Hiya Descendants!
A day late, I know, but we're getting better!
Much love for all of you out there still putting up with us for this story. When we don't get to write these scenes and the characters run around in my inner universe like a tv show I can't turn off. And if you think Harry is loud and distracting on paper...
Anyway, we hope you enjoy this next chapter. This chapter took me by surprise when we wrote it because Deez completely loses it. Please take a moment at the end to read Twisted's corner and leave a comment letting us know what you think. It would mean so much to me.
Lots of Love Descendants Fam!
-Dark-
She closes her eyes as another wave rocks the ship, her hand slamming into the wall near their door to keep herself steady.
Sea Gods!
She'd gotten over this!
She'd been able to walk on the ship without the burn in her throat.
She'd found her damn sea legs already!
For fucks sake, the ship was anchored.
Not that it made that much of a difference with the waves slamming into them.
She takes a deep breath and glares up at the still raining sky, but before she can even take her hand off the wall the ship shifts under her feet again.
At least it was impossible to see in this storm.
The last thing she wanted to do was scare Uma.
Again.
"Deez…" Gil pulls her close and curls around her protectively.
He was worried.
And uncertain
She could hear it in his hesitation.
"I'm fine, just-" She shakes her head against his chest, "unsteady."
She swallows against the heat, forcing the acid back to her stomach.
"That's fair," Gil nods before he looks up at the dreary sky above them. "Very fair," he continues as he drops his gaze to the side of the ship before pulling her closer.
Her eyes follow his to the choppy sea below.
Mistake!
Her grip on his arm tightens.
The sea was still angry.
Not as angry.
Not a search and destroy anger.
Just a low-boiling rage under their feet that seemed intent on finding a way to capsize the ship.
No!
She closes her eyes on the thought and hides her face against his side.
He sighs, pressing her head to his chest as he slides to the ground.
It was familiar.
His scent in her nose.
The familiar citrus that she hadn't realized she'd missed so much.
The way it mixed with her scent.
The warmth of his hand against the back of her head.
The way her legs automatically wrapped around his-
Shit.
The bruises.
How had she forgotten?
It had been necessary at the time-
Necessary to hold on as tight as she could against the strength of the sea.
But, knowing it was her who'd put the bruises there?
Her stomach twists and she has to fight the bile back down.
It just shoved everything in her face.
Her father always made it seem like being a Hades was a blessing.
Something to be proud of.
Something that made her better, even if she was only half.
When really, it just felt like a curse.
Being on this side of things-
Surviving the sea-
The whole damn Isle trying to kill them?
-it should have made a difference.
Her freaky strength was the only reason they were still alive.
That should have changed how she saw it.
She ducks into his shoulder.
But it did nothing to lessen the guilt hanging over her.
The sting of knowing she'd hurt him.
The nauseousness that came with the knowledge.
Wouldn't her father be proud?
She rolls her eyes as she muffles a snort.
Not that anyone would have been able to hear it.
Not with the storm raging above them.
Over the rain slamming into the deck.
The overwhelming claps of thunder as green lightning lit up the churning sea, a sight she couldn't escape even with her eyes squeezed shut and hidden against Gil.
A sudden boom shakes the whole ship, the echoing roll hopefully drowned out her startled scream as her grip tightens.
"Fuck!"
Hadn't she just been over this?
She quickly loosens her death grip around Gil's waist.
"It's okay, Treasure, we put Faustina's stuff on it, remember?"
She nods.
But just because he couldn't feel her grip on him didn't mean she couldn't make it worse.
Instead, she shifts to sit in the hollow of his shoulder as she gently heats herself.
The least she could do was keep him warm.
Stave off the freezing cold that lingered in the rain's wake-
Wake?
Her eyes narrow, waking?
Was waking even a word?
Well, besides waking up?
Stupid sea-faring words.
She shakes her head, not the point.
"This is so stupid." She grumbles as heat pricks at her hidden eyes.
