Got a problem with me? (CAM)

[Lotus]

Noah had taken care of Ravenna after telling Moni to sit still in the chair in their room. He tended to her so carefully because he was scared to hurt her more than she already was. By the time he'd finished his tears had dried and he was left numb as he knew all he had to do know was wait for her to wake up. After all, she didn't want to be with him so it could be the worst or the best time when her eyes opened. The only thing he knew was that as soon as her eyes opened he knew she'd be okay and if she still wanted to leave he'd have to let her.

In the time waiting he'd sat on the chair Moni had been on and sat her on his lap as he wrapped his arms around her. That was the time that Moni told him to tell her everything and what was going on. Noah didn't miss out a thing about their time together and the things they'd got up to at the restaurant. He just skipped their nights together and brushed over how bad she looked at the moment. Despite that though he still managed to tell Moni how in love he was with such a beautiful girl and it was safe to say Moni could not be more proud of her big brother or more hurt at what he was going through.

Moni fell asleep at some point, luckily their parents knew Moni was with him and usually she stayed over if they got together so they wouldn't worry. He didn't need to deal with a frantic phone call now from them. Instead Noah wrapped his arms tighter around his little sister and stayed up, determined to not miss anything if Ravenna's condition changed. Soon he saw her stirring, only for her to fall back under but the second time he sat their intently, wanting to give her space.

He knew she was awake at that point because he could see her hiding under the covers in the moonlight that lit the room along with the bedside lamp. He bent his head down to Moni and shook her softly, "Munchkin you've got to wake up a sec. Ravenna's awake and I need to help her." Slowly Moni awoke, groggily but she still managed to give him a sad smile.

"Let me talk to her first?"

Noah hesitated but seeing the determined look on her face he knew he didn't have a choice in the matter even though she's asked. "Okay..." He whispered before Moni stood up and he held her hand to the side of the bed before leaving her there. "I'll go get some water." With that he turned and left the room, after turning round to look back.

[Cham]

Ravenna couldnt help but cry. She was a terrible excuse of a human being, and had somehow tricked this gorgeous, loving man into caring for her.

She was a monster.

Her thoughts ran about a mile a minute until a softer touch brushed over the bed, she peeked out of the covers and saw Moni feeling her way up the bed. Glancing around the room, she saw Noah had disappeared. Ven sat up and wiped her puffy eyes, curling up into a ball, letting Moni do her own thing as she situated herself on the bed next to her.

Ven set her head on her knees, and felt a hand on her shoulder, and the sweet, soft voice of Moni saying "You cant leave us... Youre like my big sister" A stab ran through Ravenna's heart "Im a poor sister... I ruined my other sister. I wasnt there enough. I cant stay Moni. You have to understand that. My sis- well, she isnt my sister anymore, but she did this to me... She and her friends beat me into a pulp for being with you brother. Its best that i just leave everyone alone. It will make things better. Things can go back to normal once i leave"

She wiped her eyes, and looked over to Moni. Somehow those foggy eyes had so much wisdom in it, and so much pity. "Ravenna" The child began "You are being selfish. Youre thinking of yourself, not everyone else. Certainly not Noah... He is dying thinking that you are leaving him. I... Ive never seen him this way before. So sad... So hurt... Its like someone cut him in half... Youre his other half Ravenna."

Her eyes widened, and she understood now the ache of missing him when they were upset with eachother. She understood the love, the pain, all the emotions that surrounded them. "He is my soul mate" Ven whispered.

Seeing Moni grin as she realized this "Yes you are soul mates. Literally the better half of each other" Ven giggled and leaned over, tenderly embracing the child. Wincing softly when the girl forgot her injuries and hugged her tightly.

But suddenly there was a familiar face in the door way. Noah had returned, but he was not the same. His head hung, and he refused to make eye contact with her. Several pills in one hand and a glass in the other. Ven turned to Moni and whispered "Can you manage to your room okay? I need to speak to your brother." Her voice dropped lower and she murmured "Ill see you tomorrow sweetheart" Moni hopped out of the bed and went straight to her room, grinning like a Cheshire.

