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a-trying-writer · 2 months

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(original fic that doesnt have a title atm. rough draft of sorts. song i listened to while writing this. )

The feeling of the sun's warmth against Zach's skin wasn't unpleasant, but given that his pale body is sensitive, he couldn't stay outside for long. At least his sunglasses help with his vision during this hot Summer's day.

But spending his time enjoying the warmth isn't what he was assigned to do today. When he spotted a woman wearing a black dress enter a restaurant, he followed her inside several minutes after.

The place was filled with all sorts of well dressed people, enjoying their dinner and chatting away. The only person that stood out was the woman, as she sat by herself in a table that was off to the side. Normally this place is usually reserved by people months before, but Zach was different. When he approached the waiter, they simply nodded and let him through.

Once he reached her, Zach took off his sunglasses and sat down on the chair across from her, trying to muster up a smile, only to fail when he saw her wearing a much more genuine one on her lips. But they both knew the kind of man he truly was. Someone who never truly expressed anything aside from neutral or negative emotions. "Hello, Bernadette," he greeted her.

"Hey, Zach," she returned, sounding rather exhausted more than anything, which didn't surprise him. "I didn't order anything yet, because I was waiting for you."

"Why?"

"Because you know these people better than me." Bernadette scanned the room with her dark eyes, taking notice of the well dressed people that kept staring at her from the corner of their keen eyes. They were too stiff to be normal civilians, trying to enjoy themselves in a high class restaurant. Uncomfortable doesn't cover the feeling she was suffering from. "I also have been expecting this for a while, so I want to enjoy my freedom while I can."

"Which means you want 'me' to cover your meal again," he said. "Okay then."

"Good. I am going all out and buying the most expensive meal I can get."

Zach simply nodded his head, while Bernadette's smile grew wider.

The meals they had ordered looked well cooked and delicious, but also strangely artistic, which they both found rather pointless. Neither really cared for the presentation of what they were going to eat, because that didn't matter as much than spending the companies' dimes on a meal that is going to cost more than a hundred dollars. It also tasted bland, which the two expected.

Once she had eaten her fill, Bernadette stared out the window of the restaurant wistfully. "I hope you know that I really am not angry at you, Zach... I am angry that I have to go back; that it was because of them that I have become this way; and that they are using you to get to me... but I can't be angry at you. You are the best part of this whole thing..."

Zach kept his pale red eyes on her. "I... am glad to hear that."

"I hope so..." Bernadette turned her eyes to face his heavily scarred face, then lowered them to gaze at the scars on his exposed arms. She wanted to reach out to grasp them, but he never felt comfortable being the one taken care of and doted on. Even though growing close to him was the entire point of this relationship, she knew that he felt that this whole thing was shallow. It hurt, but there was nothing she could do about that. "I am happy that you're here, Zach. That you're the one to pick me up..."

"It's better than being chased," he said.

She let out a short laugh. "Yeah... but, to be honest, I am growing tired of it. No matter where I go, I am always caught. So, this... This makes me happy." Bernadette struggled to keep her voice even, but the ache in her throat made it difficult. It didn't help when her eyes started to well up with tears. "I know I can trust you, Zach... So please... just give me the 'medicine'."

Zach said nothing as he took out a glass bottle from his pocket. He twisted the cap off and poured the liquid inside into Bernadette's cup.

"Thanks..." She then gulped it and placed down the cup with a gasp. It didn't take long for her to pass out against the table, with Zach sitting there quietly, while groups of people already got up from their chairs to pick her up.

Once he saw her black bag, Zach ordered a guard to take it off and give it to him before they drag Bernadette away to the back of the building where their van was. As the security marched off, Zach took out a red, sphere shaped crystal glass. He stared into it to see Bernadette's heart, and felt it gently pulse in his palms.

"That's the patient's heart, right?" spoke up the waiter. "You should not had taken it."

"I'm aware. But I will ride in the same vehicle, so there is nothing to worry about."

The waiter stared at him quietly, then shrugged. "Fine," he said, before walking off.

If only he could do more for her, Zach thought, before he placed the heart back in the bag. For now, all he could do is follow orders, and make sure that Bernadette doesn't suffer any more than she already has.

#rough draft of sorts.#its still a wip but hey im having fun.

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a-trying-writer · 2 months

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(short original written on my phone. Cont of my last short.)

The Culling went rather well today. The amount of abominations had lessened quite a bit, which means that the hunters could rest a while without worrying about a sudden raid of monsters that would lead to countless deaths. While some of the hunters were gravely injured, those that had survived decided to catch a break in the lounge room and eat lunch.

But the assistant had a much more important task to do. "Joel," he called out to his coworker as they stepped into the room, "I got a favor to ask."

It didn't take much of a guess for Joel, as he fished out a lighter from his uniform pocket. "I got you, buddy. Want a new cigarette packet too?"

