[center] [img]https://txt.1001fonts.net/img/txt/b3RmLjEwNi5kOTFmOGIuVkdobElGUnlhVzguMA/thuast.demo.webp[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/QIUSezo.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/ycOCuCr.png[/img][/center] [right][code]Outside The Lair > Luca’s Place[/code][/right] [color=F08080]“I did not mean…I don’t think… I,”[/color] Lynn paused as her head lowered as Jack grilled her on what she said. She knew she had fucked up royally. Yet that same anger that ignited this whole inferno once again flickered in her eyes. Why was she the only one being targeted here? Sure, she said the worst thing she could’ve said but Linqian started it. The anger lingered in her eyes for a brief moment longer but it dissipated as yet another tear fell across the burned section of her face, pulling her back from her feelings and back to the present. [color=F08080]“Jack, I fucked up. With everyone one dying, the PRA raid, I…I,”[/color] she could no longer keep the sentence going as she simply let her eyes fall to the ground below defeated and ashamed of what she said. Yet, despite this, she was not upset at how those words made Linqian feel. If anything, she felt good that she had managed to cut deep and make her feel the same thing she felt. It was clear to Luca that nothing else was going to come from this meeting. Everyone was hurt, the government agents were still here and Lynn and Linqian had just gotten into a full blown fight… he winced. Of the two he knew Lynn better, and was much closer to her, but what she’d said was out of line. What they’d both said was out of line. He should go home. There was only so much pain he could handle in public, and he’d left his stronger painkillers in his apartment today. But… he didn’t want to just leave. He’d barely caught up with anyone. Slowly, he pushed himself to his feet. He still felt incredibly weak, but his legs were functioning again at least. It would be enough to get him home. Luca grimaced and pressed his hand against his head as it aching, eyes squeezing shut to push through the dizziness from getting up. It passed, and he approached Lila, Lynn and Jasper - stopping a short bit away so he wouldn’t hurt any of them. [color=6B8E23]”Hey guys,”[/color] he said quietly, looking at Lynn with eyes full of sympathy. He hated seeing anyone he cared about hurting, no matter how it had happened. [color=6B8E23]”I’m thinking of leaving… Want to come with me? We could go back to my place, catch up a bit. I have loads of stuff to treat wounds, and plenty of painkillers too.”[/color] Lila looked over at Jasper, and then at Lynn, before back to Luca. [color=DA70D6]“Yeah, let’s get out of here.”[/color] She paused as she leaned down into Lynn’s face and smiled, [color=DA70D6]“Let’s get out of here. We can talk about this all later over a drink, yeah?”[/color] Lynn simply nodded in return. [color=98FB98]”Luca, you are amazing. Thank you for the help here,”[/color] Jasper said as he flashed a big smile, [color=98FB98]” This day has been a complete waste so far, like what the fuck.”[/color] As he finished, he walked over and grabbed his painting off the ground. He carried it back to the group and in his mind, he began to think of the steps to restore it. [color=6B8E23]”Yeah, just like yesterday was,”[/color] Luca laughed. [color=6B8E23]”A drink sounds good… Any of you got a car? Otherwise, we gotta walk a bit to get a bus.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“We took an Uber this morning,”[/color] Lila said sheepishly. [color=98FB98]”I do,”[/color] Jasper waved towards the group to follow him, [color=98FB98]”I parked back by the park so we got a small walk ahead of us at least. Thankfully I cleaned it out yesterday so there is plenty of room.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Perfect, cars are much safer for me,”[/color] Luca grinned. He glanced around everyone else… who all seemed to be heading their own ways anyway. With a half wave he started slowly walking back towards the park (because if he walked too quickly, he’d probably end up tripping over his own feet) behind Jasper. [color=6B8E23]”Uh, my place is a bit bare, just as a warning. There’s enough seats, though! You guys will just have to grab them from Olivia’s old room, all the good furniture is in there.”[/color] Now that they were far enough away to be out of earshot of everyone else, he looked over at Lynn. [color=6B8E23]”Lynn, are you alright? Well obviously you aren’t alright… But y’know, if you ever need to talk about any of that stuff I’m always here for you. If not, we can do something fun at my place.”[/color] He smiled sheepishly. [color=6B8E23]”I have a few things to tell you guys too.”[/color] Lynn raised her eyes slowly and rested them on Luca’s and offered a weak, but warm, smile in return. [color=F08080]“Thank you,”[/color] she paused as she lowered her eyes down once again. In truth, she had no desire to talk about any of that stuff, at least not quite yet. She knew that if she talked, she would show a side of herself that she kept hidden for a reason. Lynn had to be this perfectly happy version of herself at all times, she had to keep up the illusion even if everyone had just got a glimpse of the sadness that lurked beneath. If she talked about her family like she needed to it would only speak to the fact that she will more than likely meet a similar fate before long. And that was not something she was ready to face. That was something she couldn’t face while she was sober. [color=F08080]“I can’t….I can’t… something.. Something fun sounds nice..”