Glass Skin

37

"Are you definitely sure you need to do this? After all, I am rather certain that your sister will say anything to try and persuade you otherwise than to stay here." Erik stood watching as Fleurette took to combing her hair, or at least attempting to. The untamed curls of red didn't wish to play ball, Erik didn't actually know what her intentions here were, but he could say she was losing a battle.

A few days had passed since their conversation on the stage; where some civility and familiarity had returned to them. No more shying away or wishing to be distant, distance was a killer and Erik could feel an icy shard grow within him each time she retracted from him, or wished to be away from him. He understood how everything appeared, and how she could be offended but it honestly was the last thing he wished. But, after the talk and the failure of having a dance, the two had just merely stood holding onto each other for several moments before a cry broke the peace. Gangle and Fleck were seemingly having a squabble over something and Fleurette seemed to wish to know why her friends argued; whereas Erik took her by the hand and led her away.

Before she knew it, she was back down below. The place wasn't as tidy as it once was as Erik may have trashed the once comfortable yet humble space when left to his own thoughts and company. She had looked sympathising, saddened even. Between them they cleaned up the area and sat in comfortable silence. It was several moments into the silence that Fleurette said she'd come back. Erik felt elated, though his face was neutral. She laughed at his blank face, clearly expecting that. Emotions and him usually weren't as simple as black and white.

So here she was, back with him in their home, attempting to tame her hair and failing as she shot a glare over her shoulder at him. She had yet to fully dress, just still being in a simple smock and a robe overtop. But she took a few moments out of brushing her hair to shoot looks his way. "Erik, that is something we both already know. This is a topic which cannot be avoided. Eleanor will not drop it, she won't, that woman can be like a dog with a bone; I should know, I've had to grow up with her never leaving things be. I believe that my sister deserves to know just why I don't wish to return to Paris with her."

At this he raised his eyebrow, he was just standing cross armed to the side; his suit jacket and waistcoat not present as his shirt simply adorned his torso, loosely buttoned up as in about halfway done and not tucked into his trousers. He hadn't intended on needing to fully wear his suit, he wasn't going up above today...that he knew of. But the simplicity of just with how he was currently had Fleurette shaking her head; it had always caught her really, that be it suited or just simply dressed, Erik was beautiful. Even if he did not believe so, he was a beautiful person really, deep down he had a good soul.

Erik frowned and tilted his head, "You're not listening to me," he said shortly, Fleurette's eyes widened as she blinked innocently, she looked miffed. Had she just totally zoned out of what he was saying? Erik sighed shortly, he didn't know where she disappeared to, mentally, but it wasn't here with him and on this conversation. Considering how much seriousness she put on the topic, he thought she'd be very present and accommodating for a conversation about it. Apparently not.

She timidly smiled and let out a quiet laugh, an awkward laugh at that. Erik just moved over and knelt down beside the stool she was seated upon. She nervously twiddled the comb in her hands and looked at him quickly before deciding that she'll just loosely braid her hair today. It was still hot outside, and the curls weren't obeying her will. "I was distracted momentarily, I am sorry, Erik."

"Yes, I could tell. I repeated myself three times, and yet you were still vacant."

Fleurette coughed, she'd never been called that before. Frowning his way, she pointed the comb at him. Erik yet again raised an eyebrow, the comb not threatening at all despite of how she shook it his way. "I was merely thinking about you, I'll have you know."