It was a bright morning, the early spring sun filtering in through the windows.
Alice poked her head out of her bedroom door. She hadn’t seen anyone this morning, which was particularly strange. Clive usually woke her, if not Ivan—but today was her birthday. Hopefully that meant it would be a pleasant surprise and not an emergency abandonment, but she was still cautious yet.
She listened. No sound or movement in the living room, no unusual smells—
A loud sneeze came from the room beyond, followed by a stifled swear word. Clive was up and awake.
Alice hastened to the dining room and kitchen to say hello, where she found him tipping a raw runny egg from a frying pan into the sink.
“Morning,” she greeted him cheerily.
“Oh—mornin’, babe. Just a sec.” He put the pan down, quickly rinsing and drying his hands before turning around to give her a big hug. There was a subdued, stuffed-up quality to his voice, like someone had a hold on his nose. “Happy birthday, sweetheart.”
Alice held him tight. “Thank you—are you okay? You don’t sound well.”
“I’ll be fine, uh…” He loosened his grip, looking back at the ingredients he’d just had to dispose of for sneezing on. “Make you breakfast if y’ gimmie ten more minutes.”
The hatch to the cellar door opened with a creak and a thunk, and Ivan climbed out. “Good morning,” he said with an uncommon brightness, “And happy birthday, Alice.”
“Thanks, Ivan.” Alice smiled at him, before returning her concerned attention to Clive. “You don’t have to make me breakfast if you’re sick.”
“It’s fine, I wanna! I been cold-sick twice now, n’ this hurts way less than the first,” he insisted, with an entirely unconvincing sniffle.
“Excuse me,” Ivan cut in, stepping forward into the kitchen. “But you are NOT cooking anything for Alice in that state. She won’t thank you for a runny nose as a present.”
Clive tried to protest further, but Ivan strongarmed his way into the cooking space without relenting. Despite being a smaller man, Ivan had a much more imposing presence of authority. “Eggs on toast, is it? I’ll make quick work of this. Sit down, you two.”
Alice pulled a reluctant Clive away into the dining area by his arm. “Have you had any medicine?”
“Nah, nah, I’ll be fine,” he continued to insist, though his voice was getting weaker. “It’s your birthday, babe, don’t worry ‘bout me—”
“Shh, nonsense. I can and I will. Let me get you a decongestant.”
“I can geddit—”
“No you can’t, stay there.” She pressed him into a dining chair, lightly kissing his forehead.
“But baybeeee…”
His pleading fell on deaf ears as Alice searched the medicine cabinet and Ivan flipped the eggs.
When breakfast was served, Clive was still valiantly trying to hide his helplessness, sitting as straight as he could while supping his hot cup of medicine.
Ivan sat between the couple, waiting for them to settle into breakfast before he clapped Alice on the shoulder. “I’ve got you a present,” he said with continued cheer.
“I got—” Clive coughed into his cup. “I got you somethin’ too…”
Alice smiled at him, which almost made him feel better, but Ivan was a lot more prepared. He took a parcel from within his wing and offered it over.
Alice put her toast down to accept it and read the label. “Let’s see… To Alice, Happy Birthday, From Ivan.” She moved her plate aside to unwrap it. It was a fuzzy plush pink duck with a blue bow. “Oh, how cute!! I’ll have to add it to my ever-growing collection. Thank you.”
Ivan puffed up proudly.
“Cute,” Clive commented with genuine interest, though snuffled and wiped his nose as it continued to run. “Ugh—my gift, uh. I gotta go geddit.”
“I hope you make sure to wash your hands on the way,” Ivan chided – it seemed the warmth he’d shown was reserved for his relative.
“I’ll get you a tissue,” Alice offered softly. “Are you sure you don’t want to go back to bed while we—”
“No!” Clive was on his way out, but pointed back at them to emphasise his point. “I wouldn’t miss your party if I was dyin’, babe!!” As he slunk away to locate his gift, he quietly added, “Might be…”
Alice turned to Ivan. “What should I do with him?”
“Dump him back on the street corner where you found him.”
“No!! I mean, should I make him stay at home? I don’t want him to overexert himself.”
“Well he doesn’t want to. I say let him find out firsthand what sickness without rest is like.”
“Hmm.” Alice wasn’t so sure. She frowned. “Do me a favour at least, will you?”
“What’s that?”
“Be nice to him,” she stated firmly. “I don’t appreciate you being snippy with my boyfriend, especially while he’s unwell, so the least you could do is tolerate whatever you don’t like about him on my birthday.”
Ivan was briefly lost for words, left blinking. “…right. Of course, Alice.”
She nodded rightly, but packed her concerns aside to show Clive some love as he re-entered the room. He was carrying a small, wrapped box, and came to kneel at Alice’s side as he brought it to her. Instinctively, she leant over to kiss his cheek, which helped him smile. She did also give him a tissue—taken from her dressing gown pocket, though he had no issue accepting it.
He pressed his own gift for her to take in return. “Look, Doll, it’s uh… It ain’t much, but I went and got it for ya.”
As requested, Ivan held his tongue for any scorn at the nickname.
“Thank you,” Alice took the gift from Clive's hands. It didn’t have a label, so she opened the wrapping, and the cardboard jewellery box from within. “Oh! This is…”
It was a simple, pink pendant necklace with a frilly accent and a gold chain—though it was a little more than that.
“It’s the one from uh … y’know, from before.” Clive sniffed, trying to stay not-gross as he explained his gift. “When we went back to get it ‘cause you’d changed your mind, but the store was closed—”
He had to pause as Alice pulled him against her in a hug, though he wasn’t complaining. He only looked more pleased as she lavished him with praise.
“That’s so sweet of you! You would’ve had to go all that way back on the train—oh, you didn’t have to, you’re so thoughtful, I love you—!”
