[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/SqhcfKy.png[/img] [img]http://i.imgur.com/xp0eIcQ.png[/img][/center] [center][sub][color=silver]ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕣𝕒π•₯π•šπ• π•Ÿ ℙ𝕠𝕀π•₯ / / [@RedDusk][@Baklava][/color][/sub][/center][hr][hr][center][color=silver]𝕋𝕦𝕖𝕀: 𝕆𝕔π•₯. πŸ™πŸ›, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 / / π•Œπ•Šπ”Έβ„π•€π•ƒβ„• β„‚π•’π•žπ•‘π•¦π•€ / / π”Ύπ•£π• π•¦π•Ÿπ•• ℀𝕖𝕣𝕠 / / πŸ™πŸšπŸ˜πŸ˜[/color][/center][hr][hr] [hider=Floating] [quote][color a2d9ce]Hey, Sander. Long time no talk-- you still interested in training?[/color][/quote] [quote][color cyan]Hey. Sure. Training would be nice.[/color][/quote] [quote][color a2d9ce]Tonight after curfew. Can you meet me in Ground Zero?[/color][/quote] [quote][color cyan]After curfew?[/color][/quote] [quote][color a2d9ce]I'll get you a pass. dw. Can you make it?[/color][/quote] [quote][color cyan]What time, exactly?[/color][/quote] [quote][color a2d9ce]11:45[/color][/quote] [quote][color cyan]At GZ?[/color][/quote] [quote][color a2d9ce]Ye I'll swing by and pick you up. They won't let you out of the dorm without a pass[/color][/quote] [quote][color cyan]I'll see you, then.[/color][/quote] [quote][color a2d9ce]Make sure you get some extra rest, okay? I need you at 100[/color][/quote] [quote][color cyan]You'll have me.[/color][/quote] As promised, Callan arrived on time that night. Not at all late, which was nothing short of a miracle. But she'd be hard pressed to fudge this up when sparing with Sander had been on her mind ever since their last match-- and especially this last week. She texted a quick "I'm here" to Sander's phone, not wanting to disturb any who might be sleeping-- or arouse any suspiscion. Immediately, the door swung open, as if Sander had been standing right there waiting for her. He had dressed nicely, crisp shirt and jeans, more suitable for an evening out rather than a sparring match. But it was what he felt comfortable in, so the choice was easy. "[color cyan]Good evening.[/color]" -The blood mage greeted her with an easy smile -"[color cyan]Let's go.[/color]" Startled, Callan leaned back slightly when the door flew open. She was almost tempted to make a joke about it, but her eyes were quickly drawn to Sander's attire. She'd almost forgotten... but she'd already given him a hard time about what he considered to be proper training gear in the past. So for now there was only one thing left to do. "[color a2d9ce]You look like you just got back from a date,[/color]" she teased as they began walking, happy to be talking with Sander again. He was still a weirdo, but it was nice knowing all her friendships hadn't completely dissolved during her reclusive episode at the estate. Not only that, but something about him seemed almost a little bit cheerier. And she thought she could guess why. "[color cyan]Why?[/color]" -Sander raised an eyebrow, hauling the cooler of blood after him. Still, the smile lingered on the corners of lips, unlike the last time they did this -"[color cyan]I had no dates.[/color]" Oblivious as ever. "[color a2d9ce]Nothing, nevermind,[/color]" she laughed incredulously, stopping mid-chortle when her nose suddenly caught a whiff of... was that [i]cologne?[/i] Shaking her head to herself, Callan decided to change the subject. "[color a2d9ce]Got enough blood?[/color]" she asked, just trying to make conversation as she eyed the cooler. "[color cyan]We will see.[/color]" -Sander only shrugged. He did carry far more than he needed, but with the new limits of his power, he imagined his surge of power would last as long as Cal needed. "[color a2d9ce]Okay,[/color]" she said simply. Not much to go off of, but it was fine. After almost a month of not speaking to Sander, she couldn't exactly say she was used to it., but the silence that followed left her feeling a little less desperate to fill it. Her mind drifted back to the last time she'd even seen him. Not since the helicopter ride back from the island. Before that was the water... and then the fight with that shadow monster mage. Head filled with thoughts, she didn't even realize she'd been staring at him. Sander stared back, an eyebrow arched. "[color cyan]Yes?[/color]" Callan blinked up at him, surprised to suddenly notice Sander staring right back. She quickly looked away, "[color a2d9ce]Nothing,[/color]" she laughed nervously, "[color a2d9ce]Just, uh....[/color]" Sander was really good looking. "[color a2d9ce]How've you been?[/color]" "[color cyan]I'm fine.[/color]" -Another smile stretched Sander's lips, as if he found something amusing -"[color cyan]Best I have been in a while, though.[/color]" "[color cyan]How about you?[/color]" It was nice to see Sander doing so well. "[color a2d9ce]I'm alright,[/color]" she grinned, "[color a2d9ce]Been training all week is all.[/color]" There was a clear relief in the words. She hadn't gotten the chance to talk about it with anyone, afraid they might ask too many questions. Best to get it all out now. "[color cyan]Training? So what are we doing today?[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Mmm, well....[/color]" Callan hummed, "[color a2d9ce]I was [i]hoping[/i] we could try some stuff with Misery tonight. Since that's what I've been working on. But we don't have to-- we can save it for another time if you're not comfortable.[/color]" "[color cyan]It's fine.[/color]" -Sander thought back to their first spar, and how that ended quite horribly. Well, he was weaker then. Things had changed -"[color cyan]We can do anything you want.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Alright, then. Cool,[/color]" she said, her tone a little less enthused. Had part of her hoped he'd say no? It wasn't as if she was still too terrified to summon Misery. Especially not after the week she'd had. But the idea of Sander potentially being hurt was still an uncomfortable possibility. "[color a2d9ce]So, Sandy,[/color]" Callan chirped, trying to lighten the mood. She flashed him a somewhat mischevious smile, "[color a2d9ce]You and Christmas look like you've gotten pretty close. It's been a while since we talked, so... I expect a full report.[/color]" "[color cyan]What do you want to know?[/color]" -The sudden nickname made Sander raise an eyebrow, but he did not comment on it. "[color a2d9ce]Well,[/color]" she shifted the bag over her shoulder, "[color a2d9ce]Are you guys dating now?[/color]" "[color cyan]We are.[/color]" -Sander admited easily, though it was clear he was gauging her reactions. Her eyes lit up, smile widening. "[color a2d9ce]Congrats![/color]" Callan playfully shoved him in the shoulder, a little too rough. "[color a2d9ce]Whoops. Sorry, forgot you aren't charged up yet,[/color]" she patted his sleeve gently, like the dead arm that resulted could be brushed off as easily as a bit of dust. "[color a2d9ce]But hey, seriously. I'm really happy for you![/color]" "[color cyan]Y-Yeah. Thanks.[/color]" -Sander forced a smile, kneading at the ache on his arm. Callan grimaced. It would be a few minutes before they reached ground zero. "[color a2d9ce]You need an ice pack? I brought some.[/color]" "[color cyan]An ice pack for?[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]For your shoulder,[/color]" she answered flatly. "[color cyan]My shoulder is fine.[/color] -Sander shrugged -"[color cyan]I think I told you before? Don't have to worry about me.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Mm,[/color]" Callan clicked her tongue. Now she remembered, "[color a2d9ce]I know you self heal and all, but if it hurts, you can tell me.[/color]" Letting the subject go for now, Callan sighed. "[color a2d9ce]How's your boyfriend doing, by the way?[/color]" "[color cyan]He's fine. Do you want to see him?[/color]" A nervous chuckle. What kind of question was that? "[color a2d9ce]Did you want me to see him?[/color]" "[color cyan]It's up to you.[/color]" A nervous laugh. What did he mean by that? "[color a2d9ce]Okay... yeah... m-maybe later.