Arlo could hardly sleep that night as he tossed and turned for hours. He was stuck in an endless cycle of nearly falling asleep, but being instantly woken up due to his worried mind straying back to Jo - who was across the way at Xu's Clinic.
After Jo escaped from the cave, and fell right into his arms, everything happened in a flash. Arlo didn't even have time to respond to Jo's words as she was quickly pulled away and led to the clinic as soon as possible. It had left him feeling scattered and unfulfilled, though he knew that bringing her somewhere safe to get checked out had been more important.
But once they had brought her to the infirmary, Xu and Phyllis shooed the Corps out as they needed the space to attend to her. Arlo had wanted to argue, to tell them that he needed to stay - but it was useless. Because he hadn't actually needed to stay… he just wanted to.
Seeing her laying in the bed, falling limp as she began to feel the full effect of her injuries, he wanted to help her through it. Or even if Sam was able to stay and be the one to hold her hand - he just wanted her to have a friend.
Jo and him were friends. They had established that. The bond that they created had been abrupt and had grown quickly, but he figured that was likely because that was Jo's way. He had never experienced something like this with anyone else, but it wasn't just him. Jo had a similar effect on many others in the town.
Only, the Corps had the privilege of spending more time with the girl than the rest, which made him feel like one of them should have been there. One of them should have stayed to comfort her.
As his relentless thoughts continued, Arlo slipped in and out of sleep. Each time he would come back to his senses, he would sit up and check his clock - noting that it was consistently too early for him to be going anywhere.
Just one more hour. Then you can go over.
Sighing to himself, he laid back into his mattress as he stared up at the ceiling.
He only hoped that Jo was getting a better night's sleep than him. She needed the rest.
He didn't even know the full details of her injuries yet, but he knew there had definitely been some damage done. Especially to her right leg. Images flashed through his head of what could have actually occurred while in the cave. They hadn't even had time to search the interior due to all of the commotion.
But that didn't matter. Jo was the priority. As long as she was resting this time then everything would be okay. She was going to be perfectly okay...
Sudden chiming filled his ears, causing him to flinch from the harsh sound. His eyes flew open as he once again found himself staring up at the ceiling. Only this time, he felt out of sorts.
Glancing over to his clock, the number glowing back at him instantly caused Arlo to launch himself out of bed.
How had he slept in so late? He said one more hour and instead that became three. Blast - leave it to his own body to betray him.
Darting around the room, Arlo quickly got dressed, stumbling here and there as he did so with such little light. He wouldn't have been surprised if he later discovered he was wearing his shoes on the wrong feet or his pants backwards. But that all seemed irrelevant in the heat of the moment.
Finally decent, he darted out of the room to find the main area of the headquarters silent and empty. He was glad too. His oversleeping was already embarrassing enough. He didn't need an audience seeing him stumbling out of his room looking completely unnerved.
Straightening his bandana, Arlo crossed the room and went out the front door. His ears were burning as he made his way through the grass, his steps the only sound he actually processed. Then he was there - pushing open the door to the infirmary.
As he stepped inside, multiple faces turned to look at him. Their gaze made him feel uneasy until he managed to look past them and catch Jo's eyes with his own.
"Hey there, Cap," she said, her voice gentle but still spirited.
"Hey," he said, remembering himself. He walked forward, giving nods to Sam, Rem, and the two doctors sitting in the room. Presley was also there, but he sat away in his own corner as he seemed to be filling out a form. No doubt it was the incident report usually requested by the Mayor in these situations.
"How are you doing?" Arlo asked, his eyes returning to her.
She looked better than the last time he'd seen her. Or at least - cleaner. There was no longer dirt all over her, or blood. The absence of both seemed to help bring the color and liveliness back to her skin.
"I'm okay," she told him, giving him a small smile. "Just a little banged up."
"I'd say," Rem jumped in, his voice was kind despite him playing the real informative. "Sprained her ankle and knee - both have swelled up nearly three times their usual size. Doc says she's lucky she didn't break either."
Arlo looked to Xu who nodded in confirmation.
"Don't forget the bruised rib," Sam jumped in, causing Arlo to spin to her.
"A bruised rib?" the words fell from his mouth.
Jesus.
"I'm fine," Jo stated her infamous words.
Sam sighed. "We know, we know. It could have been a lot worse. But it also could have been a lot better, Jo… it could have never happened."
Arlo was surprised that Sam had managed to voice those thoughts before he could, but he was glad that she had. Perhaps it would soften the blow for when Arlo would come back around to talk to Jo.
Jo nodded, her eyes looking down as she fiddled with an edge of the ice pack on her knee.
"I know," she stated, her voice steady. "Trust me, no one believes that more than I do."
Arlo pressed his lips together as he let her words sink in. All night he had gone back and forth between what he wanted to say to her when he finally got the chance. However, he found that all the scenarios he had played out didn't seem right in the actual moment. They didn't make sense.
Because he believed her. He was disappointed and upset with her, but he could also tell that Jo had learned some sort of lesson. She may be inflexible when she had reason, but she was willing to admit when she had done wrong.
"Just glad you're safe," Sam finally said, her voice firm. "Don't ever scare me like that again or I'll feed you to a bandirat myself."
Now the room eased as most of them began to chuckle at Sam's words.
"I promise I won't," Jo confirmed.
The space grew quiet as they became focused on Xu's movements as he switched out the ice packs on Jo's knee and ankle. Arlo's eyes caught both areas, his stomach clenching as he noticed the difference in size - as Rem had mentioned.
"Would you all mind…" Jo's voice filled the room again, causing Arlo's eyes to shift up to her. He found that she was already staring at him. However, she moved her gaze away as she finished her sentence. "If I have a moment alone with Arlo?"
The top of his head began to prickle as he watched those around them nod and give a jumbled response of needing to leave or get to work anyway. The Corps and Presley were soon out of the door while the clinic's staff were shuffling away to the back of the room. Though Phyllis made sure to drag a gentle hand along Arlo's back as she went past him, giving him a wink the second she removed it. She then continued to follow Xu, sharing a bit of hushed conversation.
Arlo watched them, his mind yet again wondering why she had found the need to touch him so openly in the midst of the matter. But his thought drifted and his eyes went back to Jo as she tapped the open seat next to her.
"Join me, won't you?" she asked, her voice light.
Arlo gave her a half smile, moving to the seat. "Sure."
The air between them grew silent as they stared at one another and then away, both unsure who should talk first. But inevitably, Jo took it upon herself.
"I'm sure you know why I want to talk to you," she stated as she looked up at him.
Arlo nodded. "I have a pretty good idea."
