[sub]Collab between: [@Snagglepuss89] & [@lovely complex][/sub]

[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/v6c89iw.png[/img][/center][hr][center][color=firebrick]Warning:[/color] Due to the length of the post, we have split our writing into hiders, kind of like "chapters"   - Love, Plex[/center][hr]
[hider=Um, you forgot this...]
[center][h3][color=00ffbf]Elliot Longstreet[/color][/h3][/center]
Elliot hadn't tried to assist with Kylie's meltdown, she didn't even seem to recognize him and he knew from experience that intervening then would have only made it worse. Besides, the look the woman named Tara had been giving him was making him [i]very[/i] uncomfortable, so he made haste while she was distracted by the breakdown happening in front of them. He managed to get word to Riley he would try and talk to the Reeses when things were a bit more calm, before making his way out of the mall.

He knew that he would regret being on his feet so much today, it was something he tried to avoid anymore, but the mother whose bag had broken earlier lost her ID. Normally, he would have handed it to the officer in front of him and be done with it, but Lord knew the man had enough on his hands at the moment just dealing with Kylie. So instead, with no other plans for the day, Elliot began his long walk towards the outskirts of town.

His long, painful, hungry walk.

The appetite had been slapped out of him earlier, but it had returned with a vengeance. Half the day had gone by now with no fuel, and Elliot felt like what little there was left of him was withering away. By the time he made it to the woman's address, he barely had the energy to notice the surroundings. Still, he felt a sense of... peace. He had always lived inside the town, and rarely traveled to the outskirts. Maybe one day he'd move to these parts.

Trying to think of something smooth to say, he began knocking on the door. Part of him hopes the child was sleeping, he didn't dislike kids but he wasn't very good with them. As for the woman... He was hoping to get a better look at her now that they weren't in the midst of utter chaos.[hr][center][h3][color=limegreen]Nana Darling[/color][/h3][/center]
Laying in her Queen sized bed, with a simple [url=http://www.forever21.com/images/default_750/00141338-02.jpg] white tank and plaid pajama shorts[/url], Nana gradually opened her eyes at the sound of light knocking. Who could possibly be visiting her? It was too early for her friend to come over... maybe something happened? 

Yawning, she sat up quietly and wiped her eyes. The room was dark and filled with the sound of ticking. Her baby boy was still laying beside her asleep. Leaning in, she kissed his forehead and left her bed. She would have to wake him up from his nap in an hour. Tiptoeing, she went to the door and creaked it open. Jude turned his body on the bed making the mother freeze. He stopped moving and she gave an expression of relief. Leaving the bedroom, she closed the door behind her softly. 

Quickly, she scurried to the bathroom to make sure she looked semi-presentable. To be honest, she didn't care how she looked. Patting her fly away hair down and then drinking some mouth wash and spitting it out, the mother shrugged and left her bathroom to see who was visiting. Looking through the peephole, her eyes widened in surprise. The stranger from earlier was visiting her... but why? How did he know where she lived? Should she get her bat? ...but he has a cane... maybe she dropped something? Her paranoia was building up so she grabbed the closest thing to her... a pen? Yeah, that'll do. Just in case she needed to protect her and her son. But... he might be harmless, right?

Taking a deep breath in, the woman steadily opened her front door. The door was opened enough so he could see her body, but closed enough so there was no seeing the inside of her home.

[color=limegreen]"Um... hello. Can I help you?"[/color] Her green eyes met with his. The wind chill outside made her bring her legs closer together for warmth as she waited for his response. [hr][center][h3][color=00ffbf]Elliot Longstreet[/color][/h3][/center]
He was frozen for a second as she stared at him, if he had bothered to examine the picture on the license closely he would have noticed what a striking shade of green her eyes were. As it were, he was caught off guard, and forced himself to close his eyes before he stared too long. Scratching the back of his head with a somewhat awkward grin, he said:

"[color=00ffbf]Ah, right, miss. You dropped your ID back at the mall, I walked over to return it before someone else got their hands on it.[/color]"

Miss? Had he looked at the license for her name? Had for forgotten it? Either case made him out to be stupid. He fumbled through his wallet and slid her ID out from where he'd placed it behind his. [i]Nana[/i] Right. Well, it was too late to pretend he knew now. He handed the license back to her through the door, letting out a sigh.

