I wiggled out of Ghetsis' grip nervously and kept as quiet as possible. If I was really honest with myself though I knew he was right, and I didn't want him taking advantage of that. Instead I played brave, shrugging this assumption off like rain running down a coat. The man continued to sit next to me in silence waiting for a response. I couldn't see while I tried to focus my eyes on the screen, but I could still feel his stare digging through me like knives.
He sighed quietly to himself in a defeated tone, "As much as I continue to pester you, you simply won't break..."
My forehead began to pound from the endless stare I was giving the television. Leaning my head down I let out a huff of air that released a small part of my soul into the air. This poor man was simply exhausted from trying so much to get into my head, and I was just about close to breaking he just didn't know it yet. I wondered why I even thought to give him a chance, knowing the full capabilities of his nature. A migraine began to develop from the thoughts flying through my mind, I had to put them to an end once and for all but I just couldn't.
"Get used to it I guess" I finally confirmed after a long break of hesitation.
Gazing downwards I saw his fists ball up, "It frustrates me, it is undeniably the most irritating thing since I've gotten here."
"You know I get that it's annoying, but I figured you of all people would be used to this. Not everything is going to go your way" I explained even though my tone of voice deceived my words.
The man bit his lip as if pinning in anger, "You don't even believe what you're saying."
"Of course I do" I lied again subconsciously realizing I was terrible at lying.
As if that pushed him to the edge he viciously grabbed me by the arms and forced me to stare into his eyes. His grip was strong and began to tense on my arms feeling as if they were about to snap off. I gulped down a sudden fear as his glare pierced me, Ghetsis was not ready to accept no for an answer. It was clear that I wasn't exactly honest to myself either, but I still wasn't going to accept it. Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes but didn't fall, I couldn't let myself cry over something so trivial.
His voice remained quiet but was sharp and demanding, "Look into my eyes and tell me then, tell me that you believe exactly what you said!"
Something inside of me snapped like a fragile twig, "I don't!"
Almost as if the words were magic he let go his eyes telling of a twisted confusion, as if he expected me to lie. An instant regret filled me up inside and I couldn't stop myself from crying, the tears burned through my skin intensely. Blinded by wet tears and the mind of not wanting to see Ghetsis' satisfied face, I dropped my head down in submissive defeat. My body in a natural defense curled inwards to hide my stomach and face, I needed to hide. What seemed like hours had passed with no such reply from Ghetsis, only the sound of my own sobbing could be heard.
"That's awfully curious how you deny so much and stay stubborn, but somehow are easily broken by not hours of work and manipulation but instead a few words..." The man muttered as if he was talking to himself.
Sparks heated up in my heart and I lifted once more, "What do you want from me?"
Rubbing away acidic tears from my face I gazed up at him with hopeless wide eyes, as if expecting something good out of him. I expected from him a smirk or a sign of enjoyment, but instead he seemed lost and baffled. Perhaps he had never actually truly succeeded in bringing someone to their knees, I was terrified of what he was thinking. Every moment passing with a sinister silence plucked away at me, I simply didn't know if I had the heart to wait for his cruel voice to return.
"Stop with the silent treatment! I can't take it, I can't take it anymore! You're killing me you always have so much to say please just say something ANYTHING! Beat me down with a stick I don't care just make it stop..." I hissed underneath my breath in agony.
He blinked awkwardly as if the words stung, "I"m not certain if I was correct with what I was thinking."
"What?" I let one word escape my mouth despite all I wanted to say.
"I-I apologize..." Ghetsis cringed trying to sound sincere.
"Why, I don't understand?" I asked completely astonished by his apology.
Avoiding my pathetic gaze he replied, "I thought I could manipulate you into becoming a partial service to me, I thought that was what I needed to do. However watching you snap underneath the pressure, seeing you bend to my will isn't as satisfying as I assumed it would be. Instead it makes me ill to my stomach, even a tad bit suicidal. This is such a foreign emotion to me and I can't say that I desire to feel that again..."
