You think over your answer, keeping your cheek pressed up against him.

What do you want?

Too much, too much that you just don't understand.

"I don't know..." You finally speak, your voice just loud enough for him to hear. "There's a lot of things I wanna say but I don't know if any of them are the right words..."

"Maybe I'm not old enough or smart enough or...or maybe I just really don't know what exactly I want..."

Your hands move back to hold on to his shoulders instead, ignoring the fact you still want to hug him.

"I...I think I want stuff like...like affection a-and happiness but...but I doubt I could find someone to give that to me..." You chew on your bottom lip, thinking about what you want to be saying.

"I know that people who are together um...they do that...but...I don't know if I'll be ready to ever do that...m-maybe I will be...I...I want to believe it could be nice and...and I especially want to make the person I like happy...but the thought of it still scares me..."

You take deep breaths before continuing.

"You don't scare me though...I don't think you would ever make me do something like that...you make feel safer and like...like I won't just get thrown away..." Your hands move down to his bare back, allowing him the chance to run if he needs it.

"And even though you got excited because of me that one night, you felt so bad about it even though you didn't try to do anything...that uh..that must mean you do think I'm cute though...right?" There's a half smile when you add that last part in.

"And maybe it's not the same kind of feeling as I think it is now...maybe it'll turn out to be something else in the future but I want to be close to you...and...and I want..."

You remove yourself from him, keeping your timid hands to your lap.

"I just want you, Lawrence." You make sure your voice is steady when you say this, making sure he understands every word. If you had to say this earlier in the day you probably would have stumbled on each word before rushing out of the room, but right now you feel calm, even if there is that burning redness in your cheeks.

This is a lot for him to handle...it's a lot for you to handle...

You don't say another word as you lay back down, facing away from him to give him what little privacy you can. You can't fall asleep yet of course, and when he gets up you fear he's running away. Instead the lights click off and he enters the bed again, sliding under the covers. There's still that bit of distance between you, his body balancing on the edge and his back facing you in attempt to keep off any contact. You turn to your other side, looking at his back once again.
[1/?]

>>215375
"I hope it's not weird or dumb but...but I want you to know that e-even though I don't want s-...s-sex..." Your hands clasp around the ring, your heart steadily beating faster.

"I'm...I'm pretty sure that..."

There's that hesitation in your voice but you choke it down.

"...I love you."

It's almost frightening how quick Lawrence moves when you say this. You're so sure he's running from you that it's a shock when you feel him arms wrap around you instead, pulling you into his warm chest. There's an arm around your side and his other hand at the back of your head, pulling you in almost too tightly.

It's too comforting and warm to even consider pushing him away and you respond only by embracing him back the best you can.

Even if there's a big part of you enjoying this there's the more sensible side telling you that this isn't an okay thing to do. For tonight you shut that part out and allow yourself to enjoy this.

You'll worry about the shame in the morning.

...

When you wake up, you're still in the same spot as before, though Lawrence's grip is much more relaxed now. There's the sound of snoring above your head, and when you listen past it there's the slight sound of someone moving in the living room. If you had to guess, it's probably sometime early morning.

You untangle yourself from Lawrence and step over him and exit the bed. Looking down at the shirt you're thankful he didn't wake up first as you readjust yourself to look as decent as you can. It's not doing a good job though and you don't really want to put the dress back on yet...

Lawrence's button-up is still huge, but it covers you up much more then the undershirt down. You still wish you had pants on though...

Careful to not wake him, you exit the room to see Faraway sitting at his kitchen counter, coffee and newspaper in hand.

"Um...good morning..."

"Hm? Oh yes, good morning Delilah." He sets down the paper but you can see he's taken aback by your attire.

"Where are your pants?"

"I didn't bring a change of clothes so Lawrence had to loan me his shirt...s-sorry it's just that dress is heavy and hard to move in-"

"Ah no no, I see. My sister has left behind clothes before, if you go to the closet in the guestroom there should be a box. They might be a bit tall on you, but it will be much easier for you."

"Oh, oh thank you!" As you say this you notice the only photograph in the whole place, over by the stove. It looks like a younger Faraway in a tuxedo, standing with a lady in a wedding dress.

"Also, I suggest you get your friend up too. I'll see about getting some breakfast made, though I must warn you that my cooking skills are not nearly as good as my mixer ones."

"Alright, sure."

Mixer?

You dart back into the guest room, going first to the closet to find the box he was speaking about. From the way she was dressed you're expecting nice clothes...not the faded band shirts and ripped jeans you pull out. You're not judging but it is quite the surprise...
[2/3]

>>215379
Slipping the pants on, you remove both of Lawrence's shirt and replace them with the black tee. Nothing fits you right and you're constantly pulling the pants up. It's better then dragging the dress around-....dammit...you still have to wear the heels when you leave...

You'll worry about that when it's time. Right now, you need to wake up Lawrence. He's sprawled out on the bed now, easily taken up most of it.

"Psst, time to get up."

Just snoring.

You shake his shoulder but he just turns away from you. Eh...are you waking up a man or a child...

You crawl up above him and give his entire body a good hard shake.

"W-A-K-E-U-P!"

This manages to make Lawrence open his eyes, turning over to look at you. He raises a hand up to your face, ever so gently brushing the bang from your face and behind your ear. You feel goosebumps rise as he does this and a small grin spreads on his face...

You storm out of the room a few seconds later, a bright red and painful spot on your forehead.

"What's wrong dear?"

"Stupid jerk flicked me just cause I was nice enough to wake him up..."

"...eh?"

You take a seat up at the counter, a glass of orange juice waiting. When Lawrence finally joins you give him the cold shoulder in retaliation.

What would you like to talk to Faraway about?

>>215381
How we gettin' back to da crib bruh. Cuz' ya know I ain't walkin' back there with these janky-ass heels.

>>215381
Play catch-up. Hear how's him and the girls doing. Mention we'd been wanting to come by and say hi but... things sorta of came up and just...

Anyway! So Sharron's his sister, huh? And they're both in the, uh, the theater business. Neat.

>>215381
I have no input and contribute nothing, but I want to say good reading OP!

I think. I mean, moral qualms aside.

"So uh...how has it been since I left? With you and the uh...girls..."

Is that weird to ask? You're not sure but it's too late to think about that now.

"Hm? Oh, yes the girls. Well, business as usual, you know...er...perhaps you don't..." It looks like Faraway is making omelettes, cracking the eggs into a bowl while he speaks. "Though I worry about regulations cracking down harder...ah, you wouldn't know about any of that stuff. To put it simply, customers are still coming as usual, but that may not be the case if the rules and laws pertaining to my line of work are tightened."

A note is slid across the counter, a scribble on top asking you to read it aloud.
"Ah, Lawrence wants to know uh, is that the only line of work you do?"

"Now it is. I would like to call myself retired but I'm not old enough for that yet." Faraway laughs as he flips the eggs. "It's funny, I use to work for the city board."

"Really?"

"Yep. Pretty cushy job, all things considered. I would have stayed, but my health took a turn for the worse. Cancer, it turns out. I'm stable enough now but I decided to take my leave early in order to better recover."

"Why'd you...well, you know...start up the Queen Bee's then?" An omelette oozing with cheese is pushed in front of you. On his left hand a gold ring shines at you.

"Well, I had spoken to an acquaintance of mine whom owned the building. He mentioned the trouble he had in renting it out as the neighborhood has taken an unfortunate turn. I didn't know what to do with it at the time but I took it off his hands anyways, figuring it would allow me to at least fill my spare time with something." Faraway sets a plate down for Lawrence before leaning back against the counter behind him, mug in hand.

"I had heard what the place had been before of course, such an unfortunate thing that it had to close. Lot of people who relied on that place were just...out on the streets again. Plenty kept coming by asking for help, not realizing that their supposed place of salvation was no more. Now, of course I tried to think of ways to keep it open, I really did. I would end up draining my own funds though, I knew that enough. The only way I could have the place open and offer a hand out to those pushed out was to offer a service of some sort."

"And that service...involves the girls...?"

"Yes, I'm afraid so. They choose to do it on their own, and some may not see it that way, but I do hate that it has to be so...demeaning. It allows many of the girls a source of income that they wouldn't have before. In the beginning a lot of the girls had to sleep there, lot of them live together now but at least they have a proper roof over their head. I can only operate on those two days right now though, which is why I couldn't extend my offer for you to stay longer, I apologize."

"What you gave me that night was more then enough, thank you. I'm uh...sorry for not coming by sooner...I ended up getting...just...a lot of stuff..."

[1/2]

>>215923
"As long as you're doing fine enough. Seems like you have a nice man here to take care of you~."

"I...y-yes? Well sometimes he's nice...other times he's just a big jerk..." You stick your tongue at Lawrence and receive another forehead flick.

"S-See? Jerk...oh, right. Um, do you know if there's a bus station close by? It'd be way cheaper then a taxi..."

"Needing to head back to the abode? Well, I have nothing on my schedule before noon today, so if you like I can drop you off."

"Ah! Yes sure! Thank you!" You begin to bite into your eggs. The cheese tastes great but the egg part...just that off flavor again...what's up with that...?

"So, Sharron is your sister?"

"Twin, actually."

"Really? I guess I would need to see you side by side or something."

"Just make sure she's dressed up proper and not..well, in those kind of clothes, and we're the splitting image of each other. Funny, both of us are in entertainment now...I use to tease her about the whole acting thing as a child."

"I hope this isn't rude but her son, Timothy? He has a different last name?"

"Ah yes, that does seem rather strange, doesn't it? My sister is divorced and though she took back her maiden name she allowed my nephew to keep his father's last name. A bit funny, she's a divorcee and I'm a widower."

....that's not funny at all.

"O-Oh, I'm sorry to hear that..."
"Ah, I didn't mean to make you feel bad. My dear wife Minnie, sweet and wonderful woman. Lost her about fourteen years ago. Sorry, I'm just bring down the mood, aren't I? Either way, eat up and I can take you back to where ever it is you need to go."

Poor Mr. Faraway...

...

You would carry the dress to the car, but in doing so you would more then likely trip on your heels. The duty goes to Lawrence instead, as does the duty of listening to Faraway talk about the car. Does Lawrence have an interest in that kind of stuff? He must of...he's listening pretty intensely. In the sedan you lay the dress down next to you ever so carefully before buckling yourself in. Faraway is shown the address to the school and pulls out of the garage.

What would you like to talk about during the ride?

>>215929
>Faraway is shown the address to the school
NOW YOU FUCKED UP

File: Spoiler Image (30 KB, 500x800)

30 KB PNG

>>215785

File: B12uRDKIAAAWVaX.jpg (26 KB, 599x298)

26 KB JPG

>>215929
>"The cheese tastes great but the egg part...just that off flavor again...what's up with that...?"

>>215929
"How'd your wife go out cuh'."

>>215929
Ask him about suspicious black cars with tinted windows. Some of our friends have been...followed by them and felt threatened, and we... saw one the other day. Maybe some of the Queen Bees have heard or seen something?

Tell Sharron we said hi and loved the performance.

Also say hi to the girls. Maybe we could swing by when the weather's a little more forgiving.

"Will you make sure to tell you sister thanks for the tickets?"
"Of course of course, I told her that you came last night and she was just ecstatic. She wanted to come say hello but unfortunately she had to head back to her son. She seemed pretty excited to see your friend here too, for once I must say Sharron has a good taste in men."

No, stop that. Both of you.

Looking out the window you can see that it had snowed a good amount, but nothing too hazardous. Most of what fell on the street has already been pushed away...that's right, he mentioned it was the ice that caused the problems.

"If you don't mind me asking..."

"I don't."
"How'd you meet your wife?"

From the rear view mirror you can see a smile on the corner of his lips and past sadness tugging on his eyes.

"Minnie was my high school sweetheart. We stuck together past graduation and while I went to university she worked as a singer downtown. She always wanted to have her own show in a place like Sharon's, but then she decided she wanted a family which was fine with me. She uh...well, turned out her body couldn't handle it. Minnie went into labor but the baby was turned around all wrong...I tried to rush her to a hospital but my car back then was a hunk of junk and the weather was dreadful. She um...her and the child didn't make it...ah I'm sorry, I went and ruined the mood again, forgive me. Here, give me a moment...I'll turn on some music..." There's a slight shake in his voice as Faraway turns on the radio. A woman sings along with piano music as you try not to watch him dry his eye.

After it feels like enough time has passed you decide to ask another question, unrelated to the previous.

"Um...you said you worked for the city?"

"Yes dead."

"Ah well...do you know anything about them like...sending out cars with tinted windows or anything?" You can see Lawrence nod as you ask, he must have been thinking the same thing.

"Hm...can you elaborate?"

"Well they're pretty new looking cars...a light gray and dark windows. Like...so dark you can't see who's inside. A few of our friends have stalked by them and it just feels kinda...threatening."

"I don't know what use the city officials would have to follow people around on the streets like that. Light gray? Anything issued by the city would be black or at least a dark blue of some sort...ah, check the plates next time. Anything from the city should say 'exempt' somewhere. Why do you think your friends are being followed by government cars?"

"Well...we uh...heard these rumors that the city was trying to...well...'get rid' of people living on the streets and stuff..."

Faraway laughs loudly as you say this, it frightens you by the volume and sheer outburst.

"Haha...! You think they would send out something...something like death squads?"

"Well...um...m-maybe?"
[1/2]

>>216183

"Pfft...oh...forgive me, I didn't mean to laugh at you..." Faraway collects himself proper before continuing. "Now I won't say those rumors are completely outlandish...it's been pretty hellish on the streets, I know that much. Everyday you switch on the television or look at the paper and see some other atrocity being committed out there. It isn't a surprise that it's tied to money, people get desperate and disillusioned. The poor believe everyone is out to get them and the rich believe they are above the law. What a lot of people don't know is that a lot of those crimes being committed aren't just by the hands of the unfortunate. Now I can't say for sure, but I would bet you a pretty penny that many of those are tied to those at the top. They can wave a hand full of cash at the right people and get away with near murder. It's despicable...you can hardly tell now when it's a crime of need or pure masochism..."

"Maso-what?"

"Masochism, to take a pleasure in the pain and grief of others."

How many people have you met so far that would fit that meaning?

"Ah, is this it?" Faraway points out the school as it approaches. You nod as a cloud moves from the sun, allowing the smallest bit of sunshine out.

It hurts your eyes...

Faraway pulls up a block away, as you ask of him. You're leaning down to talk to him through his rolled down window, Lawrence smoking a cigarette behind you.

"Thank you, so much..."

"As I said, it's not a problem dear. I do enjoy guests. And, not to be rude, since you are still somewhat in a wary situation, if things ever hit the wall I'm sure I could offer even the smallest of assistance."

"Maybe I'll come visit you and the girls again."

"I'm sure they'll enjoy a cute girl like you any day. Now I must head off to my appointment. Take care, Delilah, and don't let the blood suckers get you."

"Bye-by-...what?"

Faraway is already pulling away before you can ask anything else, smiling and waving as he's off to meet up to whatever appointment it is. You stand on the sidewalk confused, and when you look up at Lawrence you're sure he heard that too.

"We...should head back now...t-these shoes are killing me..."

You let him finish his cigarette before Lawrence takes the dress again, trudging it back to the school. Walking back is even harder with the free snow, the challenge of it annoying you. When you try to enter the window your heel catches on the edge and you fall inside. Embarrassed but mostly peeved you rip them off your feet, glad to be freed of the hellish things.

"Aria, I hate-" As you look up, ready to return the devil's Prada, you can see that no one is inside. Lawrence peers around, just as confused as you are. All their stuff seems to remain, but not a soul is around...

What do you do?

>>216184
Shit. I knew this was going to happen at some point.

Be quiet, and look around. Keep an eye out for notes that our friends may have written. If it was the guys that kept following us, one might still be nearby.

>>216184
Grab some proper footwear and carefully look for any signs of the others. Maybe they decided to go out... All of them... At the same time and completely unplanned.

Hopefully.

Maybe they left a note somewhere.

File: American Educational System.jpg (235 KB, 1280x720)

235 KB JPG

>>216184
Shit, they've been unpersoned. You've heard about the U.S.S.R. doing this kind of thing, but the U.S. is the land of freedom isn't it?

Call for Buttercup, see if she pops out of wherever she's hiding.

>>216184
Oh dear it seems I have made at least two mistakes.
Any 'deads' should probably be 'dears', and masochism should be sadism. my b folks.

>>216201
>"Tom and Danny right before a Jerry sniper blew their heads off"

>"Waiting in line to use the latrine."
>>216184
Look for the others.

File: you feel it too don't you.jpg (229 KB, 1920x1080)

229 KB JPG

>>216228
#TrenchFoot

>>216184
>>216201

I'll support calling for Buttercup.

Though it's probably that Claire just died and they're mourning or she's on her last breaths and thry're saying goodbye.

Also some anon suggested that Jess has AIDS and it pissed me off that I didn't notice it sooner. Though given it's superrecession!80's I'm surprised they have a suppression drug for it already.

