[This is truly a bit more pampering than he ever received in the lab when he had his haircut โ and thatโs saying a lot, since heโs barely being pampered at all, but the bar was forever low.
He follows Emil back inside, and when he catches sight of Amelia's scrutiny... Henry isn't self-conscious, per se, because he's lost that particular flaw when he was much younger, but he is very much aware of her pause.]
Yes. What do you think?
[Good? Bad? Is she processing? Maybe he isn't suited for slightly longer hair.]
[That's not exactly answering the question so that makes the golem move closer to Amelia suddenly as he tries to examine her expression.]
"Of course I did a good job, Miss Steinbeck. But how do you think it makes Mr. Creel look?"
[The witch is doing that tell with her fingers again where they start fiddling when she's nervous or uncertain of how to answer.]
He looks very...
[The more Amelia pauses, the more a pouting Emil pushes for an answer.]
"Don't be so stingy with compliments Miss Steinbeck! You can just say it!"
Emil, please...!
[why is this woman so awkward?? She puts her hand on top of the boy's shoulder to calm him down and at that moment, even with her hair hanging down, Amelia's face is... Pink?
And she somehow manages to mumble it out, hope you can hear her Henry.]
[...Oh. He can hear her, and that awareness of himself? How funny. It spikes a little in tandem with that awkwardly-given compliment, and he has to hold himself back from running a hand through his hair.]
Aha... Emil did a good job, I think.
[Ah, and he could leave it at that, but. You know. He won't.]
Sorry, I didn't hear you, though, Amelia. Do you think it suits me, or should we try for another style down the line?
[He's a villain and he's here to make people suffer.......from embarrassment.]
[Do not perceive her, the both of you! Emil takes a step back and says nothing but he's grinning from ear to ear. Amelia turns away from Henry and crosses her arms.]
It suits you, alright? It's a handsome haircut and Emil has highlighted your best physical features.
Then thank you. I'm glad you think so, that just means we'll be more suited for our outing together tonight, right? I have to match you somehow.
[He leaves that hanging, though the implication is surprisingly clear and straightforward or Henry. Match her in what? Presentability? Attractiveness? Yes.]
[Emil somehow looks more self-satisfied and smug and he glances over at Henry to give him a quick thumbs up! :D
But the golem will now busy himself with the list of chores Amelia has for him leaving them both alone. She runs a hand through her hair as if trying to sift out the awkwardness she's inflicted on herself.]
We'll be leaving the house in about ten minutes. I want to stop by the church first before we go and choose some clothes for the evening.
[He thinks about teasing her a little more, saying that maybe she should enjoy the sight while she still can, given that he might just be granted his monster body should he ever return back home... But maybe he'll bring that up later, amid clothes-shopping.]
The church? [Skeptically:] Dropping in for a quick prayer?
[yeah henry, one of us needs jesus wanna guess who]
Ah, well. You never when you'll need it. There's another person... or rather, an entity of sorts that's made the church his home though. I check up on him every once and while to make sure he's healthy.
[If she didn't add "entity" it would have sounded like she was visiting a church member or priest. But this is Blackgale and this is Amelia; she surrounds herself with odd company.]
We'll leave in about ten minutes. Don't mess up your haircut in the meanwhile.
[Amelia shakes her head though his remark makes her grin somewhat.]
No, he isn't a load like the one in the lake. I do make him care packages every once and while. I've never seen him partake but the basket comes back empty so I'd say he appreciates it.
It shouldn't be a long visit. He's not one to spare idle words to just anyone.
[Why is this the first thing you wonder about, Henry. To his credit, he asked first!]
But sure, whatever you want to do. I'll follow. I appreciate you showing me around town. This place really is far more interesting than Hawkins ever was.
[She raises a brow at him... But yes, at least he asked.]
You can try. Just don't break his concentration.
[Other espers have read into the church man's mind but it seemed results varied. She'll let Henry find out on his own though.]
I'm glad you find it interesting. The supernatural persists and stays strong because of its mystery... And since I'm part of it, I try to take care of the others.
[While they're all absolutely dangerous in their own ways, coexistence isn't impossible. Amelia takes great care to ensure this.]