The assistant shook his head as he tucked it away into his own pocket. "I'm good thanks."

Joel let out a hearty laugh. "Then we are even, right?"

"Yeah."

"That's good. Glad to be able to help you out again, bud. But the way, how many did you kill today?"

The assistant paused to think back on his kills. Not counting the two headed ones as separate beings, it would at least be five in total. Once he told this to Joel, he perked a brow at his colleague.

"That much? Really? Come on, man, I know you can kill more than that."

"I am not doing it to earn a higher rank" the assistant said with a shrug. "I already got enough of my plate thanks to one of our superiors."

Joel sighed as he sat down on the couch, where a few of the other coworkers sat too. He gave them high fives in celebration of living another day before turning back to the assistant. "But you could do better. You have the skills for it!"

"But I really don't care," the assistant replied. "I'm fine with how things are for me now."

"Says the man who has a 'favorite patient'," someone spoke on the other side of the lounge room.

Joel huffed as both he and the assistant turned to them. "He didn't ask for that," Joel said in defense, which the assistant nodded in agreement. "Sometimes we are assigned to one of them as a special case. His patient is one of those people that got the operation that makes them very hard to kill."

"Yeah right. It just makes it easier for this guy to get out of the Culling where he doesn't have to risk his life! He is probably one of the superiors favorites!"

"I beg to differ," the assistant spoke up, sounding even more exhausted than usual.

"You are such a show off! You could cull several monsters, sure, but you only do it because some of us can't reach that much! Even with the small ones!"

The assistant simply took in a deep breath, finding this person more annoying than anything. He turned to Joel to give his colleague a brief nod, before heading out the door, with the other person yelling out various insults. Is this envy, he wondered? Well, whatever it is, he doesn't have the energy to waste on such silly arguments.

#rough draft #he does have a name #but im keeping it this way until i write a proper story for him.

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a-trying-writer · 2 months

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(original short. separate work that is related to this.)

It looks like the lighter needed to be replaced. Which is unfortunate, because this culling is going to take a few cigarettes. Perhaps the assistant can check in some of his "IOU"s from his co-workers, instead of ordering a new one.

But that will have to wait, he thought, as he saw an abomination crawl on the ceiling towards him. With the blade already plugged in, the assistant twisted the blade to light it on fire. Wait, doesn't this use gasoline, he realized. Maybe he could funnel some of it out for his lighter.

His train of thought was interrupted when the monster leapt on him, only to be slashed across the torso shortly after. Thinking about it, maybe it isn't worth getting in trouble by management for indulging in his vice. Especially since they know that he had a "favorite patient" that he preferred to take care of instead of doing this dirty work.

(underneath is a picrew image i generated because i cant draw. https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/1822696 using this.)

#rough draft #wip

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a-trying-writer · 2 months

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(short ho-hu fic, inspired by this art i saw (gore warning). least to say, it tickled me. fun fact, the heart thing was inspired by an anime.)

"Question, Cat," Maison spoke up, catching his housemate's attention.

"Yeah?"

"Did you ever bowl with your heart?"

A quizzical look formed on Cat's face as she stared up at the ceiling. "What."

"I--" "Sorry, yeah, I heard you. My brain stopped working for a moment there." Cat cleared her throat before responding, "I never really did that, but I did roll my heart before getting caught up in some crazy accident a few times before... The glass around it is fragile, but not that fragile."

Maison hummed thoughtfully, before setting Cat's heart down on the bedside table. "Does it hurt?"

"No... I mean, I tend to forget my heart is outside my body, until I look at it. It's weird, but it just feels as if I still have it inside me."

"Has anyone ever told you why it's like this?"

Cat shrugged. "Not that I can remember."

"I see... Well, I promise, Cat, your heart will still be safe with me."

She raised a brow, before chuckling. "I know you are a man of your word, Maison, but please don't say it like that. It makes me lose my trust you a little bit."

"Oh, please, my dear housemate, you shouldn't worry at all." Maison pulled out his lure to pinch Cat's cheek, making her blush from embarrassment. "I'd lose my #1 ranking if I ever betrayed my client's trust."

"Says the man-eating house." She giggled.

#ho-hu fic

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a-trying-writer · 2 months

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(srhk fic of sorts. not happy with the result, but i had fun.)

Capricious leaned against the ship railing, staring at nothing in particular while she was lost in thought. When she heard the door creak open, she turned briefly towards it to see that it was Racter coming out which surprised her. "Hello, Racter!" she giggled while wriggling her cybernetic hand in greeting to him. "Rare to see you out here."

He hummed as he approached her. "Even I need some fresh air from time to time, my friend."

"I guess the stink of fish is a little bit better than oil and cigarettes." She shrugged, before turning her attention to the port itself.

"I assume you'd rather smell roses if you were given the chance. Unfortunately, our life as it is can't guarantee such pleasantries."