[/color] her voice was weak, defeated, and above all else it finished with a tone that she hoped would keep the questions at bay. "We can do something fun!" Luca nodded - he wasn't going to push. He understood wanting to keep stuff to yourself more than anyone. [color=98FB98]”A few things to tell us, eh?”[/color] Jasper started as his eyes shifted from Lynn to Luca. He knew all about Lynn’s past, and if it was anyone else who said what she said he’d never talk to them again and would’ve been in line behind Linqian. [color=98FB98]”Don’t keep us waiting,”[/color] Jasper smiled wide once more. [color=6B8E23]"Hey, hey, it's nothing exciting,"[/color] Luca laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. [color=6B8E23]"The fun part is some stuff I got for you guys, you gotta wait till we're at mine.. The rest is kinda the opposite. You remember Olivia? She and I kept in touch past ten years… well we lived together til a year or two ago. I haven't heard from her for a week."[/color] He looked away to hide the way his smile wavered. "Just wanted to let you guys know. The rest I'd rather say when we're at mine!" Lila looked over to Lila, and saw that Lila was already looking at her. This was the second time the two of them had heard Luca say that Olivia was missing in as many days. Lila could tell that Olivia being missing was stressing Luca out and now, with everything else that had happened since the Dairy Queen, Lila was beginning to stress out about it too. [color=DA70D6]“Oklahoma, right,”[/color] Lila asked as she looked over to Luca once again. [color=DA70D6]“Listen, fuck the PRA and fuck the coven, if you need help finding her all you have to do is ask”[/color], Lila paused as she pulled out her phone and typed an address into her GPS, [color=DA70D6]“it’d be a drive, a long drive, but we could go if you ever wanted to.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]"I appreciate it,"[/color] Luca looked back over at Lila with a smile. It had slipped his mind he'd told them yesterday too - as many things did nowadays, with his memory deteriorating. He often struggled with that more than he did his physical ones. Of course he was incredibly worried about Olivia… but he hadn't meant to make it such a stressful thing. [color=6B8E23]"But I actually called her family a few days after, and she isn't there… Maybe I'll call again. Just worrying with Father Wolf, but no news is good news, right?"[/color] Because they hadn't found her body. [color=6B8E23]"Sorry, I didn't mean to worry you guys too much with it! I'm sure she's fine and just on a work trip or something. That's what her mum said it might be… a sudden work trip she forgot to tell them about."[/color] It sounded ridiculous even as he said it, and had done when Olivia's mum told him that over the phone. But he was trying to stay positive. [color=6B8E23]"Forgetting things leads into the second thing, heh… sorry, I forgot I told you both yesterday."[/color] He smiled at Lila and Lynn. [color=6B8E23]"My memory isn't as good as it used to be. A lot of me isn't, really. I can't really hide this after how I reacted to the tear gas, but…"[/color] Luca paused, trying to figure out how to word things. He'd said he'd wait till they were at his place, but he'd given himself an in, so he wouldn't back out and not say anything. He had to force himself to say something now, even if it wasn't the whole truth. He couldn't tell anyone the whole truth. [color=6B8E23]"Well it's pretty obvious I'm ill. I'm seeing doctors and it's stable! I don't want to worry anyone, but it might make some stuff more difficult for me, so I at least wanted you guys to know."[/color] Him being stable was completely false, but he said it all with a calm expression and smile that it would be near impossible to tell any of it was a lie. Jasper listened as Luca talked and sighed at the final reveal that he was fine. Today was a day of many unexpected sights and feelings and experiences, and Jasper was at least thankful that he did not have to worry about losing a good person like Luca. But that made Jasper think. Luca has been stuck in this condition for nearly ten years. Ten years of rot, and decay, and not much else that could be considered a life in-between. [color=98FB98]”Say Luca, I am very glad that you are doing okay. But that begs the question,”[/color] he paused as he turned towards the rest of the group with a grin across his face, [color=98FB98]”how much living have you done over the past ten years”[/color] he paused as moved a little closer. It dawned on him for the first time that Luca was that much shorter than him. [color=98FB98]”we have the Halloween festival coming up in a week, what if we all went to that together? Did a..”[/color] [color=F08080]“Group costume?”[/color] Lynn whispered as the faint glimmer of excitement entered her eyes, replacing the sadness that consumed them. Halloween was her favorite time of year, and dressing up was the best part. [color=98FB98]” Group costume,”[/color] he finished with the biggest smile yet. [color=6B8E23]”A group costume?”