It's Not What it Looks Like

[Risk]

"Why'd you think I'm here?" said Risk, sighing. He wouldn't have risked his job for anything. He was supposed to be undercover, dammit, not telling people who he really was.

((I'm tempted to bring Ershey in here... I don't think those two would talk if Mush was there. And I can't RP by myself Hehe))

[Macbeth]

((Haha, I have the same problem with Goblin and Wraith. And Beth won't really be cool with Risk until Ershey is, so go for it!))

"Yeah, well. Do something for her. Dinner or expensive presents or something, damned if I know." She noticed what Jo was doing and boosted the little girl over her shoulder. "Josephine Adeline, quit getting familiar with strange men."

[Risk]

"Hey, she can't help it if she likes me," smirked Risk playfully, gently pinching Jo's cheek. Risk was so preoccupied with Jo that he didn't notice Ershey who was heading towards the library steps. She looked as if she was deep in thought, her eyes on her feet, much like what Risk was doing earlier.

[Macbeth]

It was Jo, in fact, who noticed Ershey. She let out a happy, burbling cry and waved her arms at her. Macbeth looked up. "Ersh! You were right. There is a library in New York," she admitted grudgingly, offering her the baby, since the flailing Jo was giving her little choice.

Beth proceeded to shoot Risk a significant look, as if to say, Now's your chance.

[Risk]

Ershey flinched slightly when she heard Macbeth, failing to realize that they were just there. She glanced over at Risk, shooting him a look before walking over and picking up Jo. "I told you," she smirked at Macbeth.

"What're you two doin' here, anyway?"

Risk gulped, unable to think of anything to say.

[Macbeth]

"I came for books, and to give Jo a little culture," Beth explained. "Risk'll have to speak for himself. It was a chance meeting." She wanted to make it clear she wasn't deliberately fraternizing with the enemy.

[Risk]

"I was napping," said Risk, finally looking at Ershey. She simply rolled her eyes at him before focusing her attention back to Jo. Glancing at Macbeth, Risk figured he'd take a chance. He was too scared to talk to Ershey alone and, so far, Macbeth was the most supportive friend he had.

"Adri... uh, I-I'm sorry," he started, wishing he had more time to think about this.

[Macbeth]

(("Macbeth was the most supportive friend he had" may be the saddest sentence in the entire world.))

Beth coughed awkwardly, wondering if she should get out of here and leave these two alone, but she couldn't very well abandon her niece, who was clinging to Ershey like a barnacle. Besides, Macbeth was not exactly Miss Tactful. So she just glanced from Risk to Ershey and waited for Ershey's response.

[Risk]

((I know... Risk needs more love!))

"For what?" she asked, refusing to look at her brother as she swayed Jo back and forth.

"For everythin'... for before," said Risk nervously. "Adri, I was thirteen, I didn't know any better... and, well, I treated you like shit. Actually, you and Mom... I j-just want things to be alright between us again."

"It was never alright," said Ershey, shooting him a look. "Since when did you treat me like your sister, hm?"

"Adri, I wouldn't be here if I didn't want to make things better."

"And how do you propose you do that, huh?"

[Macbeth]

Jo reached out a hand to Beth, who took it and held onto it absently. This was terribly awkward. "We could start with lunch," she muttered.

Yes, Elizabeth Rowlands had just uttered words that were vaguely related to the goal of peacemaking. Someone really ought to call the press. Scowling at the thought, she told herself she was just really bloody hungry.

[Ershey]

The pair looked at Macbeth, surprised at her suggestion.

"We could," said Risk hopefully.

Ershey sighed, finally giving in as she gave Risk a nod. "Don't," she said, pointing a finger at him, "think this'll make up for everything."

[Macbeth]

Macbeth got up, brushed off her skirt with dignity, took Jo from Ershey's arms, looked at Risk, and nodded at her books, which still sat on the porch. "Be a gentleman, huh?"

[Ershey]

Risk shot Macbeth a look before finally giving in and grabbing her books.

"H-hey, wait, Adri!" yelled Risk, running after the two girls who were already walking far ahead from him.

[Macbeth]

Macbeth rolled her eyes, and they walked in silence for a while, except for Jo's delighted cooing. The two siblings were clearly not going to strike up a conversation. Beth was so not used to being the neutral party in situations like this.

"So...me and Ershey. First met on a rooftop, if I recall. Someone had carved some corny saying about overcoming all your troubles. We had a whole sappy bonding moment. I didn't yell at her. It was a very exciting occasion." She glanced at Ershey to see if she remembered or had anything to add. Since any stories of Ershey and Risk's shared childhood were clearly off-limits.

[Ershey]

Ershey couldn't help but smile as Macbeth told her story. "I always forget that I did that..." she chuckled softly.

"You didn't yell?" said Risk in surprise, following close behind.