[/color]" The rest of the walk to Ground Zero went by with similiar gaps of awkward silence and Callan's occassional attempt at conversing. Sander's shirt came from a store. An [i]expensive[/i] store. Sander still didn't know how to swim. No, he'd never been to The Whistle Sip. No, he didn't know what bubble tea was. With a defeated sigh as they finally reached what Callan had so far proclaimed her official training grounds, she set the duffel bag and first aid kid on a nearby bench and began stretching. Her body was still sore. Not as bad as two days ago... but it was a fair price to pay. Nothing that would severely hinder her training with Sander tonight. She glanced at the lights of the diner on the other side of the large park, a distant look in her eye as she remembered the turmoil of her first night. Meanwhile, Sander was preparing silently. He already knew what the Change entailed, so he was quite confident that he could stay in full control. Yet, nerves pulled at his thoughts. Old habits died hard, after all. So he pressed a cannister against his lips and took a swig. The familiar metallic taste filled his mouth quickly; the blood was gasoline and his power was a spark. Power exploded in the rapid beats of his heart, and strength surged through his system. All familiar sensations, yet Sander could easily tell what was different. His power used to be a fearsome beast; it raved at his restrains and let loose his deepest, darkest desires. Now, it felt little more than a trained dog. It would snap and bark and snarl only at his behest. He could still feel the murderous intents and dark cravings, though, lurking beneath, but the feelings were so faint and weak that Sander believed it would take far more than his will to invoke. By the time he finished most of his blood cache, red smoke was wisping up from his torso and his eyes were glowing a bright red. He stood still though, arms lax at his sides as he waited for Callan. He didn't have to wait long. Callan slid out of her hoodie and left it by the bag-- safe from the impending fight. Turning to face Sander, she quietly took in his appearance. "[color a2d9ce]You've gotten stronger, right? Since the last time,[/color]" she guessed, remembering the conversation she had with Emma. All of her improvements so far had been for Misery. Not that she wasn't happy to have the reigns or for the weapons she was able to summon now (even if they were ridiculously heavy), but... giving it the ability to fly had seemed more like a cruel joke. "[color cyan]Yes. I think.[/color]" -Sander smiled, reaching up to unbutton his shirt -"[color cyan]What do you want do?[/color]" Callan looked unsure for a brief moment before heading towards the park's center. "[color a2d9ce]First person to get pinned wins. Sound fair?[/color]" "[color cyan]So...do you want to win?[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Only if you do,[/color]" Callan smirked at him over her shoulder, "[color a2d9ce]I mean it-- don't go easy on me this time![/color]" "[color cyan]Okay.[/color]" -Sander nodded, shrugging off his shirt and folding it neatly, before putting it in a safe spot with the cooler -"[color cyan]Go all out. It'll be fine.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]You don't have to tell [i]me[/i] that![/color]" Callan called. A moment later, and Callan stood across from Sander, crouched as she counted down. Sander kept a neutral stance though, and suddenly, both him and Callan was glowing red, the aura draping over them like a warm cloak. Callan looked down at her hands in surprise. She hadn't even thought to use Sander's invincibility for sparring-- it was a good idea considering what happened last time. She nodded in thanks, "[color a2d9ce]Two... one... go![/color]" She'd tried to use her spare time to look up fighting techniques online, but somehow they all felt a little lacking. Obviously not designed for people who could dig craters into the ground just by jumping or running a littletoo hard, but... better than nothing. Even if, until now, she'd had no way to apply them on an actual opponent. Fists up, Callan's shoes dug into the dirt as she aimed a kick at his side. Sander only grinned as he caught the leg and lunged forward, intending to knock Callan out of balance. Her eyes widened in surprise. She couldn't keep up! The remaining leg lost contact with the ground and she slipped backwards, grunting as she hit the ground. With the assurance of his power around both of them, Sander allowed himself to use his full strength. With one arm hooked around the back of Callan's knee, his other hand gripped her shoulder to keep her pin down. "[color cyan]I win?[/color]" -The blood mage grinned, though he still hadn't loosened his grip one bit. Callan stared up at him, her expression quickly melting from shock to irritation, "[color a2d9ce]Yeah, yeah. Now get off. Let's go again.[/color]" The matches continued. One after the other in quick succession. Callan lost more than she would've liked and the victories she did claim didn't feel exactly right. Sander had gotten stronger, but as they fought, she didn't get the impression he was any more so than herself. Just half a foot taller, give or take. Almost an hour later, she found herself pinned in the exact same position. Staring up at the exact same smirk. "[color a2d9ce]Ugh,[/color]" breathing heavily, she gave him a weak shove, "[color a2d9ce]Okay, I think that's enough for now. Let's take a break.[/color]" "[color cyan]Sure.[/color]" -The blood mage straightened up then, offering a hand to Callan, though he had yet to wiped the smile off his face. He had just never allowed himself to fight with such deliberation and excitement. It was exhilirating. Callan stared at his hand for a moment. Almost petty enough not to take it. "[color a2d9ce]Thanks,[/color]" she sighed, still trying to catch her breath. She made her way quickly over to the bench, sitting down heavily and grabbing her bag, fishing around inside for a much needed drink or two. Sander just took a seat right on the packed dirt, traces of a smile were still lingering on his expression, but when he turned to address Callan, his eyes were serious. He was once again gauging her reactions closely. "[color cyan]So...was it okay?[/color]" Unscrewing the top off a luke warm sports drink, Callan tiredly sighed again, resting it in her lap. She peeked at him sideways, noticing the look on his face. Real proud of himself, wasn't he? She inwardly groaned, always the sore loser. No use getting bent up over it. Baby steps, she tried to remind herself. "[color a2d9ce]Heh... Yeah, you did good,[/color]" she admitted, smiling, "[color a2d9ce]Not a single biting incident and you won a lot. Beat me fair and square.[/color]" She held the drink towards him, already reaching into her bag for a second. Sander paled slightly at the mention of 'biting incidents', but he recovered soon enough, lips stretching into another smile. "[color cyan]Thanks.[/color]" -He inched closer to grab the offered bottle, though he did not drink. It wasn't nearly as refreshing warm. Taking modest sip, she thought about bringing a cooler of her own next time-- wasn't like it'd be too heavy to carry. Her eyes fell on Sander's untouched drink as she finished. "[color a2d9ce]Not thirsty?[/color]" she quipped. "[color cyan]Not really. [/color]" -Sander said, but he took a sip then, seemingly to placate Callan -"[color cyan]But...yeah this tastes nice.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]You don't have to drink it if you don't want to,[/color]" she smirked. "[color cyan]But you want me to, right?[/color]" Callan laughed, "[color a2d9ce]Dude, I don't care. I just thought you might want one after all that fighting.... Then again, I guess you don't look very tired...[/color]" "[color cyan]I only get tired...after.[/color]" She quirked an eyebrow in surprise, "[color a2d9ce]Oh.[/color]" Her eyes flickered from the mark to his glowing red irises, "[color a2d9ce]That explains a lot.[/color]" She quietly took another sip of her drink. Certainly explained why he was beating her so easily those last few rounds.... "[color a2d9ce]Well, you can save it for later if you want. I just need a few more minutes....[/color]" she more hurriedly took another drink, not wanting to make Sander wait too long. "[color cyan]It's fine.[/color]" -Sander looked at her with a bit of concern now -"[color cyan]Take your time.[/color]" Already in the middle of downing the last bit, Callan crushed the hard plastic bottle in her hand and leaned against the back of the bench. She stared up at the sky, letting her breaths even out. She wiped some sweat off of her temple with the back of her hand, expression darkening as her thoughts turned towards thier next task. That only worried Sander more. He left his bottle on the ground before walking closer to where Callan was, watching her intently. "[color cyan]Are you okay?