[/color] Luca’s slight smile widened into a grin, his eyes shining. The past few days were the most he’d been out for months, and going to a halloween festival… He hadn’t done anything like that in years. It was still risky, especially if there were people without magic around, but at least if he wasn’t alone there’d be a bit of a person buffer. He didn’t want to cause pain but he couldn’t actually hurt these three without touching them. Just the thought of going to something like this, dressed up with friends, was so exciting he didn’t want to dwell on the logistics of it. [color=6B8E23]”Absolutely! I haven’t been to the halloween festival since I was a teen… You’re right, I haven’t been living much at all. What should we do? Oh, we could all be witches? Nah, that’s too boring… I don’t know, what do you guys think?”[/color] [color=DA70D6]”No,”[/color] Lila started as she began to think. [color=DA70D6]” We got to do something fun, flashy, and on the nose but also subtle?”[/color] [color=F08080]“We can talk about it,”[/color] Lynn paused as she lowered her eyes once more, but raised them up again a second later. [color=F08080]“What about something like the Powerpuff Girls? Lila and I can go as the girls, and you and Jasper can go as the masculine Powerpuff girls.”[/color] [color=98FB98]” Like, in a dress and thigh-highs,”[/color] Jasper paused as he flexed his legs, [color=98FB98]”I am always down to show off my legs”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Heyyy,”[/color] Luca jokingly glared at Jasper. [color=6B8E23]”Stop bragging! Some of us don’t have long legs to show off.”[/color] Thankfully he was comfortable enough in his masculinity now to do something like this… Even if just the image of him, small as he was, beside Jasper as masculine powerpuff girls was hilarious. [color=6B8E23]”I’m so down, I think we’d really pull off the powerpuff girls.”[/color] [color=98FB98]”Let’s talk about it more in the car,”[/color] Jasper said as he clicked the unlock button on his key fob, His car was a relatively new SUV. He knew that Luca would do a bit of damage, but he knew a person who was handy with threads that could repair the damage like nothing had happened if Luca couldn’t suppress it for the whole time. [color=98FB98]”Luca, you get the first pick for seats.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Lucky me,”[/color] Luca grinned - glad that Jasper had quite a spacious car. He took the back seat on the right, focusing on suppressing his rotting touch as he pulled over a seatbelt, shifting to try touch as little as possible with his bare skin. His aura might touch whoever was in front of him and cause a prickling, eventually worsening, pain against their skin - but it should be avoidable. And at least he shouldn’t get Jasper in the driver seat. [color=6B8E23]”My place isn’t too far by car, maybe ten or fifteen minutes, so I shouldn’t do too much damage…”[/color] Lila was the next one into the car. She took the spot in the back, opposite side, to Luca and buckled herself into place in one quick motion. The *caw*’s from outside took her by surprise once again, and she once again came face to face with a crow trying to enter the car. Lila fought with the bird for a moment before she was able to force the crow out, and force the door close. Lynn got into the front seat and felt the prickling sensation immediately but she did not shift or move from her seat. Jasper looked over everyone, checking that they were buckled in, before he put the car into motion and began to drive off toward Luca’s place. [color=98FB98]”So,”[/color] Jasper paused as he raised three fingers. [color=98FB98]”We have Bubbles, Buttercup, and Blossom. Who’s going to be who?”[/color] [color=F08080]“We should match,”[/color] Lynn spoke as she looked back at Lila and then Luca. [color=F08080]“You two could go as Buttercup, and Jasper and I as Blossom, that way we have room for another pair if,”[/color] she paused as she turned back around and sunk down into her seat, [color=F08080]“If anyone else would even want to join us after,”[/color] she paused again as she reached into her bag and fumbled around for her flask. She paused as she couldn’t find it, and eventually just stopped the thought entirely as she looked out the window. [color=6B8E23]"Hell yeah I'm happy with Buttercup!"[/color] Luca nodded. He'd make a great masculine Buttercup, green was definitely his colour. He held back a wince when Lynn's mood visibly dropped. He quickly tried to think of a way to cheer her up. [color=6B8E23]"Hey, if nobody else wants to join it's their loss, we'll look great… and someone might. Even if they don't, who needs a bubbles anyway? Bet we'll be the best dressed of the coven."[/color] He quickly thought through everyone else in the coven… the only one he could see [I]possibly[/I] joining their group was Adora. If Lisa had been around she definitely would have- no, let's not go there. [color=6B8E23]"Oh if you want anything that isn't water, herbal tea, or some really old wine Olivia left behind that I'm pretty sure I accidentally fermented, we should drop in at a shop on the way. Well, I can't really go in, but you guys should."[/color] [color=F08080]“True,”[/color] Lynn said as she flashed a weak smile in return, [color=F08080]“We’ll probably look the best.”