You've been staying with me for a while now Henry. It wouldn't do if I just let the interesting things in town pass you by.
[Again, there's that alien consideration for him. Out of nothing more than what he suspects is kindness and perhaps a familiarity that borders on-- What?
Friendship?
He wonders. (A thought that tugs on every neuron in his brain, but he sets it aside for now.)]
Every day, I'm more and more in your debt for every little thing you do.
[He smiles but then turns to head back towards his room.]
[They leave the house and make their way to Ivory Park. Gradually, it becomes noticeable how Henry is turning heads or at least receiving a second glance. Amelia just continues to look straight ahead as she leads him through the park and to the peaceful Ivory Church.
Though it isn't a grandiose and heavily decorated place of worship, the surrounding trees, and flowers more than make up for its humble visage. Other park guests are milling about and it looks like there are even some couples who are scouting out the area as a possible wedding venue.
Amelia pauses before they go inside.]
So you've never been inside the church yet, right?
[Henry's observant enough to know if he pulls a few more glances than usual as they wander about town, and he meets those eyes with a smile and a little quirk of a brow. Again, he never really thought of himself as handsome, finding different attributes more worthy of his attention.
Still, itโs funny how a single haircut can make the difference. Heaven save these people when he gets a new wardrobe, perhapsโฆ
But for now, here they are at the church, and Henry stops beside her, shaking his head.]
[As soon as she closes the door behind them the noise from the outside suddenly sounds more muted. The flow of the air is soothing and envelops them like a blanket over their shoulders. The sensation is akin to magic but much more consistent and constant. There's no one else inside at the moment.
Amelia walks down the aisle and stops in the middle.]
The Praying Man is a bit of an odd duck since I've never seen him leave the church. And as far as safe havens go, this is the safest place you can be in aside from my house.
[Now, this is not a feeling that Henry feels often. The bristling of anger inside of him churns, as though to rail against the blanket of serenity that tries to lay itself across him like a veil. He's the sort of man who refuses to let go of that core, no matter what; but at least he has enough awareness to realize that it's the church's doing more than anything else, so his offense is muted.
He looks around as they walk, then stop at the middle of the aisle. This place paints him in a more amicable light, at least, everything about his body language completely affable, and he clasps his hands behind his back.]
So if something ever bad happens, and I can't get back to your house, head to the church? I can see what you mean. Everything in here has a... quietness to it.
[... Even though Henry now knows of Brar and that he was gone, Amelia can't quite yet broach the subject of the how. But being in the church, for all of the serenity it offers, reminds her of the darkness that enveloped the town and what it led to.
But she's grateful to this day for the Praying Man and what he managed to do for her and Blackgale and what he continues to do presently.]
Let me just... [She takes a few steps to the left as her eyes scan the back. Steadily, both she and Henry can start to hear low and deep murmurs that echo off the ceiling from the back. Amelia snaps her fingers and points.]
There he is.
[The Praying Man is dressed like some kind of priest in humble black robes. Unlike the other supernatural entities that Henry has encountered in this world, nothing about him stands out; he looks entirely human from head to toe. It is the fervor that radiates off of him that is something else entirely, an unmistakable power that is part of the fabric of this house of worship.
He sits, head bowed, eyes closed, and hands clasped together, in the farthest pew in the back where the corner is most obscure.]
He blinks in and out of your vision type of being but even normal people can see him every now and then.
[He slides his look over to the "priest" in question, and perhaps it's his own abilities that allow him to see the man without any issue off the bat, though he can... sense something strange from him. His telepathy itches to be used, met with something unusual, but he restrains himself.
For now.
Because, again, the first thing he asks is:]
...Can I try to get a read on him?
[Just to make sense of this entity that looks human, but clearly isn't. Kind of like him!!]
Oh, no, I wouldn't do anything like that. I just want to skim the surface, see what's going on in mind of someone inhuman -- if there's anything I can read at all.
[Henry loves diving in, and he is fairly confident of his own psychic powers, but he isn't reckless for the sake of it. Not unless anger takes the reins, but thankfully, they've not had to deal with such a thing since his first day arriving in this world. Small blessings!]
[Up close, and it really does seem like this Praying Man is exerting more than just peaceable prayer. Henry can see the sweat beading down the side of his face, as though he's praying so fervently that the effort seems to be taking its toll.
