Hey Descendants!
Sorry for missing the update yesterday. Twisted got through the surgery and late yesterday was released from the hospital. She's happy to be home, but her road to recovery is going to be a long one. She's in a neck brace for at least two months. Twisted is a massage therapist who specializes in therapeutic, medical, and deep tissue massage. Which she finds ironic because that is exactly what she's going to need once she's further along in her recovery. She also has a message for everyone out there. Always have good luck! And if you don't have that, please wear a seatbelt every time you get in a car. We are so lucky she's still with us. Her car rolled several times.
She's still her though. my sister and bestie. She's chomping at the bit to get back to writing, so we're going to give it a try today and see how she does. She's trying to work through a lot of pain and not a lot of painkillers, so we'll see what happens.
But now, the party you've all been waiting for...
The day of the party…
(About two years after the well)
"Heya Herby."
Freddie's voice breaks his concentration as he gathered herbs from Dr. Facilicier's garden. He should have known he couldn't get in and out of here without getting caught. Fucking stupid ghosts.
"Freddie." T greets as he stands up, putting several bundles of herbs into his bag. He wipes his hands on his pants before he turns to her hands in his hoodie pocket.
"Just the badass freak I was looking for." Freddie grins and rubs her hands together mischievously, "Want me ta show your future in the cards, or tell ya how you'll be paying me back."
T grins, "Whatcha need princess?" It wasn't like he didn't owe the girl. She'd covered for him too many times to deny her. Besides, it was just rare one of his friends came out and straight asked him for something.
Freddie squeals in delight, "Just what I wanted to hear." She hooks her arm around T's and starts pulling him away, "You were done pilfering the garden right?" She asks without slowing down.
"Guess I am now."
"Wonderful." Freddie laughs, "Cause I need you to do your thing and keep these miscreant heathens in line tonight."
T's eyes narrow in suspicion. "Wait, what?" He asks in confusion. "Whose ass am I kicking? Is someone bothering you, again?" He asks in concern. Freddie was someone who sought out trouble. Usually when she gave a grim prediction. With no form of backup and very little combat training. He usually kept better tabs on her, but he hadn't had a lot of spare time lately. He felt bad it had gotten so bad she sought him out.
Freddie rolls her eyes, "Only if you count a certain blue princess begging me to throw a party as bothering me." She waves the comment off with her free hand, "But I heard about your amazing exploits at the chip shop, so now I need that kind of energy here." She glares at a place over her shoulder, "My friends on the other side can only do so much to keep people from trashing the school and getting me in trouble with pops."
T pauses at the word party, only to be pulled harder. "Freddie… What are you asking me to do exactly?" He groans. Please, for the love of Hades, let her be joking. Or at least let him be misunderstanding what she's asking for.
"I think in Auradon they're called bouncers," Freddie taps a finger from her free hand against her lips, "but here we'll just call you the hired muscle."
"Okay…" T frowns, "But that specifically, didn't answer me."
Freddie snorts, "Look at you gettin' all better at communicatin'." Her lips form a small heart-shaped pout, "I am so proud of you Herby."
T looks at her, suspicions confirmed, "Freddie…" He sighs, "I'd do a lot for you-"
"Good to hear," Freddy quickly interrupts, "because I can't trust no one else with this task and you really owe me for your last foraging." She chuckles dryly as she shakes her head, "Pops was ready to whoop my ass over that."
T's head drops. Bitch. And Facilier might have been close, but he knew for a fact he didn't beat either of his daughters. Threaten it, sure. But he was probably the closest on the isle to being decent. It's the only reason he didn't mind pilfering from him. All the other OV's would've kicked their kids' asses for that discretion. This was manipulation at its finest. But she definitely had his number. "So, what am I doing exactly?" Because this sounded like it's going to be a fucking mess, and he needed more specifics. "Do I actually have to go into the thick of it?"
"Herby, booboo, I got you," Freddie pats his arm sympathetically, "You don't want to chill with the wickeds, and I get that." She smiles as she presses her hand to her chest, "All I need is for you to keep me from spending hours cleaning the school after the party."
T sighs. That didn't sound too bad. Still though. He should be heading to Malificients to drop off the information that had been so hard-won. It seemed like Shan Yu was just biding his time for the barrier to become weak enough to break through it. It had been super anti-climatic, and disappointing. "I don't think I'm that threatening." He shakes his head. "To keep most these shitiots from messing your shit up while drunk."
"Herby, who you trying to kid here." Freddie snorts, "You got the whole pirate cast ta calm their fucking shit at the chip shop." "Besides, I learned from last time. No drugs or alcohol until an hour before the party ends. People can go trash their own shit."
T lets out a sigh. "Great. So everyone will be stumbling home shit faced."
"If they're stupid enough to indulge," Freddie rolls her eyes, "It's a party, not a peace treaty."
"Whatever, it's on you if Cruella mows someone down though."
She shrugs, unaffected, "I won't be losing any sleep over that."
"Tch." T snorts. "When does this thing start exactly?"
"In an hour, so you can help me an' Cecelia finish setting it up. I wasn't expecting to find you. I just forgot some shit." She thumbs to the bag on her back, "guess it was fate and the help of some spirits I ran into you."
"Fucking ghosts." T grumbles. "How the fuck do you even tolerate so many talking to you? I can barely stand the voices in my head? Let alone multiple." He shakes his head.
"I ain't ever known another way." Freddie shrugs, "Ya can't miss the peace ya ain't never had."
"Huh." T frowns at her. "It really sucks to be you." He continues following her.
"Herby?"
"Sup?"
"You're the best." Freddie tucks her head against his shoulder and blinks up at him.
T can't help his smile, "And you're wicked."