They'd survived.
They were home.
With their family.
And she was scared of being in the open on the ship.
She was back to being terrified of the ship her family loved.
The sea her family loved.
It hurt.
The backslide hurt.
And what made it worse was knowing how much it was going to hurt the others.
It just didn't seem fair-
Then again, what about any of this was fair?
Nothing.
"Yeah," He nods as he looks over the deck before hugs her tighter. "It'll…" He trails off with a heavy sigh. "We're together, that's what matters." He nudges her head with his chin, "we'll figure something out. We always do."
"Can, can we please get-" She blinks as a sudden realization cuts her off.
If she was this terrified of the open-air above the water-
How was Gil going to be once they went below to wait for Yensid?
Meet with him?
She wasn't the only one to have her fears thrown in her face.
Violently.
He takes a deep breath before he stands, gently keeping her head to his shoulder as he walks.
His steps were firm, but unsurprisingly a bit hesitant.
"Sorry," He breathes out, his hug tightening with every step as they descend the steps.
"Not complaining." She shakes her head as she loosens her hold around his neck.
"I know," He sighs, "I meant for stallin' on the deck."
"It's fine." She bites her lip, "What was the alternative? This?" She shakes her head, "we're a mess."
He chuckles, "The biggest." He nods. "But Uma an' Harry will help right us again- Jus' like T will tear us apart again."
She groans as she lifts her head just enough to let it drop back to his chest.
"I know," He kisses his head.
But he wasn't wrong.
His head bumps against hers. "I'm with you though," he admits slowly, as if he were afraid someone else would overhear and judge him, "I don't wanna either." He sighs deeply before standing taller, "But we're pirates. The sea and close quarters are pretty much our clams an' chips."
Pirates.
She'd never felt like less of one, not even when she'd first been dragged, kicking and screaming, to the ship.
He runs a hand through her hair as he looks around the empty galley. "It's weird." He sighs. "It bein' so empty." He bites his lip. "Not that I'm complainin'."
No angry adults clamoring for them to make way.
No dull roar of chatter.
No sounds of dice games.
No shuffling of cards.
It was just-
Silent.
Silent except for the sound of wood creaking all around them.
Creaking as death licked the side of the damned ship
Liquid, salty, dark, death
Death that could reach into a cave and rip everything out of it.
Raging swirling tides that were just waiting for their moment to-
"Whe-" Gil snaps his mouth shut.
But she had heard the concern.
The fear.
It was enough to distract her from her own.
She pulls back to look up at him, trying her best to wipe tears from her eyes.
When the hell has she started crying?
He frowns when his gaze focuses on her, "Deez."
One word.
Her name.
Whispered somewhere between exasperation and worship.
He sits them down at a bench before settling her in his lap. His eyes sad as he cups her face and thumbs away her tears.
"What were you going to say?" She demands as she rests a hand over his heart.
Its beat was usually soothing.
Calm and steady.
Right now, it was anything but reassuring.
He shakes his head. "Nothin' important."
"I think it is." She frowns up at him.
"An' you'd usually be right." He smiles weakly.
She glares at him, "I'm always right."
His lip quirks, "How could I forget?"
"I'll let you blame it on the concussion." She half-smiles.
"How kind of you." He grins, eyes shining with mirth.
"Now tell me." She crosses her arms in front of her chest.
He shakes his head firmly, "Nope."
"Afraid I won't be able to handle it?" She looks away bitterly.
"No," He looks around the galley before his eyes settle back on her, "I jus' don't wanna put it in the air."
Her brow furrows as she looks around.
What did he see that she wasn't?
Or hearing.
She sighs.
"It seriously doesn't matter if you put it into the air or not right now, the Isle seems intent on getting us one way or another." She sighs, "It still sounds like the fucking sea is trying to pry its way in to finish what it started."
He looks around again as his grip on her tightens protectively, "If it could hold during that, it can hold this."
