hadriel_logs | Log: A river runs through Will Graham's mind

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Log: A river runs through Will Graham's mind

Who: Jill Valentine and Will Graham
What: Jill has a gift for Will... who might cry about it.
Where: The river.
When: Today
Warnings: None

This place was always throwing one thing after another at them. There wasn't a lot of time to just... relax. Take a breath. Jill obtainted a few items some time ago from the pawn shop, and she had intended to give them to Will much sooner, but the time was never right. If it wasn't monsters it was some other business that kept them constantly on defense.

Finally, there was a brief moment of peace, so it had to be today before something else crazy happened. She called Will and asked him to meet her down by the river. She told him she found something strange and wanted to get his opinion on it. He was a consultant for the FBI and a very intelligent man, so why not ask him his opinion on things? Since he is so damn smart, though, he might have figured out she was up to something.

Jill sits on a bench and waits for him to arrive. It's too bad there wasn't some warm sun or a cool breeze to enjoy. They wouldn't get that here. A real shame. She was starting to miss those things. At least she's managed to settle in to life here. She's even acquired some new clothes, which are much more similar to her old BSAA outfit. It wouldn't do to walk around in a skin tight battle suit all the time.

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Upon receiving Jill's call about having found something 'strange' and to come meet her by the river, Will was a little curious. None the less, he was ready, willing and able to obliged to her call. At first, he was so bold to assume it was some kind of impromptu date, then, his better judgement took over and Will pondered over the other possibilities. Perhaps Jill was in need of advice and didn't know how to ask on the phone? Maybe it was an intervention? After all, Will had been acting strange since he arrived here.

Or it was possible Maketh was behind this and he was about to find out that his new, beloved friend was no longer able to spend so much time in his company. It was always a possibility that Jill, herself, had come to the conclusion that being around Will, was just plain bad for her. This was the problem of a mind that thought too much.

Grabbing his coat and leaving the doors to the rooms in his apartment open, so that Winston had free run of the place while he was out. The odd little fox and nug snuggled himself into his bedding and grooves of cushions.

It didn't take him long to arrive at the aforementioned location, Will often walked faster when his mind was racing. Anxious, nervous that it would be something bad, Will slowed as he spotted Jill sitting there.

Turning his head downwards to face the ground, his eyes flitting over to see if she was looking, only to give a small little wave and the flicker of a side smile once Jill had noticed he was there. Approaching, Will tucked his hands into the deep side pockets of his coat, looking around the area as his glasses fogged over a little from the atmosphere.

"You look different. More like a civilian. Now I feel overdressed."

He laughed a little.

"May I?"

Motionong to the empty space on the bench beside her as he started to sit down. Taking a breath, reading far too much into the situation than was called for. He was tense as if he was about to cornered or face a firing squad.

"So then... To what do I owe the pleaser? Something strange you said?

Jill spotted him coming and smiling at the sight of him. She was a little anxious, as well. Anxious that he wouldn't like the gift she had lined up for him, but also excited that he would. There was only one way to find out.

"Believe it or not, this is a lot like how I often dressed in the field. But you're not overdressed. You look handsome." Hopefully he wouldn't feel too shy about the sincere compliment.

As for sitting, she waved a hand and got to her feet. "Yeah, it's this way. Let's head over." No need for sitting; they could be on their way. She just couldn't wait to see the expression on his face. Perhaps he could read the nervous excitement in her.

Jill walked with him, by his side, while indicating the direction toward the riverbank. It wouldn't be a very long walk. They were quite close, and soon the 'strange thing' would come into view.

"Right over there." She pointed and waited, allowing Will to go forward and investigate on his own. Tucked on the other side of a bush is a fishing pole propped up against a log, along with a box that contained some fishing tackle and extra line.

Edited 2016-12-14 04:32 (UTC)

"Handsome? Heh... Please." He was, in fact, a little taken aback by the compliment, flattered and a little shy, yet humble enough to not argue her opinion of him. If truth be told, it was probably the nicest thing anyone had said to him in a long while. He'd cherish the memory.

Verry well then. Will stood back up, almost as soon as he's started to sit. Jill seemed keen to have them be on their way, so he saw no point in postponing things for her. Still a little unsure and still just as curious as ever, Will tried to read the moment. His eyes closed for a few, only enough to collect his own thoughts as well as what he imagined Jill's would be. Managing not to fall, yet fearing he'd push his luck, Will reopened his eyes in time to see where Jill was gesturing they walked.

