arockysmith

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Edith set three plates on the table and brought the food over quietly. She looked over at Marta occasionally not sure what to tell the girl. Every motherly instinct told her to make Marta leave and ensure she never came back, but she knew Ezra well enough to know that he would search for her. He had never been one to be rebellious, but he believed in his heart of hearts that this girl was the love of his life, and she couldn't deny him of the only thing that seemed to make him happy.

She let out a small sigh and fixed her dress. She walked over to the sofa and sat down next to the girl. Edith gently took her hand in her own and gave her a small smile. "Marta, I know you didn't mean for this to happen. Abe and I understand that you aren't following Hitler's teachings. I know how much my sons cares for you, but with you being a different religion we cannot approve of whatever it is going on between you two. He's promised to another girl and they are to marry by the time he's 18. I wish to see him alive another year so that I may see my only child marry. I can't in good conscious allow him to see you in public or for him to be seen with a girl who is not Jewish. If you wish to continue being in his life then you will see him here in this house from now on. If you wish to be with my son I will convince our Rabbi to help convert you, but until the conversion is complete you will not be allowed in public with him. I'm sorry but I must protect my son," Edith said holding tighter onto her hand. She took a breath and stood up, "Come now. You can bring Ezra a bowl of soup and eat in the bedroom if you wish, but you are also welcome at the table. If you don't want the food, you can have some of the soup I made for him."

Abe had fluffed Ezra's pillows about four times before he was satisfied with how they sat. He helped his son to the bed and pulled the blankets up to his waist. It was easier to just leave Ezra sitting in his underwear than trying to dress him completely. Ezra had been going in and out of consciousness during the bath and he was struggling to speak more than few words.

"Pa...I'm....okay," Ezra said trying to smile, but his face was too swollen to move.

Abe nodded, "I know you are. Your mother just likes to be extra cautious. I'll go get Marta for you. Try and keep the kissing to a minimum. You're really injured Ezra," he said.

Ezra let out a butchered laugh, "Okay...Pa."

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Ezra wasn't sure where he was exactly when he first started coming to again. His body was hurting all over and it was hard for him to breathe. He could hear people talking around him, but they didn't seem to notice his small movements until he let out a whimper from the pain. He felt hands rush to cradle his face and he could feel water sliding down his face and he wasn't sure if they were his tears or the person holding him. He heard small shush whenever he opened his mouth, trying to speak but failing. The hands fell and suddenly a bright light hit his eyes and he winced a little.

"He's got another concussion. His ribs are broken. His nose is also broken. He's lucky his lungs weren't punctured and there wasn't internal bleeding. This is the second time in a month that he's had a concussion. His speech may be a little slow and he might get confused a lot easier. Try and keep him in a dark room for a couple days. No solid foods right now if possible. He's lucky to still be alive Mr and Mrs Baer," the doctor said patting them on the back, "we've got a full house, so he's ready to leave once the papers are signed. He can't be on his feet until he sees me again in another month. Those ribs need a chance to heal."

Ezra made a small gesture and his mother quickly went to his side. She had a smile planted on her round face and she kissed him on the cheek a few times before letting his father come to his sons side. Abe grunted a little, but the fear was planted in his eyes. Ezra knew right away they'd thought they would be coming here to collect his body. He was sure his mother had already been planning who to invite to the funeral.

"Pa..." Ezra said quietly clenching his teeth at the pain from talking.

"Now son, you save your strength. We'll take you home and you'll sleep in the bedroom until you're all better. Mama and myself will sleep in the living room. We'll make sure you have care the whole time, and I'll be sure to bathe you every night," Abe said keeping his hands to himself. He wanted to reach out for his son, but the fear of never seeing him again lingered inside his body and he refused.

His mother nodded, "Let's get you home. Marta...Marta can stay with us for a bit if she would like to help care for you, but I don't want you outside in public with her ever again. She's caused you nothing but trouble Ezra. I know in your heart you feel like you love her,but Atalia is a nice Jewish girl and you wouldn't be risking your life for her," she said as she started crying again.

Ezra tried to protest, but his father held up a hand, "Let's get you out of this bed and head home."

It took a bit before they resurfaced to where Marta had been waiting, Ezra was half using his crutches and half leaning on his father with every step he took. His body felt like one huge bruise and every step sent pain straight through his body. He scanned the room for her and once his eyes landed on her hunched over body, he smiled.

"Marta," he said in a weak yell as he took a step towards her. The crutch slipped from his hand and he let out a small yelp as his father quickly hooked his arm around his waist to keep him steady.

arockysmith x SinfulSkills <<Kento & Jun>>

Jun grabbed her towel and wrapped it around her body while she looked around for the clothes she thought she washed just a few days ago. Her phone began to buzz, but she let it sit a couple moments before hearing it go off again. She tilted her head a moment trying to figure out if it was her father needing her to transfer him the money they didn't have. After getting dressed she picked up the phone from the floor and flicked through the messages. She let out a breath of relief when she noticed it was just Kenton.

