Complete and Utter Opposites (Katie)

[Lotus]

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When Walter noticed that Jasmine was waking up he wasn't a nervous as he thought he would be - in fact his heart only seemed to race in that strange way he'd noticed ever since he started 'talking' to her. He found a slight smile gracing his features before he realised how much pain she was actually in and made a move to go and get some medicine for her until she spoke. He sighed, knowing he didn't want to go into work but he had to.

Slowly he nodded his head. "Y-Yeah, I-I have t-to. Th-the tr-trucks c-come i-in t-today s-so I-I h-have t-to g-on i-n with a-all th-e st-stock ch-checkers a-and m-make s-sure every-thing's th-there." He took a deep breath, pushing himself up on to one of his elbows, pulling the covers off himself. "A-All f-field workers h-have th-e d-day o-ff; b-but y-you k-know th-at. S-So m-my p-parents w-will be on h-hand t-t-till I-I c-come home." Walter turned to look back down at Jasmine, knowing he probably looked just as bad as he felt. "I-I'm off, t-t-tomorrow."

He felt a light blush taint his cheeks as he looked down at Jasmine before he pushed himself out of bed and handed her the glass of water from the bedside table. "I-I'll g-go get y-you s-some p-pain re-relief." He smiled softly down at he before walking out of his room to the medicine cabinet in the kitchen. After grabbing what he needed he walked back into his room with little thought as to how calm he was acting. It was probably just his incredibly sleep deprived state that was making him numb to the situation he was in, or the fact he was slowly getting used to being around Jasmine. Whatever it was didn't bother Walter at that moment as he handed Jasmine the pain relief and perched on the edge of the bed, knowing he had to get ready for work soon.

[Draco Malfoy]

(too lazy to go find the picture at this time, will edit later)

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine plopped back down on the bed, her arms spread out and her hair splayed around her like a wreath. She brushed her hair back from her face with her hand, trying not to get her hand stuck in the wild curls. Her head hurt like hell and she just might have to not get off the bed today. It wasn't like she could get around anyway. She wondered what Walter was doing, getting ready for work maybe?

She turned her head and looked at him as he entered the room. He looked so tired, and his skin was a kind of pale yellow color rather than the pinkish hue that had been so prominent earlier. She listened as he spoke, feeling a slight sense of disappointment. What was she supposed to do all day? She couldn't really walk, and she couldn't read so the paper things wouldn't be of any help. She could sleep and heal, but she would go stir crazy if she stayed still too long. A sigh huffed out through her nose before closing her eyes and tilting her chin back towards the ceiling.

"Have you gotten any sleep at all? You look like you're the one that fell out of a tree... How long will you be gone then?" She half hoped that he would be back sooner rather than later, but she'd take what she could get.

[Lotus]

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"Be-fore y-you st-art qu-questioning m-me, t-take th-these." Walter handed Jasmine the pain relief, perching on the edge of the bed and passing her her glass of water when she needed to swallow. After taking the glass away from her and placing it on the night stand he took his shaky hand and placed it in one of his own, stroking the back once again.

"I-I'll h-hopefully be b-back f-for l-lunch." He let a soft smile spread across his face, squeezing her hand and slightly understanding why she wouldn't want him to be gone all day. Walter wasn't a people person so he could get the gist of why someone like Jasmine, that hadn't really been social for a long time, would find it difficult to be in a strange house with people she didn't know. He didn't bother answering her question about his sleep last night, of which there was none, because he thought it pointless. Telling her that he hadn't slept wouldn't change the fact that he hadn't; it wouldn't suddenly give him a few hours of his own peace in which he could fall into one of his deep and much needed sleeps.

Looking at the clock on his bedside table he realised it was time to get ready for work; unfortunately. He squeezed Jasmine's hand once more, "I've j-just g-got to g-get re-ady f-for w-work." before he left for the bathroom. After showering and combing his hair he slipped his dressing gown on to walk back into his room. During his normal morning routine he'd somewhat forgotten that Jasmine was still in his room and stopped dead still as soon as he'd walked through his door. By this point he couldn't grab his clothes and change in the bathroom because his father had just occupied it. Instead he cleared his throat awkwardly and slowly moved over to his closet, just like the night before. Yet this time it was broad daylight and he felt more exposed to prying eyes than ever before.

"Pl-ple-ase cl-close y-your ey-es Jasmine." He stuttered out before making sure she'd hidden her eyes and he hid behind his wardrobe door. Slipping into his work clothes and combing through his hair once more, he cleared his throat awkwardly again as he headed over to the bed. "I-I'm de-decent."