"You don't think someone came by...do you?" You're whispering to Lawrence, looking around for any signs of anyone hiding.

It's obvious that he doesn't know what's going on either and instructs you to stay back as he scopes out the cafeteria. The quiet inside is deathly, no sort of warm lull that you're used to...it's just...cold...

The room is cleared and Lawrence motions that you can walk in. Over at your bag you can see that there doesn't seem to be anything missing...you switch out the heels for your boots and catch up to Lawrence. The knife remains in your pocket, though you feel more then ready to pull it out if needed.

"I'm...I'm just going to whistle for Buttercup..." Lawrence nods and you cup your hands around your mouth.

...

You really wish you could whistle properly...

Lawrence takes over the task for you, pressing his index finger and thumb into his mouth and blowing out a low but long whistle, echoing down the halls. You anticipate the pitter-patter of her nails clicking against the ground but are greeted with nothing instead.

"Maybe they're hiding deeper inside the school?" You keep your voice as low as possible, looking down the now daunting and dark hall. Even though it's the middle of the day you can't help but feel the tug of dread in your stomach.

Lawrence keeps an arm in front of you as a means to keep you behind him. You can see that he picked up the gun from grandmother and has it slipped in his waistband. What if he ends up having to use it...

The first few classrooms prove empty...you're not sure if that's a good or bad sign. You don't want anything popping out at you but that also means you have no clue where anyone is...

You keep an eye out for any potential messages but your hope of finding one begins to diminish the further along you go. There's only one room left to check on the first floor, the one with the bunker.
[1/2]

>>216307

The room itself is clear of anything aside from the desks and chairs, but you can feel your heart beating ever so rapidly as you approach the doorway in the floor with Lawrence.

He has you stand back as he dips down to the floor, pressing an ear against the wood. You try to control your breathing as he attempts to hear anyone inside, his hand inching towards the gun. You can hear the muffled sounds of walking below and you do your best to remain calm. Despite all the measures you take to keep yourself steady none of them seem to work. Lawrence kneels up, careful motions to his gun. If he acts too quickly and it turns out to be someone from your group then that's trouble...but if it's someone awful and they get the jump on you then that's no good either...

You feel your hand reaching into your pocket in case you'll need to act as backup...

Keep calm...there's two of you...this should be fine...but...but what if it's not...?

The door swings open just a crack, not nearly enough for you to see who it is. It chills you to the bone when the sounds of someone in pain drift upwards. There's a pause in movement from below and in your heart.

Not knowing who is coming up...it's like some kind of morbid coin toss...what should you do if it's someone unfriendly?

>>216321
Jump them.

Whoever is in pain down there is likely one of 'ours'.

>>216321
Just a... a hard knock over the shin. It'll be painful, but at least you won't be maiming a friend again.

But if it's someone bad, we can afford Lawrence the necessary element of surprise.

>>216321
I don't think a government assassin would know about the bunker and also be hiding there. Just have Lawrence get his brass knuckles ready and knock them out

>>216321
Also just call out to them and tell them to identify themselves. There's no reason to not call out if they already know we're up in the room

>>216334
Backing.

Surprise whoever it is so there's time to identify if they're a threat.

We did the opposite before and look where that got us.

>>216351
Also backing, we jump this kid.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUnfFC7wUrs

From where you stand, the person emerging will have to see you first. There's enough space between you and the bunker door that they would need to step out and move towards you in order to do anything...so long as they don't have a gun...

Oh God...don't let them have a gun...

Lawrence is knelt behind the door, making himself as small as possible. If he can get the jump on whoever it is then that should mean an advantage. It's scary but at this moment this means you're serving as the bait...

It should be fine...you have Lawrence with you...don't be afraid...

Your heart beats so terribly in your chest but you stand tall, knife closed but in hand.

"You better tell me who you are." The authority in your voice almost throws you off, but you keep your stance.

The seconds of no movement feel incredibly long but as soon as the door swings open you miss them.

A man rushes out, dressed in dumpy and torn clothes. His dirty hand reaches out for your throat much quicker then you can unsheathe the knife.

Little does this guy know, you used to play soccer.

The toe of your shoe makes a solid connection to his shin, swinging your body into the movement like you know how to do. His body staggers down, reaching for his newly bruised leg. You get a glance at his face, bruised and bloody from before your arrival. His eyes dart over to the knife in your hand as he grabs your right arm, grubby nails digging into your wrist and causing you to drop the knife.

His hold on you doesn't last long as the butt of the gun crashes against his skull, a wet thug resonating through the room. The guy collapses to the ground, a slow growing pool of blood gathering beneath his head.

Lawrence is reaching out to see if you're okay, stopped only as a chain with padlock is strikes the side of his head.

"Fuckin' bastard!"

Another man has came out from the bunker, the other end of the chain wrapped tightly around his hand, tattoos decorating his sunken cheeks.

The force of the hit to his face stuns and stagger Lawrence, fresh blood dripping from the mark left behind. The man raises his arm up for another swing but you dash at him, grabbing his arm in attempt to weigh it down and prevent another strike. The opening to the room below is a few feet behind him, the door swung open wide. If you can manage to then you should be able to trip him down and stun him, if not trap him.

Using all your weight you press against the man who attempts to push you back. You force him back step by step, Lawrence rising back up as he regains himself.

Just a few more feet...

You're pressing against the man so much that you can't stop the flow of your body as he swings you around, hand against your face and shoving hard. He scratches at your cheek, close enough to your eye to make them water and in instinct you bring your own hands up to the injury.

"Stupid bitch-"
[1/2]

>>216459

His words are harsh and coarse, spurring an anger inside deep inside.

"I'm the bitch? You're the ones messing everything up!" You can't keep yourself from shouting this as you bring your knee up, like you would in soccer to dribble.

You make connection again and this time to somewhere much softer then a shin.

It's satisfying to hear the gasp of pain in front of you.

It's less satisfying to have his fist jab you in the cheek.

It's horrifying as the force of his hit sends you taking one too many steps back, till your foot attempts to walk on surface no longer there.

Your fall feels longer then what it actually is, your body anticipating the pain of hitting the ground.

That second part never happens, and though where you land isn't soft, it's more welcoming then the cold ground.

"Well hello, mithy."

Mithy...?

You're set down to your feet by the bloodied John before he ascends the ladder. There's only a moment of shock before you travel up the ladder, just in time to see John wrap his arm around the second attacker's neck. There's a struggle in the man, his arms and legs flailing but in less then a minute he goes limp. John drops the body to the ground, and you're somewhat relieved to see that the guy is still breathing rather then dead.

"I been waitin' fo' ya..." John's talk is slurred and he spits at the ground, blood coating his teeth.

You crawl out of the bunker, looking down at the scene. Lawrence is making sure the first guy is still knocked out, a trail of blood and a large bruise forming on his temple and cheek.

"Damn ba'thards...thought it wa'th far to fight two to one."

The smell of blood fills your senses...there's a mixture rising up in the room, different scents weaving and mixing together. From the looks of it, both of the men are knocked out and both Lawrence and John are suffering from injuries. They don't look like they are an immediate concern and both men should be able to travel as they are now, but John especially looks as though he took a harsh beating.

Do you want to feed from the knocked out men, from Lawrence and possibly John, or not try to feed at all?

>>216462
Hesitatingly ask John if he trusts us. Like, really, really trusts us, because we may be able to help with his injuries...

But he can't get mad. Or freak out. Or tell anyone else. This stays between him, Lawrence, and us.

Either way, we may as well feed on one of the men. If we can get our fill, we don't have to worry for quite some time.

>>216462
drain one man, we can tie the other up for answers

>>216480
Agree because we are the weird, vamp-like healer of the group and John needs to not be fucked up in case more of these jackasses are around.

>>216480
>>216484
Make it the one that looks the least diseased or doped though.

>>216462
ask John what the fuck is going on here

>>216488
And remember to have Lawrence keep us in check so we don't kill John.

"What...happened here...where is everyone?" You try to not focus on the smells, John flipping the man he choked to his back.

"I'll tell ya when we aren't round the'the a'thholes."

You do want to ignore it but not getting to feed in so long and being surrounded by the blood now make it all so irresistible. Catching Lawrence's glance you make the motion;

H U N G R Y

It seems like Lawrence is still having a bit of trouble properly focusing but he does acknowledge your signal.

"Are you alright though?" You look at John but try to ignore the blood on him.

"Good 'nuff. Gonna for thore for a while though..." John rubs over a shoulder, his fists a mess and his face sporting a black eye.

"I...can maybe help w-with that..." Lawrence looks at you with concern, picking up at what you might say.

"And how will you do that?"

"Um...you have to promise something though..."

"Alright."

"You can't like..freak out or uh...g-get angry or tell anyone else about this...it...it needs to stay between us two...and Lawrence too but he already knows."

"What kind of terrible th'ecret could you have?" John doesn't seem to understand the seriousness you're trying to convey. You turn to Lawrence who seems unsure of your actions at the moment.

"Will you make sure I don't get...y'know...out of hand...?"

A hand up against his cut, Lawrence sighs and nods.

"What'th goin' on?"

"I just...p-please watch first and then...t-then I'll explain..."

You decide to go for the first guy, he's much bigger and thicker then the other. If you end up going overboard he should have more blood in his body...right? As you kneel down next to the man John begins walking towards you.

"Whoa, hold up. Don't go gettin' near to 'em-" Lawrence pulls him back by the shoulder, and with confusion and raised eyebrows John only watches.

You look over the man for a cut, something big enough for you to use. It would be a lot less unsettling for John if you didn't have to make a cut yourself...

You locate a scratch at the back of his neck, two inches long and just thick enough to have left a sizable trail of dried blood beneath.

"W-Wait...what are y-"

You pay no heed to John as your mouth comes up to the cut, biting down on the skin just enough to break the clotted blood.

There's the rush as the blood hits your tongue, and while you enjoy the feeling you can not keep yourself from retching on this guy's taste. It's like dirt and sweat and some awful third thing mixed together in an awful combination. You actually spit out the little amount accumulated on your tongue, wiping your mouth clean of the dreadful taste.

"What the hell..."

"I can't from this guy...i-it tastes too awful...I don't like it..."

"I'th that blood? Were you-"

You stand up straight and look John in the face, shock creasing his face and his mouth gaped.
[1/4?]

>>216679

"I don't know what's wrong with me and I hate this...I really do but...I need to do this." You gesture at the man you were trying to feed from. "It doesn't hurt when I do it...I mean you do l-lose that blood but other then that you won't like...d-die or anything...and if I...if I lick a cut like that then it um...it heals faster...Lawrence knows...I've...I've used him before."

Even though you're explaining it John looks even more lost and confused.

"You don't need to let me...but if you're willing I can um...I can take care of some of those for you this way...if you aren't scared of me..." You point at a cut on John's cheek, his hand coming up to feel it.

"I...what? Je'thus..."

"If he lets me I can do it on Lawrence f-first to show you it's alright..."

Lawrence nods as permission and John tries to think about everything you have just said. A moan from the guy at your feet scares you and John moves his attention to that.

"Ah ju'th...let'th get them tied up...then lemme think..."

You watch as the two men are bound to each other by their wrists and then to the top rung of the ladder, the chain that busted Lawrence's face serving as their restraint. The exertion from this and everything before has tired John, he's attempting to catch his breath.

"Li'then...thi'th i'th weird but..." John stands up straight and thumbs away blood from his chin. "Do Law fir'tht...if I'm thore that thi'th i'thn't a prank then...then I'll con'thider it."

...

On the other side of the room, desks in a barrier between you and the tied up men, you have Lawrence sit in a chair so his face is at the right level. You hold his chin in your hands, turning his head so you can get just the right angle.

Calm...remain calm...

You press your mouth against his abrasion, allowing yourself only fifteen seconds of contact. The sweetness is a welcoming taste, especially after the awful garbage of the other man. You try to keep your mind on the counting rather then the taste in your mouth...it almost works...you finally tear yourself away after thirty-three seconds. Your hands shake and your head is starting to rush away.

This entire time John watches, arms crossed and astounded.

"How long does it take to heal?" Remaining silent for a while has helped his tongue settle enough to tame the lisp.

"Huh? Oh like...maybe tonight...I dunno..."

This hasn't given you that full feeling, but you're enjoying the buzz enough.

"Does it have to be with your...y'know...mouth?"

"It's the easiest and quickest."

"I...honestly...I don't really believe this...but considering what I've seen in life..." John mulls over the idea before throwing his hands up in the air. "Screw it...if Law vouches for ya...not to mention you have done anything to convince me you were a wacko otherwise...but uh...not the face, alright? Stick to the arms."

"Whatever you say~"

[2/4?]

>>216681
John takes Lawrence's spot on the seat, pulling up the sleeves on his bruised and cut up arms. He flinches when you place your mouth on the first cut. There's an earthy and wooden flavor to the redness entering your mouth, mixing in with the usual taste of iron.

You spend a bit longer on the first cut then you're comfortable with, but you move on without hesitation. It really is a nice flavor...even if it isn't sweet it's enjoyable...

When you finish the first arm you look up at Lawrence, a look of...what is it...not concern but...something on his face...you aren't going crazy with it though so...it should be fine...

You work up John's second arm, a bit disappointed that there is less for you to lick up. By the time you finish there's the feeling that you could and do want more but...it's okay...your head is full enough...you should be good now...ha...

"This was a uh...strange experience...lemme tell ya...you feelin' alright?" John lowers his sleeves down as he takes a look at your face. Do you have a stupid grin? It feels like you do.

"I'm great. Shouldn't we like...talk to them guys now? See what they were doing~"

"Yeah but...are you sure you're fine? You're kinda...dazed."

"Mhmm~ Tell him Lawrence. I'm just...amazing right now."

Lawrence grimaces when John looks back over at him but you couldn't really care less. It's fine right now...everything is fine...

"Uh huh...well missy...we should ask them what the hell is goin' on, but we can't exactly do that in the condition they're in at the moment. We'll have to wait for one of em to get up, prolly that ratty lookin' one."

"Mhm...so what happened here? Where is everybody~ I couldn't find em!"

"We had to have an emergency vacate. I got a bit caught up with those two, unfortunately. Led em to that bunker so we could get the kids out."

"Hmm hmm...where everyone at then?"

"There's a park a few blocks away with a big picnic area. Use to be somewhere the school took kids here a lot, they'll either be there or maybe at th-"

There's the sound of a crash from upstairs and John jumps up to his feet, cursing.

"Didn't think anyone else was still here...course those bastards wouldn't have came alone...I don't know how many of em might be up there..."

"Should we leave~?"

"Probably our best option...I don't think either of us are in any condition to fight back and well..."

"And I'm me~"

"You sure are...let's go."
[3/4]

>>216682

John ushers you out as Lawrence brings up the rear, constantly looking back down the hall to see if anyone is coming. You and John are outside soon enough, Lawrence coming shortly behind with your jacket and then taking your hand to lead you away.

Even out in the cold you are that pleasant and wonderful warm~

You barely notice that you guys are running down the street, coming to the snow covered park sooner then you expected.

"Ah...dammit all..." John sounds upset...why?

You look up, ready to see everyone's excited faces...you're back! They should be happy!

Oh...they're not there...

"Where are they?"

"They must've been worried bout getting seen by police or gettin' caught in the snow...Sam probably took em to the hotel..."
"They're gonna buy hotel rooms? That's a lotta people to buy rooms for."

"Not exactly...ah, you'll just have to see when we get there...you sure you're feelin' alright?"

"Yep~!"

John looks like he's about to say something else but he flinches over, grabbing his side. Lawrence comes up to try and give him help but he's fanned away.

"Fine...it's fine...just need to rest for a bit now...that run probably wasn't good for me...can we just uh...over in that McDonald's over there? Seems like a warm place to rest..."

"And safe~"

"Yeah, and safe."

John tries to convince Lawrence he doesn't need help but in the end he accepts a shoulder to lean on. You enjoy the way it feels and sounds to walk in fresh snow...was it always this good?

The McDonald's has a good amount of people inside, you rush in to claim a booth for your little group, smiling at your little accomplishment.

Why do you feel so...up? You didn't drink that much from John and Lawrence's blood doesn't usually do this...

John slides in with some difficulties, using a napkin to clean his face up as Lawrence moves to the other side, trapping you between them.

What do you want to talk about while John rests?

oh god i am so tired and my wrist is killing me send help pls
Last update till morning!

>>216685
What was those guys' problem, beating on poor Papa John. That was kinda exciting though, wasn't it. We really kicked their asses~

Ask Lawrence if it was a mistake to do that to John. Even though our headache has evaporated and we feel just dandy.

Hmm, sunlight hurt our eyes earlier, right? And it's nighttime now?

Methinks our mood might be more than the blood. Plus we probably haven't gotten used to / built up a resistance to John's blood like we have Law's.