"Not questioning it, just-"
Just what?
Letting her mind wander?
Letting her fear get the better of her?
She could feel the shiver run up his spine before he shakes his head.
"I ain't lyin' to you, but I ain't sayin' it either." He states firmly as he begins to look around, only to stop short and drop his eyes back to her.
"If you're that worried about it though, you should at least tell Uma." She points out with a frown.
"That," He nods, "I can do that."
"Good, at least she'll be able to handle whatever it is." She sighs as she tries to move from his hold, only to realize he had her pinned to his chest.
"Hopefully…" He breathes out. "Though I hope we never have to find out, things aren't like they used ta be."
"I hadn't noticed." She shakes her head before she lets it fall back to his chest.
He sighs as he caresses her hair. "Really? I thought it was just me."
"Nope. I'm trying to find my way into straight-up denial at this point." She sighs.
"If ya find it take me with you."
"You are very hard to stay angry with." She grumbles.
He grins.
"But I am hanging in there." She glares.
She almost laughs at how fast the smile drops to a pout, "I'm sorry."
"But you're not, though." She shakes her head.
"I'm sorry it upset you." He corrects her.
"That's not the same as being sorry."
"No, it's just not the sorry ya wanna hear."
There was that.
She shakes her head. "I mean I'd like to know that you trust me to handle myself."
"I do trust you."
"But not when it comes to pain."
"Not when it comes to your father." He corrects.
Oh…
She pulls away slowly, doing her best to not focus on the stinging in her ribs.
"I think that's worse."
"No," He backtracks quickly, "That's not- I meant I don't trust your father to not tear your arm completely off by accident," He narrows his eyes, "or on purpose."
"He wouldn't break me. I'm not useful to him broken." She turns her head to stare at the entrance to the hall.
The last thing she wanted was for Uma to walk in and overhear this conversation.
Or Harry.
He falls silent, glaring at the wall above her as he tightens his grip .
"Fuck. Him." He states several long moments later.
"I'd rather just not think about him until I have to go back and try again."
He sighs as he looks away. "Fucking T."
"It was a good deal, and you know it." She rolls her eyes, "He monitors my progress, and I don't have to try as often or worry about him getting bored and coming to look for me." She bites her lip as she looks up at him, "That didn't go over too well with you the last time he just showed up out of nowhere."
"Unless the whim strikes him." He huffs, clearly intent on ignoring the second half of her point.
"Part of the deal. If he breaks it," She shrugs, "T's free of his side too."
"Which was-" He rolls his eyes, "What exactly is T free from again? What was he dangling over his head? I forget." He sighs in frustrated exasperation.
"I've lost track. They have a lot of deals. It's annoying how well they get along."
"It's cause the only stupid thing T got from him was that stupid tube and his damn darts."
"Ooooh," She snorts before she glares up at him, "sounds like someone hated the taste of his own medicine."
He huffs, "He should'nah knocked me-" He pauses. "Oh."
"Yeah." She nods her head, "Didn't feel too good to have your choices stripped away, did it?"
He licks his lips before smacking them shut. "Technically we didn't take away your choice… We just-"
"Didn't acknowledge my choice in the matter, about my own damn shoulder."
"Wasn't your choice to dislocate T's arm. That was his."
"And you're usually better than just going along with his stupid plans."
He shuts his mouth as he looks away. "Still didn't take away your choice."
"My choice was to have you guys show my father in a stupid mock demonstration if it was really that important to you. Not that you guys even heard me."
He coughs. "Right." He bites his lip, "I love you." He finishes with a sheepish grin.
She huffs as she watches him with a glare.
Of course she loved him too, but it didn't change how angry she was.
Or how stupid she felt for being so angry.
Or how hurt she was over it.
It also didn't explain why it came and went.
One second she would be fine.
Happy to snuggle into him.
And then, out of nowhere, it would smack her again.
