Setting
Default Location for The Devil You Know
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Roseville is a part of 
The Devil You Know.
8 Characters Here
Willow Henderson [44] "This thing could get the better of us if we let it."
Lee Romero [44] "We're just strangers with the same damn hunger to be loved."
Lincoln Cole [44] these words are knives, and often leave scars.
Rebecca Cruze [41] "Let's just have some fun and forget the world."
Benjamin Thomas [26] "There's only so far we can bend before we break"
Heather Swan [24] Real? What is real? I don't think I know the difference anymore.
Tallulah Ashmore [22] "Don't threaten me with a good time."
Lateefah Hart [15] "First of all, you don't know me."
Start Character Here »
- 73 posts here • Page 2 of 3 • 1, 2, 3
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xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
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xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
Lee wasn't exactly sure what response he had been expected. His head was foggy and dizzy at the same time, and he couldn't really think or plan ahead. So when Link hugged him, Lee was surprised. And then he nearly burst into tears. What he would have done to be held like this after leaving all those parties. He pressed his face into Link's shoulder as the other man comforted him, reassured him that Tee was looking after Rebecca. But he'd still left her behind, she didn't deserve that, why hadn't he stayed? He shouldn't have stormed off like that, should have... talked about it. She was going to hate him now, and it was all his fault.
So when Link told him it was okay, that he wouldn't mind Lee crying, Lee broke down. He wasn't even entirely sure why. He was ashamed, he was afraid, he was so afraid of so many things. Perhaps if he was a little more sober than he was, he would have felt embarrassed about how, an hour ago, they were just awkward acquaintances at best, and now, here he was, sobbing in Link's arms. But right then, Lee wasn't capable of feeling more than one emotion at once. So he let the anxiety consume him for a brief moment, and he cried.
He didn't know how long he stayed like that for. In some ways, it felt like it wasn't long enough, and in others, it felt like an eternity. But eventually, the crying subsided, and Lee straightened up, wiping his eyes. And perhaps it was the drugs in his system that lent him some courage, but he found himself asking, "Can... can I stay with you tonight? I just... I don't want to be alone." His parents were out of the country at some big important business conference, one that was too important for them to miss. And generally Lee didn't mind being by himself but... this was an exception.
So when Link told him it was okay, that he wouldn't mind Lee crying, Lee broke down. He wasn't even entirely sure why. He was ashamed, he was afraid, he was so afraid of so many things. Perhaps if he was a little more sober than he was, he would have felt embarrassed about how, an hour ago, they were just awkward acquaintances at best, and now, here he was, sobbing in Link's arms. But right then, Lee wasn't capable of feeling more than one emotion at once. So he let the anxiety consume him for a brief moment, and he cried.
He didn't know how long he stayed like that for. In some ways, it felt like it wasn't long enough, and in others, it felt like an eternity. But eventually, the crying subsided, and Lee straightened up, wiping his eyes. And perhaps it was the drugs in his system that lent him some courage, but he found himself asking, "Can... can I stay with you tonight? I just... I don't want to be alone." His parents were out of the country at some big important business conference, one that was too important for them to miss. And generally Lee didn't mind being by himself but... this was an exception.
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xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
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xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow grinned as Tallulah made her way over. She hated seeing someone by themselves. Especially at a party. And then, suddenly, Tee was gone with hardly any explanation, and a "See you later?" that Willow didn't even get a chance to answer. She raised her eyebrows. "Huh. Guess everyone is in that disappearing mood tonight, huh?" She remarked. She could still remember one of their last... conversations. Which had deteriorated into Willow yelling that she knew nothing about her and Jake's relationship, and storming out. Not her finest moment but... yeah. Maybe they could make it up.
But the atmosphere of the party was starting to change. People were getting drunker, and the guy being dragged out by the football team for spiking drinks had kinda killed the mood a little. It had lost its charm, and Willow was starting to consider leaving. She spotted yet another familiar face. Heather Swan. It had really been a while, so again, she waved, trying to catch her attention and beckon her over.
"If I get enough people around, you can't all abandon me," she teased as she glanced at Tallulah. "So, what have you been up to these days?"
In reality, the party was starting to get a little much for her. She'd already seen a few people passed out, and the uncomfortable atmosphere was doing nothing to settle her nerves. Had she not heard about drinks being spiked, she'd have been tempted to drink, but now that was just making her more worried. It was a little overwhelming, and the option of leaving was starting to seem more and more appealing. So instead she was going to get herself involved in a conversation. If she left now, people would start judging her. So she would stay.
But the atmosphere of the party was starting to change. People were getting drunker, and the guy being dragged out by the football team for spiking drinks had kinda killed the mood a little. It had lost its charm, and Willow was starting to consider leaving. She spotted yet another familiar face. Heather Swan. It had really been a while, so again, she waved, trying to catch her attention and beckon her over.
"If I get enough people around, you can't all abandon me," she teased as she glanced at Tallulah. "So, what have you been up to these days?"
In reality, the party was starting to get a little much for her. She'd already seen a few people passed out, and the uncomfortable atmosphere was doing nothing to settle her nerves. Had she not heard about drinks being spiked, she'd have been tempted to drink, but now that was just making her more worried. It was a little overwhelming, and the option of leaving was starting to seem more and more appealing. So instead she was going to get herself involved in a conversation. If she left now, people would start judging her. So she would stay.
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xxxlocation: party xxxoutfit: here
xxxdialogue: #F17418 xxxthoughts: #D44700
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xxx"all the people i know aren't who they used to be
xxxand if i try to change my life one more day
xxxthere would be nobody else to save
xxxand I can't change into a person I don't wanna be."
It had been more than a while since Tallulah had last seen Willow and it took her a second to even remember what had happened between the two of them. They'd been friends, she supposed, but never close enough to truly confide in each other. Then Jake had come along and everything had kind of just fallen apart...
Tallulah smiled, not letting the negative memories sneak into her mind. Despite everything, it was good to see Willow again. Willow asked what had she been up to and for a fleeting moment, Tallulah wanted to tell her about everything--her mum, the danger they were in, her dad and his threats. But she didn't. Because this was a public place where anyone could hear and she wasn't even that close to Willow.
"Well, I mean, not really that much. I'm studying photography now which is awesome. I feel like I'm the only one that hasn't really changed." She laughed nervously. "It's really weird seeing everyone again after so long."
Tallulah glanced around the room. The energy of the party had gone from 100 to 1 in a matter of minutes and some guy was being dragged away, supposedly for spiking drinks. It was now, not for the first time that night, that Tallulah had been almost proud of herself for throwing her drink into that random guy's face. At least she wasn't drugged up or doing something stupid that she wouldn't even remember tomorrow morning. She recognised a face in the dying crowd. Heather? Another feeling of strangeness washed over Tallulah from seeing these people for the first time in what felt like forever. Maybe she'd finally be able to patch things up with some of them. She wasn't exactly happy with the way that things had been left and with Sarah gone now, all that seemed trivial; easy to fix compared to the tragic death of a undeserving young woman.
Tallulah smiled, not letting the negative memories sneak into her mind. Despite everything, it was good to see Willow again. Willow asked what had she been up to and for a fleeting moment, Tallulah wanted to tell her about everything--her mum, the danger they were in, her dad and his threats. But she didn't. Because this was a public place where anyone could hear and she wasn't even that close to Willow.
"Well, I mean, not really that much. I'm studying photography now which is awesome. I feel like I'm the only one that hasn't really changed." She laughed nervously. "It's really weird seeing everyone again after so long."
Tallulah glanced around the room. The energy of the party had gone from 100 to 1 in a matter of minutes and some guy was being dragged away, supposedly for spiking drinks. It was now, not for the first time that night, that Tallulah had been almost proud of herself for throwing her drink into that random guy's face. At least she wasn't drugged up or doing something stupid that she wouldn't even remember tomorrow morning. She recognised a face in the dying crowd. Heather? Another feeling of strangeness washed over Tallulah from seeing these people for the first time in what felt like forever. Maybe she'd finally be able to patch things up with some of them. She wasn't exactly happy with the way that things had been left and with Sarah gone now, all that seemed trivial; easy to fix compared to the tragic death of a undeserving young woman.
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xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
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xxx"Welcome to a fabulous
xxxsense of lost self,
xxxacute paranoia,
xxxand emotional trauma."
x
x
x
x
It wasn't much longer, after making her observations that she noticed someone waving her over. Heather quickly looked around to see if there were perhaps someone else the woman was beckoning to but there was no one else. It wasn't two steps when Heather recognized the person. It was Willow. The girl that Heather considered too cool to associate with a silly nerd.
Sarah had that talent to just pull people of all types towards her. Unfortunately, Heather didn't exactly click with the majority of Sarah's other friends. But, even then, Sarah still managed to make time for Heather.
Heather noticed a red headed girl standing with Willow and sort of recognized her as well. She didn't stand out as much as the others and Heather remembered thinking the girl was probably like herself. Heather remembered going to Tallulah and trying to spark up a conversation in the only way she knew how. Talk about whatever was the latest horror movie or which monster from American folk tales was the scariest. The conversation didn't go well and only seemed to create this awkward air between the two.