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine forced the pills down her throat, propping herself up on one elbow so the water wouldn't drip down her skin. When Walter put the glass back on the table and said he should be back around lunchtime, she laid back down on the pillows, deciding she was just going to sleep until then. She was healing after all, and her injuries had felt a little better when she first woke up. She wondered if his parents had noticed that he hadn't slept in the living room. Hopefully they wouldn't mind too much, it was probably progress for him. 

She closed her eyes and fidgeted with a frayed edge of the blanket until she drifted off again, only to be jolted awake by him entering the room in a robe or whatever it was called. God, she hated being up so early, it was like someone had decided that she needed a good swift kick to the side of the head, and she wasn't exactly pleasant first thing in the morning. She shot him a look before rolling over on her side facing the wall. It happened to be on her injured side so she wouldn't be able to hold it long. A drop of guilt settled in her stomach, hoping he hadn't noticed the dirty look she'd given him. She bit her lip and bared through the pain until he finally said he was decent. 

Jazz rolled back onto her back, her hand resting on her stitches while they throbbed. She rolled her head to the side to look up at Walter. "Are you leaving now?"

[Lotus]

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Walter hadn't liked giving Jasmine a so-called order to 'turn around' while he changed, it didn't sit right with him. And when he had sat back down on the bed and noticed her holding her side in pain, he felt even worse. Sighing and running a hand through his hair, he nodded softly in answer to her question. "B-But I-I'll c-c-carr-y y-you t-to the l-living r-room s-so wh-when m-my m-mum is a-awake sh-e c-can h-help y-you get w-ashed an-d dr-essed." He forced a small smile onto his face before reaching over, with his hands shaking once more, to pick Jasmine up bridal style.

Once he was out of his room he placed her on the sofa, propping pillows up behind her and wrapping a blanket around her legs. He hesitated after that, knowing he needed to get going, but not really sure how to say goodbye. He felt guilty for having to leave her on her own, and had no clue how to make her more comfortable with his parents. It was funny, him thinking how to make her feel more comfortable, when he himself was a nervous wreck on the inside and the outside no matter the situation.

Crouching down by the side of the couch, Walter reached out his shaking hand and lightly held Jasmine's chin, tilting her face to look at him; forcing himself to look her properly in the eyes. "I-I'm s-sorr-y I-I h-have t-to g-go. I-I'll b-be b-back s-s-soon. D-Don't b-be sc-scare-d o-of m-my p-parents." He felt a soft smile light up his face as he finished, stood up and headed out the door.

As soon as he stepped out the front door, his exhaustion hit him. He'd had days before where he hadn't slept a wink, but this seemed worse somehow. Walter was running on empty; both from lack of sleep and the constant stress he's been under the past day.

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine winced as Walter lifted her off the bed and cradled her to his chest, and looped an arm around his shoulders so she could keep balance. It was almost incredible how he still had the strength to hold her entire weight up when he'd had so little sleep. She hadn't wanted to get off the bed, but it she wasn't about to complain when he'd already set her down on the couch and wrapped the blanket around her. She tucked her legs underneath her, wrapping the blanket around her shoulders. She said goodbye to Walter as he left, worried that he may be too tired, but since he would just be writing down stocks then it wouldn't be too labor intensive. Right?

She sighed as she settled back into the couch only to be greeted by Walter's father. Strange how she didn't even know their names yet, but they seemed like nice people. They hadn't even hesitated to let her into their home, despite the fact that she'd been living on the streets for several years. They had to know how she got by before, being a common thief. There were so many homeless kids in District 11 that had to steal in order to live that it was impossible to round up all of them and put them in the overcrowded group home. She sincerely hoped that she'd be able to keep them out of trouble when those kids came looking for her. It was only a matter of time before they noticed that she wasn't around anymore. She worked with a few of them, they'd know that she was injured and the news had probably spread through the gang like wildfire. 

Jazz swallowed the lump in her throat and kept quite, too tired and lacking energy to keep up a conversation. She hoped they wouldn't think she was being rude, but she was so out of her element that she just couldn't think of anything to say. She knew they worked in the fields, but that was all. They seemed to understand how awkward the situation was for her, and didn't try to press her, but she could still hear their hushed whispers from the kitchen. She frowned and curled in on herself even more, wished Walter would get back quickly so she'd have someone to speak to.

[Lotus]

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By the time Walter made it to work, he could've collapsed on the floor from exhaustion. His mind was in a state, his hands shaking more than normal and feeling a cold sweat drip down his back. Despite a few odd looks from senior members, no one said a word to him. They all knew what Walter was like, and seeing him in a state wasn't an uncommon appearance. He was thankful no one tried to talk to him, because even if they'd seen him talk to Jasmine, he was no where near ready to form any kind of communication link with any of them bar the bar minimum needed for his work.