Even Ivan raised his eyebrows at this reaction. “From Valentine's? When did you take a train back to Neerbay?” He asked with genuine curiosity. “You never asked me to take you.”
“Not long after we came back—I wanted to keep it secret-like,” Clive explained. His breath was snuffly, but he rested his head against Alice’s side with contentment. “Worth it if you ask me. I know yous said … ‘we don’t always get what we want’, but I knew y’wanted it, so it ain’t no trouble for me.”
“It’s wonderful.” She kissed him again. “You’re wonderful.”
“I know it ain’t nothin’ compared to what yous got me, but—”
“Of course it is. I’ll wear it today.”
-
The necklace was the perfect accent to the frilly pink tea-dress she’d planned to wear that day, and her housemates said as much. Clive still begged and insisted on coming to her party at noon, though he needed some help getting into his formalwear faster, with which Alice was more than happy to assist.
In the end, Clive looked quite tidy, if still a little droopy and snotty. Alice ensured he had a steady supply of tissues in his jacket pocket.
“Are you sure you’re well enough to—”
“Babe, please…” He grasped her hand sweetly. “I already dressed up nice, n’ the only thing that’ll make me better is seein’ your pretty face.”
“I don’t know about that. I think some rest would do you good.” She sighed heavily, releasing her hand to try and tidy his unruly hair a little more. “Not that I don’t want you to be there … I’m just concerned. You can come, but you’d better get into bed as soon as we’re home.”
“Oho, that was already the plan, babes.”
She scolded him with a light clap on the cheek. “There’ll be none of that, either. You need sleep.”
-
They made it to the afternoon-tea parlour without incident. Alice had only invited a small group of friends, though they all wished her a happy birthday, and complimented her necklace, and had presents to give. She thanked them shyly.
Clive did his best to be gentlemanly, opening doors and pulling out chairs, though his sniffling and suffering didn’t go unnoticed.
“Hey,” Pansy began to suggest, adjusting a dress she was not particularly used to wearing, “why don’t you turn back into a shadow-man? I figure golems don’t get the snuffles.”
“You’d be right.” He nodded slowly. “But I tried it n’ uh… turns out magic of that calibre ain’t so easy to maintain while I'm like this.”
“Damn, figures…” She folded her arms. “I can’t make many sparks when I’m sick. You drink lotsa hot tea, Clive, you’ll feel better.”
“’Course I will—but enough ‘bout me. Give more attention to the lady of the hour, eh?” He nudged Alice forward, who blushed and covered her face with her hands.
It was a quiet but pleasant party, with gentle chatter and lots of little cakes and sandwiches. Towards the end of the event, one of Alice’s friends gave her a nudge, directing her to look beside her.
Clive had taken her advice to heart, it seemed. He was slumped down on the tablecloth, head laid flat next to his teacup. A strained snore escaped him.
Alice lightly ruffled his hair, but otherwise left him be. At least he was finally resting.
So I'm very ill right now and am finding it difficult to concentrate.
However,
last night in my delirium I decided I was going to make a reference for human Clive. and then I did not do that. and did a load of expressions practice instead. It's something?
These are sketches, but I know I'm not going to have the patience or stamina to tidy them up, so you can have them as they are!
"Nice new look Clive! Sorry for questioning your ear off the other day, Phoebe said I should try to cook something in apology, so I whipped out the oven for the first time in a long time and made you.. Tada, "Shadow Bread"! Made with lots of chocolate." -Kid
"Thanks! Aw, it ain't no problem, Kid. I like questions, and I like talkin'. …Unless that means you's keepin' that Shadow Bread---in which case, I'm real offended, hand it over."
"Heh, it's not too bad. I like chocolate. Don't know anyone that doesn't. Awfully considerate of ... er, Phoebe, if we're bein' honest."
(Why was my first instinct wantin' to smash this guy's lights in? Raises some questions about myself I'd rather not answer...)
[Feat. Duckie and Collin from my friend @duckiefishpond !]
Darker than dark.
Patches of the dungeon were blacker than night, and Alice had to feel along the wall for direction. These were supernatural shadows – if she walked far enough, the way became clear again. The flicker of lamplight was somewhere beyond; she just had to get through the blind spots.
Alice was afraid of the dark.
It wasn’t so much the darkness itself as it was the fear of things unseen. Flickering shadows played tricks on the mind, and total darkness let her eyes invent any horrors they pleased.
A fog lifted. The darkness remained dusky, but she could see herself, see the brickwork, see an alcove in the wall. The creaking of a skeleton guard made her hasten to duck into the hidey hole, stilling her breath, patting and clutching her clothes for comfort.
Years seemed to pass as she waited. Even when the sentry’s dusty footsteps had died away, she couldn’t bring herself to move. Something was wrong, she didn’t feel safe, but she had to …
“It’s fine, it’s fine,” she muttered to herself. “If I keep going, I’ll find—I’ll find a way out, and … then I’ll just re-evaluate the directions.”
She could always call for Ivan…?
The thought alone steeled her resolve. She wasn’t doing that. Who cared if she was a bit lost? She was doing just fine, she was still alive, she’d come this far without anyone’s help. Without a weapon. She was smart enough to spot mimics, had disabled a few traps, and kicked a kobold down a chasm. She took a deep breath in and out before proceeding down the passage.
Light came into view. There, a torch - but also a dead end. The orange glow cast large shadows on the wall. As Alice turned, she realised the shadow was not her own. There was someone there. But no one was there, and the shadow was advancing on its own. A mirror of a man, shaped but devoid of detail, the silhouette had large claws, a wicked wide grin - it meant to do her harm, there was nowhere to run, she covered her eyes and tried to scream for help but could only squeak the slightest sound—!
Three months later…
“And he just sort of put his arm around me, and pointed back the way I’d come, giving me directions.” Alice tugged at her curls. “He’s since told me he was trying to scare me, but then felt bad about it.”
