"You Are a Person of Upmost Potential. You Just Don't Know It Yet." (Closed//Stalkers Enabled)

"I'm sorry. I just…. this is hard for me to process." she said, calming down.

"I know. I… understand. The process is a long one, and… I just got snappish. Sorry." He ruffled his hair and turned away a little.

"It's fine. This will work out in the end, I know it. Now, what are we going to work on today?" she asked. It was as if the argument had never happened.

"I suppose we could finish what we were working on yesterday, then if there's enough time we could plan something else." Havenwood walked across the cave to the forge and picked up the metal brooding in it, getting started again.

"Right-o. Let's get to it then!" she said.

"Yeah! So I've been heating the metal for some time so we'll be able to mold it into springs… just grab that ingot over there… we could heat it for tomorrow…" And the rest of the day was as backbreaking as usual, apart from weird mistakes from Havenwood. He seemed very nervous all day; dropping stuff and stealing glances at the front-way.

Maria noticed this but didn't bring it up until the end of the session. "Havenwood, you seem nervous. What's the matter?"

"Nothing. Just making sure Prometheus is holding onto his balls. Well, is it late already? It was a great job today." He turned to her and grinned.

"Holding onto his wha-ha-ha?" she chuckled. She couldn't help herself, it was all she could do to keep her ribs from cracking under the strain.

"Oh, heh, sorry!" Havenwood grinned sheepishly. "Apollo and I always say that. It's a twin thing, I guess." He shrugged, the slight grin on his face still visible.

"You've got a strange sense of humor."

"I suppose I do, huh?" Havenwood's grin got a bit wider.

"Well, I suppose I should go home now." she said, a slight blush creeping to her cheeks.

"Yeah, I suppose we should choose a time that's… later? So you're more prepared?"

"I guess. Maybe 10:30 then?" she asked.

"Sure. Any time is good." He stuck his hand out.

She took his hand yet again.

She appeared in her apartment, which somehow looked less shabby than usual.

Maria took no notice of this, she was far too tired. She flopped down on the couch, not bothering to get ready for bed.

She drifted to sleep and awoke to a faint, rather awkward knock to the door.

"Mmphhmwhatsitwhoisitcomein." she mumbled into the cushions.

"I…I'm going to presume that you just invited me in." He opened the door and poked his head into the living room. "Ah… Maria? Are you up?"

"Ish."

"Well… should I come back later?"

"No, I'm fine. I'm wearing clothes this time."

Thank Gods. I don't need another episode like yesterday's.
"Alright… um… do you want me to make you breakfast?" Havenwood shimmied into the apartment.

"I can, it's fine." she said, getting up and opening the fridge.

"Alright…" Havenwood glanced around and sat stiffly on the edge of the new armchair, feeling exceptionally out of place, even though he'd previously asked Apollo to clean the place up. In the fridge, it was full (want).

Maria made some scrambled eggs, toast, and bacon, wanting to eat something simple. This morning, however, she made two servings. She was a pretty good cook, and even the simplest of meals she made with elegance. "Here, careful that you don't burn your mouth as it's a bit hot." she said, handing Havenwood a plate.

"Thanks. You really didn't need to cook for me." Havenwood carefully picked up the new fork. and dove it into the egg. "So, do you like what Apollo did with the place?" He asked conversationally and glanced over at her.