A/N Hello again everyone! Once again, thanks to everyone reading this :)
So, this chapter is interesting... Dreams, flashbacks and general interaction between the Killjoys. Plenty of Party Poison, plenty of Fun Ghoul, and a fair amount from Rave too. Not much Saint Jimmy, but considering what's coming, I think you'll be glad for the break...
The title of this chapter is, once again from Danger Days, from the gorgeous S/C/A/R/E/C/R/O/W
Still don't own the Killjoys/Saint Jimmy or the world they're living in.
Chapter 5 - I'll Keep You Safe Tonight
It took a while for him to gain full sense of the situation, and when he did, he wished he could go back. He didn't want to know what was happening, but then, an awfully familiar voice, right in his ear. "Hey, Cherry Top, wakey wakey, you're missing all the fun." Party Poison groaned, yes, it was every bit as bad as he thought it was. Tied (strapped? Chained?) to a wall, arms stretched out, crucified. Saint Jimmy in his fucking ear. Slowly feeling everything, wishing he couldn't hear anything, refusing to open his eyes so he would see nothing. Saint Jimmy laughed, and Party Poison cringed as he kissed the spot just beside Party Poison's ear. "Now he's finally with us, what do you suggest, baby?"
"Oh, I don't know…" Party Poison's eyes snapped open as he heard Rave's voice. She was sitting on a box, chin resting on her hand as she surveyed him, an evil grin, an evil glint in the eyes. "What ever you have in mind, it's sure to be fun." Now staring directly at Party Poison, "For you, at least, Jimmy." And Saint Jimmy was so close to him, and laughing "No fucking shit. Too much fun to be had with this one." Saint Jimmy's hand on his cheek, gentle. Then commanding, as he forced Party Poison towards him. A kiss he struggled against, could do nothing about. Another laugh from Saint Jimmy. "So much more fun when you're awake, Cherry Top. Everything's too fucking easy when you're unconscious." Oh God, what'd he mean by that? What'd happened? What'd Saint Jimmy done? "Don't worry, Cherry Top, I saved all the good stuff for when you were with us." Then, turning his body slightly, addressing behind him, "Isn't that right, boys?" And finally Party Poison took in the rest of the room. And the rest of the Killjoys. All standing there, perfectly free, all of them watching him (except Jet Star, he had his back turned), none of them helping, none of them stopping Saint Jimmy. He couldn't decide which was worst. Jet Star, ignoring the situation. Kobra Kid (his brother, his own fucking brother!) standing there, watching, not doing a fucking thing. Or Rave, who was clearly encouraging Saint Jimmy. All awful, all heartbreaking, soul tearing, but the worst hadn't been revealed yet. As Saint Jimmy turned back, grinning, "I think it's time to get to the good stuff, huh, Cherry Top?" His hand on Party Poison, sliding down, Party Poison closed his eyes, a silent plea to those present (please, don't watch, if you're not going to help me, if you're not going to stop him, please, just don't watch!). And then, "Hey!" Eyes snapping open again, Party Poison couldn't believe he'd overlooked Fun Ghoul. Stalking towards them, glaring at Saint Jimmy. Party Poison couldn't think of a time he'd felt more grateful
to his friend. Finally, someone was- "I thought you said I got a turn?" It turned sour in a second. This wasn't a rescue it was… Party Poison felt sick. No, this was the worst. Jet was going to pretend it wasn't happening, and Kid was going to see, and Rave was going to be offering encouragement, but it was Ghoul who… "Come on, pretend you don't fucking want it." Hair snatched up by a familiar hand, a friends hand. "Gentle with him, Ghoul." Rave giggled. "Gotta leave something for Jimmy." A grin, nasty grin as he turned his attention back to Party Poison.