>>216685
How much is a burger? Keep in mind everything should be approximately 100 times cheaper than it is today. $353 or however much we have is actually a pretty large sum.

Ask John if he knows how to fire granny's gun, he's probably a better shot than Lawrence so he should hold it for now. Lawrence is a melee tank so he doesn't really need a gun with John in the party

"So like...why were those guys tryna beat you up?" You can't help but swing your legs underneath the table.

"I wish they were just tryin'...they really got the jump on me with that damn chain though..." John rubs across his chin, bright red and scuffed. "Thought I could get 'em stuck down there and cover the door till I could figure out what was goin'...might've been for the best if they had friends I didn't know bout though..."

Lawrence passes over a note to John as you sit idly by, bored by the short period of silence.

"You know that car Mabel and Aria saw? Well I thought they were just dealin' with some creeps but nothin' like this. If I hadn't gone over to grab Lisa before she fell out the window I wouldn't have seen the two cars parks across from the school. Told Sam bout it and we kept an eye on them, it was pretty early in the mornin' and with that snow last night we considered that they were just stuck till it was safe to go out or somethin'. Then about...what time is it? Like...two? About uh...five hours or so these guys dressed up all nice were patrollin' the front fence. We thought it'd be for the best if we did a quick evac then, but we thought they were just maybe taking a look at the building, possible buyers. I stayed behind cause I knew you two were out, Sarah and Eric too. They came back just a bit after everyone left so I got em pointed in the right direction. You two were still missin' so I stayed behind."

"Why not write a note~?"

"Cause someone not so cute and friendly might find it before you do."

"Y'think Lawrence is cute?"

"I was uh...I was talkin' bout you, missy."

You gasp, your hands coming up to cup your cheeks as you look back at Lawrence.

"I'm the cute one, Papa John said so." You're whispering as you say this, but by the volume of your words you might as well not be.

Lawrence looks down at you with a deep concern etched on his face.

"Is this uh...normal for her?"

Your legs continue moving beneath the table...you don't usual feel this...up...right? Weird way to call it?

Lawrence shakes his hand in the 'so-so' way, though his face leans more to 'no'. John sighs and a hand run through his hair.

"That ah...might be my fault..."

"Why's that~?"

"I um...can't tell you here..."

[1/3]

>>217487
"Hmmm okay. But you didn't tell me why those guys attacked ya~"

"Right right...I was holdin' on for you two to swing around. Heard some noise from the hallway when I came 'cross those punks. They snuck in through a window, but I couldn't tell if they were connect with those cars up front or if they thought they could rob the place. I'd planned on trappin' one in the bunker, get some answers. Course that guy didn't like that and tried to fight me, the little rat sneaking up and getting a dirty blow in. Guess I help them uh...get some frustration out afterwards. Feels like it..." John cracks his neck as he says this, crumpled and bloodied napkins on the table.

"But then we kicked their ass~" You gasp again and whisper. "Am I allowed to say that word?"

"Missy, after givin' me that hand you can say whatever you want."

"Cool. A-s-s."

"I uh...might revoke that privilege back actually..."

"NO but! I need that word! They kicked your ass and then we kicked their ass! Heheheh....why am I laughing? It's not that funny..."

Maybe it's cause you got to say ass twice like that.

You didn't realize your body was bouncing around so much till Lawrence puts a hand on your shoulder to keep you steady, other hand writing a note for John.

"I was worried bout that too...I don't know when or if it would be safe to move the group back to the school. We'll probably need to go back for some supplies though...that hotel ain't nearly as warm as the school was-" John glances out the window and tenses up.

"Ah dammit to hell..."

"Whazup?"

"Don't look...but past the parking lot...over by the coffee shop...it's that car..."

"You suuuure?" You start to turn and look out the window but Lawrence's firm hand moves you back forward.

"Well...only thing I can be sure 'bout is the windows are tinted and the color is pretty similar...let's give it a minute..." John keeps a careful eye out and you feel your stomach growl.

"Ah...burger." You turn to Lawrence, tugging on his sleeve. "I want a burger. Get me burger...with cheese! Lotsa cheese and no onions!" You pull out a five and hand it to him. "Gogogogogo-"

[2/3]

>>217490
You bounce in your seat, giddy about your food as John keeps a vigilante eye outside...and on you.

"Really sorry bout that missy..."

"Hm?"

Before you can try to ask further a wrapped up burger is tossed in front of you and Lawrence returns to his seat, trying to hand you back change. You're too busy trying to devour the food to accept it and Lawrence begrudgingly pockets the change.

Why is chewing so...great?

"They aren't leavin'...shit...shit, I think one's comin' in..." John rushes out of his seat and you're dragged behind Lawrence, still dutifully eating your burger. You three end up hiding out in the play area, to the strange looks of the parents inside. The man walks inside, and while it's not a suit he is dressed pretty nicely.

"What does he think he'll accomplish...trying to find us in here? He doesn't look crazy enough to do something in public..." John speaks low and Lawrence nods. You know this is a serious situation so you're doing the best you can to sit still properly.

The man does his overview of the place before taking his leave.

"Okay...we need to get back but if they're tryin' to tail us that could mean trouble...damn..." John creeps back in, you in between him and Lawrence. "They're not parked in the same spot anymore...but that doesn't mean they left either...Might have to lead them on a goose-chase for a bit if they are determined though..."

Lawrence nods and you feel a little bad about not being useful. Just a little bit though, the rest of you feels pretty damn great.

"I uh...ah, excuse me for a moment..." John looks a bit guilty, leaving you two at the table again as he rushes to the bathroom.

As you sit there with Lawrence you think about John's blood.

"Do you think I made a mistake~? Like...tellin' him and stuff? I didn't let myself go crazy though...it's great~ I feel really good~"

We can tell, trust me.

I don't know with John though. He seemed pretty hesitant about it but he changed his mind pretty quick. Don't know if he completely believes you yet though. Might change how he sees it.

While John is in the bathroom, is there anything you want to do or talk about with Lawrence?

>>217497
We're supposed to stay quiet, so let's stay quiet. Just fidget and shift around a bit. Clothes feel weird, don't they? They really do. They're all slidey and whoa. The air feels weird, too. It's supposed to be cold, but it's all warm now. That's weird. Investigate all the weirdness, while staying quiet.

File: 9977920405_3c20480e60_k.jpg (1.23 MB, 2048x1356)

1.23 MB JPG

>>217582
That might not be the vampirism so much as the pregnancy with the enthusiasm about the burger.

Cravings already though, that's pretty crazy stuff.

>>217497
Try force feeding Lawrence, the burger tastes so good~

>>217582
This

>>217497
We left all our stuff at the schooool, but we'll be able to get it back, right~?

Play with Lawrence's hand. Tell him not to be maaad~ but maaaybe we gots a liiittle more than blood~

... if we were a big hushpuppy we could curl up in Lawrence's hand~

It'd be best for you to stay quiet, right? Yeah, that sounds like a good idea. It's the best way for you to be helpful. Sitting still is too hard though just...kick your feet again. No wait, too hard...maybe just...bounce back and forth a little instead. Yeah...alright cool. No that looks weird...focus on something else...your clothes? Yeah, those are cool...they feel so...texturey too...wait was that dumb? Doesn't matter...when you run your fingers over jacket you can feel each little bump and crease and the coolness of it...heh yeah...

You kinda want another burger though...or maybe fries? No...both. Yeah...but you just had a burger...how big do the fries come? Large or medium...no wait...both.

No you don't wanna get fat...wait do you?...nah...maybe.

The air in here is pretty warm too...smells like fries. Stop thinking about food. Or don't stop...no you should.

Is it hot in here or just you? Your hands cup your cheeks...huh, you can't tell. Oh wait, you're here with someone.

As these thoughts run a train through your mind you have earned the confused and judging stare of Lawrence. It doesn't help that you kept bouncing around like an idiot.

"...d'ya think I'll be able to get my stuff from the school? Is all I have now. Fire ate up everything else. Ate it up like I ate that burger."

Ruthlessly.

We will need to get supplies, so chances are I'll be able to grab it for you.

"But will I be able to come~?"

We will see.

As Lawrence is holding up the note your gaze falls upon his hand.

His big hand, waaaaay larger then yours.

Even when you hold it in both of yours it just dwarfs your tiny little baby hands. Lawrence tries to pull it away but you remain adamant in holding it.

"No no no, lemme see it." Lawrence gives up and lets you toy with his palm. How big is it? You press his open hand against your face.

"Heh...now they won't be able to spot meeee~" You giggle at this and pull his hand back, like you're playing peek-a-boo. "Just kiddin', I was here the whole time~!"

What the heck is wrong with you?

You move your fingers up to press down and rub the knuckles and joints of his hand.

"Hmm hmm...I don't know whaaaat it is but I don't think I gots just blood today...gasp or maybe John has super special cool blood! Or maybe...maybe everyone else has boring blood...pfft..." You're fascinated in how his hand moves about when you touch it, it's like you can see like...everything.

[1/2]

>>217855
John returns back to the table, rubbing his sniffling nose.

"Whew...sorry sorry bout that. Let's talk plans now."

"Your nose is bleeding though~"

"Eh? S-Shit..." John runs up to grab napkin, attempting to wipe away the stream of red down his face. It had started to flow when he spoke up just now...pfft, how weird.

John comes back again, holding a napkin up against his nose.

"...please don't give me that look..."

You? But you're just smi-, oh, he means Lawrence. Yeah...why does Lawrence look so...mean and angry and stuff right now?

"We need to think about what we need to do right now." John states this as his free hand drums his fingers against the table. "We don't know who the hell those people are...well I don't anyways..."

John pulls away the bloodied napkin, his nosebleed over with, and looks back up.

"Do either of you have any idea bout this?

>>217859
Nooope~ Gotta have to fix that nose himself~

Giddily regale John about how we narrowly escaped a black car, found out grandma has disappeared, and how Lawrence was shot but it's fine now because he's kick-ass.

We need to find Sarah so she can tell us if the band on our shirt is cooool~

>>217933
Don't forget how they're probably not government but more likely some psychos hired by some rich asshole for his own sadistic pleasure.

File: 1459873080690.jpg (125 KB, 722x792)

125 KB JPG

>>218402
Conservative Crime Squads?

When are Law and the Loot Crew gonna occupy city hall?

The masses are probably getting desperate and the richer people can sense it. Odds are that the people tailing you are either crooked private inveigators tailing you and paying the thugs to clear out your "kidnappers", or paid squads dealing with the underclasses.

If the later turns out to be true, you gotta figure out how to fight back. Unite the proletariat and stage a revolt n' shit, or at least combat the private SS effectively.

Sorry took nap cause didn't feel well, am back now.

>>217933
this one

You attempt to keep yourself from laughing, hiding behind your hands and having your eyes peek out from between your fingers.

"Sorry...don't think I can fix your nose~"

"Wasn't expectin' you to, missy."

"Ah but! But! Um...what do we know...ooh! Yeah! After Christmas! Lawrence was all bleh and we had to get him medicine 'n stuff. We saw the car then and they chased us! Eek! It was scary!" You laugh a little but you aren't sure why.

"Oh what else...no! Stop writing Lawrence! It's my turn still! Um...right, then we ran away from them and we went to uh...Grandma's! My grandma! Ah! But she like...wasn't there! Couldn't find her there! And then those guys showed up there too! They uh...pew pew...while we ran away! Lawrence got s h o t! Right there! Right where that ugly little shoulder patch is! It's okay though! I took care of it~ Plus! Plus! It makes Lawrence like...bad-ass, right? He didn't even cry! I woulda cried a whole bunch!" You think about if there are any other details to add, John's constant drumming is making it hard to think. "And uh...we thoughts it was the government buuuut...I dunno...Faraway said that was a silly idea...pfft he's a silly idea."

Even though you felt like your explanation was perfectly fine, Lawrence insists and telling John everything you just told him! Jerkface...

"Mad...this is all mad..." John contemplates, rubbing his nose vigorously. "Ah hell that stings..."

You glance down your shirt...well not your shirt...wait...is it yours now? You don't know this band...

"We gotta find Sarah. I need to know if uh...Twitted? Twisted...Twisted Sisters is a cool band. I need to know if I'm cool."

You're not

You can feel yourself tear up as you read Lawrence's note.

"Buh...I-I'm n-not cool...?"

"Ah hell...b-bleedin' again sorry..."

Lawrence looks overwhelmed between you trying not to cry and John attempting to stop his bleeding nose again.

...

Once John's nose is taken care of and you are assured that you are, in fact, incredibly cool, you follow them out in the snow. They're looking around for that car as you go to the sidewalk...ah you should too. As you look around though there's too much noise and movement for you to focus on looking. You nearly walk into the road and are assigned to holding Lawrence's hand and walking between the two men. Not that you mind. You beam up at Lawrence with your smile, disappointed when he's too busy scoping around to return the attention back. Your eyes fall onto the shoulder patch and remember...gun...oh hey...

[1/2]

>>218891
"Psst! John!" You're trying to whisper again but failing at it.

"What's up?"

"You know how to shoot a gun, donchu?"

"Had to learn from my time in the service, of course."

You gasp excitedly and tug on Lawrence's sleeve.

"Gun! Let John use the gun so he can be uh...useful!"

"...oh you cut me down, missy."

Lawrence's face says that this is a bad idea, but why?

"John had to use one in the military! He can probably like, aim! Right?"

"I could hit a target with my eyes closed."

"Yeah but can you do it with your eyes open?"

Checking to make sure no one is watching, Lawrence stops and pulls the handgun from his pants, passing it over to John.

"Let's see...looks like a Colt Python. Needs some proper cleanin' but...doable for now." John takes a peek into the chamber. "Only four bullets?"

"Yeah, that's all grandma had I guess. I meant to ask you if you'd be able to get some more!"

"Well...ammo is pretty expensive...we'd need to go the same way as Sam's method of getting his medical supplies, but I think I know a guy or two."

Since you need to make sure you're not being followed at the moment, you need to walk around for a bit anyways. What do you want to suggest doing in the mean time?

>>218898
Pharmacy! So Papa John can stop being so gross in the face.

Sorry bout wait, IRL keepin me a bit busy at the moment.

>>218898
>"I could hit a target with my eyes closed."
>"Yeah but can you do it with your eyes open?"
top kek

John pockets the gun and you look at the dried flecks of blood around his mouth.

"Hmm~ I think you should go to like...a pharmacy or something~ Maybe they can fix your nose so it stops looking so gross~"

"I uh...don't think they'll be able to help what's wrong with me..." John looks to the side with that sense of guilt again as Lawrence stares at him with a knowing glare. You look between them, confused as ever and not because of that feeling you have right now.
That nice great amazing warm tingly feeling.

"Mmmmaybe one of you wanna fill me in?" Your body swings back and forth as you ask this, that restlessness ever so present in your body.

Lawrence shakes his head and gestures at John, putting the responsibility entirely on him.

"I think I'd rather not, missy."

"Well that's rude~ Keeping a secret like that from me. Both you boys are being very rude." You turn up your nose and face away from them all snooty to show just how offended you really are.

"Not tryin' to be just...don't want you judgin' me is all..."

"Well...you let me do my thing-"
"That is still some of the craziest stuff I heard."

"Lemme finish!" You whine and John shuts up. "You let me do my thing earlier and I mean...you just called me crazy but like...you could've been a lot meaner about it~ It's like I...I owe you a favor! You keep my secret, I keep your secret! All that jazz~!"

John contemplates with the thought, shame pulling down on the side of his mouth. He looks like he's ready to speak again but stops as the group of people waiting at the red light cross over to where you stand on the sidewalk.

"Eh...alright missy...but just...not here, alright?"

"Mm'kay~"

Lawrence points over to an area between buildings, a large fountain that has long since broken taking up place in middle of a concrete foundation, benches and dead flower beds arranged around it. Not really a hot spot to hang out, but there are enough people walking by and places to dart in to for cover. There's only one place for cars to pass by, meaning that anyone driving by won't have the chance to sneak up on you.

Lawrence makes you sit between them on the bench again, probably in attempts to try and make you still. Not that it works of course, but you appreciate the extra warmth around you.

[1/2]

>>219909
John is leaning forward, hands clasped in front of him and his head hanging low.

"Now uh...don't go mentioning this to anyone...especially Sam...I told him I was gettin' better but uh..." John sighs as he realizes what he's about to say.

"Well...you know what Oxy is, Lawrence."

The word doesn't ring any bells for you.

"I promise I don't use it often...n-not anymore like I used to. But uh...sometimes the pain in my back is too much or I just...need a way to keep the edge off..."

It feels like John is confessing to a crime that you simply do not understand.

"Sam gives me just a few pills at a time still...he knew how I used to be before but I still have those pains, y'know? And sometimes I just get pretty bad uh..." He taps his temple to indicate a deeper issue and you somewhat understand what he means. "I usually don't uh...abuse them but...well s-sometimes I just...find myself crushing up those damn pills in a fucking McDonald's restroom and there's not a thing I can do to stop myself."