"No. No. I do not want to go. It is not my thing." Carlos shakes his head as he back paces, holding his hands up in front of himself as if he could deflect Jay's advance, "I don't do parties and people… And that stuff."
"No matter how many times you say no," Jay shakes his head as he continues to block Carlos from escaping, "It doesn't change the yes of the matter. Cause you are doing parties and people, even if I have to carry you there kicking and screaming."
Carlos eyes Jay wearily. "You wouldn't dare." He bites out, bristling at the threat.
"Oh really?" Jay snorts before he rushes Carlos, easily overpowering him before he tosses him over his shoulder like a sack of half-rotten potatoes.
"What!? No!" Carlos scrambles for leverage. "Put me the fuck down!" He growls, face red with embarrassment.
"Nope. Consider yourself stolen." Jay chuckles as he turns and starts walking down the street towards the school.
"You can't steal me. I'm a person." Carlos huffs indignantly, as he swings at Jay. "Put me down!"
"You say I can't steal you and yet here we are." Jay teasingly paws at Carlos' hair.
Carlos huffs. "Seriously, Jay! Put me down. This is embarrassing."
"You should have taken those sparring matches more seriously man," Jay chuckles as he hops, jarring Carlos over his shoulder, "I don't know what else to tell ya."
"Ugh. Don't even start with that again. I'm a runner, not a fighter." Carlos sighs, before adding. "But I'll fucking go already. Just please put me down."
"I'll ignore the first part for now because the last of it's just what I wanted to hear." Jay grins as he shoulder checks Carlos roughly to his feet.
"Why the fuck do I even have to go to this stupid thing!" Carlos shoves his hands in his pockets petulantly.
Jay shrugs. "Cause if Mal has to suffer it, we all do."
"That's stupid." Carlos huffs as he shoves his hands in his pocket petulantly.
"You wanna question her?" Jay challenges with a taunting grin.
"No." He lets out a resigned sigh. "I just- I'm working on a project."
"And I'm sure your precious project will still be there tomorrow. No one is dumb enough to rob Cruella at her house." His hand stretched towards his leg before he stops it. He couldn't even see the damn scar anymore, and it certainly wasn't hurting at the thought of the damn fur traps.
"That's not even the point." Carlos shakes his head. "I just don't think this is my scene man." No one ever acted like themselves and he always got left alone in a damn corner like the reject he was.
"Are you gonna complain the whole way there?" Jay asks incredulously.
"I mean, yeah, probably." Carlos nods. "I don't want to go." He sighs as he turns back to the road with a frown. "But I guess I can sneak off and try to get into the restricted part of the library."
"There ya go, look for the wicked side." Jay claps him on the shoulder.
Carlos shrugs. It would at least give him something to occupy the time.
Gil frowns as he looks up at the looming school. The gray building brought back a lot of bad memories of everyone ridiculing him for being an idiot. It was bad enough he was attending a party, but to add this place to the mix? He sighs.
The only good thing about this was they'd get to see Hyades, but he wasn't sure she was even allowed to talk to him, even at a party. That was what really sucked. Maleficent had made it pretty clear it was Hyades' freedom for Evie's and he didn't want to risk the girl's life. He knew T would keep her alive. Knew it like he knew to breathe. But she was such a social creature that she'd only be living a half-life. It wasn't like T was one for compliments.
He looks up when he feels someone bump into his shoulder.
"Come on sweet boy, it's not like we're going to a funeral. Cheer up a bit." Uma smiles up at him.
Gil can't help his smile. Harry really had done a great job at doing her make-up tonight, and he knew how much his family loved parties. "Sorry Uma, just thinking is all."
"Aye, but that ain'nah bein' what parties be ah for now, are they?" Harry winks as he wraps his arm around Gil's shoulder, "And I ain'nah spending hours on the three o' us ta be wastin' me efforts before we even be ah gettin' through the door."
Gil chuckles, "I guess that's true." He smiles, "Sorry guys."
Uma frowns before she pulls her boys into a shadowed recess, "Gil, if you really don't want to be here, I don't want to force you."
Gil shakes his head. "Yer not forcing me Uma." He assures her, feeling bad he'd drawn their concern. "I just, they're overwhelming." He admits as he rubs the back of his neck. He'd never leave either of them unattended at a party. Harry protected them emotionally. Uma protected them mentally, so it was his job to protect them physically. Not that they needed him that much anymore. So this was literally the least he could do. Protect them while they had fun at the party.
Uma pulls him down to her level and wraps her arms around him, "You say the word and we'll ride with the tide sweet boy."
Gil instantly hugs her back. "No way. I can do this." He assures her, there was no way he was going to ruin this for the two of them. They both worked too hard to do that to them when they finally got an opportunity to unwind, "But thank you for always giving me the option."
"Duh mate," Harry affectionately, and gently so he wouldn't disturb his work, gives Gil a nuggie before he pulls out a comb to fix the damage.
Gil chuckles as he lets go of Uma and stands to his full height. He remembered a time Uma was taller than him, but now he almost dwarfed her. When the hell had that happened? And why was he just noticing now? He turns to Harry, noting how much taller his best friend had gotten too. Huh. When had they all gotten so big? "Thank you both." He grins, unable to help the warmth blooming in his chest, and never feeling so loved. He knew how hard it must've been to even offer such a thing. They both lived for howlers. "Let's go do this."
"That be me, lad." Harry punches his shoulder.
Uma chuckles, the tinkling, mirthful sound gives him the extra push to leave the shadows and enter the chaos inside the school.