"And I fully expect you to be angry with me. Lecture me. Want distance from me," she told him. "But I think it's important that you know just how sorry I am."
Upon the last words of her sentence, Arlo could hear her voice whispering a similar sentiment into his ear only the night before, causing him to swallow hard.
"I am so sorry."
"I know, Jo," Arlo said.
"I know it was foolish and there is no excuse for my actions," Jo continued.
He remained silent, his features indifferent as he stared at her.
"It doesn't matter if I'm stubborn, restless, or if you challenged me. It doesn't matter," she told him. "I shouldn't have gone."
She was right. She shouldn't have.
"And I'm embarrassed that I did. Because you were and are right - I didn't belong down there. I had no right to put myself into that situation."
True. Though, he did feel bad about telling her she didn't belong. It had been poor wording on his part, which he was sure only had burned a fire deeper in her.
"But when I get these ideas in my head… I… It's just...there's no stopping me. Even I can't do it," she told him, her voice rushed. "I felt like I had something to prove."
"Jo…" Arlo began, trying to cut her off.
"And I know I ruined whatever trust I had built with you. I can accept that. But I also want to do whatever I can to get it back, and show you -"
"Jo," he tried again.
"You were trying to protect me and I wouldn't listen. No matter what my better sense tried -"
"Jo, stop," he finally stated, his voice strong. It nearly came out as an order.
But it had worked as Jo had stopped talking and was staring at him - her features uncertain, but expectant.
"I know you're sorry," he stated. He paused for a moment, gathering the proper thoughts before proceeding. "I know that."
"But, you're wrong about a few things," he told her. "Despite the ideas that you've put into your head, I have not lost trust in you… I'm not angry with you. I was angry before, but it was never with you. It was for the situation and how both of us handled it."
Jo continued to stare at him, a sadness residing in her eyes.
"I can go back and point out what each of us did wrong - from the beginning to the end. I can give you a long speech about how completely idiotic it was for you to go into that cave, especially alone…. Because it was extremely idiotic… but neither of those things would change what happened, and I wouldn't be telling you something you didn't already know."
She nodded, looking down for a moment, which caused him to continue.
"But something you do need to get into your head, Jo…" he began, knowing that he was flying from the seat of his pants as he stated the thoughts suddenly filling his head. "...is that I understand. I understand what it's like to care so much about something that you have to stick with it. To see it through." He paused, but inevitably continued. "It doesn't make up for the fact that you went and put yourself in danger, but I can't sit here and say that I wouldn't have done the same thing. Regardless of if it were my job or not."
He didn't want to defend or completely dismiss her actions, but he did want to be reasonable. This whole thing really had started due to poor communication whether it was from not properly explaining one's needs or not using the right tone to keep someone safe. Neither side had done themselves or each other any justice.
However, now the lesson had been learned. There were repercussions to face, but at least they were not as severe as they could have been. Even that thought put those terrible pictures back into his head.
"I'm just glad you're okay," the words escaped him. He hadn't meant for them to slip out, but he also wasn't embarrassed for saying them. After all, they were the truth. So he continued.
"I wasn't upset with you for challenging my position or my word, I was upset because I care about you as an actual person. I'm sworn to protect you, but it goes beyond that."
Bloody hell. Had that come out correctly? He was really trying to get his point across with the right words, the exact meaning - but he was under the impression that he was blowing it.
Daring to glance at her, he found Jo staring at him the same way she had that day by the Western Beach. Her head tilted slightly, a small smile on her lips.
What could she be thinking?
He thought to ask, but decided to keep his curiosity to himself.
"Thank you, Arlo," Jo finally spoke, her voice soft.
Was that all she was thinking?
"You don't have to thank me…" he tried, but she shook her head.
"But I do… not only for helping to save my life, but for being so nice to me. When you don't have to be," she told him.
She stopped, looking away as she sighed.
"You have easily become… one of my closest friends here. And that's why it's so important to me that you know I'm sorry… I like being your friend," she stated. "And back when I said that I know you probably wanted to distance yourself…"
She paused as she shrugged, but then turned to look at him.
"I really don't want you to," she finished.
Her words warmed him.
"I had no intention of distancing myself," he told her. "Not when you're an unpredictable pest."
He teased her, enjoying the familiar tone in his voice. Obviously she had to, for she began to laugh as he used it.
"I care about you too," she finally stated. "I'd like to do a better job of showing that moving forward."
Her words made his body buzz as his mind thought of the possibilities of her sentiment. However, he felt himself nearly shudder as he questioned why his mind would be jumping to any lengths.
Arlo hummed, as if contemplating her words as he brought his focus back. However, he finally nodded. "I think you're capable of doing so."
Jo's features and voice grew tender. "I promise I am."
"I believe you," he confirmed.
They smiled at one another, making Arlo feel as though he were somewhere residing somewhere other than a doctor's office. But the voices belonging to Xu and Phyllis that were growing in volume said otherwise.
Perhaps it was time to leave.
"One more thing," Arlo said as he stood.
"What's that?" Jo asked, looking up to him.
"You're never going into the Haunted Cave again," he stated.
"Ah," Jo said before nodding. "I think that's fair. Orders received, Captain."
She then raised a hand up to Arlo, smirking at him as she waited for his own touch. He responded by slipping his hand into hers and they held each others grasp.
"Truce?" she asked.
"Truce," he confirmed.
And they shook on it.
Jo sighed as she stared up at the ceiling.
This was ridiculous .
"Can I at least come over there and sit in a chair?"
"Nope," Sam replied, not even looking up as she continued to flip through her "Flying Pig's Monthly" magazine.
Jo huffed again, sinking further into her bed, nearly wincing due to the jolt of pain delivered to her ribs. Luckily Sam didn't notice.
"Stop scowling," Sam spoke. "It's not going to help your case."
"I'm not scowling ," Jo said, even though she most definitely was. "I'm just bored. I've been stuck in this bed all day, and you're not even making conversation."
"Because you need to rest," Sam reminded her, her tone unfazed.
"Yeah, my leg ," Jo jumped in. "Not my mouth."
Sam laughed at this, setting down her magazine on Jo's bookshelf before looking at the brunette.
"Okay, fine," she said. "But this is as far as I'm budging."
"At this point, I'll take what I can get," Jo said, propping herself up a little more. "Beats staring at the ceiling all afternoon."
"Maybe it would help if you had more to do in here," Sam commented, looking around at the lack of Jo's belongings. Since moving in, she had only really added a bookshelf - which only contained three books - a bedside table, and two mismatched chairs. There weren't even any plants yet.
"It's not something I've had to really worry about," Jo said, shifting her own gaze around. "I don't really spend a lot of time in here. Other than to sleep."