Somehow he managed to wake up without screaming. Took him a few seconds to realise where he was. Safe, not
chained, not…
He had to get the fuck out of the room. Pulling on jeans and t-shirt, he was out in the corridor and headed towards the main doors. He needed to get outside, needed that false feeling of freedom (what about the Dracs? What about…? Fuck it. He'd deal with them if he had to) Stopped by a familiar voice that nearly scared him half to death. "Hey, Poison." Sitting just in the doorway, exactly where Party Poison should've expected him to be, Fun Ghoul was smiling up at him. Just his normal, friendly smile, don't fucking see what's not there, Party Poison had to tell himself, before the wave of panic crashed over him. But Fun Ghoul must've seen a trace of it anyway. "You alright?" He asked, smile dissolving, concern taking it's place. Party Poison nodded. "Liar." Fun Ghoul accused. Party Poison certainly didn't look alright. Pale, a look of anxiety he was desperately trying to hide, and just why the fuck couldn't Party Poison look his way? A hand pushed back through his hair, Party Poison sighed, then sat down beside Fun Ghoul. Still not looking at him. "Can I ask you something?"
"Since when do you have questions?" Truth was, of course, Party Poison tried not to have questions, but, "All the fucking time." Another sigh. And, finally, the question he didn't want to ask, but needed an answer to. "If… If I was" faint, disbelieving laugh "I can't believe I'm asking this… If I was in trouble… You would… Help me, right?" And oh God, now the question was out there, and Party Poison had never felt so fucking stupid, so fucking scared and he could feel Fun Ghoul looking at him. And yes, Fun Ghoul was staring, and he was watching, closer than he had been, and he noticed how Party Poison was shaking, actually shaking, despite the heat of the night, a light sweat on his face also clearly nothing to do with heat. Party Poison was scared, terrified of something. None of this, however, stopped Fun Ghoul from hitting him. Not hard, but more than enough to get the point across. Caught so off guard, Party Poison nearly ended up sprawled on the floor, only just catching himself in time. "Are you fucking kidding me?" Fun Ghoul demanded. Party Poison winced, not just because of the light pain in his jaw, hand going to it instinctively, he shook his head, dismissively. "I know! I know! I'm sorry! I don't-"
"This has got something to do with Saint Jimmy, hasn't it?" Party Poison nodded. "Yeah, but, sorry Ghoul, ignore me, I-"
"Gonna tell me what prompted your stupid question?" A sideways glance at Fun Ghoul. Oh great, now he was gonna sound like a whiney kid scared of his own dreams. "It's nothing. Just a, just a dream, nothing."
"So what did I have to do with it?" The question of Saint Jimmy was not needed. Somehow, Party Poison found himself answering, "You were…" if not completely "There. Everyone was, you, Jet, Kid, Rave. And…"
"None of us were helping you." Statement, Fun Ghoul knew that was the only explanation. Party Poison was back to simple nodding. And Fun Ghoul knew better than to ask him any more. As much as Party Poison tried to force himself to say something he was too damn worried, sure the words that would find their way out of his mouth would be: NO, NO ONE WAS HELPING ME. BUT IT WAS YOU THAT SCARED ME THE FUCKING MOST. YOU WEREN'T JUST WATCHING. YOU WERE JOINING IN. YOU STOPPED SAINT JIMMY BUT ONLY SO YOU COULD HAVE YOUR TURN WITH ME. AND I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU WERE GOING TO FUCKING DO TO ME BUT I'M TERRIFIED YOU WERE GOING TO-
He couldn't even think that last bit. And there was no fucking way he was going to tell Fun Ghoul any of that. Finally, trusting himself enough, "I'm sorry…" Fun Ghoul nodded. "Yeah, look, Poison. Stop doubting everyone."
