Forever Sinners:
Chapter IV—Wrath
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A/N: For those who don't know what "wrath" is, it means "anger." Such as, you have an uncontrollable temper. Guess who that applies to. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: J-Jhonen-sama…PUT THAT KNIFE DOWN! Squeeeeeeeeeeeee!
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Johnny watched the colored images dance on the television screen. The newscaster looked pale, even on Johnny's ancient device.
"Another death has occurred today. This makes it the fourth of this kind this month. The body was found near the 24/7 today."
Johnny's head snapped up, he was now devoting his complete attention rather than just being in his "waking sleep[2]."
"The young man was brutally stabbed to death. The stab wounds cover the torso and arms. But, as always, the victim's eyes were covered by a long strip of duct-tape[3]. Also, it was found out that this boy had also been…" the anchor paused as he blushed a new shade of red, unable to finish his sentence. "Condolences have been sent to the boy's family. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Slinger, our hearts go out to you. In other news…"
Johnny turned off the television, a blank gaze dawning his features. He was more than glad the victim had not been Todd, but that also meant Todd was in danger.
He stopped his musing as the front door opened. A tired Todd ghosted the entrance as he walked into the house.
"Tired?"
"The news crew wouldn't leave us alone. You'll probably see it on tomorrow's show." Todd hugged Schmee to his chest. "The police were worst though."
"Hmm…how so?"
"Questioning went on for awhile. I was the only witness and they thought I might know who the killer was. Or maybe I was protecting the killer…I don't know why they would think…" Todd sat down on the couch, ending his sentence as he stared at Johnny.
No, that was a lie. If Johnny had killed someone and Todd had found the body, he would protect Johnny. That's why…
"You found the body!?"
A short nod was his answer before Todd laid his head on Johnny's shoulder.
"I was tossing the trash out when I heard a nose," he spoke quietly into the fabric on Johnny's shoulder. "Footsteps. Then I found John. He…I saw him a few times. Regular customer. I never thought…poor Jonathan…"
Johnny remained still as Todd began to cry into his shoulder. It was insanely unfair that this had to happen. Todd had still trying to get over his childhood trauma and the horror of nearly dying. Finding a dead body was not helping the recovery process.
Todd sniffled as he went back to his musing. If Johnny had killed Jonathan…he would…make sure the police didn't know about it….did Johnny? No…but…it was always good to ask.
"J-Johnny…" Todd lifted his teary eyes towards the elder's form.
"Yes?"
"Did…Did you…umm…"
"Did I what?"
"Um….Jonathan…did…um…" He wasn't sure how to word this properly. He wasn't accusing, just curious. However, every way it came out sounded wrong and would only anger Johnny.
"You think I killed him." It was a shocked tone.
"I…uh…I-I mea-mean…"
"You do." Johnny's tone was ice-cold as he pulled away from Todd.
He stood up, walking in front of the younger, dwarfing Todd in his height.
"I WOULD NEVER DO THE KINDS OF THINGS DONE TO THAT BOY!" Johnny's voice grew louder with each word, making young Todd Casil shiver in fear.
"J-Johnny…I-I didn't mean…"
"Save it. I thought you were different Squeegee." His voice was pure venom as he walked to the door. "I'm going for a walk."
"B-But…" The door slammed shut.
Johnny had left.
Todd shook on the couch. He had not meant to offend Johnny. It was a stupid thing to do. And yet, there was a small sense of relief and new understanding.
No matter how mad he could somehow make Johnny, the other would not hurt him. It gave him a sense of safety even if it was a twisted one.
Still, he did not wish to be alone. Seeing Jonathan's body torn up like that, it sent shivers down Todd's spine just thinking of that. If Johnny hadn't killed him…who had? Why did they hurt Jonathan? How could they hurt someone like Jonathan?
And as far as Todd could tell, Jonathan was a sweet boy, a year or so younger than himself.
"So…so young…" Todd whispered.
Call someone.
"Huh?! Why…for what purpose…?"
You're freaking me out with your melodramatic talk. Call someone to talk to. I don't care who it is. Just get it off your chest. Sure, you could tell me, but I was there. It wouldn't do much. I feel sympathetic for you Todd, but as a stuffed animal, I cannot feel the same fear and worry as you do. It's best to talk to a human in these types of situations.
"But…who?"
Think. Think real hard. Who wouldn't mind you calling at one 'o'clock in the morning?
"Johnny wouldn't but he's gone…" Suddenly, a revelation. Todd picked the phone up dialing a number long-since memorized.
Ring!
Ring!
Ring!
Todd moved to hang the phone up, when a tired voice called out.
"….hello?"
"P-Pepito…"
"TODD?!?!"
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TBC?
C&C are welcome.
[2] This comes from Shakespeare. Pretty much it is spacing out to a new level.
[3] How someone in this manga I've read kills people, called Boys Next Door. Get it! Ruri-chan commands it!
That's all…man did this chapter suck.