And now here it was again. Heather stood in front of the two girls not really knowing what to say. She didn't have that same energy she used to and was much quieter. She had to think of something to make it seemed like she was cool. Or at least passable.
"So, um, some party. A shame, it seems, I've missed most of it." There was a brief silence. Heather sucked at making small talk about things she didn't really care about. "It really sucks that us meeting again was at the cost of a life." Heather gave out a small smirk and realized it must have been a while since she raised the corners of her mouth. "But you know what they say; 'the death of someone only brings their friends and family closer.' I guess that's in the literal sense, for us." Heather's eyes darted between the two. Hoping she didn't say anything stupid and hoping more that she didn't look as nervous as she felt.
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xlocation: party xxoutfit: here
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xxx"for all the light that i've shut out,
xxxfor all the innocent things i doubt.
xxxfor all the bruises i've caused and tears.
xxxfor all the things that i've done,
xxxall these years."
While holding Lee close, Link rubbing circles on the other male's back. Whispering soothing words into his ears, as he would perk up when Lee asked a question. Without a hesitation Link spoke softly to the other male. "Of course, it'd be better for you to be with someone," he would pull the male closer. Allowing himself this simple pleasure. Just holding Lee, was what he wanted to do. He wanted to stay like this for eternity. A spark lit inside of Link however. He was angry that someone would do this to people. He would shift his body to where he was grasping Lee's side and lead him to the bike. His mind racing at a thousand words he wished to say.
"How could someone do somthing as fucked up as this? Lee doesn't deserve this...he's too great of a person. He forfuckinggave me for the bullshit I put him through. I'm going to make this up to him....somehow."
The male seemed lost in his thoughts, as they reached the motorcycle. He would help the male get on the bike and get on it himself. Taking the helmet he did have (but never wore) he would hand it to Lee, revving the engine of the car. "Hold tight, okay?"
"How could someone do somthing as fucked up as this? Lee doesn't deserve this...he's too great of a person. He forfuckinggave me for the bullshit I put him through. I'm going to make this up to him....somehow."
The male seemed lost in his thoughts, as they reached the motorcycle. He would help the male get on the bike and get on it himself. Taking the helmet he did have (but never wore) he would hand it to Lee, revving the engine of the car. "Hold tight, okay?"
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xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
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xxx"I never strayed to far from you
xxxForever by your side
xxxNo matter what I was going through?
xxxBut now I never know the things to say to you"
x
x
x
x
->Previously in Roseville<-
Benji's hands were oddly still as they lay folded on the surface of the metal table. If this had been five years before, he would be shaking like a leaf. Not this time. After years of keeping his hands still in the midst of a potentially fatal event--like that cave-in in North Carolina--they remained steady even when his insides felt like they had when he was six and rode on the Gravatron at the state fair. There was no way this was about high school. He had been away for years and hadn't sold a thing since. Unless... did Furlough give him up? He never got over Benji leaving the business. Probably never would...
An officer came in, a folder in hand, and sat in the chair opposite Benji. He cleared his throat and said, "Benjamin Thomas. Do you know why you're here, son?" Benji shook his head. It had been less than an hour since he left the airport when police intercepted him getting a coffee at his old place of employment. "No, sir, but I'm sure you're about to tell me." The officer flipped open the folder and slid it over to Benji. Inside were pictures of Sarah, before...and after. He hadn't been back at school for a month after his mother's passing when he received word of Sarah's death-- no. Murder. This is why he was here? "Messages between you and Sarah were found during our investigation. It seems you had a falling out of some sort the last time you were in town."
Benji cleared his throat. "She wanted something from me I could no longer give her. My mother had just died. I was only home long enough to plan and have her funeral." He explained. "Sarah and I were friends in high school. She was one of the sweetest girls I knew. I'd never do anything to hurt her." He looked down at the picture from before her death. It was one from high school. Her hair was pulled up and a smile spread across her face. Her at-the-time-girlfriend was beside her, a forced smile on her face. If he remembered correctly, that girl was very possessive. Went after him a couple times because she was worried he was getting to close to her girlfriend. If they asked Benji, that's who they should've been looking at. "You can even check my schedules. I was in Europe at the time of her death. I have a photo to prove it if you'll let me get it from my bag."
The officer nodded to the one-way window behind him and within a few minutes, the door opened and his backpack was brought it. It had already been thoroughly searched, he was sure, so when he reached in, he didn't bother to be cautious. He pulled out his digital camera and flipped through the photos until he found the one he was looking for. It was a photo from his trip to Austria and time stamped the day of her death. That's a 10 and a half hour flight. Hopefully, it would be enough to convince them of his innocence. The man looked at the photo, mesmerized by the photograph for a moment, and noticed the time stamp. "This could've been altered." he said. Benji, as respectfully as he could, replied, "Not once it's been stamped. I have plenty of photos from the same day--from the same week--that shows I wasn't even in town when Sarah died."
The officer gave him a hard look and then finally waved him off. "Alright," he said, stroking his mustache thoughtfully, "You're free to go."
->Sarah's Memorial Party<-
I shouldn't be here, Benji thought, staring at the building before him. He could hear the bass thumping from inside. It had been years since he'd seen anyone from high school. Since he'd talked to anyone. When he left for school, he purposely let himself fall off the map, afraid that someone would get hurt by the people he was running from. Even now he wondered if that's what happened to Sarah. He took a deep breath, ran his hand through his already tousled hair and took a step towards the doors. Just as his hand met the handle, the door swung open. Two boys with their arms around each other, stumbling and walking side by side. Benji jumped back and out of the way and only as they passed did he recognize them. Lincoln and Lee. Benji opened his mouth to say something to them, but they seemed a tad preoccupied. Besides, they probably hadn't thought anyone had been out here. So instead, he pulled the handle to the front doors and stepped inside.
He was late. He knew that. It took him a long time to talk himself into coming. There was a fully stocked bar it seemed and music pumped through the speakers, rattling the bones in his body. He swore he could feel the beat vibrating through his heart. It was an EDM track, one Sarah could be heard humming as she walked the halls of the school. He sighed, saddened at her loss. They weren't extremely close, but close enough. As his eyes roamed the room he saw a few people he recognized. More specifically he saw Rebecca, Heather, Willow, Tallulah, and Lateefah. He debated walking over and greeting them or going to grab a drink.
In the end, he chose a drink. He walked over to the bar and ordered a scotch on the rocks with a twist. He gave the bartender the money after showing his ID. And took a sip. He hardly noticed the burn anymore. He turned back to the crowd. No one was dancing and no one was laughing. Fitting, he supposed, for a party celebrating the death of someone. Well... it was celebrating the life she had, but it didn't make the atmosphere any more depressing. He straightened his jacket and made his way over to the group of girls, feeling a tad out of place around them, and said, "Hey, guys." He smiled shyly at them and shrugged his shoulders. "How have you all been?" He tucked his free hand into the pocket of his jeans and rubbed absently at the surface of his other's locket.
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xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
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xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow laughed a little as Tallulah remarked that she was the only one who hadn't really changed. "Tallulah, dear, I'm wearing something I made myself to a party. I don't think I've changed that much either," She remarked lightly. Sure, she'd changed in a lot of ways, but she was still the same person underneath it all, right? "But yeah, it's kinda weird seeing everyone again. Everyone's got all these different things going on but hey, it's a talking point, right?"
She beamed at Heather as she came over. Again, they'd grown apart with all the shit that had been going on in their own lives, but it was good to see her again. "Yeah, it definitely sucks. But, something good came of it. And I think it's what Sarah would have wanted, you know? All of us catching up, seeing old friends, talking about the... well, not the good old days, but the old days," she said, laughing a little. And that was when Benji showed up. Subconsciously, she started twisting one of the rings on her left hand. Things hadn't ended badly as such, but when everything with Jake had kicked off, they'd grown apart. And jesus christ, she'd missed him. She beamed despite herself.
"I'm good, Benji. You? The party's kinda gone a bit dead, I think you just missed some guy getting dragged out by the former football team for spiking drinks. We should go have our own party somewhere else," She remarked, her eyes lighting up a little. She would love to hang out with everyone again, just not... here.
She beamed at Heather as she came over. Again, they'd grown apart with all the shit that had been going on in their own lives, but it was good to see her again. "Yeah, it definitely sucks. But, something good came of it. And I think it's what Sarah would have wanted, you know? All of us catching up, seeing old friends, talking about the... well, not the good old days, but the old days," she said, laughing a little. And that was when Benji showed up. Subconsciously, she started twisting one of the rings on her left hand. Things hadn't ended badly as such, but when everything with Jake had kicked off, they'd grown apart. And jesus christ, she'd missed him. She beamed despite herself.
"I'm good, Benji. You? The party's kinda gone a bit dead, I think you just missed some guy getting dragged out by the former football team for spiking drinks. We should go have our own party somewhere else," She remarked, her eyes lighting up a little. She would love to hang out with everyone again, just not... here.