"I don't-" Fun Ghoul interrupted his protest. "What, or rather, who did we have to have a conversation about earlier? And now you're asking me if I'd help you or not? And I'm fucking sure that you'd have asked anyone you'd stumbled across the same question. You'd have asked Kid the same thing, and he's your fucking brother. Now tell me that's not fucked up?" Not a word from Party Poison, exactly the answer Fun Ghoul was expecting. "Right. Now I don't know what it is about Saint Jimmy that's got you all messed up and doubting us-""Yes you do." Party Poison said, quietly. Looking at him carefully, Fun Ghoul tried to get everything that Party Poison meant by that. Part of it was because of Rave, part of it was probably something to do with whatever had happened with Saint Jimmy earlier, still knew that wasn't everything. "Maybe. But, Poison, we're your… Family. You risk your life damn near every day for us. And we do the same thing for you. And now, I don't know if this is lack of sleep making me say this, but it's fucking true so I'm gonna tell you anyway. We all fucking love you, Gee." Party Poison couldn't completely hold back the smile. "No real names." He said, simply. Fun Ghoul punched him on the arm for that one. Party Poison laughed, and God that felt nice, finally, he felt relaxed. He'd known all that stuff Fun Ghoul had told him, but… "Anyway, thanks. I guess, sometimes… I kinda forget." It was then that he realised Fun Ghoul was leant slightly against him, eyes closed. He laughed, "And you are fucking beat, Ghoul. Go get some sleep, I'll take over for the rest of the night." Lifting himself up ever so slightly, only to fall back against Party Poison again, never once opening his eyes, Fun Ghoul managed, "You sure?"
"Yes. I'm sure." Party Poison told him, nudging him up slightly. "You're falling all over me. Go." With a little effort, Fun Ghoul got himself to his feet and heading toward the many rooms.
He made one stop first though. Third door down on the left, the room in which Rave was still asleep, the door was open from when Party Poison had hurried outside. Fun Ghoul stepped in, looked over to the bed, Rave seemed fine, still asleep, still not noticing that Party Poison had left. (Although perhaps the way she'd curled in on herself spoke otherwise?) Fun Ghoul almost felt bad, he knew how Rave would worry, would miss Party Poison when she woke up. Not that she was anywhere near as bad as she had been in the early days. Just as he went to back out of the room, Rave turned, eyes slowly opening, eventually focusing on him. She smiled as she sat up slightly. "Hey Ghoul. Where's Poison?" He was a little amazed that the question hadn't bypassed the greeting entirely. Fun Ghoul smiled back as he walked further in, sitting on the bed, beside Rave. "I wussed out." Fun Ghoul told her. "Can't stay awake much longer, Poison's taking over for me." Well, it was true. "Oh." He didn't think he missed the hint of disappointment. "Ok."
"You can always go and join him, sure he'd appreciate the company." Fun Ghoul offered, before noticing Rave's eyes closing slightly. Then he laughed, "Then again, he could probably do without someone else falling asleep on him." Eyes open again, a quizzical look. "You fell asleep on him? Actually… On him?"
"Pretty much." Fun Ghoul admitted. And Rave grinned. "Who knew you had such a snugly side?" Another laugh. "Anyway. Better go find someplace to crash." As Fun Ghoul got up, Rave watched him, biting her lip slightly from indecision. "You could… Always…" She eventually managed. Fun Ghoul grinned, "Now, Miss Rave, what are you suggesting?" Rave rolled her eyes and told him, "Just wanna take advantage of your snugly side while it's here." No comment from Fun Ghoul, just looking at her very sceptically. Eventually, Rave gave in, "Alright. And… I don't exactly feel… Safe. Alone." she admitted, half hoping he wouldn't get what she meant. "Saint Jimmy's fucking with everyone, isn't he?" Of course he did though. Rave looked away, so she didn't see Fun Ghoul sit back down. "Sure, I'll spend the night with you." Heard him though, and she looked up again, and smiled.
She watched, almost absently, as Fun Ghoul shrugged off his jacket, along with gun and holster, placed on the floor beside the bed. Ever cautious. As a Killjoy you have to be. Kicked off his boots. Couldn't help thinking how it had been only hours ago she'd watched Party Poison go through the same routine. Hands going to his belt. Pausing. Looking at Rave. The question in his eyes before it was on his lips, "You don't…"
"Ghoul." A slight smile. "How many times have we shared a bed?" That was a good enough answer it appeared. Though it was then that Rave looked away, eyes dropping to the bedcovers. Not because she was embarrassed, but because again she'd been thinking about Party Poison.