Carlos glances around the room, squinting against the darkness in distaste as he carefully skirts around the shadows once Jay ran off to chase some tail. He sighs. He fucking hated parties. He hated almost everyone present. The school was his sanctuary and they were ruining it. A scowl pulls at his lips as he waits for a couple of his more rowdy classmates to move past him. Where the hell were the girls? If Mal demanded they come and didn't show up herself he was going to… Do nothing. He sighs. He wasn't going to do a damn thing. It bugged him, but there wasn't much he could do about it. He wasn't the best in a fight, and he wasn't fast, or a good thief. He was just the scrawny brainy kid that Mal had claimed when she had needed his help, one too many times.
He glances at the dark dance floor, noticing the way the space between bodies seemed to shrink with every minute that passed. He shakes his head. He supposed there were worse bosses than Mal; if he was being honest with himself. He'd heard Uma could be completely ruthless to her crew, and it was rumored that Attila was on his fourth second, due to his short temper. Then there was Cora, but she was about as mad as her mother. He pauses, now that he was really putting thought in this, all the people who accrued followers seemed to be the most… Brutal. That made sense, they were basically living the 'Lord of the Flies' lifestyle.
He jumps when he feels a hand clamp down on his shoulder.
"Sup man, it's been a minute. I wasn't expecting to see you here."
"T!" Carlos whispers hoarsely. He looks around the room before he grabs T by the elbow and pulls him into a dark corner, well away from the dance floor and food table, "Dude! Where have you been? Things have been getting weird without you around."
T tilts his head to the side. "What's up?" He asks in concern. "And in Atilla's territory."
"Where to star-" Carlos' eyes widen as his voice drops to barely a whisper, though the tone is shrill, "Atilla's territory?"
T nods, "What's been getting weird?" He drops his hand before putting both in his hoodie pocket.
Carlos holds up a finger, "I uh… Processing…"
"Ah." T nods, "Before you start, it's because I made a deal with Maleficent."
"Processing!" Carlos snaps, though his voice doesn't raise. He stares at T as his mind races. Then a small change jumps out at him. T was wearing a beanie. A very familiar beanie. A beanie that was currently a point of contention between Evie and Jay. A beanie that Evie was working to replace. Why did T have the beanie? Jay swore he hadn't seen T recently. He takes a deep breath, was that really important right now? Or was it just a detail that could get him in trouble with Mal and Jay? "Okay, well that jumped to the first spot on my list."
"Of weird?" T frowns.
"Of weird things happening since you've been gone, yes. That list." Carlos shakes his head, what the fuck was T thinking? "But you know about it, so moving on. Mal's been in a mood since the last time I saw you… But now I think I understand that too-"
"My bad."
"Uh-huh." Carlos blinks, "And D's been avoiding the hang out recently. But she's not at the forge when I've gone to look for her."
"Huh." T frowns. "I don't know shit about that one."
"I know Evie managed to track her down and they did a girl's day or night or whatever, and last night she was at the hangout, but she's not really talking much unless someone talks to her." Carlos shrugs, "It's just, ya know, weird."
T narrows his eyes before he sighs. "Is it though?" He questions suspiciously as he leans against the wall. His eyes scanning the crowd. "That's probably my bad too." He admits with a thoughtful frown. "But on another note, figured how to get past Adelaide." He pushes off the wall, "Come on. I was excited to tell you anyways and," He starts walking in the direction of the library. "this so isn't your scene."
"No kidding. But try telling Jay that," Carlos excitedly pushes off the wall to follow before his shoulders slump in defeat, "but apparently I have to fucking wait for Mal to show up so she can see me here suffering before I can go anywhere."
"Dumb." T frowns as he lets his back hit the wall, "Sounds like Mal. I'd say I'm surprised- but I already know it's E's fault. And yeah."
Carlos plops back against the wall as he scans the crowd, "Shit," He slowly shakes his head, "the twins."
"Yeah, I fucking know." T frowns, glaring at the two in question.
"You!"
Carlos and T both jump before they turn to the stern greeting.
"The hell ya be ah meanin' by dumpin' the first gift ya ever be ah gettin' me in the crow's nest and jumpin' ship?" Harry glares at T as he folds his arms over his chest.
T shrugs, "Sup, to you too Hook." He rolls his eyes. "Leave it to you to be louder than the fucking noise deafening this place."
Carlos frowns as he watches Harry, "So is Gil here too or…"
"Aye," Harry raises a brow at Carlos, "the lad be here lookin' ta be hangin' out with ah fire princess."
"The twins are here." T scowls before gesturing in their direction with the tip of his chin.
"Shit. That must be what were ah botherin'..." Harry shakes his head before he looks back to T, "Be lettin' me have a moment later, aye?"
T looks around the growing crowd with a frown, "Better just to get it outta the way now, I feel like Imma be busy tonight."
Harry shrugs before he steps forward, grabbing T by the shoulder before he locks his lips to T's for a brief moment, "Thanks." He whispers when he pulls back.
Carlos' eye widen in surprise. He knew it! Something was going on between those two. Or that was just something Harry did. He frowns at the realization that it could be either.
T stares at Harry in surprise before his cheeks turn red, "So you liked it?" He finally blinks.
"I be apperciatin' me gift, and it be ah worth the wait ta be ah makin' Uma and Gil so happy." He winks as he takes a step back, "Ya ever be ah wantin' yer hair done again, ya be ah knowin' where ta find me."
T nods.
"Good lad." Harry winks one last time before he turns towards the twins and walks off.
Carlos blinks as his gaze jumps from T still standing at the wall to Harry's receding form and back, "You okay?"
"He's gonna start shit, and Imma have to make an example of him…" T sighs, his eyes following Harry's back.
"Example?" Carlos tilts his head in concern, "What does that mean?"
"Oh. Freddie called in a favor." T explains, "Only reason I'm here. She caught me in the garden. And wanted me to make sure this shit didn't turn into a complete show."