She read the messages a couple times not sure if she should laugh at his lack of knowledge or find it endearing. Before responding she took a quick glance at her work schedule. She had planned to take off anyway...but she was still on the defensive about it. After a moment of deliberation she gave her boss a quick call and mentioned something about her father going on another binge and she had to try and find him. When she was finally granted the days she hung up and let out a little bit of a happy squeal. She'd never really hung out with someone outside of school so the fact that this would be her first time made her a little giddy.

I'm not working, so I'd love to "netflix and chill" with you :P, but if the movies suck I'll never let you live it down. Send

She stuffed her phone into her backpack and glanced at the clock in the kitchen. If she didn't leave now she'd miss the morning announcements. She pulled on her sneakers and slung her bag over her shoulder locking the door behind her. Kenton was a mysterious person, she thought, but he was more interesting than she originally thought he'd be.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Ezra let his one hand rest against her leg and the other on her waist. He'd been too caught up in her words and in the kiss that he hadn't noticed Oscar until his hand forcefully pulled Ezra off the bench. Out of instinct Ezra shoved the hand away from him. He heard the laughter as he stumbled into the street a little. He could hear a gasp from Marta who could do nothing but sit there stunned. Oscar quickly grabbed Ezra and pulled him back to the side walk like he wanted to talk.

His eyes flicked to Marta, "Let her go," he said through clenched teeth.

"Let her go," Oscar said mimicking Ezra. A harsh laugh escaped the mans mouth as he nodded, "How about I make her watch," he said as he punched Ezra in the stomach causing him to go down on his knee gasping for air. "I want her to see what we do to Jewish rats. I want it to burn inside her mind so that every night when she goes to sleep she can dream of me taking the life right out of your body. I warned her, Ezra. I really did, but sometimes you need to use physical representation."

Ezra's heart sank to his stomach as he began to stand up only to have Oscar kick him in the ribs. Ezra let out a breath and fell to his side. His eyes switched their focus between Marta and Oscar. "We were just saying...saying goodbye. We're not seeing each other anymore. She sees it your way now. I'm nothing but a parasite," he said as he spit a little blood on the sidewalk.

"Oh yes, that kiss I just saw really backs those words, Ezra. What a pathetic name. Ezra. Does it mean piece of shit? I'd burn you alive if I could," Oscar said with another laugh as he kicked Ezra in the face causing the boy to black out for a moment. "See what happens Marta when you befriend the enemy? Poor boy's going to suffer because of you."

Ezra struggled to open his eyes, but he refused to just go down without being able to fight. This guy was taking everything from him and he'd be damned if he let Oscar hurt Marta. He let out a cough and he could taste the blood on his lips. The smell of blood seemed to wrap around him and freeze his movements as he was brought back to a few weeks ago. First the stabbing, the altercation in the bakery, and now this. Ezra wasn't sure how much more he could handle. He'd never been one to fight unless he needed to. Most of the time he'd never raise a hand to a person for his own protection, but right now it wasn't about him. Marta was the one in trouble. Oscar was going to torture her mind and he couldn't just take a beating like he was taught, but the act of moving was incredibly difficult. His head was spinning and his muscles felt like brick. His eyes opened a little and he could see the horrified look on Marta's face.

"Run...Marta...before...it's..." Ezra couldn't finish before he received another kick to the abdomen.

Official RPG Crush Thread

@Cynder I'm glad I'm not alone in this. We need a guild wide fanfic revolving around him.

Shuffle your music player and post the first 10 songs

Centuries - Fall Out Boy
Shake It Off - Taylor Swift
Slow Dive - Young The Giant
Not The Doctor - Alanis Morissette
I'm A Mess - Ed Sheeran
Jackson - Elle King
How Does It Feel - Yuck
Million Dollar Man -Lana Del Rey
London's Burning - The Temper Trap
Concrete Bed - Nada Surf

Official RPG Crush Thread

I've got a secret crush on @POOHEAD189

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Ezra pulled his hand from hers roughly. His eyes filled with sadness and anger as he looked at her. His mouth was slightly open and his head was cocked to the side. He stared at her a moment unsure if he heard her correctly, or if his mind was just playing tricks. He wasn't sure if he wanted to yell at her or to just let it be. To agree would be the simple thing to do. It would end the tension between him and his parents, and it would settle things for Atalia and him, but the pain in his chest made it more complicated. He'd grown attached to Marta, to her presence and her touch. He shook his head and forced a smile.

"Stop. You're messing with me. Ha-ha, Marta," he said nudging her a little as he turned his head to face the ground, "You're not going to just...to just storm into my life and walk out like no big deal. You wouldn't do that to me...not now," he said his voice shaking a little.

He'd risked his life multiple times for her and he wasn't ready to just let her have it be all in vain. He could feel his chest growing hallow as he avoided her gaze. He'd scooted a little farther away from her, but kept his hand planted between them...willing for her touch it. Regretting that he'd pulled it away so quickly.

"You're not going to abandon me when I need you the most," he whispered after a moment of silence, "You wouldn't do that. I know we've only known each other a short while, but you told me you loved me and I believed your words. Now you're making me the fool. I don't know if I should hate you or just let you do this. Is it because of my parents? They'll come around when you convert. Atalia and I are arranged, but arrangements change. Her father just died, her mother will be packing up and moving with her shortly, back to her family. They'll meet another boy who will gladly take her hand. She's a beautiful girl. I'm here...I'm here because of you Marta."

