLE]

Mac n cheese <3333

And then you can come to meet my family and try out loads of amazing South African foods xD

Ah, I would, except normally my mum wants the song I buy. She has an mp4 and it doesn't support itunes format because it's stupid like that. So I usually use my other gift card for Tesco Digital, which has nearly no money left because of it! :L

Asher had turned over onto his front after she'd taken his shirt off. "I know, but I left for a year, and then I return covered in ugly scars and I have huge emotional attacks afterwards that keep you up at night.. I hope they fade someday. I've been having them ever since the day we were attacked, and I'm tired of it." The cold water was making him feel much better.

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Yes! The best food on the planet! And KFC makes awesome mac n cheese

That would be so cool! I want to try foods from all over the world!

Dx that stinks! I had a gift card for about 25 songs, and I used most of it on songs from Disney movies :3 They have such awesome songs, though!

Lucy gently dabbed at the scar that was on his back, and noted that it looked a little bit better than when she first saw it. "This scar has improved a little bit, I think. But it's still pretty swollen. I think maybe we could buy some cream to put on it, to make it hurt a little bit less." She put more cool water on the washcloth, then rested it on top of the scar, to let it soak. "Just hold still, and tell me when the water stops feeling cold." Then, she gently started giving him a massage, keeping her hands on his shoulders so she wouldn't upset the knotted scar. "Asher, I'm used to not sleeping much anyway. I'm fine, and you will be. Just give it time, baby."

 

[KERFUFFLE]

KFC makes mac and cheese in the US?!

Biltong, Burreworse, Milk Tart, Milo and Spar Letta Cream Soda are the bomb! <3 In fact, I'm just about to have a Milo right now!

Disney songs! <3 Got that right. Hrmm.. I'll have to look around for stuff that I like but Mum doesn't. It's pretty much only the much heavier stuff. She's got amazing music taste!

"The doctor said he'd send some through in a few weeks, so when we get home we'll have some prescribed stuff for me," Asher said to her, in agreement of her statement, of course. He then did nothing but breathe gently until he said, "Okay, it doesn't feel cold anymore." He folded his arms and rested his head on them, sighing contently as a result of her massage, that felt really good. He smiled and said to her, "You're just the absolute best woman a man could wish for, you know that? I couldn't be any happier or any luckier than I was. Oh, and, calling me baby makes me feel a lot better."

 

[Bunny_grl07]

Yes!!! it's SOOOOOOO GOOOOOOODDDDDD!!!!

what are all those things? They sound good!

It sounds like it! I mean, she likes 80s music? It's fabulous!

Lucy stopped massaging his shoulders to wring out the warm water in an empty cup, before getting the washcloth doused in cold water again. She rested the washcloth on the lower part of his scar, making sure it was nice and even, before going back to rubbing and working out the knots in his shoulders. "Thank you Asher. Whenever you give me compliments like that, I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. And I love taking care of you. And I always want to be able to make you happy. And I also love calling you baby. I like to think that you belong to me, baby." She smirked and leaned down to nip at his ear, just once, before planting a kiss on the top of his head.