The sudden rush of anger in his words throws you off. You've never heard him speak like this before, and though it scares you it's obvious that anger is directed at himself.

"I just...slip sometimes...y'know? I...I did this mornin'...before all this went down...ah dammit...twice...twice today...I haven't done that in so long...I told myself I would be getting better but...d-dammit..." John covers his face and curses at himself more.

You look over at Lawrence, to see what he's thinking. There's sorrow and grief mixed in to the hopelessness stretched across his face.

Pills...and crushing them up like powder then...yeah? Is...that what Michele did? Maybe John is reminding Lawrence of that...

What do you want to do or say?

>>219912
Now is serious so we gotta chill. We can chill and feel amazing at the same time, right? That's probably a thing adults can do so let's do that.

So we sorta got some oxy back at the school, huh? It's not, like, dangerous or something or gonna make us pass out right or throw up? That would be super disappointing.

It's not like we can really judge though, since we need blood to help us deal with headaches and... other stuff. We do judge him for burning pancakes, though.

Maybe either of them can explain to us why John taking care of his pains is a bad thing because we're just not seeing it?

>>220006
Does John know Delilah was raped multiple times? Because that would probably come as a shock to him.

>>219912
Sam is getting pillls for me too because a bunch of guys FUCKED me haha~

>>220033
Are you suggesting we bring up that we were raped, or are you asking if he knows?

The way you phrased it feels a little... vague, I guess? Like it could be either-or.

>>220214
Asking. Sorry.
I was thinking of suggesting that Delilah accidentally let it slip she was raped while she's comparing John using oxycodone and her drinking blood but was wondering if he already knew.

"So is it that uh...that Oxy stuff what's like...wrong with me now?" You're trying to remain serious, but you also don't want to sound upset at John.
"If this isn't normal for you then...yeah...it's my fault...I didn't even think about it...how stupid of me..."

"It's not like...gonna make me get sick isn't? I'm not gonna throw up that totally awesome burger or nothing right?"
"If it's anything like me then you should be fine...I think anyways...it wasn't a whole lot this morning..." John rubs at his nose again, crinkling it in pain. "You're quite a bit smaller then me but if I had to guess you should uh...you should be feelin' it come down in an hour or two...Jesus that means I drugged a kid doesn't it..."

You focus on the cars passing by before realizing that John is in even more of a stint now.

"Ah right...what was I gonna say um...oh! Why is it bad that you're like...using pills for your pain or whatever? That's they're for right~?"

"It's uh...a bit of a tricky subject..."

You are passed a note from Lawrence, your eyes darting over the words quickly.

That stuff can be dangerous if you don't take it like you're supposed to. It's also addictive so you keep wanting to take more when you don't or shouldn't need to. Lot of people end up needing to take more and more, and cause of what it does to their bodies they sometimes can't function normally anymore unless they're high. It can also cause people to take too much and overdose.

John is taking a painkiller and a risky as hell one too. If he's not carefully he can end up killing himself over it, and he knows it.

But he also knows it's hard to stop. He's addicted to it.

"Addicted..." You let the word slip out as you reach the last part.

"Oh...god..." John's voice chokes as you say this, the weight of it hitting him like a ton of bricks.

"Ah but um...does that mean like...I am too? I mean, not to like...that Oxy stuff but uh...to y'know." You point to your lips, as if that is supposed to convey what you mean. "What was I...oh, yeah! Anyways! Um...I know I can't judge you. At least you don't need anything gross, I assume it's not gross like blood anyways. I uh...I don't really know what I can say to make you feel better but um...I'm not judging you or anything. You're nice and stuff and that's cool! Except when you burnt those pancakes earlier...you're supposed to be good at that kinda stuff."

John has the faintest hint of a smile as you say this but it drops as quickly as it comes.

Aw...he's still sad, huh? Maybe you aren't cut out for like..this pep talk stuff.

"We uh...we should probably move...it's pretty cold...I think it is anyways..." John points out the cloud that comes out with his words. Is it really that cold? Huh...couldn't feel it.

"I'm sure Lawrence would appreciate it..." John rises as he says this, eyes to the ground and self-hatred dripping from his actions.
[1/3]

>>220343

It's awful to hear John speak so...softly? Somber? It's not like him. You really wish you could have done a better job...

Lawrence rises up before you can, placing a hand on John's dark green jacket.

"John..." It's...weird to hear and watch Lawrence talk to someone who isn't you. It's obviously throwing John off too, his full attention on him.

"You're...a fri-end. Don't...want you...to hurt...your-self...Pl-" Lawrence stops to clear his throat. "...Please...don't beat...yourself...up over...this. Can still...pull...yourself...through."

"God it's...it's so fucking hard though..."

"I know...but you...have been...getting...better. You...are doing...good."

"I slipped today though...I-I let myself f-fuck up what I've been working on..."

"That's...okay. You're still...here...you can...still get...better."

John looks like he's about to respond about how he can't, how it's too difficult for him but the words can't seem to come out.

It takes you by surprise to see Lawrence hug him, John returning it back. Do guys usually do that? Maybe, it doesn't look like it's the same way Lawrence hugs you though. You feel kind of awkward watching them anyways though.
[2/3]

>>220345

John finally pats Lawrence on the shoulder and pulls away, a fraction of his usual smiling returning to his face.

"Alright alright...that's uh, enough of the mushy stuff. Might make the girly jealous." Lawrence returns the should pat back and you feel a bit...left out?

"Pfft...I'm not jealous! I uh...I get to do this." You stand up on the bench and manage to jump onto Lawrence's back. He's unprepared but manages to hold to you anyways.

"See? Oh Lawrence, you're uh...you're carrying me for a little bit now. My legs are all...ooooh~" You kick your legs to show what you mean, they feel tingly. "I uh...I know you say it's bad but um...I totally like...dig this feeling."

"It looks like you're the only sober one right now Law...sorry." John smirks a bit as he rubs his nose.

From what you can tell, Lawrence isn't too pleased...but you certainly are.

...

You enjoy watching the world pass by as you cling to Lawrence's shoulders, cheek pressed against his back. John suggested going to the bus stop further down the way, in hopes of keeping the car off your trail. Even though you are watching everything pass by, it might as well be a jumbled blur too you. A nice one though...

This bus stop has a bit of cover over the seating, allowing for the slight wind to become blocked off. There's only one other person waiting, an older woman reading the paper. You slide off Lawrence;s back and pretty much collapse in the seat next to the woman. Your legs feel like jelly...

As you sit there waiting you glance over to the page the woman is on. Bunch of text...no pictures...c'mon and flip the page...something interesting...

A big photo takes up the next page when she finally does turn it, but rather then having something nice to look at you flinch.

It's an an almost full sized picture of you, sitting in...where was that? Inside a restaurant somewhere? Your hair is short like it is now in it... Your eyes drift down and while you can't read the words underneath, you can read the bold numbers.

$50,000

What do you do?

File: splash1.jpg (90 KB, 400x400)

90 KB JPG

>>220349
Panic! Bring attention to the poster! WE ARE WANTED AND PEOPLE ARE GOING TO TRY AND COLLECT FOR 50K IN RECESSION TIME. THIS IS A BAD THING.

>>220349
>>220420
Panicking -does- seem to be the most appropriate response right now.

>>220349
Stiffen and hide behind Lawrence as we panic internally and try to draw Lawrence's attention to the ad.

Grandma wouldn't, right? She knows you're kinda safe. Plus she disappeared even though she said we could come by whenever. And why would she have such a recent photo of you. And mom's probably still in the hospital? Maybe?

Was that why those guys were at the school? Is it all your fault? Why everyone had to flee and John's nose is gross?

>>220349
The snow storm is over, the reality of the situation is that we have to get out of the city or everyone at good hope is at risk. We need to finish what we started and get going out of town if we can't figure something out.

The people of Good Hope are either ready to fight or need to get Delilah ready to run. Maybe Law's old crew will be willing to help. That's something John is gonna have to assess and decide. When he's sober.

>>220349
>$50,000
>In a recession.
Playtime is officially OGRE.
This >>220521 definitely, we can no longer afford to stay in one place.

>>220521
You're just... really obsessed with getting us killed by death squads, cops, or the elements, aren't you?

>>220590
He's not wrong though. The longer we stick around the more the Good Hope crew will suffer.

I agree with him, we need to leave. They're not likely to make this manhunt national.

>>220598
It's winter, in an undisclosed northern state, and we have no means of safe transport.

Also, we're thirteen and high on oxy.

And unsustainably pregnant with a rape baby.

>>220607
>And unsustainably pregnant with a rape baby.

I miss ONE fucking thread...

>>220610
Thread 6, to be exact.

>>220607
According to consensus it's not a human so it can't be called a baby and we are free to purge it from our body

>>220619
I'm sure Delilah is just itching to play with a coat hanger after the horror story Jessica told her.

And try saying "rape embryo", it sounds fucking dumb.

You feel your body tighten as the panic washes over you in waves.

There's an urge to rip the page from the woman's hands and show it to Lawrence, to cry out and just have a break down.

To keep attention to yourself low you reside yourself to just screaming internally instead.

You'll need to show him though, just...ah how are you supposed to...

All too soon the woman flips to the next page before you can even try and point it out to him.

"E-Excuse me ma'am?" Your voice shakes as you force a smile to your face, garnering her attention.

"Hm?"

"May I have that paper when you're done?"

Your interest in the newspaper piques Lawrence's attention too, and he only watches your attempts at being friendly.

"Sorry girl, I need to bring this back to the mister at home. He hasn't gotten to read it yet."

"Ah I'm sorry I just...really need it."

"And why's that?"

"Uh...I'm homeless and that may be the only thing that keeps me warm tonight."

"You've got two men, you'll stay warm tonight." She sounds snooty and you try to think of the best thing you can convince her to give it to you, digging through the several unorganized thoughts in your buzzing head.

"They're...gay. I will freeze."

The old lady giving you the paper is less out of pity for your situation and more of her annoyance at your pestering and absurdity.

"Next station isn't that far..." You can hear her mutter as she putters away, the folded up paper shoves into your hands. John and Lawrence are still trying to recover from being collectively thrown under the bus so brutishly.

"Now uh...not that I need to defend my self or nothin'...I mean I'm pretty sure I'd make a nice trophy husband for Law here but why'd you go and say somethin' like that? We probably coulda found ya a newsstand somewhere..."

[1/2]

>>220647
You flip through the paper as he speaks, folding back and showing them your missing ad. Lawrence grabs it as John peers over his shoulder to read.

"Jesus-...fifty GRAND? Your mother has that much?"

"No! And that p-picture...it's from...oh jeez where was it uh...I think it was taken over at the Plaza! My mom's been in the hospital since like...a month ago!" You're trying to keep the panic in your voice down but your words squeak out in the end.

"Who'd put this out for you then?"

"I don't know! I just...augh!" Your hands come up to your face as you try to think. "What...what if I try to leave town...they wouldn't follow me that far...will they? I still uh...I still got 300 dollars...I'll have to get a job and...and find a place to live and...d-do they rent apartments to minors?"

Lawrence is ready to write you a rebuttal but John cuts in.

"Missy you can't just...just up and leave right now. It's the middle of winter! You're lucky you haven't froze on the streets here! I had a buddy who thought he could live off the grid, went to sleep in his tent with ten fingers and ten toes and the next day he only had six! If it was summer then maybe you'd have more of a chance-"

"But I can't s-stay here...can I? Ah! What about my grandma though? W-What if she is missing or n-needs my help...and mom is in the hospital..." You feel conflicted...if you were asked a few weeks ago there would be no qualms in just leaving them behind but now everything feels so muddled...a big mess of gray swirling in your head...this...this high isn't helping you out right now either...

Try to not worry about this right now, wait till you calm down a bit. Just think about getting back to the others. Lawrence places a reassuring hand on your shoulder while you read this. Panic still fills your body, but you can't help but nod at this.

"You should just stick close like you've been doin', no need to draw attention to yourself." As John says this you push your hair into your hat entirely, keeping your face low in the scarf.

As the bus pulls up you keep your body pressed up behind Lawrence, John bringing up the rear. You sandwich yourself between the two men, trying to make yourself look as small as possible.

Lawrence said to not thing about it but...dammit...what should you do...

Maybe...maybe you can change up your looks again...that should be okay to think about...it might at least help hide yourself further for now till you come up with a longer term plan...

What should you do to help disguise yourself when you get the chance?

>>220648
dye our hair of course

>>220648
Dye our hair, even though Lawrence said he liked blondes. It'll be okay, right? He... he won't mind...

Maybe... maybe cut it shorter. We'd... probably look like a boy but then no one would look twice when we're out with Lawrence, right? And whoever is after us might not realize we're us.

>>220661
Seconding.
We have some very different pants and a shirt from Al's place, but maybe we could add something to it. A hoodie would break things up so the jacket might be overlooked.

>>220648
Pixie cut, hoodie def, maybe even fake glasses if we can find any

>>220690
Even just the frame would work. We'll do it before the hipsters.

>>220692
No, anon, we ARE the hipsters.

>>220690
How about a piercing of some sort?

>>220761
Like a safety pin in the ear and get punked up?

Because yes.

>>220764
Your hair would be the biggest thing you would need to change...
Going shorter would help but...maybe you should dye it too? Something dark...probably to match your eyebrows...right? Yeah...a dark color...

You do kinda like your blonde hair but you're willing to part with it in exchange for blending into the crowds better. You should cut it again...darn...this felt short enough already but this is for your own safety...just grin and bear it.

Your hands come up and touch your cheeks...could you find some glasses maybe? That should be doable...ones without lenses though. You remember the time you tried on a friend's pair and it just gave you the worst headache...

Maybe a different jacket? Something like a hoodie might be useful...this is a lot of change but that should mean it will work...right?

"I might be making a big mistake soon..." Lawrence looks over confused at your rambling, even more so as you're just touching your face.

...man...this would be a lot easier if you were at that peak like earlier...

You should have paid better attention during the ride but between the contemplation of your new looks and you're...coming down?...it seems like no time at all before John ushers you two off the bus. The block looks old but not in great condition. A tall apartment stands before you, rusted fire escapes lining the side...it looks like there are several of these buildings actually...

"Why they all look the same?" You ask, grasping Lawrence's arm as you walk down the street.

"Government housing. They were put up as a cheap place for people to live but cause of budget and time restraints the end products were also cheap. Lotta people weren't happy with em, some ended up abandoned. With Kennedy getting elected into office though there's been talk about starting up the project again but that might take some time before we see it. Wouldn't that be nice though?" John scoffs a bit, and you notice that he's moving his fingers around as he walks. He doesn't usually do that...is it like the thing with your legs earlier?
[1/2]

>220854

"But you said hotel, didn't you? Is there one nearby?"

Lawrence shakes his head and John elaborates.

"It's kinda our code name for it. It's one of these apartment buildings that got closed down to the roof cavin' in. Rest of the place is solid enough but there was a time where squatters were comin' and goin', wouldn't have been an issue but they trashed the place up pretty bad. The name Hotel is...well it's more of a cheeky one." John points his thumb up ahead, and you know right away which one he's talking about.

Black spray paint covers the front, obscenities and words you can't read properly covering the red brick. There are more boards up in place of glass then there are intact windows, but as you get closer you see that those 'intact' are most windows that have been busted and then left uncovered. The steps leading up to the front door are cracked and missing pieces of concrete, and you feel like the door could just fall over.

"Are you...sure this is the right one...?"

"Unfortunately." You stand back with Lawrence as John approaches the double doors, knocking in a rhythm. The door open a crack and you can see him whispering to whoever is inside before the door is opened just enough to allow a person to slip through. He motions for the two of you to follow him inside the dark building.

As you walk in the door is closed by a man you don't recognize. The lobby you have walked into is absolutely freezing...just above the temperature outside.

"Thanks Warren, the others make it here?"

"Yeah, they've got themselves rooms claimed. Got anyone else comin'?"

"Nah, we should be the last ones."

"Alright, we don't got much room left. Sam should be down the hall, fourth door on the left. The door next to him should be empty, y'all can take that one."

"Thanks man."

Warren just grunts and goes to sit behind what was once the front desk, pinups taped to the wall behind him and crushed beer cans littered on the floor. You cling even closer to Lawrence as you traverse down the hall...this place is awful. You're sure that there was a needle or two on the ground when you entered...

"Alright, let me touch base with Sam for a second then we'll probably have a group meeting, you take a moment to make sure she isn't...y'know..." John makes a twirling motion with his finger.

"Not crazy..." You mutter.

"Didn't say you were." John gives you a smirk and opens the room that is supposed to be yours.

...

How...awful...

It's a studio room and it's just....terrible. One of the rooms with a wooden board for a window...the paper from the walls peeling and it looks like something is...is growing in the corner.

"Jesus this place was worse then I remember...just...try not to poke yourself on anything and I'll see what's going on..." John leaves you with Lawrence in this hellish room.

What would you like to do while you wait for John?