I cocked my head at him, "You feel... Empathy?"
"Empathy? I know the definition but don't actually understand that word" Ghetsis' face scrunched at the thought of the word 'empathy'.
My eyes lit up like fireworks and I smirked sinfully, "You actually care, I didn't think that was even possible!"
"Okay, don't get too excited..." The man sighed in an annoyed way.
I grinned ear to ear in an odd mix of emotions, I was absolutely amazed but completely terrified that this was his first time feeling empathetic. He gazed down at me in an awkward way as if he just did something embarrassing, but I didn't care I latched onto his side laughing at his misfortune. The sudden impact to him made him flinch, it was obvious he was in a state of defense and confusion. The pathetic expression on his face was absolutely priceless and I giggled loud enough to wake someone up.
"What in the world are you doing?" He gasped glaring down at me.
"Hugging you, what does it look like?" I chuckled sarcastically, "You gave me Hell for this entire time and now it's your turn!"
Ghetsis let out a small smirk but hid it well behind cold eyes, "It's only amusing when I do it, when you do it, it's strange and uncomfortable."
I rolled my eyes and stretched out over his lap like a cat, "Whatever, I'm tired of trying."
"Now what are you doing?" He questioned letting a chuckle slip out.
"I'm lying down I'm tired, and you're on the rest of the couch" I confirmed with my eyes closed.
Ghetsis shifted awkwardly, "You never lie across me EVER, you always pin yourself to the opposite side of the couch of move if you have to. That is extremely out of character."
"Well since we're doing things out of character does it really matter? Besides do you want to move, because I can easily just leave and go to bed" I explained with blatant sarcasm.
"I don't- but- doesn't that- no..." The man stumbled over his speech.
******
The sound of loud screeches sprang me awake, I leaped awake my face hitting the floor. A smack of pain jabbed through my face as I cringed from the impact to the hardwood. With my eyes shut tightly I slid my hands in front of me to lift myself upwards. As I pushed myself up I opened my eyes to Vicki standing directly above me.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" She screeched at me from above.
In a sleepy daze I ruffled my hair, "What?"
"What are you doing, downstairs, under the covers, WITH GHETSIS?" Vicki hissed louder this time and my body snapped awake.
Ghetsis must have been a heavy sleeper, he only just now was beginning to wake up and I gazed from the floor up at him. He seemed completely exhausted or just not at all ready to be awake, the sudden memories hit me, he must not have moved at all last night. Taking a rough grasp on my arm Vicki tore me out from under my blanket and across the floor. I squealed in resistance as the cold floor chilled the rest of my body, I was so comfortable.
"WOULD YOU TWO SHUT UP SOME OF US ARE TRYING TO SLEEP!" Giovanni roared from upstairs, his voice echoing through the halls.
Ghetsis stirred throwing his arms behind his head, "What time is it?"
"What time is it? Time for you to stop sleeping with my best friend!" Vicki proceeded to lecture us in a booming voice.
My eyes flung wide open, "No Vicki it's not what yo-"
"DON'T MAKE ME COME DOWN THERE!" Giovanni screeched once more as a final warning.
Ghetsis smirked maliciously, "It's exactly what you think Vicki."
"NO IT'S NOT!" I hissed my face turning red from annoyance and embarrassment.
Like a spark to a flame Vicki leaped at Ghetsis with the full fury of a mountain lion. The man laughed hysterically at her, but she was in no mood for his usual taunts. Ripping and tearing at him, Ghetsis held her back like a kitten trying to attack a bear. Even with how vicious Vicki could be, she was no match for the taller and stronger Ghetsis.
"Calm down, I was simply getting a rise out of you" The green haired male teased her.
With a frame full of rage she screamed, "I hate you!"
"THAT'S IT I'M COMING DOWN THERE!" Giovanni snapped with the last of his patience.