Capricious smirked as she replied, "Ah, but where is the fun of smelling roses, if it's not on you? I am happy to inhale your cigarette smoke scented jacket over some cologne or perfume. Sure I would get cancer again, but the risk is so worth it."

"And if I were to replace your organs with something to prevent that?"

Capricious paused as she thought it over. "Hm... Nah. It's not for me. I could had an artificial uterus at this point if I cared that much about it. But I'm fine with being without it. Besides, it helps save me some nuyen on not buying pads."

"Fair enough, my friend."

"I think, we are both pretty luck on not needing specific parts to live our lives. I never really cared about having kids, and you already have a way to 'reproduce' so to speak, if you succeed in your goals. And I really want to see what you can do, Racter. Hell, it may even go beyond the reach of clinically diagnosed psychopaths, and benefit all sorts of people in different ways."

"And yet, you told me you felt uneasy about the idea..."

Capricious chuckled as she shrugged. "I mean, it is scary to think about it for more than a minute. But it has potential. To lose parts of our soul in exchange for cyber sounds horrifying, but nothing can be learned if we don't take some risk."

"And without risks, we won't get far."

"Yep."

"I am not surprised you'd say that, given your need to take risks during work. Stealing some extra data to sell, persuading someone to change the order of some meal to cause food poisoning, and helping out your fellow crew members just because you can, and want to, which I can't fully understand, but applaud non the less. You, my friend, are the biggest risk taker, which sometimes makes me question your sanity."

Capricious' chest puffed up in pride, before realizing that Racter was also criticizing her. "Hey! I am perfectly aware of what I do, thank you very much!"

"Sure, my friend." He chuckled, before patting her shoulder. "Whatever you say."

#rough draft of sorts

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a-trying-writer · 3 months

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(hohu drabble with some meme images for fun.)

"Cat, I appreciate you, I do, but can you please stop biting my lure's breast?" Maison requested.

Cat stared up at the wall of flesh to think it over, then turned her attention back at the lure to bury her face between his bosoms and resumed biting. While he did love the attention, Maison didn't exactly like the feeling of her teeth gnawing on him. Perhaps eating her could teach her a lesson, but then again she is immortal. She'd only bite again.

Maybe it's for the best that she gets it out of her system, he thought.

#hohu fic #ive been dealing with some writers block these days #and i forgot that drabbles were a thing until recently.#so yeah! here we are.#and i always imagine she does this for no reason other than for fun.#also he probably feels a bit tender and chewy. or so i imagine.#hehe~.

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a-trying-writer · 3 months

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(hohu fic. rough draft. very rough draft. hmmmmm.)

The confession didn't feel right to Cat. While Maison knows how she feels, she wishes she could it over again. That proved to be difficult however, as she spent time going out with him.

Even though he knew she couldn't swim, he took her to the beach to gaze at the ocean for a little while. Later, they went to a park to enjoy some time there. Then the zoo.

Cat thought about how to explain herself during those outings, but Maison didn't give her the chance for her to do so properly. He seemed to be having fun at least, she thought.

Until they stopped at a cafe to get something to eat. The same cafe they often liked to go to when winding down after a long day dealing with "BUYERS" and customers.

"You were rather quiet today, Cat," Maison spoke up.

"I... didn't mean to be," she answered, as she sliced a piece of the chocolate cake with a plastic fork. As soon as it hit her tongue, it tasted like mint, before melting into chocolate. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but still good. "I had a lot on my mind."

"Is that so?" Maison tilted his head slightly, carrying that smile on his face. "Is it something that I should worry about?"

She paused to think it over, then shrugged. "Not really. It's just..." She tapped the fork against her lips a few times as she tried to find the right words to say. "I don't know. I want to say that I've been happy all this time, but honestly, I am more confused than anything. You know how I feel about you, and I could say 'I love you', but it doesn't feel like it would hold any real meaning behind it. Hell, I didn't even get the chance to say it outright myself."

"Ah." Maison chuckled deeply. "Don't worry about it, Cat. Whether you say it or not doesn't bother me at all. I simply know that your feelings are true, and I am more than flattered to be loved."

Cat frowned slightly. "That's the problem -- I don't think I really deserve that."

"What do you mean?"

"Let's put aside what we are first, and let me say that at the end of the day, we are still individuals who are simply living with each other. You kept me company since we first met, and though I did leave town for a little while, I came back because I didn't really want to leave." She paused. "But... hm. I might not had left at all..."

"Pardon?"

"Never mind." Cat shook her head to dismiss that train of thought. "Sometimes I get things confused, but let's forget about that. I mean to say that, despite all we have been through together by living with each other, I don't feel like I deserve this. This bond between us. I want us to keep being friends, but I also... want..." When she realized what she wanted to say next, she felt her cheeks grow hot. "I mean, I want us... to be close."