She sat on the edge of the bed, watching him. He was doing this on purpose now, she was sure of it. "Poison. Just get over here." He looked up, and smiled. Then he was on her, pushing her down onto the bed. A small curtain of red hair brushing against her cheek as Poison kissed her. Hands pushing and finding ways in and under clothes. Rave's hand finding trouble with his belt. "Poison, I-" He sat up, undoing it for her, unbuttoning, unzipping, back down almost immediately. She found her way in nicely then, and-
Those thoughts just weren't appropriate when one of her closest friends was about to get in bed with her.
Rave shuffled over to the other side of the bed, letting Fun Ghoul get in and comfortable, turning on his side, he smiled slightly at her. "What's the matter? Not good enough for you anymore?" Moving closer again, "shut up, sexy." Fun Ghoul laughed as Rave snuggled up close to him. "Knew it was always me you wanted."
"Mmhmm." Rave said in agreement. "Only with Poison for the power." Added, "And, of course, the sex." Another laugh, "You don't know, I could be better."
"Not now, Poison wore me out."
"This is really not an appropriate conversation for us to be having." Fun Ghoul pointed out, trying to be serious. "It's three in the fucking morning, what conversation is appropriate?" Rave challenged. "Good point." He agreed, putting his arm around her. "Sleep, I think." A nod from Rave. A short stretch of silence. "I hope Poison's ok."
"You always do, and he always is." Fun Ghoul said, kissing her lightly on her forehead.
It was kinda like old times. Back in the first couple of years when Rave had joined them. She'd still been so scared back then, so vulnerable, especially without Party Poison.
"Rave, I promise, it'll only be one night. You won't even miss me." Party Poison assured her. "Won't miss you? Poison, I-"
"Rave. Please. It's been a month since I last took a night watch, it's starting to take a toll on the guys, they can't keep covering for me. Sooner or later one of them is gonna burn out or something. I can't let that happen."
Eventually Rave had had to give in. Out of the two rooms in the place that were available, Rave was allowed one to herself, the three remaining Killjoys putting up with sharing (not like they weren't used to it).
None of them knew who heard it first. They all seemed to wake at the same time, not that it was loud, just persistent. "I guess we should've seen this coming." Jet Star commented. Kobra Kid nodded, falling back on his makeshift bed and simply pulling his covers up over his head. Fun Ghoul didn't reply, stayed sat up, staring at the doorway, in the direction of the soft sound of crying. "We all know how attached she is to Poison." Jet Star continued. "We knew this was gonna be hard for her." Without an answer still, "Not that I'm saying Poison took the decision lightly. Or that he shouldn't have done it. We all- Ghoul. Are you even hearing me?" Finally, throwing his covers off, Fun Ghoul got up, heading to the door. "I'm gonna make sure she's ok."
Standing just inside the doorway, Fun Ghoul looked in, saw the bundle of sheets and pillows that made up the bed, Rave caught up somewhere in between. Hesitantly, "Rave?" No answer, but he could still hear her. He came in closer. "Rave, I… Came to see… If you're ok?" God it was a stupid question. Of course she wasn't. Her back to him, she was curled up tight. It was almost scary to see how much she was shaking. Tentatively, Fun Ghoul reached out, lightly touching her shoulder. Rave jumped so violently Fun Ghoul stepped back, though not too far, hands held out in a calming gesture. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, Rave. I just…" She was sat up, staring at him now. Eyes red and sore looking, cheeks wet, Rave blinked, trying too blink back more tears it seemed. Not quite managing it. Fun Ghoul couldn't think what else to say to her, if there was anything else he could say. "I came by to check on you." And, finally, Rave replied. "I woke you up, didn't I?" With a small smile, Fun Ghoul nodded, "Yeah, but it's ok." He assured. Rave bowed her head, fresh wave of tears, held back. Just. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake anyone. I just…""Missing Poison?" Fun Ghoul supplied, helpfully. Rave nodded. "He's only just outside, you know?" Fun Ghoul told her, gently, crouching down beside the mattress. "You can always go out and see him if you need to." again, Rave nodded. "I know but… I'd just get in the way." Fun Ghoul grinned, "More likely you'd be a distraction." He told her. "We'd be busy fighting off a load of Dracs and you and Poison would be busy making out." Eyes widening, and cheeks turning red, Rave looked away, shyly. "What? Think no one saw the two of you in the car yesterday?" If at all possible, Rave looked even more embarrassed. "Hey, don't worry. I happen to think you're really good for him." Looking up again, frowning. But Fun Ghoul shook his head, now was not to time to be getting into this. "So, what're the chances of you getting some sleep, huh?" Rave shrugged, then shook her head. "I'm sorry. I'll keep quiet, I promise. But I can't… Not without…" She felt so stupid, realising (but already knowing) how dependant she'd become on Party Poison. Fun Ghoul nodded, he'd kinda expected that. Then, "Well… I'm not Poison, that's for sure. But… Maybe you'd accept a poor substitute?" Rave just stared at him, trying to figure out what he was offering. "I'll stay the night with you, if you want." He clarified. "Why?" Rave asked, suspiciously. "What do you-?"