"You know, that I already know, that you're up to something, right? " Stopping and turning to face her with a slight smile dashed over his lips. He wasn't one to fall for 'surprise parties' or 'Planned events' easily, he'd assumed Jill would have given him more credit than that. But still, it was the thought that counts.

Will pointed in the direction Jill mentioned before heading off on his own. He was about to pass comment on how he had been able to read her motives so easily when he was actually taken in by the surprise. "... Jill.." He gasped her name, eyes widened, large and full of excitement and in fact, surprise. "I never even... You shouldn;t have... Wow.. Hah!" Walking over at a rushed pace, taking the rod in hand, giving it a few sways and bobs to feel the build of it.

His face was a picture. A wide, rare and real smile lit up his face as he looked back to her. "Where did you get this?" A laugh left his lips, then another. He was overwhelmed and full of joy, something he'd not felt in a long time. "Thank you. How can I thank you enough?... Thank you!" Shaking his head in disbelief that this was really happening, the emotions pooling and overflowing were just too much and Will started to cry even as he smiled.

How embarrassing.

Will might have some strange characteristics, but Jill thinks very highly of him. He's intelligent, kind, and considerate. And he really is handsome. Maybe his self-confidence could use a bit of work, but it was a minor fault. She had a few of her own.

"Up to something? I don't know what you're talking about." But the smile gave it away. Clearly, she was up to something and she wasn't even good at hiding the fact. Luckily, the present was stashed nearby so the charade didn't have to go on for very long.

When the gifts came into view, Jill waited apprehensively. Would he like them? It was clear right away that she didn't need to worry at all. Jill tried to contain her smile, but all she could do was grin while biting her lower lip.

"At the pawn shop." Luckily, the owner would probably give her anything for a couple of bullets. The tears were a surprise, and Jill laughed softly. Seeing him so happy gives her a sense of joy she hasn't felt in a long time. "I thought they might, you know, make the place feel a little more like home." Not that this place can really be 'home', but they still have to make do with it, and Will had a tough time when he first arrived here. Adjusting isn't easy.

Will turned to face her fully, the rod in one hand as he pointed to it with the other. Looking at her then back to the pole, flabbergasted and at a total loss for words, he grits his teeth in a wide grin, pulled his shoulders up tight to his ear and made a little, excited sound before laughing once more.

" I can't... I mean... This is so thoughtful, Jill, thank you." Drying his eyes with the back of his hand, Will crouched down and sat on his knees setting the rod at his side. He was in a little bit of shock if truth be told, emotions were so taxing for him and when they were his own? Well...

"You'll have to let me teach you now, I won't take no for an answer." He wanted to hug her, to kiss her cheek and thank her again, but that would mean physical contact. Ugh, it was so conflicting! As his chest burst with joy and his eyes leaked happy tears, Will just sat there, looking back up at her. It was the nicest thing that had happened to him, even back home he had no one who would do such a thing for him. He was touched and it was something he wouldn't forget anytime soon.

"Wait!... There's a tackle box too?!" Reaching over, Will opened the box and started to finger through the extra line and tackle found inside. "This is perfect... I have a feather I was saving, it would go wonderfully with this hook." Holding it up to Jill, as if she knew what he was going on about.

The little sounds he made caused Jill to laugh softly out of delight. He was happy, and she was happy because he was happy. She hasn't felt this good about anything in awhile. Jill never felt very good about being trapped here, but this helped make her feel as though she's managed to do some good. She'd remember the look on his face and that smile.

"You're welcome." What else could she say? The gift wasn't given for the thanks. Somehow, she just wanted to help him.

When Will noticed and explored the second half of the gift, he had Jill smiling all over again. No, she has no idea why that hook is perfect for his feather, but he looks like a kid on Christmas, and that's just what she wanted.

"I hope it's all the right kind. I don't know a thing about fishing." Just what she's seen on TV and stuff. When she saw the pole and the tackle at the pawn shop, Jill knew she couldn't pass it up. "But, yeah, I'd love some lessons." It would give her something to do to pass the time.

If the Gods here truly did feed on the emotions of the City dwellers, then Delight sure was getting a feast from these two right about now.

As nice as it was, it was all so overwhelming for Will, physically as well as mentally. He was shaking a little and felt weak from all the laughter and smiling. Standing, he felt through his back pocket, fetching his wallet free and exploring it until he found it. A small yet pretty feather, possibly from some kind of Kingfisher. Will held it up and smiled.