"But Cat, we are already dating. Unless, you're feeling rather uncertain about it?"

"No. I think I am sure about this." Cat paused took another bite of her cake. "I just don't think I... ever really confessed my feelings the right way."

"Then what is the right way, Cat?" Maison pushed his lure to rest its elbows on the table and gaze at his housemate expectantly. "I am very curious."

After swallowing down the piece, Cat placed down the plastic fork, and straightened up her posture. This could be her chance, she thought, as she took in a deep breath. "I love you, Maison. I wish I could be more than your dear housemate, and more like your dear partner. I wish we could go on dates, wherever you feel like, and enjoy ourselves in each others companies. But more than that..."

Cat shrunk a little into herself as her bravado withered away in seconds. "I hope to be with you for a long time. Maybe not forever. But long enough." She giggled bashfully as her cheeks grew redder. "It's... too embarrassing to admit it, but I think you're charming, and like, handsome, and you know how to talk. So, please, Maison, can we be more than friends?"

For a hard minute, there was silence between them. Ashamed, Cat wished she could melt into the chair, but it was better to finish off the cake instead of dying of embarrassment.

"Maison?" she called out in a huff.

Still no response.

Confused, and worried, she poked his arm, only for her to jump when he grabbed her hand, and pulled it close to his lips. "Ah, my dearest, sweetest, loveliest Cat. I hope you know how much those words mean to me, because you just fueled my ego. But more than that, I hope you know that I am more than honored to hear that."

This is a bit strange, she thought.

"No, honored isn't the right word. Enamored?" Maison chuckled again. "I am not sure anymore. But you know, my dear Cat, I hope you know how delightful you made me. And I hope to express my feelings as well! Properly."

"Are you okay?" she asked, bewildered.

"Okay?" he laughed. "More than okay, my dear, sweet Cat. I am elated!"

"Really?"

"Really! Now, I don't wish to make my dearest housemate tired, but I do wish to take you on another date, right now! How about it?"

Cat thought it over for a moment, then shook her head. "Next time," she said.

"Very well." Maison lowered her hand on the table to let her go, and stare at her with his usual smile. "Next time."

This is a bit weird, she thought, but not unwelcoming.

#im running on headcanons.#rough draft

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a-trying-writer · 3 months

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(original fic. i miss my old ocs.)

inspiration

youtube

After one last inhale of the cigarette, Rick flicked the stub aside, and raised his handgun. His dark eyes were fixed on the Abomination that was running down the road, snarling like an angry beast.

He knew that once, this thing was human. Unfortunately, in this world were people like him still live, human isn't what is used to describe these things. After all, that's why they are called Abominations.

He pulled the trigger, and the bullet pierced between the monster's forehead, making it fall over and skid towards him. He still had his gun aimed towards it, but once he noticed that it wasn't breathing anymore, he holstered his weapon.

Rick carefully examined the body to take notes. Tall and skeleton like, with skin stretched out. Long sharp decayed nails. Its eyes were completely black, looking similar to obsidian. It smells like death.

As he was about to take out his phone to report to Haven, Rick didn't notice the other Abomination crawling down the apartment building above him. Right as it pounced to take down the former doctor, there was another gunshot, and it landed right on top of a card, crushing it.

Rick turned to see Xio around the block in shock. She gave him a smile as she holstered her weapon as well. "You got to be more careful, Doc," she told him.

A short chuckle escaped from the middle age man. While he still believed that she shouldn't be here after all these years, he couldn't help but feel proud of her. "Thanks," he returned, before resuming his call.

Xio turned her gaze down to the dead Abominations. She has always been scared of these things, not because of what they could do, but that she could had been like them once. It was luck that she turned out differently since the experiment.

#unfinished #i miss these two a lot.#qaq #Youtube

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a-trying-writer · 3 months

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(hohu fic.)

From the erratic heart beats, and the way she was tossing and turning on the bed, Maison used his lure to place his hand on Cat's. She jolted and turned to him with widened eyes, before she soon realized what he was trying to do.

She took in a deep breath, shut her eyes, and closed her fingers around his to hold tightly. With every slow breath she took and exhaled, her anxiety would wither away.

With her heart beat now settled, Maison leaned close to Cat, and used his free hand to plant it against her chubby cheek. He understood how difficult it is to live with anxiety, and being the #1 REALTOR, he knew how to help his special buyers. But he had to admit, Cat is one of the ones that can be hard to convince that everything is all right.

Perhaps it was her trauma that made her feel this way. She probably feels like she will lose him. Lose one of the few friends she has in her long life.

But Maison found it rather irrational to think about. Still, he laid beside her, and held her close to his lure.

When she fell asleep, he stayed beside her. It's not so bad to lay like this, he thought.

