Space Between a Blink and a Tear

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn didn't mind the silence. Okay, well she didn't actually like there to be silence between her and another person unless they were about to take a nap or something. However; she understood that Ashley had been though a lot so was probably pretty tired after it all. Devyn was tempted to even offer Ashley the choice of staying the rest of the night in her room. However; Ashley did say she wanted to go to Ellen's room so perhaps she wanted to spend the night with Ellen instead. Would Ellen allow such a thing? Perhaps in secrete but certainly not in a way where a lot of people could find out. "Anytime. Seriously." Devyn responded to her friends thanks.

She really meant that anytime part, because she was happy to help out her friends at any time no matter what. Yes she would probably be a little slow if it was around the time when the sun was coming up since that was when she felt really sleepy but she would do what she had to do to be able to help out those who were important to her. Those that were in her 'pack' of sorts and Ash was certainly one of her pack members. "Heh, yeah. I'm a real beast when pissed off." Devyn responded and again that was in the most literally sense possible. While she still felt pretty confident she would not harm anyone that she cared for deeply. She still didn't want to see the look in their eyes when they saw her out of control.

To see fear or really any negative emotion in the eyes of those she cared for in her other form, it would hurt. Soon enough they were in Devyn's room and Devyn went about cleaning her friend up. A part of her was tempted to lick said wounds, but thus far she had been pretty good at not doing that to anyone, unless it was their neck and she was trying to leave her mark on them. Still, she tried to be as careful as she could with everything and once everything was cleaned up she focused on expertly putting the butterfly stiches on Ash's hand. Dev had enough practice of taking care of wound by now to know what she was doing.

The question had Devyn chuckling a little. "Only the beautiful ones who deserve it." Devyn responded with an honest smile, but of course she tossed in a playful wink in there. "I do have a habit of taking in people who do honestly need it. Can't help but to care for your types. Plus it helps you are a totally sweet heart." Devyn responded as she reached out to give Ash's head a careful pat.

[Ashley Benson]

Ashley had very little evidence to go on when it came to Devyn and her capacity for mayhem, though she wasn't about to test her theory based solely upon the way the other girl had instantly adopted a 'mama wolf' demeanor when she stumbled across Ashley and the strangely intriguing, yet almost sinister looking shadow beast Devyn could shift into. A soft smile accompanied a faint nod in response to Devyn's musings on her own personality. Whatever her reasons, Ashley would be forever grateful that Devyn felt the way she did about her.

"Yeah." Ashley replied dryly, turning a dirt smudged face complete with dark circles around her bloodshot eyes up to Devyn. "You can still keep any mirrors away from me." It may have been a weak attempt at humor but it showed Ashley's nerves were beginning to settle in the presence of the other girl. "I'm far from pretty right now." Though the compliment was taken and caused another smile to surface.

Another dry chuckle escaped Ashley's lips. She didn't know how much of a sweetheart someone who could snap at any moment and find themselves running from shadowy forms that didn't exist could be but she was in no position to argue. Yet again Devyn and pushed a compliment onto her Ashley didn't completely believe fit, and yet again Devyn was the recipient of a sheepish shrug. "I was scared about coming out." She admitted. "About having to be around people again." She peered up to Devyn as the dirt and blood was wiped off her skin and the bandages applied. "But because of Ellen and you..." She paused a moment as the realization of the words fully sunk in. "... I think I'm going to be okay."

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn didn't really like people to see her bad side, but she certainly had it and had shown it several times in her time at the school. Thankfully the only people who ever got the worst of it was SPECTRE and Devyn hoped to keep it that way. However; there were a few people Devyn did not mind the mental image and destroying them to a point that they had to use the person's blood in order to be able to identify what was left. That was a bit dark of her to think, but it was not really all that odd with someone with Devyn's ability to think in such a way from time to time. All that really mattered for Ash to know was that Devyn was going to look after her and make sure she was alright.

Ash of course didn't really seem to think what Devyn was saying was the real deal, but few did when they were dirty or not feeling the best. Devyn did look at the surface but often times she was looking past the physical and down into someone’s core. She didn't just say things to try and make someone’s feel better, she meant the words she said, and it was just an added bonus if the person felt good after hearing it. Devyn chuckled a little at Ash's comment about keeping mirrors away from her and how she was far from pretty. "Well, you don't have to worry about any mirrors. The school no longer lets me have them in my room. Broken them too many times." Devyn informed her.

She started then doing a few last looks to make sure she was not missing anything. "And you are beautiful in here." Devyn said as she pointed to Ash, touching the girl's chest likely; of course above the boob because she was not trying to make any moves on Ash. Ash might not have viewed herself as a sweetheart because of the things she had done or the state of her mind, but she was. Devyn would have pointed out that Ash clearly was a good person that just had something wrong with her that was messing that up. Devyn listened to Ash explain about how she was worried about coming out again; while she tossed things away and brought Ash a water bottle.