The mood in the room changed immediately once the child left. Noah seemed to be avoiding her gaze. So she took the initiative and spoke first "Noah?" She whispered. "Noah please come sit with me?" He shuffled over, and handed her the glass and pills. Popping them down quickly, and taking his hand, feeling that electrifying touch he had, and pulling him down to sit next to her.

[Lotus]

Noah was terrified to go back into their, his, room. He didn't want to face the words Ravenna would say to him about leaving. His hands shook slightly as he entered and Moni left them behind. But she was grinning which confused the hell out of Noah; maybe she just didn't understand the severity of the situation. Slowly he edged towards the bed and he flinched slightly when her voice cut through the tense atmosphere to call his name.

He handed her the glass of water and pills, but he wasn't quick enough to take his hand away because she caught it in hers and he had no choice other than to sit down next to her. His body was rigid and he kept his head down low and she entwined her fingers with his, while his laid limp in her grasp. He didn't know what she wanted. If she was going to leave why was she wanting him to be close, that would just hurt him more when she finally did decide it was time to go.

His eyes filled with tears and he blurted out the only thing he could think of. "P-Please don't leave me." He hung his head down and snatched his hand away from hers to stand up off the bed and move to the window, wringing his hands together like he used to do as a kid when he'd hospitalised Moni. "I know why you want to go, I do. But you can't. I need you, and if you don't want to stay for me just stay for Moni. That little girl loves you. I mean I love you too, I just can't compete with what you want in a man..." And that was when the first tear slipped. "I know this isn't a tough thing, brave thing, manly thing or something I'd do but please, you can't just get up and leave after everything..."

[Cham]

Ravenna watched as Noah pulled away from her. His voice was pitiful and broken. His usually high, confident shoulders slumped. Her heart broke for him, and she felt ashamed and dirty even... "Noah" she whispered, but he kept going, telling her why she should stay. But he didn't listen. She watched his head fall, and couldnt stand it anymore. Her feet moving of their own accord. She felt numb.

Somehow she stumbled towards him, and nearly flopped into his arms. Forcing her way in. His arms though hung limp at the side, she clung to him as though for dear life, and whispered into his chest "I love you Noah... I love you and I hurt you. I hate it. I... I hate you." Feeling his body go rigid " I hate that you love me. I don't understand it...and I hate that. I hate that youre perfect and dont see it. I hate that you really just don't understand. And I hate you for not letting me leave..." she took a breath, her body shaking as she lowered her voice even then.

"But I love you for all the same reasons... I love your heart... how youre so good to everyone. I love your soul, you help everyone. I love your roughness. You teach the best way they can learn" his eyes seemed wide. Ven leaned up, grabbing the sides of his neck and pulling his lips to hers. They crashed together violently, and she kissed him with all the passion in her being. "I. Love. You" Her eyes boring into his, begging for that same responce that she had given him.

"I wont stay though Noah." His eyes glazed over in tears and she felt him pulling away from her, she screamed, terrified that he just didnt understand, he hadnt let her finish. "Im not staying with you. Im living with you. Im loving with you" Her own tear dam burst, and the liquid cascaded down her cheeks, down her neck and into the cuts and sores.

"Noah, i am yours, body and soul. Forever more... Im so sorry" Her eyes began to haze, and she felt slightly dizzy, and weak kneed. Her energy was gone. And the pain hit her like a wall. "Please talk to me Noah..." She gasped out, her body beginning to shake as she clung to him.

"Tell me youll have me..."

[Lotus]

Ravenna's words hurt Noah more than they should have done but he couldn't help it. She had practically told him she hated him and all he stood for whilst loving all those things at the same time. How was he supposed to make any sense of that? He couldn't formulate any words other than for the fact he knew he was in shock. It was only when Ravenna started shaking that he knew he had to be there for her and snap out of it.