The chill in her chest.
The burn in her eyes.
The bitter taste on her tongue.
"And you are useful." He bumps his chin against her head, "Needed. It's just not for him."
"How useful can I possibly be if someone else has to get hurt to protect me? If you have to hurt someone to make sure I'm not hurt more?"
"Because you're someone worth protecting, and it's hard to find ways to do it."
"It's not hard. You do it all the time."
He sighs, "Deez, I'm sorry. I just- Didn't want him to hurt you more than he already has. I don't know what I would've done if I-" He stops and closes his eyes in resignation. "Damn it." He looks away.
She pauses.
Damn it?
She takes a deep, slow breath before she pulls back and looks up at him.
What connection had he made to lose the wind in his sails of righteous justice?
She purses her lips before she cups her hands around his cheeks.
Waiting-
One heartbeat.
Two.
On the third, he finally looks down at her again.
"I love you too."
"Is that why ya didn't tell Uma?" He asks far too innocently.
"I'm angry, maybe even a little pissed, and sure, hurt over the situation," She shakes her head, "but that doesn't mean I'm throwing you under any ships. A boulder maybe, but not a ship."
He grins as he sweeps his eyes over her. "I can handle a boulder."
"A dart-sized boulder." She grins.
He groans as he drops his head to hers. "Not funny."
She chuckles, "Kind of funny. And while I had no idea it was happening at the time, I wouldn't have tried to stop it,"
"Lil' hypocrite." He kisses her nose.
"I learned from the best."
"T is a good teacher."
She groans.
"Yeah, he is. But I was talking about you."
She was going to have to thank T for forcing her to light up underwater, though.
He pouts, "I'm not that bad." He runs a face down his face in exasperation.
"You can be." She shakes her head, "When you really want to be."
"I'm sorry." He hangs his head.
"Speaking of hypocrite though," She sighs, "Shouldn't you be angry with me for keeping secrets from Uma and Harry?"
He shuts his mouth as he stares at her dumbly. "Uhhh."
"Or is it okay when I'm protecting you, but not okay when I'm protecting T?"
"Uhhh-"
"Or, was it just because Uma and Harry were keeping secrets and not telling us?"
"Um-"
"It's tough to keep track of the rules sometimes." She rolls her eyes, "I get so confused."
His eyes look to her then to his lap several times.
She blinks innocently up at him.
He grimaces. "I…"
"I can wait." She nods with mock eagerness.
Part of her was disgusted that this was when she brought this up, and the other half was too angry to care.
It was as if something in her snapped.
"How come anything involved with T involves someone having to lie?" He groans.
"Wait-" She blinks, "Seriously? You all get so mad, like every time."
"Well yeah," He grumbles, "Cause it either involves him dragging someone else into his bad decisions, namely you. Or quietly suffering from them on his own. Either way-"
She bites her lip as both hands drag through her hair.
Was she the only one who knew?
She takes a deep breath, purposefully ignoring the way she trembled under the weight of forcing her voice to stay even.
"Everyone feels like they have to lie to protect T, or protect people involved with T shenanigans, because T encourages bad ideas and dangerous situations. Sometimes for the fun of it."
She huffs as years of memories cloud her mind.
"And yeah, it seems like a good idea at the time, but then there's yelling, from the two gangs you trust and the people you look up to, and then there are rules. And then no matter what, you find yourself breaking them because it gets to be so overwhelming, and you start to forget who you really are, and then you drift back to T because 'good old days'. Wash. Rinse. Repeat." Her voice squeaks on each word.
So much for an even voice.
Not that she could stop even if she wanted to.
It was like the time a wall broke in her room, all she could do was hold on and hope the dirt and bones would stop pouring in quickly.
"You all are sooooooo good at seeing it in me and T, but sooooooo bad at seeing the pattern in yourselves. Which is just confusing when you feel like you're being punished for something everyone does while being told you're the one punishing everyone else." She crosses her arms over her chest as she takes a deep breath.