[/color] Jasper looked over from the driver's seat and saw Lynn slink back into her dark place. He knew she wanted to drink, and he wanted to try and help pull her out without the alcohol, at least at the start. [color=98FB98]”I may know someone who has a pretty nifty abstraction over at 317,””[/color] Jasper paused as she flashed a smile, [color=98FB98]”makes them real good with making clothes,”[/color] he paused as he returned his gaze to the road, [color=98FB98]”I am not saying that they can make us the perfect costumes, but they will make it as close to perfect as possible. You’d look better than Linqian, Anya,”[/color] [color=F08080]”Yeah,”[/color] Lynn said as she shifted back upright into her seat and pushed forward away from the decaying aura, [color=F08080]”that would make me very happy.”[/color] [color=98FB98]”Good point Luca, we can stop once we get close, we can put it on my ‘tab’”[/color] "Whoa, you've got all the connections, Jasper," Luca grinned, flashing him a thumbs up… that he couldn't see because he was (hopefully) looking at the road. "I'll have to make sure to wear loads of layers underneath to not ruin it… but damn, bet we'll be the only ones with literally magical costumes." Assuming anyone else went… well they surely would, it was the Halloween festival! Though he couldn't even imagine Sloane and Anya dressed up in costumes. "Oh yeah, there's a small place near my apartment, so should be able to drop in there before going in." A few minutes later Jasper pulled the car into a local convenience store. He watched as everyone got out of the car. [color=98FB98]” Alright, Lynn, Lila, you two get started. Find what you want, my treat,”[/color] he paused as he turned to Luca, [color=98FB98]“Luca what are you wanting?”[/color] Luca thought about it for a moment. There were certain foods he couldn't have without rotting them away, but thankfully processed foods like snacks were mostly safe… though sadly he couldn't drink. "A bar of Hershey's, some popcorn, lemonade… oh, and a bigggg tub of ice cream." He lowered his voice even though Lynn had gone towards the store. "Always good after anyone's cried." [color=98FB98]”Good point,”[/color] Jasper paused as he made a mental note of the list as he turned around and ran into the store, [color=98FB98]”hold down the fort while we’re gone!”[/color] As the group entered the store the murder of crows that had been trailing their car began to land on the trees, the buildings, and even on top of the car once more. Thousands of crows began to descend on the area around Luca, and they all had their eyes on the door of the convenience store. Luca eyed the crows in confusion - didn’t Lila say she’d sealed the maiden? Why were there still so many fucking crows everywhere. He took a few steps away from the door, so he wouldn’t be in the way of anyone, before rummaging in his pockets. Eventually he pulled out a packet of hard biscuits he’d been saving for if the meeting took too long. [color=6B8E23]”Hey, do you want some of this?”[/color] He called out to the crows. Because they couldn’t actually respond he broke off a bit of a biscuit and threw it onto the ground far enough away from him that it wouldn’t hurt them. If they wanted it they’d eat it, if not… well he’d just thrown a biscuit on the floor. The crows tilted their heads at the question. They looked down at the biscuit, back up to Luca, and back down to the biscuit. In unison the crows *caw*ed and began flapping their wings. It was as if they understood Luca’s question, and understood he made an offering, but there was something that they did not like about the request. They left the ground, and the surrounding area at once and retreated to a further distance and took up a roost in the nearby trees. This time, however, their eyes were on Luca. A thousand beady eyes focused in on one, sickly man. A few minutes later, the door to the store opened once more and Lynn and Lila walked out without bags in hand. A second later, Jasper stepped out with several bags attached to both arms. He struggled as he walked across the parking lot as he made his way to the trunk of his car. He used his foot to trigger the sensor, and then once it was open he placed the bags inside. [color=6B8E23]”Holy shit,”[/color] Luca whisper shouted, unable to take his eyes off the thousands of crows giving him a death stare for offering them a [i]biscuit[/i]. Was he about to get his eyes pecked out? He needed those! Luca gestured to Lila - well tried to, he didn’t want to take his eyes off the possibly murderous crows. [color=6B8E23]”I think I pissed off a whole bunch of crows, Lila, what do I do?!”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“They’ll forget about it, trust me,”[/color] Lila chuckled for a second before she caught the size of the murderer around them. Thousands upon thousands. Lila raised an eyebrow as she looked around, in a circle, and saw them in every direction she looked. The Maiden was sealed. She did not have access to the crows. The Maiden [i]was[/i] sealed. She calmed her thoughts and she pushed away the thoughts of any failure. [color=DA70D6]“They were very picky about food when I had my abstraction, and if I gave them something that they did not like they would throw a fit. But given that it was your first offense they will forget, just be sure to give them something better the next time”[/color], she finished with a wink. [color=6B8E23]”Oh thank god,”[/color] Luca let out a sigh of relief, slowly walking towards Jasper’s car - and keeping an eye on the crows in case they decided to swoop at him. [color=6B8E23]”Don’t give them cheap biscuits, got it.”