It had been a long and tiring morning, Walter working with no reserves of energy left at all. He had a headache and his hands hand't stopped shaking since he arrived this morning. It had been the usual stock morning, all stock being in check and nothing missing, but having to count it all and then give the helping hand to load everything on to the trucks wasn't just physically tiring, but mentally exhausting too.

The shrill bell rang through the building as the last of the trucks left the loading bay and he sighed in relief that he was finished - ready for the afternoon and tomorrow off. It was much needed time in which he could hopefully catch up on his sleep, and speak to Jasmine more if she wanted too.

It took him twice as long to trudge him, his head hung low and his feet scraping along the ground; dust puffing around his feet as he went. After opening and closing his front door, he leant against it; breathing deeply. Despite wanting to get home earlier to be in his comfort zone and talk to Jasmine, he was now terrified all over again. He'd gone a whole morning without any of the kind of communication he had with her and he'd somewhat got set back in his terrible ways. His breathing picked up again, sinking down to the floor with his head in his hands, covering his wounded ears once again.

He needed to stop this. He couldn't have a panic attack not in his room - he needed the privacy. And those thoughts just made his panic attack hit him all that harder.

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine had been siting on the couch where Walter had placed her earlier when he came home. His parents had gone out to run errands, and wouldn't be home for a little while. As they left, she had assured them that she'd be fine on her own for a while. She'd managed to make it too the bathroom and back without an issue, despite how slow the process had been. She'd been resting her eyes with her head back against the couch, her neck in an awkward position that would later leave a kink in her spine. 

She jolted upright when Walter rushed through the front door then huddled down in the corner with his hands on his ears. What was she supposed to do? She figured he probably wanted to be alone, but she doubted he could get much farther than the living room. Grinding her teeth, she managed to get to her feet and hobble over to where he had curled in on himself. She bit down on her lip, trying to decide on what to do. She wouldn't be able to hold up his weight, not even if she were injured but she might be able to guide him. 

Jazz reached down placed her hand on his spine, with the other she wrapped underneath the upper part of one of his arms and tried to get him to his feet. "Come on, At least meltdown in you're own room." She managed to get him across the living room and through his bedroom door, pain lacerating her wrist, ribs, and ankle in the process as she managed to plop him down on the bed before collapsing on the floor next to it. Her breathing was labored and her side ached, but she'd managed to get him out of the doorway at least. 

With a sigh, she placed a hand on Walter's back and rubbed in light soothing motions. "Hey.... hey, are you okay?"


(i kinda god modded a bit, but i can change it if its too much)

[Lotus]

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Walter hadn't wanted to move when he felt Jasmine's hand on his back and her words. If anything, her seeing him in a state only made him want to curl in on himself even more. He hated the fact he was so weak and if he could do anything to change who he was, he would. Nevertheless, somehow he found himself on his feet and being guided by Jasmine to his room where she helped him perch on the bed.

He bent his back and hid his face in his hands, elbows resting upon his knees. His hands clenched around his ears after she'd spoke, wanting more than anything to be alone in his despair. His finger nails caught at the scabs behind his ears, but yet they still stabbed into his raw skin. He was having too many of these panic attacks; these were some of the worst ones he could have - but he knew the reason why. Jasmine. She was the reason why. But she was also the reason why he wanted to go through these panic attacks, because he knew that being around her would cure him. His breathing started becoming more laboured and he knew there was no chance in hell that he would be able to reply to her question. Her asking though threw him even further out of his comfort zone - he wasn't used to this sort of thing. He just 'handled things on his own. He knew he was a state and he didn't think anyone should have to deal with him like this; especially Jasmine.

Jasmine.

She was the one to be worried about, not himself. And with that thought alone Walter's breathing slowly returned to a normal state and he unclenched his fingers from around his ears, wiping his eyes as he straightened up into a sitting position. He glanced at her through the corner of his eye, his cheeks flushing not only at the fact of what she'd just witnessed, but the fact that she had been so caring towards him when just the other day she could have been described as nothing but hostile.

"I-I'm f-fine. B-Besi-des, i-it sh-should b-be y-you th-that's wo-worried ab-about. H-How a-are y-you, and h-how-'ve you b-been s-since I-I've be-been g-gone?" Slowly, he reached out his once again shaking hands and clasped it around one of hers, squeezing it gently and hoping she'd forget what she'd just witnessed happen to him.

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine felt horrible. A pit of guilt had sunken low into her stomach and made her want to leave Walter to his own devices so he could have a moment of peace. If anything, she was probably making the situation worse. Unfortunately, she wasn't exactly able to move after the stunt she'd pulled a few minutes ago. Supporting his weight had done more damage than she thought it had, but she wouldn't know until the following morning. A dull ache had begun to spread through her abdomen and made her curl her knees to her chest and press the palms of her hands into her eye sockets, trying to take her mind off the pain. That, however had proved to be impossible until she heard him speak. 