[/color]" Callan shook her head lightly, "[color a2d9ce]Yeah.[/color]" She frowned, quiet for the a moment as if she might not say anything more. "[color a2d9ce]Sorry, I'm just... I'm having some second thoughts... about Misery,[/color]" she smiled apologetically, "[color a2d9ce]Maybe we should just stick to what we've been doing, you know?[/color]" "[color cyan]Misery? Your...creature?[/color]" -Sander raised an eyebrow, recalling his previous encounter with the monstrous shadow. It had hurt him, and it was stronger than him then. But he was positive he could beat it if he used his full strength. And he would. "[color cyan]I'll be fine. We can do whatever you want.[/color]" She further crushed the bottle in her hands, staring past him at the diner. "[color a2d9ce]How can you be so sure?[/color]" She looked back at him, "[color a2d9ce]There's a reason I don't tell anybody about this thing. I don't want to have to race you over to Christmas in a bucket, Sander.[/color]" "[color cyan]It won't come to that.[/color]" -Sander assured Callan once more, nothing but sincerity in his eyes. He genuinely believed in his own progress -"[color cyan]I got better at controlling.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]It's not your control I'm concerned about,[/color]" she muttered. The risks were all there. Excruciatingly there. The answer should be simple. But... she wanted so badly to know. To see if Sander could beat Misery into submission. Maybe even.... After a moment, she finally stood up, "[color a2d9ce]Let's just... keep sparring....[/color]" Sander tilted his head, looking like he was about to protest. But in the end, he only nodded. "[color cyan]If that's what you want.[/color]" They carried on with their sparring, though this time around, Callan seemed far distracted. It felt like she was simply going through the motions, barely reacted even when Sander pinned her down several times in a row. Eventually, Sander noticed Callan's stamina was reaching its limit; she could barely keep up with him anymore. "[color cyan]Maybe...we should call it a day?[/color]" -He asked, looking down at Callan who was once again on her back, knocked down into the dirt. She could barely breathe, let alone talk. Nonetheless, Callan forced out a short "'[color a2d9ce]Kay[/color]" in agreeance, simply waiting for Sander to get off instead of making any attempt to move him herself. Her skin was clammy with sweat, the salty taste of it stinging her eyes and invading her mouth as she gulped down air like it was going out of style. Once Sander had stood himself up, she held out her hand first, anticipating the help since they'd gone through this motion so many times already. As expected, Sander grabbed her hand and helped her up, frowning slightly. "[color cyan]Are you okay? Hurt anywhere?[/color]" -There was no open wound as far as he knew, but broken bones or fracture ribs could still be a possibility. Though when he thought back to this later, he felt silly. His power had protected them both. Callan shook her head, forcing herself not to lean over and grab her knees the moment she was back on her feet. "[color a2d9ce]'M fine,[/color]" she mumbled, sounding dissappointed. "[color a2d9ce]Need a drink...[/color]" Callan made walked back to the bench, legs feeling heavy and sluggish. She felt like she could lay down and immediately sleep, but that wasn't an option. Sander followed Callan after a moment, offering his drink bottle to her. Callan paused, panting loudly as her gaze darted between Sander and the beverage. Right. He wasn't tired. An irrational jealousy briefly flared, but she brushed it off, gratefully accepting the drink but too tired to say thanks. She heavily planted herself on the bench and drained the container of its contents quickly before rummaging around in her bag for a small towel and a bag of trail mix. Sander remained silent though, simply taking a seat nearby and watching Callan closely. Despite the obvious absence of his Stigma, the concern for his friend was still there, and he could help but worried. Callan had been acting a bit different, after all. It took a while before Callan cooled down and finally noticed the concerned look Sander was giving her. "[color a2d9ce]I'm alright,[/color]" she smiled reassuringly, wiping the last bit of sweat off her cheek. "[color cyan]You're sure?[/color]" -Sander didn't look entirely convinced. "[color a2d9ce][i]Yes,[/i][/color]" she emphasized, "[color a2d9ce]Now stop looking at me like that. It's just... been a while since I pushed myself that hard. That's all.[/color]" She flippantly ripped open the bag of trail mix, offering it to Sander more out of habit that anything. "[color a2d9ce]You gotta try this one,[/color]" she smirked, "[color a2d9ce]It's my new favorite.[/color]" The offer prompted Sander to accept a handful of trailmix, which he picked at. Callan frowned, "[color a2d9ce]Ah, no. You're eating it all wrong. You gotta eat the whole handful at once.[/color]" She reached into the bag and pulled out a small assortment of her own, quickly demonstrating. "[color a2d9ce]Like that,[/color]" she mumbled, covering her mouth. "[color cyan]Uh...But that's just too much.[/color]" -Sander squinted, but he followed suit, shoving the whole handful down his throat. It turned out to be a bit too much, after all, and Sander ended up swallowing a few whole. He coughed and choked in the aftermath, winded. He turned to Callan with a hurt look in his eyes, as if she had betrayed him. Callan sat up a little straighter, still chewing as her expression of alarm morphed into concern before running blank at the look he was giving her. She couldn't help it. A subdued laugh through her nose quickly erupted into a series of short giggles, lacing every word she tried to say behind her hand. "Jesus, how big was your handful?" she laughed, struggling not to choke on her own mouthful of trail mix, "[color a2d9ce]N-next time try a little less.[/color]" "[color cyan]You had more than me.[/color]" -Sander almost grumbled, still coughing the residuals away. Another laugh, "[color a2d9ce]Well, clearly you need more practice.[/color]" She held the bag out again, daring him to try-- even if it was just for her own sick entertainment. Sander just stared for a while, before dropping his gaze -"[color cyan]You can have this round, Callan.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Ha![/color]" she pulled the bag back triumphantly, "[color a2d9ce]Alright, but I'm sending you home with a bag.[/color]" Callan leaned back agains the bench again, tossing another handful into her mouth and seeming a little cheerier. The silence between them stretched for a few moments, Callan occupied with her snack while Sander stared at a wisp of red smoke rising from his arm, distracted. Eventually, he turned to Callan. "[color cyan]Do you have anyone you like?[/color]" -The question was dropped in a casual tone, like they were just talking about the weather. She gave him a sideways glance, taking a quick gulp of her drink before answering. "[color a2d9ce]I like a lot of people,[/color]" she smiled, teasing a bit. She knew what he was asking. "[color cyan]Oh?[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Oh, yeah,[/color]" she nodded, failing miserably at pretending to be serious, "[color a2d9ce]As friends.[/color]" Her smiled widened. "[color cyan]Oh.[/color]" -Sander just made the same sound, his shoulders dropping. Callan chuckled at him, "[color a2d9ce]Oh, did you mean something else?[/color]" "[color cyan]I mean...do you like someone...uh...romantically?[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Ohh, why didn't you just say so?[/color]" she cooed mockingly. Her smiled faltered a little, but she was sure to look away before Sander could spot it. Callan thought for a moment. "[color a2d9ce]Yeah... I guess I do,[/color]" she said. "[color cyan]So what do you do to...have them?[/color]" She looked back at him suddenly, not expecting such a question as follow up. "[color a2d9ce]What do I... have to do?[/color]" she repeated slowly, legitimately stumped. "[color cyan]To have their person you like.