"[color=00ffbf]I don't think I ever caught your name. I'm Elliot, the [/color]'[color=palegreen]did you fall[/color]'[color=00ffbf] guy from the mall.[/color]"

Right after he spoke, his stomach growled something fierce, causing him to wince in annoyance. Maybe he should stop for a burger on his way back into town? Flipping through his wallet revealed he had... $0 on him. It was going to be a long day.

"[color=00ffbf]Uh, anyway, I'm sorry for intruding, I should probably start heading back though before I'm even more skin and bones than I already am.[/color]"[hr]
[center][h3][color=limegreen]Nana Darling[/color][/h3][/center]
The woman eased a bit when he said she had dropped her ID. Of course, she should be mad at herself for losing it in the first place, but he was kind enough to bring it to her. Reaching for it, she gave him a warm smile, [color=limegreen] "Thank you so much, Elliot. Oh my name? I'm Nana."[/color] Her guard was loosening up the more she observed him, he seemed sweet...but then again, so did the pastor's son, [color=limegreen]"I probably should get a new bag..."[/color] Adorably, she scratched her head and stuck out her tongue, a bit embarrassed at the fact that he had to witness her accident.

Completely forgetting about her paranoia, her attention was brought to his stomach growl. 

[color=limegreen][i]"He was nice enough to bring you back your ID... I wonder if he walked all the way? Feed the guy, he deserves it. But... we just met?...Does he really look like someone who can hurt you?... looks could be deceiving... One act of kindness shouldn't hurt."[/i][/color]

Impulsiveness overtook her as she let her inner desire take flight, the mother stopped him from going down her porch stairs and asked, [color=limegreen]"W-would you like to come in for food? The baked spaghetti should be done in ten minutes. I-I can make you a cup of coffee?"[/color] She was nervous about letting this man inside her home but she needed to show her gratitude somehow. Opening her door wider and gesturing for him to come in, she urged on, [color=limegreen]"Please, come in. I insist."[/color] Her exotic eyes pleaded for him to accept her offer, as she added, [color=limegreen]"It's good Jude is sleeping right now, he'd be so excited. I... I don't have many visitors."[/color]

Her home was warm and welcoming. If he did accept her offer, she'd lead him to her [url=http://www.cataldobuilders.com/userfiles/Laverty%202010%20030.jpg] living room[/url] and then make him something to drink in her [url=http://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/5e81c7a200e4603a_4-0113/beach-style-kitchen.jpg] kitchen[/url]. Her house spoke "first home owner", nothing extravagantly expensive, but nice enough to give a homey feel to it. 
[/hider]

[hider=Welcome to my home!][center][h3][color=00ffbf]Elliot Longstreet[/color][/h3][/center]
While the sound of spaghetti alone would have stopped him in his tracks the mention of coffee ensured that there would be no leaving this place prematurely. Sure, he had managed to get a cup from Riley earlier, but with the way his day had gone so far he'd need another ten to feel even remotely satisfied with his java-to-insanity ratio. He spun on his good leg, a grin on his face, sure his encounter with Sophi had his day begin horribly, but it seemed like fortune was turning around for him. Who needed the slap-happy ungrateful woman anyway?

"[color=00ffbf]Did you say coffee? I mean, I'm starving and the spaghetti sounds great too, but coffee? It wouldn't be intruding if I had a cup?[/color]"

He didn't know how a good looking woman like her had so few visitors when she went around offering food to strangers who knocked on her door, but Elliot wasn't going to press her too hard about it. Besides, she seemed almost... desperate for a chance at company. Plus, to his fortune, the child was asleep at the moment. Yes, it seemed as if his day was looking up indeed.