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xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"I never strayed to far from you
xxxForever by your side
xxxNo matter what I was going through?
xxxBut now I never know the things to say to you"
x
x
x
x
As soon as Benji realized what he was doing, standing in front of girls he went to high school with, one he had a history with, he started to feel nervous. Suddenly, he both regretted the and felt grateful for the drink in his hand. It gave him something to calm the nerves, something to center him, but it also would be easy to lose control if he allowed his body too much of it. He ran a hand through his hair, shaking the ends a bit as a means to shake away his worries and smiled. Anyone who knew him would still be able to tell that he was nervous. Thankfully only one person would be able to tell and she seemed unconcerned.
Willow looked the same as she did in high school except maybe a tad more polished. Liked a painting that had been refurbished in a museum. The painting preserved, but shining. And she was in fact shining. There was a sparkle in her eyes and she was beaming. And he had to keep the idea from his mind that she was beaming... because of him.
"I'm... alright, if I'm being honest. My um.." He paused, looking at the other women around her. "My mother passed away not too long ago." He finished. He cleared his throat, smiling once more, the area around his eyes tight with the effort. "But other than that. I guess I'm fine." He looked at the party people around them. Some attempted to dance, most had a red solo cup probably filled with their poison of choice, and even more were standing around, leaning on walls and talking quietly among themselves. "Sarah was by no means a party girl, but she definitely deserves better than this."
He looked back at the girls, his gaze focused on Willow. "I'm up for a more personal party. What did you have in mind?"
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xxxlocation: party xxxoutfit: here
xxxdialogue: #F17418 xxxthoughts: #D44700
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xxx"all the people i know aren't who they used to be
xxxand if i try to change my life one more day
xxxthere would be nobody else to save
xxxand I can't change into a person I don't wanna be."
Tallulah twiddled her necklace between her fingers and anxiety bubbled in her head as she thought about her mum's message. She hoped that she was okay.
After chatting with Willow and Heather for a minute, a boy wandered over to their group. Tallulah stared absentmindedly at him for a moment. He looked kind of nervous... and familiar, but she couldn't place where she knew his face from. He joined the conversation but Tallulah didn't listen as she observed for a while. She hated it when she couldn't remember where she knew someone from. He talked about his mum dying.
Wow, way to kill the mood even more buddy. Wait, Buddy? Is that what Willow called him?
She immediately regretted not paying attention to the others' discussion.
Tallulah gripped her necklace a little harder in frustration. She wanted to go home. All she's wanted to do was go home since she got here. But she couldn't and it fricking sucked.
She looked to Willow as her voice cut through Tallulah's thoughts, asking if they wanted to get out of this place. The familiar boy replied first and Tallulah agreed with him.
"I've been waiting for someone to ask me that all night. Let's go."
After chatting with Willow and Heather for a minute, a boy wandered over to their group. Tallulah stared absentmindedly at him for a moment. He looked kind of nervous... and familiar, but she couldn't place where she knew his face from. He joined the conversation but Tallulah didn't listen as she observed for a while. She hated it when she couldn't remember where she knew someone from. He talked about his mum dying.
Wow, way to kill the mood even more buddy. Wait, Buddy? Is that what Willow called him?
She immediately regretted not paying attention to the others' discussion.
Tallulah gripped her necklace a little harder in frustration. She wanted to go home. All she's wanted to do was go home since she got here. But she couldn't and it fricking sucked.
She looked to Willow as her voice cut through Tallulah's thoughts, asking if they wanted to get out of this place. The familiar boy replied first and Tallulah agreed with him.
"I've been waiting for someone to ask me that all night. Let's go."
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xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"Welcome to a fabulous
xxxsense of lost self,
xxxacute paranoia,
xxxand emotional trauma."
x
x
x
x
"My place is open!" Heather almost immediately regretted how eager she sounded. This was her chance to be one of the "cool" guys. But if she made it sound like she was desperate to fit in then there was a chance at her being made fun of or even taken advantage of. And Heather was too gullible to tell if either were happening in the moment. So she had to play it cool and took a breath before proceeding.
"I mean, my parents are away visiting relatives in Canada and won't be back for a while since me coming back was quite sudden. It's an okay-sized house," The house was a borderline-mansion. Tall ceiling, two stories, and three bathrooms."And there is a small selection of alcohol there." Heather's parents loved to host sophisticated parties and had a portion of a walk in pantry dedicated to all manners of alcohol. From wine to whiskey to light beer. Heather's eyes darted between each of the three she was talking to, awaiting for some answer and praying no one else could hear the sound of her heart thumping in anticipation.
000000L E E 0 R O M E R O 00000000000000000|00000000000000000000000000 L I N C O L N 0 C O L E
Lee had never imagined himself being held like this by Link. And yet, here he was. He inhaled deeply, taking in the smell of Link. He just wanted to remember this moment, the feeling of being guided oh so carefully to Link's bike. He climbed on, carefully, still aware of how clouded his head was. He took the helmet and pulled it on. It felt a tad claustrophobic, but he wasn't going to not wear it. He could just about hear Link through it, and he wrapped his arms around Link as tightly as he could. And then they were off, speeding into the night. Perhaps on any other night, Lee might have enjoyed it, but the speed almost made the dizziness worse. But he didn't dare close his eyes for fear he'd pass out. So he just held on tighter to Link.
Glad that the other male couldn't see his face, Link had blushed lightly. His dark blue eyes focused on the road. His heart beating fast, with Lee's arms around him. He smiled, this is what their life could've been. If his mom had lived, if he had been brave enough to tell someone about his dad. But he hadn't been, and now he lived in the fear of being harmed, or harming those close to him. He should see his brother soon, maybe talk to him about it. He was proud of the gargantuan little shit.The scenery of the night had always eased Link's mind, the sound of the cars passing by him on the road, the calm and collected feeling the night had anyway. Stopping at a red light, he spoke up slightly. "You doing okay back there Lee? We're almost at the hotel, so just hold tight a few more minutes."
As he finished speaking, the light they had stopped at turned green, and with another rev of his engine, the duo would race down the streets. Ending up at the hotel, that Link was staying in. Turning off the motorcylcle, he let himself sit on the bike for just a little longer, with Lee's arms wrapped around his body.
The night blew by in a whirl of blurred colours and lights. Despite the vague nausea, he found a slight rush of adrenaline starting to pump through his veins. It sucked that this was the first and possibly only time this was ever going to happen. He had to keep reminding himself to enjoy it before it vanished, before things went back to how they were. As they stopped at a red light, he could hear Link talking to him. He just nodded, but they took off again into the night. And like Link said, it wasn't too far to the hotel. Once they stopped, Link didn't move. Lee didn't either, simply leaned his head against Link's back and just... let himself enjoy the moment. Let himself breathe. He only moved to pull off the helmet, because it was really starting to feel a bit claustrophobic. "Should we head inside? It's kinda cold," Lee said, because it was the first time he had really felt the cold. Or maybe it was just him being a little shaky. But either way, he felt like being in in the warmth would help.
"U...Uh yeah." he stammered, before he would get off the bike before placing Lee's arms over his shoulder to help him move off the bike. His eyes locking in the forever whirlpool of emotion. Moving slowly grabbing his wallet and taking out his room key, the two would be an awkward tangle of limbs walking up the stairs and finally reached the room, he swiped the card and opened up the door, leading the two to topple over and to protect Lee, he'd move in front quick leading to the other male landing on top of him.
Moving inside was a little awkward. Lee was leaning more on Link than he would have liked, but he was starting to have a hard time keeping his eyes open. He was just so tired all of a sudden. And then there was the warmth of indoors, the feeling of Link's arm around him... for the first time all evening, he felt truly safe. Like he could just sleep. He didn't even notice he was falling until suddenly, he was on top of Link. And he was wide awake again, aware of how close his face was to Link's, of how physically close they were. He'd never looked into Link's eyes like this, the other man was that inch or so taller than him. But here they were now, this close. And thankfully some of Lee's impulse control was still intact, because in that moment, all he wanted to do was kiss Link. "Somebody's eager," he teased lightly, his words slurring more than he would have liked. He managed to get to his feet, somehow, managing to keep his balance.
His face turning red upon the impact of their bodies, he was thankful that the other male had gotten up as fast as he did, as he would shoot up straight after him. His mind currently on the situation that had just happened a few moments before, he would turn his head and try to calm himself down. He would chuckle a bit at the slurred tease the male uttered, before shutting the door softly behind Lee. "Mi casa es su casa. Um, I have some extra clothes for you if you'd like to change. And...I only got one bed, so I can take the floor if you'd like," he stopped himself from rambling, as he would move to the suitcase that he had brought with him, and took out a soft gray sweatshirt, reading their high school's name and a pair of black sleep shorts. He set the clothes down on the bed, before he idly wandered around."Ummm are you hungry? I could order some pizza if you'd like."