She wasn't sure if she'd ever said so much in one breath.
At one time.
He taps his knuckles against either of her thighs as he looks at their laps. "I'm sorry." He sighs again. "That wasn't fair-Isn't fair." He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. "We just- Get worried, and well…" He sighs. "We're not trying to punish you. And we, well I, don't feel punished when you go along with it- I just, I don't know, get concerned? I know you can handle yourself. It's just, I love you and don't want you in danger."
It was hard to get a full breath, and until she could satisfy her lungs she wasn't sure she trusted herself to speak again.
It had been years since she'd had an outburst like that.
At least this time she hadn't burned anyone.
She blinks in surprise before she looks down at her arms.
Not a lick of flame.
She takes another deep breath before she forces herself to look into his honey brown eyes.
"Sorry," She groans as she covers her face with her hands.
She'd just gone off on him, but instead of looking angry-
He looked, exactly what he said.
Concerned.
Sad.
Maybe a little embarrassed.
"Why?" He frowns, "S'not your fault," He sighs as he thumbs away more of her tears. "This has clearly been bothering you for a long time." He frowns, "And I don't think I've ever heard you as clear as I just did. I'm sorry it took you getting to this point, but I think I get it now. We, well I, haven't been very fair to you. So, if anyone should be sorry it's me."
"But-"
"No buts, Treasure." He shakes his head. "You've had to deal with what, years of hypocrisy?" He sighs, "Years of people being overbearingly concerned when- I mean, yeah… It did seem like a good plan at the time. But, now-" He bites his lip, "Sorry. I really was just worried, and he offered a solution, and I just went with it. Impulsively. Because at the time, it seemed like the best alternative…"
"I-" She shakes her head as her hands slowly slide down her face.
What?
She what?
Couldn't think past the fact she'd just completely unloaded on him?
Because she couldn't control her anger.
It was confusing to be so angry at him and also so-
Happy?
She was happy they were all together again.
Her heart did something funny every time he said he loved her.
Was that what skipping a beat felt like?
Half fear half hope?
Why was she so mad about this?
Or was she mad at herself for being hurt?
Scared?
What was it when you were everything all at once?
When your lung refused to accept air and your heart was pounding in your ears.
What was it that made the world blurry and spin at the same time?
"Treasure," Gil breathes softly as he cups her cheek, breaking the sheild wiping away more tears she hadn't known she was shedding, "It's okay, I promise. I get it. I do, but not breathing through it is jus' gonna make it worse." He continues as his other hand brushes back her hair.
Was she not breathing?
She grimaces when she tries to take a breath.
That was a sound.
A horribly wet, gasping sound.
When had she started sobbing?
"I- I-"
What the fuck was wrong with her?
Gil frowns before she finds herself pulled to his chest, "I've got you, Treasure." He breathes out as he rocks her in his arms. "I've got you. We're safe. We're home. With Uma, an' Harry. With T, and Faustina. I know it's scary. Overwhelming. But we're here. Despite all the odds. We're home."
Despite all the odds they'd made it.
All of them.
"I'm here, home with our family, because of you." He kisses the top of her head, "I'm home because of you. Because you didn't let go. Because you're strong, and I mean more than physically. The strength to hold on? To let go? That's true strength Deez, and you have so much of it. I know it's hard, and it's scary, and it's so much more than that- But if you can do all that, you can breathe through this."
This-
This wasn't the anger and hurt from the temple.
That was a small part of it.
This was everything.
Maleficent was gone!
The Isle itself rebelled in her absence.
And if that was how the Isle responded-
The OVs-
The fighting for power!
People died the first time.
What would happen now?
The Isle was in ruins.
Nothing was the same.
It hadn't even stopped raining.
They'd all almost died!
And now there were people with magic!
Everything about this-
They'd already used all their luck.
How could they face this?