She lifted her head and leaned it back onto the mattress and tilting her head to the side to look a him. It was a position that would cause her muscles to ache if she stayed in it too long, but she just didn't have the strength to keep herself upright. Her brown eyes shifted back and forth, taking in Walter's state. His ears were bleeding again, and his face was red and splotchy. He'd managed to grab hold of one of her hands with out her realizing it, but was glad to find it there. She licked her lips before speaking, "I've had some time to think... but before I get to that there's something else. Please take care of your mental health Walter. I've seen a lot of crazy people on the streets and I don't want to see you in the same position. I owe you too much to let that happen."

Jazz gave his hand a tight squeeze. "And.. and if I was mean to you yesterday, I'm sorry. I was in an odd situation and I didn't know how to handle it." She looked past him and out the window, not wanting to meet his eyes. She had been rather hostile the day before but since she'd been injured and rendered pretty much helpless, there wasn't much of a use to have her walls up and armored. If she was out in the open, no one would be able to get near her, but she felt safe at Walter's, almost at home. It was a difficult situation to explain, she wanted to be open with the boy that had saved her skin. 

She let out a few coughs that didn't help her aching body, before she hauled herself to her feet and managed to hobble out of the room to leave Walter to his own devices, wanting to be alone at the same time.

[Lotus]

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Like a goldfish, Walter's mouth hung open when Jasmine had spoken. He'd never really had anyone tell him to look after himself apart from his parents, and even then it was never to do with his mental state; they'd kind of just accepted that was how he would always be. Yet Jasmine seemed to have seen past his exterior and realised something more sinister was going on underneath, and she was especially able to see it now after witnessing one of his meltdowns; or that's what it felt like as he slowly came back to his complete senses.

By the time he was starting to form part of a sentence on the tip of his tongue, Jasmine had got up and hobbled out of the room. Walter's heart sank as his mind told him it was probably because she'd exceeded the time limit in which she could spend with him. He sighed, feeling rather deflated at the thought that maybe not even Jasmine could stick around him long enough to help him and long enough for him to show her that there was more to him than the stuttering mess of a guy that showed on the surface.

If only he could just talk and relax, he was sure he'd have friends and Jasmine would like him. At the thought of Jasmine liking him, his stomach stirred again in that unfamiliar way; but this time he somewhat revelled in it.

Knowing he couldn't be cooped up in his room any longer, he decided to head to the bathroom and attempt to clean up behind his ears. It was a slow process, and a stinging one, but eventually his ears had stopped bleeding and they were just left red raw. Sighing once more he made his way out into the living room to see Jasmine propped up on the sofa, so forcing a small smile onto his exhausted face he sat down beside her.

"I-I'm s-s-orr-y a-about th-that. J-Just f-forget wh-what y-you s-saw. I-I'm f-f-fine now." His smile got a little wider and he felt his cheeks heat up slightly as he turned to look at her, reaching out for her hand once more. In the short space of time he'd been around Jasmine, holding her hand seemed to come more natural to him than what interacting socially and speaking should be. "D-Do y-you n-need an-y p-pain-killers?" Despite his haze filled state as she'd left his room earlier, he had noticed how badly she was walking and could only imagine the pain she was in. So without waiting for a reply he got up and fetched some pain relief from the kitchen before handing it to her and resuming his place next to her on the couch, with his hand slipping into hers.

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine took the painkillers wordlessly and shoved them in her mouth as Walter took a seat next to her. His hand was rather warm, and slightly damp, probably from the bathroom sink. The blood was gone from behind his ears, but his skin was red from the constant scratching. She leaned to the side and rested the side of her head against his shoulder. He was so close and seemed a lot better than he had been before, but he could have been bottling it all up. Her thumb stroked the back of his hand lightly, trying to ease some of the tension he seemed to have constantly inside. She frown pulled the corners of her mouth downward as the notion to bring his hand up to her face and kiss it absurdly flashed through her mind, wondering where the hell it had come from. 

She shrugged off the sudden impulse. "Thank you. For the medicine I mean." She cleared her throat, feeling like the pills were sticking to wind pipe. It was only midday but she couldn't seem to be able to keep her eyes open, and he didn't look like he was in a better condition. "Hey.. A nap sounds like a good idea."

Jazz muttered something else that wasn't understand able and her grip slackened around Walter's hand. She was just so, so tired, and she hadn't really move around much since yesterday. Normally, she'd be going stir crazy, but healing seemed to be harder work than she anticipated.