"You don't have to sleep on the floor, I don't mind sharing," Lee said, then immediately realised what he'd said and blushed a little. "Or I can sleep on the floor, I honestly don't mind," he hastily added. He picked up the clothes and looked around for a bathroom to change. "No, thanks, I'm not hungry. Kinda just... tired." He decided against mentioning the nausea. "Where's the bathroom? Just so I can change," he asked. God, it sounded just as awkward as he felt, and he had to stop himself from cringing. It was like being an awkward teenager all over again and he hated it.
They've shared a bed before, well, it was a tangle of limbs and a night Link actually enjoyed. But, he didn't need to admit that he wanted to share a bed with Lee, just the two of them holding each other. His dark blue eyes stared at Lee, the beauty the other male held. He'd realize he was staring towards the other boy, he'd turn red and look away. "O..Oh yeah, the bathrooms over there, and we can share the bed. It's nothing to be concerned about. Plus, it'd be better to have someone right there on your side incase somehting happened," he'd briefly let out, befor he smiled awkwardly. While the other boy went into the bathroom to change, Link changed into his usual attire for sleeping, and sat on the bed.
There was a moment of silence when Link just looked at Lee. Lee found himself blushing and unable to maintain eye contact. He didn't miss Link doing the same though. He nodded as Link pointed out the bathroom, and had to suppress another blush when Link said they coud share the bed. He had a point, but Lee had never quite forgotten the first time they'd shared a bed. It had been a little awkward at first, but that hadn't stopped him from enjoying it immensely. He stepped into the bathroom to change. The clothes were soft and comfortable, and he was immediately grateful for them. Sleeping in his own clothes wouldn't have been ideal at all. He stepped back out into the bedroom and sat down on the bed beside Link. "Thanks."
"It's no problem, anything for you, gorgeous...." his mind froze, his body froze. He didn't mean to utter those words, but looking at Lee, something withing urged him too. He knew that Lee probably wouldn't remember in the morning. Link bit his lip, before he took a deep breath and would mentally speak to himself. "Yougot this Cole, your old man's dead. Don't. Be. A. Pussy." he would nervously look down before he'd chuckle lightly and whispered a slight here goes nothing. "Lee, I haven't been fully honest with you. I love you.....I have since that first night we fucked. Sounds weird, but because of you I felt like I was important. I felt like I could do this, but I got scared. I became so in my head of what everyone else's opinions were, I saw you get the shit kicked out of you at school. My dad was the coach, I couldn't risk it....," he paused before he turned Lee's face towards his own and pressed his forehead to the other beginning to speak once more. "I figured if I hurt you enough you'd hate me. You'd leave, and I could be...normal again. But you didn't you'd retaliate. And it made me even more heads over heels for you. So I took it as you being my personal target, that way nobody could hurt you. But....it fucked me over and fucked you over. I couldn't stop thinking of you, even after I left. Tee and I stayed up for hours talking about it. I never tried to reach out, because I'm still driven by that fear.....Lee Romero. I love you, and I have since I first laid my eyes on your beautiful brown ones," he finished befrore he'd breath slowly. His mind internalizing what he just did, before he would look into Lee's eyes which were so close to his own, for a hopeful sign of rejection or disgust....that way it'd make it so much easier for Link to move on.
Lee just looked at Link as he called him gorgeous, a little taken aback. And then he started speaking, and Lee suddenly couldn't keep eye contact. He'd hoped- not even hoped, dreamed- that something like this would happen. Not in this exact situation, obviously. But he hadn't ever let himself believe it might actually happen. He'd struggled to let himself believe that Link would ever even just look at him that way. But then Link was pressing his forehead to Lee's, and Lee had no choice but to look him in the eyes. Lee doubted he'd be able to remember any of this in the morning, and he wished he would. It was everything he'd wanted to hear. Everything he'd wanted. And when Link finished, Lee found himself speechless. His brain was swimming too much for him to form a coherent sentence, for him to say everything that he wanted to say. So instead he leaned in and kissed Link, all the while hoping that something might just stick in his brain for him to remember in the morning.
As their lips collided, his mind suddenly stopped. It was like everything he had just spoken into reality, and he loved it. His mind reverted back to the night they shared. The sweet kisses, the tender promises. All of which Link had shattered. They were deep into the kiss, and he pulled away for breath. He smiled, and he'd look at Lee with a tender smile. He was glad he could get this out, even though it wouldn't be remembered. He'd shrug, and smile. "I think...it's time for us to sleep. I can already tell we'll have a big day tomorrow, with more Sara-related events."
Lee smiled as Link pulled away, his head already feeling calmer and clearer. He didn't know what tomorrow held, but for the first time he found himself not worrying about it. Maybe it was the drug, maybe it was the kiss, maybe it was a combination of factors too broad to comprehend. He nodded as Link suggested they go to sleep. "Yeah. Sounds good.
Link would lay down, pulling the other male closer to him. wrapping his arms around the other, pulling him closer than he had earlier. He hummed happily as he whispered a small goodnight to Lee. His mind thinking about the other boy, but slowly turning from the happiness to the worst possible situation. He had ended up hurting the other so much, he had damaged him...both mentally and physically.
Lee let himself be pulled close by Link, smilling. He could already feel sleep starting to pull at the corners of his mind, so he didn't try to resist it, just let himself drift off to sleep in Link's arms.
Glad that the other male couldn't see his face, Link had blushed lightly. His dark blue eyes focused on the road. His heart beating fast, with Lee's arms around him. He smiled, this is what their life could've been. If his mom had lived, if he had been brave enough to tell someone about his dad. But he hadn't been, and now he lived in the fear of being harmed, or harming those close to him. He should see his brother soon, maybe talk to him about it. He was proud of the gargantuan little shit.The scenery of the night had always eased Link's mind, the sound of the cars passing by him on the road, the calm and collected feeling the night had anyway. Stopping at a red light, he spoke up slightly. "You doing okay back there Lee? We're almost at the hotel, so just hold tight a few more minutes."
As he finished speaking, the light they had stopped at turned green, and with another rev of his engine, the duo would race down the streets. Ending up at the hotel, that Link was staying in. Turning off the motorcylcle, he let himself sit on the bike for just a little longer, with Lee's arms wrapped around his body.
The night blew by in a whirl of blurred colours and lights. Despite the vague nausea, he found a slight rush of adrenaline starting to pump through his veins. It sucked that this was the first and possibly only time this was ever going to happen. He had to keep reminding himself to enjoy it before it vanished, before things went back to how they were. As they stopped at a red light, he could hear Link talking to him. He just nodded, but they took off again into the night. And like Link said, it wasn't too far to the hotel. Once they stopped, Link didn't move. Lee didn't either, simply leaned his head against Link's back and just... let himself enjoy the moment. Let himself breathe. He only moved to pull off the helmet, because it was really starting to feel a bit claustrophobic. "Should we head inside? It's kinda cold," Lee said, because it was the first time he had really felt the cold. Or maybe it was just him being a little shaky. But either way, he felt like being in in the warmth would help.
"U...Uh yeah." he stammered, before he would get off the bike before placing Lee's arms over his shoulder to help him move off the bike. His eyes locking in the forever whirlpool of emotion. Moving slowly grabbing his wallet and taking out his room key, the two would be an awkward tangle of limbs walking up the stairs and finally reached the room, he swiped the card and opened up the door, leading the two to topple over and to protect Lee, he'd move in front quick leading to the other male landing on top of him.
Moving inside was a little awkward. Lee was leaning more on Link than he would have liked, but he was starting to have a hard time keeping his eyes open. He was just so tired all of a sudden. And then there was the warmth of indoors, the feeling of Link's arm around him... for the first time all evening, he felt truly safe. Like he could just sleep. He didn't even notice he was falling until suddenly, he was on top of Link. And he was wide awake again, aware of how close his face was to Link's, of how physically close they were. He'd never looked into Link's eyes like this, the other man was that inch or so taller than him. But here they were now, this close. And thankfully some of Lee's impulse control was still intact, because in that moment, all he wanted to do was kiss Link. "Somebody's eager," he teased lightly, his words slurring more than he would have liked. He managed to get to his feet, somehow, managing to keep his balance.
His face turning red upon the impact of their bodies, he was thankful that the other male had gotten up as fast as he did, as he would shoot up straight after him. His mind currently on the situation that had just happened a few moments before, he would turn his head and try to calm himself down. He would chuckle a bit at the slurred tease the male uttered, before shutting the door softly behind Lee. "Mi casa es su casa. Um, I have some extra clothes for you if you'd like to change. And...I only got one bed, so I can take the floor if you'd like," he stopped himself from rambling, as he would move to the suitcase that he had brought with him, and took out a soft gray sweatshirt, reading their high school's name and a pair of black sleep shorts. He set the clothes down on the bed, before he idly wandered around."Ummm are you hungry? I could order some pizza if you'd like."