"Almost the blue of your eyes... Just a little darker... Hmm.. " Will rubbed at his chin for a moment, that stubble of a partly grown in beard scratched the back of his fingers. " You can name your lures to ensure you catch the right kind of fish... So that it brings good luck and karma your way... Think I'll name this lure My Valentine. " Pleased with his idea, Will stood there for a long moment, just twirling the feather between finger and thumb.

If teaching her how to fish would be a means of repaying her for her kindness, Will would spare every second she could be with him to make sure he kept his word and taught her well. He wasn't sure what kind of fish there was to catch here, but even if it were to toss them back to the river after, Will was more than happy.

"I'm sorry... I just, still can't get over the fact you did all this for me... Why? Believe me, I'm not meaning to sound ungrateful in the slightest! But, why? It's not my birthday or anything special like that..." He was perplexed but it was a good feeling. Knowing that someone had spent enough time and effort in obtaining a gift for you, and not just any gift either! Something that they knewmeant a lot to you. Jill was amazing, Will just stood there for a moment in awe at her.

The feather was pretty. Comparing it to her eyes was quite a compliment, as was naming the lure after her. Sometimes her luck isn't the best. She's been in some terribly dangerous situations in the past, but she hopes the lure does bring him luck with his fishing. Will could be very sweet, whether he realizes it or not.

When he asks why she would give him the gifts, Jill raised her brow at the question. "Because I like to think of you as a friend." Hopefully he feels the same way. "You don't need a special occasion to do something nice for a friend." Sure, Christmas is right around the corner, but she would've done the same if it were the middle of the July.

"You've done a lot for me, too." Helping her when she was terrified of the demon that had plagued her... Jill wouldn't even know who else to turn to in a situation like that. She hasn't gotten to know many people very well here. Not that she knows everything there is to know about him, but she feels closer to him than anyone else so far.

Will wasn't normally sentimental but perhaps he'd keep the lure on his person, so to bring him some good luck with life in general for a change? Sure, he didn't know the full extent of Jill's job back home in her world, but he knew enough to know that, if she was still standing today, she much have something or someone looking out for her.

He was flattered. Looking down at the feather he was holding, still twirling it between his digits. Did she think of him as a friend? It was a huge compliment and achievement on Will's part. He must have come across as normal as possible for this to have happened and he knows that she's seen him in some odd situations now. This just worked as merit as to what a nice person Jill was. Not many could call Will a friend, even some of the people he'd like to. "That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. Jill... A gift out of nowhere other than the kindness of your heart..." He was touched, truly.

When Jill went on to mention the times Will had been there for her, it dawned on him that it was all true. He'd been there for her just as much as she had for him. Sure, he wasn't a good fighter but he used his brains more than brawn, it was nice to see he was appreciated.

"You'll have to let me do something special to make up for this? I don't know what yet, but you must let me?"

Jill would not describe Will as normal, but she would still call him a friend. Given the life she's lead, though, she wouldn't consider herself normal, either. Simply well-adjusted.

Maybe Will doubted himself in certain situations, but he didn't need brawl to be formidable. Maybe they were a good team that way. Not that she was a half-wit or anything. She was pretty smart, but his mind was something special. And when fighting those demons, Will had shown he can kick some ass, too.

At his request, Jill smiled and nodded. "Sure. You don't have to, but I know I'd do the same." So if he wants to return the gesture in some way, she won't reject the offer.

Despite all the horrible, terrible things this place had done to its inhabitants, Will could at least thank it for one thing; bringing him and Jill together. It was nice to have a friend, a real friend at that, one who could be there for you at your worse and still happy to share memories with you at your best. Jill really was something special. Alana was kind and intelligent, Beverly was overbearing yet someone you'd want on your side of the fence but neither of them could hold a candle to Jill right now. Will struggled to imagine how the other females he knew back home would hold up in this place.

The scary thing about that time when the demons showed up, was that Will was only able to fight the way he did, by tapping into the mental state of the murderers he'd helped put behind bars. It was a dangerous thing to do, in case he got lost somewhere in their mindset instead of his own- Lord knows he has enough trouble in knowing exactly who he is at the best of times= but Jill even helped him there! She anchored him in the moment, her voice was a beacon he could follow with ease. She meant more to him than she could ever know.