Tea on Valentin was a lot less stuffy and proper than it was when visiting the Von Drachen Villa. In fact, Alice was sure her host would’ve preferred coffee if she weren’t humouring her tastes.
“That’s how you met? Must be funny looking back.” Duckie placed a plate of eggs and toast in front of her guest, who bowed her head gratefully. She had her own toast, though hers was scattered with chopped fruit and drizzled with honey. “You say you went to Cy on your own?”
“Yes, er—I went looking for something else entirely. But something tells me Clive isn’t from there originally, either.” Alice sipped at her tea. It was no bother, but it felt like she’d had this conversation twelve times already. She’d been to see Mr Welwick three days prior, and he’d asked similar questions … if with a heightened air of suspicion.
“Jes’ let me get one thing straight. Who is Clive, exactly?”
“He’s my boyfriend, Mr Welwick,” Alice had explained patiently. “The man sitting next to me.”
“And he’s a…?”
“Shadow golem.”
Her companion had delicately balanced his teacup on its saucer, freeing a hand to raise his hat at the elderly gentleman. Though he could take up three dimensions as he saw fit, Clive’s whole suit and body was shrouded in shadow – save for his smile, which was wide and white.
“Aye,” Welwick had regarded him carefully. “He looks like he’s about to make me an offer I can’t refuse. Thought you’d brought someone to finish me off, Miss Alice.”
“Oh no—of course not! He’s a real sweetie, I promise.”
Clive sipped at his tea politely, avoiding comment.
Welwick took a gulp of his own tea. “Jes’ a joke. I thought you was with that loud, brightly dressed feller, though.”
Alice grimaced. How many times were people going to bring that up?
Duckie brought her out of the memory. “You’re staring off into the distance and making a face again.”
“Oh, sorry…” Alice hastened to pick up a piece of toast before it went cold. “I was just thinking you’d probably want to know what’s happening with Taylor. Everyone else does.”
She took a bite.
Queenie had invited her over on the pretences of planning the Spooktober party, but she'd just wanted to gossip about it.
“You know what happened at the studio," Alice had replied, "you were there. I don’t have anything more to say about Taylor.”
“Oh? I just thought you might, when you learned I’d agreed to his terms—and so has the mayor. Erryton TV is going to be a real thing.”
It had left her genuinely speechless. She’d expected it, to be honest, but only then did she realise she wasn’t ready to deal with what it meant.
To fill the dead air, Clive had awkwardly mentioned that he’d always wanted to be on TV.
Queenie beamed. “Oh, Webbe, how wonderful. You have a specific taste in men.”
Duckie pouted at Alice for assuming she’d behave like 'everyone else', but after studying her guest’s muted, faraway expression, she seemed to understand. “I thought it was a sore spot, so I wasn’t going to ask. But he hasn’t been here in a while.”
Alice blinked, taking another swig of tea to clear her throat. “He hasn’t contacted Collin either?”
“No. We just thought he was busy.”
“I suppose he is, but he’s just been really … odd, the past year. Won’t answer his phone or tell me what’s wrong. He’s building a studio in Erryton, though, so I’ll see him in person whether I want to or not.”
“Hmm…” Duckie tried not to look too troubled, but it was clearly weighing on her mind. Despite whatever feud was going on between Taylor and Alice, they were still both her friends. It seemed better to change the subject for now. “No good worrying about it until then, I suppose.”
“No, I suppose not.” A bit of egg fell back onto the plate, and Alice picked up her knife and fork in defeat. There was a clattering and scraping as they fell silent.
Duckie nudged the conversation along. “Anyway, you were telling me. How’d you end up in a dungeon in the first place?”
“I got really lost on the way to the, um … a forest I was looking for. Like really, really lost,” Alice resumed her tale. “I’m kind of glad I did, because I wouldn’t have met Clive otherwise. Y’know … everyone’s saying I’ve gone nuts—that I’ve moved too fast with this, but—”
“But you love him.”
“Yes!” Alice abandoned her utensils, slapping her hands on the table. “I love him so much! I’ve always hesitated, with feelings, and I don’t want to do that anymore. But because Clive’s new in town, and he looks like a suspicious character, people won’t take it seriously. They’re saying it’s a mistake, like I don’t know what he’s been through, or like I’m dumb and love-blind, or something!”
Duckie reached out to put a hand on Alice’s arm. “Hey. I know how you feel, trust me.” She offered her a small smile. “It’s not wrong to try new things and make your own choices. They should know not to judge a book by its cover. And the way he was sticking to your shadow when you came in—squeezed you before going off with Collin—I can tell he likes you back.”
“Th…thanks…” She mumbled, looking down at her plate. At least some people could see it. “We celebrated his birthday not too long ago. He’d never had a birthday party in all his thirty years, bless him.”
“Aww, that’s sweet.”
“Something weird did happen, though. In fact, uh, the whole party was under pretty odd circumstances.” Alice took a pause to clear her plate, leaving Duckie in suspense.
“Weird how?!”
“Well—I think we might have a bit of a rogue wizard problem. Not one of the grey faces, they called themselves Sigrid, or something. Attacked us while we were on our way to buy cake, in the town square…”
Duckie leant forward to hear more.
“They threw some sort of potion at Clive, and he uh. It had quite a drastic effect on him.” Alice scratched at her temple. “Like, he turned human for two whole days, and that was during his birthday.”
Seemed like the typical magical shenanigans. Her host took a sip from her cup. “And how’d he find that?”
“It uh, it was a struggle at first. Golems don’t feel things the way we do – like, they don’t have nerves – so I think adjusting was a bit overwhelming for him. He was laid in bed the first few hours.” Alice took another swig of tea. “After he turned back, he hasn’t been the same. He’s been a lot gloomier, and less, uh … frisky. I know there was a lot to adjust to, but once he did, he kind of liked it. I uh, I think he misses being cuddled.”