"You don't have to sleep on the floor, I don't mind sharing," Lee said, then immediately realised what he'd said and blushed a little. "Or I can sleep on the floor, I honestly don't mind," he hastily added. He picked up the clothes and looked around for a bathroom to change. "No, thanks, I'm not hungry. Kinda just... tired." He decided against mentioning the nausea. "Where's the bathroom? Just so I can change," he asked. God, it sounded just as awkward as he felt, and he had to stop himself from cringing. It was like being an awkward teenager all over again and he hated it.
They've shared a bed before, well, it was a tangle of limbs and a night Link actually enjoyed. But, he didn't need to admit that he wanted to share a bed with Lee, just the two of them holding each other. His dark blue eyes stared at Lee, the beauty the other male held. He'd realize he was staring towards the other boy, he'd turn red and look away. "O..Oh yeah, the bathrooms over there, and we can share the bed. It's nothing to be concerned about. Plus, it'd be better to have someone right there on your side incase somehting happened," he'd briefly let out, befor he smiled awkwardly. While the other boy went into the bathroom to change, Link changed into his usual attire for sleeping, and sat on the bed.
There was a moment of silence when Link just looked at Lee. Lee found himself blushing and unable to maintain eye contact. He didn't miss Link doing the same though. He nodded as Link pointed out the bathroom, and had to suppress another blush when Link said they coud share the bed. He had a point, but Lee had never quite forgotten the first time they'd shared a bed. It had been a little awkward at first, but that hadn't stopped him from enjoying it immensely. He stepped into the bathroom to change. The clothes were soft and comfortable, and he was immediately grateful for them. Sleeping in his own clothes wouldn't have been ideal at all. He stepped back out into the bedroom and sat down on the bed beside Link. "Thanks."
"It's no problem, anything for you, gorgeous...." his mind froze, his body froze. He didn't mean to utter those words, but looking at Lee, something withing urged him too. He knew that Lee probably wouldn't remember in the morning. Link bit his lip, before he took a deep breath and would mentally speak to himself. "Yougot this Cole, your old man's dead. Don't. Be. A. Pussy." he would nervously look down before he'd chuckle lightly and whispered a slight here goes nothing. "Lee, I haven't been fully honest with you. I love you.....I have since that first night we fucked. Sounds weird, but because of you I felt like I was important. I felt like I could do this, but I got scared. I became so in my head of what everyone else's opinions were, I saw you get the shit kicked out of you at school. My dad was the coach, I couldn't risk it....," he paused before he turned Lee's face towards his own and pressed his forehead to the other beginning to speak once more. "I figured if I hurt you enough you'd hate me. You'd leave, and I could be...normal again. But you didn't you'd retaliate. And it made me even more heads over heels for you. So I took it as you being my personal target, that way nobody could hurt you. But....it fucked me over and fucked you over. I couldn't stop thinking of you, even after I left. Tee and I stayed up for hours talking about it. I never tried to reach out, because I'm still driven by that fear.....Lee Romero. I love you, and I have since I first laid my eyes on your beautiful brown ones," he finished befrore he'd breath slowly. His mind internalizing what he just did, before he would look into Lee's eyes which were so close to his own, for a hopeful sign of rejection or disgust....that way it'd make it so much easier for Link to move on.
Lee just looked at Link as he called him gorgeous, a little taken aback. And then he started speaking, and Lee suddenly couldn't keep eye contact. He'd hoped- not even hoped, dreamed- that something like this would happen. Not in this exact situation, obviously. But he hadn't ever let himself believe it might actually happen. He'd struggled to let himself believe that Link would ever even just look at him that way. But then Link was pressing his forehead to Lee's, and Lee had no choice but to look him in the eyes. Lee doubted he'd be able to remember any of this in the morning, and he wished he would. It was everything he'd wanted to hear. Everything he'd wanted. And when Link finished, Lee found himself speechless. His brain was swimming too much for him to form a coherent sentence, for him to say everything that he wanted to say. So instead he leaned in and kissed Link, all the while hoping that something might just stick in his brain for him to remember in the morning.
As their lips collided, his mind suddenly stopped. It was like everything he had just spoken into reality, and he loved it. His mind reverted back to the night they shared. The sweet kisses, the tender promises. All of which Link had shattered. They were deep into the kiss, and he pulled away for breath. He smiled, and he'd look at Lee with a tender smile. He was glad he could get this out, even though it wouldn't be remembered. He'd shrug, and smile. "I think...it's time for us to sleep. I can already tell we'll have a big day tomorrow, with more Sara-related events."
Lee smiled as Link pulled away, his head already feeling calmer and clearer. He didn't know what tomorrow held, but for the first time he found himself not worrying about it. Maybe it was the drug, maybe it was the kiss, maybe it was a combination of factors too broad to comprehend. He nodded as Link suggested they go to sleep. "Yeah. Sounds good.
Link would lay down, pulling the other male closer to him. wrapping his arms around the other, pulling him closer than he had earlier. He hummed happily as he whispered a small goodnight to Lee. His mind thinking about the other boy, but slowly turning from the happiness to the worst possible situation. He had ended up hurting the other so much, he had damaged him...both mentally and physically.
Lee let himself be pulled close by Link, smilling. He could already feel sleep starting to pull at the corners of his mind, so he didn't try to resist it, just let himself drift off to sleep in Link's arms.
═══════════════════════════
xxxlocation: hotel roomxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
The following morning
It took Link a couple of moments after waking up to realise that something was wrong. He'd been enjoying the warmth of another body in the bed and how quiet it was. The first indication that something was wrong was the pounding headache in his head, that the light did absolutely nothing to help. Despite himself, he groaned a little, throwing an arm over his eyes. And as he tried to remember exactly how much he'd had to drink the night before, it suddenly struck him that he couldn't remember half of what had happened. He could just about remember talking to Link, Link's apology was a little blurry, but after that? Nothing. And suddenly the presence of another person in the bed with him wasn't quite so comforting. No matter how much he had to drink, no matter how drunk he was, he was always able to remember something.
And a wave of nausea came over him like a tidal wave. He was in the bathroom before he even had time to contemplate it. Which was good, because as soon as he reached the toilet, he threw up. This wasn't just a hangover. They were nothing new. He just needed to down an entire litre of water, and he was fine. His body appeared to have gained a tolerance for them over the years. God knows he'd drank enough at some of those parties. This was something different.
He flushed the toilet and turned on the cold tap, staring at himself. He wasn't even wearing his own clothes. He didn't recognise the clothes he was wearing. Well, he did, the sweatshirt had the name and sports crest of their old school on it, but it sure as hell wasn't his, and neither were the shorts. He splashed cold water on his face, desperately trying to remember anything from the night before.
It took Link a couple of moments after waking up to realise that something was wrong. He'd been enjoying the warmth of another body in the bed and how quiet it was. The first indication that something was wrong was the pounding headache in his head, that the light did absolutely nothing to help. Despite himself, he groaned a little, throwing an arm over his eyes. And as he tried to remember exactly how much he'd had to drink the night before, it suddenly struck him that he couldn't remember half of what had happened. He could just about remember talking to Link, Link's apology was a little blurry, but after that? Nothing. And suddenly the presence of another person in the bed with him wasn't quite so comforting. No matter how much he had to drink, no matter how drunk he was, he was always able to remember something.
And a wave of nausea came over him like a tidal wave. He was in the bathroom before he even had time to contemplate it. Which was good, because as soon as he reached the toilet, he threw up. This wasn't just a hangover. They were nothing new. He just needed to down an entire litre of water, and he was fine. His body appeared to have gained a tolerance for them over the years. God knows he'd drank enough at some of those parties. This was something different.
He flushed the toilet and turned on the cold tap, staring at himself. He wasn't even wearing his own clothes. He didn't recognise the clothes he was wearing. Well, he did, the sweatshirt had the name and sports crest of their old school on it, but it sure as hell wasn't his, and neither were the shorts. He splashed cold water on his face, desperately trying to remember anything from the night before.
════════════════════════════════
xLocation: Heather’s Place |xOutfit: Here
xxxOh, what a shame that you came here with someone
xxxSo while you're here in my arms
xxxLet's make the most of the night
xxxLike we’re gonna die young
════════════════════════════════
Rebecca slowly “woke up” rubbing her eyes, which was followed by a killer headache. As Rebecca sat up, before she could even get a feel of her surroundings, she immediately felt sick, like she was going to throw up. Luckily a door down the hall was open and she could see the bathroom, so she quickly ran to it and hunched over the toilet and threw up. Rebecca had had many hangovers in the past, she was no stranger to them. But this didn’t feel like a hangover, this felt like something different, something she had never felt before, something wrong. What the hell happened last night Rebecca thought to herself before throwing up again.
After a couple minutes of being hunched over the toilet, Rebecca’s nausea started to wear off, but the headache just stayed and pounded within her head. Rebecca flushed a toilet a couple times and stood up to wash her hands and face. As Rebecca looked in the mirror of the sink, she tried to recall what happened last night, and whose house she was in. It seemed familiar for some reason, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. And all she could remember from the night before was talking to Tallulah about her being cliché or something.