[/color] [color=98FB98]”Let’s get going,”[/color] Jasper spoke to the group. He shot a look to Lynn and Lynn had already gave him her ‘what the fuck’ expression as the two looked around at the murder in full. Lila said The Maiden was sealed, Lynn said she was there, yet why was the murder following Lila around just like before? And why was there more of them? Jasper waited for everyone to get into the car before he put the car in motion once more, and began the short trek over to Luca’s apartment. [color=98FB98]” Alright gang, we’re here… I think.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Yup, we are! Follow me!”[/color] Luca got out of the car and led them to an apartment building just a short walk away. He rummaged in his pocket for his keys, making sure to hold the plastic cover rather than the key itself, and opening the main door. He led them through the small corridor and hit the elevator button with his elbow. It didn’t take long to get there, and was thankfully big enough that he wouldn’t risk touching any of them inside. Luca crammed himself right in the corner. [color=6B8E23]”It’s just four floors up, but I don’t want to walk..”[/color] On good days, he still could, but on most? Wasn’t worth it. After a brief elevator ride they reached the fourth floor. Luca got out last, squeezing past them to the nearest flat. [color=6B8E23]”Welcome to my humble abode,”[/color] he dramatically gestured for them to all go in once the door was open. A short corridor led into an open plan living room and kitchen, with three more doors off of it. The whole floor was lined with black, plastic vinyl - a few of the edges were worn away, and it had clearly been put down unprofessionally. The living room itself was rather bare, with a tattered, blue couch in one corner near a large window. Opposite it, some distance away, was a large screen plugged into a desktop computer. The wallpaper was half peeling off, an unpleasant dark cream colour that it probably hadn’t been when Luca first moved in. There were a few wooden chairs next to the breakfast bar that separated the kitchen from the living room. They all looked like they were on their last legs, discoloured and rotting. [color=6B8E23]”Sorry it’s not much,”[/color] Luca ran a hand through his hair with a light laugh, hurrying into the room so the rest of them could get in behind him. He stopped just in front of the near destroyed couch, gesturing to the first door off of the living room. [color=6B8E23]”That’s Olivia’s old room, there’s a couple of chairs you can get from there if you’d like! I haven’t been in much since she moved out, so everything in there is… undecayed. She made sure it was all set up in case anyone ever stayed over and the like. Also, feel free to put stuff in the fridge or freezer!”[/color] Thankfully his kitchen was also mostly alright, thanks to him covering what he could in plastic and using mostly plastic utensils. It still needed replaced every now and then, but it was much more resistant to decay than other materials. [color=98FB98]”Love the place man,”[/color] Jasper’s voice broke as he carried all the bags through the doorway. He was quickly followed by Lila, and then Lynn. Jasper moved to the kitchen quickly and placed the bags into any space he could find. He rolled up his sleeves and looked at the red lines that had dotted his arms. Oh, the joy of being helpful. He quickly ruffled through the bags, grabbing a bag of Doritos and a Coke, before he picked up the bag itself and brought it toward Luca. [color=98FB98]”Where do you want the bag,”[/color] he paused as he leaned in close, [color=98FB98]”I think the ice cream was a fantastic call”[/color] he finished as his eyes shifted to the side, and watched as Lynn tore through the bag and pulled out a large tub of cookies and cream. She grabbed a bowl and started to scoop the ice cream. [color=98FB98]”I’ll go grab the chairs in a second!”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”I’ll take it, just throw it to me,”[/color] Luca held out his hands, before grinning and glancing over at Lynn. [color=6B8E23]”I know, ice cream is [i]always[/i] a necessity when hanging out, especially after a bad time.”[/color] While Jasper talked with Luca, Lila walked around the room. Looking at the signs of decay around them. She had figured that his condition would make living in a place somewhat problematic. Lynn meanwhile found one of the stools and sat down ontop of it, curling her legs up to the edge of the seat itself. She had a full bowl of ice cream and she looked down at it with a sad look. She knew she fucked up. She knew she said something that she would never, ever be able to take back. And she knew that she could never truly explain why she said it. Linqian deserved to be cut that way, and Linqian deserved to be hurt in the way that she had hurt Lynn. But she did not deserve to inflict that pain on the coven. She knew that Jinhai was a beloved member of the coven, and Lynn really liked him back during their teenage years. And she said she was glad he was dead. The coven as a whole would never look at her the same. All because she could not talk about her past the way she needed. A single tear began to slide down her face, and then a second, and then a third. And yet she still had friends who were willing to overlook that mistake. A fourth tear and then a fifth, [color=F08080]“I am sorry guys,”[/color] Lynn started as she stared at the ice cream in her hands, [color=F08080]“I fucked up.”