[Lotus]

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Despite the fact Walter had initiated contact with Jasmine first, he wasn't entirely sure what to make of the situation once she placed her head against his shoulder. There was a lot of contact going on all of a sudden and Walter's heart rate spiked; going a thousand miles a minute until he somewhat got used to being close to her all over again. He hated being this way. He hated not being normal and being able to interact like a normal human being; and he knew Jasmine would find it easier if he was normal.

He tried to brush off the thought of normality when Jasmine spoke, wishing to the high heavens that he could in fact nap. Instead he just hummed in response and slowly felt her grip on his hand loosen, as well as he breathing slow as she slipped into a much needed slumber. Walter on the other hand; despite having slept for only an hour the previous night and being up at the crack of dawn for work, couldn't force his body to relax and shut down to take that much needed nap.

There was no way Walter could move from where he was with Jasmine's head on his shoulder, and there was no way he could move her to lay in the opposite direction. He was worried her head would slip and she'd do more damage to her injuries, so instead, taking deep breaths and trying to steady his hands he placed a pillow on his lap and slowly manoeuvred her frail body into a more comfortable position with her head resting on the pillow. It was a massive step for Walter, and he wasn't entirely understanding of why he wasn't having a panic attack. Sure his heart rate had sky rocketed and he felt the sweat trickle down his back, with his hands shaking a mile a minute, but his mind what somewhat in control this time. He didn't feel the haze of his anxiety as much as he had just moments before.

Walter couldn't help but think about how peaceful Jasmine looked whilst she slept, and without thinking he reached out his nervous hands and tucked a stray hair back behind her ear. Afterwards he took a deep breath, calming his nerves as he placed his hand in his again. Holding on to her hand seemed to be his anchor; his anchor to the real world rather than the world he made for himself so he wouldn't have to face reality. He rested his head back against the sofa, knowing that whilst his eyes may constantly droop, he wasn't going to be sleeping. He was outside his room, there was no way he could feel comfortable enough to let his guard down so much as to sleep outside of his haven.

Nevertheless, Walter's exhaustion won over him after around half an hour later. His head dropped so his chin rested against his chest, and his eyes closed, letting his guard down completely.

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine was jolted awake by the sound of the front door slamming shut. She had been so comfortable too, but now she had been shocked into being awake. She shifted upright, looking around to catch her bearings while wincing from the ache in her side. That's right... she had been sitting on the couch with Walter, but she didn't remember laying down. She looked behind her to find him sleeping with pillow in his lap that had an indention of where she'd been laying earlier. Her cheeks flushed suddenly, coming to the realization of just how close she'd been to a um... certain area of Walter. Shaking her head and running a hand through her hair, she tried to pass off her blushing cheeks as just being that just woken up, still warm and fuzzy look that people tend to have first thing in the morning as his parents walked into the room. 

She still wasn't quite sure how to act around them. They'd taken her in no questions asked, but she did recognize them. the pit of guilt in her stomach grew when she could quite figure if she knew there faces from work or if she'd pilfered through their pockets on the street one day. Still, she gave them a crooked smile and a half-hearted wave in an attempt not to look suspicious as they walked past her and into their bedroom. She didn't blame them for that, she liked to be alone after work as well before she started her rounds in her territory. 

Jazz, looked out the window at the orange sunlight that streamed through the wooden shutters that covered the windows. It was getting late if the sun was already setting. She shifted and turned, placing a hand on Walter's shoulder. She shook him gently. "Walter... Walter it's sundown. We slept all day."

[Lotus]

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People are supposed to feel refreshed after sleeping, especially when they'd missed out on a lot of sleep and exhaustion had taken them over. But despite that happening to Walter, he wasn't going to be refreshed once he awoke. Yes his body had shut down on him in need of the rest it was to give him, so physically he was refreshed, but mentally was a completely different matter. In his subconscious he was too aware of Jasmine laying in his lap, too aware of the body heat she emitted, and far too aware of how close they were too each other.

He hated it.

But at the same time, he knew it was going to be okay eventually. He just had to work through it all.

Waking him from his 'peaceful' world was a soft voice calling his name and speaking absurd things of sleeping through an entire day. The haze started to slip away, and the world of reality started to hit Walter full force with a pounding in his head as if he'd been the one to fall out of the tree and hit his head on the ground. A small groan left his lips as he finally lifted his head from where it rested against his chest and blinked his eyes open to see Jasmine watching him.

His cheeks flushed, what could only be described this time as, an adorable pink hue and he averted eye contact immediately. His hands fumbled together as he attempted to clear his throat and calm himself down. It had suddenly hit Walter that he had indeed let his guard down greatly in front of Jasmine and the fact he had terrified and confused him; confusion because he didn't understand how it had happened. Instead of dwelling on the impossible facts, Walter took a deep breath and slowly looked back up to Jasmine and forced a small smile to stretch across his lips. "I g-guess we n-napped a b-bit t-too m-much. Y-You h-hungry?"