A wave broke her.
She'd gone home for help.
Again.
How were they going to-
Fuck!
"Hey now," His arms tighten as he continues to rock her. "Come back." He breathes out softly as one of his hands press her ear to his chest. "Wherever you've gone, come back to me." He repeats soothingly. "You're not alone. You're not in danger. You're safe with people who love you. Who need you. All of you." He continues as he runs his hand through her hair. "We've survived so much, Treasure. We can handle whatever storm blows next, no matter how nasty. Because we're together an' we ain't lettin' go"
She just wanted to hold on.
His voice sounded so far away, even though she knew she was still in his arms.
She just wanted-
Anchor.
Her numb fingers were slow to respond, but she finally feels the rough fabric of his vest crushed in her hands.
It was a start.
It gave her something to focus on.
Anchored her to him.
Her lungs burned.
She was pretty sure the flashes of light were her tears.
Who knew how the fuck it worked, but liquid fire seemed to run easier down her cheeks than regular tears.
And she just knew her nose was running.
All over him.
But all she could do was know.
And know there was nothing she could do except listen to his voice.
Listen and hope she was doing what he said.
"That's right Treasure," He encourages, "That's right. Just like that. Just keep breathing." He whispers soothingly into her hair. "You're doing so good, Baby Girl."
Whatever that had been-
Whatever those emotions were-
The anger-
Sadness-
Fear-
Whatever the next level of those emotions were, maybe even the level after that.
And so many others she hadn't been able to figure out.
The spiraling, overwhelming hopelessness.
It'd worn her out.
Everything hurt.
Her body ached.
Head throbbed.
Eyes burned.
She wasn't sure what her nose was doing.
Stuffy and runny?
And yet?
Even though it felt like she'd just attempted to break her father's band, somehow she felt lighter than she had in days.
Weeks?
At least she could tell she was breathing now.
How long had they been here?
How many beats of Gil's heart had she clung to?
The rhythm had been so fast in the beginning it made her dizzy.
But now?
It was as calm and steady as the boy holding her.
Comforting her.
Keeping her anchored during whatever storm had just crashed upon her shores.
She runs her strangely dry tongue over equally dry lips.
Whatever it had been, she was too tired to be embarrassed.
Or ashamed.
She takes a deep breath before she shifts just enough to look up.
Dark eyes meet hers, the concern and sadness easy to read, "Feelin' better now, Treasure?"
She nods.
"Wanna talk about it?" He asks hesitantly.
She'd be hesitant too.
That had been terrifying.
Like being stuck but unable to even call for help.
Or stuck in one of those stupid cuffs that T and Harry demanded they learn to pick.
"Not-" She grimaces at the sound of her voice before she clears her throat, "Not really."
He nods as his eyes soften with understanding. "That's fair."
She slowly shakes her head, "Sorry for-" she blinks as she clears her throat again, "falling apart?"
Was that what happened?
"Treasure," He states firmly as he gently cups her chin and tilts her head so their eyes meet, "It's okay, an' ya have nothing to be sorry for. It's a lot. Everything has been a lot." He swallows as he brushes her hair from her face, "Short of you an' T joinin' the family, it feels like the waves have been crashing since they left. It's okay to have a waking terror like that. Understandable."
"Waking terror?"
He nods, "we've all had them at some point."
"Oh."
"Poor Carlos was the last one." He sighs as he tucks a stray strand of hair behind her hair. "We all have 'em, they jus' look different for all of us."
She slowly nods.
A night terror while she was awake.
A shiver runs down her spine.
That was certainly an apt description.
She shakes her head, desperate to rid herself of the lingering images and the strange numbness.
"That was not fun." She huffs as she looks around the room.
"They're pretty intense," he kisses her forehead. "But they're easier to navigate with someone who cares about you."
She didn't even want to think of how bad that could have been.
Alone.
Without him.