#its shoddy needs work.#rough draft #having anxiety in my personal life makes things haaaard.#i worry too much i know but i cant control it easily.#and writing sometimes helps. esp something like this. self indulgent.#hehe.

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a-trying-writer · 3 months

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(original fic. implied/referenced self harm.)

The alarm clock broke. It shattered on impact when I threw it against the barred window. The bed is a mess. I took all the sheets to wrap it up. Didn't work. Decided it was best when it was overturned instead. Same for the only chair in the room, and the bedside table.

If it wasn't for my heart, I'd push the locker too. But it's the only safe place to keep it, despite all the blood oozing out from it. Can't really do anything about that.

All I did was sit on the floor, waiting patiently.

Then the door clicked, and I raised my head to see the heavily scarred doctor's assistant come in, wearing that battered coat. His silver hair is kept in that tight pony tail as usual.

He looked around the room with an unreadable expression, before laying his red eyes on me. "Are you feeling better?" he asked.

I didn't want to respond, but staying in this hellish building isn't what I want. "Yes," I answered through clenched teeth.

"Good." The assistant stepped out of the room to pick up a box and walked up to the locker. Once he opened it, a wave of blood poured out onto his black pants and boots. He then picked up my heart, and turned the sphere over carefully before placing it in the box. "Let's go."

I got up from the ground. My entire body hurts. But I still walked to approach the wheelchair outside the room and sat down, while the assistant placed the box in a plastic bag hanging from it.

"Are you hungry?" he asked, as he pushed me towards the elevator.

"I... don't know," I answered.

"I got you a sandwich. It's cold, but when your appointment is done, I will heat it up for you."

I paused. I struggled to push the tears down, but I have to admit, his kindness isn't unwelcoming. "T-thanks..."

"You're welcome."

---

It hurt.

But at least it's over.

And I got to be in the cafeteria to eat the sandwich.

It wasn't anything special; it was the same thing as before, but it was still good. Once I gulped down the last bit, I took a sip of water. "Thanks."

The assistant smirked. "You're welcome."

"So. Am I getting discharged again?"

"You should, yes... but, there is something I want to talk to you about."

I paused. This is a little strange. But... I suppose it shouldn't hurt.

But why does it scare me?

"Go ahead."

The assistant pulled the box with my heart in it, and placed it between us. "Do you ever thing about being free from all of this?"

Free. "Yes."

"I mean, truly free."

I hesitated. "Always. I try, all the time, to be free. But... the idea of it... it scares me."

"Why? You know how to earn your freedom. Why are you scared of it? You already been through enough."

I blew out a heavy sigh as I stared at the box. "I don't know. Just because I die every time, it doesn't mean I am always happy about coming back. But, sometimes... I find myself not really caring about it. It's always during the times I wake up, and see that I am on a train. I don't know how I got on one, but seeing things go by, while I am moving... I can't explain it."

"And when you sleep. What do you dream about? Isn't it the same?"

"I... can't say. Sure, it always feels like I have slept on a rock, and it's never enough sleep, but... I don't know. But my dreams..." There are some dreams I had where I live a happy life. A fruitful one. With family. But I don't think I deserve one, biological or not. I don't see myself as a parent. "They aren't anything special."

#blah blah blabbity blah #semi vent #semi original work thing #been feeing sad today.#heh.#unfinished for now

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a-trying-writer · 4 months

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(hohu fic. rough draft. >.< words are hard sometimes.)

As snow was falling outside, Cat was sitting on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa in her hands. It seemed like the perfect time to enjoy some, even though living inside Maison was basically like living in a heater, that gets weirdly wet and slimy.

There wasn't anything interesting on the television, but since Maison was going to spend most of his time sleeping, having some background noise makes it feel less lonely.

But it didn't take away her sadness.

Cat knew there was nothing she could complain about, being in good company, living a rather peaceful life, and being about to rest without worry, but she still felt rather melancholy deep inside.

The more she thought about why, the more she reflected on her past.

Though most of her memory is a hazy mess of deaths, pain, and suffering, she didn't forget how strangely sad she gets during the colder time of the year. When the days feel shorter. When she spends most of her time sleeping until it gets warmer. It was difficult to think about wanting to keep living during those times.

But now, it's different. She isn't alone anymore. She is safe inside a man eating house that keeps her warm.

So why does she still think about not wanting to keep living?

Maybe, this feeling is just etched inside her mind, that gets worse during the colder days. Even though she is living better than ever, there will be times her mind and emotions will collapse, and stay that way for a time. Maison could perk her up, but he can't always be there for her.

And as long as she is still living, then maybe she can handle these melancholy feelings.

#blah blah blabbity blah

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a-trying-writer · 4 months

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(srhk short.)

As hard as his cybernetic thigh is, Capricious was still able to sleep, while Racter kept working. The days were rather peaceful lately, which is not unwelcomed, but it can get rather boring still.

