[log] we wear red so they don't see us bleed [closed]

[bywolves]

Characters: Royce Melborn, Alfie Solomons
Location: Building 141
Date: Day 242, morning
Summary: Both boys are monsters, figuratively and literally.
Warnings: Body horror, possible gore, warnings for other things in subject headers

141: A post office, long-abandoned. There are a few empty white plastic bins where mail was once piled up, and the lobby area is still remarkably clean and polished. The back area isn't locked, so if you like you can go through the back and see the office with its locked safe and the back door that leads to the downtown area. Trees, impossibly tall men, and lots of Ⓧs have been drawn on the walls, along with ball-like things that are made up of tentacles and beaks and death and one circle in green crayon that's been scribbled over in charcoal.

Comments

[bywolves]

Everywhere. [ Royce mutters. ] In my bones.

[devoutish]

Are you cold?

[bywolves]

No more than usual. It'll happen. If it's like last time.

[devoutish]

[Alfie shoves the blankets aside and gingerly stretches his legs out on the floor in front of him, rubbing at his knee.]

We shouldn't walk today. Let's stay in.

[bywolves]

Mm. [ Royce grunts, agreeing. He rubs at his elbow joints, taking a deep breath. ] Might not be good to be in the same place. Looks like we both might be turning this time.

[devoutish]

[It's a good point. A very good point. But the thought of splitting up twists Alfie's stomach.]

Let's wait a bit.

[bywolves]

[ Royce doesn't want it either. He looks down at his hands. See-through. ]

How long?

[devoutish]

Until we need to reassess.

[It's hard to say beyond that, when they have no idea what's going to happen.]

[bywolves]

You know it's going to get worse.

[devoutish]

But we don't know how yet. Yeah? It might end up being harder if we split up.

[bywolves]

[ Alfie has a point. Royce nods, reaching up to run a hand through his hair. It's still there, at least, though when he pulls his fingers from it, a pretty sizable chunk comes out. He sort of just... stares down at it. ]

[devoutish]

[Alfie makes a noise that's half surprise, half sympathy pain.]

Ah, don't--

[bywolves]

[ There's a pause, and then he shakes his hand to get rid of it. Okay. He doesn't quite know what to think, and he supposes it doesn't matter anyway. Royce is completely silent, staring at the ground. ]

[devoutish]

[Alfie runs his tongue over his teeth, which feel even more sharp now. Maybe that's just his imagination.]

Can you sit, can you-- rest, at all?

[bywolves]

Yes. [ Royce says, with a bit of a croak. ] I think I'm able to sleep, still.

[ Not that he's sure he can. The pain is slowly seeping in. ] Not going to bite your own tongue, are you?

[devoutish]

I think they're growing. Do they look--

[He bares his teeth for Royce.]

[bywolves]

[ Royce looks up, and frowns. ]

... Bigger, yes. Sharper too.

[devoutish]

And how long did it take you to change? You woke up like this?

[bywolves]

I woke up this way. Because it hurts.

I don't think it's going to stop with this.

[devoutish]

For you, or for me?

[bywolves]

... Both of us. [ Royce murmurs. ] If you're lucky, it'll stop with the teeth.

[devoutish]

No matter what happens to us, mate, I'll stay with you.

[bywolves]

I'll stay as long as I can, Alfie. [ He's pessimistic - he remembers the last time. But he'll promise that much. ] Do you think this is because I stole your light?

[devoutish]

I don't know. Haven't got a clue.

[He looks up at Royce, frowning.]

You worry something's gonna drive you away? My light's gone; you've got nothing to worry about taking from me anymore.

[bywolves]

I wanted to fight the other monsters. The last time.

If we both turn, I can't guarantee I won't want to attack you.