“Haven’t you been—?”
“Oh I have, it’s just not the same for him anymore. Like um, if you give someone something they never had, like touch, and then take it away…” Alice sighed. “There isn’t much I can do about it. I’ve been trying to show my affection other ways, but—y’know, even before, he always liked being held the most.”
“I see…” Thinking carefully, Duckie tapped a finger on the table, but didn’t say whatever was on her mind. She finally took a bite of her own brunch. There was a new presence lurking somewhere in the room, but it wasn’t a threat. “Did he at least enjoy his birthday?”
“Definitely. We had pizza, and music and dancing, and he loved his present, and got lots of special treatment—oh, but here I go rambling! I should really be asking how things are going with you.” Alice slid her plate away from herself. “That was very nice, by the way, thank you.”
“It’s no trouble. And I asked you anyway, I don’t mind,” Duckie chuckled. “I couldn’t stop mentioning Collin when we first started dating. Sometimes I still do…”
Alice brushed a ringlet of her hair forward, fidgeting. “Even when he’s not here, I’m just thinking about him all the time, like I can’t focus, and I just—” she cleared her throat. “Anyway! Tell me! About! What’s going on with you, and Collin, and the kids?! It must be difficult balancing the homestead and the god duties at this time of year! Must be busy?!”
Rolling her eyes playfully, Duckie bent to Alice’s desperate attempt to rein herself in. “It’s harvest season, so everyone’s gonna be busy ‘round here. Not as many meetings, thankfully, but I don’t mind the hard labour. It helps to clear the head. Makes you feel like you’ve really done something.”
“I’m made of softer stuff,” Alice muttered. “I’m sure it feels rewarding though.”
“I promise it is – although it’s the kids that get the most excited about seeing the new shoots pop up and grow big.” Duckie hummed happily. “I think someone’s come back to see you, by the by.”
A shadow crept up behind Alice and tapped her on the shoulder. She knew well enough to turn her head to the opposite side. “That’s not going to work on me a second time. You’re back, then?”
Clive gave her a peck on the cheek before ribbing her.
“No, you see, I know you’ll try to fool me by playing it straight next time, so I’ll anticipate that—” She snorted. “What were you off doing with Collin, anyway?”
Her boyfriend gave a general shrug, smiling coyly.
As if summoned, Collin followed in behind him, close enough to have heard. “He asked if I could teach him something. It’s a surprise.”
“That does NOT fill me with confidence.”
“It should! He was good at it.” Collin’s laughter was somewhat sinister, but he came over to kiss and snuggle his wife in turn. Couldn’t let a guest outdo him in the PDA department. “You ladies have a good breakfast?”
“It’s not really breakfast-time anymore,” Alice mumbled.
“A good brunchfast?”
“We were talking about harvest time and having boyfriends, dearest.” Duckie nuzzled him back. “You boys getting along? Behaving?”
“Not sure about behaving.” Collin clicked his tongue. “But we’re getting along like a house on fire. This guy’s not afraid to say what he’s thinking.”
Alice gave Clive a suspicious side-eye. He shrugged, grinning, insisting it was nothing out-of-line…
“Was also explaining he’s not so different from the shadows here,” Collin continued. “He’s got the Al-mation coping with light thing down, but he’s a lot more stiff.”
Alice tried very hard not to smile. “I’d like to learn more about the shadows in this world myself – um, next time. I forgot to bring my notebook...”
“I’d be happy to explain.” Duckie nodded politely. “You might not know it, but you’ve met a few already.”
“Oh—” Alice didn’t finish her thought, as Clive bent to whisper something in her ear. “Oh. In private?” She tilted her head inquisitively, though knew she wouldn’t get an explanation. That would defeat the purpose.
“Something we should know?” Collin asked with a playful lilt.
“Um, yes actually.” Alice blinked slowly. “Duckie, is it okay if Clive has … a chat? With you? Apparently there’s something he wants to talk about.”
“With my wife?!” Collin gasped in mock horror. “For shame! I have to beat other men off with sticks, but I thought I could rely on you…”
Clive raised his hands in surrender, trying to stress that it wasn’t anything weird. He just wanted to make a formal-type enquiry.
“If that’s okay with you, Duckie,” Alice mumbled, ever curious.
The host raised her eyebrows, but nodded. “You never know, Custard, it might be for a nice surprise.”
“Right…” The human stood. “I can step out. Thank you for the meal, and for having us, though.”
“I’ll go with you,” Collin offered. “Missed out on a chance to ask a few things.”
“Ohboy,” She huffed under her breath. “Well, seeya.”
“Catch up with you in a minute.” Duckie waved politely as her husband and guest shuffled out. She folded her hands together on the table as Clive addressed her, removing his hat and bowing his head.
He asked about her godhood.
“I suppose you overheard. Yes, it’s true. I’m not the only god here, but that’s not why you’re asking, is it?” She sighed lightly. “You want something, don’t you?”
Clive sheepishly gave his affirmative. She didn’t have to, of course. He just wanted to know if it was possible, what with her being a powerful deity and all that.
“Let me guess. From talking with Alice, I could tell you wanted to be human again.”
More than anything.
She glanced out the window, at the bright sky outside. “Why? Being a shadow has so many more benefits. It’s rare that people ask for mortal chains.”
He took a moment to articulate his answer. Perhaps it was a selfish need. But shadows couldn’t touch. Not the way humans could. He could hug and kiss and do all manner of things as he was, but it all felt the same. Knowing the difference had taken the wind out of his sails, and Alice could certainly tell. Being with her, feeling her – it just wasn’t like it was for those incredible, world-shattering moments of humanity he’d experienced on those two days. He began to understand better, then, what her care needs were. How horrible it felt when you hadn’t eaten, or when you hadn’t slept. How much better it felt when you did. Showers, and getting clean, warmth, why that was irreplaceable, and how could he keep her warm with a body so cold?