As Rebecca finished washing her face with some cold water she headed back into the hallway, to try to figure out where she was. “Uh… Hello? Anyone home?” Rebecca said in a tone just under a shout. She looked around and saw her cardigan and shirt thrown over a chair, luckily she was wearing a tank top under it. Rebecca’s headache quickly gained her focus again, she wanted to get rid of it as soon as she could so she headed down the hall, in hope of the direction of the kitchen, almost tripping over her own heels which were in the middle of the hallway. After she moved them out of the way Rebecca ended up in the kitchen. “Thank god. Need some water, then to figure out where I am.” Rebecca said rummaging through the fridge.
After a couple minutes of being hunched over the toilet, Rebecca’s nausea started to wear off, but the headache just stayed and pounded within her head. Rebecca flushed a toilet a couple times and stood up to wash her hands and face. As Rebecca looked in the mirror of the sink, she tried to recall what happened last night, and whose house she was in. It seemed familiar for some reason, but she couldn’t put her finger on it. And all she could remember from the night before was talking to Tallulah about her being cliché or something.
As Rebecca finished washing her face with some cold water she headed back into the hallway, to try to figure out where she was. “Uh… Hello? Anyone home?” Rebecca said in a tone just under a shout. She looked around and saw her cardigan and shirt thrown over a chair, luckily she was wearing a tank top under it. Rebecca’s headache quickly gained her focus again, she wanted to get rid of it as soon as she could so she headed down the hall, in hope of the direction of the kitchen, almost tripping over her own heels which were in the middle of the hallway. After she moved them out of the way Rebecca ended up in the kitchen. “Thank god. Need some water, then to figure out where I am.” Rebecca said rummaging through the fridge.
═══════════════════════════
xlocation: party xxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"for all the light that i've shut out,
xxxfor all the innocent things i doubt.
xxxfor all the bruises i've caused and tears.
xxxfor all the things that i've done,
xxxall these years."
Link was content in the bed, his eyes closed, a dream of him and Lee just living a life together played inside his mental scape. But he woke up, when the sudden source of warmth left his body. His eyes shot open, as he heard the sounds of vomitting. Soon, everything the night before came back to him flooding. His taking Lee to his hotel room, his and Lee talking, his confession......their kiss. He nervously looked around the room, eyes widened as he would look back and forth. Before he whispered a slight "Hey.....uh you okay in there?". Facepalming he got up, and would walk over, somehow his shirt having been taken off in the midst of his sleep. He quickly threw a random shirt on before standing in the doorway to the bathroom. A chuckle escaped his lips as he spoke.
"Guessing you drank too much, huh?"
He laughed with a slight joke, he knew it was too early for a joke based around Lee's drugged experience. But he couldn't really think of something more clever to speak of. So he walked over to the bed, and took his phone out, and sent a quick text to Tee.
To: Queen Tee
teeeeeeeeee i need u pls i did somthing dumb
"Guessing you drank too much, huh?"
He laughed with a slight joke, he knew it was too early for a joke based around Lee's drugged experience. But he couldn't really think of something more clever to speak of. So he walked over to the bed, and took his phone out, and sent a quick text to Tee.
To: Queen Tee
teeeeeeeeee i need u pls i did somthing dumb
═══════════════════════════
xxxlocation: heather's place xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"I never strayed to far from you
xxxForever by your side
xxxNo matter what I was going through?
xxxBut now I never know the things to say to you"
x
x
x
x
Benji yawned and rubbed at his eyes, still thick with sleep. "God, it's so bright in my room. What the hell? He thought. As he rolled over, reaching for the covers he must have kicked off in his sleep. When he didn't find them, he opened his eyes to search and froze. The was not in his room. Not at the university or at his childhood home. Where am I? He thought as the last haze of sleep started to lift from his mind as he looked around him. Several familiar faces lay sleeping nearby and the events of the previous night began to come back to him. They had left Sarah's memorial party to do a private celebration somewhere else. If he remembered correctly, Heather's house. Which was way bigger than he had expected it to be. Beside him were multiple cups, bottles, and cans of various alcohols and judging by the taste in his mouth, he had been drinking. Thankfully, it hadn't been too much. He had been in control and he could remember the night before. Best of all, he wasn't hungover.
Which is more than could be said for the person vomiting in the nearby bathroom. He could hear the retching from his place on the couch. He thought about going to investigate, but thought better of it. The last thing he wanted when waking up in a strange place was to have someone walk in while he was loosing his last meal. Instead, he laid back down against the back of the couch and enjoyed the (mostly) quiet morning. Or at least, what he figured was morning. The sun was a little too bright to be sure. For all he knew it was noon. He thought about last night, spending time with Willow again. How... almost natural it felt to be around her even after all these years. To hear the sound of her laugh again... it brought him all the way back.
But for all he knew, there was nothing left there for her like there was for him. He didn't even bother to search the small crowd of sleeping bodies for her peaceful face. Instead, he rose from the couch and went to investigate the noise that has started in the kitchen. He found a thin girl rummaging through the refrigerator. "I don't know what the standard protocol for burglars is, but I don't think rummaging for food is on the list..." He began to say and trailed off as he realized who was standing before him. His mouth went dry and something twisted in his gut. "Rebecca."
═══════════════════════════
xlocation: heather's placexxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow didn't have the most peaceful awakening. She was asleep in an armchair, her legs slung over the arm of it. Which meant that when she went to roll over, only just starting to wake up, she rolled straight off the chair and onto the floor. It woke her up pretty quickly. She groaned and sat up, brushing herself down and looking around. She was still in her clothes from the night before, and could remember suggesting that they all went to Heather's for a party of their own. She'd obviously had a few drinks after that, because things got a little blurry after that. But it had been a good night, that much she could remember. She grabbed her phone from where it was abandoned on the floor, and breathed a sigh of relief as she noticed it still had plenty of battery.
She yawned and ran a hand through her hair as she wandered out to the kitchen in search of food. Raiding their host's fridge probably wasn't the best manners, but she was hungry and wanted to at least get a snack. To her surprise, Benji and Rebecca were already there. She couldn't really remember Rebecca being there- or had Lateefah texted her something about bringing her around? Either way, she was there now.
"Hey, guys. Good night last night, huh?" She remarked, stretching a little. She wasn't going to pretend that things weren't a little awkward between her and Rebecca. When you hooked up with somebody after- well, after everything that had happened to Willow- and then never really spoke to the other person, it did tend to get a little awkward. But embracing that awkwardness was only going to make it worse.
"Does anyone else want pancakes? I find pancakes are great after a night partying," she mused, unlocking her phone and googling pancake recipes.
She yawned and ran a hand through her hair as she wandered out to the kitchen in search of food. Raiding their host's fridge probably wasn't the best manners, but she was hungry and wanted to at least get a snack. To her surprise, Benji and Rebecca were already there. She couldn't really remember Rebecca being there- or had Lateefah texted her something about bringing her around? Either way, she was there now.
"Hey, guys. Good night last night, huh?" She remarked, stretching a little. She wasn't going to pretend that things weren't a little awkward between her and Rebecca. When you hooked up with somebody after- well, after everything that had happened to Willow- and then never really spoke to the other person, it did tend to get a little awkward. But embracing that awkwardness was only going to make it worse.
"Does anyone else want pancakes? I find pancakes are great after a night partying," she mused, unlocking her phone and googling pancake recipes.
═══════════════════════════
xxxlocation: hotel roomxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
Lee heard a voice, making a casual joke about how he'd had too much to drink. It took a few seconds too long for the voice to register in his head, and by that point, he'd already turned around and glared at them. At Link. And then shock took over as Link walked over to check his phone. He was so casual, so relaxed about it all, and that just sent Lee's anxiety into a downward spiral.
"Link. What the fuck happened last night? I can remember one drink. One. I don't make a habit of getting blackout drunk." Perhaps if his mood had been better, perhaps if his anxiety hadn't decided to express itself in the form of anger, he could have made a joke or something. But he couldn't remember what had happened or how he had ended up here. He wasn't even totally sure where here was. And not knowing what had happened was driving him crazy. He'd had too many nights when he'd gotten so drunk that he didn't care what was happening to him.
"I- how- what-" He had to stop himself and give himself a chance to breathe and formulate the questions in his head. He had to stay calm. He couldn't get angry until he had a better idea of what exactly had happened, and he sure as hell couldn't lose a grip on his anxiety. He wasn't going to humiliate himself like that.
He took a deep breath and forced himself to ask the question that was at the forefront of his mind. "I can't remember anything after your apology, so you're going to have to fill me in. Concise version, please, if I threw up on you or anything I don't want to remember. And... did anything happen? Between us, I mean?" He asked. He hated himself for asking it. As far as he knew, Link hadn't thought about him like that since that one night. It was probably a
completely ridiculous question, but his mind wasn't going to shut up until he asked it. "I need you to be honest with me."