Gotta sleep now, bit of a filler prompt for now sorry, will resume in a few hours.

>>220888
Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up.

Make sure you don't get like sick from the mold everywhere, air out the room if it isn't aired out already. Clean up the trash with like cloth or something to cover your hands so no one stabs themselves with a rusty needle or something.

Talk to the Law as you do so? Ride out your high.

>>220888
Apologize to Lawrence for getting high on John and ask him if he thinks this place is... permanent.

It doesn't feel safe at all and, God, the smell...

"It's...it's a mess in here..." You feel dirty just from standing there, your skin crawling just looking at the place. "We have to sleep in here? What if t-there's rats or needles or-"

This feels like too much for you to handle, you're not buzzing enough to take this in strides.

"C-Clean...w-we need to clean...it smells so awful...is that m-mold on the wall?" You take a few steps to look around the small space...no needles in here but plenty of empty beer bottles and...spray cans? There's also plastic bags strewn about coated in the paint...why would they do something like that? You want to pick up all the trash but you have nothing to cover your hands with...oh god...are you going to have to sleep on this carpet? There's stains all over...what was once the kitchen has a small amount of tile you could use instead but that is only the slightest bit more appealing. You want to open the window to air the place out, but the wood covering the missing glass is nailed to the wall.

This...is awful. Terrible. The worst. Your mood just feels...feels so sour now...

There's a small knock at the door and Lawrence hesitantly pulls it open.

"Oh wow, they made it." The door swings open and you can see Sarah and Eric standing there. A plastic bucket is in Eric's hand while his wife is carrying a half-full garbage bag and a box of gloves.

"I told you they would honey..." Eric sets the bucket down on the tile and you can see it's full of slightly murky and foamy water, a sponge floating in the middle.

"I didn't doubt it, I was just expecting them to like...bust in guns a blazing or something. It's a little boring to see them just walk in. I'm glad they made it back fine though." Sarah takes a look at the room. "Sheesh...you didn't find a midget in yours did you?"

"N-No...?"

"That's good, your room is better then ours at least." Sarah passes you the box of gloves and you can see that the trash she's carrying is actually double bagged...from the pointy shape jutting out near the bottom you can see why she would do that.

"Little people honey..."

"Well maybe I would call him people if he didn't act fucking crazy when we asked him to leave."

"Language dear...anyways, we heard John's voice from Sam's room...ah, thin walls and all. We were hoping that means you'd be here."

"Yeah, figured you would need these. Consider them a house warming gift...this place sucks." Sarah kicks a bottle near her feet, sending spinning across the floor. "I wanted the camping grounds but I also like waking up in the morning. This place though...I'd call it a trap house but that might be a compliment..."

"Honey, we can tell this isn't the best of conditions but...well what can we do. Just need to grin and bear it..."

"D-Do you guys think there's like...r-rats?"

"Rats? Nah, they would have froze to death weeks ago. Maybe in the basement but you should be fine here. Also...don't go to the basement and do n o t walk around without shoes. Ever."
[1/?]

>>222565

"A-Alright Sarah...thanks..." You slip on a pair of gloves.

"Oh you should uh...double up on those." Eric warns you and you nod.

"Listen, we gotta run out and grab some groceries to have stocked up. Wanted to make sure you guys had something to work with. Glad to see you guys made it, even if it wasn't kick-ass."

You thank the couple as they're leaving, but you remember the plans you had made on the bus. Shoving the gloves into Lawrence's hands you rush out into the hallway and catch up to them.

"Oh! Uh...Sarah? Would you um...w-would you be able to get me something..."

"I mean, probably. What is it?"

"D-Dye...hair dye. One that uh...matches my eyebrows..."

Sarah's face lights up as she notices the color of your brows.

"Ah...ah hell yeah, black? You're gonna be rockin', lemme tell ya."

"Honey...her eyebrows are more dark brown then black..."

"Whatever, I'll hook her up. Good thing you asked me. Aria would have had a heart attack if she knew you were gonna get rid of the blonde."

You thank Sarah again and wave them off before returning back to the room. Lawrence has already begun collecting the trash from the floor and you figure it would be best to work on the climbing mold in the corner. Carefully you carry the bucket over, trying not to let the water slosh over you, and stare at what you have to work at.

It smells so bad...you know that it's bad to breathe it in and so you cover your face with your elbow as you begin scrubbing.

"This...is awful...I miss the school..." You can't help but complain as you're washing away the growth. It smells like there's vinegar mixed into the water...the more you clean the more the acidity burns at your eyes...or maybe you're just that frustrated.
"I don't want to sleep here...e-even if it wasn't filthy t-then it feels like...like just anyone could bust in here a-and...and..." You have to back away from your work, coughing from the vinegar, tearing up from the situation.

"I...I hate it...!" You stomp your foot as you say this, gritting your teeth. Lawrence comes up, ready to comfort you but you just feel...terrible. You don't want to be told it's okay, you want it to be okay.

"No just...just lemme finish cleaning this stupid thing..." You turn back to the task that you absolutely hate, scrubbing at it once again though in silence this time. You start to channel your anger into the cleaning, subjecting the mold to your misery. You don't stop till you're sure its gone, pushing through the tears and smell.

[2/3]

>>222567
When the wall finally looks like it won't try to kill you in your sleep you take the bucket over to the tile. You feel like you'll be able to clean that decently enough...better then you could ever get the carpet. Moving on to your knees you begin to scrub in the furthest corner, and you can hear the slightly muffled voices of Sam and John.

"I'm...sorry that I'm all messed up...from John...if I knew I'd e-end up like that then I wouldn't have done it..."You don't look over towards Lawrence as you speak, feeling guilty about your outburst earlier. You leave your words at that till you reach the other side of the floor, cleaning the last of the tiles.

"Do you think this will be permanent...?" You ask as you toss the filthy sponge back into the bucket, standing up to strip the sweat gloves from your hands. You toss them away as Lawrence writes, still feeling bad about your mini-tantrum.

I doubt it, this was always seen as a last resort spot. It's not exactly the safest for the kids but the junkyard and the camping grounds wouldn't offer any protection from the snow and wind. We'll need to figure out what's going on with the school. We might be able to return, but if not then we'll need to try and figure out what to do. Try to remember that this will only be temporary.

"Okay...it um...it doesn't make this place any better but alright..."

There's a knock at the door and John pops his head in.

"Law, we need ya now. Just discussin' what to do. Uh, I'm sorry missy but you should hangout with Jessica 'n the kids for now. We'll fill you in but we just need to discuss things and...if you're anything like I am right now...it's a struggle to keep up."

"Alright...alright, I can do that." You walk into the hall and John takes you to a room on the hall facing you. Inside you can see that it's more cleaned up then your room was, looking bad due to not being kept up and age rather then being absolutely trashed. It's still bad and cheap, but just not nearly as bad yours was. The window is also just a wooden board and it's pretty cold...

Jessica is trying to calm a crying Lisa, Marilyn sitting with Thompson and Clark as she attempts to keep them busy with Buttercup.

"Make sure you keep this room locked, alright?" You nod at John as he closes the door. There's a deadbolt and a chain, which you fasten both. Does your room have this? Hopefully...

What do you want to do in here?

>>222573
Hit on Clark

>>222573
Give Jessica a hand with calming down Lisa. Maybe if we can get some normalcy into the situation she'll feel better.

This place isn't ideal. but at least we have each other, right?

>>222661
Backing. Maybe tell her a story if it'll help.
Usual suggestions with a rabbit and a bear living peacefully together in the forest.

You walk up to Jessica, who acknowledges you but keeps talking to Lisa.

"It'll be fine...we won't be here forever...alright?"

"Is scary though...I...I don't like it...I wanna...wanna go hoooome..." Lisa is absolutely sobbing and from the looks of it she has been like this for quite a bit.

You kneel down with Jessica and whisper to her.

"What's wrong?"

"She's just scared. Leaving so suddenly like that and then this place...she's just not taking it well." Lisa is trying to wipe her face clean but she's just not doing a good job. "Oh, let me see if I have a tissue or something, hold on."

Jessica gets up and looks through her purse. You look at Lisa who is just hiccuping and sniffling, looking absolutely miserable. Not that you blame her...

"H-Hey Lisa...wanna see something funny?" You're not really sure what you could to cheer her up about the situation, but maybe you could at least distract her. She looks up at you with her big teary eyes, awaiting your trick.

"Um...h-hey Clark..." You look over at the boy who looks up from Buttercup.

"You're uh...looking pretty cute today..." As soon as you say this Clark's face starts to go red. You can already see Thompson trying to contain his snickering.

"How about a kiss...?" You say this, winking at him and poking the tip of your tongue out.

Clark goes beet red and you can see Thompson is doing his best to not tease his friend.

"You can't do that Bunny!" Marilyn scolds you rather then taking joy in the pain for once.

"Why not? He's uh...he's cute. I'm sure he wouldn't mind a nice kiss-"

"No way! Y-You'll uh...g-g-give me cooties...!" Clark is trying to hide his face in his hands while Thompson is trying to keep his laughter down.

"Girls don't have cooties, stupid! Besides! She can't give you a kiss! She's taken." Marilyn crosses his arms as if to say 'that's that'. Even though Clark was just trying to deny you his face shows immense disappointment.

"W-What...?"

"Yep! Plus, you're too young to get married! You still wet th-"

"No I don't!"

"Hey kids, don't bully!" Jessica comes back with pack of tissues, coming down to wipe Lisa's face clean. Even though she's still upset, Lisa can't help but take some pleasure in watching Clark get bullied. You do feel a bit bad about throwing him under the bus like that...

"I'm glad you made it back, Law and John with you?"

"Yeah, they're talking with Sam right now."

"Figured. The adults are all talking I think. They don't want to stay here but they don't know where else to go..." Jessica cleans Lisa's face the best she can, her mouth pulled in a grimace.

"Where's Cecilia?"

"Hm? Oh, I think Aria has her right now. Got my hands full with these guys right now, but I'll probably take her at night. Sam mentioned it would probably be best for the kids to all stay in here since the door actually locks, one of the guys will probably stay in here too."

"Did you know about this place?"

[1/2]

>>223007
"Nah, never heard 'em mention it before. I can see why though." Jessica gives Lisa a hug, rubbing her back. "I think I heard Sam mention that a buddy of his and John from the uh...VFW kinda 'runs' this place."

"Wish they did a better job..."

"You're telling me-" There's a knock at the door and Jessica jumps up to answer it, stopping to look back at you.

"Oh, by the way...you probably figured it out but there are other people here, right? So make sure you check the peepholes and stuff before you open any of the doors. If it's not of ours, don't open it. " You nod and Jessica looks to see who it is before unlocking the door.

John, Lawrence, and Sam are standing in the hallway and you get up to join Jessica.

"Sorry about making you wait girls..." Sam waves at Marilyn before looking back down at you. "As you can tell, we'll probably be here for a bit. We're not sure how long that may be, unfortunately. For now, we're going to head out and see what we can scavenge from the school. You already told me when you need Jessica, and Lawrence says you just need a bag."

You nod and realize they want to leave you here.
"Ah but...can't I come...?"

"Sorry missy. We don't know how the situation might be, it'd be safer for you to stay here." John shoots down your question as direct but gently as he can.

"Y-You'll be back soon though..r-right?" You look up Lawrence. He nods, but from the look on his face he doesn't look forward to it.

"Aria and Mabel will come down and stay with you till we get back, then we'll work on sleeping arrangements and such."

"Come back soon, Pappy!" Marilyn calls out to Sam, holding Buttercup in her arms.
"I will Lyn, can't let you miss out on story nights."

She sticks her tongue out at this, but it's obvious that she's also relieved to hear him say that.

"Sorry, hope we didn't make you wait..." Mabel's voice comes down the hall and you can see her and Aria standing behind the men.

"It's alright, we were just about to head out." Sam passes something to Mabel...you can't tell what it is but she pockets it anyways. The sound of Cecilia babbling peeks out and John reaches out to pat her head.

"She doin' fine?"

"Yeah, just trying to keep her warm."

"Doin' a good job."

The two girls push into the room, Cecilia nested in a bundle of blankets in Aria's arms.

You all wave the guys off before Mabel locks up the door.

What do you want to do?

>>223014
Talk to the girls, maybe about the disguise, about this situation, about maybe the pills?

>>223104
Mention we think it might have been our fault those guys came to the school.

Maybe that someone who can't be our ma or meemaw is... really intent on finding us. Obsessed even. It's been weeks since the last ad, and they've taken a picture of us without us knowing.

>>223104
Don't tell Aria about the hair dye, she might try to talk us out of it but we gotta do it.

>>223156
>mention that
Why?

>>223235
Because we're a thirteen-year-old girl blaming ourselves for everything bad that happens and are seeking reassurance from the people closest to us.

>>223270
We're also still coming off the oxy so that might depress us a bit.

"Um...Aria? I know this is a bit weird right now but..." You run a hand through a lock of hair. "I...need another trim..."

"Already? I think your new one still looks fine, don't like it?" Aria passes Cecilia to Jessica, pulling the bag at her side up and pulling out an empty bottle and a canister of dry formula.

"Well um...you know how I told you there was a missing ad for me?" You watch Aria mix up the powder with water from a bottle, shaking it up.

"What? Your ma still lookin' for ya?" Mabel is peeking out of the peephole, the sounds of foot steps passing by.

"Here's the thing...it's not my mom putting it out..."

"What?" Jessica sounds surprised, looking up from her coddling of Cecilia.

"It still says my mom is putting out the reward but...there's just no way it's her. She's been in the hospital for a few weeks now and she doesn't have $50,000."

As you say the amount the shock rolls off their faces.

"Holy hell man, fifty THOUSAND? Someone's got THAT much on you?"

"Mabel! Keep your voice down!" Aria hushes her and Mabel covers her mouth. "These walls are thin..."

"Sorry I just...that's so much..."

"But here's the scary part...used to be an old picture of me for two years ago but...but now the new one has a picture of me from just a few days ago...back when I was at the Plaza..."

"Jesus...a stalker?" Jessica whispers, and while the children are occupied with the puppy you can tell Marilyn is listening in.

"I...I don't know...and I don't really want to meet them face-to-face either..."

"I don't have the proper stuff...it's at the school. Well um...hold on..." Aria digs through the bag and pulls out a pair of office scissors. "It might not be pretty but...if you want this then I'll do it."

...

You sit on the tile, the sound of water pouring out of the sink. The water is hooked up but the gas is not, meaning it's all freezing. You feel somewhat put on the spot as Mabel and Marilyn are sitting in front of you, ready to watch the process. Jessica is working to get Cecilia to drink the room temperature milk, cooing and bouncing her lightly to settle her stuffiness.

Aria isn't pleased with the working conditions, but resigns herself to the task anyways. You take one last look at the hair by your chin...

"How short were you thinking?"

"As...as short as you can go, I guess..." You try to hide the disappointment in your voice but it doesn't really work. As her fingers come up and move your hair about, the sound of the first snip, goosebumps rise up on your skin. That's right...you're still not quite back from your little 'trip'...

"Do you guys know if um...if Sam has gotten that stuff I need..." You can see the blonde hairs falling to the ground and you say your goodbyes to them mentally.
[1/3]

>>223438

"He said he's getting his supplies while they head out, return trip. If not today then tomorrow...you should have them tomorrow night." Mabel's voice is somber and you can see the mention of medication catches Jessica's attention but she decides to not press it further.

It's awkward, but you stay silent as Aria continues her work. Mabel gives her suggestions, telling her where and how to even it out. You don't want to think about the medication and instead focus on the feeling of having your hair cut. While you aren't thrilled about having to do this, it does feel nice.

You're terrified to see the end result as Aria brushes away the remaining stray hair from your neck.

"Alright...I've done the best I could..."

You look up at the peering faces of the girl. You notice that there is a new breeze on your ears and the strand that usually hangs on your face is much shorter.

"How's it look...?"

Before any of them can say anything you hear Thompson speak up.

"Why she look like a boy now?"

This enrages Marilyn and she jumps to her feet, pushing him away.

"She does NOT look like a boy!"

"Yeah huh, her hair's all short and stuff. I bet Clark thinks so too."

"Uh..p-please don't drag me into this..."

As Marilyn scolds him on the proper way to talk to girls, Aria places a hand on your shoulder.

"You look fine...plus, at least you can end up growing it out."

You were reassured but you lost it at the second part.

"Ah c'mon, short hair is the best. Don't got to worry about brushing it constantly or fixing it up in the morning, all that jazz." Mabel beams as she rustles up her own hair.

"I think you look fine." Jessica adds, smiling with her words.

You still don't feel great about it...it scares you when your fingers run through it and it just...stops so short. God...what's it going to look like with the dye?

As if on cue there is a knock at the door and Mabel goes up to check.

"Oh hey, just Sarah and Eric." She lets them in, the two balancing an array of full plastic bags.

[2/3]

>>223448
"Is that food?" Jessica asks, coming over as they set the supplies down.