He wrapped his arms tightly around her body and picked her up gently, bridal style as he carried her to the bed. He laid her down softly and stroked her busted cheek carefully, before saying "I'll always have you Ravenna. Always." His voice cracked slightly as he leant down to kiss her forehead but he pulled back before his lips fully touched her skin. "You should rest and we'll talk more when you're better."

[Cham]

Ravenna sighed softly when Noah lifted her, stiffening in pain, but recognizing that he was being as tender as possible. Her lungs burned from speaking so much and where she had been beaten, but still, she made no recognition of it. What she needed now was to be with Noah. But he made a move to leave. She gripped his hand tightly, and though she shook, she held on.

"Noah dont leave me... Im scared... Please..." For some reason, an irrational fear that he would take off entered her mind. That if he was not holding her whilist she was injured, then he would leave. "Please Noah..." She faultered, sitting up and pushing the sheets and blankets away, clearing a space for him to lay next to her.

[Lotus]

Noah glanced at the chair he'd been sitting in before to the space Ravenna had cleared for him. He sighed in defeat but changed her plans for him slightly. Instead he tucked her back up in bed and made sure she was comfy before lying down next to her, but on top of the covers. "I'm not going to leave you. Ever." With that he squeezed her hand for reassurance, but couldn't look at her in order to save her from seeing the pain and worry in his eyes.

"Sleep now Ravenna. You'll feel better soon." Eventually he heard her breathing steady out and he stole a glance down at her, seeing that she was fully asleep. She shifted his position slightly and sat up against the headboard, stroking her hair softly. And for the rest of the night till dawn broke across the sky he did not sleep at all.

[Cham]

Ravenna finally smiled. It was soft and peaceful. Her eyes burning for sleep. Though she had already slept for so long. Her body needing that time to rest and recuperate. But she couldnt without Noah. He was her drug. He made her whole. She lamely squeezed his hand back, and let him tuck her in, watching him carefully to ensure that he wasnt going to leave her alone.

And he didnt. Laying next to her. It didnt take long for her body to basically give out on her. Only waking once, several minutes after she had fallen asleep. Noticing Noah had only moved, looking more comfortable. She tried to tell him to sleep, but was sucked back into her own unconsciousness before she could bade him to take his own leave from reality.

Dawn came, and along with the sun, her eyes opened up to the world. Everything seemed brighter even when her body seemed to ache worse. Feeling stiff and hurt. She needed to get up and move. Just for a little while.

Looking up and seeing Noah's bloodshot eyes scared her though "Have you slept?" She flinched at the sound of her voice, cracked and croaking. Clearing her throat before repeating again "Have you slept?" And adding "You have work today... Shit... Ill come with you." Ven sat up and streched her arms, wincing at the stiffness, but feeling better once they relaxed. She really needed to get in front of the mirror and assess the damage...

[Lotus]

It had been a long night, but at least he knew Ravenna had been safe all night long. After all he assumed that's why she made him stay with her all night; she was scared. And who wouldn't be after the person you'd called a sister for so long turned and attacked you in an alley. It was wrong and no one should have to go through something like that, especially Ravenna.

When he felt her stirring he looked down at her, smiling softly. She looked a little better than she did the night before but she was still banged up; you could tell by the sound of her voice and the way she moved in order to just try and sit up. She was saving the parts of her that hurt, whilst trying to find something that didn't. Noah shook his head in answer to her and sighed when she started panicking. "Forget it. I'll call in with a family emergency and they can have another day off or I'll move training to tonight when you're asleep. Moni has a day off school today 'cause the schools closed for some reason; vandalism or something. So I'm free to take care of you." Even to his ears his voice sounded strange and lacking emotion.