That made more sense. With T missing for the past few weeks, running into him at a party hadn't even crossed his mind.
"Sorry if I worried you," T sighs, "I just figured we'd have plenty of time to chill after I finished the deal and the other bullshit."
Carlos' eyes dart around in nervous concern, "It's cool man. I mean, yeah, I was worried about you, but you always come back, right?"
"It's the goal." T grins at him before his eyes drift back to where the twins were.
"But uh, if you're up to answering questions…" Carlos nonchalantly shrugs as he looks away, "What?"
T's silent for a moment before his eyes brighten in understanding. "Oh. The deal's so I can join your gang, so Hyades can get out."
Carlos blinks as his heart thuds painfully, "So, we're getting you. Which, cool, but losing Deez?"
T shrugs, "You wouldn't lose her. Once this shit blows over, Uma won't care who she visits. Besides, there's always book club… I was a little impulsive that week."
"Oh yeah. Book club." Carlos rubs the back of his neck before he chuckles, "I guess I didn't think about that."
"Weird." T frowns, "You usually think of everything." His eyes back on him as he looks at him in concern. "Are you guys not still meeting?"
"It got hard during the renovations, Gil couldn't make it." Carlos shrugs, "And then when he did start showing back up this week Deez was hiding somewhere."
"Huh." T frowns before his eyes drift back to the twins again. "That's… Huh."
"But dude, you sure you want to join?" Carlos tilts his head to the side, "I mean, Mal and you don't exactly have the best history…"
"Eh." T shrugs, "I kinda like what our relationship has grown into. She's fun."
"You and I have very different definitions of fun." Carlos rolls his eyes.
T chuckles, "Sometimes. But it didn't seem fair to get her out and leave Mal pissed at the rest of you. This way if-" His eyes narrow, "When she blows up, it'll at least be at the right person."
The twins laughing pull their attention back to the situation with Harry. Carlos shutters as the one closest to Harry pulls a knife from his boot.
"Don't move," T grins, "Be back in a minute, duty calls." He darts away.
Carlos narrows his eyes as he watches T leave. Whatever was about to happen, the only thing he was sure of was that he wanted nothing to do with it. He was completely okay with following T's advice and staying put.
Well, that hadn't gone as planned. Maybe he was still riding the high of getting away with kissing T. Maybe he should have been paying better attention to the conversation instead of wanting to touch his lips where he could swear they were still burning. Either way, he'd walked into this, and getting cut was still worth that stolen kiss. He pulls his arms up in front of him, remembering Freddie's warning that anyone brandishing a weapon would get kicked out.
A circle of curious eyes was already starting to form. Great.
"This prick thinks he's so funny." One of the twins scorn.
"Wonder how funny he'll be without his tongue." The one with the blade chuckles.
"Oh, I assure ya I'd still be ah mite funnier than you." Harry chuckles, "But ya really want ta be ah doin' this here mates?"
Several kids 'oooh' from the circle. Their excitement creating tension in the air.
The one with the knife steps closer as his arm shoots out to grab a fistful his shirt and drags him close. "Shut up."
"I be ah guessin' ya do." Harry nods, "Ah man of decision, I can be respectin' that."
"So now ya tryin' ta respect us?" The one behind barks with laughter.
"Heard ya be takin' both ways, but did not expect ya to roll over so quickly." The one holding Harry quips. "Then again, Gilly girl always loved taking it up the-"
Harry's eyes narrow as he pulls his arm back before he's dropped. His brow furrows at his strange turn of luck.
"ASSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" The twin screams, his voice high and shrill like a girl.
The whole room drops into silence as the music cuts. The rest of the party-goers arrive too late to the circle as they jostle into each other, trying to get a peek at the ensuing chaos.
Harry tilts his head to the side at the sight of a knife hilt buried in the screamer's outer thigh before he throws his delayed punch, landing it square on the bigger kid's jaw. He jumps back in surprise when the kid starts falling towards him. "No one ever be ah talkin' bout my mate like that. Ya fuckin' shit. Ya ain'nah nothin'-" He pulls his leg back to kick, but stops when he feels hands roughly grab him.
"Harry, stop." Gil's breathes in his ear. "That's enough." He pulls Harry behind him and faces his older twin brothers with Harry firmly held behind his back.
"You heard him!" T kicks the twin still up to his stomach from behind, keeping his face hidden in his hood as he steps onto the first twin's back.
"Look here, you fucking idiots! If any of you even think about pulling something stupid like this bullshit, I. Will. Fucking. Drop. You. And fucking pick up after yourselves, you damn pigs!" He kneels down and pulls his blade from the other boy's thigh without warning.
"FFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!"
"Okay, what the hell happened here!" Freddie shows up, clearly having pushed her way through. "You got it?" She asks, looking relieved when she sees T.
T nods.
Freddie narrows her eyes as she watches the twins, "Gil!" She snaps her fingers.
"What?" Gil turns to look at the shorter girl.
"Who's the bleeder?"
"Junior." He frowns.
"Okay, Junior, looks like you're out of the party."
"HE! Just fucking stabbed, ME. He should be kicked out.
"He's my security so the fucking school doesn't get fucking ruined by idiots too stupid to zip it up and enjoy the atmosphere. You wanna measure dick sizes, do it in a broom closet. If you're gonna fight about it, get the fuck out or take it up with Herby here. Your choice."
Harry's brow furrows as he watches T shift in discomfort.
"That's fucking bull-" Junior's head knocks against the floor as T steps on it.
"I said out." Freddie snaps, "If you're the one bleeding, you obviously did something stupid."
"So go bleed outside before you ruin the fucking floor." T snaps. "That understood Third? Keep your dog on a tighter leash in public."