"I don't think I was- I mean, I was angry with you, but I don't think-" she frowns as she presses her fingers to her temples, "that was stupid."
"Why?" He asks as he nudges her head with his chin.
"Because I don't get it," She pouts, "and it just came out of nowhere."
"That's okay Treasure, I don't either. Don't think any of us do. It's just-" He sighs, "something that happens when everything's too much."
Too much.
Everything had been that.
The wave had been too much.
The tide inside the cave.
Climbing the side of the cliff.
Seeing the Isle in ruins.
T's stupid fucking spider.
The Temple.
The Docks.
The thought they'd lost Uma and Harry forever.
All of those things had been too much.
"Better now than then I guess."
Feeling like that in the cave?
She shivers.
Gil nods as he rubs her back. "Guess not knowin' what we're gonna do next was your breakin' point. Which, ya know, fair."
"I do like plans." She smiles up at him, though she could tell it was shaky at best.
"And Uma'll have some." He kisses her forehead, "She always does. It jus' might take some time, but she'll come up with something." He states with the utmost confidence.
"I know." She rolls her lips together as she nods, "I um, I just need something to do. Cause I do not want to do that again."
"Well," His brow furrows, "Let's start with gettin' some water in you, an' then we'll figure it out from there. One step at a time."
"Cool."
He grins down at her before he kisses her nose, "There's my Treasure." He kisses the top of her head again before he stands and sets her on the table, "Be right back."
His words sound strange through the pounding in her ears.
But when he turns away-
It was an instinct.
It had to be.
Even she didn't know she could move that fast.
Because he'd left her-
Left.
Her.
-sitting on the table, but before he even takes a step she's standing on the bench beside him, his large hand clasped tightly between both of hers.
"I-" She blinks down at the white ribbons tangled around his hand, "I think I'm scared." She admits as another tear slips down her cheek.
Gil looks down at her with a sad smile as he turns his hand to squeeze hers. With his other hand he gently catches the tear, "I think we all are, on a level at least. But as long as we're together, we'll weather it."
He grins before he kisses away the trail left behind.
"If nothing else, I know that." He picks her up and places her on his hip, "So, until this is over, jus' stay with me an' I'll protect you this time." He adds with a boyish grin. "Even if it's just from your thoughts."
"You've always done that." She smiles as she clings to his side.
"And I always will." He kisses her, "Because you're not losin' me, and I'm not losin' you. Not even to yourself. So, guess you're jus' stuck with me." He chuckles as he pulls her to him tightly. "'Sides you saw Uma an' Harry, they'd be lost without us."
Her eyes widen as she nods.
That had been scary.
A different kind of scary.
"At least I get to be stuck with you." She breathes out as she rests her head against his shoulder.
"Not gonna hear me complainin' bout that." He kisses her head, "It's my preference really."
Dudes i know this was short-
But at least it was sweet.
I mean, yeah, Deez was pissed- but she's so small and righteous and Gil's such a giant and contrite (well mostly contrite.) it's hard not to smile.
I mean, I don't know if you guys remember this or not, but there's at least a foot difference between Deez and Gil right now, not to mention she's like a fourth his width with all the bulk he put on from smithing.
Actually, ya know what? Here's a run down:
Uma: 5'3
Harry: Currently standing at 5'8 but 6'1 feet when he finishes growing
Gil: Currently standing at 5'7 but 6 feet when he finishes growing
Deez: 4'9 but will end up 4'11
T/F: 5'7
And even though they're not here right now:
Jay: Currently standing at 5'8 but 6 feet when he finishes growing
Carlos: Currently standing at 5'4 but 5'7 when he finishes growing
Mal: 5'2
Evie:5'4
Ben: Currently standing at 5'7 but 5'9 when he finishes growing
Doug: Currently standing at 5'6 but 5'8 feet when he finishes growing
Lonnie: 5'6
Jane: 5'2
Roy: Currently standing at 5'9 but 6'2 when he finishes growing
Yeah, go ahead, call us out on it. We totally kept the girls the same as their actresses and upped the guys a few inches. We know.
