"I don't have anything."

Decorations were meaningless. She had never stayed in one place long enough to worry about that sort of thing.

But this time was different, apparently. This time she had spontaneously purchased a house with the intent to make it a home. Why?

She wants to believe it is only because she wanted to keep it from Gavin. But that wasn't entirely true.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]"then we'll just have to buy things."

a lot of things, from the size of the house.

he steps off to the side and begins to wander around, taking in the different rooms.

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

It takes her a moment, far longer than she comfortable with.

"... We?"

Emma watches him then, staring at the back of him as he wanders through the house.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]theo stops walking just for a brief moment, faltering at her question. it slipped out without him realizing.

"yeah."

and with that, he continues on, eventually circling back around to emma.

"only if you want the help."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

She sees him falter, hears the heel of his shoe squeak against the hardwood.

"Hm."

Emma waits a moment longer for him to circle back around. She watches him, gaze unwavering in intensity.

"Theo."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]stopping by her, he meets her gaze.

"emma."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

"That wasn't what you meant, was it?"

She continues to wait.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]after a moment, he shakes his head,

"no,"

then looks away.

"but it's fine."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma's brows come together, equal parts concern and agitation displayed on her face.

"Don't."

She looks away when he does, unwilling to chase his gaze. Ever the lone wolf, she chooses to retreat and stand on her own. She chooses not to pursue a target she cannot predict.

Emma, like always, chooses to avoid. She steps away from him and into the next room.

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]with a resigned sigh, he steps after her and into the next room.

it's bare, empty, and only now does it feel lonely.

"i'm just trying to help."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Maybe it was too much to ask him to accompany her. Their budding friendship was uneasy, unstable. It was an unknown, a variable she couldn't predict, something she couldn't see the end of, nor the beginning.

They had grown unexpectedly close to her, and even now she can feel the burn of the kiss he'd left on her cheek weeks ago.

"I don't need help."

THEO BECKETT

[attr="class","beck"]this particular room has a window that overlooks out into the city. he steps towards it, approaching.

"we all need help."

a pause.

"even me."

[attr="class","noodles"]Emma Wolfe

Emma regards him only after he's moved away from her. He stops by the window and her gaze passes between him and the view. She approaches, but allows distance between them.

"Is that why you're here then? Do you think that I can help you?"

That isn't what he meant, maybe. Or maybe it is.

"Because I can't. I can't even help myself."

THEO BECKETT