Once the work was done, Racter had woken Capricious up from her nap. She got up from the ground to stretch out her aching limbs, then asked him about how it went. While she may not be familiar with his form of technobabble, she still likes listening to him to learn what she can from him.

To him, while she is a soundboard and a friend in a certain way, to her, he was a fascinating man with ideas that both scares and thrills her. And she loved him dearly which she knew he couldn't reciprocate.

She still trusts him with her life.

#srhk fic

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a-trying-writer · 4 months

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(remade a super old story for fun. rough draft of sorts.)

The Bronze City, a place where art is celebrated every day, through parades, performances, shows -- it never sleeps, as long as art is loved.

And once per week, there is a special show that premiers in the Grand Theater, featuring the brilliant, beautiful stage performer. She is the troupes money bringer due to her beauty, though she is rather young. How old, no one knew, not even the ringleader himself, but that didn't matter, given that she brings everyone in the city to the seats.

With her azure hair decorated in ornaments, her freckled face plastered in make up that made her sapphire eyes stand out, and the incredibly long, overtly decorated costume that she had to wear for most of the of show, she was ready.

When they called out "The Blue Bird", she pranced onto the stage, and danced to the music. It was hot under the costume, with the large stage lights beaming down on her. She didn't want to do this.

But what can she do without a voice to speak up with? Even when she protested by standing still, they dragged her out and forced her to perform.

Perhaps this will be her life until she no longer can dance.

***

In a city where art is celebrated, there surely is some rich people who could go without their wallets. At least, that is what fifteen year old Olive believes, as she swipes some money from a middle aged man.

After another round of pick pocketing done, Olive ran through an alleyway to enter through the backdoor of some building, and emptied out her deep pockets of stolen loot. As she was about to count the money, the lights turned on, surprising the poor girl.

When she lifted her head, she meet the gaze of an eyeless mannequin, nearly making her heart leap out of her throat, before realizing that it wasn't a person. Olive sucked into a deep breath to keep herself from yelling then decided to leave where she came from to count in peace.

At least they didn't find her, she thought, as she closed the door behind her.

It took her some recounts to know for sure that Olive had stolen three hundred dollars. Pride filled up her ego, knowing that she was able to get away with this much, but there was another emotion that she felt when she held onto the money tightly in her grip.

Excitement.

It ran through her veins as she ran out of the alleyway, to head to her next destination.

The Grand Theater.

As Olive placed down the bills on the booth, the cashier took it in exchange for a single ticket. Sure, it should be considered suspicious that a teenager as raggedy as Olive had three hundred dollars, but the cashier couldn't care less, since they were too tired from the amount of costumers they had to deal with today.

With the ticket in hand, Olive went inside the building and took in the beauty of the entrance. Bronze statues are displayed proudly as memories of the previous big stars that performed in there. Golden curtains sparkled as they draped over the red walls. Even the fountains were beautiful, as clear water sprayed into the sky to fall back down, with coins of all sorts shimmering at the bottom of the marbled base.

It was tempting to dip her hands into the fountain to grab the coins, but Olive had to restrain herself and focus on who she came here for, so she continued onward to find her seat.

Since the snacks were free for the show, Olive grabbed some before she plopped down on her assigned, surprisingly very plush seat with smooth fabric. Once the rest of the auditorium filled out and the show was about to start, the ringleader stepped out from behind the curtain and bowed to the audience.

He thanked everyone for coming, signaled the orchestra to begin, and exited the stage as the curtains began to rise.

Olive's eyes widen as soon as she saw the azure haired performer come on stage. She was utterly hypnotized by her beauty, that her heart began to thump heavily against her chest. When she danced, Olive wished she could had been up there to dance with her.

Some part of her wondered if the troupe was ever going to allow more people in. They do have high standards for talent, and Olive had none, except for stealing -- not that it would do her any good.

For a brief moment, Olive felt a burning sensation in the back of her head, and when she turned to face the people behind her, they were all staring at the azure dancer in stunned silence. Except for two.

A woman with brown skin and blonde hair, and her eyes completely shut. She had her arms around the man that sat next to her, with his silver hair tied up in a bun, his magenta eyes looking at Olive, before turning back to the azure dancer. They stood out as much as the dancer with how overly dressed they are.

But there was something familiar about them that Olive couldn't pin point.

When the first ended, however, she turned back to look at the azure dancer, before the curtains lowered to change the set.

The show ended with the azure dancer standing completely still, her arms outstretched towards the audience with a somber smile.

Olive was captivated, but there was something off about seeing the dancer with that smile. No one else seemed to have noticed, however, as they cheered and clap, while the curtains fell again for the last time.

As the actors came on stage to bow, Olive noticed that the azure dancer didn't come out. Curious, she left her chair and took notice of her surroundings to see if there was a way to get to her without being caught.

Since the room had to be emptied out to be clean, Olive had to leave as well, but stayed inside the building. She always had an eye for finding narrow corners to get away in.