Setting his gifts aside, Will made a brave more and went to hug her. Sure, it was awkward and it was probably totally unnecessary to do, but he wanted to. "I'm going to anyway so..."

This place was hardly a friendly environment. Luckily, Jill was trained and had experience dealing with the unusual. She had imagined she'd be home by now, but if she left, she thinks she would miss him.

When Will moved toward her, Jill was surprised by the act. He had never sought to touch her, even in simple ways, except during that time when she had lost herself to that demon. That was when she saw a new side to him. Jill had a feeling there were many depths to Will she had yet to witness.

When Will hugged her, it might've been awkward, but when Jill put her arms around him and hugged him back, it was warm and comfortable, like the most natural thing in the world for her. She smiled a little at the closeness, able to catch the scent of him, much like the wilderness.

"How's a girl supposed to refuse?"

Will had to wonder what was worse. The murderers and their victims they left behind for him to deal with back home, or the monsters and living in an underground cave city? If he really gave it some thought, he'd have to say that he might be better off here. No Jack forcing him to get too close and risk losing his mind, no Hannibal pushing and pulling at his mind as if it were a yo-yo. At least here he had Winston and now Jill.

Her body felt good against his. All her soft and comfortable female curves as well as the warmth and kindness of her arms. It was nice, and despite feeling like the most awkward person in the world, Will let it linger for as long as he could. AS he kept his face close to her ear, Will whispered. ]

... How long do you normally hold this pose for? Only, I'm not exactly sure if it's too soon to leg got yet or if it's already been too long?...

[ No matter what his mouth said, his body still wasn't letting go just yet. ]

The hug had perhaps lingered, but Jill didn't mind. He was so comfortable she felt as though she could fall asleep against him. Not standing up, of course.

When he asked that question, she pressed her lips against the soft chuckle that tries to escape. Ahem.

"If you start to wonder if it's too long, it probably is."

She leaned back slowly, a bit reluctantly, and looked up into his eyes. "But it's okay." Jill doesn't want him to feel like he's done something wrong. Social norms are not the easiest for him; she's come to realize that by now. With a gentle smile, she uses a finger to brush the soft curls of his hair from his forehead, pushing them aside before finally letting go.

Maybe Will felt good to hug because he was so full of emotions? He'd read an article somewhere that explained all of the benefits of hugging, of course, Will was skeptical and thought it all poppycock. Yet when he was standing there with Jill in his arms, Will didn't feel as lonely or hopeless anymore.

As Jill started to move away, Will actually felt like he wasn't done with the hug yet. A little frown pulled over his lips when the warmth from her body was stolen from the new small space between them.

"But what if it's not been long enough?"

He sounded as though he was joking, but it was a genuine question! He stood there, managing to look at her face, even her eyes for a little longer than normal. You'd think that, what with all they'ver been through together here, that he'd be able to look her in the eyes. But no, it still flustered and complicated things when he looked for too long.

The touch of her hand, brushing his dark curls aside left Will standing there frozen for a moment. This closeness they had, was it normal? Was he reading too much into it (as always) or was Jill like this with everyone? She was kind and caring after all. Yes, it was just Jill being Jill, Will had no right to make an assumption that he was something special to her.

Shaking his head a little as he talked himself out of his own thoughts silently to himself. Feeling up and touching where her hand had been as if looking for something that might have been in his hair. A leaf maybe?

"Grab my pole, I'll show you how to use it now." Giving a little smile and turning his attention to the river bed where he'd left the tackle box. There was no time like the present to start her fishing lessons

There might be some science behind it, but Jill liked him and felt close to him, so hugging him was pleasing. The science behind why Jill liked Will might be more of a mystery, given his past record with people.

If it's not been long enough? Jill was amused. "I guess you could ask for another hug." She's had a hug that's lasted too long. One that was not long enough was quick and equally awkward, depending on the person hugging.

That he averted his eyes after a time was not a surprise, not by this point, and she wasn't about to be offended by it.

"Sure, I'll get it." She left him to fetch the fishing pole and carry it over to him by the riverbank. "I get the impression that fishing is easier than it looks." But with Will showing her how it's done, Jill is certain she'll eventually get the hang of it. He clearly had a passion for the sport. "Have you always liked to fish?"