"Yep, mainly stuff like beans and crackers. Cheap stuff we don't need to refrigerate." Sarah pulls out a box of saltines and hands it over to Mabel. "If the kids are hungry go ahead and let em rip into that."

As Eric and Aria begin sorting through the groceries, Sarah wonders over to you, a box wrapped in plastic behind her back.

"You cut her hair, Aria?" Sarah asks, poking at one of your short strands.

"Yeah, I think it looks nice. The blonde makes it look cute."

"Sure sure, blonde is pretty nice..." A wicked grin spreads across her face and Sarah pushes you into the bathroom, locking the door behind her. A short and clouded window allows just enough light to filter in and you can see Sarah displaying off the hair dye.

"Hey, what are you doing in there?" Jessica calls through the door with concern.

"Her hair looks nice and all, but she's not done yet." Sarah opens up the box, pulling out a tube and plastic applicator.

"W-Wait! Sarah! Ah! Don't ruin m-my work!" Aria clamors to the door, attempting to get it open.

"Don't worry, don't worry. I'm just adding the last piece to her look. It'll be great."

Aria voices further concern but she is unable to stop what is about to happen. As you watch Sarah slip on gloves and open the tube, black liquid oozing out...you also begin to feel fear.

...

Sitting on the edge of a plastic tub, you feel the dye being ran through your hair. You thought about changing your mind, but Sarah was quick to put the first glob in. After that, it was too late.

"Alright, we apply this evenly and then we need to wait for like, 20 minutes or something."

"Didn't the box say how long?"

"Probably."

What would you like to talk to Sarah about before you wash the dye out?

>>223455
Best way to get out of the city (hitch a train for instance), or places she has dreamed of going instead of here.

>>223455
This'll work, right? Like, we'd stand out far less?

... what if they recognize us anyway. This'll have been for nothing.

Don't... don't fall prey to the gloom. Figure out something nice to talk about. Music! Yes, what kind does Sarah's band play and do they, like, have concerts or something?

... i-is Twisted Sister cool?

>>223455
Any advice for avoiding stalkers?

Hold on just one god damn minute now. If they knew we were at the plaza and took a picture of us, why didn't they just follow us around and take us away when we were away from a crowd, possibly intercepting us near the school? Why bother with putting up an ad and offering a 50k reward if they could've just finished it that day? It's clear that they have more than enough firepower to overpower Lawrence and any potential good samaritan bystanders that try to help us

>>223944
There wasn't really any point during that day where we were really out of view, and it may just have been a lone private investigator hired to snap pictures of any tan, blonde girls around town.

You're also assuming anyone would want to risk being spotted literally kidnapping a white girl with blonde hair and blue eyes in the eighties, possibly even in a state where gun laws are particularly lax.

File: 1462300949480.png (108 KB, 500x500)

108 KB PNG

>>223563
>... i-is Twisted Sister cool?

Duh.

>>223979
>You're also assuming anyone would want to risk being spotted literally kidnapping a white girl with blonde hair and blue eyes in the eighties, possibly even in a state where gun laws are particularly lax.
This didn't stop us from getting raped three times, or Bower tazing Lawrence and about to rape us again right in his office, or his secretary almost gunning us down in front of the other doctors, or all those government assassins with tinted windows from chasing us and even shooting at us at granny's house, or how no one has really confronted Lawrence about how he's dragging around jailbait to whom he has no family relation

>>223944
>>223991

Could be a chance thing, bystander opportunism. Someone heard they were after us, took a photo when they saw us and handed it in for a reward.

>>223991
No one raped us in public.

Bower acted in self-defense.

His secretary acted out of fear for her job, and likely so did his other employees.

Those government assassins may just as well be hired thugs. The only reason we thought they were government was based on what William and his boys had heard.

By "no one" do you mean the peeps of Good Hope who've come to learn that Delilah relies on Lawrence for emotional support, or the general public whom are more likely to assume that nothing's wrong since Delilah isn't trying to run away from the Big Guy.

As you feel the applicator apply the goop through your hair, you decide it might be a good idea and try to get advice from her.

"How...do you deal with stalkers?" She pushes your head forward to get to the base of your neck.

"Stalkers? You got a problem with them?"

"M-...Maybe..."

"Whew...that's rough. Had a stalker once, was a crazy ex. I ended the relationship but he wasn't ready for that. Kept following me around, leaving me letters and sending me gifts and stuff. Eventually I met up with him and threatened to uh...make sure he couldn't start a family if he kept it up. Course he liked crazy, so I just ignored his letters and stuff after that and he got bored. Or found a new chick. Dunno." Sarah looks over your head, making sure it's all been applied.

"Would ignoring it really work?" You feel like a doll, the way your head is just being turned every which way.

"Hmm...mine was probably a lucky case. Could work, don't know. If you're really scared just make sure you'd know how to handle yourself. Don't go out alone, stay in crowded areas, keep yourself armed, that kinda thing." Sarah releases your head and sits on the closed toilet lid, removing the stained gloves. "Course, if you always keep Law round with ya it might keep the crazies away."

"Hmm..." Your hair feels gross with the dye in it, but the thought of someone following you around and getting pictures without your knowledge is worse. Looking down at your jacket, you remember the shirt you're wearing and decide to change the subject.

"Hey...is Twisted Sister any good...?"

You're unprepared for Sarah's sudden enthusiasm, her spieling on about their songs and concerts and similar bands she also likes. It's...well, you just feel kind of lost. You appreciate the way she speaks so fondly about them though, and let her continue.

"What about your band?" You finally break her speech. "Do you guys like...do concerts?"

"Nah not yet. We have gigs and all, but so far only in open mic kinda places. Just wait a bit though, you'll see my stuff on covers."

"What about the radio?"

"Maybe not the radio. Not enough bleeps available."

Before you can ask her what she means Sarah jumps up and has you stand back while she tries the shower. It takes a few spurts but it manages to turn on, the water going for dark to clear in about a minute.

"Alright...here comes the worst part."

"W-What's the worst part?"

"We gotta wash it out, and there's no heat in this place. Brace yourself."

You remove your jacket and shirt, leaning over the edge of the tub and trying to keep as much as your body out from the freezing cold. Sarah works the hair between her fingers and your eyes are forced to stare at the drain. Black drips down and out with the clear water...please don't look bad...

Your teeth are chattering by the time Sarah declares you finished, rushing to put your clothes back on. Drops of water trail down your face and beneath the collar...you miss the community showers.

[1/4]

>>224075
Sarah swings open the door, smirking at an anxious Aria.

"She's done~"

"What did you-AH!" Aria shrieks as you come out, looking as though she's seen something awful.

"Babe, calm down. Her hair is just dark n-"
"Her blonde hair...! Her wonderful blonde hair...! Sarah! You MONSTER!" As Aria laments your change you can see Mabel roll her eyes at the behavior.

"Relax, it's to help her hide out, remember? 'sides, I think she looks fine."

Marilyn comes up to look at your new hair.

"I...don't look like a boy, do I?" You ask her, only halfway kidding.

"...you...kinda look related to him now..."

"Hm?"

"Like...more like a sister then a girlfriend now."

Oh...?

Before you can have her elaborate Jessica rushes over, pushing her hand through your new hair.

"You dyed it? Ah! How cool! I always wanted to try it but my parents never approved of it!" Jessica seems giddy about it, a complete opposite to Aria. You start to feel a little self conscious and try to keep your reddening face hidden.

"Psst, Bunny~" You look over as Sarah approaches Eric, who is sitting and rocking Cecilia. "Hey babe, got your reading glasses with you?"

"I always d-" Before he can finish answering Sarah pulls a case from his pants and walks over to you, pulling out a pair of glasses.

"Here, seems like you don't wanna be recognized...right? Try these, they aren't very cool looking but they should do the trick..." Sarah slips the square glasses to your face. They feel a little heavy and awkward, but you work on adjusting them.

"W-Well...? Does it help?"

You regret asking the question, as now you have all eyes in the room on you.

"Well...I think it makes her look way different...maybe...?"

"It's a bit hard to say cause we watched her get her hair cut, ya know?"

"Are you sure she needs my glasses...?"

"Are you sure you need them? Your eyes are fine, nerd."

"Maybe we'll have to see what the guys say when they get back."

"Her blonde hair..."

"I hope he'll still be able to recognize you..."

"C-Could we maybe like...n-not all stare at me...?"

"Probably not."

[2/4]

>>224076
You eventually shield yourself away from their gazes, making them find something else to do aside from just...staring. Creeps you out right now...

Aria and Sarah end up arguing over the merits of blonde and black hair. You realize that, even though Aria has light brown hair it's not the shade she likes and that's why she has such a liking to your previous color. Sarah just finds her sorrow over it funny, all while Eric tries to get her to play nice.

You run your hands through your hair, trying to dry it out quicker. How long have the guys been gone..

Marilyn brings up the box of crackers to share with you, and you accept her kindness. You're a bit worried that she's going to take the chance to bully you, but she seems pretty contempt with herself right now.

"Um...Pappy says that when she gets better I can go see Claire..." Marilyn finally speaks up, munching on a cracker.

"Oh, that's great. She'll be happy to see you."

"Maybe I'll be able to bring Cecilia with too...I can show her I'm being nice to her and stuff..." Her free hand comes up and scratches as Buttercup's ear. "I'll probably go with John when we find out when she's good. He'll be excited to show her how the baby is."

"I bet so. He likes holding her, doesn't he?"

"Yeah...I...think John might have had kids before...or maybe he wanted them?" Marilyn speaks softly, keeping the conversation between the two of you. "I remember one time...he got really upset one day and wasn't acting like himself...that was when Pappy and me first came to Good Hope...John was a bit different back then. He got angry and upset a lot...he also cried a lot too...Pappy wouldn't tell me what was wrong though. One night I heard him talking to John, and John kept saying stuff about kids...his kids? I didn't stick around to listen though...a while after that though John started acting nicer and then after that he started smiling again. Grown ups are weird..."

"Yeah...they are..."

There's a knock at the door and Sarah goes up to check.

"Just the guys coming back." She opens the door for them, a mess of bags and backpacks in the arms of John and Lawrence, Sam not yet here. You can see that Lawrence grabbed your dufflebag for you...you feel a bit better to have your stuff back.

"Alright, come get yer stuff." John gives up trying to carry everything, throwing what he has to the ground. Lawrence adds his load to the pile, all save for your bag and a bundle of blankets. You come up to him, ready to grab your bag from him. When he looks over at you there's a moment of confusion on his face, and John quickly clarifies why.

[3/4]

>>224082
"Who's the bo-...wait...oh..."

As John realizes who you are it hits Lawrence too, making him flinch in realization.

"TOLD YOU SO!" Thompson calls from across the room, followed by a cry of pain as Jessica punishes him.

"I look like a boy...?"

"Ah nah I uh, I didn't mean that missy just um...you know..." John tries to grin and tap at his head again, Lawrence shaking his head at your question.

Sam wobbles in, a bag on his back, and looks over at you.

"Who's the lad?"

...
After having Jessica and Sarah assure that you do not look like a boy but a cute/kick-ass girl, Lawrence comes over with your bag. You try to hide the few tears that had came up with the words earlier, thanking him for bringing it.

"Alright, we talked it over on the way back..." Sam speaks up, gaining everyone's attention. "John will stick in this room tonight with Jessica and the kids, Sarah and Eric will keep in the room next to mine, and Lawrence on the other side. We'll discuss further arrangements in the morning, but you kids need to listen up to what I'm about to say."

That uh...means you too, right? Jessica shoots you a worried look before facing Sam again.

"You'll be safe in here, but don't think about leaving without someone with you...an adult. Don't even think about leaving alone, do you understand?" Sam awaits the yessirs and head nods from the children, then proceeds to look at you and Jessica, both of you giving him a 'yes'.

"Warren, the guy up front, is a good guy. I can't speak for everyone else here that isn't us though, so don't open the door for anyone that isn't someone you know, no matter what. Now, it's been a long day for you I'm sure, try to sleep and keep yourselves warm. Dress in layers if you need to."

Sam then proceeds to remind everyone to keep their shoes on constantly, not to touch anything that was already there, the same kind of stuff as what Sarah had warned you. You guys are more or less 'dismissed' and Lawrence heads back to the room you guys cleaned. You follow, bag in hand though still a bit upset about earlier.

He's yawning as he arranges the blankets, trying to keep them as far away as the stained carpet as possible.

"Why are you guys so spread out? Couldn't we easily like...take up just two rooms?"

The more room we take, the less room people we don't know or can't trust will have.

It's kind of a scary though...

[4/5]dammit

>>224089
When Lawrence finishes the blanket nest he sits down in the middle, stretching out and yawning.

Are you going to sleep in Jessica's room? It's a lot cleaner then in here, not to mention it's warmer in there.

"I um...I dunno..." Is he trying to push you out again...

You hand him the sleeve of crackers from earlier, which he happily accepts. You let Lawrence eat as you unzip your bag, seeing if everything is there. It doesn't seem like anything is missing...no wait...where's Ms Buttons...?

"Um...d-did you happen to see a toy rabbit while you were getting my stuff?"

Lawrence thinks about it and shakes his head. Maybe it just got lost in his hurry to grab the stuff...

You run a hand through your new dried hair...right...right, you're no longer blonde...

What do you want to do before getting ready for bed?

>>224094
Daydream about being the lead singer in a band. With a totally original name, like 'Skewed Sibling'.

File: Spoiler Image (21 KB, 274x315)

21 KB JPG

oh dammit, forgot the picture of new[\spoiler] Delilah.

>>224124
I guess this is one of the bad ends isn't it

>>224124
Great now we're going to be anal-raped by gay guys instead.

>>224094
Tell Lawrence we wouldn't mind sleeping in here with him, it's only a little bit cold so it'll be fine, right? Ask him if our hair is fine and if he really didn't recognize us when he saw us. That'd... be a good thing, right? He's so used to seeing us...

Try to put Ms. Buttons out of mind for now. It's not like anyone would steal her, right? Just a... a dirty old toy rabbit reminding us of the innocence we'll never get back. One we've had since we were, like, three.

It's not like... like how someone stole all the pictures of us at grandma's. Or our clothes.

... or our underwear...

>>224139
Really msspelled "best" there, friend. I got you though, no worries.

File: Spoiler Image (83 KB, 722x598)

83 KB JPG

>>224168
>>224139

>>224094
Ask him if we're still cute.
But be quiet about because the walls are thin.

>>224263
This. Ask him if we still give him chubs when we get close to him

>>224266
Calm down.

>>224257
Might as well shave your entire head.

The only good tomboy is one with a cock in her mouth.

That's so weird...why would just Ms Buttons be missing...why is your stuff starting to go missing...? None of it is valuables...your rabbit, the book, the clothes...why would someone want underwear?

Maybe you should think about this later...

While you wait for Lawrence to eat you think about how your hair is kinda like Sarah's, except a whole lot shorter now. It's a brief thought, but you contemplate what it would be like to dress up like she does...you couldn't handle the attention she must gets though...much less do something like getting up on a stage like that...

As your hand trails through your new hair you think about how, despite it being a bit scary looking...Sarah still looks like a woman. You on the other hand...

"Hey...do I really um...do I really look like a boy now...?"

Lawrence looks over and sits up, writing his response between crackers. You can tell he's thinking carefully about how he words this.

Honestly? Maybe in a passing glance, but if someone actually pays attention to you they should be able to tell. I didn't expect to come back to you looking like Pat Benatar, Sam is old, and John is still probably trying to 'come down'.

That should be a good thing then...if you look like you could confuse people who know you..still you can't help but feel a bit upset by the change.

"Am I...um...am I still cute...?" You whisper this, wrapping one of the curly locks around your finger, twirly it as you look at the new darkness of your hair. You're prepared for some bully...something like 'you look cute for a boy' or 'at least it will grow out'.

It's different, it really is. Just because it's short and black now doesn't mean you're not cute anymore. It's not the hair that makes it, it's you that's cute.

"Will...miss...blonde...though..." Lawrence says casually as he eats another cracker.

"Y-You're not lying to me...a-are you? Like to make me feel better...?" You want to accept the compliment, you really do. There's still those voices telling that it's not true, that you look awful. It feels like they're even truer now...it's why all those models have long hair and stuff, right?

You're taken back a bit as Lawrence leans closer, his hand brushing through your short hair.

"Delilah..." He's still speaking, low enough that it doesn't sound like he's struggling. "You...are...cute girl. Worry too...much about...it. You...are a...lovely...girl."

You suddenly feel weird about being so close to him right now, the warmth in your face spreading. Lawrence offers a quick grin before laying back down on the blankets, arms behind his head and closing his eyes.

"You don't mind if I stay in here tonight...right? The um...the cold doesn't bother me that much..." You lie, making sure you aren't shivering as you say this. Lawrence sighs a bit but gives you his silent permission.

Maybe you should make sure to put on an extra shirt or something though...

What would you like to do?