“You’ve made your point, mister. You’re not bothered by the way the townsfolk see you, then?”
Clive couldn’t give less of a damn if the townsfolk saw him as ‘shifty’ or ‘scary’. He didn’t mind being a shadow, in that sense. It was Alice that mattered. He wanted to relate to her, to understand, even if that meant giving up half his abilities, half his lifespan—
“I see, now. You’re as lovestruck as she is.”
“’Course I am, what’d—hey.” Clive patted himself down. He was very much visible. “When’d you do that?”
“Just now, actually.” Duckie – or Tessara, as she really was – resumed what was left of her brunch. Barely an inconvenience. “You can still return to the shadows as you please, there’s no point taking that away. But I did this for Alice. She’s cried to me so many times about her love life; it’s unfair that when she finally gets a boyfriend he can’t feel her kisses.”
“Er, uh, right. Exactly. Damn, I forgot y’ can feel your eyes and your mouth and—” After a moment of fidgeting, Clive remembered to give his thanks, making a deeper bow. “If there’s anythin’ I can do to repay yous, lemmie know, alright? This means the world to me.”
“I only ask that you love her as you said. Don’t make me regret this.”
“’Course! I’d do that anyways!! … er, got any more toast goin’?”
Alice and Collin were managing to have a polite conversation, for once. He found it very easy to wind her up, but now wasn’t the time.
“I like the Paw Paws, they’re cute—um, if that’s not offensive. They kind of remind me of my boss. I mean, she’s not a cat, but…” Alice was saying.
“Depends on the Paw Paw. You think your boss is cute?”
“She’s a duck in a dress.”
“That does sound cute.”
“She’s still my superior and could fire me.”
“Ha, at least you know your place.”
Now that the others had finished their conversation, they entered, walking up behind.
Clive greeted his girlfriend as if nothing had changed. “Hey baby.”
“Oh, hi Clive. To be honest, I don’t think she’d ever actually—” she cut her reply to Collin short, doing a double-take on her boyfriend’s arrival. “CLIVE?”
“What, there somethin’ on my face~?”
“SKIN??” Alice reached out to touch it, which he eagerly leant into. “Those gentle grey eyes, and … crumbs of toast. Duckie, did you…?”
“He asked me to. So, a nice surprise for you after all.”
“Well I—if it makes you happier, Clive, then I guess…” She softly thumbed his cheek, and his smile grew ever wider. He gripped her hand to smush it harder against himself.
Pansy wasn't ready to give up yet. She kept rapping her knuckles on the door, pausing every few moments when it started to hurt. Tadashi the Shaba Inu barked feverishly from within, becoming increasingly excited. Pansy knew Seiichi was home - the light had quickly shut off upstairs when she started knocking.
"Agh, come on...!"
She tried one last time, rapping on the door with rhythm. Rat-tatta-tat-tat…
Tadashi stopped barking, and there was movement from somewhere behind the door.
…tat-tat, came the response.
"C'mon, Sei, are you going to open the door?!"
The door unlocked, opening ever-so-slightly on the latch. A wet little nose poked out of the gap.
"Hello, doggie. Is your uncle there somewhere?"
"Here…" The tall human pressed his head closer to the opening. "Isn't it a bit late in the day for visits, Pansy?" He suddenly looked fearful, doubling back, "N-not that I don't like seeing you, but—"
Tadashi snuffled, licking his chops and whimpering until Pansy gave him a pat on the snout.
"I had a lot on – but that doesn't matter! I came here to offer a walk. You haven't left the house for days, Alice hasn't been to visit 'cause she won't leave the house but for work, so she's not visiting you and your brother's in the city and I'm taking initiative."
"O-oh. Well , I wouldn't want to leave Tadashi home alone you see, and—"
"Take the dog with you! I bet he's dying for a walk, poor thing."
"Well you see, I've hired a dogwalker and I wouldn't want to exhaust—"
"Dangit Sei, he looks like he’s full of energy to me! But if you're not coming out, then let me in!! Surely you wanna talk about whatever’s going on with Taylor??”
Seiichi thought about it for a moment. Whimpering and whining came from below him. To Pansy’s surprise, he shut the door.
“Wh—Sei!!”
A moment later, and she heard the door unlatch properly. It swung open.
“Okay,” said Seiichi, dog lead in-hand and a bouncy Tadashi at his side, “Let’s do that. The walk idea.”
They went toward the ruins. Pansy knew Sei would want to avoid the park, with so many other people and their own dogs, and the ruins road was less travelled.
“Feel like I went down here the other week,” she mused, looking over at the mossy hill and tree that was claiming the stone structure. “Can’t remember why, though. Couldn’t have been that important.”
“Hm.” Sei glanced over at it. It looked like someone, or something, had broken through the blocked-up door. He didn’t feel like getting lost today, so he tugged on Tadashi’s lead to keep him on the path.
“So, like I was sayin’ earlier … Alice hasn’t left her house since she went to that party last month. Work aside. Did Taylor say much of anything about it?”
“He doesn’t say much of anything at all, these days.” Sei stopped for his dog as he sniffed the ground. “Very unlike him. But I did get a text yesterday.”
“Really? What’d it say?”
“That he’s coming back.”
Pansy waited for him to say more, and he didn’t. “Er, that’s great, but like – did he say anythin’ else? Like a reason?”
“Well, er…” Sei passed Tadashi’s lead into his other hand as he fished around in his pockets for his phone. “See, he usually just sends me a message saying, ‘morning, doing filming on X today’. And I send one back, saying ‘good luck’. And he sends a smiley face.”
Pansy peered over his arm as he mashed the up button, showing her. The same messages, every day, like clockwork. “Er … least you’re talking?”