[/color] A few tears landed in the bowl as her hands began to tremble holding it. Lila walked to the kitchen, ruffled through a bag, and pulled out two bottles of beer. She grabbed her key chain and used the bottle opener on it to pull open the tabs. She walked over next to Lila and pulled up a stool next to her, put the beers on that, and pulled another stool out, and sat down on that one. [color=DA70D6]“Yeah, yeah you did but fuck Linqian for saying that,”[/color] Lila paused as she looked down at Lynnm [color=DA70D6]“Mind if I fill Luca in,”[/color] she paused and got a single nod in response. [color=DA70D6]“Okay,”[/color] Lila paused as she turned towards Luca. [color=DA70D6]“So long story short, whatever aberration or whatever gave Lila her power has been.. Ever present in her family. The gift of foresight,”[/color] [color=F08080]”The curse of misfortune,”[/color] Lynn added as she took a big drink of the beer. [color=F08080]”Death is an old friend of the family,”[/color] she tried to joke but it just brought more tears. [color=DA70D6]”She told me about it before the final battle with the snake, her power coming online finally made everything make sense, you know? Her parents had just died, her brother died the year before,”[/color], she paused as she shook her head, [color=DA70D6]” the only reason she hasn’t been to more funerals over the past decade is she doesn’t have anyone left to lose, they’re all dead. Whatever gave her this power also gave her, and everyone else in her family, bad luck and it has resulted in the death of everyone she called family.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”No wonder,”[/color] Luca breathed out. He knew that Lynn had lost a lot, because even in the week he’d been there before sealing the snake she’d gone to a funeral or two. He couldn’t imagine what that was like. While he no longer saw his family for their own safety, they were still alive. If one day he got rid of the rot he would be able to see them again. Lynn couldn’t. No wonder she’d been so upset… Her and Linqian should be empathising with each other, not fighting. [color=6B8E23]”I’m so sorry, Lynn. I know it doesn’t change anything, but I am.”[/color] The bag that Luca had just gotten from Jasper started to crumble in his fingers, slowly but surely. [color=6B8E23]”Does that mean that… You could die from it too?”[/color] Lynn’s eyes darted quickly and matched Luca’s gaze. [color=F08080]“Yes. Things just,”[/color] she paused as her eyes slowly drifted out of focus, [color=F08080]” tend to go wrong for me. Whether it’s an airdropped brace, a falling piece of concrete, or a blow that would normally miss, things are drawn to hurt me.[/color] She paused as she downed the rest of the beer she had, [color=F08080]”And one day the bad luck will catch up to me I think.”[/color] [color=DA70D6]“Let me grab you a different chair,”[/color] Lila said as she moved to the guest room, returning a moment later with the new one. After Lynn switched seats, she moved the old one out of the way and went back to the kitchen, coming back with another beer and a bag of Skittles. Luca bit his lip, heart sinking. It was one thing to come to terms with his own impending death, and another for a friend’s. It was something they shared, though different at the same time - his was slow and definite, whereas Lynn’s could come out of nowhere at any time. Maybe he should tell her… No. That would cause everyone more pain. There was a hint of understanding in his gaze that he quickly hid away. [color=6B8E23]”Shit. And there’s no way to get rid of it?”[/color] It was a stupid question. Luca knew as well as anyone how difficult it was to get rid of an abstraction you didn’t want. Frowning, he finally sat down on the worn couch. He wanted to go get some ice cream too, but he’d just start to destroy its container like this. [color=6B8E23]”That must be difficult. Damn, I should’ve bad luck proofed the place before I invited you guys over!”[/color] He shook his head. How would he even do that? [color=6B8E23]”Hopefully… well, hopefully it won’t catch up to you. It isn’t much, but I’ll just make sure I’m ready to jump in the way and erode any concrete coming for you.”[/color] He flashed Lynn a smile. Lynn laughed. She laughed a bit too hard and nearly fell over the chair, but with a near-comical windmill motion with her arms, she was able to keep herself sitting strong. [color=F08080]“It’ll curve around you, just you watch,”[/color] he paused as she laughed again. The tears still continued to fall but the sight of that happening.. Again, filled her with a joy she hadn’t felt in a minute. Linqian began to fade from Lynn’s mind finally. However, the burning sensation on her cheek quickly drew her focus back to it. She touched it gently and it hurt like hell. She raised the bowl of ice cream and placed it on the burned hand print, before let out an audible [color=F08080]“ahhhh”[/color] as the cold of the bowl brought some relief to the pain she was feeling. [color=F08080]“I try not to think too much about it,”[/color] Lynn started as she flashed a smile back to Luca, [color=F08080]“and I try to avoid any unnecessary danger.[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Hey, if I get super buff it won’t be able to get around me!”