[/color]" Callan frowned, furrowing her brow for a moment. An uncertain smile pulled at her lips, though her eyes seemed like they held a resigned sort of dejection, "[color a2d9ce]That's not a very easy question, Sandy.[/color]" "[color cyan]I know.[/color]" -Sander was serious though, as there was far more than idle curiosity in his question. He didn't explain much, however -"[color cyan]I just...want to know.[/color]" She frowned again, combing her fingers through her bangs uncomfortably. "[color a2d9ce]I...,[/color]" she thought of Marcus and Emma. Riley's warning came to mind. But after that-- nothing but static. Callan look increasingly troubled, "[color a2d9ce]I can't really....[/color]" She quickly smiled again, flustered by how much she knew she was revealing with just her face alone. "[color a2d9ce]It's not one of those situations where I can do anything.[/color]" "[color cyan]Okay.[/color]" -Sander nodded, noting the look of distress on Callan's face -"[color cyan]Sorry.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]No, it's fine,[/color]" she hid behind another sip of her drink, "[color a2d9ce]I'm fine, really. Fish in the sea and all that, right?[/color]" Sander tilted his head, confused. Callan smirked, Shoul've known better. "[color a2d9ce]'There are always more fish in the sea'-- it's an expression. Mostly just something people tell you when you can't be with the person you want to be with. When that happens, you gotta just move on. Find somebody else. That sort of thing.[/color]" "[color cyan]You don't...fight for the one you love?[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]...Not when they choose somebody else.[/color]" "[color cyan]Oh.[/color]" -Sander seemed taken aback. The thought simply had never crossed his mind. What if Christmas had wanted someone else? He did know what he would do, if that was the case. "[color cyan]That's...very sad, then.[/color]" Callan shrugged, tossing another small handful of trail mix into her mouth. "[color a2d9ce]Could be worse.[/color]" She pushed herself to her feet, reaching for her hoodie and packing up her bag. Sander didn't say anything for a while, just watched as Callan slowly getting ready to leave. Then his eyes caught the ruined skyscraper in the distance, and it gave him an idea. "[color cyan]Hey Callan, wanna see something?[/color]" Pulling her head through her hoodie, Callan shot him a quizzical glance. "[color a2d9ce]Uh... sure? What is it?[/color]" she asked, shouldering her bag. "[color cyan]I can show you something.[/color]" -Sander stepped closer and placed a tentative arm her waist -"[color cyan]May I?[/color]" She stiffened at the touch, looking mildly alarmed. "[color a2d9ce]S-sure,[/color]" Callan stammered hesitantly. He still hadn't put his shirt back on. With permission, Sander hooked an arm around Callan's waist, and in a flood in strength, he leapted up, carrying both of them into the air. As they reached the crest of the leap though, instead of falling back down with the pull of gravity, they remained airborne, floating in the murky sky of GZ. Callan gasped, not realizing what Sander was planning to do before it was too late, "[color a2d9ce]Okay, wai--![/color]" Her voice was lost in the in the sudden rush of wind, breathe catching in her throat as her fingers dug into Sander's warm skin. She squeezed him tightly, only daring to open one eye when they didn't immediately fall. Still petrified, however, her grip on his torso remained the same. "[color a2d9ce]Y-you can [i]fly?[/i][/color]" she asked, staring at the twinkling and broken city of GZ below. Her face flushed, in equal parts due to exasperation and the undeniably half-naked Sander currently holding on to her. "[color cyan]Not really...flying.[/color]" -Sander kept his eyes trained on the city below, still looked mildly surprised, as if he half-expected it to not work at all -"[color cyan]Floating is more accurate, I guess.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Mm,[/color]" she mumbled, grip tightening. Floating meant you eventually fell, right? "[color a2d9ce]Th-that's pretty cool,[/color]" she shivered, anxiety clear in her voice. As if he was able to read her mind, Sander only grinned as they began to float upward, slowing every so often to dodge the suspended debris that littered GZ's sky -"[color cyan]Don't worry. We won't fall.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]Uhm... okay,[/color]" she said, doing her best to believe him. She cringed at every impending chunck of debris, noting how Sander was able to control his floating somewhat. She was quiet after that, fully aware of how fast her heart was still beating as she tried to 'enjoy the ride'. She'd never been great with heights. Even knowing that she'd easily survive a fall from this high up, however, she couldn't shake the nerves. Having Sander there was a small comfort, though a small part of herself couldn't stop internally grumbling about this all being his fault. Slowly but surely, she started to calm down. Her blood had stopped pounding in her ears at least. Sander gave her an odd look then, before mumbling -"[color cyan]Sorry. I just thought...I just want to cheer you up.[/color]" She looked up at him. "[color a2d9ce]O-oh! That's... it's okay! This is really cool![/color]" she lied, trying to be polite, "[color a2d9ce]I'm just, uh... n-not really used to being up this high without a s-seatbelt or something....[/color]" Helicopters were okay. Buildings were fine. But this feeling of being completely unrestrained? "[color a2d9ce]We can keep going,[/color]" she offered with a nervous grin, "[color a2d9ce]J-just don't drop me.[/color]" "[color cyan]Oh. That's good.[/color]" -Sander gave a faint smile in return, nodding as he ascended further up into the wide expanse. Slowly, he was moving them both out of GZ and back into the dormitory areas -"[color cyan]It's just...you told me before, remember? You said it will get better. You're right. So I think it will get better for you, too.[/color]" A small laugh forced its way out. Her dumb advice was being thrown back at her now of all times? Coming from Sander? She couldn't explain why she thought it was so funny. "[color a2d9ce]Well, I hope you're right,[/color]" she chuckled, resolving not to look down anymore. Instead, she fixed her eyes on the sleeping school beyond GZ. She thought for a moment about her classmates. All the new friends she'd made. "[color a2d9ce]I hope it gets better for everyone else, too.[/color]" "[color cyan]I think so, yeah. Don't worry.[/color]" -Sander reassured her with another smile. They made small talk on their way back, passing by the window of his own room briefly, where he noticed Christmas' blue eyes looking right at him. He waved with a light smile. Eventually, Sander dropped the Arbiter off at her dorm room. Unexpectedly though, she turned and gave him a hug, in which the blood mage froze momentarily, before patting her awkwardly on the back. She still adamantly pressed a bag of trail mix into his hands though, which Sander took with him after a bit of convincing. After that, he quickly returned to his room, thin wisps of red were still clinging to his body. [/hider] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/tmtXHZ4.png[/img] [img]https://i.imgur.com/SqhcfKy.png[/img][/center] [center][sub][color=silver]ℂ𝕠𝕝𝕝𝕒𝕓𝕠𝕣𝕒π•₯π•šπ• π•Ÿ ℙ𝕠𝕀π•₯ / / [@Diggerton][@Baklava][/color][/sub][/center][hr][hr][center][color=silver]π•Žπ•–π••: 𝕆𝕔π•₯. πŸ™πŸœ, 𝟚𝟘𝟚𝟘 / / π•Œπ•Šπ”Έβ„π•€π•ƒβ„• β„‚π•’π•žπ•‘π•¦π•€ / / π”Ήπ•¦π•šπ•π••π•šπ•Ÿπ•˜ 𝔸 : ℝ𝕠𝕠𝕗 / / 𝟘𝟠𝟘𝟘[/color][/center][hr][hr] [hider=Secrets Out] It was early. Early for Determination, at least. She wasn't much of an early riser, but... she had a lot on her mind, she suppoused. Didn't feel a lot like staying in one place. Emma was still asleep when she left, thankfully. Emma has spent a lot of nights not sleeping. She felt a little guilty - it was all too likely that she was part of the reason that Emma had been so weird lately. Or would it be worse if she wasn't around to keep Emma company? She knew that the girl liked having her around, even if she tried not to act like it. Questions for another day, Determination decided. Part of the reason she'd left was because she needed to get some of the stuff that was on her