Love & Hate
Selene stares at a small red strand of thread in her hands. Again and again, she ties it and unties it. As she does so, her eyes are dull, and seemingly lifeless. She finally glances away from her thread to the hospital room she was assigned. Tiredly, she sighs, and drops the thread.
It's been three weeks since she had asked Yusei to kill her, and he hadn't. Three weeks since she destroyed a once bustling section of New Domino City. By now she's grown tired of being locked away in a hospital room, which is good because she was discharged in the morning. Selene isn't afraid of those who hate her, or those who don't understand. She isn't afraid of being hunted down for what she's done. Though, she is afraid somewhat, and guilt-ridden.
She had awoken a few days after her uncontrolled attack. The first thing she did was forbid any visitors. She wouldn't even allow Martha near her room. Even after all they've done for her; she can't bear to be near them. The thought of what they might ask her has Selene panicked. After all, what more can she do; she's already reached her limit.
Selene pushes away from the hospital cot. She picks up an old, small satchel and slings it over her shoulder. She slips out the door, leaving the red thread behind, because it isn't hers anymore. With silent footsteps, Selene hopes her exit won't be disrupted. However, she hopes, but hopes in vain. As she reaches the point where she has to choose between going directly to the reception, and taking a detour, she's caught.
"Selene," Yusei says, surprised to see her.
Cautiously, she glances over her shoulder. Nervous, she keeps her eyes hidden, and hopes that he's distracted by someone. Inside, her heart wrenches painfully, but she forces herself to remain composed. Or rather, to stay looking composed. She sighs quietly, realising that he has no intention of leaving. Quickly, Selene walks over to him. Each steps echoes in her head with a thump, thump, thump that's impossible to ignore. Then, finally, she's standing in front of him, staring at the floor nervously.
"They wouldn't let me see you, are you okay?" he asks.
"… You didn't kill me," Selene replies, dully. "You really should have ended it there. You could have stopped it for everyone."
"It's not that bad," Yusei tells her, encouragingly. "Besides, if I did kill you, everyone would be upset… You're not still worried about hurting us, are you?"
"You want to believe I can rise above this; that I can find the control I want to have…" she chokes back some stray tears. "Please stop it, I don't deserve this. I'm not like Akiza, I've went beyond anything that's saveable. Just give up on me, I'm not worth it."
Yusei takes her hand, so she doesn't run away. "You want to be better, and that makes you worth saving,"
Selene turns to look at him, ready to reply, but she stops. Her eyes widen when she realises how close they both are. Blushing, she looks back at the floor, and tries to calm her racing heart. Though, she can't block out the incessant burning in her hand where he's touching her. She forces a smile, but doesn't look at him.
"I have to go now and let them know the room is empty," she says, and starts walking away, but she stops and turns. "Thank you, Yusei, for believing in me. I think I know myself better since we met."
Before he can reply, she walks away again. This time, she doesn't stop, or turn around. The guilt from that is clear on her face, as tears rise in her eyes. Nonetheless, she keeps walking away from him. She keeps pushing away that feeling in her heart.
"I think I can hear you, though it's hard," Selene murmurs, staring at the crisp blue sky. "I suppose you can hear me well though, considering where you are. I mean, Heaven has to have an all-round signal for you to hear us…."
Selene stares at her trembling hands. She can barely get the words out. She looks back up at the sky, noting how it matches Yusei's eyes. Unable to stop herself, she laughs quietly.
"Mum, dad, I know it's been a while since I last spoke to you. I've done a lot of bad things since then. I hurt a lot of people, and I almost killed one. He was driving along the road, and, I did something, but he's alive. They managed to revive him," she suddenly grins widely. "Mum, I proved you wrong. Falling in love takes no time at all, and that's what makes it perfect. I don't deserve to be where I am right now, but I'm happy. I found my little bit of perfection, and I'm going to make sure I never forget it.*"
Selene nods to the sky and hops down from the pile of cardboard boxes. She picks up a stuffed brown toy from the alleyway ground and pulls it close as she leaves. Those she passes may mistake her for being happy, but they're wrong. Something in the back of Selene's mind stays swathed in an impenetrable darkness. Not only that, but again, she fails to register Sayer's displeased expression as he glowers down at her.
Though, she has her own problems to deal with, and plenty of them. As she makes her way through the crowds, she can practically feel them following her, and she's right. Around the corner, a police car turns a corner. The officers inside are scanning the area for her. They don't look like the type who are willing to compromise, or show mercy. Their little black eyes dart from person to person, intent on finding Selene, but they're too late. Selene has already disappeared amongst the inhabitants of the city she almost destroyed.
The door to Martha's house almost comes off its hinges. Trudge storms in and through to the living room, where an unhappy Martha awaits. He glances at each of them before cursing himself.
"Yusei, you were the last to see Selene, right?" Trudge asks, sounding slightly desperate.
"Why? Is there something wrong?" Yusei frowns.
Trudge growls. "They're still angry about the car crash, and the damage to the city's really done it. They're hunting her down, and I don't think it's going to go well for her… Do you have any idea where she might be?"
Author's Note: Sorry to cut you off people, but it's very early right now. I could kick myself whenever I see the time on my lappie, but, I don't actually feel like physically kicking myself. Besides, I have a friend coming round today, and if I'm lolling about, then I blame you! No, joke. It's a joke people. I'm sorry for making this late again! Yikes! What's wrong with me? I'm always keeping you waiting! Well, I hope you guys stick around for chapter 25. The next chapter is the last… Aw, but I'm glad I could entertain you.
Thank you for reading this chapter and I hope you enjoyed it!
*Selene's foster parents died when she lost control of her abilities. Incidentally, it was the first time she used them too.
ilikechocolate: Hello! I'm glad you enjoyed my last chapter. You were glad to read some YuseixSelene? I'm happy because I'm not very good with writing about couples, ergo, the setting and such. I'm a chapter in advance, but I really want to thank you for reading my story, and reviewing. Merci, Kansahamnida, xiè xie ni, and arigatou!