They Can Find Us

Malachi found Ariel sitting and staring off into the woods. There were obvious tears running down her face, and she had her back to him. He heard the slight sob come from her, and he thought that perhaps he'd go back and just wait. However he found himself moving forward and stopped by the end of the picnic table that she had chosen to sit at.

"Ariel?" He spoke kind of tentatively unsure exactly what to say to her. She jumped a bit and rubbed at her face.

"Sorry, I'll be along in a second. I didn't realize we were leaving that soon." She said glancing up at him, then down. The tears made her eyes almost glow.

"We aren't. I came to make sure that you were okay, you should come back. It isn't always the best to be off on your own." She was silent for a moment, then she mumbled something that he didn't understand.

"Thanks for being nice, again. But you don't need to waste your time coming to get me. No one else cares." Her tone was sharp this time.

"Uh, I'm not all that great at emotional things." He said with a gesture of his hands. "Obviously I just kind of speak my mind and to hell with it. But you shouldn't be upset by what happened back there. There are many different types of people. Those you are around, we tend to be the aggressive types, and that just isn't you. There's no need to be upset about it, there's someone that's more like you. For the record this is absolutely nothing wrong with being quiet or shy. Loud people can be rather annoying to be honest." He said and added, "Don't go thinking that statement meant I thought you were less either." He said it rather severely. "We're just different, and you're especially different from your sister."

"I know." She said. "Can I ask you Malachi, if you were rejected by your family. Would you feel like there was something wrong with you or them? If everyone else seemed the same, and you were the odd man out, would you still think that they were the problem and not you?"

"Since we have different upbringing, I guess it would be hard for me to answer that." However he knew what would happen if others found out about his condition. Not like it was a problem, but still it was there. He would indeed be rejected by many, probably have weirdos following him around even more. The thought made him nearly laugh.

"Did Natasha send you to get her dim witted sister?" She asked studying her hand like there was something fascinating about it. She turned her head and looked at him. "I'm sure that for someone like you, this feels a great waste of time. Pep talking someone who can't stand up for themselves." Yeah he guessed he could be a bit nicer and not say things like that so much. He gave a sigh and moved over and sat down.

"If I'd known what I said before would eat away at you like it is, then I wouldn't have said it. I won't lie, I think that you could use a bit more self confidence. However you aren't spineless."

"Trying to be nice again. It's something that I like about you. You're nice, brutally honest sometimes but a decent person, and I like that." She turned pink suddenly and looked away from him, clearly embarrassed at what she'd said.

"Thanks." He said studying her, she didn't tend to voice her opinion much. When she did she always got embarrassed. However he was glad that she liked him, even if it was just for being nice.

"You can go back if you want. I just need to compose myself. I know I don't make great conversation and you'd probably enjoy it more there." He gave a shrug.

"Not really, I hate sitting around a beach. It's extremely boring, I'm only here because I felt obligated to." She looked a bit shocked, well if she paid attention she'd know. But her gaze was always locked on the ground. She'd be noticed more if she didn't hide that vibrant green gaze of hers.

"Also, so long as it isn't a self-pity party. I don't mind talking to you. You're also short and to the point. Something I like, besides I never said that I enjoy long winded conversations." He stretched his legs out and leaned back on the table staring at the trees. She cleared her throat.

"Self-pity parties are my specialty. Can't make it through my day without one." He raised an eyebrow and glanced at her, he felt a smile at her words.

"Was that a joke? I think hell hath froze over." He saw her smile, even though her damp hair was starting to spiral around her face to hide it.

"You don't really want to marry my sister do you?" She asked suddenly.

"Why would you ask that?" He said a bit more seriously. She gave a shrug.

"Just the way you act sometimes. She'll be what is needed though." He doubted that, but he wasn't going to correct her. Perhaps she paid a little more attention than he gave her credit for.

"It is an arranged marriage, but I'm trying." He said. He didn't really want to have a heart to heart with her. Inner thoughts weren't really his specialty. He'd just say what he felt and then it would probably get someone pissed or upset. Tactful, he could probably take a few lessons.

"Um, I did have a rather serious question of you. Actually rather more a request." He raised an eyebrow again.

"What would that be?" He didn't see what she would need a request of him for. She twisted her hands a bit.

"Well, um…" She cleared her throat. Ariel thought it best to just say what was on her mind in a rush. "Well I'm not really holding my breath on marriage for myself and things. I mean Natasha has already told me multiple times where I'll end up. I don't want to be a burden on anyone. I don't want to end up on the street or something."

He was really staring at her, what kind of bullshit was her family feeding her? Good God it sounded like she expected to be on the street in a few years. However with her family he wouldn't be surprised.

"My parents have said that if I'm not married off shortly after Natasha, or if I don't get some kind of job or you know like with Natasha's personal attendant… I guess, would you have a job or something? I know your father is really still in control and I've been studying really hard. I'm going to graduate early…"

"Whoa, stop." He said holding his hands out. "Are you crazy?" He spoke to her and she looked deflated.

"Why wouldn't you get married? Actually I'm surprised that you aren't even engaged or something by now. What do your parents keep you in a closet? Have you even looked at yourself Ariel? There are plenty of men that would find you attractive. That would want you and for more reasons than a pretty face. You're intelligent and caring, you will not be on the street." He couldn't believe he was having this conversation with her. This wasn't really his job, but he felt like it had to be said to her.

Ariel cringed inwardly. She wasn't that great to look at, his words did make her feel good though and kind of embarrassed. Even if he said them almost rudely. Like she was stupid for not realizing how attractive she was or something. Well she guessed that she was okay, but she had no confidence and the opposite sex scared the crap out of her.

"If not? That's what I'm scared of." He had to fight to not yell and tell her she was being stupid. That wasn't something that worked with her. Actually he'd like to say something to Natasha, her sister was every bit as smart and beautiful as she was. Yet Ariel had no confidence, he didn't know where they'd decided differently. He'd have her if the situation wasn't what it was. He frowned a bit at that thought.

"I'm sure that if all else failed. We'd give you a job." He said through gritted teeth. He shouldn't be here consoling his fiance's sister. This felt awkward and weird to him.

"Really?" She said her head coming up and he'd never seen her look so… happy. Which was kind of sad really. Her face was brighter and she met his gaze. She moved rather quickly and shocked him by giving him a hug.

He kind of held his hands up at the uncharacteristic display for them both. He kind of awkwardly patted her shoulder after a second. She was pressed along his side, and he could feel her form against his. Wasn't like her soaked sundress was really hiding much and the towel fell a bit. If the hug didn't feel so awkward he might have enjoyed it more.

"Thanks." She said scooting away from him and her head tipped down. Ariel felt a heat in her face. That had been impulsive and she was glad that no one saw that. She'd feel really stupid then being caught hugging Malachi. Especially by Natasha who would probably give her a sound slap across the face.

She felt him staring at her, he did that a lot. Stared at people and she could always feel it on her. Kind of like a predator's gaze, but then again every one's gaze felt like that to her. She chanced a glance at him and then back at the ground. Her hands on either side of her on the bench.

"I guess we should go back." She said and stood up, she paused when he grabbed her wrist.

"Sit back down. They can come find us." She stood there for a second when he let her go and moved a bit, getting more comfortable. She decided to do as he said and sat back down. She gave a sigh and just took in her surroundings after a bit of staring at the ground. She started to relax and daydream when she finally heard the approach of footsteps behind them. Next to her Malachi had closed his eyes and just relaxed a bit.