"Nothing!" Fun Ghoul interrupted, slightly surprised by what she'd thought he'd been suggesting. "Nothing. Just… To help you feel a little safer." Still frowning, Rave looked him up and down. Taking in his limited clothing of t-shirt and shorts. Fun Ghoul noticed. "I can go and put more clothes on if it'll-""No." Rave cut in. "No. That's… Ok." Somehow, she was finding herself trusting him easily. Probably down to how she'd watched Party Poison around him. He trusted Fun Ghoul, so why wouldn't that be good enough for Rave? She was slowly learning to trust all the Killjoys. She pushed back the covers, allowing him to get in. He wasn't exactly surprised that Rave stayed right on the other side to start with. Then, tentatively, she moved closer. Not wanting to scare her off, but still wanting to let her know he didn't mind, Fun Ghoul put an arm around her. She moved in close then. "I hope Poison's ok." She said. "He always is." Fun Ghoul assured her. He was only a little surprised to find she'd fallen asleep within only a few seconds after that.
Of course, eventually, when the sun finally came up, Party Poison came back inside. Hoping to get a few hours sleep before they moved on. He stopped at the first room, seeing Jet Star asleep in the 'bed' nearest the door, a bundle of sheets he could only identify as having Kobra Kid underneath because of one arm being exposed. A third spot, with covers thrown back, marking out the space that had been Fun Ghoul's. Relieved that this meant he wouldn't have to pick someone to wake up, but wondering why he hadn't seen Fun Ghoul already, Party Poison none the less headed to the next room, he needed to check on Rave.
He wasn't expecting what he walked in on. Immediately aware that there was more than one person in the bed, Party Poison had to admit he was a little slow on the uptake, it began to sink in though. And he realised it was Fun Ghoul he was seeing, asleep, in bed with Rave curled up close to him. Before too many wild thoughts could race through his mind, Fun Ghoul opened his eyes, clearly having sensed someone else in the room. Only half awake, he smiled slightly when he saw Party Poison, "Hey, Poison, is it morning already?" Keeping himself calm, Poison said, "Ghoul. Tell me this isn't what it looks like." Frowning slightly, Fun Ghoul then glanced beside him, to Rave. He rolled his eyes and sat up. "Poison. This isn't what it looks like."
"Good, because it looks like my friend waited until I was gone for the night to-""Poison!" Fun Ghoul snapped. "I told you. That's not what this is." Party Poison waited. Impatiently. "Look, Poison, she…" He decided not to hold back on him. "She was crying, Poison. Really badly. She woke us all up. So I came by to check on her." A slight pause. "She was missing you, Poison. She couldn't sleep she was missing you so much. I just offered to stay with her until you got back." Party Poison continued staring at him, but perhaps he was listening, taking this in. Finally, with a sigh, "I really thought she'd be ok." Glancing at Rave, back to Fun Ghoul as he got up. Trying not to react to seeing the (lack of) clothing he was wearing. "I'm sorry… I just wasn't expecting-" Fun Ghoul shook his head. "I know it looked suspicious." Raising an eyebrow, "Ya think? But… Thanks Ghoul, for looking after her."