"Fair enough. You should still spruce the place up a bit," Sam said. "Or else this could get really depressing."
Jo wanted to retort that Sam likely only felt that way because they were currently stuck in there , but she let it fall. Instead, her thoughts drifted elsewhere and she soon spoke again of different matters.
"So are you angry with me?" Jo asked, unable to hold her tongue any longer. "We haven't really talked about it."
Arlo and her had managed to nip all their issues in the bud right away, much to Jo's relief. She had thought that Arlo would have been so angry with her that he would have chosen to avoid her for days - maybe weeks. But he had surprised her by coming the next morning. To talk to her… to listen. To understand.
"...I care about you as an actual person. I'm sworn to protect you, but it goes beyond that."
The memory of his words made Jo want to squirm, but her injuries wouldn't allow it.
However , she hadn't had the same chance with Sam. The blonde had been worried about her when she also visited Jo, but there was some reserve in Sam. It wasn't something that Jo was used to, and she couldn't help but feel like she was at fault.
"I wouldn't say I'm mad, exactly," Sam began, shrugging. "I'm definitely not happy that you went and that you got hurt. But I'm freaking glad that you're okay. I really am."
Sam looked to her now, her gaze serious as her words laid in the air. The girl's usual intensity put force behind her thoughts, making them dig deeper into Jo's mind.
"Yeah… me too," Jo said, her voice lower.
She didn't mean that she was glad she was okay for her own selfish reasons, but instead meant that the incident had brought her to realize the effect that her actions had on other people. She was thankful she was okay for their sake. If the outcome had been worse then she would have just been gone, but it was everyone else who would have had to deal with her absence. Those who Jo had created relationships and bonds with who would have to bear the hurting, the burden.
And one small thought kept creeping up in her mind over and over...About the one person who would have had to deal with the loss of a daughter right after losing her husband.
Clearing her throat, Jo gave Sam a weak smile. "I promise I'll be more careful, Sam," she told the blonde. "It may take some reminding, but I won't ever knowingly or purposely put you all in that position again."
Sam returned her smile now, but then let out a slow breath.
"Okay," she said. "That's all I needed to hear."
"Well, you need to hear one more thing," Jo jumped in, causing Sam to look at her.
"Thank you," she said finally. "For everything you did to try and save me."
Sam hummed as she shrugged a shoulder. "We do what we can. Besides Arlo took the lead."
"Suppose that makes sense considering he's the Captain and all," Jo voiced.
"Yeah, guess so. But it was kinda more than that. I've never seen Arlo so determined to handle everything on his own. It was almost scary," Sam continued.
Jo couldn't help but furrow her brow at this, trying to work out Sam's words in her head. However, she was proving to have trouble sorting it out. She was ready to ask Sam for more of an explanation when a knock at the front door stopped her.
Sam was then up, pulling the door open in order to reveal who was on the other side.
"Hi," Jo heard Emily's sweet twang before she actually saw her. "Is it a bad time?"
"Not at all, Em," Jo called out from her place still on the bed. "Come on in!"
Sam followed Jo's order, taking a step back so that Emily could pass through the doorway. She was carrying a bucket in her hands - the same one that Jo had found in the caves.
"Glad to see you finally got that back," Jo mentioned, smiling as she nodded towards the bucket.
Emily's own lips pull upward as she nodded. "I have you and the Corps to thank for that. I missed it something awful."
"No big deal," Sam said, waving it off as she sat back down. "So what brings you here?"
"I just thought I would come check in. I've heard plenty about Jo's scare in the cave, but I haven't managed to see her," Emily spoke, turning to Jo. "I'm awful glad you're okay. Oh, and Granny also sent me with some treats for you. We made cookies this morning and hoped they would make you feel a little better."
Emily then began to pull out a few wrapped packages from her bucket and placed them on top of Jo's bookcase, as there was nowhere else to put them.
"Ooo jackpot, Jo. Looks like being hurt has some perks," Sam said, eyeing a package of cookies.
Jo shook her head at the woman. "You have some pretty low standards."
Sam shrugged her off. "I'm a girl who likes her sweets. Leave me alone."
Jo laughed at this, looking back to Emily. "Thank you for the cookies, Em. I really appreciate it, even if Sam does end up stealing all of them."
"I'll leave you some crumbs," Sam said, still distracted.
"Wow. What a friend," Jo said back, shaking her head. She then smiled at Emily, glad to see that the girl only laughed at Sam's behavior.
"I also came by to see if you would like to go to the Round Table tonight. I understand if that's not possible, but I would like to buy you a drink and help get you out of here. I figure it would help," Emily offered.
Even though her words were beyond appealing, Jo knew that Sam would likely not approve and turn down the offer before she could. Jo was basically chained down to her bed at this point, still bitter than Sam hadn't granted her access to at least sit in a chair.
And sure enough, Sam opened her mouth to speak before Jo could.
"That sounds like fun!" she exclaimed. "We should all go."
Well, that wasn't what Jo expected.
"What?" Jo asked the blonde. "Weren't you just the one who told me I was basically bedridden for the day? You do realize that you're contradicting all of the orders you've been giving me, right?"
"Yeahhh, but going to the Round Table won't be until this evening. You'll be plenty rested," Sam retorted. "Besides being locked in here really is starting to get to me. I'm thinkin' we need to get out."
Jo raised a brow. "And when did this realization hit you? In the last two seconds?"
"Don't be a butt, Jo. We're going - shouldn't you be excited after all your grumbling?" Sam mused.
"It wasn't grumbling," Jo stated. Her eyes then slid over to Emily. "Also, Emily only invited me. Who said anything about you?" Now she was teasing, obviously wanting to press Sam's buttons. She figured it was warranted after she had locked her up only to offer freedom at the mention of "fun."
"Emily?" Sam asked, turning her head. "Am I intruding?"
Emily instantly shook her head. "Of course not. The more the merrier!"
Sam turned back to Jo, a smug smile on her lips. "See?"
Jo had known that Emily would end up approving of Sam's company - she was inclusive and good natured that way. Jo had only wanted to double check while also pushing back at Sam.
"And you're sure Arlo will be okay with this?" Jo asked, crossing her arms.
After all, it was his orders that Sam had been following to keep Jo in bed all day while under her watchful eye. Going out to the local hot spot didn't really fit his plan for rest and recovery.
"He will be after I do plenty of convincing," Sam said. "I'll give him a whole spiel. This should be fun. It could be like a… 'Thank God Jo's Alive' party!"
"Gee. Thanks, Sam," Jo chimed in.
"It'll be great! I'll tell him he's invited. And Rem. We could also invite Phyllis and Xu -"
"Not Xu," Jo jumped in again.