Will smiled to himself at the idea of asking for another hug. Maybe he'd take her up on it later? Physical contact of any kind was normally, strictly off the cards, but Jill was different, Jill was a friend and a close one at that. Heck, she was the only one he'd made here. Will had no problem in making enemies as it goes, he had a few sprout up here over the last few months which he'd done his best to avoid after all.

"I hope you don't mind getting wet?" He called back to her, as he stepped down the bank and straight into the river, shoes on and all. Holding his hand out for her to take, stretching his arm out up towards her. "It's always best to get right in there with them. You can't fish by sitting on your cushy behind." Pulling an amused face as he rambled off on a tangent about lazy fishermen who don't deserve to be called a fisherman at all.

"Fishing can be as easy or hard as you allow it to be. I happen to be a great fisherman, I know when to wait, to let the fish get as close as it likes before and even when to let it go. C'mon! It's not even that cold."

When Will got right into the river, Jill was surprised. He really was a committed fisherman! And he wasn't even wearing the right shoes for it. She wasn't particularly dressed for the part, either, but she wanted to encourage him, so she found it hard to refuse.

She reached down and undid her boots, then removed them and put them aside. She'd at least keep those dry. It was hard to find good boots sometimes, and she needed them to walk all over the city during her patrols. With those out of the way, she waded into the river to join him.

"You sound like you know how a fish thinks. How long have you been fishing?"

Will should have thought about it more too, but he was just so happy and excited. If there was anything here in the city that could take his noisy mind off of all the horrible things thrown at them, it was the ability to go fishing whenever the chance presented itself. He'd have to thank Jill again later for this, and maybe thank her some more after that too!

At her comment about him being able to think like a fish, Will actually laughed! Smiling wide as he addressed her.

"It's not so much thinking like the fish and more like thinking like a crane or a bear! There the ones you want to be like. Look! Right there! Stand absolutely still!"

Holding his hand out for her to pass him his rod, Will was going to show her how to catch a fish with just a hook, no bait, and no lure.

A laugh? Hearing that sound pleased Jill beyond words. First smiling and now this. She thinks she might've underestimated his true love for fishing!

What he said made a lot of sense. Those were the types of animals that caught fish, after all. When he asked for his rod, she offered it and stood still just as he instructed.

"But.. there's no bait." Doesn't he need that to catch a fish?

Jill might have underestimated his love for fishing, but that was okay, Will didn't really share much about himself other than what Jill could see. There were a few other things he loved with a passion and he'd keep them from her too unless she showed an interest in them of course.

Smiling at her as he took the rod. Moving the hook so it caught the light and reflected off the surface of the water. It looked pretty pointless and admittedly it took a bit of time, but eventually, a fish or two were popping their lips up at the surface, trying to catch the shiny, sparkling goodie.

Will smirked, and with a quick flick of his wrist, he had the hook dipping just under the surface and right into the open mouth of a rather large fish. "There you go. Just needs a little skill and a lot of patience." Smiling still as he turned and held the line out for Jill to get a better look at the fish.

"You want to put it back in or would you like it for dinner?"

Jill wouldn't mind learning even more about him. Fishing was something Will enjoyed, and it clearly made him very happy. If she could do something like this for him again, she would. Maybe she could get him smiling all the time, or at least more often.

When Will actually managed to catch a fish without any bait, Jill was amazed. "Incredible! I've never seen anyone do that before." He should have his own fishing show.

As for what to do with it... "It's silly, but I feel kind of sorry for it." Even though she's eaten fish plenty of times.

It was nice that someone was interested in him as she was. Will would normally shy away from people wanting to get closer to him, but this time he actually liked the person back so it wasn't as terrible as it normally would have been. Jill was very kind to gift him like this and to spend so much of her time on him, he really did appreciate her, even if he couldn't quite express it.

Will probably would have done amazingly well, had he had his own fishing show, although, that would require him to be around a whole cast and crew, no doubt they would wish him to be somewhat social with them and that just wouldn't do. "It's not something they normally teach you when learning to fish. I worked it out on my own one day." He had plenty of spare time when he wasn't at work, so Will indulged himself in his hobby.

He smiled when she made her point. "I don't find it silly at all actually." Jill was empathizing with the fish and although it was just small, it was something like he would do and that made him feel good. "We'll put the little guy back. Ther you go." Careful and gentle, Will unhooked the fish's mouth and set it back into the water. Watching as it swam off, fast at first then nice and slow as it swirled between them.

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Log: A river runs through Will Graham's mind

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