“Odd, but it never seemed extremely out of the ordinary. He knows to give me space, and I know that he's busy. Although ... when he’s here in person, he’s always trying to start conversations. So, um, perhaps it is rather unusual.” He held the button down instead, to get to the more recent texts. “I should’ve asked him…”
“You can uh, ask him when he gets back though, right?” Pansy gave him what she hoped was a reassuring thump on the back.
“Guess so.” Sei looked more uncertain than anything. “There, that’s the newest one. He just said it was great news; they’re building a TV studio here and he can come home. And … jokingly asked if it was alright to move back in. I, um, didn’t hear anything about the party he’d had, or him meeting up with Alice and Queenie. I heard that elsewhere. Which was, um, the real unusual part.”
“Right, I see.” Pansy rubbed her chin. They’d stopped walking, but now that she’d had an eyeful of Sei’s phone she began to move ahead. “It’s prolly ‘cause he bungled that one real hard. That’s what I heard, anyways. Was hopin’ he’d talked to you about it.”
“No, sorry…” Sei trudged after his dog following Pansy, head hanging lower as he began to worry. “I should really ask him about that one.”
“I get you’re his brother an’ all, but I’m told he was brushin’ off any and all attempts to ask how he was. Doing the ‘nah I’m fine’, over and over.” Pansy stopped as they wandered toward a grassy incline overlooking the nearby pasture. “Maybe you can get through to him? I dunn—hey, is that Evian?”
Seiichi snapped his head back up to search for the third party. The blue angel was propped against a tree further ahead, staring wistfully out into the fields.
Realising she was under observation, she turned her head and gave them a smile. “Oh, hey guys…! Nice to see you out and about, Sei.”
Sei shrunk back, like he was debating never coming outside ever again. Tadashi barked eagerly.
“Heya!” Pansy waved, though noted that something was off. Evian was always bright and cheery to the hundred percent, but right now she had her arms folded and was avoiding the other’s eyes. “Everythin’ alright?”
“Ummm, well…” Evian undid her arm fold to clasp her hands, looking to the heavens. “I kinda sorta maybe did something that might not have been the right thing.”
Pansy blinked. “Could’ja be more specific?”
“Ummm, so Alice came to see me today. She said she wanted to be … independent. And go on an adventure by herself.” Evian tried to smile, but she grit her teeth. “Now, please don’t be mad. I thought it sounded like a good idea. She was so determined, and I’ve never seen her like that...”
“By herself?” Horror dawned on Pansy’s face. “Y’mean without Ivan?”
“Ummyeah. I knew he wouldn’t have been okay … with that.”
Seiichi put his free palm to his forehead. “Ohh, they’ve both gone mad…”
“Hey, if she really needs it, she can call on us anytime! I’m sure she’ll be fine!” Evian flapped her arms desperately. “At least, that’s what I’ve been telling myself!!”
“Still, she’s never done anything like that…”
Tadashi barked again as Sei stopped him from pulling his way to Evian. “Should someone intervene, or is it better to trust that she’ll be okay?”
“I didn’t send her to some uncharted territory, I swear! It was that beachy place with the spaghetti people.”
“Oh.”
“…She’ll be okay.”
Seiichi scratched his nose. “Isn't that place full of zombies and ghosts and murderers, orrrr…?”
“I’ve not travelled first class before.” Alice was propped up on her arm, staring vacantly at the passing scenery. “As far as I remember, anyway.”
“You don’t sound too thrilled.” Queenie had a magazine on her lap, though it had lost her interest. “I know you typically have a monotone drawl, but I’ve seen you get excited about little tastes of luxury.”
Their compartment had plush patterned seating, and green curtains with a gold trim. It smelled like it had recently been vacuumed and spritzed with lavender.
“I’m just not feeling so good.”
“From my understanding, Webbe, you haven’t been feeling so good for about three years.” She folded the magazine closed. “Won’t you be happy to see Mr Shirasaki?”
“No. I mean, I don’t know.” She slumped further. “He was always busy, so I stopped calling him, and he stopped calling me, and then I get this invitation…”
“I’ll be honest, I’m not sure why he invited me either. You’re at least his friend. … Hello?” Queenie narrowed her eyes when the human didn’t respond. She didn’t want to get all sympathetic and cuddly, but she wanted to know more. “Any theories?”
“Mm, I dunno… If he’s having a fancy studio party, it’ll probably be for some TV thing…” Alice shrugged. “Maybe he asked you along so I don’t embarrass him by dressing wrong.”
“Well, I do have an impeccable style of dress.” She studied her magazine’s front cover. “If we see some trendier fashions in Greatcliffe than the ones in my suitcase, I’ll be getting you those.”
“Uh—thanks, but the party’s this afternoon—!”
“Being fashionably late is equally important.”
---
Mercifully, Queenie’s threat of a shopping trip around Greatcliffe was cut short as they had to check into their hotel rooms. Due to the sheer difference in expenses, they were in entirely separate hotels, the latter of which Queenie insulted without pause.
When she pointed out a coffee stain on the lounge rug, after criticizing the décor, smell, and inattentive staff, Alice finally had enough. “You’re not the one staying here, so stop it. If you wanted me to stay in a fancier hotel, you should’ve paid for it.”
“He asked me to travel with you, not be your sugar mama.”
“Then I’ll see you at the party. Goodbye.”
Queenie put her foot toward the rotating door, but stopped to study Alice carefully. “You really are upset, aren’t you.”
Her poise was rigid. “I want to know what’s going on. Thank you for the dress, but I just—I can’t, anymore, okay.” She exhaled, hard. “I’ll see you later.”
“…I’ll stop by at six to help with your makeup. Have a shower. You might feel better.”
She had a shower, but didn’t feel much better. Alice didn’t recognize herself when she was wearing makeup, so she didn’t like to wear it. But she didn’t want to be recognized at the party, either, so she let Queenie do what she wanted. It didn’t look terrible.