>>224339
This >>224297
get to work

>>224297
Wow, straight for the jugular.

>>224297
Sounds good to me

>>224339
Put on an extra shirt. Sleep.

I don't know, I don't have any grand plan here.

>>224339
... maybe it'll be okay to sleep in the other room. Lawrence wouldn't have to worry about us being cold and could probably use a little privacy from us. We can even prove that we're not some... scaredy-cat.

Besides, he'll just be on the other side of the wall.

Give him a hug and tell him to sleep tight. We can talk with Jessica until we fall asleep or something.

>>224380
Backing.
Show him we acknowledge his concern so he doesn't feel like he's babying us.
We're an adult.

File: 6dc9a4941465cfd1b40fbdea4(...).jpg (37 KB, 450x577)

37 KB JPG

We should go shorter.

Jeez...you really are clingy...aren't you?

You stand up, smoothing down your ruffled hair.

"I think I might actually go and sleep in the room with Jessica. You'd probably appreciate some privacy for once, you never get it with me hanging around like this." You offer a smile as you say this, even though you don't really want to go. Lawrence opens his eyes, a bit surprised at what you said.

"It must get annoying, having me tail along constantly. I'll hang out with Jessica and let you do you-"

You wait as Lawrence writes you a note.

Don't think you're annoying me or something.

It's just going to get colder pretty soon, it's your choice though.

You appreciate the thought, but you don't want him to think of you as some child that tails around constantly and needs a hand to hold.

You want him to see you as grown up, that you can be independent.

Even if you want to sleep next to him again...

"It's fine, I'm not a baby." You try to put on your best serious face, grabbing a blanket from the pile. It occurs to you that leaving means Lawrence is going to be cold and alone. He'll be fine...right...?

"Um...j-just make sure you don't freeze, okay?"

Lawrence still looks a bit surprised by your decision to leave, but he plays it off by rolling his eyes and sarcastically mouthing the words 'okay mom'. You give a glare in response, but still...you hope he will be alright alone...

"I-If I'm mom then that means I can ground you for misbehaving." Lawrence pokes his tongue out at you, and you decide that if you're going to leave it's going to be winning.

"It also means..." You bend down and place a quick kiss on his forehead. "Good night kisses, so you don't have to worry about monsters getting you."

You quickly turn and leave before you can see Lawrence's reaction, closing the door behind you and standing in the hallway. You let out a sigh before going to where Jessica's room is, knocking softly. There's a bit of a wait and John opens the door...

Right, he's staying with the kids too.

"Hey there, you comin' in?"

"Y-Yeah, there still room for me to sleep?"

"We can make room for ya, c'mon missy."

John locks the door as you come in, seeing that the kids are already laying down, the three of them underneath one large blanket. Lisa is asleep and Clark might be too...Thompson is tossing and turning in attempts to get comfortable. Marilyn is sitting in front of Jessica, having her hair brushed and put up in a bun.

"Oh hey, you sleeping here?" Jessica asks as you come over, noting the blanket in hand.

"Yeah...that should be fine, right?"

You sit down with them and Jessica beams, nodding.

[1/2]

>>224569
"Course! I was just helping Marilyn here and then I was going to lay down myself. It's been a long day, y'know."

Marilyn seems to yawn for her, struggling to keep her eyes open. Jessica ties the bow in her hair, securing it in place.

"There, all done. You ready for bed?" Marilyn nods, rubbing her eyes. It looks like she's really tuckered out. You help Jessica set up another set of blankets next to the kids, and you notice John is set up against the wall and close to the door. His arm is over his face, blocking out the dim flashlight, his other arm holding Cecilia on his chest. He must be exhausted like Lawrence...

Jessica grabs the light as you crawl into the blankets, Marilyn coming in behind you. Lisa is on the other side of you, but before you can get comfortable Jessica crawls up between the two of you.

"Heh...s-sorry. Lemme sleep next to her, Lisa can get a little clingy..."

You move back to give Jessica room to slip in, the six of you making a line underneath the blankets. Even though the air is cold your body underneath is warm...you would call it comfy if the ground was softer.

You can hear Marilyn fall asleep almost immediately behind you, and if John is asleep that means it's just you and Jessica awake now. Her back is to you, allowing her to rub a hand over Lisa's back while she sleeps. You turn to face the same direction as her, your hands resting against her warm back.

"You know..." Jessica whispers, just enough for you to hear. "A few years ago...if you asked me if I wanted to be a mom, I probably would have said no, that's scary. And then with what happened in high school..."

Her voice is gentle and soft, but you can still feel the weight from the words she is saying.

"But then I got sick and I found out something...I do wanna be a mom at some point. I really do...it's funny though. I can't anymore...not unless I wanna make my baby sick like me too. Even though they're annoying at times...I'm glad I have these guys to take care of..."

There's some sorrow in her words, but as she speaks of the kids there's that usual cheeriness still there. You're unsure as to what you should say, but you still want her to know that you're listening.

Your arms come up and wrap around her easily, squeezing lightly.

"They're glad to have you too."

It's nice...this warmth between the two of you. She doesn't object to it so you stay like this, ready to sleep. You jump a bit as you feel another set of hands come up from behind you and a cheek against your back.

"Mm...no Bunny...you dun' look like a boy...you're a cute cookie..."

Ah...Marilyn...she's mumbling in her sleep and using you as a source of warmth. Not that it's bad though...even against the hard and dirty ground you manage to fall asleep.

...
[2/3]Whoops

>>224572

You wake up to a pain in your gut...it's a dull but present feeling...it's still dark in the room...you've only been asleep for a little while.

You try to ignore the feeling but it's persistent, keeping you awake from what feels like an hour...the pain only grows though. Carefully you untangle yourself from the bodies, going up to the restroom.

...

You stand inside, flashlight in hand. There's a sudden sharp stabbing feeling in your stomach, your body doubling over. When you move the pain comes back, and you stand there, afraid to move. After about a minute or so that harsh pain fades away, leaving you with only the duller pain instead...it's almost welcoming. Maybe you've been walking around too much...?

There's a sudden and intense feeling of craving that hits you...as if you hadn't fed in weeks. It's such a sudden and violent feeling, and you feel another pain in your stomach again.

You start to pant...you...what do you want...y-you want blood right now...badly...you need to have some now...that's what your mind and body screams.

What do you do?

>>224574
Go back to Lawrence and suck his dick_

Forgot to add, last update for the night! See y'all in the morn!

>>224574
Check if John's awake. If not to feed from him, then at least an... oxy? Maybe that'd take it until we can get help from Lawrence in the morning?

Else we'll have to... have to just lock ourselves in the bathroom.

There's nothing to be ashamed about, right? This is for the sake of everyone and Lawrence isn't here to stop us like last time. We have to do this. We can be sorry in the morning.

>>224580
All these flavors and you choose to be salty.

>>224615
Supporting.
On both points.

>>224124
I think she's cuter this way. Screw you guys.

Lets cuddle Marylin and comfort her.

You need to do something...you can't ignore this...you doubt it will just go away on it's own...

Lawrence...you need Lawrence right now...

Can you wait till morning?

The stabbing and clenching pain in your stomach tells you that you can not. You brace against the wall for support, doing your best to not move.

Okay....okay plan B...

John...has those painkillers...right? The Oxy stuff...m-maybe that will settle this pain...? That might make it easier to deal with the cravings, if it doesn't feel like a knife has been left inside your stomach...

You have to wait for another wave of pain to finish wrecking havoc to your body. Even opening the door is difficult...you can't grasp the handle well and you're shaking like crazy. Still, you manage to open the door, allowing you access to where everyone is sleeping...

Don't look over at them...just head over to where John is...it'll be okay...

Slow shaky steps...just see if he's awake...see if you can wake him up easy enough...it'll be okay...

Coming closer, you see he still has Cecilia sleeping on his chest...looking at her makes you sick...

You kneel down, flashlight in hand and averting your eyes from the baby, and shake John's shoulder carefully.

"J-John..." You whisper, trying to keep your panicked voice low. It takes little time for John to open his eyes and sit up, moving Cecilia carefully to his arm.

Don't look at her...

"Hm...whuzup missy...need somethin'...?" His voice is groggy, you know it's best to try and handle this slowly...

The surging pain in your stomach tells you otherwise.

"I...I n-need..." You pant again and double over. The signs of pain wake John up further and he places a hand on your shoulder.

"What's wrong missy? You in pain...?"

Keep yourself calm...alright...it'll be okay...just explain to him...

"I n-need...p-painkillers..." You choke the words out, louder then you wish. Don't wake the others...don't look at the baby...

"What? Aspirin?"

"N-No...o-oxy...lemme have o-oxy..."

"Missy, there is no way I'm just going to give you Oxycontin, I have no idea how much to give you and t-"

"Blood then! L-Let me have your b-blood then! Please John...it hurts...I'm...dammit...I'm scared..." You don't mean to sound so irritable, but the pain is forcing the worst out of you. There's tears coming down your face...when did you start crying...?

"P-Please...please..." The voice that begs is filled with misery and you cover you face in shame.

[1/3]

>>225738
"...let me put Cecilia somewhere safe. Go wait in the bathroom."

You can't even muster out a thanks, only managing to stagger to your feet and run to the bathroom. The wait inside is long...you want to move around for the dull pain but the stabbing pain hurts more when you do walk about...this...this is some of the worst agony you have been in...

John finally comes in, light in hand.

"Alright...tell me what's wrong before I do anything."

"I w-woke up cause my stomach hurt...b-but like...not actually my stomach but b-behind it? The stuff behind it or s-something? A-After I got up the pain got worse...I...it feels like there's a knife inside me...it comes and goes but it h-hurts so badly...a-and then I just...I have this...this craving...one I shouldn't have...n-not yet..."

"A craving...for that?"

You nod and grimace, riding out another wave of pain.

John is contemplating what you have said, not that you can blame him but...dammit you need something...it feels like you could do...or rather like...you want to die instead of facing this pain...
"It's not that I don't want to help you, I swear. I just don't think it's safe for me to give you something like oxy, and this whole blood thing..."

"Your arms! Check y-your arms!" You grab at your stomach, hardly able to keep your voice down.

Holding the light between his teeth, John pulls up his sleeves, a hand brushing over his skin. He quickly checks the other one and looks back up at you, holding the light in his hand and pointing it in your direction.

"What are you...?"

"I w-wish I knew..."

John is just staring at you, confused and...scared? He thinks you're a freak...doesn't he...

You grow fearful as he pulls a knife from his pocket, flicking the blade out with one hand. He wouldn't...would he...?

[2/3]

>>225743
"Missy...this is way too much for me to understand. I've never seen anythin' like this before, and if someone told me all this I would have thought he was from a loony bin. I sure as hell wouldn't be givin' him anythin' either." John holds the blade in his left hand, and gritting his teeth, draws it quickly across his palm.

"But...I got a soft spot for kids."

...

You do your best to not pounce on him when John offers out his bleeding palm. It tastes nice, though you do notice that wooden flavor seems to be missing compared to earlier. Not that it matters...you're feeding your craving and some of that pain seems to be subsiding...some.

Okay...don't go overboard...

You pull away after two minutes...event though you wanted more and wanted so badly to force the blood out faster you made yourself to just take what came naturally.

"Will that be enough?" John looks at his palm, pressing down on it with a tissue.

"F-For now...I just...need to make it till morning..." It's a strange sensation...having that warm buzz mixed in with beating pain. It makes it a lot easier to take but it's no where near doable to sleep past.

Before John can ask why there's the sound of rattling at the front door.

"Shit...shit I think someone's tryin' to get in...it'll be fine but I have to stay out there just in case, alright? Will you be fine by yourself in here?" John rushes up as he says this, knife at his hand again. You only manage a nod.

"Listen, lemme make sure we don't have a situation and if you want, I'll sit outside the door, alright? Doe-" There's another round of violent door rattling and John pushes his way out, leaving you alone in the bathroom.

You listen in, but there's no sounds of the door opening...it seems like whoever it was has already moved on. Now you just need to make it to morning...you can do that...right..?

It's not ideal, but you sit in the bathtub. There's the lack of the stabbing pain, but enough of everything else to make up for it.

You don't like this weird mix of...of pleasure and pain...it's confusing...

How do you distract yourself from the pain?

>>225749
Touch yourself

>>225749
God, there's nothing to do in here. Nothing to focus on instead of this... pain and malignant craving...

Imagine ourselves away. Just like last time. Just... imagine we're somewhere we're happy. The smells, the sounds, the feelings, the colors.

Like a warm summer's morning on a meadow, surrounded by flowers, their smell and that of the grass mixing with the sounds of birds and bees.

... like the warmth of Lawrence's body. His scent. The comfort of being in his arms...

>>225749
Place your hand over your heart and count the beats, as you keep your eyes unfocused, nearly closed.
We need these feelings, so so much. Dont deny them. Let the feelings blend into a comfortable state and stay in the tub.

My masters, I have AWOKEN

Okay...you're going to be okay...

It's...good that you can feel anything...right?

Even if it's painful...that means you're alive. That means that the pain will come to and end, and you'll be able to enjoy the good times whenever they roll around again.

For now just focus on something other then the pain...

Your hand slips beneath your shirt and comes up to press against your chest, the unsteady beating of your heart evident underneath your fingertips. You keep your eyes forward, unfocused but open, counting under your breath each gentle beat. Just another testament that you are here, that you are still breathing, that you'll be okay.

There's a flinch in your body as the pain comes once again, but you close your eyes and let it do it's thing. You're craving...you're in pain...but you also have that brief feeling of warmth and the pleasantness in the back of your mind. Focus attention on that, and it may help bring the sun to you sooner.

The sun would be nice right now. Seeing the bright sun would mean being somewhere other then a dreary bathroom and trying not to freeze.

Being somewhere else...where would be a nice place to be? Somewhere outside, somewhere warm...where the sun can just shine down on you, away from the crowds of people and gray imposing towering buildings.

You feel the beating of your heart again and you feel the warmth in your head trying to spread. Spring...when things are pushing through the snow that forces them to hide away...that would be nice. Maybe you won't have to hide away either, you can be out as you like.

You can run out barefoot, into soft grass that never ends. Climb up in trees, pushing through their leaves and finding what they hide in their branches. Listen to the sounds of birds, the wind, running water...anything that isn't the sound of traffic and people with too much to do and not enough time to do it.

There could a summer home there, so you wouldn't have to leave once night came. A little cabin, tucked away from the hustle and bustle and letting you rest your head when you were done exploring. Far enough away so you could see the stars again...you can't do that here. Maybe you could check out books from a library in the town a couple miles away, you could learn how to identify the different constellations and the different plants and animals around you. The days could pass by, and there would be no worry about it. You could learn how to cook, get better at sewing, write while you sat in the shade, Buttercup at your feet. That would take money though...wouldn't it? You could become a famous writer, but till you were good enough you would need a way to make money in order to live comfortably enough...

[1/2]

>>227126
Maybe you could live with someone out there. It would get lonely after all, and even in spring the nights could grow chilly. They could work, and you would explore and enjoy the nature around you while you worked on a manuscript. It would even be nice to prepare a meal for their return, to have them walk through the door with you in the kitchen, eager to enjoy their company for the rest of the day. When it gets too cold or you're scared or just lonely, they would offer their open arms and a shoulder for you to lean on.

Your other arm comes and rests against your shoulder, a cheap imitation of what you want right now.

You could enjoy them, their warmth, his smell, the feel of his arms wrapping around you so easily and making you feel safe and wanted, the company of La-

The beating beneath your fingers increases, so much so that you feel as though you can hear it. It's still dark, you're still alone in a hard tub, and the air is freezing.

You wish for the morning even harder, but now for another reason.

...

When the first traces of light come through, your pain and cravings have subsided compared to hours ago. When you stand there's the feeling of sharp white pain again, but it's lesser then the ones that were bringing you to tears earlier.

Shaky legs step out of the tub and you press open the door, glancing out.

"Hmm...up already?"

Right beside the door sits John, back against the wall and a blanket around his shoulders. You nod and step out, looking over to see that Jessica and the kids are still asleep, Cecilia in between Jessica and Lisa.

"Did it work...do you feel better?" John is hesitant to ask, and you're equally hesitant to answer.

"I...don't know...m-maybe. It...doesn't feel as bad as earlier..." You say this as the dull pain in your stomach continues to grab and release. "Do you think I could g-go over to Lawrence now...?"

"Should be fine, I'll wait in the hallway with you in case he's asleep." John gets to his feet, sounding tired, as if he's hasn't been to sleep.

"Thank you..."

" 's no problem."

John unlocks the door and leads you out to the hall. You remember the person who tried to enter last night and feel grateful for the door being more secured then it looks. You wait behind John as he knocks for you, calling out that it's him.

Lawrence opens the door a crack, groggy and trying to keep his eyes open.

"Your girly needs you." John points back towards you and Lawrence starts to shake his head to wake himself up better. He motions for you to come in then turns back to John.

"Let her tell you, but if you need anythin', lemme know."