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine felt her stomach jolt when she saw pink darken Walter's cheeks. A small smile crept across her face, taking in how utterly adorable he looked after just waking up. Despite the blush on his cheeks, he looked exhausted. She hoped he wasn't pushing himself too much, but there wasn't much that could be done about it. her stomach tightened suddenly at the thought of how much she was screwing thing up for him. It was clear that she was putting him well out of his comfort zone, and she hated that she couldn't do anything about it. 

Walter seemed to pull himself together long enough to ask her if she was hungry. Her good hand automatically dropped down to her stomach as a sharp pang lacerated through her left side. No one's exactly offered her food before. After so long of having to fight for every meal, it was so strange to have someone just offer food to her. 

Jazz' stomach growled suddenly, as if to yell at her to take the hand out. After a moment, she nodded.

[Lotus]

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Walter watched as Jasmine seemed to struggle with the idea of someone offering her food. It somewhat ease his mind that he wasn't the only one out of his comfort one in this situation; true they were both struggling in different ways, but they were both struggling and that idea seemed to make him feel slightly better. After he saw the nod of her head a small smile spread across his lips, the pink hue dying away from his cheeks ever so slightly, before standing and stretching his back out.

"I-I'll g-go and s-see wh-what m-my p-p-parents wa-ant f-for f-food." Walter briefly looked down at her before making his way to his parents room, knowing they would be back by now. He gave a small knock on their door before it opened with his mother beaming up at him; he could tell she wanted to reach forward and wrap her small arms around him and reach up to kiss his cheek, but ever since he changed she stopped with the unnecessary contact altogether. Walter would be lying if he said he didn't crave his parents affection every now and then, but he knew, whilst it hurt them, it was the only way he knew how to be.

Dinner was discussed with various stutters along the way and it was decided for Walter to make himself and Jasmine a snack whilst his mother prepared dinner for them for later on in the evening. In the kitchen, Walter felt himself relax slightly. There was no one around, no one he had to attempt to talk to, and no one watching his every movement. A false sense of peace lulled over him as he made a small jam sandwich for the two of them. It wasn't anything fancy, but hopefully it would curb Jasmine's rumbling stomach until dinner time.

Walter handed Jasmine the jam sandwich and sat back down next to her; a little closer than he would usually choose to be next to someone. "So... H-How a-re y-you f-feeling?" And once again, as he looked to Jasmine, his cheeks flushed that adorable pink hue.

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmines eyes followed Walter as he walked from he room. She had to force her jaw shut before anyone noticed, having dropped from the way he had looked when he had stretched. His shirt had been pulled taught around his shoulders and the hem of his shirt had lifted slightly, giving her a solid impression of what he looked like without it on. She tore her eyes from him as he reached his parents door and focused on her hands instead. They were rough and scarred from years of living on the streets, scratches from picking fruit and scabs from her fall out of the tree. Her life showed in her hands but they were hers and hers alone. 

She looked back at him as he walked into the room and sat next to her, his thigh flush with hers on the small couch. A warm sensation spread through the lower half of her abdomen, making her cheeks redden. He was fairly attractive, but she doubted that he would go on sheer attraction alone. But that didn't mean she would say no if he offered. 

Jazz hesitated for a moment before taking the sandwich from him. It wasn't often that she had bread. Stealing fruit from work or from the market was easy enough, but bread that wasn't hard and stale was more expensive and harder to get to. The bread on this sandwich was soft, and collapsed slightly under her fingers. It reminded her of the differences between them, where they stood on in social class. She was from the streets, always having to fight for every piece of food, while Walter wasn't having to struggle on the same level. With three people providing income to one household, there was enough food to feed all of them and provide shelter. He grew up feeling safe within his walls while she always had to look over her shoulder. 

The jam was sweet in her mouth, made of apricots probably, but her thoughts left a sick feeling in her stomach. She was only able to finish half of the sandwich. Eating too much would only make her feel worse, having used to eating maybe half a sandwich to last a whole day, maybe more. 

After a moment's pause, Jasmine answered, trying not to make eye contact so he wouldn't see the desire on her face. "I'm um... a little sore but tired for the most part."

[Lotus]

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Walter noticed how Jasmine only managed to eat half of her sandwich and it caused a strange feeling to brew within him; a feeling somewhat close to pity and guilt. Despite him having socially awkward problems and meltdowns for some unknown reason, it didn't seem to compare to what Jasmine had been through and was still going through. He couldn't imagine being able to live on the streets, he wasn't tough or strong and his mental stability would've seen him dead on the roadside not a week into being on his own. Jasmine may have stolen from him and may have done bad things while on the streets, but she'd done it to survive and he had somewhat put her on a pedestal because of that. Jasmine was tough and strong, and even if she was mean and harsh on the outside, he understood.