Vicki stormed off fuming with anger, attempting to chase after her I leaped but was caught by a tight grip on my left arm. Being yanked back I yelped like a dog on leash and gazed back to see Ghetsis holding my arm firmly. Around the staircase I hear Giovanni stomping down with meaningful strides, this was not going to end well. I whimpered and attempted to run away like a terrified rabbit, but Ghetsis continued to keep his hold on me not allowing me to avoid the sleeping giant that was Giovanni's personal army of anger.
"I don't want to die today!" I squealed struggling to get away, "Giovanni is going to kill me!"
Ghetsis held both of my shoulders firmly and glared at me, "Stop it, you're being irrational you're not going to die. You cannot go chasing after Vicki and as much as I enjoy watching people suffer I'm going to give you the advice to wait until she cools down."
Sure enough after a few seconds Giovanni stared us down like prey and I could feel myself melting with fear. The black haired male stopped dead in front of me and I sank a few inches, but he didn't kill me. He simply sighed in a puff of rage holding his fists at his sides.
"Are you done now?" He said simply in what I hoped to be a calm voice.
I squealed like a mouse, "Yes..."
"Good..." He declared while returning to his bedroom.
As he was leaving I sighed in a deep relief that he didn't kick my ass from one town to another. Ghetsis began to walk away as well but turned to face me with a large grin on his mug as if to say "I told you so."
*****
The night was cool as I stepped downstairs once more, it's become more friendly to me since the night I shared with Ghetsis. It's been a few weeks that I would just come back down and play some video games, watch T.V., and then fall asleep. Some of those nights Ghetsis would come to join me as well and oddly enough I didn't seem to fear him as much as I had before. Instead I came to understand him more and be able to feel safer in his presence, but as all things must be I could never know if it was genuine or not.
Vicki still hasn't fully forgiven me despite all of the apologies I gave, I knew she was just looking out for me and I respected that. I glanced down the dark staircase while dragging a queen sized purple blanket. Taking steps into the shadows I held my breath always having that subconscious fear that something were going to hurt me. I've always disliked the darkness of night, but it's been getting easier to cope with.
Turning a sharp corner I was surprised to see Maxie up late in the night working on the television. His eyes were bagged and tired, and he was still fully clothed. The overall sickly appearance in his body made me feel worry for him and I quietly stalked over to his side not wanting to disturb his work. As if he knew I was already there the entire time he gave me a short stare and a quick nod.
Curled in my blanket I sat down next to him, "What are you doing up this late?"
Maxie adjusted his glasses slightly and sighed, "Finding things to do, this television is slightly off its alignment."
"At 2am in the morning?" I questioned not believing his claim.
He shot me a sharp glance as if he wanted me to shut up, "What do you care?"
"That's a little nasty of you, I didn't do anything to you" I muttered defensively.
"No I guess you haven't done anything all that terrible to me in particular" The man spoke leaving his work for a moment, "I am extremely annoyed with the lack of attention I suppose. I'm also not sleeping too well, I'm exhausted but can't keep this annoying mind from thinking like clockwork."
"Oh boy do I hear you!" I huffed sharing a moment of sympathy understanding how he felt.
He sat back against the wall stretching out his legs. Maxie's stare told of one of a thousand thoughts, I assumed a heavy depression. Lending a hand to him I helped him up onto the couch where it was more comfortable. Leaning back he ruffled his red hair and let out sigh of long awaited comfort, it was like you needed to make sure he took care of himself or he wouldn't stop. Glancing back at me he stared curiously as if thinking about a billion things he could say.
"Did you ever realize that you're far more selfless than anyone here?" Maxie claimed while stroking his chin.
"What's that supposed to mean? I owe everyone here more than I can give" I denied the idea of it.
The red head shook his head slowly, "No, I do believe truly that you're the most empathetic out of everyone here. Despite me behaving rude towards you, you proceeded to help me up and give me your full attention."
