Virginia began making her way back toward the main house to met him when he got there. Whatever happened, she’d do her best to keep him safe.
Lafayette smirked and let out his own little chuckle. Cliches were always stupid in his opinion, he couldn’t pass that opportunity up. Now the ball was in Rory’s court.
John focused on his driving and before long he was parking and getting out to go meet Virginia.
Rory did jump at the first jump scare, but she chose to take her turn when a second cheap jump scare followed soon after.
Virginia suppressed the urge to run to him, instead choosing to approach him slowly. “John,” she breathed, failing to hide the relief in her voice.
Lafayette nearly choked laughing at the jump scare/popcorn combo. He only quieted when the person in front of them glared at him.
“Virginia, are you okay?” He asked softly, clearly only worried about her and her wellbeing.
“Are you okay?” Rory asked as quietly as she could when the person turned back around, worried since she had made him choke.
Virginia shrugged. “I’m as okay as I can be,” she answered softly. She feared the worst of her powers.
Lafayette nodded. “Oui, it was only for a second,” he assured in a whisper. When the hapless blond of the group called out “Hello?” Lafayette let his second popcorn fly.
John was hesitant to approach her, not wanting her to get upset at him. Her hating him the night before had made him a bit anxious of that apparently.
Rory caught the popcorn and looked to the movie again, every so often she would jump from something but otherwise she chose moments to toss her popcorn as well.
Virginia hesitated. She was afraid if he got too close that something bad what happen, but ultimately her need to see him won out. She ran to him and threw her arms around him.
Lafayette spent more time laughing at the cheesiness than jumping. He also timed his shots well, though most of the things in the movie caused him to throw.
John put his arms around her, holding her close to him. He wished he could give her control over her powers just like that... or that he knew how to help.
Rory likely only jumped because she didn’t know the cliches, but it helped for her to focus on their game.
Virginia drew in a shaky breath. “I guess we should probably get started soon,” she sighed. If she put it off, she might end up having another episode like the one she had at school.
Lafayette found he was having a really good time. A mixture of good company and a fun game was just what he needed.
John nodded slightly then. “Alright...” he wasn’t entirely sure how to help after he messed up last night.
Rory was having a really good time as well, a much better time than she would have thought she could have a few days before.
Virginia began leading the way towards
the wooded area behind her house. “Just keep me calm, maybe that’ll help,” she instructed. In any case, panicking wouldn’t solve anything.
Lafayette was glad to see Rory opening up and enjoying herself. She was a far cry from the timid girl he’d met a few days prior.
John nodded, walking after her then. “I can do that.” He agreed.
Rory was surprised by how easy it was to be open around Lafayette.
(Sorry this took so long, I was making sticky toffee pudding for my mom)
Virginia walked until she reached a small clearing. “Okay stand back,” she instructed. She began letting the ice flow from her fingertips, aiming it at an oak that had been struck by lightning long ago.
Lafayette was really enjoying his time with Aurora. He leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I’ll bet you two of my twizzlers that she goes into that old cellar.”
John stayed back, watching her carefully. He thought maybe if he made sure he wasn’t close, she’d be more relaxed and wouldn’t panic as much.
Rory was startled by how close he was to her suddenly and it sit a faint shiver down her back, but she didn’t move. “Hm... I think I’d lose that bet.” She whispered back.
Virginia gradually grew the ice beam, beginning to fully encase the tree. She felt her hands begin to quiver as her power began to overwhelm her.
Lafayette chuckled softly. “What is life without a little bit of risk?” He asked.
“You’re doing really good,” John encourages her gently. “It’s okay.”
Rory laughed softly, wrinkling her nose playfully. “Alright, fine.”
Virginia managed to steady the stream and expand it just a bit more.
“What do I get in return?” Lafayette teased.
“That’s incredible,” John complimented, pleased to see her steadying. He wasn’t sure how much he was helping, but she was certainly doing better than she had the night before. “You’re doing good,” he complimented again, wanting to help her stay calm.
“Well, it’s your bet.” She teased in return. “What do you want?” She was startled by herself teasing him, she really hardly knew him, all she knew was that he was making her want to open up and she wanted to be his friend.
Virginia jerked, suddenly snapping a branch off of the old tree with a beam of ice. She stumbled back, stunned that she had lost control again.
Lafayette smirked playfully. “Mm, surprise me, mon ami,” he decided. He really liked the report that they were building, he already felt like he was starting to really get to know her.
“Are you okay?” John asked as he moved towards her worriedly.
Rory laughed and stuck her tongue out playfully. “I did, I decided that you decide.” She pointed out.