Third nods slowly before he pushes himself off the floor.
"He do anything?" Freddie asks.
"No."
"Then he can stay." Freddie shrugs, "What did Junior do?"
"Pull a knife…"
"GET THE FUCK OUT!" Freddie screams, "I don't have many rules you assholes, but the first is no drawing weapons on each other.
"Whatever." Junior pulls himself to his feet, after T steps down from his back, "This is some bull shit. Wait till the next time we run into you."
"That eager to embarrass yourself?" T quips, watching as Junior limps away from the circle before he follows.
Harry lets out a sigh of relief before his head falls to Gil's shoulder, "Thanks mate." He was surprised he wasn't getting tossed out himself, he'd definitely lost it when he heard Junior talking about what they used to do to Gil. He grabs his chest, pressing against the white-hot anger he could still feel radiating from his heart.
"No problem." Gil rubs Harry's upper arm coaxingly.
"Ya did'nah ba ah hearin' that?" Harry lightly asks as he pulls his head up, his eyes still hard with anger.
"Yeah, but then T stabbed him." Gil can't help the satisfied grin. "I think we're even."
"Not. Even. Close." Harry tenses his jaw as his hand grips Gil's wrist.
"QUE the music." Freddie claps. The music kicks back on before she skips away happily through the gap Junior had created.
The circle starts to dissipate, disappointed the show was over.
Gil looks down when he feels a trembling hand against his shoulder, tugging him. "I need to talk two you shit starters," T grumbles, "The rest of you, fucking scatter." He snaps at the crowd.
The remaining kids jump before racing off in different directions, some of them bumping into each other comically to getaway.
"Private conversation?" Harry asks stiffly as his grip ib Gil's wrist tightens.
"Is there any other kind?" T frowns, as he starts guiding them into an empty classroom, and shuts the door. Only to turn and lean against it.
Harry releases Gil's arm and turns away, nearly shaking in his rage, "That fuckin' bastard."
"Harry," Gil states softly, as he puts a hand on Harry's shoulder in concern, "It's okay."
The touch was all he really needed. He turns so fast Gil jumps, but before he can say anything Harry presses him back against the wall, pinning him with a passionate kiss. "It's not," He scowls, his lips brushing against Gil's before he leans back, "the fact he can be ah brinin' up ah painful past like that be ah makin' him ah monster. He ain'nah havin' ah right. You ain'nah got nothin' ta be ashamed of."
Gil's eyes soften before they drop, only to meet return to Harry's gaze once more. He leans forward and places a gentle kiss on Harry's lips before he pulls away. "I'm not. I'm not mad. I'm not ashamed. I'm not even hurt. I'm kinda happy. How could I not be?" He presses his lips to Harry's again. "With you having my back?" He whispers against his lips.
Harry nods as a smile slowly turns his lips. Leave it to Gil to take the heat and sting of his anger away. If Gil was comfortable enough to kiss him back. outside of their territory, who was he to say the lad was ashamed. He claps his hand around the back of Gil's neck and touches their foreheads together, "Don'nah ya ever be ah forgettin' it neither."
"Never." Gil grins at him happily. "Promise." He brings his hand up to squeeze Harry's arm.
"Sorry, I know ya don'nah be ah likin' attention outside our turf." Harry clears his throat as the last of the sick anger drains away, "But thanks for ah ridin' that out."
"We're in a room with family," Gil admits sheepishly, "How could I possibly say no after how mad you got on my behalf. Love you too, man." he responds with a genuine smile.
Harry draws in a deep breath and lets it out slowly, "Proud o' ya for not lettin' that whale shit get ta ya." He squeezes Gil's shoulder before he drops his hand and backs up to give Gil some breathing room.
"Nothing ya can do about the past but let it go and move on." Gil shrugs, "You and Uma showed me that."
If only he could practice what he taught. Harry chuckles and nods before he turns to find T staring at them. Well fuck. He was not expecting that. "T?"
"Huh?" T shakes his head. "What?"
"You okay?" Harry furrows his brow, "You did'nah be ah looking to happy out there, center of attention an all."
T shifts in discomfort. "I wasn't thinking. I kinda just wanted to shut him up."
"Aye, me too. Ya just be ah havin' the Voodoo princess' sayin' ta do so."
"She's probably gonna be pissed I actually stabbed someone." He turns to Gil, "Sorry 'bout that. I already had the dagger in my hand and then was kinda out of it 'till Freddie called me out..."
"It was actually kinda nice to see him fall," Gil admits with a grin.
"It be kind o' nice ta be ah hearin' him scream in pain." Harry scowls. What did T mean he was out of it?
"That didn't hurt." Gil chuckles as he reaches over and lets his hand drop on T's head affectionately, and ruffles his hood. "I'm not mad promise."
T sighs in relief. "Thanks."
Harry tilts his head to the side, "Ya been ah seein' Uma? I kind o' be surprised she were'nah there ta be ah slappin' us."
"She was with Anthony Tremaine-" T's eyes narrow curiously as he watches them, "Kissing."
"Sounds like our girl be ah prowlin' for her own attention tonight." Harry chuckles.
"I think Imma go check on her." Gil nods before he walks to the door.
"Can you also stop and apologize to Carlos for me?" T pushes off the door, "I feel like he might still be where I asked him to not move. He's in the corner closest to the library." T frowns in concern. "I'mma chill in here a bit." He plops on top of the teacher's desk.
"Sure man, no problem." Gil furrows his brow as he studies T.
"Thanks man,'" T sighs in relief.
Harry catches Gil's eye and gently shakes his head, smiling when Gil nods and leaves the room. He frowns as he turns back to T, "Ya be ah lookin' like ya be ah havin' big thoughts going' on. Want ta be ah talkin' 'bout 'em?"