mind off of it - stuff that she couldn't share with Emma. It wasn't like Determination had a lot of people to confide in besides her creator... something, it seemed, that she direly needed to change. She decided it would be a good idea to find someone that Emma was close to, which was... a narrow pool. She didn't really like Marcus all that much, not at all really, which pretty much left her with only one option. Callan. Kelp head? Kelp head. Building A, Suite 430. She was surprised that she remembered. It was a short walk - it was kind of nice to get around campus on her own for once. In fact, she felt pretty damn good stretching her legs, walking her fine ass self around with those new clothes Emma got her. Her outfit was pretty simple: a beanie, a white tanktop, those tight black jeans that are all ripped up that were all the rage way back when, a pair of Converse... simple, but it felt right. She got a few odd looks. At first her confidence was a little shot, but then she realized that it was probably because she was a regular to these people. She wasn't stopped, though, something she ascribed to an old rule she always followed: if you look like you know where you were going people won't stop you, even if you're not suppoused to be there. Wait, no. Not a rule she followed. A rule that someone else followed. She was lost in thought, barely realizing that she'd arrived at the suite. She stared at the door. [color=580ACC]"Alright. What the fuck am I doing? 'Hey, Cal, your brand new BFF's weird fucking thoughtform bullshit thing is here and wants to dish some dirty secrets with you. You're totally not creeped the fuck out by me, right?' Yeah, Det, that sounds great. I'm sure Kelp Head won't slam the fucking door in your face."[/color] she muttered underneath her breath, working up the courage to knock on the door. [color=580ACC]"Or shit, with my luck it'll be 'Heeeeey Scarface. Cal in there? By the way, I sleep in the same bed with as girlfriend. I'm trying to work up the courage to get under the covers with her. You don't get to do that yet, huh? Also, I look like her ex. Cool, right?"[/color] she sighed. Fuck, what [i]was[/i] she doing here? [color=580ACC]"Maybe I'll get lucky and get the bookworm. She doesn't know who I am and I can just pretend that I had the wrong door. Then I'll be weird [i]and[/i] a coward."[/color] Determination knocked. Three quick knocks, forced out before she changed her mind. The door eased open relatively quickly, revealing a tired, but freshly showered Callan whose expression quickly dropped to a frown. Clearly expecting [i]anyone[/i] else. "[color a2d9ce]Uh,[/color]" she kept the door half closed, leaning into the hall and searching for Emma before her eyes fell back on Determination. "[color a2d9ce]Hey, Det... what's up?[/color]" Yeah, that was pretty much the reaction Determination expected. She similarly glanced over Cal's shoulder, eyes scanning for intruding roommates. [color=580ACC]”Oof. No reason to look so disappointed kelp head, I'm a perfectly nice gal!”[/color] she let out a nervous laugh, glancing behind her, [color=580ACC]”Whatever. Not important. We need to chat.”[/color] her tone turned serious. Callan didn't comment on the 'perfectly nice' bit. She couldn't help it. This new version of Determination made her uncomfortable on at least 8 different levels. She needed to talk? Without Emma? That didn't sound good, either. Callan glanced over her shoulder. "[color a2d9ce]Okay... Marcus is still sleeping though, so maybe we can talk downstairs?[/color]" [color=580ACC]”Right. Yeah, sure. Not downstairs though, how about... how about the roof? Sounds suitably dramatic... and I want some quiet anyways.”[/color] "[color a2d9ce]The roof...[/color]" Callan's eyes wandered towards the ceiling. She supposed it was closer. What was the worse that could happen? She decided not to think about it. "[color a2d9ce]Okay... uh... let's go,[/color]" Callan slid her sandals on and left, closing the door quietly behind her. Determination set off down the hallway, shoving her hands in her pockets. [color=580ACC]”So... uh... watchya think about scarface?”[/color] Determination chanced, glancing back at Cal. "[color a2d9ce]Scarface?[/color]" she blinked up at the blue haired tulpa, "[color a2d9ce]O-oh... you mean Marcus.[/color]" She immediately tensed, trying to hide the sudden rise of suspiscion. "[color a2d9ce]He's...[/color]" her conversation with Emma the day before came to mind. [i]'Like a kid who doesn't like her mom getting a new boyfriend...'[/i] "[color a2d9ce]He's a good person,[/color]" Callan nodded reassuringly, her tone gaining a little more confidence, "[color a2d9ce]One of the best people I know around here, if I'm being honest.[/color]" [color=580ACC]”Hmph.”[/color] was all Determination said at first, [color=580ACC]”Like him, huh? Must be a little weird, having a co-ed dorm.”[/color] Callan cleared her throat, quickly pretending to check her phone, "[color a2d9ce]Yeah, I thought it was gonna be weird but, uh... we're all friends now so things are chill.[/color]" She chuckled nervously, "[color a2d9ce]Everybody gets along.[/color]" [color=580ACC]”Mmmmhm. Cool.”[/color] Determination cleared her throat, [color=580ACC]”Hormones though. Like, not weird, at all?”[/color] Callan squirmed, slipping her hands into her pockets. They were starting to sweat. She needed a subject change and fast. "[color a2d9ce]Nope![/color]" she answered, forcing a smile, "[color a2d9ce]Hey, uh. By the way-- where's Emma? I'm guessing she doesn't know you're over here?[/color]" [color=580ACC]"Getting her beauty sleep. She hasn't been sleeping so well, so I figure I'd let her pay back that sleep debt. Anyways, I kinda wanted to talk about something that I couldn't really talk about with her."[/color] They'd finally reached the stairwell-- a walk which had somehow felt much longer given the previous subject matter. "[color a2d9ce]Alright, well... hold that thought,[/color]" Callan suggested, her voice echoing as she led the way up the stairs. Of course, the door to the roof was locked. "[color a2d9ce]Uh,[/color]" Callan wiggled the knob a little more, hoping it was just stuck, "[color a2d9ce]Darn. I didn't know they kept this locked.[/color]" [color=580ACC]"Pffft. You've got super strength, man, why let a lock stop ya?"[/color] Determination sighed, reaching down and producing a bobby pin from her sock. [color=580ACC]"Whatevs, I got some mad skills. Lemme show ya how we do shit."[/color] she unfolded the bobby pin, wiggling it into the crevice of the lock. [color=580ACC]"Ya don't learn this shit in suburbia, huh?"[/color] 'I don't think that's a good idea.' She might've said it if Det hadn't already gone ahead with her lock-picking plan. Geez, she sure did know a lot. Callan raised an eyebrow at her. "[color a2d9ce]Yeahh...[/color]" she agreed absently. To her knowledge, she'd never told Det about where she was from. [color=580ACC]”Heh. Pretty handy, huh?”[/color] right as Determination said that, a quiet snap came from the doorknob. She sighed, presenting a broken bobby pin. [color=580ACC]”Shit. Guess I'm not as good as I thought, huh?”[/color] she flashed a weak grin, [color=580ACC]”Y'know what plan B is, right?”[/color] before Callan could answer she elbowed the door, knocking it open with a loud crack. "[color a2d9ce]Whoa![/color]" Callan gasped in protest, but it was too late. The door was open. She cringed, looking over her shoulder like an alarm might start blaring any minute now. "[color a2d9ce]Uhm... okay. Th-that works, I guess.[/color]" Probably not the first time anyone broke onto the roof at a school like that. She closed the door carefully behind them, grimacing at the state of it before turning back to face Det. "[color a2d9ce]So what did you want to talk about?[/color]" [color=580ACC]”Hell yeah it works.”[/color] Determination said, heading out onto the roof. She took in a gulp of air, [color=580ACC]”Yeah. Like I said, usually when I have some kind of moral dilemma I ask Em about it, but...”[/color] Determination sighed, placing her hands behind her head, turning to look away from Cal. [color=580ACC]”Well, it's about her. There's... something that I know and she doesn't. Something that would... uh, something that'd really hurt her.”