Dev could not help but to smile and even blush a little at Ash's words, since they made her feel special and like she was actually making a difference in someone’s life. "Thanks Ash, means a lot. And I'm sure you will be okay. Better then okay, you are going to be great. Might take time and some slips ups might happen here and there, but I'm certain you are going to make it." Devyn said, nodding a few times because she really did feel that Ash was a good person and more people would start to see that. "If you want, you can stay the night here but I can still take you to Ellen now if you like." Devyn then spoke up, not forgetting about what she wanted to offer and what Ash had wanted earlier.

[Ashley Benson]

Ashley nodded a little, taking the information of Devyn's apparent poor relationship with mirrors in stride. She knew a thing or two about special restrictions in her room. Having to remove mirrors was just a minor thing. If anything, Devyn's willingness to share details of her own 'weirdness' and exceptional circumstances succeeded in planting the seed of comfort in the back of Ashley's mind. Maybe that's why she was here and Bellefonte. Maybe that's why her handlers thought it best she venture out among her peers. To see she wasn't so different. That everyone had their dues in life to pay and it was okay for Ashley to not feel like an outcast among misfits.

Another smile accompanied a lowering of Ashley's gaze. Devyn had been a never ending stream of gentle reassurances and sometimes not-so-subtle compliments. Her words were sweet and touched Ashley's heart in a way she couldn't ever hope to express. Devyn had, to put it simply, seen Ashley at her worst and yet there was no judgement or even pity. She'd taken it upon herself to see Ashley back to the dorms and taken care of. Devyn may not have known it then, but she had just gained a friend for life.

"Thank you Devyn. For everything." Ashley's eyes lifted. They were rimmed with a fresh batch of tears that threatened to fall though they weren't borne of fear or sorrow. She's never experienced such a blatant act of selflessness and she wouldn't soon forget it. "You've already done so much, Ellen..." Ashley trailed off. She didn't know how to finish her sentence. She didn't know why the blonde girl in question had been the first face to flash in her mind or why once it had appeared, it refused to leave. "She already knows... everything. And she said I could stay with her if I needed to." Ashley offered an uncertain shrug. It was apparent even she wasn't sure of her reasons. "I... I need to."

[Devyn Solway]

It was true that pretty much everyone at the school had something that made them a little 'messed up' in some way or another. Not everyone had a great life at home, those that did could have been possibly disowned by their families when they came into their powers, they could have had a tough time adjusting to the school, and not to forget the events that happened at the school that could have messed a few people up. Devyn knew she was messed up and was not really doing anything to help herself get better. She didn't think there was any point to it or that no one would be able to understand and help her get better.

There were some deep seeded roots of pain in her that she kept hidden from the world. So in all honesty she could not help but to admire Ash for at least trying to get better. The girl had said she had been checked up and now she had even talked to two people; maybe even to some staff, about the things that were going on with her. That took guts and Devyn honestly was envious and also wished that she would be able to get to that point of at least trying to get better and not just covering it up. Ash was yet again thanking her, looking like she was about ready to cry again. That had Devyn chuckling as she reached out to wipe at those blue eyes before any water would get the chance to escape them.

"You are welcome and thank you too. Not just anyone can handle dealing with me, so I hope you are able to keep putting up with me." Devyn responded as she gave Ash a friendly smile. It still was good to hear that Ellen was helping someone’s out, even if Dev was a little jealous because Ellen didn't spoil her like that. "Alright, well let’s get you to her dorm room then. Good thing she lives on campus." Devyn responded as she gave Ash her space so the girl could get up but Devyn of course was ready to support or even carry the other girl to Ellen's room. She still kept it in the back of her mind to go bury that knife that had been left out in the woods.

[Ashley Benson]

By now Ashley was calm and felt she had as good a handle on her mind and the way it felt like occasionally warping reality around her as could be expected. She was nervous about the idea of disturbing Ellen so late at night, though the need to be under the blonde's protective gaze overwhelmed any apprehension. Devyn had been fantastic, saying just the right things at exactly the right places. There was little advise, no remedies, no magical procedure that would make everything okay. All Ashley needed was someone to tell her everything was going to be fine and be a calm, stabilizing presence which Devyn had been.

Ashley got to her feet and politely declined the offer to be carried. She was exhausted, yes, and the pain from her cuts was now mingling with the dull throb pounding in her head but she would prove to be anything but the scared little girl she'd always felt she'd been for so long. She would stand on her own. She would refuse to give in and let her condition take control of her life. She still leaned against Devyn for support, though, finding her legs to only be partially cooperative. "I don't know, Devyn." She replied with a faint smile as she slipped an arm around the other girl for support. "You don't seem so bad to me." She gave a light chuckle then. "But we really do need to start meeting up under better circumstances than we have."