T turns to Harry and studies him for a short moment. "I was just trying to figure out what kiss… uh," He narrows his eyes in thought, "means I guess…" He shrugs.
Harry blinks. He was caught up on kissing? He'd been expecting to have a talk about what went on between Gil and his older brothers. He was pretty sure that was what made T have the blank out moment, hearing that sorry whaleshit excuse of a fucker said about Gil. But was it the fact he'd kissed T? And then T had seen him kiss Gil, and be kissed by Gil? He furrows his brow. T could be pretty dense sometimes.
"I mean you don't have too…" T drops his head. "But Carlos mentioned something at book club and I've been trying to figure it out. Me and him were playing this game to break our response to snapping, and one of the first questions he asked was if I liked Evie, and I was like, 'duh' who fucking doesn't. But then he tried to explain to me it was a different type of like, and used Gil and D as an example but honestly I can't tell the difference between the four of you so I thought it was just a family thing till I saw Uma kissing Tremaine and then I was like huh, and then you kissed me, and I was like huh, again."
"Ahh." Harry nods as he walks over to sit in the desk next to T, "Ya be ah havin' trouble with relationships."
"I guess," T frowns. "Or at least figuring out for the first time I've never really understood how they worked." He moves his hand to run his fingers through his hair, knocking down his hood before he drops it at the touch of the beanie.
"Well, let's see. We'll start with you and the pup. You two seem to be friendly, ya be ah havin' a lot in common like, and ya be enjoyin' yer time together. When I ask you if you like Carlos…" He gestures for T to start.
"Well yeah."
"But as a friend? Like ya be ah trustin' him, would go ta help him, stuff like that."
T nods. "I like all of you like that."
"Okay. That's how I be ah feelin' about Jay, for comparison." Harry smiles, "Good so far."
T nods again. "Pretty sure." He agrees.
"But ya be ah havin' trouble when ya be ah lookin' at the way Me, Uma, Gil, and Deez be actin' with each other?" Harry prompts.
T picks up his hand and wavers it. "Yes, kinda. Like it's normal for you four. But it confuses me when..." He narrows his eyes in thought, "You break the circle."
"What ya be ah meanin' by that?" Harry's brow furrows.
T shrugs, "Like the four of you are family, so when you go do that with other people I don't get it."
"Like ya be ah thinkin' it be okay for me ta be kissing Gil and Deez and Uma, but it was not normal for me ta be ah kissing you?"
"Well, normal," T shrugs, "For you. Not the other two."
"I-" Harry chuckles as he narrows his eyes, "I think ya be ah callin' me ah slut T."
"I dunno what that means, but if your tone is any indication, then yes?"
"Someone who is attracted to a lot of people and kisses a lot of people and gives attention to a lot of people."
"So you, E and Deez are sluts and I'm like two-thirds of one?"
"Who the hell Deez be ah kissin'?" Harry asks before the rest of T's statement sinks in. What the hell was two-thirds of a slut?
"C and E sometimes Jay, though he runs from it…Freddie, Dizzy, Cecelia, pain, panic and me."
Harry scowls, "She do be ah' affectionate little slip." But he couldn't see her actually kissing- "Wait, what kind of kissing?"
T throws up his hands in exasperation.
"Like on the lips, on the cheek, on the forehead."
"It's fucking random."
"Deez kisses on the lips?"
T goes silent for nearly a minute looking thoughtful. "Oh, no she doesn't, I was thinkin' about her with you three. Oh, me once, but I initiated that one."
"You-" Harry closes his eyes as he tries to picture T initiated anything, but fails fantastically, "Ya be sayin' ya be the one doin' the kissin' on Deez?"
T shrugs, "Yeah."
"And it be on the lips?"
"Yeah?" T's eyes sweep over him in confusion.
"Uh-huh…" Harry tilts his head to the side, "And how she be ah takin' that?"
"I dunno," T shrugs, "She passed out pretty quickly."
Harry blinks, "She be ah passin' out?" He asks in concern. What kind of a kiss could knock a girl on her ass like that?
"Well, yeah… I mean it I got it from you, so thanks."
"Ya be ah gettin'-" Harry holds up a finger, "This kiss would'nah be ah takin' place the night ya be ah spiritin' our fire princess to the ship in the dark o' night?"
T nods, "Well, I know it tastes bad and you got good results, so…." He shrugs, "I stole it."
Ah. The sleep brew. Not a real kiss. Just something T had seen him do to help distract Gil and Uma from the taste. Somehow though, the thought of T copying him made him feel better, "While I be happy ta be ah hearing you found me technique useful, I think I be gettin' us a bit off track-"
"My fault." T waving it away dismissively.
"So, ya be wantin' ta be understandin' the difference between liking someone, and liking someone enough ta be ah kissin'?"
"Yeah, maybe, I think so..."
Harry slowly nods as he plays with his lips, "Well, kissin' it be somethin' that can be makin' ya feel real good."
T narrows his eyes. "Huh." He frowns.
"And it can be ah helpful when ya don't be ah havin' the words." He continues, but that still wasn't answering T's question, "Kissin' can be meanin' a lot o' different things. Maybe that be where ya be feelin' ah mite lost?"
"Definitely." T nods.
"So," Harry perks up with a sudden idea, "why don'nah ya be askin' me about specific kissin' then?"
"Huh." T frowns, "Well the three of you. You all seem to enjoy it, but like a minute ago…" He shrugs, "I thought you were going to punch Gil, and then I don't know what happened."
"Ah." Harry nods, "I were very, very pissed off at fuckin' Junior. Like, I were so angry I could taste the heat in me mouth and everything was dark around Junior type o' pissed."
"Same." T sighs in relief.