Once he'd finished his sandwich he took her plate from her hands and placed it on the living room table, along with his. "Sl-Sleeping a-all d-day a-and y-you're st-still t-tir-ed." He chuckled slightly, feeling a little bit more at ease the more time he spent with her. "I-I'll get y-you s-some mo-re p-pain-killers." He squeezed Jasmine's hand softly before getting up and heading to the kitchen. His mother was in, the smell from her cooking surrounding him, and he forced a soft smile onto his face to try and ease her constant worry over him. Picking up the painkillers and filling a glass with water, he took them back into the living room, handing them to Jasmine before sitting down next to her and taking a hold of her hand.

Soon enough his mother called them for dinner, but Walter could see how drowsy and aching Jasmine was so he picked up her dinner from the kitchen and placed with on top of a pillow for her to eat from; hopefully easing the effort she had to put in. He did exactly the same with his own plate and sat next to her; this time leaving space between them after reaching his limit and needing a time out for a little while.

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine didn't really eat the food in front of her, more so just moved it around on her plate. The sandwich was really enough to last her the rest of the night, but she ate a few bites so Walter would at least be satisfied with her. The food was good, but she just wasn't hungry and forcing herself to eat would just make her sick. The pain in her abdomen had dulled slightly as her medicine began to take effect. 

She didn't want to waste anything though, so she shifted forward and placed the plate on the table. She noticed then the distance between them. He was still on the couch next to her, but he had put some distance between them. A cold feeling settled into the pit of her stomach. She wanted him to be comfortable around her, but she had been testing his limits. Maybe he just needed to be alone. She gingerly brought a hand up to her left eye and dug her knuckle in until it looked as though fire works were being set off behind her eyelid, but once they cleared, she couldn't seem to keep her eyes open.

Jazz stifled a yawn. "Man, I can't seem to stay awake. Normally, I can't sit still... I know we just woke up, but you wouldn't want to go lay down, would you?"

[Lotus]

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Walter had noticed once again that Jasmine didn't eat a lot, and if he was honest, he wasn't really sure if she'd touched any of her dinner. But, he couldn't blame her. After living on the streets for goodness knows how many years; alone and struggling for food, having a dinner presented to her that was warm, steamy and full of food difficult to steal, was probably not only hard to wrap her head around but difficult to swallow. He sighed softly, but knew, or more hoped, that she would stay long enough to be able to stomach a decent meal.

When Jasmine sat with her palms pushed into her eyes, he just sat and watched fairly quietly. His cheeks flushed a slight red hue as he eyes scanned over her. She may be thin and a bit 'worse for wear' but he realised there was a beauty about her that the streets had given her. He was weak minded and pathetic really, but she, she was strong and tough with a hard outer shell which he seemed to be breaking down a little despite his odd way with people. Lost in his own thoughts he was slightly surprised when Jasmine took her palms down from her face, causing his cheeks to flush a deeper shade of red.

Clearing his throat, he fidgeted slightly where he sat before nodding his head. "N-No, th-that's f-fine. U-Understand-able." He reached out his once again shaking hand and squeezed hers softly, "I-I'll s-say g-good-night an-and th-then I-I'll c-come back." He smiled softly, standing and heading to the kitchen, taking their dinner plates with him. He placed them on the side, telling his parents he'll clear them tomorrow and bid his goodnight's; wishing he could hug them goodnight, but being scared and repulsed at the idea too. Sighing again he walked back into the living room, taking deep breaths to calm himself as he smilied softly down at Jasmine before reaching and picking her up bridal style.

Once in his room, he placed her down on the bed as gently as he could before perching on the end of it. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath he tried to speak once more, despite suffering mentally from having just carried her. "D-Do... Do you need any-thing?"

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine leaned her head against Walter's shoulder as he carried her into his bedroom. The warm skin of his neck and shoulder made her want to press herself closer to him, but the aching stitches in her side and his issues with personal space held her back. Instead, she opted with cradling the nape on his neck in her hand and running her fingers through his hair, giving a soft tug every now and again. He was very gently with her as he set her down on his bed, but it wasn't surprising when he sat at the end of the bed. He was so timid that it made sense that he would keep his distance, but still she wished that he would be a little less so. 

When he spoke next, she found her face taking on a pinkish hue that was reminiscent of his. "No... Actually, you wouldn't mind staying in here again tonight would you...?" 