"Pardon me, young one," a man spoke up, surprising her to the point that she jumped and spun on her heel.

"Wh-who--!" she stopped mid sentence when she realized that it was the same man that was looking at her earlier. Now that she had a better look at him, Olive was stunned. This is Seth Burgundy, the man who owns and runs the largest fashion chain in the country.

Seth couldn't help but chuckle. "Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you... but, you see, there is something I wish to ask you about, young one. You sneaked into my boutique early, didn't you?"

Olive froze up. That was his mannequin?!

"Don't scare her, dear," the woman beside him said. Olive's jaw dropped the moment she knew that she is Simone Burgundy, Seth's wife. No much else is known about her, but she is as much as a big deal as Seth.

"Oh, um! Sorry, I didn't know that was your shop!" Olive spoke up. "I really didn't mean to! I only wanted to-- I mean, I--!" Before she could spill why she was there, she stopped herself when she remembered that stealing, no matter who it is, is wrong, and that breaking and entering was another felony. She was already in hot water! "Please... I really just wanted to see the dancer today..."

"We aren't here to scold you or bring you to any police, young one," Seth spoke up, surprising Olive. "We only wanted to ask. But also, we want you to do something for us."

"W-what do you mean?" she asked.

"To keep it short, we made the costumes for 'The Blue Bird'." Seth puffed up his chest proudly. "It's brilliant work if I do say so myself. However." His chest deflated when he gazed down at Olive with a slight frown. "Simone has seen that behind the scenes that the girl might be troubled. You are the only one who is able to help her, so we will tell you how to get to her."

Olive pause as she thought it over. "If I say no...?"

"Then we won't bother you again."

"Are you sure?"

"We are people of our word, young one."

Olive glared into Seth's eyes in silence. "Fine. Please, tell me how to get to her."

The couple's brilliant smile could had blinded Olive by how bright they shine. They must take very good care of themselves, she thought. Then again, that's to be expected from the world famous fashion couple.

The building was a lot bigger than Olive expected. When she reached the powder rooms where the azure dancer should be, she was about lift up the vent cage until she heard the door knock.

She watched the azure dancer get up from her chair to open it, to let the ring leader come in with a hearty laugh. "You were incredible, blue bird!" he cheered. "Your dance was magnificent!"

The azure dancer smiled as she sunk into herself. She had half of the make up off, revealing her freckled cheeks, which Olive found rather cute.

"I need to give you your cut for today once we finish counting. But first, I wish to tell you something."

The azure dance looked up at him expectantly. Olive found it odd that she didn't say anything.

"You see, dear, I've heard rumors of incredible doctors who do incredible things, and I want to say, that it's possible to give you a voice."

Both the dancer and Olive were stunned, but for different reasons.

Olive assumed it was just for performance that the dance didn't song, not that she couldn't.

While the dancer didn't seem to fond of the idea by the look of her furrowed brows. She walked up to her dresser to lift up a notebook and pen to scribble something down. She turned it over to the ringleader, and pointed at it aggressively.

The ringleader huffed out a heavy sigh. "Some people say that it's possible to get their voices back," he said, but both girls were unsure if that was true. "Now I can't show proof to you, but I have been in contact with some of these doctors who did it. And hopefully, when one of them comes, they can help you get your voice. Maybe, just maybe, you could sing your heart out, and be the world famous prima donna!"

The dancer scowled as she held the notebook close to her chest.

"Oh don't give me that look!" the ringleader huffed. "If you weren't here, you'd be on the street! Just like you were years ago! Certainly you don't want that."

The dancer shook her head aggressively in response.

"Then you need to work on getting your voice." When someone outside the room called for him, the ringleader gave the dancer a pat on her shoulder, before making his way out. "Rest for now, blue bird."

As soon as the door closed, the dancer collapsed against her chair. She tossed her head back, then paused.

She was making directly eye contact with Olive.

Panicking, Olive opened the grate and yelled out, "Sorry, sorry!" as she climbed down onto the floor with a light thud. Olive stood there silently, and glanced towards the door, wondering of the ringleader would be back.

But he didn't.

Nor did the girl budge from her chair.

Confused, Olive looked around the room, taking notice of the abundance of costumes all over. Then remembered that this girl can't speak. "Oh... um... Er..." Olive found herself unable to say anything either, until she recalled something else, and dug into her pockets. "It might be hard to believe but... these two sent me here." She took out a signed photograph of Simone and Seth and handed it over to the girl, along with a letter.

Olive waited for the girl to read it over.

Then she turned her sapphire eyes to Olive, and they welled up with tear in an instant. She turned away to write something in her notebook and showed it to Olive. "You are the heroine they told me about," it read.

Olive was taken aback. "'Heroine'...? I mean, I..." She grew silent when the girl pulled back the notebook hesitantly.