"Okay. Not Xu," Sam said, on her feet as her plans were making her restless. "All those guests sound good to you, Emily?"
She nodded. "Sure do."
Sam beamed. "Maybe we should make a banner."
"If you make a banner then I am refusing to come here and now," Jo told her.
"Fine! No banner," Sam confirmed.
Jo sighed in relief. She then looked down at her legs, laying out in front of her as one was still under some ice packs. Her brows pulled together. "Looks like I'll need to find a way to move around, though… I'm not exactly thrilled about the idea of hopping around on one leg all night."
Especially with the added pressure it was sure to add to her ribs.
Sam and Emily paused for a moment, both attempting to think of a resolution as well. When suddenly, realization fled over Sam's face.
"I think that calls for some wood, nails, and a handy dandy hammer!" She said, excitement over her features. "You're gonna fix yourself some crutches!"
"Wha -what? I am?" Jo said, taken aback.
"Oh yeah. Definitely," Sam confirmed.
Emily gave an embarrassed smile as she shrugged at Jo. "It does seem like the best option."
"I do not want to use crutches," Jo stated. "Let alone build them for myself."
"Okay," Sam said, pursing her lips. "Then I guess… I'll just get Rem or Arlo to come carry you."
That's not happening.
Jo let out an exasperated breath. "Fine! Just get me the supplies from my chest."
Sam clapped her hands quickly. "On it! And then I'll go spread the word about the 'Jo's Alive' party!"
"We are not calling it that!" Jo called after her, but Sam was already out the door.
"Boy, she's determined," Emily mentioned once Sam stepped out.
"Tell me about it. Pain in my butt," Jo said. "I'm also sorry that us grabbing a drink turned into a way bigger ordeal."
"Oh, no. Not at all. It'll be nice to have even more people there who care about you," Emily said.
Her words brought a smile to Jo's face. She hadn't really known what she had done to deserve such genuine and caring people in her immediate friend group, but she was beyond thankful. Emily's sentiment made her again think of what Arlo had told her yesterday morning, only spreading the smile.
"I've got the goods!" Sam announced as she pushed the door open. She moved across the room and placed them next to Jo on the bed, making sure to avoid hitting her whatsoever. Sam then took a step back, placing her hands on her hips in a stance of pride.
Jo looked from her to the materials, still not completely thrilled about the idea. However, it was a better option that having Rem or Arlo carry her bridal style to the Round Table. There was no way she would allow that.
"Alright," Jo said, reaching for a plank of wood. She wasn't sure how well the crutches would come out when she had to build them while bedridden, but it couldn't be that hard. They didn't need to necessarily be perfect - they just needed to support her enough for the short walk. She would likely need to request someone to grab her some fiber cloth just to line the tops so she didn't have the bare wood scraping into her armpits the whole time.
"Sweet, I'm off to spread the word. Emily, can you be on Jo duty?" Sam asked, backing up towards the door. "Make sure she takes meds, if needed, and does the breathing exercises prescribed by Xu."
"Sure thing," Emily told her, moving out of Sam's way as she moved to sit in a chair.
Jo groaned. "Why does anyone have to be on 'Jo Duty?'
"Sorry. Can't hear you. Too busy getting ready to set up a stellar night out," Sam fired back.
Pain in the butt.
"See you ladies tonight!" And then Sam was gone. Shutting the door firmly behind her and likely set off in a jog as she went to go tell the others.
Jo looked at the closed door, shaking her head.
"Guess that settles that."
Being forced to stay in bed all day was one thing, but now she really felt ridiculous.
Jo and Emily walked side by side as she moved at a shaky pace due to having to rely on the crutches for support, the sting in her ribs minimal. At this point, she figured she could just walk on her injured leg and endure the pain while hobbling the whole way. But Emily had made a strong case about her using the crutches - especially when she mentioned that the ridicule from the Corps would probably be worse that night if she chose not to.
However, Jo was adamant to only use the crutches for the journey and then to just keep off of her foot for the night. She didn't have to make a big show of struggling to move around the Round Table all night. That attention was not needed whatsoever.
"After you," Emily said as she pulled the door of the Round Table open for Jo. The buzz of conversation from within was streaming out the door, confirming that there were quite a few guests at the restaurant that night. It was a Friday, after all, which meant that everyone wanted to celebrate the end of the week. Jo would have preferred that to be their excuse rather than her "being alive."
But Jo was still thankful that she was going to spend time with her friends no matter what. Even if they chose to keep calling it her "being alive" party. She was just glad that they had chosen to forgive her despite her foolish behavior - maybe that was really the correct celebration for the night.
"Thank you," Jo said, trying to keep her annoyance for needing the extra help out of her voice.
Passing through, Jo's eye instantly caught the bar counter that sat to her right, inviting her in. She needed a drink and she was determined to get one as soon as possible. Perhaps doing it then would have been the best option so she could get a head start.
However, she was unable to fulfill her plan as she heard multiple voices begin to call her and Emily's names in order to beckon them over. Jo turned from the bar and saw a full table of people waiting for them - the exact ones that Sam had promised.
Emily and Jo began to make their way over to them, Jo obviously moving slower behind Emily as she tried to maneuver her way through narrow openings. When she looked up, she saw Sam looking over the backside of her seat, her smile wide and stunned as she stared back at Jo. All Jo could do in return was shake her head as she continued on.
"I don't want to hear it," Jo said as she got near.
"I didn't say anything!" Sam said as she sunk back to her seat, her smile still plastered on her face.
"You didn't have to," Jo countered. "Besides, this was your idea."
"I know," Sam confirmed. "And it was a great idea."
As Jo glanced around at the table, amusement sat in nearly everyone's expression. Except for Phyllis who didn't seem to fully understand what they were implying.
Then Jo's eyes fell on the redhead sitting next to Phyllis - the greatest delight of the entire table worn on his face. It made her stomach clench for seconds before she was able to ease it. At least he didn't seem displeased by the fact that she wasn't still in bed - contrary to what he originally "ordered."
Still, she didn't like the triumphant grin he was giving her.
Don't say a word, Arlo.
But the man couldn't help himself.
"Lookin' good, builder. The crutches really complete the ensemble," he said, a closed mouth smile then spreading across his lips.
She shot him a look.
"They're also a great defense mechanism for those who can't keep their snide comments to themselves," Jo threw at him as she slid into the seat next to Sam.
Arlo only chuckled at this, his face turned down to his drink before he took a large swig.
Speaking of which.
"Okay, I need alcohol. Stat," Jo said, looking over her shoulder for Sonia.
"I'll go get us some drinks," Emily told her. "You stay put."