He stepped inside slowly, giving her one last look to make sure it was okay before finally making his way through the doorway. He let out a whistle at the sight of the living room, impressed with how well it was kept. Sure, his old house had been great, but he'd gotten a new appreciation for even modest homes in the years since he moved away. Normally he would follow her into the kitchen while she cooked to better hold a conversation, but instead he slipped off his shoes and made his way over to the couch. His leg was beginning to throb, and he needed to give it a rest. 

"[color=00ffbf]It really is a nice place, you should be proud.[/color]"

As he spoke he slipped a pillow under his good leg, propping it up a bit on the couch while his fake one rested on the floor, still covered up by his socks. He fiddled with his cane half-absently while he waiting for him to answer, and bring in his drink.[hr][center][h3][color=limegreen]Nana Darling[/color][/h3][/center]
In the kitchen, Nana opened her cupboard and took out two of her many [url=http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1ve8JJpXXXXX.XXXXq6xXFXXX7/Creative-Cartoon-Face-Expression-Water-Container-Cute-Cup-Ceramic-Coffee-Mug-Travel-Hot-Selling-Free-Shipping.jpg] cartoon face mugs[/url]. Coffee was preset to start brewing a little bit before she awoke from her nap. Unlike her son who required a longer nap, the woman would only allow herself to sleep for 45 minutes tops. After she poured the dark coffee into the mugs, she went to the fridge and took out her hazelnut creamer. Placing it on a hardwood tray, she reached for the small sugar bowl with a lid on it. She wasn't going to assume how he liked his coffee. 

Hearing him compliment her place, she admitted, [color=limegreen]"In my opinion, you pay less out here than living in town. Our town is relatively small so everything is basically near main attractions. Even the apartments are a bit overpriced because of their location."[/color]

After all the coffee condiments and things were gathered, she opened a plastic container and took a couple of scones out, placing it on a plate on the tray. Ripping two paper towels off, she finally finished her ensemble. 

Picking up the tray, she made her way back to the living room and finished her point, [color=limegreen]"I feel like I'm getting more for my money, you know? Plus... it's a really nice area."[/color] It was obvious the mother wasn't a fan of big crowds and where her house was located hardly ever had someone walking by it unless said person was going on a jog. Occasionally, church goers would pass her house but not often since those individuals were usually lost and missed their turn. 

Placing the tray on the coffee table, she grabbed her mug and added a small bit of creamer in it. After she stirred it with a tiny spoon and placed the spoon back on the tray, she sat in the one seater and calmly stared at the male. This was kind of nice...

[color=limegreen]"Thank you by the way. I've been saving up for this. Also, I'm one hell of a bargain shopper."[/color] No one would expect that the entirety of her furniture and decorations were amazingly well priced (thanks to deals!). Her friend also donated some of her household items that she was going to toss away anyways (Reuse and renew!). 

Taking a sip of her coffee, she giggled, [color=limegreen]"I hope you don't mind dessert before your meal. I wanted something to hold you over."[/color] Nana was a caretaker by heart. Even when she didn't have a child, she usually took care of her mother, who always seemed "sick". Taking note of his leg, she asked worriedly, [color=limegreen]"Do you want an ice pack? I'm really sorry I put you through that long walk..."[/color][hr][center][h3][color=00ffbf]Elliot Longstreet[/color][/h3][/center]
Elliot threw back his head and let out a loud laugh at her apology, giving a dismissive wave with his cane. He had been nodding along with her explanation of pricing in town to show he had been paying attention, and had been just about to reach for a scone when the offer for an ice pack left her lips. 

"[color=00ffbf]No need to worry! I could have given it to the police if the walk bothered me that much, I still need exercise even in this shape.[/color]"

Apologizing for a walk he decided to take himself? It was always the ridiculous things that ticked his sense of humor. He ignored the comment for ice, he didn't need it and she had already gone through enough work for the moment. It was then he grabbed his scone with one hand and the mug with his other. He eyed the liquid carefully, it was true that in the Diner earlier he had drank his entire cup black, but he wasn't exactly in the right state of mind then. Still, wasn't it considered manly to take it black? He took a look at Nana, she really was quite the attractive woman, it was no surprise she had a child already. He imagined she had to beat men away with a baseball bat just to get some peace.