Harry nods again, "And Gil be ah pullin' me back ah bit, but I-" He sighs. The memories of him and Uma saving Gil from his older brothers, his older brothers and not his dad, were dark. He'd finally accepted Uma's offer to become her second, and he was starting to finally feel like he belonged with her. Like the three of them belonged together. Really and truly. And then to realize that his sweet boy was being hurt like that. It was one thing when an ov did it, but another vk? His own fucking brothers? "It hurts, ta be reminded o' ah time when we didn't know everything we be ah knowin' now. So yeah, Gil did be ah keepin' me from puttin' me boot through Junior's teeth. And Gil knows exactly what I was thinkin', I be ah sure o' that. But that kiss, the one I be ah givin' Gil…" He sighs, "It were all the things I didn't know how ta be sayin'. It were I love you, you're better than that. Thank you. Neptune, I hope it don'nah be givin' ya the night terrors later. Don't let him dim your light for one single gods damned breath. Things I be ah needin' him ta be knowing, but I was still so angry I couldn't be formin' words."
T studies him for a moment before he looks away. "Huh. I get not having words for shit…" He tilts his head to the side. "That's why I always bring you guys stuff… But I guess it makes sense that yours would be kissing."
Harry chuckles, "Is that what ya be ah sayin' when ya be droppin' things off. Ya must be lovin' Gil ah whole lot."
"I've known him the longest and honestly," T shrugs. "And he's easier to find stuff for. Mal is too. Also, Deez, E, and C too. "
"But not for me, Jay or Uma?"
"It's harder to figure out shit you guys like. Jay steals everything. Uma spends too much time working for me to figure out more than maps. And though I hid gold all over the ship for you, I don't think you've found the map yet. Well-"
Harry's eyebrow lifts, "It were you leavin' those gold coins around then? And here I be ah thinkin' me da be ah forgettin' his stash." He lets out a bitter chuckle, "But what's this about ya be ah hidin' ah map?"
"Well, the coins lead to the map. You didn't think it was weird that they were all in spots you frequent and you didn't notice them sooner? And yes. I figured it would give you something fun to do if you ever got stuck on the ship long enough."
And there was the problem. Lately, time on the ship was just a luxury he wasn't getting, "Now that the shop be finished I be lookin' forward to findin' that map."
"Good luck now that you've plundered the coins."
"For ah hint I'll be explainin' what Uma be doin' with Anthony." Harry winks as he leans back on the desk.
T purses his lips to the side. "It's taped to something."
"Aye…" Harry rolls his eyes, "It be ah taped ta somethin'. Great." He lets himself fall completely to the desk.
"What?" T leans forward over him in confusion.
"So Uma be ah kissin' Anthony ah cause she be ah likin' the power she be feelin' from it. The thrill of fishin' for ah new fuck. She ain'nah kissin' that boy the way she be ah kissin' them she truly cares for."
T blinks. "Oh." He leans back. "Huh." He tilts his head to the side for a moment. Heard." He nods. "Evie does that too without the fucking part."
"Want me ta be ah tellin' ya about the kiss Gil be ah payin' me back?"
"Aye."
Harry opens one eye to stare at T expectantly.
"Doesn't that mean yes… If it doesn't-"
"It do be ah meanin' yes," Harry interrupts impatiently. He really wanted to know where the damn treasure map was. How long had T left him a gift he knew nothing about? "I be ah waitin' for me next hint."
T narrows his eyes before he shrugs. "It's on the bottom of something." He grins, clearly amused.
"So ah map ta treasure be taped to the bottom of something?"
"Yeah." T grins, "I thought you'd like the challenge… Besides, it's you so I couldn't help myself."
He knew T loved to torment him. He'd always known, but now T had actually said it. He sighs as he sits back up. It was special attention from T, he'd fucking take it. "So Gil's kiss then. He was promisin' me. It was slow, soft, sweet. He be ah givin' me a gentle peck ta be helpin' calm me down, and then he be tellin' me how he felt, and then kissin' ta show he really were bein' okay."
T's silent for several tics of the clock. "So, you like Gil, Deez, and Uma, the way Carlos asked me if I liked Evie? Because it was a bit confusing when he used Gil and Deez as an example… Also, it's not in the hold. I'm not a monster."
"Aye, ya ain'nah bein' ah monster." Harry chuckles, "And I think that were bein' what the pup be ah meanin' because Gil and Deez do be ah likin' each other, I just don'nah be ah knowin' if Deez be figurin' out the difference yet either."
T's silent for a moment before he lets out a sigh of relief. "So, not getting this type of shit is normal?"
"I be ah thinkin' so," Harry nods, "definitely here on the isle though. And most don'nah be as open ah trustin' with anyone else as we are, and I think that can be ah makin' things difficult."
"Heard." T frowns, "Thanks, for like taking the time to explain this shit to me during a howler."
"O' course." Harry winks before he sombers slightly, "So, ya be ah wantin' ta know what me kiss to ya be ah meanin'?"
T looks away, "It's not in the crow's nest."
"It be ah meanin' I be ah likin' ya." Harry admits as a slow blush colors his cheeks, "And thanks for thinkin' o' me and gettin' me things I be likin'."
"No problem." He falls silent.
Harry waits several long, agonizing moments, watching T struggle to find words, but he couldn't take it anymore, "Ya did'nah like me ah kissin' ya then…"
T frowns as he turns back to Harry, "It was just unexpected. I usually don't mind… But there were a fuck ton of people around-"
With a grin at T's word choice, Harry leans forward and presses their lips together. This time he was slower, he let their lips linger together before T leans into the kiss.
With a smile he presses a little closer and wraps one hand around the back of T's neck to tilt his head back slightly. He tilts his head slightly to the side and presses slightly harder into the kiss.