He looked over at her as a tear rolled down his cheek and he quickly wiped it away. His father had gotten him a way out, but Ezra refused to leave, not just because of the family, but he wasn't ready to let go of the only person who showed him he was worth more than just his skill in baking. He was worth more than the money he would make. With Marta he could follow his passions of writing and she willingly pushed him towards those goals. His mother and father had seen it as no more than a hobby, but Marta encouraged him to pursue it as a career. He would never be Shakespeare, but he could still land among the stars with him.

"Marta...tell me why. Just give me a reason, a real reason and I'll let you go," Ezra said has he hand reached for the necklace that was no longer there. The only form of comfort beside Marta that he had...gone and it appeared that pretty soon she would leave him too.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

Atalia nodded, "I see. I heard he was delivering today because the bakery picked up a little, but I thought he'd care enough to give you notice," she said with a little sigh as she gave Marta a look of sympathy, "Did he tell you about the dinner he attended at my house the other night? I surprised him with his favorite dishes. We ended up making the dessert together though. Nobody makes pastries as good as him. Although he denies it and says Abe is the mast baker of their family."

After a moment of silence and tension between the girls Atalia let out a breath. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked between the floor and Marta. "He's probably too nice to tell you this, but since you've come around...his life has become rather difficult. He's been ignoring the teachings and his friends...well they're all too scared to even talk to him. It seems whenever you come around whispers come out into the streets. We all know you'll be the death of him, Marta. His parents constantly call mine to discuss, and assure them the arrangement set up back when him and I were children is still solid. They say he's just being a little rebellious, but at a time like this do you really think that's such a good idea? We've lost multiple members of our community in this last week due to Hitler, do you really want Ezra to be another causality?" She shook her head a little and turned on her heals to walk away, but then stopped. "He was promised to me, Marta. It would be in your best interest to let him live out the rest of his teenager years without any more conflict. You weren't there when his blood was spilling on the pavement by the hand of your friends brother. I was there staining the brand new dress he'd just bought me." Without another word or staying to hear Marta's response, Atalia crossed the street and headed back into her neighborhood.

Ezra was nearing the bench when he passed by Atalia. He waved at her and she flashed him a charming smile. The two of them stop quickly to speak, Ezra's hand reaching for hers as she appeared to cry a little. His face fell as she told him the news of her father's passing. He'd been taken three days ago by some of Hitler's men, and they assured her family he'd be home again, but the only thing they got back was the bloody Star of David. Atalia clung onto Ezra as he rubbed her back whispering words softly in her ear. His heart began to ache for Atalia. He gave her a small kiss on the top of her head and she gave him one on the cheek in return. He offered to walk her back home, but she declined and he looked up to where she was pointing to see Marta. He gave her another hug, tighter than before and then let her go on her way. He watched her leave as his thoughts began to swarm with rage and sadness. He was 7th one this week from their neighborhood to have lost his life.

Why Can't This Be? [arockysmith + tlstiffl]

*SPONGEBOB NARRATOR VOICE: TWO WEEKS LATER*

Ezra was making his way down to the sidewalk to one of the customers house holding a box of fresh bread and some lunch meat on the house. This guy had been the first customer his family ever had so they treated him like family. If it hadn't been for his raving review of their bakery their name would have never gotten out to the other towns. He walked up the stoop leading to the door and knocked lightly. It took a little bit before Jeremiah answered the door.

"Good evening, sir. Pa and Ma send their regards. The shop is a little busy today, which is why I cam instead," Ezra said with a smile as he walked into the mans house and placed the items on the small table.

Jeremiah nodded, "It's okay boy. I enjoy seeing you. It seems like just yesterday you were only this high," he said gesturing a couple inches above his knee.

Ezra laughed. Jeremiah was like an uncle to him. He'd played with his own children back when he was growing up, but they were older than Ezra so they'd been long gone by now. He'd seem them every once in a while during holidays but Jeremiah lived mostly by himself. Ezra gave a nod and collected the money, a little extra than normal. Jeremiah was always a guy to tip no matter how little he had. With a wave goodbye Ezra began the 30 minute walk to meet Marta.

Atalia was standing by a bench just outside of their neighborhood. Her dark brown hair went down her back tied up in a braid with little whisp of hair framing her face. Her brown eyes were fierce as she looked at her small watch waiting for Marta to show up. This was usually where she met Ezra, but today he had an errand to run so Marta would be waiting a little bit longer. Just thinking the name made Atalia angry. Ezra had been promised to her, and she wouldn't let some rich Christian girl take him away. Since they were kids they'd been groomed for each other.

She saw the other girl looming in the distance and she stood tall as her light blue dress blew slightly in the wind. "Marta!" she called with a small smile. She'd be nice first, but she wouldn't keep it up if the girl didn't understand. She had no idea of their life or their religion. You couldn't just go back on an arrangement, especially with her family.