[i][color=00ffbf]I can show off a little, eh?[/color][/i]

Making sure it was cool just enough that it wouldn't burn him, he took a long drink.

[i]Regret.[/i]

That was the emotion that overwhelmingly filled him as the bitterness sank in. However, he was committed now, he'd look like an idiot if he changed his mind halfway through. Elliot forced himself to swallow it quickly and wasted no time in taking a bite of the scone to help cover the taste. He hoped beyond reason that she assumed his haste was because of starvation, and not because his taste buds were actively dying at that moment. He gave her a smile that he hoped was reassuring before commenting.

"[color=00ffbf]Thanks for the service, I really was dying for a bite to eat.[/color]"

He popped the rest of the scone in his mouth then and closed his eyes, summoning the willpower to drain the rest of his mug before he had time to truly consider how awful it was. When he set the mug down, he let out an [i]ah[/i] of satisfaction to try and push the point home how nice he wanted to make it seem. In truth, he was satisfied, with the fact that he wouldn't have to taste it again today.

"[color=00ffbf]I really shouldn't drink any more or I'll be up all night. So, uh... Are you from around here? I think I'd remember eyes like those growing up, although I have been gone a few years.[/color]"[hr][center][h3][color=limegreen]Nana Darling[/color][/h3][/center]
Intrigued, Nana watched the man drink the strong black coffee. Not many people could handle drinking something so bitter. He was calm for the most part as he ate the scone and finished his coffee. She acknowledged his thanks by nodding and taking another sip of her sweeter flavored coffee. Nana was raised to be a lady and the only time she was truly messy was when she hadn't eaten for hours and food was ready for her to devour. Perhaps even during sex... but she wouldn't know, her sex life was limited. She was keeping an attentive ear to the oven for the food and to her bedroom just in case Jude woke up. Noticing sweat go down Elliot's forehead, the mother wanted to ask him if he was alright but she decided he may just be hot from drinking the coffee. 

[color=limegreen]"I've been here for almost five years. I'm from Bend, which is like a five hour drive."[/color] Placing her cup down, she grabbed a scone, broke a tiny piece of it, and began nibbling the dessert. Finishing chewing, but covering her mouth just in case there was food still in it, she asked, [color=limegreen]"What made you leave and come back? You don't have to answer that if it's too personal."[/color] She grabbed the napkin and wiped her fingers on it. 

Before he got the chance to reply, the oven beeped. Getting up, she excused herself, [color=limegreen]"We'll get back to our conversation after I make you some food!"[/color] She gave a timid, yet cute grin, a bit happy she'd be satisfying his hunger. Before she walked away, the mother offered to get him something else to drink, [color=limegreen] "Do you want water? I also have apple, cranberry, grape, orange... 2% milk?"[/color] She took the plate of scones off the tray laying it on the coffee table.

Picking up the tray, she continued, [color=limegreen]"Usually, I'd say lets go to the dining room but I'll make an exception. Jude is just messy and I want him to know the importance of family time."[/color] She sighed, thinking about how her mother would always be on her phone and her father would always be reading the newspaper...

Shaking her head, not wanting to think about her parents, Nana dismissed herself by giving a little bow and then brought the tray to the kitchen. Within time, she had a big plate of baked spaghetti made for him and a tiny bowl for herself. She would eat more when Jude woke up. The tray had been cleared, so she placed the lunch on it with a cup of water for herself and the drink he requested (if any). 

Returning back to him, she placed the tray once more on the table and grabbed her bowl. Picking a piece of spaghetti up with her fork, she lightly blew at the food to cool it down, [color=limegreen]"Be careful, it's hot."[/color]
[/hider]

[hider=Maybe we'll see each other again?][center][h3][color=00ffbf]Elliot Longstreet[/color][/h3][/center]
Bend...? Elliot wasn't familiar with the place and shrugged. He froze when she asked him about his reason for leaving, but was thankfully given some time to think when she stood to go to the kitchen instead. She was hard to nail down, timid yet playful? It was certainly an odd combination, but not one Elliot minded. He asked for water when prompted, and thought about how to answer her previous question.