He pushed himself up out of bed and turned to look down at her. "You stay here while I make you breakfast in bed. I'll wake Moni up to keep you company till I'm back." With that he walked out of the room to Moni's room, knocking softly on the door. Surprisingly she was already awake and dressed. "Couldn't sleep Moni?"

"No, I was too worried about Ravenna. Is she awake?"

"Yeah. Can you go sit with her while I make breakfast?" His little sister nodded her head vigorously and bounded down the corridor before Noah made his way downstairs and into the kitchen.

[Cham]

Ven shook her head, not bothering to protest, but guaranteeing her self that if he was leaving, so was she. It didnt matter if she was hurt or not. She knew he probably didnt trust her at this point, and she would follow him to the ends of the earth if he asked her to... And shed probably tag along anyways evenif he didnt ask.

She simply nodded and watched as Noah picked himself up. His steps looked off, and she knew at some point today he would need some sleep. And she would make sure he got it. Slipping her feet off the bed, she walked into the bathroom to relieve herself. When she returned, Moni was sitting on the edge of the bed. Ven blushed and smiled at her "Good Morning Princess" She said softly, carrying her glass into the room, and craawling back into the bed, inhaling sharply when she rolled her ankle on the way over.

The child smiled, and began babbling on simple, easy subjects. Such as school, and how some kinds had done something at the school, broken windows, spray painted. Mentioning names that sounded vaguely familiar, but that she couldnt quite pin down.

[Lotus]

It was half an hour before Noah returned back upstairs with a tray full of food for all of them. He'd cooked pancakes, brought up cereal, yoghurt and anything he could think of that anyone might want to eat as well as drinks such as coffee, tea and orange juice. He took a deep breath before entering his room and he was met with the sound of Moni's incessant chattering; a blessing and a curse. He set the tray carefully on the bed and moved back. "Pick what you want off the tray, there's enough for all of us 'cause I didn't know what you'd want."

He took another step back as he glanced at the bathroom. "I'm gunna go clean myself up and run you a bath. Be back soon." With that he left their room, hearing Moni's well-known sigh behind him and the words of,

"He doesn't know what to do when things go wrong. He panics, the idiot."

[Cham]

Ven smiled at Moni's remark, replying with "The idiot happens to be my better half sweetie" Moni's cheeks flamed, and changed topics. Ravenna listed off the different foods, and prepared cereal for the child before slipping a few of the pancakes onto a smaller plate, and taking tender bites. Savouring the taste. "Well done love. These are fantastic"

There was no reply, but she heard the sound of several taps running at once. shaking her head, she elected to continue eating instead of shouting it again and irritating Noah.

[Lotus]

Noah quickly showered and slipped into the clean clothes he'd grabbed from the wardrobe on his way into the bathroom. He ran a hand through his wet hair before turning to the bath and running the water, adding the bubbles Moni used when she liked to use his bigger bath tub.

He walked out and back into their bedroom before perching himself on the edge of the bed. "Once you're done with breakfast. Your bath will be ready so if you want help to get in it, just ask." With that he reached for a glass of orange juice and took slow sips.

[Cham]

Ven had a smile on her lips immediately when he asked if she would need help getting into the tub. Moni just looked creeped out, and Ravenna nodded softly, but said nothing. Moni probably knew they had sealed the deal already, but there was no reason to confirm the child's assumptions. Instead, she asked "Are there bubbles?" Moni's eyes perked up and added "You used mine right? They smell really good" Ven countered with "Exactly i need the good smelling ones. I stink. Just ask your brother. He had to deal with me all night"

Moni simply giggled. Ven looked desperately to Noah's face, searching for some sort of humour in his eyes.

[Lotus]

Noah heard the attempted humour between the two of the girls, but he could only force a tiny curve of his lip to happen. He wasn't in the mood to joke around, not right now and he knew he wouldn't be for a while. Instead he stood up and walked back in to the bathroom. He turned off the tap and made sure the water was warm enough. He grabbed a robe and placed it by the side, along with extra towels and soaps. He wandered back into their bedroom and stated, "The baths ready if you are."