And the girl was off, heading to the bar without even asking Jo what she'd prefer. Perhaps that was for the best, though, as Jo would have just told her to get one of the strongest drinks available.
Not that Jo was a big drinker… or really a drinker in general. But tonight it felt necessary. She needed that release. The ability to let her mind be fluid and her body tingle in a way that distracted her from the throbbing in her leg and ribs.
"Don't worry. The nurse has got it. She'll bring you your meds right away. Don't move a muscle," Arlo spoke.
Jo looked at him just in time to see Phyllis gently smack his shoulder. However, Jo ignored the woman's efforts and narrowed her gaze on him instead.
"I still have one good leg," she said. "Keep it up and I'll be kicking you all night."
She was sitting right across from him. If needed, she could have a clean shot to his shins and knees. Then who would be the one needing crutches? And she'd have to be the one to build them for him. Oh, the irony!
"That's called 'assaulting an officer,'" he retorted.
"What if I get Sam to do it?" she asked, gesturing to the blonde next to her. "Is it fairplay then?"
"You askin' for a spar in the middle of the Round Table, Arlo?" Sam said, making a show of cracking her knuckles.
"Easy there, girl," Arlo said with a laugh. "You've already sucked down two drinks. Not sure you want to trust your reflexes in a fight right now."
"Coward," Sam said under her breath, causing Jo to let out a loud laugh.
Arlo answered them with only a shake of his head, looking as though he were dealing with children.
Drinks were set down on the table as Emily reappeared, sliding in beside Jo. She placed one glass in front of Jo, the liquid inside a strange green color.
"What is that?" Phyllis asked, raising a brow at the drink.
"One of the Round Table's secret drinks. It's really good, in my opinion," Emily said, holding up her glass. "McDonald showed it to me. He and your Pa used to get them all the time."
There was a strange energy that suddenly ran over the table. As if everyone had taken in a sharp breath without actually doing so. It was an intensity that Jo could understand, but she also wished hadn't popped up so quickly. Emily's comment had an effect, and Jo wanted to dismiss immediately.
Disregarding the others' reactions, Jo took a drink from her glass and was met with an exquisite fruity taste that wasn't overly sweet.
"That is good. Thanks for the tip off, Emily," Jo said, taking another large drink.
And the energy shifted once more. Back to something similar to before, but perhaps not exactly the same.
"You're very welcome. So, what did I miss?" Emily asked, sipping her own drink.
"Arlo and I are going to fight," Sam said with full certainty.
"Oh, bloody hell," Arlo said, rolling his eyes.
Jo laughed. "Did you actually just say 'bloody hell?'"
Arlo shot her a look. "I believe I did. And so what?"
She chuckled again. "That's just very… English of you."
"Well, you know…. That may be because… I am English," he told her.
"Oh, of course. How could I forget after all the chinwags we've had?" Jo asked, a cheeky grin on her face.
He scowled at her.
"The chinwags!" Sam said, now leaning over in a bubble of laughter. "I forgot about that!"
"What about when he asked us if we wanted a… what was it? Cuppa?" Phyllis chimed in, giggling along with Sam.
Rem shook his head. "And Sam spent ten minutes asking 'a cuppa what?' over and over again."
"Mmmm, I'd assume tea," Jo said, snickering into her drink.
"It was ridiculous!" Sam blurted.
"Oh, come one now," Phyllis said, her lips pursed. "His accent is great."
Jo nearly followed up the woman's statement, ready to voice exactly what she thought of Arlo's accent. However, she never found the words leaving her. Instead, her eyes caught how Phyllis' hand slid to the back of Arlo's neck, playing with the collar of his jacket as she smiled at him.
"I think it's pretty sexy," the woman finished.
Everyone was still partially laughing, still enjoying the moment. But Jo also noticed herself needing to pull her eyes away from the touch and glance over at Emily. It felt better to share her amusement with the girl instead. She wasn't sure exactly why.
"Would you all kindly stop laughing at my expense?" Arlo said. "Or can we at least go back to moments ago when Jo was the butt of the joke?"
Now Jo's eyes snapped back to him.
"Hey. Don't use me as your scapegoat," she told him.
"Besides," Sam joined in. "We weren't making fun of Jo. You were."
"Oh? So those looks you were shooting her weren't implying anything?" Arlo asked.
Sam opened her mouth, but then closed it instantly as she pressed her lips together. She then shrugged before shaking her head.
Laughter erupted from them again.
Their conversation continued on as they shared stories, cracked jokes, commented on the type of music that Django insisted on playing. They were a mess of smiles and laughter as they continued on, causing Jo's cheeks to hurt from showcasing her delight.
It felt so good to just relax. To release. To have moments like these that she hadn't necessarily been sure she would ever obtain when she moved to Portia.
Jo was three drinks in now, and boy was she feeling it. Her body felt loose, her eyes were likely glossed over as she smiled at nearly every little thing. She felt light, but heavy at the same time. Her words would slur here and there, but so were others - meaning Sam. Emily was more of a hiccuper, though she only had one and a half drinks.
Another side effect from the alcohol, Jo found herself leaning a bit more into the woman next to her. She had done a good job so far of keeping her touchy tendencies to herself while in Portia, for the most part. But with the extra buzz, her shoulder was leaning into Sam's while her hand would brush Emily's arm. Luckily, both girls didn't mind - though Jo would be sure to stop right away if they had.
"Oh my God," Phyllis said suddenly, raising a hand to her mouth as she looked somewhere away from the table. "Is that Higgins?"
"What!?" Jo said, looking over Emily to try and see the other occupants of the restaurant. Her eyes caught the man, causing her brows to pull together. "No, noo. What is he doing here?"
"He comes in every so often," Emily said. "Some people used to say that he was the one who was actually ripping up Django's seats just so he would get hired to fix them."
"That sounds like something he would do," Jo said, her voice skeptical as she watched him.
"I think that's a little too far to go for Higgins," she heard Arlo say, causing Jo to turn to look at him.
The minute her brown eyes caught his blue, she felt her skin prickle.
Stupid alcohol.
"He's a worm, Arlo. He'd do it," she insisted, though slight sarcasm did reside in her tone.
"I think the word you're looking for is snake," Arlo said.
She shook her head. "No. Snakes are too powerful. He doesn't get that much credit. Worm. He's a worm!"
"Why don't you two just sleep with each other already?" Sam spoke up.
Jo felt her eyes widen, watching Arlo's do the same as they were still staring at one another. Not able to look at him any longer, or anyone else at the table for that matter, she snapped her gaze over to Sam.
"What?" she breathed.
"You and Higgins?" Sam continued.