True, him and Sophi had gotten off on the wrong foot that morning, but she still deserved to hear about the situation before anyone. Unless she kept up the ultra-bitch attitude every time she saw him. Still, this afternoon lunch was the most relaxed he'd been in awhile, and he didn't want to make things too awkward. Or worse, come off as suspicious.

As she was picking up the trays he noticed, for the first time, her attire. What was with half the women he met today wearing almost nothing? Still he didn't comment on it, he was intruding in her house after all, the woman could prance around in whatever she wanted. He simply discreetly admired the view as she fixed them lunch. Finally, as the spaghetti was set in front of him he answered her carefully.

"[color=00ffbf]I kinda feel I owe someone else an explanation for leaving first, sorry. I came back though because the parents of my... second family died a short time ago. I thought I could help them out.[/color]"

He sighed, moving in close to the tray and picking up his fork.

"[color=00ffbf]To be honest though, it seems like it was a bad decision. I haven't gotten the warmest reception.[/color]"

He rubbed the bruise on his cheek absently as he focused on the food in front of him. The smell was making his mouth water, and his stomach demanded that he shove something more into it than just a scone and coffee. He blew on it a little more forcefully than Nana and soon the first bite was in his mouth.

[i][color=00ffbf]Jude eats well.[/color][/i]

It could have just been his hunger overriding his taste buds, but the meal was delicious. It took all his willpower not to shove the second forkful in right after the first, remembering her warning about burning himself. The thought of complimenting the cooking occurred to him, but instead he focused on eating as quickly as possible. Sure, he had been taught manners, but he was also taught the best way to show a host thanks for a meal is to enjoy it. So he made thoroughly sure his satisfaction could not be mistaken.

When he finished, he let out a contented sigh and wiped his mouth with the same sort of manners Nana had been displaying throughout the entire meal, trying to show he wasn't a complete animal. Elliot grinned and scratched the back of his head sheepishly, reaching for his water to wash it down with.

"[color=00ffbf]You say the meal was a thank you, but I feel almost like I owe you now.[/color]"[hr][center][h3][color=limegreen]Nana Darling[/color][/h3][/center]
Not realizing what she was wearing could be seen as unacceptable to a visitor, Nana watched him as he accepted her food graciously. 

Understanding his reasoning for not being able to tell her why he came back, the raven haired woman finished chewing the food she had in her mouth and commented, [color=limegreen]"Don't give up. Something in you brought you back, right?"[/color] She let her words sink in before continuing, [color=limegreen] "I'd keep moving forward until you and that '[color=00ffbf]someone else[/color]' have the chance to talk things out."[/color]

A thoughtful expression fell on her face, as she wondered who the family could be. The town was small but she lived in her own hole away from the public. It also didn't help her hours were picking up so having time to read the newspaper this month was slim to none. Maybe her ignorance was good for this conversation. At least he wouldn't have to worry about her knowing the person or family he was talking about. 

She added one last thing to encourage him to keep fighting the fight, [color=limegreen]"This family must mean something to you, so I don't think you should let go of that feeling...that feeling of wanting closure, I guess? I wouldn't have had the pleasure of eating lunch with you, if it weren't for your desire to see them again. This was really nice, Elliot."[/color] Her expression softened and her eyes captured his as she said this. She hoped her words were enough for him to not runaway from this issue he had at hand.  

The mother wasn't even finished with her own food when the man had shoveled all his down. Her eyes widened in amazement, did she really cook that good? Putting her bowl down, she chuckled, [color=limegreen]"You were really hungry... Do you want seconds? Or..."[/color] She began playing with her fingers and shyly offered, not knowing if he was ready to leave or not, [color=limegreen]"I could give you some food to take home, if you'd like."[/color][hr][center][h3][color=00ffbf]Elliot Longstreet[/color][/h3][/center]
Elliot glanced out the window, considering her offer. Truthfully he wasn't that hungry but he was enjoying his stay too much to refuse right away. Still, something nagged at him about her words earlier. This was nice, and he was trying to do a good deed, but was he just trying to escape from his business with the Reeses? It wasn't something he'd considered until now. He finished off his glass of water to buy himself a little more time before answering.