[/color] Determination found a vent to sit on. [color=580ACC]”She doesn't realize it, but I remember everything about the night that the USARILN guys got her. And... she doesn't know the whole story.”[/color] Determination looked down, [color=580ACC]”She told you about her sister, right? Val? The one that came and rescued her from her parents, told her that she'd take her to California so they could forget about all this subnatural bullshit?”[/color] Callan froze, thinking of everything she knew about Emma's older sister. They were really close-- that much she could guess just by listening to the way Emma talked about her. She was also well-aware of Val and Emma's failed attempt to run away and hide-out in California. And the fact that Emma hadn't been able to contact [i]any[/i] of her family members since she got to USARILN. It was all chillingly familiar to her own situation, but Callan hadn't wanted to make things about her when the conversation came up. No need to make people worry. She was doing fine after all. But was it really okay to be talking with Determination about something so personal? After another moment of consideration, Callan nodded slowly. There was no harm in finding out what the tulpa had to say. If it was serious enough, she could always tell Emma later. [color=580ACC]”Well, I was there. Emma's power awakened and I don't think she really figure out how to send me away, and... I was there the whole time. I saw things that she didn't. I'm not going to bother explaining everything, but...”[/color] Determination bit her lip. [color=580ACC]”Emma thinks that her sister... she thinks that Valentine did everything she could to help her. But... but Val... fuck, man, she decided that it was too much. She flew all the way to New York convinced that she could save her, but she realized she had no idea what the fuck she was messing with! So... so she decided to sell out her fucking sister.”[/color] Callan stared in disbelief, turning towards where she could see Building B across the courtyard while it sank in. "[color a2d9ce]Are you sure?[/color]" she asked, looking back at Det, "[color a2d9ce]You're absolutely sure?[/color]" She didn't want to say it, but Det hadn't exactly been the most intelligent thing on two legs when Callan had first met it. And this definitely wasn't something to fuck around with. [color=580ACC]”Em was sleeping, Val called 911, told them where they were. The bitch fucking... she fronted like she was going to stick by her the whole time.”[/color] Determination scowled, [color=580ACC]”It's bullshit man. Em trusted her more than anything and she... fuck.”[/color] That sounded pretty sure.... Callan down on the vent beside Det, mind racing. She found the words slowly, as if trying to solve a puzzle. "[color a2d9ce]It... I guess it would be kind of a scary commitment, though. Right? Life on the run. [i]Forever...[/i] Y'know?[/color]" [color=580ACC]”Bitch shouldn't of made a promise she couldn't keep. Do you know how much that'd crush Emma? If she found it? It would fucking [i]destroy[/i] her. She trusted Val so much, like... man, fuck that. It's fucked up.”[/color] Callan shook her head quickly, "[color a2d9ce]No, I know. You're right. There's... really no excuse for stabbing someone in the back like that. E-especially family.[/color]" She rubbed her forehead, trying to stay focused on one thing at a time, "[color a2d9ce]I'm just... trying to figure it out. So maybe I can help Emma understand it... when she finds out, you know?[/color]" [color=580ACC]"I mean... what if she doesn't? Should I tell her? Like, I feel like shit. I'm lying to her, but... I think it's better this way. Right? Is that dumb? I mean, she already feels bad enough, I don't need to pile that shit on, right Cal?"[/color] "[color a2d9ce]Uhm,[/color]" Callan thought. She thought [i]hard.[/i] Man, what a mess. She looked at Det, feeling just as lost and looking it, too. If she had a chance to go back and have Dom not tell her about everything her parents did... would she still want to know...? No. Of course she'd [i]want[/i] to know. That wasn't the right question. She remembered the pain. The heartache. The feeling of complete and total isolation. Anger and sadness both trying to occupy every inch of her heart and head at the same time. She didn't want Emma to feel that. She wouldn't wish it on her greatest enemy, let alone a dear friend. She had come out okay. Figured out a way to cope. But Emma... who knew how Emma would take the news? Would her stigma somehow make it worse? The truth would come out anyway, so would doing nothing simply prolong the inevitable...? Or would they all be dead before the year was out anyway? Tell her? Don't tell her? Callan sighed heavily, running her fingers through her bangs like clockwork and bouncing her leg in aggitation. "[color a2d9ce]Wh-why wouldn't you tell Marcus instead of me?[/color]" Callan mumbled, quickly feeling overwhelmed by the weight of it all, "[color a2d9ce]He probably knows her way better than I do.[/color]" [color=580ACC]”Hmph. I'm not stupid, kelp head. You already know why I'm not talking to Marcus. The reason you're thinking is probably right.”[/color] Her shoulders tensed, amethyst eyes quickly looking away. She chewed the inside of her cheek. [i]That[/i] was a can of worms she didn't want to open. Especially not with Det. [i]None of my business![/i] Callan sighed again, leaning forward and propping her forehead up on her elbows. "[color a2d9ce]Uggh,[/color]" she groaned, "[color a2d9ce]Fuck... This is so... not what I'm good at.[/color]" Determination took off her beanie, running a hand through her hair. [color=580ACC]]”You've got, what, seventeen, sixteen years of existence on me? You're better at this shit than me.”[/color] Determination sighed, reaching into her pocket. She produced a pack of cigarettes, pinching one between her fingers and dangling it in front of her for a moment, [color=580ACC]”You, uh...?”[/color] Callan looked at the cigarette out of the corner of her eye, accepting the opportunity for a distraction. A brief interlude from shitstorm Determination had already given her. And she hadn't even had breakfast yet.... "[color a2d9ce]You smoke?[/color]" she smirked. A kind of sad smile flickered onto Determination's face. [color=580ACC]”She did.”[/color] Determination coughed. [color=580ACC]”Uh, Riley, I mean. Guess that means I do too.”[/color] Determination eyed the cigarette again, face turning neutral again, [color=580ACC]”So, is that a no, or...?”[/color] Callan shook her head, "[color a2d9ce]No thanks. I'm good.[/color]" She sighed again, leaning back on her hands. She kept thinking as Determination lit her cigarette, finally coming to some sort of decision. Honesty was always the best policy, right? "[color a2d9ce]I think we have to tell her,[/color]" she said. [color=580ACC]"Heh, guess you've gotta worry about lung cancer."[/color] Determination took a deep drag of her cigarette. Tasted like smoke, she thought. She flicked open her lighter, staring at the flame. [color=580ACC]”Emma's tried to kill herself before. Still think it's a good idea?”[/color] Her heart dropped, landing in her stomach like a heavy stone. "[color a2d9ce]She... what?[/color]" Callan sat up quickly. "[color a2d9ce]S-seriously?[/color]" Smoke tasted like shit, Determination decided, but there was a comfort in it. She closed the lighter but quickly opened it again, then she did it again. One more time, shut then open. [color=580ACC]”Yeah. Guess she didn't like the idea of being a sub. Dunno if she'd do it again.”[/color] Another drag from the cigarette. She wasn't sure if she liked it but she didn't want to stop. Callan stared at Determination, eyes flickering from the lighter to her face. She wasn't joking, was she? Her stomach felt like it was churning, any hope of an appetite anytime soon completely expelled from thought. That day when she and Emma got bubble tea... [i]'Giving up'...?[/i] "[color a2d9ce]Oh my god, I'm an [i]idiot[/i],[/color]" Callan breathed, just above a whisper. She held her gut with one hand and pressed her fingers against her mouth with the other, mind racing again. She looked back and Det. Did she really trust this thing? "[color a2d9ce]Okay, okay,[/color]" Callan continued, more in an effort to calm herself down, "[color a2d9ce]I don't know if... Look. Emma's... going to find out eventually, isn't she? Isn't that inevitable? And if she finds out on her own... it'd be really bad. Even worse if she's... you know.