You look to where Lawrence has been sleeping...it looks an absolute mess, like he has been restless.

He doesn't usually toss and turn...does he?

Lawrence comes back to you after closing the door, ready to hear what you need.

What do you tell him?

>>227140
Tell him we felt... hungry and locked ourselves in the bathroom. John let us feed from him to tide us over to the morning. It's okay though, because we could tell from the taste he wasn't on oxy, and we asked him, so Lawrence has to promise not to be mad.

We were able to keep it in check all night, though, but we really need help now.

... also, is he okay? Did he sleep all right?

>>227140
Ask him what morning wood is and if he has it.

>>227343
Seconding this.

>>227343
Seconding.

Also, could we get a picture of everyone right now?
I kinda miss the old lady that taught us to knit.

"I'm sorry but...I need that again..." You look at the ground as you speak, holding your arms.

"Like...badly. I um...I woke up a couple hours ago and it was just...intense. Scary. I ended up locking myself in the bathroom though...it was so bad...I was scared that I might have ended up doing something bad..."

Lawrence has you sit down with him, turning on his flashlight.

"I asked John for a...a little bit of his blood though...just enough to tide me over..."

As you say this Lawrence has a look of gall on his face.

"Ah but...just a little bit. It um...it tasted different from earlier so I don't think he was still...y'know..." You're hoping that will reassure Lawrence, but he still looks bothered...not quite annoyed but there's definitely something else there.

"Don't be mad at him...I asked..." More like begged, but you don't want to worry Lawrence any further. Realizing that you have noticed he shakes his head to say that he isn't mad, but you can still see that lingering bitterness.

"So um...w-would it be okay then...i-if I get some from you..."

Lawrence nods and gestures for your knife, heating up the blade and letting it cool.

"Thank you...I promise I won't go cr-"

As you're talking, Lawrence is quick to roll up his sleeve and make a cut against the back of his forearm, holding it out for you as red begins to well up and drip down. It's obvious from the look on his face that it hurts, but yet again there's something else in his face, something you can't really tell...

You hold your hands in your lap in a form of self restraint, mouth up against the wound. It's great, though a flavor you have grown accustomed to. It doesn't stop the lightness in your head, and more importantly, masking the pain in your body. Rather then timing yourself, you try to savor what you take. Slow and long lasting...make you think you're getting more then you actually are...

Even though you don't want to, you have braced yourself for that feeling of giving in, forcing yourself away before too long. You sit back to relish in the floating feeling...it's great...

The pain in your stomach is still attempting to anchor you down, it feels like you can ignore it well enough. Lawrence patches himself up, using a tissue to cover the cut for the time being.

You lay back, touching the blankets with your hands...right...you were wondering about them....

"Did you sleep okay...?" You ask, looking over at Lawrence.

He nods but avoids looking at you.

He's lying...isn't he?

You don't want to be babied...

[1/2]

>>227977
"You can tell me the truth you know. I'm not dumb." You say this as you stare at the crack ceiling, your eyes darting about.

"Am...fine..." He pulls out a cigarette, and soon there's a gentle orange glow as he turns off the flashlight. The scent of burning tobacco drifts over to you and while you wouldn't call it pleasant it's now a familiar smell.

"How come you always like...talk to me? With your voice I mean? Doesn't it hurt?"

Lawrence shrugs and expels the smoke from his lungs.

"I like...talking...to you."

You keep looking at the ceiling, enjoying the bliss traveling through your body as the cigarette slowly turns to ash. Your hand travels to your stomach and you think about the pain from before...it was like a cramp but just...so much worse...

You think about how awful it was while you laid there in the tub...but you also remember the nice thoughts you had in there too.

"I um...I was thinking about like...the future earlier...well maybe not like for real...but just um...stuff I want I guess..." It's easy for you to imagine what you want, but what about adults...do they still think about that stuff too?

"And I was just wondering like...do you have um...plans? For yourself?"

You hear Lawrence breathe out deeply before he answers.

"Tell...me...yours. I...tell...you mine.
Sorry about the wait, have to balance IRL stuff too. Like my iDOL group.

>>227957
Pfft fuck no.
I kid, I got something planned for ya buddy.

>>227986
Tell him everything we imagined.

>>227988
Okay.

I hope that your hand is feeling better, Sue. And just wondering, does those plans include hand-holding with the Lyn?

>>227986
Tell him about the things we imagined. Naught but peace and quiet with nature as our neighbor. The stars visible in the night sky. Music being something to be enjoyed rather than a tool to drown out other noises.

Learning to cook like grandpa even though he never got much of a chance to teach us. We could play it by taste and smell.

To become a good enough writer to be published.

To have someone who understands the things we've been through and doesn't... think less of us for it.

>>228180
Someone whose name begins with L and ends in awrence.

>>227986
To start smoking so I can miscarriage this rape-baby of mine, so give us a ciggy.

File: Spoiler Image (742 KB, 251x189)

742 KB GIF

>>228531

Oooh, ooh! Anon, I got a better idea!


FALCON PUNCH US

"I think...I want to live out somewhere away from the cities...even if it's for a while or just in the summer..." You think over all the thoughts from earlier, letting them come out as words this time.

"I wanna be out surrounded by trees and grass. To see animals outside and not at the zoo...to be able to see the stars like you're supposed to. And like...not have to see people till I wanna see them. I want a house out there...somewhere pretty..." You can't make your words come out as nice as you want, the vivid thoughts are in your head but in your state it is too difficult to properly express them.

"I want to learn how to do stuff...like cook. Grandpa didn't get to teach me, but I wanna like...learn how to do it like him. I'll just make a bunch of stuff and eat them till it tastes like his cooking. And...and I want to practice writing...I want to get good enough to get published and have people from all over read it."

The warmth in your body is spreading so much...it's so nice...
"And I want someone there living with me...I would still get lonely if I was by myself. It needs to be someone who understands me though...w-who knows what I've been through and...and doesn't judge me...s-someone like..." You bite your lip.

Someone like you...

"Anyways...there's mine." You look over at him, watching Lawrence place the spent butt back into the cigarette box. "Yours now. I wanna hear yours."

Lawrence is about to speak but has to stop and clear his throat.

[1/2]

>>228828
I...don't have...any."

You only stare at him as he pulls out a new smoke, lighting up.

"What...you can't just say that! I j-just told you about mine! You have to have something!"

"Never had...any dir-ection...in life. Just...thought..about cu-rrent...goals. Graduate...get job...a house. Just...live...I guess." He blows a cloud into the air above him, watching it rise and disappear into the air.

"Didn't...manage...any of..that. Never thought..about a...family...or...becoming...mem-orable for...something. Just...kinda...a failure."

"You're still alive though."

"Good...for me." There's the slightest hint of sarcasm in his voice as he says this, but it's not directed at you. There's that lost and self deprecating look in his eyes again.

"Um...why didn't you ever think about a family?"

"Just...didn't want...kids as...a teen. Then...figured I...would be...crappy...father. Was a...crappy brother."

"What about like...getting married though? Wouldn't you still want to do that?"

Lawrence takes a minute to work on his cigarette, his eyes glued to the floor.

"Would be...nice. Would have...to find...a lady...who could...put up...with me. My prob-lems. My failures. My...my anger...When I...get upset...when I...feel like I...want to...di-..." Lawrence trails off, filling his lungs with smoke rather then words.

"No woman...wants to...put up...with a...weak man...like that."

You struggle with words to follow up his, the room slowly lighting up from the morning as the minutes pass.

Instead there is only silence and smoke filling the air between you.

You figure there's only a little bit before everyone starts to get up.

What do you want to do?

Sorry about wait and filler-y prompts, been doing cowboyhousewaifu things. Will be better in just a short bit.

>>228831
T-... that's not true. We'd put up with him...

Lawrence isn't weak. His... moral compass may be a little skewed, but he's always done what can be ultimately construed as the right thing even if he's had every chance not to.

Even if he's had the ability to just... do wrong. Like that time we got drunk, or that time at the motel...

His larynx was irreparably damaged and his sister disappeared off to God knows where because he wanted to offer her ex a few words of advice for... doing something shitty. Of course he'd be out for, well, blood, that was just a plain injustice.

His anger doesn't make him weak. Giving in to it for all the wrong reasons would, but he doesn't.

find buttercup

>>228831
Jump in his lap and hug him, tell him he's stronger than he knows.

You move to sit up so you can look Lawrence in the face, moving your head as you think about how to put the jumbled mess of words in your head into order. When he says weak, you know that he doesn't mean physically...

"I'd put up with you. I mean...I do now, right? Eh...that sounded kinda mean, didn't it? Um..." You try to figure out how to put your words out properly, how to let him know what you're thinking.

"You've like...put up with a lot in life, right? It hasn't been an easy ride for you. Um...let's see...like...I know you can do bad things sometimes. A lot of bad things...you drink...get angry and violent...lotta people hate you..."

Auck...that's not helping is it? Just sounds like your listing his flaws now...

"Th-anks."

"Ah no! I mean ah..." Lawrence raises an eyebrow at you, musing at you're attempts to rectify what you've said. The words just aren't coming to you right now...how frustrating.

[1/2]

>>229380
So instead of words you surprise Lawrence by jumping into his lap, nearly knocking him over, the cigarette clenched between his teeth. You wrap your arms around him and offer a hug instead, making him pull the lit cigarette away to keep from accidentally burning you.

"Hm...what I wanna say is..." You play around with the words before getting them out. There's the feeling of what might be another sharp pain in your stomach but you ignore it for now.

"Even though you do bad things sometimes...it's not cause like...you're a bad guy, y'know? It's been pretty awful for you." You decide to stroke the back of his head, your fingers brushing over his short dark hair.

"You keep wanting to do good things, but it just keeps going wrong for you. You wanted to help your sister and for trying to be a good brother..." The fingers from your other hand brush against his neck, over the raised scars in his skin.

"And you get maimed. You try to be nice, and it's paid back with violence." The more you speak, the more you're able to think of the proper words to say.

"And of course you get mad that it happened to you...who wouldn't? Get angry isn't bad...it's when you let it take over what you do, right? You get angry a lot but I haven't seen you do anything awful with it...you told John that if he's alive, then he can keep getting better. You can too."

You continue to hug him, waiting for when he's ready to push you off. He puts an arm around you waist, returning your affection as he finishes his cigarette. You can hear the sounds of yipping in the room over...right...Sam is over there...isn't he...? You listen carefully and you hear a shout from him...what happened?

You listen further, seeing if he's in pain or being attacked-

"-damn dog...you ain't my wife stop tryna lick my face...scared me half to death-"

Oh...oh good. You just want to enjoy this. The air is chilly, but you feel warm inside. As you feel Lawrence's chest rise and fall, the buzzing tingle in your head just spread further...you enjoy this...the pain is practically gone...or maybe you've had enough blood now to hide it...doesn't matter...

You move to press closer to him, but as you do so there's a weird feeling of...wetness?
Down in your pants...it's...weird...

What do you want to do?

>>229383
if we're lucky, that's blood and she's just having her period and she's not actually preggo

I want to believe

>>229383
O-oh no, not again. Not now. What if Lawrence notices. Oh God it's so gross.

Quickly scramble away from Lawrence and apologize profusely, making our way to the other room to grab our tampons.

This is the worst. So embarrassing.

>>229383
Back off quick and act really fucking awkward and if he asks you deflect the question. This is certainly an awkward situation.

>>229383
Yell out "Lawrence, I am wet."

>>229383
Hug Lawrence with our legs.

>>229383
Well if we're lubed up you know what that means

You remember the last time you had this feeling...wait...does that mean...?
Oh..gross...gross....gross

What if Lawrence sees it? How disgusting...you don't want him to see...you really don't...

"I-...I need to..." You start to push away, trying to rise up. Lawrence keeps hugging you, pulling you in closer.

"P-Please..."
What if it seeps through? You can't tell how wet it is...w-what if it gets on him? You wouldn't be able to look at him again.

"I need...need to d-do something..."

Lawrence looks at you confused as you scramble away from him.

Alright...it...doesn't feel like it's showing yet...does it? You could check now but then it would just be obvious...maybe it's too dark for him to see...

Your hands shake as you rip open your bag, digging through the contents inside...where is it...don't let him see...

"I-I'll be right be out!" You swipe the flashlight and rush into the bathroom, locking yourself in. The box of tampons is only half full, but it feels so heavy in your hands.

...

It's just an uncomfortable as the first time...but you manage to get it in fine. How weird though...the blood this time looked...thick and...there was some solid pieces?

Gross...how gross...

You wash out your panties in the sink, feeling disgusted by all of this. Oh...dammit, you didn't grab any others...

Carefully you crack open the door, making sure you keep yourself hidden. Lawrence is sitting there, waiting for you, confused as ever.

"Um...c-could you bring my bag over...? I need something from it..."

You're embarrassed by the fact that your pantless when Lawrence brings your duffle bag, snatching it out of his hand and closing yourself away again.

On the floor, you rummage through your belongings. There's your pants...and your shirts...your underwear should be wrapped up in this top...

...

Why...is there only one pair...?

That's not right...you should have like...four more...

You practically pull everything out, looking for the lost garments.

No where... how could they have fallen out? Did someone go through your bag? Why the hell would they take something like that...?

It's...fine...for now.

You have at least one pair for now...you're going to go shopping for more though...

Opening the door, you can see Lawrence is waiting by the front door.

"You...okay?"

"Y-yeah, sorry it was um...n-nothing..." You say as you put away your bag.

"No...put in...kid's room."

"Oh...okay. Why?"

"Safer...to keep...everything...one place."

Makes sense...that means there should be someone in there all the time...right?

[1/2]

>>229622
Lawrence takes you back to where Jessica's room is, knocking on the door and being let in by John.

"You doin' alright?" He whispers to you as you walk in, cradling Cecilia in his arms.

Are you?

"I...think so..." You whisper back, hoping that you don't have to elaborate. It's weird...why did it hurt so much this time...

"Good good. Get you some breakfast, alright? Can't really cook here, so it's just peanut-butter and crackers for now."

You go and sit with Marilyn and Jessica, Lisa sitting in her lap trying to keep her eyes open while her hair is brushed. The boys are still asleep, sprawled out on the blankets. As you eat John and Lawrence are discussing something from across the room. Sam joins them soon enough, more then happy to release a yipping and excited Buttercup from his arms.

"Damn dog, tryna get fresh with me..." He mutters, the pup running over to jump on you. You reward Buttercup with some much needed attention, letting her crawl into your arms and lick at your face.

"Oh, by the way..." Jessica mentions, looking over her work on Lisa's pigtails. "John mentioned you weren't feeling well...are you doing better?"

There's a buzz in your head and a squeezing pain in your stomach.

"...yeah."

"That's good, I was worried when I woke up and was cuddling Marilyn instead of you. Funny though, she kept thinking I was you, trying to say stuff like 'You're cute Bunny'."

Marilyn's face goes bright red as Jessica says this, looking back at her like she's been betrayed.

"N-No I didn't! She's lying!"

How nice to see her get the bullying for once...

"Also, John talked about the plans for today. They're going to go back again to the school, but they're going to try and find something more long term for us. He said it might be safer if like...we go out for the day instead of staying here."

"Oh, okay."

Oh thank god...staying in this place would suck so bad....

"Yeah, we'll have to split up to make it easier but it should at least be better then staying here all day..." Jessica mentions the people who are going to go out today.

You have the option of choosing to go with up to four of the following people, who do you want to go out with today?
>Jessica and the kids
>Aria
>Mabel
>Sarah
>Eric
>Marilyn
>Betty the old woman who taught you how to knit

Last update for tonight, will make new thread probably in the morning!

>>229629
Jessica, Aria, Mabel, and Marilyn

>>229629
Honestly, how did Betty survived all of this tho?

Going with Jessica means going out with four people. (Clark, Tom, Lisa and Jessica) So thats an option on itself.

Aria and Mabel maybe need time. And probably we will need someone big for protection. I say stick with Eric/Sarah since anyone else is weaker than us. We need the Law, Sam or John if we really want to be safe.

Also its nice to see that you are giving us /u/pdates.

Lets have a cute day with Marylin, she probably won't get far away from Papa.

>>229629
Let's go with Sarah and Eric. Whoever is after us wouldn't expect to see us with someone we haven't been in public with. Not to mention we'd blend in with Sarah.

And we can ask her if it's normal for a, she knows... a period to be so... thick. The one we had three weeks ago was just... light spotting at worst, and we didn't feel nearly this sore.

>>229681
Betty saw World War II come and go and children aren't whole people.

>>229731
This.
Let's try to avoid being seen with people we've been seen with before.

>>229622
Wait, if we're still having periods, then doesn't this mean we're not pregnant?

...or is there something else going on?

OOC: holy shit i think we had a miscarriage

>>229731
Voting this

>>230150
It's a ~mystery~
And one we'll need a bit of sex ed to understand.

NEW THREAD
>>231365
>>231365
>>231365

...