"[color=00ffbf]I should probably get going soon. I'd love to take some of that home though, I don't really have any money on me to pick up groceries on the walk home.[/color]"

Almost as soon as the words were out of his mouth he waved his hands out in front of him though, defensively.

"[color=00ffbf]I mean, don't misunderstand! I'm having a great time, but it's a bit of a long walk back and I'm sure your kid will be up soon![/color]"

Every word was the truth, but if she gave him food to go... Maybe it'd be a reason to stop by again sometime. Surely she'd want the dish back. As she got up he stretched his good leg and did the same, wincing as pain throbbed through it. He'd pay for all this walking around tomorrow.[hr][center][h3][color=limegreen]Nana Darling[/color][/h3][/center]
[color=limegreen]"Oh no, I understand. You got to do what you got to do."[/color] She began cleaning up the area and then jokingly said, [color=limegreen]"It's a good thing you're leaving before my little monster wakes up. I wouldn't want a big hug keeping you!"[/color] Looking up from what she was doing, her eyes beamed playfully at him as he stretched his leg. 

Going back to the kitchen, she left the tray on the counter and made him some food to go. She gave him nearly half of the baked spaghetti and placed it in a large, solid Tupperware. Putting it in a cloth grocery bag, she decided to add more to it... maybe it'll pleasantly surprise him? She slipped in some granola bars, two bananas, a few juice boxes, fruit snacks, and a zip lock bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies. After she tied the bag closed, the mother grabbed one of her bottles she uses when she exercises at the Fierce Five Gym and put fresh cold water in it. 

The to-go care package felt complete.

Scurrying back to him, hoping she didn't keep him waiting for too long, she gave him the bottle in one hand and the shopping bag in another. 

[color=limegreen]"I don't want you to get dehydrated on your walk."[/color][hr][center][h3][color=00ffbf]Elliot Longstreet[/color][/h3][/center]
Elliot blinked at the care package, feeling a bit guilty about mentioning groceries earlier. He didn't want to make her feel bad by refusing, but... even a water bottle? Did people not keep those? He forced himself to smile in order to cover his bewilderment. This woman, at the very least, was something else. He had no intention to keep the bag or dish or water bottle of course, he'd just need to make a return trip sometime.

"[color=00ffbf]Hah, it all seems like a bit much, but I do appreciate it. I'll make sure to bring this all back if you don't mind me stopping by again.[/color]"

He paused for a moment, before opening the door and stepping onto the porch.

"[color=00ffbf]Minus the food of course![/color]"

He tried to think of some final words of goodbye, but with nothing forthcoming he just chuckled awkwardly after a moment and waved with his cane once his back was turned. The town hadn't changed much since he had left, but he could get used to some of the new residents.[hr][center][h3][color=limegreen]Nana Darling[/color][/h3][/center]
He was so modest. Her care package was not a big deal at all. For one, Nana wasn't materialistic and giving some food to him, to hold him over, wasn't bad...was it? Perhaps it was her motherly instincts that kicked in when he mentioned he had yet to go grocery shopping. 

While he exited the door, the mother watched him leave sending him off with a cheer, [color=limegreen]"Good luck!"[/color] Gracefully waving, she watched him go down her porch stairs and then added one last thing to her goodbye, [color=limegreen] "I-I wouldn't mind seeing you again, Elliot."[/color]

With that, he left and a little dog with black and white fur followed behind him. 

[color=limegreen][i]"He has a dog? He should've told me! The cute thing is probably hungry."[/i][/color] Her ears perked up at a sound of a tiny voice coming out of her bedroom, [color=palegreen]"Mommy~"[/color]

Ah. Duty calls.[/hider]