And, yeah, the girls are already at their heights, but they're all 14 and older and girls develop quicker than boys so yeah.
But, yeah- Figured having the height differences might help ya'll picturing shit during and scenes and whatever and the lovely artist RetroBunnyEden _Art did an amazing job with their height differentials if your having a hard time picturing the difference between them with heights. She even included the height dif in the heels they're wearing. Supes amazing artist 100/10 recommend for any of you looking for some concept art for your own OCs.
*ahem* Right where was I before I so rudely interrupted myself?
Oh yeah, barely three sentences into this.
SOML.
Fuckin' ADHD's a real cunt sometimes.
Damn it.
Right.
It's a semi-fluffy scene.
But can ya blame D for being pissed?
T and Gil seriously did ignore the shit out of her, and on top of that took away her choices. Which seriously, protective or not- pretty damn fucking obnoxious I'd say.
Lot of 'uhs' from Gil in this one- but when the person your talking with makes a good point while rapid firing rhetorical questions at you, what the fuck are you supposed to say. Ain't like Gil is one to keep one in the chamber.
Well, that isn't entirely true. He definitely keeps at least a few at the ready- but still, not for those questions.
Unlucky bastard.
Gotta say I'm proud of D for actually taking a stand for herself. It definitely shows some growth on her part. She usually isn't one to get mad- or at least show her anger to the fam.
She made a couple of good points though.
Especially in regards to T. Everyone is always so pissed at him for his impulsiveness, but admittedly half the time they're awesome ideas.
Sure stupid, but still awesome.
As D pointed out, Book Club for example.
How tragic would it be if their little smithing club (aka introverts unite) never became a thing?
Just terrible really.
It's like an essential part of the story.
And Gil's response?
Not gonna lie as Gil and T's mains, we don't write a fuck ton of interaction between the two, as you might have noticed. I know, I know. Most of you writing might lift a brow at that-
Like, seriously? That's fucking writing in a nutshell.
And I get that- I do.
But it's not how Dark and I write.
For us it's a back and forth RPG. (Role playing Game for those in the back.)
It makes writing about 1000% cooler, and fun af.
Not gonna lie, Darks the true ST (story teller) or if you prefer, DM (dungeon master). I just come up with an occasional story line. She's the true master of this book.
*bows down to Dark*
I just play characters.
But come on guys, we met at a LARP (live action role playing) game. Give us a break. This is how we were meant to write.
It was in the stars.
So, that's why Harry/D and Gil/T talks are so rare. And when they do happen, the characters might seem off. I really need to come correct when it comes to T/Gil though. I always make him so ticked with T when they have their one on ones. Wasn't always like that. I remember back in book 1 when T would show up and drop shit off at Gil's feet they were a lot more chill.
Oh the good ol' days.
I need ta go back to that.
They are fam after all, and after reading this chapter I feel like I've been remiss.
It's legit so easy to write a character frustrated at T. On the surface he always appear to be a thoughtless fucking idiot- And yeah, sometimes he is, but most of the time there's both rhyme and reason for it.
Fuck, I'm so off topic.
Back to your typically scheduled outro.
Maybe.
Hopefully.
If I can get my gods damned shit together.
What do you think Gil was so worried about when he looked towards the water. (*hint* It was the same reason T threw such a bitch fit when D ran into the water in Lost and Paranoid.)
Not sure we touched on it in that one… But, promise there is a reason for it.
Any guesses?
Would love to hear ya'lls theories!
Last one, I promise.
D made an amazing point, and one I think we can all agree on at this point: T is socially impaired, so why do people go along with him so often?
Is it just because it keeps the story rolling?
Or do you think there's a deeper reason to it?
Would love to hear your thoughts on this one too.
Much love and appreciation
-Twisted