"Huh…" T murmurs against Harry's lips.
"Huh like in ah good way or huh like in ah bad way?" Harry questions without moving away.
"Surprisingly good?"
"Oh good, I would'nah be wantin' ta be ah kissin' ya if ya did'nah be ah likin' it." Harry chuckles as he leans back, though he doesn't move away from T.
"Thanks for caring."
"It be more important ta me that ya know." Harry smiles as he brings one hand up to cup T's jawline, "Ya know, if ya ever be ah wantin' ta be practicin' kissin', I'd be more than happy ta be offerin' these lips again. We barely be scratching the surface."
T looks away even as he slightly leans into the touch for a moment. "Good to know."
"So you'll be ah keepin' in mind then?" Harry asks with a sly grin.
"I do like being the best at stuff."
"I be ah makin' ah good teacher then," Harry winks as he rubs his thumb along T's chin before he drops his hand, "I be ah havin' loads o practice."
"I know." T grins. "You're a slut, but I dunno, I'd never ask Jay this shit, and he's one too." He pulls back.
Harry giggles, "Jay be ah bigger slut than me. He don'nah be havin' ah group ta be lovin' him and givin' him attention when fish ain'nah bitin' so he be gettin' real good at it."
T tilts his head to the side before he nods. "Mal's group is definitely different than yours. I think Mal would punch Jay if he tried to kiss her."
"Aye, if he were lucky it be only ah punch." Harry chuckles, absently rubbing at his ribs.
"True." T scoots off the desk. "Really man, appreciate ya taking the time to explain this shit, and to offer lessons." He grins, turning to head out the door. "But I'm sure your itchin' to actually enjoy the howler, and I need to make sure no one breaks anything..." He throws an arm up over his shoulder, before disappearing out the door.
"Sure thing." Harry shrugs as he watches T walk out of the room. It didn't seem T was there yet with the understanding, so telling him this was the best part of the Howler was probably too much. He lays back on the desk with a thud, smiling like an idiot.
T said kissing him was surprisingly good, and even looked like he was considering the practice. Honestly, this was one of the best howlers he'd ever been to.
So, did we deliver?
We know we don't show a lot of Freddie, but we do want you guys to know that off-screen, her and Deez and T have working relationships with her. Deez has definitely written plenty of letters on Freddies' behalf as well as Cecelia's (We did add her in last minute but since we rarely touched on Freddie, we hoped you guys wouldn't mind ;) ) and as you could see, T's been stealing herbs from Falicier's garden for years.
Freddie does hang out with Cora's gang (though has never joined), and CJ more but it's hard to showcase so many characters.
But how do you like our interpretation of her? Was it a spot hit? Or do you wish we had something different with her? If so what and we will happily accommodate.
Were you surprised T went with her so willingly? Or that he actually agreed to be the parties bouncer?
How about how Jay got Carlos to the party? It made us lol while writing it the first time and it's probably one of the few handfuls of scenes we've actually kept. It was too fluffy to resist.
And what about the Sea Three? Wasn't it adorable? Uma and Harry are so excited, but they legitimately would have returned home without a single complaint if that's what Gil really wanted. That's love right there. This whole party is kinda like a game of spot the introverts.
What about the scene between C and T? Cute af right? "Processing" was our favorite part of it.
Did the part between Harry and the Twins make you flinch? It was really hard to write. We know we usually don't do VK on VK violence but T/Faustina is really volatile right now and those comments were hitting a little too close for home for either to be okay with it being shouted to the public so loudly. Any guesses to which one actually stabbed him? T seemed a little disoriented but that could've just been the fact he hadn't thought about the number of eyes on him. What's your guess?
And Harry? Talk about livid. But seriously, how dare the twins, or at least Junior bring up the past like that so nonchalantly.
And our poor sweet boy. Were any of you expecting him to be so laid back about it? I wasn't while we discussed it but once we were writing I realized because of everything he's done with Uma and Harry, he's the first one to realize that what happened to him as a child wasn't his fault. And after his earlier realization about how they'd all gotten so much bigger and older, it wasn't the fear it had once been. Besides, it did help that T utterly humiliated him in front of the entire school. Junior can't take pain for shit, he's never experienced it to that level before. But on to the question, how did reading the whole interaction make you feel? Were you shocked by that reveal? Were you hurt that the twins would be so cavalier about doing that to their younger brother?
The conversation between Gil and Harry was kind of intense right? And kissing Gil was certainly the last thing T expected Harry to do. But what about you guys? Par for the course with our sweet boy and pretty boy? Was it adorable or what.
And T's staring... Even as his writer even I sometimes cringe when I write him doing shit like that.
And what about the scene at the end? Was anyone shocked by the direction it took? That T, after years of seemingly not caring about such things, has taken a sudden turn to want to understand? Or does it make sense after the month he had?
Looking at you Devin, and other Tarry lovers. We know that the conversation at forger's cove left T a little confused. Do you think that this helped clear things up a bit? Are you surprised that T kissed him back? That he consented to it? Was Harry the right character to do the introspection from? (We thought so. T's head is all over the map right now) Did it go better than any of you anticipated?
And what did you think about Harry's offer to help T practice with it, and T's response? T does seem to enjoy being the best he can be at everything, do any of you think he'll ever take Harry up on the offer?
The back and forth game they played, hints for answers was probably one of my favorite scenes between the two. T's a very tit for tat sorta person and it just made me squee when Dark came up with the idea without even telling me, I just rolled with it. What did you guys think of it?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
If you have any questions, thoughts, or comments,
Please feel free to leave them in the box below!
We're super excited to hear feedback from these party scenes!
With move love and appreciation,
-Dark and Twisted.