She could feel his unease, but she still hoped he would stay. It may have been selfish to push his boundaries, but she wanted to be close to him. She'd never known anything but selfishness, reducing herself in to doing whatever it takes to live. She'd had to have been selfish for a long time out of necessity, and it was a hard habit to drop. As much as she wanted to be selfish, it was clear that he wasn't comfortable with a lot of close contact. Well it was more obvious than anything. 

Jazz reached out and placed her hand on his, her thumb gently stroking the back of his hand. She would understand if he didn't want to sleep so close to her, but still she hoped.

[Lotus]

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Walter was expecting anything but Jasmine asking him to stay the night with her again. With his exhausted state of mind he couldn't really remember why he'd slept in the same bed as her the night before either. His brain turned the cogs slowly, trying to figure out a way to not stay in the same bed as her again but he came up with nothing. He knew he wouldn't be able to sleep on the couch in the living room alone because that wasn't his safe place, and sleeping on the floor or chair in his room seemed pathetic, even to him. He sighed, running a hand through his slightly knotty hair as he figured out his words to say yes.

Despite Jasmine being so close to him, he'd only just realised her thumb stroking the back of his hand. His cheeks flushed their adorable pink, verging on red, hue as he watched the circular motions. Concentrating on her movements for a short while, his breathing slowed down, as well as his heart rate; neither of which he'd realised had increased to such a rapid rate, which wasn't exactly ideal given he couldn't control a panic attack he knew he was having.

Slowly, he lifted his gaze from their hands and nodded his head. "I-I c-can st-ay-y... If th-that ma-kes y-you m-more com-comfortable." He felt a small smile lift up the right side of his face, his cheeks flushing lightly once again. He patted Jasmine's hand in affection before standing, stretching so his shirt lifted slightly and walking to his bookshelf. He picked up his favourite book, knowing he'd need it to keep his brain occupied on something other than Jasmine and he kicked himself mentally for not having done so the night before. He placed the book on his bed side table before hiding behind his wardrobe doors once again to slip into something more comfortable.

After Walter had changed into joggers and a t-shirt he closed his wardrobe door and perched himself back on the bed, but closer to Jasmine this time. "Y-You sh-ould tr-y an-d r-rest." He mumbled quietly as he reached for the battered book.

[Draco Malfoy]

Jasmine Colt

Jasmine was about to remove her hand from his when she was Walter's face torn red as he stared down at them, but then he seemed to calm some. She smiled a small smile to her self as he relaxed at her touch. She settled low onto the bed near the wall while he stayed more in an upright position with that thing in his hands. It was like a bunch of little pieces of paper that were glued together. She hated her lack of education, and i made her feel as though she wasn't smart. Intelligent maybe, but not smart. 

Sighing, she turned over the face him gently, attempting to not hurt her side any further than it already was. She wanted to ask about the thing, it made her curious but she didn't want him to know that she was lacking severely in her education. After a moment, her curiosity won out. "Hey, Walter? What... What is that?"

Jazz hoped he wouldn't look down on her for asking, but she wanted to know.

[Lotus]

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Walter relaxed a little more once Jasmine settled back on the bed, but a part of him somehow still wished he could take up her hand again; but the thought alone turned his cheeks pink. He, himself, settled a little more onto the bed, finding a more comfortable position without encroaching upon Jasmine, as he opened up his worn book and delving into the pages.

It was a little while later that Jasmine caused him to jump. He knew it wasn't intentional and he also knew he shouldn't have gotten lost in the world of fiction. Turning his head slightly, his ears turning pink in embarrassment but smiling softly down at Jasmine. It took Walter a little bit of time to get his head around what Jasmine had asked him, trying to formulate the words in his head before opening his mouth. "It's a b-book. M-My fav-ourite ac-tually."

If Walter was honest, he wasn't too surprised Jasmine didn't know what a book was after the life she'd led. But even the slight curiosity she'd just shown in it was enough to make him want to make her life better. Their district was definitely one of the least educated and it was a miracle Walter could read himself; a lot of the people living in District 11 wouldn't know what a book was, but there would also be a lot of them that couldn't care about what a book was. As long as they could work and earn money to put food on the table, then they were 'content'.

Sighing, Walter made himself more comfortable on the bed; scooting so his back was against his headboard, the side of his body flush against Jasmine's. "I-It's about a h-horrible-mannered lit-tle girl who is sent to live with h-her unknown uncle. Sh-e finds a secret garden and finds h-her cousin that's supposedly dying." He smiled down at Jasmine, knowing how little he stuttered; but that had always been the same. His parents encouraged his reading when he first started not being able to talk or interact with people, and he'd always been able to talk about or read his books with minimal stuttering. "I-I ca-n re-ad it t-to y-ou if y-you want?"