Oh thank God.
But… wait, what?
"What do you mean?" Jo pressed on, her face still hot.
"Why don't you and Higgins just sleep together and get it over with?" Sam clarified. "There's obviously some sexual tension there. That's where all the resentment blooms."
"What? No, no. I would never -" Jo tried.
However, Phyllis jumped in.
"Yeah, oooo. Rough, anger sex. That would be amazing," the women offered.
Sam paused, wrinkling her nose. "Well… with Higgins… maybe not."
"You're right," Phyllis spoke again. "Can you imagine the noises he would make?"
"I don't even want to," Sam said. "Hopefully he'd just be silent and let Jo take control."
"Oh, God. Stop," Jo said firmly, finally getting the women to end their conversation. "I am never sleeping with Higgins. Ever."
Sam laughed at this. "But imagine if you did."
"Sam!"
"Okay, okay," Phyllis giggled. "Only saying that angry sex is a lot of fun."
Jo couldn't help but watch the way that Phyllis' arm shifted over a little in order to gently bump the person next to her. So gently that it was hard to tell if she'd actually touched him. But she had. Jo could tell from the way his body shifted in her peripherals.
She also swore she could feel his eyes, that had been burning into the side of her face, now shift away.
"That's great," Jo said. "But it's still never going to happen with Higgins. And if we keep talking about it, I will throw up all over this table."
"Well, let's avoid that!" Emily spoke up.
Thank goodness for the girl.
"And maybe we could…" Emily trailed off as she looked out over the room. She then turned back, excitement spread over her expression. "Dance! We should go dance!"
"I'm in!" Sam said before anyone could say anything. "Rem, you're coming too."
"What? Why?" the man asked, completely thrown.
"Because I said so. Now get your butt up," she told him.
Rem sighed, but - much to Jo's surprise - was shifting out of his seat as well.
"I'm coming too," Phyllis said with a nod. She then glanced to her side. "Arlo?"
"Definitely not," he stated, his voice light. "I'll hold down the fort."
"Jo - ...oh…" Emily said as she turned to look at the brunette. Then everyone looked to her as they all seemed to suddenly have the same thought.
"Yeah…" Jo started, looking down at her injured leg resting under the table. "I don't think I'm going anywhere."
"We'll do some moves for you then!" Sam said, grabbing Emily's hand as she led the way out to the dance floor. "Don't miss us too much!"
"We'll try," Arlo said, giving them a wave as they all walked off.
Oh… Arlo and her were alone. There had been so much commotion that Jo didn't even think about the fact that it was only them staying behind. Not that she really minded.
"And then there were two," Jo said, giving him a smile.
"So there were. And I think one of them may be a little drunk," Arlo said with a single laugh.
"Tipsy, Captain. Tipsy," she told him.
"Fine, fine line that is," he said.
"I'm just teetering on the edge," Jo said, a strange thrill in her voice - even though it was working against herself.
So she followed it up.
"I like to live life on the edge," she slightly slurred.
Arlo hummed a laugh. "I think we've already confirmed that."
She gave him a goofy smile before she propped her elbow on the table and rested her chin into her hand.
"So how are you doing?" she asked.
"Oh, I am just fine. Nice to get out after a long week," he told her.
"Sorry about that," she said, giving him a tender smile now.
He shook his head in response. "None of that. We have a truce remember?"
"How could I ever forget? I initiated it, after all," she stated.
"Well, aren't we proud?" he asked.
She laughed before she reached for Emily's leftover drink. Someone had to take care of it, right?
Jo took a large swig, seeing Arlo shake his head in front of her. Though, his apparent disapproval didn't work as he also wore a smile.
"So," she said, putting the glass down again. "How are things with Phyllis? She seems to be having a good time tonight."
Jo looked at him expectantly, her eyes dancing. She didn't know what warranted the question, but she knew it was something that she had genuinely wanted to ask. Arlo and her were becoming closer and one thing that she wanted to understand, and support, was this relationship with Phyllis. Maybe that would help her from feeling so flustered every time she caught them interacting. Then she wouldn't feel like she was spying on something personal.
That's what she was telling herself anyway.
Arlo cleared his throat. "Good. We're good."
Then there was a slight pause between them. One that caused Jo to lift a brow.
"Really? That's all you're gonna say?" she asked.
He looked at her, shrugging. "What is it that you're wanting to hear?"
"I don't know. Something!" Jo said with a laugh. "Only I want it to come from your mouth. I know what everyone else says -"
"Of course they're saying things," Arlo sighed.
"It's all a bit confusing, if I'm being honest. I think it would help, and make more sense, to hear it coming from you," Jo finished. "Unless, you really want to leave well enough alone."
She held her hands up. "After all, it really isn't my business. I just want to know what my friend is up to. I want to support him. I want -"
"You're really just trying to weasel your way into this aren't you?" Arlo jumped in.
"No! … But is it working?" Jo asked, smiling.
"Why does it even…." he paused, looking over to where Phyllis was dancing currently. He then shifted his gaze back to Jo, sighing. "I'm not entirely sure what Phyllis and I are… if I'm completely honest."
Okay. At least that was an answer.
"It's okay not to know," Jo stated slowly. " But you like her?"
Arlo looked down at the table, only briefly before he looked up again. But it was elsewhere, not at Jo.
Jeez. He really does have a hard time talking about this stuff.
"Yeah, I like her," Arlo finally said.
"Good," Jo said, smiling at him. Though there was this strange sensation in the bottom of her stomach. It wasn't tingling, but more of a stinging - so subtle that she almost didn't notice.
"And how long has that been going on?" Jo asked.
He shrugged. "Three months?"
Not too long.
"That's an impressive amount of time," Jo said. "She seems to be very into you."
"I suppose so," Arlo replied, his response causing Jo to furrow her brow.
"What do you mean?" she asked.
He finally met her eyes again, his jaw shifting as if he were contemplating his words.
The look on his face caused Jo's breath to slow, her fingers tapping against the side of her glass as she felt she may need another drink.
"I… I don't know," he started.
However, the way that his voice lowered caused Jo's head to tilt to the side as her next words fell from her mouth.
"Yes you do…" she spoke, her volume matching his.
They stared at each other again.
She didn't know what drove her to say the words, but everything within her knew they were true. She could see it in his eyes. They were distracted, uncertain. It was a look that she hadn't remembered seeing from him before, which only drew her in more.
After holding each other's gaze for nearly a minute, Arlo nodded.
"Maybe I do," he stated. "But I think I just don't know how to say it."
Jo nodded now. "Well… would you like to try?"
Arlo looked at her, a quick breath leaving through his nose as his expression remained serious.