"That's what friends do!" I sang with a weak smile.
"How curious that you'd consider us friends after everything" He chuckled to himself while gazing at the ground sadly.
I tilted my head at him in a worried way, "Seriously what's up, you're acting funny?"
"I'm still not used to this situation, being an underling as opposed to an important leader infuriates me" He answered, "Vicki can't stand my guts as much as I've attempted to get her attention, I hate Archie, and everyone else is an imbecile... I mean... Well maybe not you but..."
"It's okay I get it, listen go get some rest you're exhausted. Just try." I pushed him slightly in a caring voice.
Maxie nodded, "I suppose I could try... At least someone is willing to listen to my complaints, my apologies though for such burdens though."
"It seriously isn't a big deal, sleep well huh?" I smiled sweetly to him.
With an awkwardness to his stride he plodded off quietly, his stare meaningful but as usual an expression that bared blank. I always wondered why he was so reserved, I guess he just needed a push. Maxie certainly was not enjoying the life of a common person, but perhaps it would be good for him to learn. Maybe not being so high and mighty was actually giving some of them a reality check, like there was always someone caring and thoughtful inside that just needed to be helped out of that shell.
With a long yawn I sprawled out onto the black couch once again, my eyes were beginning to grow heavy but I forced myself awake. In the distance I saw the figure of Ghetsis, I wasn't too sure what he was doing but I was too tired to wonder or ask. Before I could slip into a soft and deep slumber I was awoken suddenly by the shifting weight of the couch. My eyes fluttered open and I saw Ghetsis hovering over me at my side.
I yawned deeply almost closing my eyes again, "Oh hi, what's up?"
"I don't particularly enjoy the way you two were conversing" Ghetsis answered with a sour tone.
Rubbing my eyes I sat up, "Huh, what do you mean?"
"He's very observational and intelligent with you it makes me sick" He scowled squinting off into the distance.
"Observational and intelligent?" I burst out of my tiredness and into laughter, "That's how Maxie is you weirdo! What would you care anyway, he's just lonely?"
Crossing his arms he stared down at me coldly, "He's usually an asshole with everyone else!"
I chuckled quietly, "What are you jealous that he doesn't give you special treatment your majesty?"
Ghetsis fumed like a fussy child, "No, no, no, no! Shut up! That's stupid!"
"Okay I'm sorry your majesty, would you like me to kiss it better?" I giggled sarcastically prodding at him once more.
A few seconds passed after my statement to be a shit disturber but I realized that it could have easily turned on me. Ghetsis realized it too and his hilarious display of anger turned into another one of his creepy smirks. Pulling the blanket over my head I whined at my stupidity in that moment.
He laughed evilly, " I do believe you owe me something peasant."
"No! I was kidding!" I squealed, "Go to bed!"
I could hear his booming laughter, "Then be careful next time you little brat!"
******
"What are you doing Archie?" I asked in the morning as I was making some morning tea.
His head darted up at the sound of his name, "Oh I'm preparing a fish tank!"
At the corner of the kitchen was a long black cabinet that I had only seen for a few days, it never had anything on it until now. Archie moved a large tank onto it and was filling it with blue colored rocks, his face displayed an expression of childish enjoyment. The muscular male wore a plain black T-shirt and jeans which seemed oddly regular for him, perhaps it was one of his regular days. He never seemed to be the kind of person that was easy to predict, so every weird quirk we noticed about him by now we just let it slide.
On the back of the tank was an adorable background of a pirate ship sunken in what seemed to be a deep coral reef, it seemed fitting to his personality. I observed while letting the kettle boil, he seemed so into it as if it were his joy and life. At least some of them were coping better than others. Colress walked in next him with his laptop in hands, a smile spread wide across his face. The two seemed to be working together, perhaps some sort of collaboration?
"Colress too, well, well, well, what do we have here?" I questioned with piqued interest.