"Link. What the fuck happened last night? I can remember one drink. One. I don't make a habit of getting blackout drunk." Perhaps if his mood had been better, perhaps if his anxiety hadn't decided to express itself in the form of anger, he could have made a joke or something. But he couldn't remember what had happened or how he had ended up here. He wasn't even totally sure where here was. And not knowing what had happened was driving him crazy. He'd had too many nights when he'd gotten so drunk that he didn't care what was happening to him.
"I- how- what-" He had to stop himself and give himself a chance to breathe and formulate the questions in his head. He had to stay calm. He couldn't get angry until he had a better idea of what exactly had happened, and he sure as hell couldn't lose a grip on his anxiety. He wasn't going to humiliate himself like that.
He took a deep breath and forced himself to ask the question that was at the forefront of his mind. "I can't remember anything after your apology, so you're going to have to fill me in. Concise version, please, if I threw up on you or anything I don't want to remember. And... did anything happen? Between us, I mean?" He asked. He hated himself for asking it. As far as he knew, Link hadn't thought about him like that since that one night. It was probably a
completely ridiculous question, but his mind wasn't going to shut up until he asked it. "I need you to be honest with me."
════════════════════════════════
xLocation: Heather’s Place |xOutfit: Here
xxxOh, what a shame that you came here with someone
xxxSo while you're here in my arms
xxxI Let's make the most of the night
xxxLike we’re gonna die young
════════════════════════════════
Rebecca spotted the bottles of water rather quickly in the fridge, but just had so move some items out of the way so she could get to them. Just as she grabbed a bottle and was about to step back, a male’s voice made her jump a little as she backed out of the fridge. Whoever it was, they were right. Rebecca was just rummaging through someone’s fridge without even asking, a little rude, but necessary with her wanting to get rehydrated and loose the headache. As she looked where the voice came from she immediately recognized who it was. Benji.
“BenjI! Wait…” Rebecca paused for a second “Did we sleep together last night?” Rebecca asked. She couldn’t remember anything from last night but wouldn’t be surprised if she did. Benji was cute, and she wouldn’t mind it. Before Rebecca knew it, Willow had walked in behind Benji. Where the hell are you Rebecca, and who else is all here? Rebecca and Willow knew each other pretty well before all that happened, happened. Rebecca only knew something about Willow breaking up with her ex, and Rebecca was there to comfort her. One thing led to another and after the morning after, they never really talked.
Rebecca was brought back to reality when Willow asked about if they had a good night, then pancakes. “What happened last night? I can’t recall anything at all. I just remember talking to Tallulah, and something about Lee. Oh, and pancakes sound great! What can I do to help?” Rebecca said walking by Willow, drinking about half her water. “Does anyone have a spare pair of shorts, want to get out of these jeans. Unless you want me walking around in my boyshorts.” Rebecca said giving a wink to the rest of the room.
“BenjI! Wait…” Rebecca paused for a second “Did we sleep together last night?” Rebecca asked. She couldn’t remember anything from last night but wouldn’t be surprised if she did. Benji was cute, and she wouldn’t mind it. Before Rebecca knew it, Willow had walked in behind Benji. Where the hell are you Rebecca, and who else is all here? Rebecca and Willow knew each other pretty well before all that happened, happened. Rebecca only knew something about Willow breaking up with her ex, and Rebecca was there to comfort her. One thing led to another and after the morning after, they never really talked.
Rebecca was brought back to reality when Willow asked about if they had a good night, then pancakes. “What happened last night? I can’t recall anything at all. I just remember talking to Tallulah, and something about Lee. Oh, and pancakes sound great! What can I do to help?” Rebecca said walking by Willow, drinking about half her water. “Does anyone have a spare pair of shorts, want to get out of these jeans. Unless you want me walking around in my boyshorts.” Rebecca said giving a wink to the rest of the room.
═══════════════════════════
xxxlocation: heather's place xxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"I never strayed to far from you
xxxForever by your side
xxxNo matter what I was going through?
xxxBut now I never know the things to say to you"
x
x
x
x
Benji stared in disbelief as Rebecca emerged from the fridge. Heat crawled up his neck as she asked if they had slept together. "What!? No!" He shook his head, bangs flying out of his face. "No we were here to celebrate Sarah the way she would've wanted us to." He paused. "What are you doing here? I don't even remember you being at the party."
When Willow entered the kitchen, Benji practically jumped two feet in the air. "Jesus..." He whispered. "Willow you scared the crap out me." He rubbed at his eyes and ran his hands through his hair. Both girls from his past were here. In one room. One who made him care, kissed him and then moved on to the next... mark. And the other he cared for, but never reached for. She was so in love with her guy at one time that he... didn't want to get in the way.
Willow mentioned something about pancakes and he hesitated. Depending on how the pancakes were made, they tended to mess with him, but he didn't feel like making a big deal out of everything. He didn't feel like having so many judgemental eyes on him so early in the morning. So he nodded and moved to sit at the counter. Then he decided to help so he stood beside the stove with his hands in his pockets. "I'll help too. If you want, I mean."
While he was waiting, he remembered what had woken him up and looked at Rebecca. Concern wormed its way through him until he made his way over to her. "Are you okay? I heard you... earlier." He said in a low voice so Willow wouldn't hear. He figured she didn't want her business broadcast to the whole house.
═══════════════════════════
xlocation: hotel room xxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"for all the light that i've shut out,
xxxfor all the innocent things i doubt.
xxxfor all the bruises i've caused and tears.
xxxfor all the things that i've done,
xxxall these years."
Link froze, he didn't need to tell Lee....just yet. His mind went back to the best part of the night before. The kiss had been the most important Link felt he had ever had. Even though it wasn't in the other boy's memory. His eyes lingered on the other's lips as he began to think. "Yeah, we I confessed my love for you while you were drugged. Did some sappy ass cliche romance movie shit, and pressed our foreheads together then we shared a wonderful kiss that took my everlasting breath away." He shook his head. His mind refusing to let those words escape his mouth. He simply shook his head before he began to speak.
"Uh, no. After I apologized we talked about the bedding situation, and we decided it'd be better for me to sleep next to you in case you had some urgency or something. Then we went to sleep, because of whatever today's events may be," he spoke fidgeting with his pant string, as he avoided looking into Lee's eyes. He couldn't bring himself to admit that he told Lee of his feelings last night. He was slightly ashamed, he took advantage of a poor situation. He didn't want to, but last night was the perfect oppurtunity to let all the burdens go. He still wanted to hold Lee, but he would have to suck it up, and hope Lee found someone who made him happy while they were in town. He looked at his phone immediately as he recieved a text.
From: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: yo, heard ur back in town 4 a lil, come see me. i havent seen u in 4ever. plsssss ly bro.
His heart warmed, maybe he could see Henry, take Lee with him? Probably? Lee might actually hate him right now. His mind went into the zone it normally does when it came to his emotions. Ugh, why was light difficult.
"Uh, no. After I apologized we talked about the bedding situation, and we decided it'd be better for me to sleep next to you in case you had some urgency or something. Then we went to sleep, because of whatever today's events may be," he spoke fidgeting with his pant string, as he avoided looking into Lee's eyes. He couldn't bring himself to admit that he told Lee of his feelings last night. He was slightly ashamed, he took advantage of a poor situation. He didn't want to, but last night was the perfect oppurtunity to let all the burdens go. He still wanted to hold Lee, but he would have to suck it up, and hope Lee found someone who made him happy while they were in town. He looked at his phone immediately as he recieved a text.
From: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: yo, heard ur back in town 4 a lil, come see me. i havent seen u in 4ever. plsssss ly bro.
His heart warmed, maybe he could see Henry, take Lee with him? Probably? Lee might actually hate him right now. His mind went into the zone it normally does when it came to his emotions. Ugh, why was light difficult.
═══════════════════════════
xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
x
Willow looked up as Rebecca asked what had happened. "Jesus, guess you were pretty out of it. We all went to the main party last night, then someone got thrown out for spiking drinks, then the atmosphere got a little weird so Heather invited us all around to hers for a bit. And then things get a little blurry but I think Tee brought you here? I'm not sure to be honest. We all just sat around, drank for a bit, and chatted, then fell asleep." Willow shrugged as Rebecca asked if she had shorts. "Nope, sorry. But get me some fabric and a sewing machine and I could mock you up some," she said, before blushing and staring intensely at her phone as Rebecca mentioned just wandering around in her underwear. She didn't feel that way about Rebecca any more, it had been a drunken, foolish decision. But given that it had happened, it seemed a little too close to the bone.
"And uh, if you guys could just find some flour, eggs, and milk, that would be a good start," she said, finally deciding on a recipe that sounded tasty but also wouldn't involve them having to raid all of Heather's cupboards in search of specific ingredients. It felt a little weird cooking in someone else's kitchen without their explicit permission, but she'd clean up after herself and make plenty to go around.
"So, how have you guys been? Seemed that none of us really stuck around here after senior year, huh?" She remarked.
"And uh, if you guys could just find some flour, eggs, and milk, that would be a good start," she said, finally deciding on a recipe that sounded tasty but also wouldn't involve them having to raid all of Heather's cupboards in search of specific ingredients. It felt a little weird cooking in someone else's kitchen without their explicit permission, but she'd clean up after herself and make plenty to go around.