His reaction made her want to apologize. To reassure him that he didn't need to say anything and she was sorry for pushing him - if she even had.
But she found that wasn't necessarily as he began to speak again.
"I've noticed…" he paused for a moment, seeming as though he were searching the air for his next words. "That she relies a lot on… touch. And I have no problem with touch."
Jo was glad to hear that. Especially after how many physical interactions they had shared. Completely harmless physical interactions that is.
"But it's constant… and the oddest of times. When we're alone, we can't have a conversation without her needing to touch me somehow. It's as if she's not even really listening to me. And when we're with other people she just finds ways to do it in a very… 'public' manner," he continued.
Jo nodded, following along with his words.
"Don't get me wrong, she is beautiful. And incredibly intelligent. And driven. But… it's as I want to explore those sides of her, yet she doesn't care to see those parts of me. It's all about touch and physical aspects rather than minds…" he said. "I don't know. Maybe I'm overthinking this whole thing due to lack of experience."
"I wouldn't say that," Jo responded, her voice gentle as she shook her head.
He shrugged. "I just know the physical attraction is there… but I'm not looking for someone to lust after me…if that makes sense…"
Jo flashed a weak smile before it fell from her face. "It does, Arlo."
He looked at her, swallowing hard as he leaned forward onto his elbows.
"There are a lot of different relationships in this world," Jo continued. "You're bound to find people that you find physically attractive, and even mentally attractive, but they don't necessarily mesh with you."
Jo's head felt a little foggy as she continued to talk. With all the alcohol in her system, she really hoped she was getting somewhere and not just throwing out nonsense.
"I'm not sure if it's something that you've talked with her about, but if you haven't, then maybe it's worth mentioning. Because maybe she really does hear you and see you, but it's hard to tell or acknowledge due to the whole 'what are we thing.'"
Arlo continued to stare at her, his expression solid as he seemed to be caught onto her every word. Yet, she also couldn't help but feel like part of him was lost in his own mind.
So she kept talking.
"But if you don't think it's right, well… then that's okay too. You want to be with someone who likes you. Not someone who just likes the idea of you. The surface level attraction," Jo said.
She finished with a shrug, holding his gaze as he finally let his features soften - but only slightly.
Jo could feel her body buzzing, knowing that she wanted to ask him what he was thinking. Only because she was worried she had overstepped a boundary along the way. She had only been meaning to help, but perhaps her tipsy tongue had caused her to misspeak.
Her cloudy mind wasn't even capable of going back and correctly remembering exactly what it was that she had said.
His silence caused her to speak again, choosing to try and wrap up the conversation so they could gracefully move on. Or so she hoped.
"You're an amazing person, Arlo," she told him. "And you deserve to be with someone amazing. That could be Phyllis, or another girl, or maybe even no one. Maybe it's just yourself. But, no matter what, it's going to be fine."
And now he finally broke from his stoic state and gave her a half smile. The action made her body deflate a little as she released a breath.
"Thank you," he said. "I hope you're right."
Jo smiled at him, leaning back in her chair as she finally brought the glass to her lips and emptied the last third of the glass. The amount of alcohol made a tingle shoot up her back.
It was crazy how quickly things could shift.
"I apologize, as well. I didn't mean to make this conversation about my worries and woes," he told her.
"Ah, that's okay. That's what friends are for," she said. "Besides, I asked."
"That's very true. You did. Once again - you're a pest," he said, teasing her.
His tone made an ache appear in her chest as she laughed down at the empty glass.
Whoa, that last drink was really hitting her. Her head felt as though it was spinning as she glanced downward.
If she thought her mind was jumbled before then she was wrong. She still felt decently in control, but she was definitely feeling the potential for giggles to bubble out of her at any moment. For many years, she had thanked her lucky stars that she was a happy drunk, but she also didn't want to look like a complete idiot. Especially if her tongue chose to take advantage of her state and become even more unpredictable.
"Alright," Arlo spoke, catching her attention. "I'm thinking that's enough for you."
It was as if he had read her thoughts.
Or perhaps he had taken one look at her and used even the slightest bit of common sense. She was obviously drunk at this point as her smile was now completely lopsided.
"Mmmm, I may be a pest, but you're definitely a bully," she told him.
"I don't think bullies have your best interest in mind, so I don't agree with that at all," he spoke.
"Bullies always have secret motives," she retorted. "You never know!"
Arlo rolled his eyes, though he was smiling. He then looked out at the rest of the room, his face lighting up more as he caught sight of their friends.
Jo watched the way his teeth flashed in his mouth, his smile bright and inviting as it spread onto his face. His jawline was even more apparent as he was turned to the side, his red hair dancing across the skin as it led to his chin.
She barely realized how hard she was studying him. She had definitely crossed over that fine line he had mentioned before.
"I think we dodged a bullet. You should see this lot," he told her.
"Oh really?" Jo asked, glancing over her shoulder. However, she was unable to see them from her seat, which caused her to shift out of her seat.
The alcohol soothed any ache in her body as she moved from her side of the table to his - bringing herself to sit directly beside him. Her eyes remained out to the room, but she now felt the left side of her body grow warm as she was aware of him next to her.
Her eyes fell on the group of their four friends, trying to move their bodies to the rhythm of the song. However, Emily and Phyllis seemed to have a better grasp over it than Sam and Rem. Sam's excuse was she was drunk by now, while Rem was obviously not the strongest dancer.
Jo laughed. "Just think. That could be us."
"No one needs to see you out there swaying around on crutches or me shuffling awkwardly from side to side," he told her. "If anything, we're likely doing them the favor."
Jo turned her eyes towards him, realizing now that they were decently close as their faces were only a foot apart.
"I have a feeling you're a better dancer than you let on," she said, giving him a suspicious look.
"Really? And what brings that on?" he asked.
"I'm not sure. You seem like the type to have that sort of trick up your sleeve," she told him, her eyes remaining on his.
"I have many tricks, actually," he said, his eyes shifting as he searched her.
"Captain Arlo," she said, her force teasing as she pretended betrayal. It then fell quieter as she spoke again, her tone surprising herself. "What other skeletons are you hiding in your closets?"
"Perhaps I'll show mine if you show yours," he said, his voice all dipping down.
What was happening?
Jo felt her stomach flip as she looked at him. It was their usual teasing, but for some reason it felt different than usual. More intense, perhaps. Though some of their interactions had made her head spin, it was never to this extent.
Or perhaps that was the alcohol still making her spin and impairing her judgment.
She looked away, glancing off in another direction as she saw some of the other townspeople dining together or shuffling into the game room to likely play darts. She didn't trust herself whatsoever to throw a dart at that moment.