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn had to admit that she did wonder if it really was a good idea to bother Ellen at this time of night, but it was what Ash wanted. She had bothered Ellen at odder times of the night and even early in the morning so she could not really be one to talk. Thus she had no problem taking Ash to Ellen, but did wish that Rox girl was still Ellen's roommate. She knew the girl loosely and talk to her mostly about looking after Vera and Ellen. Devyn didn't know Ellen's current roommates and thus it just made it slightly awkward since she was not going to be sneaking in the window way with her friend at the moment.

She had done all that she could, said what she hoped was the right things to say, cleaned Ash up, and made sure the girl understood that Devyn had her back. She would look after Ash and make sure the girl was alright too; at least in areas that Ellen was not so good at looking after people with. Ellen could be intimidating; to some, but Dev was just one of those people you wanted on your side. Walking proved to be a little slow process but Ash told her that she didn't want to be picked up earlier so Dev was avoiding doing it unless the other girl said otherwise. She could not help but to chuckle a little when Ash pointed out that Devyn didn't seem that bad.

"That is because you see me in my protective and caring mode and have not been around me much...but thanks. Hopefully when you see the other sides to me, you will still like me how I am now." Devyn responded with a small nod. She had a grin on her face when Ash pointed out that they had to stop meeting under the circumstances that they did. "True, then I guess that means you should be ready for me to just show up and steal you away for a little at some point." Devyn pointed out to her. Dev had a habit of doing just that and now that Ash was her friend, the other girl was going to have to deal with it at some point. They reached Ellen's room by now, so that would have to be something for later.

[Ashley Benson]

"No one's perfect." Ashley replied, the truth of these words resonating through her mind. "We all have our... moment. I'll take your worst along with your best." She insisted, her tone soft with a faint trace of warmth creeping in. She leaned against Devyn, even going so far as to rest her head against the other girl's shoulder for a few moments as they moved along the hallway. Ashley was certain there could only be a handful of people who's 'worst' would approach the debacle Devyn had so effortlessly diffused. If not for her intervention it was entirely possible Ashley could still be outside in a psychotic haze.

"You say that like it'd be a bad thing." There was still an exhausted, almost fearful look in Ashley's eyes though it had begun to soften considerably the more the two girls talked. The idea of having a friend was one that felt so alien to Ashley. After so many years of being locked within her mind with only her demons to keep her company having someone lay any claim to her as being more than just a person they went to school with was heartwarming and brought with it a certain sense of comfort. It was nice to know she wasn't alone anymore.

Reaching out with an almost hurried anticipation, Ashley took it upon herself to knock against the door to Ellen's dorm. Her brow furrowed as she wondered again if this was the right thing to do. She thought about how Ellen would react to being bothered so late at night and for what? Ashley was obviously in good hands with Devyn and on any other night Ashley should have been content to remain in her presence. Why, then, did Ashley feel as though she wouldn't be able to settle until she found her way to Ellen's dorm?

[Ellen Banks]

A knocking at her door at two in the morning.

..Well, clearly someone wanted to die.....

Ellen had more or less recovered from her insomnia caused by the shooting last year, but she was still a very light sleeper so the moment she heard someone hammering against the door her eyes flew open before blinking groggily. A soft moan escaped her lips as she reluctantly removed herself from the covers and turned her head in the direction of her clock, which caused an irritated tut to escape her mouth as she wiped the sleep from her eyes, grumbling under her voice.

Unless this was someone offering her a box of candy this would not end well for them...

Ellen slowly got up from her bed and her first port of call was the mirror, at three in the morning she didn't look her best like everyone in the world at three am. Which of course was a big no-no in Ellen Banks own personal rules. Also look prsentable no matter what so as quick as she could applied fondation on her face and brushed her hair out of the "Bed head" and throw a jacket over her night shirt before making her way to the door "Frank if this is you again I'm going to hurt you" Ellen called out as she went to answer the door opening it up wide

[Devyn Solway]

Her friend spoke of how no one was perfect and while Devyn knew that she still could not help but feel like she was still way too far from it. She didn't say anything on it since she didn't really want to talk about herself. Talking about herself would have the opposite effect of what she was trying to do for Ash, which was cheer her up. Dev just instead smiled as Ashley spoke of how she would take Devyn's worst and best. She didn't know if Ash was just saying it to be nice since she had not seen Devyn at her worst, but she was going to take it. Dev chuckled a little when Ash spoke of it not really being a bad thing.

"Some view it as a bad thing, but since you clearly are cool with it just be prepared. You will be sitting their doing your homework and next thing you know I will be crawling through your window and wanting to hang out with you." Devyn responded with a smirk returning to her face. She really did that sort of thing, often. Going through a window was a bit of work but it sometimes ended up being easier than having to wait at the dorm door and hope the person heard you all the way in their room. They were at Ellen's door, having knocked, and were now just waiting.