[/color]" "[color a2d9ce]At least if we told her, we could, like... try and be supportive. Help her through it.... I don't know.[/color]" Callan sighed again, exhausted. Maybe it wasn't the right answer-- or even a good one. But if she could go back and change anything about the day she found out... she wished someone would have been there. Someone she was close to, who could have softened the blow and held her until she didn't feel so hopeless. She swallowed hard, unwanted thoughts of Marcus infiltrating her thoughts. Waiting up all night for her to come home. Offering to talk. Offering a hug. She wished she could have taken it. A bitter taste filled Determination's mouth, but she didn't think it was because of the cigarette. [color=580ACC]”She's fragile, Cal.”[/color] Determination stood up. [color=580ACC]”This whole subnatural thing fucking sucks, huh?”[/color] for a second, Determination thought of a lifetime that she'd never lived, a lifetime way back before all this. But it wasn't her life to miss. [color=580ACC]”I'll do whatever you want. I'm not good at this shit.”[/color] "[color a2d9ce]I get that she's fragile,[/color]" Callan mumbled, clearly frustrated. If Det was so sure about what not to do, why ask her for help at all? "[color a2d9ce]I-I'm trying to think of what will make her hurt the [i]least[/i], okay? I'm not good at this shit either.[/color]" Callan stood up as well. Staring up at the blue haired girl who suddenly seemed to be towering over her a bit more than usual. "[color a2d9ce]Maybe just... give me some time to think. I at least need to sleep on it....[/color]" Sleep on it. Determination had been sleeping on this for a long time. She took another drag from her cigarette, slow, long, before exhaling. She understood why Riley liked them so much – why [i]she[/i] liked them so much. [color=580ACC]”You ever wish you didn't exist?”[/color] the words came from her mouth all too casually as she grabbed her beanie, putting it back on. A helpless expression crossed Callan's face. How was that supposed to help? She thought for a second. [i]Had she ever wished she didn't exist?[/i] "[color a2d9ce]I don't know. Not really...[/color]" she finally decided on, but felt such a vague answer needed clarification. She didn't know how to give it-- or rather, didn't want to. Was that even the truth? Instead she simply kept staring at Det. Waiting for the point to be made. [color=580ACC]”Huh. Just me, I guess.”[/color] Apparently, there was no point to be made. [color=580ACC]”That's not important. Cal, you ever lied to someone you love? Lied because you thought the truth would hurt them?”[/color] Callan pushed her bangs back against her head, sighing through her nose. Okay, she thought she knew where Det was going with that one. She opened her mouth to speak, but then it hit her. "[color a2d9ce]Like... how I don't tell Marcus that you're--[/color]" She said it without thinking. It felt like someone had cinched a noose around her guts. She blinked in alarm, staring up at Determination like someone watching a suspensful scene in a horror movie. Gears turning. Something clicked. She squeezed the cigarette in her hand, the tip falling to the ground. Not on purpose. [color=580ACC]”Fuck me. I'm gonna need another.”[/color] She dropped the rest, crushing it under her foot. Pulled out another cigarette. Flicked open the lighter, lit it. There were a lot of things to analyze about that statement, she wasn't sure where to start. [color=580ACC]”Fuck you, Callan.”[/color] Yeah, that was a good start. She took a drag from her cigarette. [color=580ACC]”Wow, man, [i]fuck[/i] you.”[/color] Okay, maybe reel it in a bit. Determination wasn't looking at Callan anymore. [color=580ACC]”Fuck is that supposed to mean?”[/color] Goddamn, her heart was beating fast. She could feel it pulsing in her ears, pounding in her brain. Fix it-- for the love of [i]God[/i], FIX WHAT YOU JUST DID. Her voice was shaking. Tears imminent. "[color a2d9ce]Emma and Marcus are... both really special to me,[/color]" she said, carefully choosing her words, "[color a2d9ce]I don't want to see either of them get hurt... ever. For any reason. I just want them to be happy. More than anything, that's what I want.[/color]" [color=580ACC]”Hah.”[/color] Determination paused for a moment, turning towards Cal, and then she broke out into laughter. It took a moment for her to calm down. [color=580ACC]”Holy shit, I take it back. I AM really fucking [i]stupid[/i].”[/color] Determination, for a moment, grinned. But it faded quick. Serious. Resting bitch face, or maybe just bitch bitch face. [color=580ACC]”Hormones, huh? One of the best people around here...?”[/color] Determination's face twisted to malice. [color=580ACC]”God, fuck is it with you people and this Marcus guy! Shit smells Cal, and I'm getting a heavy whiff of bullshit right now. You're a really fucking bad liar. Jesus... Jesus [i]fucking[/i] Christ.”[/color] Determination moved a little closer towards Callan, [color=580ACC]”Your roommate? Your friend's boyfriend? God, that's fucking [i]classless[/i]. I'm wrong, right, kelp head? Be honest with me, are you just waiting for the chance to jump in scarface's pants? If he showed up and wanted to give ya a ride would you even give a [i]shit[/i] about how Emma felt?”[/color] No. [i]No, no, no.[/i] Callan promptly backed up, thick, salty tears already spilling over a burning hot face before Determination even finished talking. Her tall frame blocked out the morning sun and everything else, too. It felt like there was no air. God, how could she forget to [i]breathe[/i]? Her body was a freezing cocktail of of adrenaline, panic, and heaps of confused embarrasment. "[color a2d9ce]N-no, I wouldn't do that![/color]" She shook her head sharply, tears scattering off her face. It was the truth! She tried to keep telling herself, but every second Det leered down at her, Callan felt more and more like the worst person in existence. Shrinking so small she couldn't even see herself anymore. [color=580ACC]”Oh my god, Webb, that's fucking pathetic. Ooooh, shit shit shit shit. Wow. Wow. WOW! I'm going to be honest... I personally don't give a single shit about whatever weird wet dreams you have about the guy, but... MAN! If you fucking hurt Emma, I'll...”[/color] Determination seemed almost manic, [color=580ACC]”Shit. Alright. Alright. Fuck. You're making things so [i]fucking[/i] complicated right now. How... shit, how do we deal with this. You know that you're like... like, Emma's best friend right now?! Y'know how much she needs a best friend right now? A nice, honest best friend that isn't trying to fuck her boyfriend?”[/color] Determination calmed. Her eyes narrowed, looming over Callan. [color=580ACC]”Don't fucking lie to me right now. Webb, if you answer what I'm about to ask you with a lie, you're... you're... I'm going to be all kinds of pissed off.”[/color] Determination took a long drag from her cigarette. Composure. Like Riley. She was so good at doing this kinda thing, [color=580ACC]”Is this little crush of yours going to go away?”[/color] Callan couldn't decribe ever having felt more fucking terrified in her whole life. "[color a2d9ce]I-I'm trying to--[/color]" she stammered, reaching behind herself for the wall by the door. Something to hang onto-- to remind her that this was seriously happening and not just some horrific nightmare she might wake up from. Determination's scowl turned even more distinct. Somehow, it seemed that she couldn't look any angrier but it still happened. Determination got low, moving her face dangerously close to Cal's. There was something in her eyes. Malice? Hate? Maybe she wanted to hurt. [color=580ACC]"Yes or no?"[/color] Callan had never been a great liar. Not even a good one, really. But here and now, facing Emma's tulpa, it felt like a matter of life and death. She couldn't say how Det would do it-- only that she had full confidence in it's likelihood of happening. She willed the correct answer to be true and so it was. "[color a2d9ce]Yes,[/color]" Callan answered, leaning away more, finally colliding with the wall behind her. Her fingers dug into the bricks, scattering little red fragments by her feet as she tried to find purchase. Determination backed up, letting loose a grin. [color=580ACC]”That wasn't so hard, right Cal? Phew, I don't like having to get angry like that. Makes me feel all weird. Y'know I just want to be pals, right? So, like, it would be a lot easier...”