"Uh… oh… you'll never guess who's looking over here," Arlo spoke again, causing Jo to turn forward. The air between them seemed to relax again.
"Who?" she asked, her brows pulling together as she stared around.
"Higgins. Two o'clock," he told her.
Thinking about his words, Jo slowly glanced over to his suggested location and immediately locked eyes with the worm himself. Immediately, he smirked at her, raising a glass with his stupid, slimy fingers.
"Oh God," Jo groaned, turning to her right in order to avoid his actions.
Only, her body also fell over as she turned, causing her to completely lean into the man beside her. Before she could think about what she was doing, she tucked her head into his neck as an attempt to shield her eyes from Higgins further. It was as if the worm had caused her to go completely limp from hate, as she eased into the man next to her.
Then her nose filled with the familiar scents. The smell of worn leather mixed with something that was more… him. How could she even describe it? It was almost like cedarwood and musk. Maybe some apple.
She breathed it in, feeling her whole body become warm as both her sense of smell and touch were stimulated. Her head on his shoulder, hand on his chest, her leg against his, and now… the feeling of his hand on her lower back.
The final touch made Jo's breath tight as she slowly pulled back and brought her gaze up to his chest. It paused there for a moment, reminding her of the day he had saved her from the snailbobs and pulled her down from his horse. Moments passed before her stare raised to his own eyes, which were currently on her.
His expression was relaxed, his lips parted as he was focused on her.
The color on her cheeks had to be stained red.
Oh God.
She was so stupid. She hadn't even meant to be so touchy with him. It was a reaction based on seeing Higgins that had meant to be, once again, harmless. However, she feared that it was being misread. Maybe not by him, but it would definitely be misread by Phyllis if she saw.
Oh God - Phyllis!
Jo's eyes tore away from his and she looked back to the dancing group. But she found that none of them were focused in her direction, but still wrapped up in their own dancing and laughter.
Okay.
But Jo still felt uneasy. She didn't want to feel as though she had "gotten away with it" because she hadn't even meant anything by the actions. It had been innocent and not ill intentioned, but it probably didn't seem that way.
Especially after the conversation that they just had about Phyllis.
Oh, no. He probably thought that Jo was just throwing herself at him after making him admit all of that. That had not been her plan, or her goal. This was all a coincidence and she had just put herself in very rocky and unintended circumstances.
Maybe you should… you know… say something.
Remembering herself a little more, Jo turned back to Arlo, noting that he was still looking at her.
"Think it's best if I go back to the other side!" Jo announced, perhaps a little too loudly for the man directly next to her. She then began to awkwardly shift out of the seat before she made her way back to her original spot. "Can't see Higgins from this side."
She watched as Arlo raised a brow at her, making her heart pound in her chest. She had been trying to make this less awkward, but now she was starting to think that she had done the complete opposite.
Her best move was probably to apologize now. However, as she opened her mouth, she never had the chance to follow through as their other guests returned to the table.
"You two missed a heck of a dance party!" Sam said, plopping down next to Jo. "Still would have liked to see you bust a move on those crutches."
Jo laughed lightly. "Not even if you paid me."
"And what did we miss here?" Phyllis asked, sitting down next to Arlo in the same spot Jo had been only moments ago.
Jo didn't know what caused the reaction, but she suddenly felt a vibration running through her body caused by the blonde's question, the memory of what had just occurred, and the way that Arlo was still looking at her.
Why was he still looking at her?
But then he tore his eyes away as he looked to Phyllis.
"Nothing really," he told her.
Jo was thankful for this answer, causing her to speak up as well.
"Yeah. You really missed nothing," she confirmed.
However, how come even though they both called it nothing… there was a feeling deep inside of her telling her it was…. Something.
Nothing.
Nothing was a joke. Nothing was an understatement.
It was only that Arlo didn't know how to describe what they had missed. He also really shouldn't have been explaining any of it either. Because he wasn't sure what had just occurred between Jo and him, but it sure didn't feel like nothing.
Perhaps he was letting weird projections get the best of him, but it was a feeling he couldn't shake.
From them talking about his "relationship" with Phyllis to when she was moving back to her original seat - it had left his head spinning in a way that he couldn't fathom. And then there was the way that she had leaned into him. So freely and simply that he knew she hadn't meant anything behind the action. But did that make it better or worse?
Calling it nothing was the easy option. Nothing was what it should be. Because it was all in fact nothing and he was just letting his mind, and whatever else this was, get the best of him.
But why?
Why was there this feeling inside of him, sitting in the pit of his stomach, yelling up at him? It kept insisting that maybe it wasn't nothing. At least to one person.
What did that even mean?
He was beginning to feel frustrated. He was annoyed that he felt like this and was trying to work it all out while she was still across from him - smiling at their fellow friends and getting lost in their stories. Her carefree demeanor suggesting that her mind was not currently in overdrive like his was right then.
And normally he could make an excuse. He could ignore it or figure out a way to not let his mind slip in any direction. But tonight he couldn't shake it.
He needed to, though. Because even if there was a voice inside of him trying to convince him otherwise, tonight's interaction with Jo really was nothing.
Arlo had decided to confide in her, and Jo had allowed herself to lean into him in a way that she hadn't before. Quite literally lean into him.
But she had been drinking. Jo was already enough of a touchy person in the first place, but alcohol heightened things. She wasn't completely aware of herself or her actions, and Arlo knew better than to take advantage of her state. He couldn't and shouldn't have been making any conclusions just because she had touched him.
That's just where they had found their relationship… their friendship. There was touch.
That thought made Arlo recall what he had said to Jo about Phyllis. About their touch and how he had felt indifferent to it because that's all that she seemed to want.
When Phyllis touched him… it didn't make him overthink this much. It didn't invade his mind and completely settle in so he couldn't escape it even if he tried.
Why was that?
When Phyllis had touched him tonight, Arlo had nearly begun to sweat and shuffled his feet under the table. He had shifted his eyes around to his mates to see their reactions as if it mattered. Because it felt like it mattered…
But when Jo touched him tonight, Arlo grew warm, his feet planted, his hand instinctively placed on the small of her back, his eyes shifted only down and on her.
And he hated that. He hated taking advantage of her actions to make himself think that there was something behind the touch. The interactions.
Especially because he was, in a way, "with" Phyllis. And she was sitting right beside him while he was having this entire inner battle. Inner battle? He hated that as well.
So what was this?… This thing with Jo.
What was it?
Arlo looked at her, her eyes still pointed away from him as she leaned her chin into her hand again. Her attention was directed at Rem, her shoulder slightly leaning into Emily's as she listened to the man. Carelessly touching someone else.
It was nothing.