"So, how have you guys been? Seemed that none of us really stuck around here after senior year, huh?" She remarked.
═══════════════════════════
xxxlocation: hotel roomxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"now it's four in the morning
xxxi'm just trying to find myself.
xxxwhat the hell did i do?
xxxi'm the life of the party."
Lee sighed with relief as Link confirmed that nothing had happened between them, running a hand through his hair. "Guess you were truly my honourable knight in shining armour." The words were out of his mouth before he even had time to think about them, but he just covered it up with a grin. He had a reputation as being flirtatious, maybe Link wouldn't think too much about it. His stomach twisted a little as Link looked down at his phone and grinned. It was probably nothing, but Lee's mind spun into overdrive as usual. He walked across the room to retrieve his clothes. He hesitated as he went to go back to the bathroom to change.
"Listen, Link... Thank you. For taking me here, giving me clean clothes, for not just abandoning me at the party. I know that I probably started freaking out on you a little bit, I have a... a bit of a thing about being... well, about even just being drunk but... you had my back. I... don't want to think what might have happened if you hadn't. So... yeah, thanks." There was a crazy moment when his brain told him to kiss Link, and an even crazier moment where he considered it. But then reality kicked back in, and he remembered the smile on Link's face as he looked at his phone. He'd always thought that Link would never look at him that way, and now it was starting to seem more and more like that was the case. He found his eyes lingering a little longer on Link's lips than he would have liked, and found himself frozen to the spot for a moment. It felt wrong, like this was the type of thing that should change their relationship forever. But Lee also felt sure that after this, their lives would go on as if nothing had ever happened.
"Listen, Link... Thank you. For taking me here, giving me clean clothes, for not just abandoning me at the party. I know that I probably started freaking out on you a little bit, I have a... a bit of a thing about being... well, about even just being drunk but... you had my back. I... don't want to think what might have happened if you hadn't. So... yeah, thanks." There was a crazy moment when his brain told him to kiss Link, and an even crazier moment where he considered it. But then reality kicked back in, and he remembered the smile on Link's face as he looked at his phone. He'd always thought that Link would never look at him that way, and now it was starting to seem more and more like that was the case. He found his eyes lingering a little longer on Link's lips than he would have liked, and found himself frozen to the spot for a moment. It felt wrong, like this was the type of thing that should change their relationship forever. But Lee also felt sure that after this, their lives would go on as if nothing had ever happened.
═══════════════════════════
xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"Welcome to a fabulous
xxxsense of lost self,
xxxacute paranoia,
xxxand emotional trauma."
x
x
x
x
Heather crept off of her bed and creeped down the stairs. After making it to the first floor she could hear the voices coming from the kitchen and going through the refrigerator. As she rounded the corner she felt a sudden rush of information flood through her brain. Memories of the previous night replaced the primal instincts she just had.
“Oh, hey!” Heather said in an exaggerated tone just as hid the knife behind her back. She had no pockets to shove it in and, even though it could be opened with the flick of the wrist, the blade took two hands to retract it.
”Um,” Heather hesitated as she took in what the group was up to. “If you guys wanted something from the kitchen you could have gotten me. Not that I’m not cool with it. I just need to let my parents know what is being used. It’d suck if my parents come home, exhausted and are like, ‘whew, I’m tired. It’d be nice to have some breakfast.’ And then they look in the fridge to see half the thing cleared out.” Heather was rambling. Much like how she used to before the incident but this was more of her panicking nearly pulled a knife on people she invited into her home. ”So, uh, I’ll just brush my teeth real quick and be right back to help you guys out.” Heather was already backing away on the last sentence and then quickly made her way towards the downstairs bathroom. By the time she reached it, the knife was put away and she placed it in the bathroom drawer next to her other belongings.
Heather looked in the mirror and mentally kicked herself, several times over, while smacking her cheeks with both hands. She needed to get used to hanging around people again. Not just professionally, like at her job, but on a socially acceptable level.
Heather did brush her teeth and spruce herself up just a little before going back out to the others in the kitchen.
”Sorry about that. So what are we looking to make this morni-” Heather’s eyes darted towards the digital clock on the oven. ”This afternoon?”
═══════════════════════════
location: heather's placexxxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"why should I play this game of pretend?
xxxremembering through a secondhand sorrow
xxxsuch a great son and wonderful friend
xxxoh, don't the tears just pour"
Willow spun around as Heather entered the room, already grinning at her. Her smile slipped slightly as Heather... well, she didn't tell them off. But when she left, Willow was feeling kinda bad for just presuming she could cook. She knew that she never cared if her friends cooked in her apartment, and her parents had never minded either, but it wasn't right of her to presume that everybody felt the same way. Jake hadn't liked people cooking without permission.
She shook herself out of that line of thinking and forced herself to concentrate on the recipe in front of her. Sometimes she slipped back into remembering him like that. Sometimes she slipped back into forgetting the hell he'd put her through, and sometimes she forgot that it had been hell. But it was happening less and less which was something at least. She just needed to take it a day at a time.
She smiled as Heather came back in, and looked back down at her phone. "Oh, uh, banana pancakes. It's a simple enough recipe, we won't go using up everything in your kitchen after you. And I will personally make sure everything is nice and tidy, because I was the one who suggested it. You want to help?"
She shook herself out of that line of thinking and forced herself to concentrate on the recipe in front of her. Sometimes she slipped back into remembering him like that. Sometimes she slipped back into forgetting the hell he'd put her through, and sometimes she forgot that it had been hell. But it was happening less and less which was something at least. She just needed to take it a day at a time.
She smiled as Heather came back in, and looked back down at her phone. "Oh, uh, banana pancakes. It's a simple enough recipe, we won't go using up everything in your kitchen after you. And I will personally make sure everything is nice and tidy, because I was the one who suggested it. You want to help?"
═══════════════════════════
xxxlocation: party xxxxxxxxxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"Welcome to a fabulous
xxxsense of lost self,
xxxacute paranoia,
xxxand emotional trauma."
x
x
x
x
”Of course I would!” The girl already started making her way towards the fridge, excusing herself as she made her way past the others.
”Oh, and don’t worry about anything. We can use whatever we want. I just wanted to take note of what we are using so I can replace it.” Heather called back as she rummaged through the refrigerator and brought out some basic ingredients. She, at least, knew how to make regular pancakes. But banana themed ones might require more ingredients since that was something new to Heather.
She set the things from the fridge on the island counter of the kitchen and looked back towards Willow.
”So, Sous Chef, is there anything missing? We await your next instructions.”
═══════════════════════════
xlocation: hotel room xxoutfit: here
═══════════════════════════
xxx"for all the light that i've shut out,
xxxfor all the innocent things i doubt.
xxxfor all the bruises i've caused and tears.
xxxfor all the things that i've done,
xxxall these years."
To: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: ummm ye might brin a friend ly c u soon
He sent the text before hearing Lee begin to speak, his heart warmed. He did it because Lee was an important person to him whether he knew or not. The larger male would simply walk over to him, and give him a "brotherly" hug. Wrapping his arms around the sitting boy's waist before quickly pulling away. His heart beating faster as he did. "No problem Lee, I didn't feel great about leaving you alone like that, you were kinda drugged so it was bound to happen where you freaked out. But, this is just a partial way for me to apologize even further for all the shit I put you through in high school," he spoke with a smile, before his phone vibrated and saw his brother text him back.
From: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: yo thts good u have friends here lmao. anyway u can meet my gf shes so niceeeeee and pretty
The male laughed again before he focused on Lee, lingering his gaze over the other boy's lips. Only if he could bring himself to do this when he didn't have a slight buzz, or he could easily pull the other male in for a kiss. Maybe soon, but not now. Link would smirk before he'd open up his mouth to speak.
"Yo, Lee. How'd you like to come with me to see my lil bro?
MSG: ummm ye might brin a friend ly c u soon
He sent the text before hearing Lee begin to speak, his heart warmed. He did it because Lee was an important person to him whether he knew or not. The larger male would simply walk over to him, and give him a "brotherly" hug. Wrapping his arms around the sitting boy's waist before quickly pulling away. His heart beating faster as he did. "No problem Lee, I didn't feel great about leaving you alone like that, you were kinda drugged so it was bound to happen where you freaked out. But, this is just a partial way for me to apologize even further for all the shit I put you through in high school," he spoke with a smile, before his phone vibrated and saw his brother text him back.
From: Little Humanoid I Share Bloodlines With
MSG: yo thts good u have friends here lmao. anyway u can meet my gf shes so niceeeeee and pretty
The male laughed again before he focused on Lee, lingering his gaze over the other boy's lips. Only if he could bring himself to do this when he didn't have a slight buzz, or he could easily pull the other male in for a kiss. Maybe soon, but not now. Link would smirk before he'd open up his mouth to speak.
"Yo, Lee. How'd you like to come with me to see my lil bro?
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