He gives her a sidelong glance first.]
And the last time this happened, what was the cause?
[Not that he's refusing to dip into his head, mind you.]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
recluserose) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
sunfloras2023-04-20 07:42 pm
no subject
He follows Emil back inside, and when he catches sight of Amelia's scrutiny... Henry isn't self-conscious, per se, because he's lost that particular flaw when he was much younger, but he is very much aware of her pause.]
Yes. What do you think?
[Good? Bad? Is she processing? Maybe he isn't suited for slightly longer hair.]
no subject
[That's not exactly answering the question so that makes the golem move closer to Amelia suddenly as he tries to examine her expression.]
[The witch is doing that tell with her fingers again where they start fiddling when she's nervous or uncertain of how to answer.]
He looks very...
[The more Amelia pauses, the more a pouting Emil pushes for an answer.]
Emil, please...!
[why is this woman so awkward?? She puts her hand on top of the boy's shoulder to calm him down and at that moment, even with her hair hanging down, Amelia's face is... Pink?
And she somehow manages to mumble it out, hope you can hear her Henry.]
It's a handsome look.
no subject
Aha... Emil did a good job, I think.
[Ah, and he could leave it at that, but. You know. He won't.]
Sorry, I didn't hear you, though, Amelia. Do you think it suits me, or should we try for another style down the line?
[He's a villain and he's here to make people suffer.......from embarrassment.]
no subject
It suits you, alright? It's a handsome haircut and Emil has highlighted your best physical features.
[She throws her hands up in exasperation.]
There! Satisfied?
no subject
Then thank you. I'm glad you think so, that just means we'll be more suited for our outing together tonight, right? I have to match you somehow.
[He leaves that hanging, though the implication is surprisingly clear and straightforward or Henry. Match her in what? Presentability? Attractiveness? Yes.]
no subject
[Emil somehow looks more self-satisfied and smug and he glances over at Henry to give him a quick thumbs up! :D
But the golem will now busy himself with the list of chores Amelia has for him leaving them both alone. She runs a hand through her hair as if trying to sift out the awkwardness she's inflicted on herself.]
We'll be leaving the house in about ten minutes. I want to stop by the church first before we go and choose some clothes for the evening.
no subject
The church? [Skeptically:] Dropping in for a quick prayer?
no subject
Ah, well. You never when you'll need it. There's another person... or rather, an entity of sorts that's made the church his home though. I check up on him every once and while to make sure he's healthy.
[If she didn't add "entity" it would have sounded like she was visiting a church member or priest. But this is Blackgale and this is Amelia; she surrounds herself with odd company.]
We'll leave in about ten minutes. Don't mess up your haircut in the meanwhile.
no subject
An entity? That stays in the church?
[That feels like the start of a horror novel or somesuch, and he should know
since he's from a horror canon.But this is a strange town, full of things that are not quite normal, himself and Amelia included. He's always, always curious to learn more.]
This isn't another one we need to feed, is it...?
no subject
No, he isn't a load like the one in the lake. I do make him care packages every once and while. I've never seen him partake but the basket comes back empty so I'd say he appreciates it.
It shouldn't be a long visit. He's not one to spare idle words to just anyone.
no subject
[Why is this the first thing you wonder about, Henry. To his credit, he asked first!]
But sure, whatever you want to do. I'll follow. I appreciate you showing me around town. This place really is far more interesting than Hawkins ever was.
no subject
You can try. Just don't break his concentration.
[Other espers have read into the church man's mind but it seemed results varied. She'll let Henry find out on his own though.]
I'm glad you find it interesting. The supernatural persists and stays strong because of its mystery... And since I'm part of it, I try to take care of the others.
[While they're all absolutely dangerous in their own ways, coexistence isn't impossible. Amelia takes great care to ensure this.]
You've been staying with me for a while now Henry. It wouldn't do if I just let the interesting things in town pass you by.
no subject
Friendship?
He wonders. (A thought that tugs on every neuron in his brain, but he sets it aside for now.)]
Every day, I'm more and more in your debt for every little thing you do.
[He smiles but then turns to head back towards his room.]
