The wind blew her hair into her face, but she made her way back to the lawkeeper's office and just as the door closed behind her, Tommy rushed in, "Nolan's checking the Hollows to be sure people are secure in their homes, then he's coming back here."
Irisa nodded and looked around, "How strong are the windows?"
"They should be ok with the storm coming. There was a worst one a few months back and they were ok then."
Irisa cocked her head to the side, "You think you can tell the intensity of the storm before it gets here?"
"I'm making a guess. Plus, Alak Tarr just gave me the data sheet from the radar at the top of the arch." He smirked at the smart-ass comment he made. Her silent and indifferent reaction wiped it off. He watched her turn and busy herself with who knew what. It wasn't unusual, but it seemed heavier, the silence between them. Still, he tried something else. Maybe just so he could say it. "It's just going to be a thunderstorm. I hear they were pretty basic back in the day. Just wind, water, and electricity." He stepped closer to her, wanting to put his hands on her shoulders, but unsure, so just stood close to her back, "Even now, though, they make me think of wrapping up in a blanket with someone as the sounds of the storm surround us."
Irisa moved away as if she didn't even hear him. Her hope was that he would just forget what happened between them. She heard his footsteps as he seemed to be making another effort, but Nolan came in and nodded to them both. "Is Alak still in the tower?"
"I sent him home." Tommy stepped away from Irisa and handed Nolan a piece of paper, "He also gave me this. It looks pretty calm compared to previous storms. Still want to make sure no one's out in it."
"A lot of people have decided to hole up at the NeedWant. Irisa, did you want to stay here, go to your home, or there?" He then looked at Tommy and handed him the paper, "And I'm not sure you could make it home in time, so maybe Irisa here won't mind you on her floor."
Irisa frowned at Nolan, "Maybe she will."
Nolan smirked, "Be charitable, kid. You didn't even say where you're planning on being."
She checked a window to be sure it was closed, "If you're going to be at the NeedWant, I can go there, too." She looked at Tommy with warning in her eyes and voice, "I lock the door. No one is in there without me."
Nolan shook his head and pulled out a bottle, "I got my supplies right here. Planned to stay here in the office. You two go on and get to the NeedWant."
Irisa looked at Tommy, noting he was watching her with hopefulness while Nolan settled down with his bottle. He sighed, "Or stay here, but the way the sky looks, you have only a few minutes."
"We can get some food and head on over to your place. It might last all night and I know I'd like to lie down." Tommy started to slip his jacket on.
"There's places to lie down in the NeedWant." Irisa walked out the door without much warning.
Nolan looked at Tommy with amusement, "She's got a point there." Then, suddenly, his face got serious, "Don't let her."
Tommy looked at Nolan confused and then sighed, "Just her presence makes sure they know not to even ask her."
"Well, don't you be long. Things might get feisty with people cooped up. Especially her."
"Who said I even was going to... Just because there's a brothel, doesn't mean everyone makes use of it!" Tommy then stormed out, leaving Nolan watching after rather confused, but then a shrug as he poured a drink.
When Tommy got into the NeedWant, he saw Irisa at the bar. "So, you're place?"
She counted out scrip and mumbled her reply. "That's where I'm headed. I checked and there's a few ladies not booked yet for the next few hours. I can lend you some scrip if you need it."
"Irisa..." He began to talk, but she cut him off.
She turned sharply, "I know what you want to do. If you want that badly, then there's plenty of places to get it."
"It's not the same."
Irisa took the food and hurried to the door. Hearing Tommy behind her, she paused, "You are not welcome in my house." She continued and didn't hear him follow.
((This may be edited later, but I wanted to give you guys something. I think it's gone from snippets of flashbacks to a little story in and of itself for this chapter and perhaps the next. Thanks for asking for more and I hope you enjoy!))