"Don't worry about it." Party Poison nodded. Then Fun Ghoul grinned at him, "Now, I'm sure she'd rather wake up to find you next to her."
It seemed like forever ago. Since Rave had gotten stronger, in every sense of the word, she'd stopped asking to have Fun Ghoul with her, and since the first time it hadn't seemed right for him to offer anyway. Fun Ghoul was right, Saint Jimmy was fucking with everyone.
He just kinda hoped Saint Jimmy didn't have any plans for him.
(but he'd never admit he was worried).
"Should've known it wouldn't take long for you to make your move again." Fun Ghoul opened his eyes to see Party Poison standing over him, arms folded, a smirk in place. Fun Ghoul laughed, softly, closing his eyes again and stretching. "Yeah, well, you know, not my fault if you can't satisfy the lady." Party Poison hit him for that one, and Fun Ghoul made a half hearted attempt to hit back. Finally sitting up, "Anyway, guess if you're back, means it's time for me to take over?" Party Poison shook his head, "Kicked Kid outta bed already."
"Then what the hell are you doing waking me up?" Fun Ghoul asked, as if he didn't know. "Well, apparently, reclaiming my girlfriend for one thing." A small, smiling silence. The words 'girlfriend' and 'boyfriend' were hardly ever used. Then, a little more seriously, "It's been a while, Ghoul." Fun Ghoul nodded. "One guess why."
"Saint." It wasn't even a question. "Uh huh."
"Fuck. I saw him… Wandering around." Party Poison admitted. "What the fuck? Doesn't he sleep?" Fun Ghoul asked. Sure, they all took it in turns to stay up all night, but that was because they had to. "Are you ok?" Party Poison nodded, "Yeah. He didn't come anywhere near me. Guess he's decided not to-" He stopped himself then, glancing at Fun Ghoul, who was watching him, waiting for him to continue. Party Poison shook his head, and didn't. Eventually, Fun Ghoul gave up, starting to re-dress. "Might as well go join Kid, sure it'll help soothe the pain of being kicked out of bed if he's got someone to share the experience with." Party Poison laughed, "Oh yeah, one big 'we hate Poison' party, huh?" Grinning, Fun Ghoul replied as he stood up, "Exactly." Looking a little concerned now, Party Poison said, "Don't you think it might be a good idea if you got a little more sleep, Ghoul?" Fun Ghoul raised an eyebrow at him, "Says the man waking me up and forcing me out of bed."
"Forcing you out of my bed." Party Poison corrected. "Seriously, Ghoul. Find someplace to crash. You've had, what? Fours hours? Tops?" Fun Ghoul shrugged, "I feel fine now. And anyway, you say Saint Jimmy's wandering around?" Party Poison nodded. "Well, it may have slipped your attention, Poison, but Saint Jimmy's not exactly Kid's favourite person.""Is he anyone's?" Fun Ghoul stopped himself from pointing out Rave, that wasn't going to help. Any of them. "I'd just rather avoid blood before breakfast, that's all." Party Poison nodded. "My brother would kick his ass, you know?" He added, proudly. "Always kicks yours, doesn't he?"
"Fuck you, Ghoul." Pausing at the door, Fun Ghoul looked back, grinning, "Right back at ya, bitch."
Rave opened her eyes, and smiled when the first thing she saw was Party Poison, eyes perfectly closed, his hair covering half his face. She leant forward slightly, and kissed him, lightly, on the lips. A perfect, small smile as he slowly opened his eyes. The smile broadened as Party Poison pushed back the hair from his face. "One of these days I'm gonna wake up and Ghoul won't have mysteriously transformed into you." Rave said, quietly. "Not if I can help it." Party Poison told her, leaning in to kiss her again. "We should really get up." Rave didn't argue, though she wanted to, and anyway, Party Poison was already up and getting dressed again. "Something wrong, Poison?" She asked, sitting up. Party Poison shook his head, "No, but come on, the guys'll be awake now." Rave grinned, yeah, that sounded about right. Another kiss, "I'll tell them you're on your way."