[/color] Luca flexed his arms… Which were really lacking in any muscle at all, and laughed. At least Lynn seemed to be feeling a bit better. [color=6B8E23]”Not thinking about it seems for the best… Wait, shit, I should get you some medication for that.”[/color] Luca jumped up, immediately regretting it as he swayed and had to shoot out a hand to grab the arm of the couch. Once the dizziness had gone he disappeared into the door nearest him - his bedroom - and came back out with a plastic box filled with medical supplies. It didn’t have any of his stronger painkillers, which he kept in separate prescription bottles, but it had all the over the counter stuff - along with stuff that should help with burns. Sometimes it soothed his rotting skin. He put it down near Lynn. [color=6B8E23]”Everything you need should be in there!”[/color] Lila laughed again at Luca flexing. He was a good man, probably one of the best in the coven, and his antics were enough to keep her spirits lifting upwards. [color=F08080]“Thank you, Luca”[/color], Lynn paused as she reached down and grabbed the medical supplies that she could use on the burn, and began to rub the ointment on it. It hurt. It hurt like hell, but it would be enough to avoid lasting damage and scarring. [color=F08080]“So, now that we are away from that craziness, and from the rest of the coven,”[/color] she paused as she returned her focus to her ice cream. She finally thought about how she truly made Linqian feel, and she felt awful. Not because she made her feel bad, but the fact that she made her feel the same things Lynn had always felt She was holding herself together by a thin margin, but she needed to add more distractions to keep it together, [color=F08080]“can I just say that Sloane and Anya are still cunts?”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”You’re right,”[/color] Luca burst out laughing, eyes creasing slightly. [color=6B8E23]”I can’t believe Anya tried to become leader! Well I can, but still… I thought she was smarter than that.”[/color] He shook his head half in disbelief. Anya was one of the few people Luca actively disliked, outside of a few 8th Street members. [color=6B8E23]”But hey, Sloane isn’t actually that bad… Well, uh, she did basically imply that Jade’s death was Drake’s fault before he punched her. But she was clearly hurting too!”[/color] [color=F08080]“We’re all hurting,”[/color] Lynn said as tears threatened to well again. She dug her thumb nail into the underside of her middle finger, hiding it from the group. She pulled her finger and returned to her ice cream. [color=DA70D6]“I think you and Jasper need to actually spend some time around Sloane,”[/color] she paused as she took a drink from her beer, [color=DA70D6]“fuck Anya though”[/color] she paused as she looked around the room again. Luca was alone here. She did not like that. Lila knew that father wolf only targeted those who were alone and the realization that Luca was in danger made her also realize that Jasper was as well. [color=DA70D6]“Hey,”[/color] she paused as she pointed between Jasper and Luca, [color=DA70D6]“with father wolf on the prowl y’all shouldn’t be sleeping alone”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Oh, you’re right.”[/color] Luca honestly hadn’t even thought about it. When Auri had suggested pairing up, he’d agreed it was a good idea for everyone else. But he couldn’t exactly move in somewhere else and risk ruining a shit ton of furniture, or hurting others. He was dying anyway, so if it happened to him earlier, so what? But he’d forgotten he had friends that would actually care about him… He turned to Jasper with a grin. [color=6B8E23]”You’d be welcome to sleep here, if you want? Olivia’s room’s been free since she left, but the beds pretty good - she picked it out herself and she had much better taste than me!”[/color] [color=98FB98]”Fuck yeah bro, slumber party,”[/color] Jasper responded as he tossed a popcorn piece into the air and catching it in his mouth as it fell. [color=98FB98]” I’d need to stop by mine to grab some stuff but you’re much more central to stuff here, I’m out on the outskirts of town.”[/color]. He paused as he shifted his eyes over to the girls. [color=98FB98]”once they’re heading home we can head over, I’ll give you the VIP tour,”[/color] he finished with a wink as he tossed another piece of popcorn into his mouth. [color=6B8E23]”Sounds great,”[/color] Luca grinned. He got up again and went into the kitchen, finally grabbing himself a bowl of ice cream. He then rummaged through a few cupboards to find the bottle of painkillers he kept in there (just in case) and popped one back with a drink of water. [color=6B8E23]”I’ve [i]never[/i] had a boy’s slumber party. What do you do during them? No demon summoning, I hope.”[/color] [color=F08080]“We summoned a demon”[/color] Lynn said as she shoved another scoop of ice cream into her mouth. [color=DA70D6]“Yeah,”[/color] Lila sighed, [color=DA70D6]“we did, last night, it was a big one too. I hope it’s not causing too much trouble, it got away”[/color] Jaspers eyes went wide, and shifted from surprise, to concern, to a just tired of this look. How could they summon a demon, again. [color=98FB98]” No demon summons,”[/color] he paused as he pointed towards the ladies, [color=98FB98]” because unlike some people we’ll be mature adults.”