He saw the nod of Ravenna's head but shook his head when she made an attempt to move herself. He walked around the other side of the bed and picked her up gently bridal style, cursing himself when she whimpered in pain. "Moni. Be on standby please. And eat what you want."

With that he took Ravenna into the bathroom and sat her on the edge of the bath as gingerly as he could. He took a step back and looked at her with a serious face, "Just let me know when you need me."

[Cham]

Ravenna couldnt help but wince when Noah lifted her. Her ribs had been bruised, and several even cracked. It would take a lot of time and tender care before everything would be fully healed. But in the mean time, she really was fine. And all of this was her fault anyways...

Noah seemed so stiff and almost angry with her. So she had to take this moment to try and fix things. He set her down, but she grabbed her hand, standing up even though it hurt, hoping he would pull her close to support her. "Noah listen to me ok? Im sorry. I know i fucked everything up... But please forgive me... Im so sorry. Please. Dont be angry with my anymore... Yes, i need you. I will never stop needing you..."

[Lotus]

Noah shook his head at her words and shock rolled over him. She thought he was angry? God no! He took a step forward and wrapped his arms around her gently, helping her stand. "I'm not angry. Never was and never will be. It's more hurt and pain that I feel along with trying to control the urge to murder to fuck out of that so-called sister of yours and her cronies." He ground out but calmed himself because he knew his arms were tightening around Ravenna's frail body.

"You have no need to apologise anymore. I guess it's just like Moni said, I don't know what to do when things go wrong so this is me going in to meltdown mode. Same thing happened with Moni."

[Cham]

Ravenna sighed softly, letting herself relax in his arms. Her lips kissed his chest haphazardly. But she wanted a real one. A real kiss, proving that he wasnt angry. But she didnt want to ask for it. She wanted him to know. To kiss her like she was the setting sun, and by kissing her, she would stay a little longer...

But no such luck. He just held onto her, still talking. "Dont worry about it. We can get through this" Ven sighed, looking kindly up at him. "Do you... Think we could take a little soak? Together? Tell Moni i cant do it on my own?"

[Lotus]

Noah finally managed to chuckle, but he shook his head in answer to her. "You see I've already had a shower, so how about you get in the bath and I'll sit next to it the whole time and clean you off?" He smiled softly and kissed her forehead gently.

He slowly helped her out of her clothing before lowering her into the bath gently. He kissed her forehead once more but before he did anything he sank down next to the bath and took her hand in his. "You do know I love you right? And I understand why you hate me and I understand why you want to leave." He took a deep breath and made a point of staring into her eyes, that'd he'd miss more than anything. "But, but if you still want to leave you can. I won't stop you this time. I won't interfere because it's what you want. It'll give you another chance away from me. So if you still want to, you can go. But I have to make one condition, this only happens once your up and running again. I need some more time to come to terms with these being our last moments..."

With that he started washing Ravenna down.

[Cham]

Ven pouted for only a moment, trying to see if she could convince him otherwise. But it was futile. He was firm in his dryness. "Fiiiinnneeeee" Giggling, she allowed him to strip her down, trying to get a glance in the mirror at her body, but Noah seemed to be blocking her purposely. She sank down into the healing waters, and sighed softly, listening to Noah speak.

Ravenna felt his words peirce her to her very core. This hurt more than any of her injuries. She sat up out of the water and took his hand "Noah. Im not going anywhere" with her now wet hand, she pulled his face to hers, kissing his lips softly, gently. "I made a mistake. One that nearly cost me my life. Im seeing things clearly, and sober." Shame crossed her eyes, and she leaned back into the tub, closing her lids and letting his hands roam over her tender body.