Dev knew this was not really a time to bother Ellen; or really anyone else, but Ash wanted to come here and said Ellen would understand so here they were. Dev listened closely, hearing some movement going on deeper in the room and soon the door was opening as Ellen complained about it better not being Franck. "Nope, better than Frank. You bestie Devyn dropping off your friend Ash who you never told me about and you are apparently cool with coming to you at any hour of the night or day." Devyn responded, adding on that last bit to let Ellen know that she was a little jelly.

Friends for a little over three years and she still got flak from Ellen when she bothered her at odd hours, but here Ash was free to do as she pleased. Of course Dev didn't mind all that much because Ash was a sweet girl and having someone she could go to at any hour beside Dev had to be nice. "I'll leave you too alone then, have a good night." Devyn then added after giving her hair a small tug and then turning to head off unless stopped.

[Ashley Benson]

Ellen's presence instantly caused Ashley to bristle, her body going rigid the moment the blonde girl opened her door. Ashley was instantly flooded with so many confusing and conflicting emotions. Her heart wanted to leap, wanted to wrap itself in the comfort just being around Ellen had caused though her mind refused to allow such a clear expression of feelings. The guilt and shame of having lost control and being brought to Ellen like a child who'd fallen at the playground and had to be escorted home.

Even as she gave Devyn a tight lipped smile and a thankful nod, Ashley's eyes had begun to water. She must have cut a pathetic figure, standing in the doorway in her dirt smeared clothing, hair still a mess, heavy bags already formed beneath her red, puffy eyes. She used the back of her hand up to her lips, revealing the tight bandage that had been wrapped and taped around the deep cut in her palm. "Ellen..." The name escaped her lips in a hushed whisper. There was sorry shining forlornly in Ashley's eyes. "I'm sorry." She breathed, suddenly incapable of looking at the blonde girl. "It happened again and I..." Again she trailed off, utterly lost when it came how to navigate all this. She absently scratched at the edge of the bandage that had been taped securely over the cut that ran just below her right clavicle with a shaking hand and sighed. "Can I stay with you tonight?" She finally squeezed the words out and felt the heavy shame that came with them. "I don't want to be alone."

[Ellen Banks]

Oh God, Dev. Ellen thought as she saw Dev's ever so familiar shape, this wasn't the first time she's knocked on Ellen's door at the dead of night. and usually that could possibly mean several things...it didn't look like she was drunk, She had a girlfriend these days and Ellen wasn't currently being pinned to the ground and being tickled into submission so the reason why she was here was unclear....

....Until Dev took the time to move forward and reveal a small  figure of Ash, her pale blue eyes glittering in the faint darkness like two bright sapphire hanging and floating in the air...

and there was blood on her knuckles on her hands. Her body stiffened as this registered with her "Wait, why would-" Ellen called out after Dev, in slight panic. Not knowing why Dev dropped Ash here of all places or why she thought that Ellen was even remotely qualified to handle this kind of situation. Sure she hypnotized her, but she couldn't do the whole "Kiss it and make it better" thing not at all, Dev knew how to handle it, not her.

So she just stood here looking

Ellen just stood there his arm pressed against the wall leaning forward at Ash, she didn't have to say it, Ellen could put two and two together, she just didn't really know what she was expected to do about.

Once Ash made that request, Ellen simply stares at him one eye absentmindedly rubbing her eyes and giving out a tired sigh, before slowly backing away and letting Ash inside "Come on then. Sofa's free.

[Ashley Benson]

Ashley suddenly felt incredibly exposed when Devyn moved away. She was left with standing in the hallway to face her choices alone. Her eyes remained locked upon Ellen. The blonde was surely going to turn her away. This wasn't in Ellen's nature to be a caretaker, even Ashley with the rose colored glasses she wore when looking at her, was well aware of this fact. Her arms wrapped nervously around her torso while Ellen stood and seemingly debated whether or not she was going to let Ashley in.

When Ellen finally spoke the relief washed over Ashley's body. She exhaled sharply and there was no containing the surge of emotions that came with Ellen's concession. Stepping forward Ashley's arms slipped around Ellen's shoulders and pulled her into a brief but tight hug. "Thank you." Ashley whispered softly into the blonde's ear before she pulled away, letting her fingertips glide across Ellen's shoulders, one errant digit grazing along the skin of her neck, as Ashley stepped into the dorm.

"I'm sorry." Ashley repeated. Her voice was still soft and quiet, lest she ran the risk of waking up Ellen's roommates. "I didn't want to wake you but I needed to be around someone and you're the first person I thought of." She admitted sheepishly, lowering her head, causing a stray strand of dark hair to fall into her face. "I'll be fine in the morning." She lied. "I'll leave before it gets too late."