I'll get ready to head out. See you in ten.
time skippy
Though it isn't a grandiose and heavily decorated place of worship, the surrounding trees, and flowers more than make up for its humble visage. Other park guests are milling about and it looks like there are even some couples who are scouting out the area as a possible wedding venue.
Amelia pauses before they go inside.]
So you've never been inside the church yet, right?
no subject
Still, itโs funny how a single haircut can make the difference. Heaven save these people when he gets a new wardrobe, perhapsโฆ
But for now, here they are at the church, and Henry stops beside her, shaking his head.]
I never thought there was a reason to.
[And he certainly isnโt the religious type.]
What can I expect?
no subject
[There's a beat.]
That wasn't a joke for the record. I've dubbed the person we're checking on "The Praying Man." Not the most creative but he has no real name.
[She has to make the disclaimer just in case!! Amelia approaches the doors and pushes them open, gesturing for Henry to step inside first.]
no subject
[Peace and serenity.]
I'll be quiet if that's what you're worried about.
[It's probably not; Henry is always quiet-toned (except when he's angry), and he's more than curious about this "Praying Man" who has no real name.]
no subject
[As soon as she closes the door behind them the noise from the outside suddenly sounds more muted. The flow of the air is soothing and envelops them like a blanket over their shoulders. The sensation is akin to magic but much more consistent and constant. There's no one else inside at the moment.
Amelia walks down the aisle and stops in the middle.]
The Praying Man is a bit of an odd duck since I've never seen him leave the church. And as far as safe havens go, this is the safest place you can be in aside from my house.
no subject
He looks around as they walk, then stop at the middle of the aisle. This place paints him in a more amicable light, at least, everything about his body language completely affable, and he clasps his hands behind his back.]
So if something ever bad happens, and I can't get back to your house, head to the church? I can see what you mean. Everything in here has a... quietness to it.
no subject
[... Even though Henry now knows of Brar and that he was gone, Amelia can't quite yet broach the subject of the how. But being in the church, for all of the serenity it offers, reminds her of the darkness that enveloped the town and what it led to.
But she's grateful to this day for the Praying Man and what he managed to do for her and Blackgale and what he continues to do presently.]
Let me just... [She takes a few steps to the left as her eyes scan the back. Steadily, both she and Henry can start to hear low and deep murmurs that echo off the ceiling from the back. Amelia snaps her fingers and points.]
There he is.
[The Praying Man is dressed like some kind of priest in humble black robes. Unlike the other supernatural entities that Henry has encountered in this world, nothing about him stands out; he looks entirely human from head to toe. It is the fervor that radiates off of him that is something else entirely, an unmistakable power that is part of the fabric of this house of worship.
He sits, head bowed, eyes closed, and hands clasped together, in the farthest pew in the back where the corner is most obscure.]
He blinks in and out of your vision type of being but even normal people can see him every now and then.
no subject
For now.
Because, again, the first thing he asks is:]
...Can I try to get a read on him?
[Just to make sense of this entity that looks human, but clearly isn't. Kind of like him!!]
no subject
I'll be surprised if you're able to read his thoughts though.
[Amelia starts to stride towards the Praying Man.]
And just don't break his concentration or else he'll vanish.
no subject
Oh, no, I wouldn't do anything like that. I just want to skim the surface, see what's going on in mind of someone inhuman -- if there's anything I can read at all.
[Henry loves diving in, and he is fairly confident of his own psychic powers, but he isn't reckless for the sake of it. Not unless anger takes the reins, but thankfully, they've not had to deal with such a thing since his first day arriving in this world. Small blessings!]
no subject
[Amelia moves down the pew so that she's sitting next to the Praying Man. He keeps murmuring and makes no indication that he notices her presence.
Up close she can see his face and before she can greet him, the witch frowns as she studies his side profile.]
... He's sweating. That's... Not good.
[There's an urgency in the Praying Man's voice as well as a bead of sweat drips down the side of his head. Amelia looks towards Henry.]
You're in luck. This is a good time to see what's on his mind. I haven't seen him in this state in a while.
no subject
He gives her a sidelong glance first.]
And the last time this happened, what was the cause?
[Not that he's refusing to dip into his head, mind you.]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
1/3
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)