[/color] suddenly Determination moved forward again, foot quickly snapping out and kicking the vent, leaving a large dent in the metal and causing a loud crash, [color=580ACC]”If you stopped fucking LYING!”[/color] the grin was gone, the scowl was back. Determination, in reality, really was convinced that Callan was telling the truth. Or at least, Callan thought she was telling the truth. [color=580ACC]”You're fucking lying to yourself right now, Cal. Right? Right? You didn't let the fact that it was your friend's boyfriend dissuade you, so why do you care now? Because you're [i]scared[/i]. But listen, that's fine. I'm a pal. Like I said, I wanna be your friend! So, be honest with yourself and maybe I can give you some [i]friendly[/i] advice. There are a lot of ways to get over a crush! Riley's been around the block, and I've got her knowledge, so lemme help ya. Ya dig? ”[/color] and now Determination was smiling again, just like that. Callan didn't know why the sudden kick to the vent made her jump as badly as it did. She was stronger than the tulpa. No need to freak out. But Determination was right. She [i]was[/i] scared. It was all over. Everyone would know. They'd all think she was a horrible person because she couldn't get over it. [i]She locked herself in a fucking room for three weeks and still couldn't get over it.[/i] She was weak and stupid and selfish. And worst of all-- it would devastate Emma. Maybe she could dissappear. Run away, get a new room, change her name, cut her hair. Beg Zhang to pair her with a different group. She hardly realized what she was doing until her hand closed around the doorknob, desperate for an escape. Determination eyed Callan's hand, still smiling. [color=580ACC]”We're still talking, Cal. Hands off.”[/color] she sounded so cheery. [color=580ACC]”Listen, it's hard for you guys. Real people, that is. I get it. Hormones. Like I said, I've got some advice. Some sisterly pro-tips, some scenarios that could happen! Fun, right? The first thing I was thinking... maybe it would help to move out. I know what you're thinking, but if you really want to get over this living with the dude probably isn't helping.”[/color] Determination shrugged, [color=580ACC]”But I get it if you don't want that. You're all pals at Suite 430, huh? So maybe that'd be hard. I wouldn't want you to resent me, so maybe we can steer clear of that one. I dunno, what do ya think, kelp head?”[/color] Determination was trying her best to bring it down, calm Cal down. She spoke slowly, softly. She didn't want to scare her off. She didn't know why she was still listening to her. Callan's hand slid off the doorknob and she leaned against the door frame instead. The tulpa would probably just follow her if she tried to leave, wouldn't it? Oh, she wanted to throw up. She nodded uneasily at Det's suggestion, but it was so hard to listen when her thoughts were all racing around so fast. "[color a2d9ce]That's a good idea,[/color]" she said, resigned, staring at Determination like a ticking time bomb. [color=580ACC]”Yeah. Yeah, it is. Y'know, Cal, I don't want to be scary. I'm being pretty nice right now, you get that, right? You're fucking with the feelings of... of the most [I]important[/i] person in the world and I'm cutting you a lot of slack.”[/color] Determination took another drag from her cigarette. She almost forgot about it. [color=580ACC]”Maybe you should get a boyfriend. Or a girlfriend. Eh? Plenty of fish in the sea, right? Plenty of fish that aren't fucking [i]Marcus[/i]. Emma offered you some dating advice or something, right? Maybe you should follow that up. She's real good.”[/color] Gritting her teath, Callan nodded again staring hard at Determination's shoes, "[color a2d9ce]Right. Yeah, I'll do that....[/color]" Determination sighed. [color=580ACC]”Cal. I'm trying to have a friendly dialogue here, but I'm starting to think you're not really listening and it's really grating. I'm, like, a chill person. Real cool. I, uh, feel bad about sperging out on you. I'm trying to help you so I can help Emma. So we can help Emma. You want that, right?”[/color] Callan looked up again, searching Determination's face for the hope that wasn't there. "[color a2d9ce]I don't want to hurt Emma,[/color]" she frowned, eyebrows knitting together. Her face contorted into a grimace. She meant that. She really meant that. But did she? Was this the kind of monster that she was? Scheming and biding her time and-- Callan lost her train of thought, face flushing when the imagery of Det's words hit again. Revived by the paranoia festering inside. [color=580ACC]”Good. I believe you. That's why I came to you – you're a good friend, Cal. And you wouldn't want to hurt her. But what you're doing right now [i]will[/i] hurt her once she finds out. She's got enough on her plate, so I want to avoid that. Which is why I got so mad and we're here now. Right? So let's reset. We're on the same team. The spearhead of Team Emma... so move out. Find someone else to have nasty thoughts about. Maybe you'll find out that you like girls or something, whatever. Just get over this thing with Marcus, okay?”[/color] Callan squirmed uncomfortably at the term 'nasty thoughts', but nodded. "[color a2d9ce]Y-yeah. I will,[/color]" she answered, eyes darting from the floor to Det and back. Determination's eyes narrowed. Another thought crossed her mind. Something different. [color=580ACC]”How much do you think Emma likes Marcus? Or loves, whatever. Not a trick question, promise.”[/color] Callan stared in surprise, gears turning over what Det was trying to get her to say in spite of the disclaimer. "[color a2d9ce]I don't know,[/color]" she frowned, "[color a2d9ce]They're in love... aren't they?[/color]" Enough for him to kill for her at least. [color=580ACC]”Hmm. Think so? Well, whatever.”[/color] Determination threw the cigarette to the ground, stomping it out. [color=580ACC]”One more thing. Don't blame Emma for this, okay? She sure as hell wouldn't want this. I guess I'm kinda psycho. It's not her fault she can't control me, right?”[/color] her mouth twitched for a moment. The impression of her smirk but her face reverted to neutrality. [color=580ACC]”I just want us all to be friends. You, me, Emma, Marcus, the whole funky bunch. Right?”[/color] As usual, Callan was having a hard time following, but she nodded again, "[color a2d9ce]Right.[/color]" Her eyes followed the cigarrette as Det smashed it. How many had that been? Was she stuck in a time loop? Hell was a lot cooler than she thought it might be. It wasn't like she could tell Emma about Det's episode... it was warranted anyway, wasn't it? No use bitching about it. Just suck it up. Move forward. She swallowed hard, looked back at Det. "'[color a2d9ce]The whole funky bunch...'[/color]" she repeated, but things were never going to be the same. Not after today. [color=580acc]"By the by, I probably don't have to tell you this, but the Val thing is off the table. I'l take care of it, somehow. Unless you're gonna spill the beans to her?"[/color] "[color a2d9ce]I won't,[/color]" Callan said, vaguely unsure of her resolve there. She still felt like Emma should hear it from people who cared about her, but... maybe that wasn't supposed to be her anymore. God, she was worse than garbage. Det would take care of it... and hopefully she'd do it right. [color=580acc]"Glad to hear it. Look, we can get along just fine now. As long as this Marcus thing is resolved, at least."[/color] Determination grinned, reaching into her pocket, producing the pack of cigarettes again. She pulled one out, placing it on the vent next to Callan, alongside a lighter. [color=580Acc]"Calms the nerves. In case you need it, y'know."[/color] Determination gave Cal a wink, and then poofed out of existence. Callan stared at where the tulpa had once stood. Her stomch tied itself into a knot all over again and she glanced at the cigarette and lighter, staring at them as the tears eventually subsided and she headed back downstairs. [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/b9HPpdD.jpg[/img][/center] [/hider]