[Lotus]

Noah shook his head softly at her once she'd closed her eyes. "You're stubborn, but I'll say no more." With that he cleansed her and washed her down as gently as his big hands could manage. He tried to soothe her as best he could, kissing parts of her skin every now and again. When she was finally cleaned up he sat back and just let her enjoy the water for a little while longer before he needed to get her out.

He gently picked her up and wrapped her in the softest towel he could find before picking her up once more, bridal style, and carrying her back into their room where Moni was still waiting. He set Ravenna down softly and told Moni to keep her company even though he would gone mere seconds. He went in to the closet and pulled out his baggiest items of clothing before wandering back in to find Ravenna and Moni in deep conversation. He stopped and tried to listen but couldn't understand a thing.

[Cham]

Ven watched carefully as Noah scrubbed her down. Every once in a while she would sigh, or almost purr when the soft massaging felt good. But he was so careful. She felt no pain whatsoever. Perhaps it was the warm water, letting her skin strech more than usual that was helping. Ven didnt know for sure, but she did know that it felt good. Really good.

All too soon it was over though. Noah was scooping her up. Once again blocking her view of her own body in the mirror. 'I must be really banged up...' she though to herself. Looking at what she could see, practically every inch of her was some shade of black or blue. As Noah carried her out to the bedroom, she snuggled into his arms, whispering in to his ear "Thank you... I love you" And kissing his cheek. A small smile flicked across his lips, and that only made her grin in return.

But Moni had heard the whisper, though Ven had tried to keep it soft. The child insisted on asking what it was like to be in love, and Ven was grateful for once that Moni couldnt see the blush on her face. How could she explain the feeling of elation, terror, and lust all at once???

[Lotus]

Noah smiled fairly nervously for him as he stood there watching the two girls. He couldn't fully understand the looks they were sharing but they stopped after he cleared his throat awkwardly. He took a step forward and lowered his voice, "Arms up...?"

When her arms were up as high as she could get them without too much pain, he slipped the t-shirt over her head before moving onto the bttoms and slipping them on her before removing her towel from her. He trailed his fingers across her jaw and sighed softly and sadly before turing away to out the towel away.

He heard the girls starting to talk again and just from that gesture he knew it wasn't a conversation for him to take part in.

[Cham]

Ravenna melted under Noah's touch. Understanding that he wouldnt touch her til she had recovered, but she craved his touch. And she treasured it at the moment. Giving him a soft smile as he walked inti the bathroom to hang up her towel.

Moni sensed him moving away, and giggled, scooting closer to Ven. Ven blushed and watched Noah move as long as she could whilist answering the child's simple questions. But she had an idea. Noah looked fairly uncomfortable. So when he entered the bedroom again, Ven gestured him over. "Moni, why don't you ask your brother?"

[Lotus]

Noah knew something was up as soon as he re-entered their bedroom. Despite being battered and bruises, Ravenna had an evil glint and a smirk plastered on her lips while Moni sat there patiently. He heard what Ravenna said, and he became even more confused and wary. "What do you want to ask sweetie?" He forced a soft smile to his lips as he went and sat by Moni's feet, his hands on her knees so she knew where he was.

His little sister giggled before speaking up quietly. "I want to know what it's like to be in love." She smiled sweetly and softly whilst Noah's voice got stuck in his throat. He chuckled awkwardly and patted Moni's knees before looking down at the ground.

"Well, I've never been one to deny you anything so I guess I'm gunna have to figure an answer out hey?" He looked up to Moni who was sitting there nodding her head like crazy. "Okay, where to start. I guess... I guess it's pretty terrifying, knowing that there's that one person you would do anything to protect and if anything happened to that one person you know you wouldn't be able to carry on. But it's not just that. It's more. It's wonderful, happy, comforting and everything else good. There's someone out there that understands you and gets you. You've got someone to share those cold nights with and it changes everything you used to know but makes up for it by just one simple look at that person you love."

He hadn't realised when he'd started staring at Ravenna but he cleared his throat and stood up after he'd finished. "Does that answer your question?"