[/color]. He chuckled as he looked back towards Luca. [color=98FB98]”Seriously though, thanks for offering up your place. A boys slumber party is a magical experience, we’ll watch movies, do arts and crafts, I’ll cook us dinner, and,”[/color] he paused as he looked towards Lynn, then Lila, [color=98FB98]” No demons”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Holy shit… Well, if a demon turns up tonight, we’ll know why,”[/color] Luca shook his head in shock. How did you even summon a demon? Was it some kind of girl magic they weren’t privy to learning? Quickly getting over his shock, he grinned at Jasper again. [color=6B8E23]”Helly yeah, I haven’t had a properly cooked dinner in a while… Not cause I can’t cook! It’s just a bit difficult. Oh- speaking of arts and crafts, one minute.”[/color] Luca jumped up, stumbling slightly but not letting that deter him from going into his room. He came back moments later with a few things in his hands. He concentrated hard on not rotting them away, which would ruin his hard work, and looked at the three of them with a grin. He could just throw them each theirs- wait, no. Lynn would definitely end up hit in the face. [color=6B8E23]”Here, I made these for you,”[/color] he placed them on the floor and nudged one towards each of them. For Lila it was a carved, wooden crow roughly painted in pink, blue and white (Luca wasn’t so good at the painting part). For Jasper, a wooden paintbrush with a splattering of colour at the tip. And for Lynn a small wooden heart looped on a thin metal chain with a clasp at the back. They were all imperfect, with small bits missing from when Luca didn’t quite keep his abstraction under control while making them, but clearly a labour of love. [color=6B8E23]”I was making some for the people in 8th, then my old friends like you guys… I’m glad I was able to see you all and give you them.”[/color] Lila and Lynn both made an [b][i]”aww”[/i][/b] sound in unison. Lila looked it over, and she immediately was in love with the design and the paint pattern. This is a gift that she’ll proudly display at work, and make it a fixture on her social media presence. Lynn pulled it in close and practically hugged her gift. Both spoke a quick and loud ‘thank you’ as they began to show each other their gifts. Jasper, though, shifted his gaze between the gifted paint brush and Luca. Did he have this gift ready not knowing if Jasper would be around with the coven? Jasper remembered Luca was the beacon of kindness, and thoughtfulness, and this was not that far out of what Jasper expected. But it still shocked him all the same. [color=98FB98]”Bro,”[/color] he chuckled as he looked back to Luca, [color=98FB98]” when did you do this? This is too kind, now I have to give you something in return.”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”I’m glad you both like them,”[/color] Luca smiled at Lila and Lynn, eyes shining. Their happiness at getting the gifts brought him so much joy too. He then turned to Jasper, waving his hands in front of him. [color=6B8E23]”You really don’t have to! It’s just something I’ve been working on the past few years… Wood carving is one of the few things I’ve been able to keep up, even if my progress is pretty slow.”[/color] He couldn’t exactly tell him that he’d made them while writing them letters to send out on his death. If he had never seen them all again, he would have made sure they got them then. But it was nicer this way. Something to remember him by. [color=6B8E23]”You should’ve seen Olivia’s suitcase when she left, it was filled with them! If we hadn’t met up again I would’ve found out your addresses and sent them to you all… But I’m glad I was able to give them to you in person.”[/color] His smile widened. [color=6B8E23]”I’m really happy you like them.”[/color] Hours flew by in what felt like minutes for Jasper. He watched as Lynn pulled herself out of the dark place she was. The sadness lingered in her eyes, and Jasper knew that she would be the subject of much discussion among the coven, and he knew that what Linqian said would be a footnote to it. You don’t say something like that and come out of it a victim, and Jasper knew he’d have to both hold Lynn accountable while also being there to support her. She does not often show her emotional side, and as the whole coven saw it was not pretty. After a while Jasper loaded them all back into his car and drove them back home. It was nice seeing Lila’s house again. He had spent so much time there before and after the fight with the snake. Lynn was already tipsy, and he could only imagine how drunk she would be by the end of the night, and Lila was well on her way to the same fate. [color=98FB98]”Ladies,”[/color] Jasper spoke as his window rolled down the rest of the way. He rested his arms on top of the door, and laid his head down on top of his arms. [color=98FB98]”I want you both to be safe tonight, if you need anything call me. Okay?”[/color] [color=6B8E23]”Yeah! Don’t go too wild,”[/color] Luca piped up from the back, before putting on a jokingly stern expression and pointing at them both. [color=6B8E23]”No demon summoning tonight, alright. If our slumber party is interrupted by a demon I’m gonna be real pissed!”[/color] [color=98FB98]”Yes,”[/color] Jasper shot a finger out and pointed it towards Lila. He leaned back into his seat and began to roll up his window. [color=98FB98]” No demons”[/color] he shouted as the window closed, before he put his car in motion once more and gave his friends one final wave.