Colress grinned ear to ear while pointing to his laptop, "When Archie mentioned something about owning an aquarium I began to do some research and I'm excited to be starting a salt water aquarium with him!"
"I'm so excited! Can we get a shark?" Archie yipped while throwing out the plastic back where the rocks were.
I chuckled, "Maybe but it'd have to be something smaller."
Vicki walked in as well still half-asleep, she widened her tired eyes at the tank. With an interested smile she approached the tank in her soft pajamas. The boiling of water stopped me for a moment and I went over to pour it into the two cups I prepared for Ghetsis and I, by now I've gotten him accustomed to it as if it was a daily routine. Vicki glanced over an raised an eyebrow.
"What's the extra cup for?" She asked me curiously.
"Oh, well Ghetsis and I kind of have tea in the mornings now. I guess he likes it, I don't know." I answered with an awkward grin.
She sighed in digusts while rolling her eyes, "Of course it is..."
"Do you want some too I can make some more?" I mumbled trying not to disappoint her again.
Her mouth moved slightly as she squinted, "Yes, I do..."
"LYSANDRE WANTS SOME TOO!" I heard a scream from upstairs that had to of been Lysandre.
"Okay so Lysandre too..." I giggled pouring some more water into the kettle.
I sat down placing a cup on Ghetsis' usual spot, he only just now began to wander over in an exhausted daze. With a small smile I greeted him and then returned my gaze back to Colress and Archie who had now been organizing the tank. They really did seem to make a great pair, Colress being the brains and Archie the man power they worked together excellently, and unlike Maxie Colress actually enjoyed Archie's company at times. Observing from my seat I sipped my tea lightly and saw Vicki slip in beside them to watch the organization of the tank.
For the first time in forever Archie and Vicki were actually getting along, it was something I really didn't want to ruin so I kept my trap shut. The scent and warmth of my tea however drawn me to it and I left them alone to take in the soothing liquid. Closing my eyes I focused on the chatter and laughter between what I had now considered my good friends, this was peace.
"Britney, come here and help me pick out some ideas for fish!" Archie demanded in a pleasant tone, his voice breaking my peace.
His smile was always so bright, it did indeed make me feel inclined to help. Leaving my tea for a few moments I shuffled over to lean over Colress' screen. A lot of beautiful and colorful fish were on the website displayed, it seemed difficult to make a decision. The page seemed to overwhelm me but the immediate notice of a moray eel took my attention. With sparkling eyes I clicked over the to the page link, the snubbed mouth and elongated spotted body amused me.
"Wow you can actually get a moray eel! Get one of those!" I squealed with excitement.
Colress rubbed his chin in thought, "Ah, that is definitely a good one! I like that too but aren't they predatory?"
"BUT THEY'RE COOL!" I yelled with my arms flailing.
Colress lifted his hand up, "But-"
"Oh just do whatever the cutie says, it looks great!" Archie interrupted him laying a hand on my shoulder.
Colress' face went white from the word he used, at first I didn't clue in but then I realized that Ghetsis was a jealous person even over things that weren't his. I glanced over at him to check and sure enough I could see a spark of rage in his devilish red eyes. Inside my head I cringed wondering exactly why I had let this go on, but what did I really want to do? Within in a moment the green haired male got up and headed towards us, but rather than reacting with words he aggressively pulled me back towards him. In just a mere moment the room was silent of words.
******
END CHAPTER
Authors Note: AND FOR YOU, I GIVE YOU A REALLY LONG CHAPTER. I spent quite awhile on a nice long chapter, for everyone. Although this one is a little odd in a lot of cases so I hope you aren't mad at me. I'm also trying to push some more focus onto Maxie, Archie, and Vicki as they haven't been too focused on in the last few chapters so they deserve a little limelight. N however is never really important, not because I don't like him, but because he's really overshadowed and it's done like that purposely. I want N to be the Meg of this story, because poor N is hated by the villains. It's okay though, he gets Vicki's attention while poor Maxie is ignored.