So it's true, then, she thought. The girl really wasn't happy being here.

Then, she will be the best heroine ever. "Let's get you out of here."

The girl's eyes lit up, and Olive found herself hypnotized by them once again.

"Beautiful..." she muttered under her breath, before being dragged out of the door.

But the girl didn't know how to leave past that. Instead, Olive took her hand and guided her through the narrow passages that only they could sneak through.

"So... you can't speak," Olive began as they stopped at a stair case to catch their breaths. "Do you even have a name?"

The girl looked up at in disbelief, which was enough of an answer for Olive.

"Then... I don't know... What should I call you?"

The girl took out her notebook and pressed her pen against the paper, but didn't write anything.

"Maybe... We can think of one when we get out of here. I mean... I don't have a home.. but... I think the Burgundy couple could help us..."

The girl gave an enthusastic nod in response.

"But... are you sure? I heard that you didn't want to go back to the streets earlier, so..."

The girl frowned. She then wrote something on the paper. "I am not afraid of being on the streets," she wrote. "I am more afraid of having no money and not being able to eat. I can't speak, sing, and the ringleader is a powerful man. He isn't afraid of taking what he thinks belongs to him, and I'm nothing more than his blue bird to him."

Olive scowled from reading that. "You aren't anyone's blue bird! And hey, I can show you the way to earn some cash, but... You might get in trouble."

"By breaking into people's rooms?"

Olive's face was tinted red from shame. "Th-that's different... I mean I--... I wanted to find you... to... Well... I guess... Well... Er... I mean..."

The girl let out a heavy sigh.

"Sorry... I... I did see you perform earlier, but... you looked so sad... Like you were lonely or something..."

Her sapphire eyes gazed at Olive's brown ones, making her look away as her cheeks turned redder.

"I... I always heard about you, you know. That you were not only beautiful, but incredible on stage... and I really wanted to see you today... And I'm glad I did! I think you're amazing! But... I think what I really wanted to do, is talk to you... and ask if you ever wanted to leave the show so we can... go out, I guess."

The girl was silent as she watched Olive fiddle with her fingers.

"I know, it's weird, but... you don't look much older than me. And I really wanted to get to know you. Like, to know the you that isn't on stage."

The girl wrote, "But breaking and entering wasn't the best way."

"Oh, no, that was because the Burgundy couple wanted me to get you out. I wanted to see the real you. Like, for a long time. I know, I am just a no good pickpocket that lives on the street, but I think you are super cool, and I want to know how to be better because you inspired me... in a weird way. Ugh... Never mind. Can you still walk?"

The girl nodded her head.

"Good. Let's keep going."

The building was definitely a lot bigger than either's expectations, but once they were able to leave the building, the two looked up at the sky to see that it has grown dark.

Then they heard some footsteps shuffling to them, and both were frozen.

"Looks like you got her out, young one," Seth said as he lit up a lamp. Simone stood by his side with a small smile, but her eyes are still shut. "As expected," she finished.

"The Burgundy couple!" Olive looked at the girl with a wide smile, while tears started to well up around her sapphire eyes.

She lunged towards Seth to wrap her arms around the tall lanky man. He patted her head gently. "There, there... You're safe now."

The girl pulled away and wiped her tears with her torn sleeve. When she noticed, she looked up at Seth apologetically, but he shook his head to dismiss it.

"Your happiness is much more important than some fabric. Come. You and Olive need to rest for the night."

"Thanks, Mr. Burgundy," Olive spoke up.

"It's quite all right." He then turned on his heel. "Let's us go."

As Simone helped wipe away the make up from the girl's face. "You want to know more, don't you?"

The girl nodded.

"Very well." Simone got up to stand behind the girl and placed her hands on her shoulder. "But first, what will your name be?"

The girl looked down at her notebook.

"Still couldn't think of one?"

Her lips thinned as her shoulders slumped.

"Clementine."

She looked at Simone's reflection in awe.

"I think that's a beautiful name," Simone said. Then she lifted her eyelids to reveal her eyes, that reminded Clementine of the sunset, where purple, red, and blue mix together, glittering like the stars in the night sky that she saw outside the window of her room in the theater. A smile formed on Simone's lips before she continued, "You will live a fruitful life. You still can't speak, but you will be able to laugh freely. Your home is far, far away from the Bronze City, where the ringleader can't get you."

With that said, Simone slowly shut her eyes, letting her glittering tears roll down her cheek and land on Clementine's shoulder. "And Olive is ever the knight in shining armor to keep you safe."

Clementine couldn't hold it back anymore, and started to sob. Simone reached out to grab a tissue to give to her. She stayed with her in silence as Clementine let it all out.

Now, she can finally live, she thought.

#original fic #so so on this draft.#but i think this is a long time coming for myself.#hehe.#i might work on this some more in the future.

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