But she felt so much worse when they were staring up at the building. The sky was cloudy and dark. A storm seemed inevitable.
“I’m not looking forward to this party either, if it helps. It seems rather beneath me.”
Alice chose not to respond.
The party itself was being held a few stories high in the television studio block. It was a wide, dim room that could’ve been a set, but right now it was filled with smartly dressed partygoers, punchbowls and paper cups. Music was playing in the background, but casual chatter drowned out the sound. Tay was nowhere in sight.
“I’m going to mingle,” Queenie announced, abandoning Alice by the refreshment table. “I’ll drag Shirasaki over if I find him.”
“Okay,” Alice mumbled, knowing she couldn’t beg her to stay. She turned her attention to the snacks, but her stomach was too tight to find anything appetising. If she could get a drink, some water, perhaps—
—as she reached out for the pitcher, her hand collided with a furry set of fingers that nicked her skin. They recoiled quickly.
“Ever so sorry!” The hand belonged to a tall elf, who used it to push his spectacles further up his nose. He had white fur with sandy flecks of brown, drooping ears, and a polite demeanour suggesting he was just as awkward at parties. It helped Alice feel at ease.
“It’s okay—you can, first.” She motioned toward the pitcher.
“Not at all—” Confusing his words and actions, he poured a cup but offered it out to her. “I’m sorry, I, er… cameraman. Hawthorne Hedge. That’s my name, I mean.”
She took the cup out of his hand, staring down at it. “Thank you. I’m Alice. Um, Webbe. I was just … invited, by my friend.”
“Ah, by Mr Taylor! Correct?” Hawthorne’s eyes sparkled behind his glasses. “Yes, he’s spoken about you! You’re one of his good Erryton friends.”
Alice wasn’t sure what to do with her face. To not look as surprised as she felt, perhaps, and to not look annoyed, but to project the weird third emotion between embarrassment, gladness, and confusion. “He’s talked about me?”
“Oh yes! I’ve had a few chats with him; we work on the same programs. Well—as I’m sure you know, we all do. He arranged this party—”
“Have you seen him?”
“Not yet. I think he was getting ready.” Hawthorne remembered he wanted a glass of water himself and began to pour. “He’s probably planning on making a big entrance. Loves doing that! It’s so cute.”
Alice felt an icy chill. “…cute?”
“Oh—well, um, he probably wouldn’t like it if I said that!” The elf seemed to be suffering some embarrassment, if his twitching tail and ears were any indication. “Maybe if I said he was handsome, he wouldn’t mind…?”
Dread was climbing and clawing back into her body. She did her best to ignore it. “What did he have to say about me, anyway?”
“Well, er—we had lunch together one time, he said…” Hawthorne paused for a moment. Alice knew what he was doing. He was deciding which parts to leave out. “Well, we were talking about anxiety, and how – well, I struggle with it, you know – and started talking about a friend of his. You. And he um, encouraged me basically, but also talked about some of the things you’ve done together. You supporting his dream, listening to the radio, watching out for his brother. He mentioned a pie contest…?”
“Yeah.” Alice felt herself staring into the middle distance. He was still bristling and swishing his tail. “We did that.”
Who was this guy? Did they have lunch together often? Was it deeper than that? How many other people did Taylor get along with here? If she was so great, why did he never call back? Were these the people he was busy with? Or was she just a bad friend, for thinking he’d forgotten her? It was probably her fault, for not feeling the right thing at the right time. For feeling jealous now, like the massive stupid hypocrite she was, to this perfectly reasonable and nice man.
“Oh, there he is!”
She wasn’t ready. Where was the bathroom?
Alice made a hasty goodbye to Hawthorne, muttering something about needing to go before weaving through the crowd to avoid Taylor’s line of sight. She’d forgotten, however, that she had a wandering chaperone. Queenie caught her by the shoulder.
“There he is, look. Let’s say hello.”
“I’m not ready—”
“And you never will be. Let’s go.”
Taylor was chatting with someone, but he waved them off and put on a huge smile when he saw Alice and Queenie approach. “You made it! How was the journey? Not too exhausting, I hope? It’s so good to see you both.”
Alice was at a loss for words. “Uuum… yeah.”
“Let’s not get caught up in the pleasantries, Mr Shirasaki.” Queenie waved a limp hand at him. “I want to know why you invited me to this dreary little party. I’m a busy woman with a family to think about, you know.”
“Of course!” Taylor dipped a small bow. “I invited you because I have plans that I think you’ll like to hear.”
“Go on.”
“So, picture Erryton. Small coastal town. Quiet parks, a rainy beach, dusty ruins, a radio station, a beautiful mansion – but nothing really making the area stand out, you know? Not the biggest tourist destination, not much money flow.”
Alice quite liked it that way, but kept her mouth shut. She was still holding her cup, so she took a sip.
“That’s why – get this – we’re pushing for a television studio! We can get on-location filming, promote the town, and have a place to hire new talent! We’d get our own local channels—”
Queenie stopped him. “Save your breath. You want me to sponsor it, don’t you?”
“If you want the bottom of the matter—yes! But with your support, I’d find it easier to convince the mayor about this amazing opportunity.” He adjusted his tie. “You have a right to refuse, naturally. I just thought, as a business-minded woman, you’d appreciate the first chance to invest in the newest, biggest thing to boost the town’s economy. Your name on a plaque at the front desk, an honoured guest with unrestricted access to our facilities, perhaps a TV feature … ?”
“That’s enough buttering.” She snorted, a small smirk on her lips. “I’ll want to read the fine print, but I’ll consider your offer. The townsfolk might show me some respect if I provide.”
Alice was starting to feel like a wooden post. “And me?”
“Oh!” Tay’s toothy smile stretched wide again. “I wouldn’t expect you to donate, Alice, just that you’d support me. I was actually hoping we could have a little chat, away from the party.”
Queenie raised her eyebrows, though neither Alice nor Taylor’s expressions faltered. “You’d better get on with that if we’re wanting to leave in a timely manner.”
The pair of humans went out into the corridor, which branched out to another part of the building as a tunnel. It was lined with windows, beside one of which they stopped to talk. The sky was darker still, black clouds blotting the horizon. No rain had fallen.
“Thank you for coming,” Taylor said brightly. “I’ve always appreciated your support, so I wanted you to be one of the first to know.”
Alice shuffled her feet, swished the cup in her hand. “Yeah, thanks.” There was an awkward pause. “You stopped answering your phone.”
“Yes, I suppose I did.” He looked pensive, but only for a minute, as the plastic smile returned. “I’ve just been really busy, you know? Haha.”
Her face creased. The makeup made it feel tighter. “I’m really—I was angry, at first. But I don’t think—it’s not fair for me to…” She sighed. “I’m sorry I stopped calling.”
“Aw, don’t worry yourself!” Taylor clapped her on the back. It was hard and unpleasant. “I’m sure you’ve been busy too.”
“Right…” She turned to watch the darkening sky. “Taylor, is everything alright here?”
“Hm? With what?”
“With—you. The workload, the people, anything. It’s been two years, and you’re on four shows. Isn’t that … a lot, for such a short amount of time?”
He looked delighted, like he hadn’t heard the question. “You’ve been watching?!”
“…of course I have.”
A crack of thunder echoed through the walls; the wind rattled the windows.
“Nothing could make me happier, you know?” He reached for her free hand, which she let him take. “Have I mentioned how beautiful you look this evening? The blue dress matches your eyes.”
The plastic cup crinkled as it was slowly crushed under her grasp. “Nice … suit.” Her expression was muted, frozen.
He chuckled ruefully, letting go. “Don’t worry about me, okay? I’ve met lots of new people, and they love me around here.”
“Yeah. That’s what I was worried about.” She took a step away. “You stopped picking up because—because we suck. We’re not as important.”
“Oh, Alice, that’s not—”
“Then why won’t you tell me?”
There was another deep, rumbling crack of thunder.
“You’re just—” She crushed the cup in her hands, spilling water. “You keep smiling and brushing it off, you won’t take it seriously! You brought me out here to talk, and we’re just—we’re exchanging pleasantries!”
Taylor looked down. His lips tightened. “It’s because…” He swallowed, fumbled with his tie, before bracing that smile again. “Because everything’s fine! You’ll see. I’ll be back in Erryton in no time. I’m a rising star; this is nothing I can’t handle. So please, don’t worry!”
“That’s… not…” Alice shook her head, stumbling back the way they came. “Goodbye, then.”
“Ah, wait, wait!”
She didn’t stop for him. Back in the party room, she kept her head down, walked straight to the exit.
Queenie noticed, turning to look at the door she’d just swung open. Taylor was there, holding it, looking a bit dazed. He saw her, and he smiled.
Rain was roaring outside the studio building. The clouds had finally released their burden. Alice sat on the steps, letting herself get drenched, sobs drowned under the sound.
“I can’t imagine what he said to make you this dramatic.” Queenie kept her distance, watching from the entryway to avoid getting splashed.
Alice barely raised her head. Rain continued to fall. It dripped down her nose and ran off her hair.
“We don’t have to stay here.”
“I want to—” She coughed, hiccupped. “Want to go home.”
Queenie turned away, putting her phone to her ear to hire a driver.
There's a girl with pink-dyed hair and black clothes wildly spray-painting on the side of the Grandville Television Studio. She seems enveloped in her craft.
HEY, VANDAL!!
WE JUST HAD THAT WALL REPAINTED! WE DON'T MAKE ENOUGH TO DO IT A SECOND TIME!!
"Just repainted, huh? You should get a refund! Whoever did the job sucked at it!!" The girl laughed. "You should be thanking me for providing my services for free, old man!"
There's a girl with pink-dyed hair and black clothes wildly spray-painting on the side of the Grandville Television Studio. She seems enveloped in her craft.
HEY, VANDAL!!
WE JUST HAD THAT WALL REPAINTED! WE DON'T MAKE ENOUGH TO DO IT A SECOND TIME!!
Updated Queenie's reference! I was unhappy with the old one.
Tumblr has squished the image up but it should hopefully be easy to click-to-view.
I've updated her tattoo, and shown off how the little flappies on her dress hide a gap with which she can grab for sheathed weapons.
The alternate outfit doesn't have this luxury - but she's a fan of hiding small blades behind fans, and still has magic. I would've shown off the magic and/or weapon sheath, but ran out of space...
"Anything with alcohol in it is a worthwhile investment. ... But if you're going to cook, it should be something homely. Signor Marvello loved to eat - I had one of the maids cook him a kind of spicy stew that I passed off as my mother's recipe, and he always ate that up - figuratively, literally."
"Whether you make it yourself or 'make it' with someone's help, what's important is the presentation. You have to nail the..."
"I'm so sorry, can you ever forgive me?"
"When it comes down to it, what matters more is the gesture itself, so let it be a meal that means something to you. Or ''''''means something to you'''''. As a typical rule of thumb, though, most men like oily, gooey, meaty things. Oh, and try not to mention whatever you're apologising for..."
'How do you ask to share someone's ice cream without it being too weird...?' -Sammy
"Aw, you have to work up toward these things, sweetie! Some people might be uncomfortable if you ask to lick their cone, for hygiene's sake. But there's an easier way~!"
"You can ask them if they'd be ok with sharing in a cup with a spoon or two, but it's easier if you start out having one of the big sundaes. There's a lot more ice cream to share, and you can say you want to try one but need help eating it."
"...And, if you're together enough times, it won't be weird to ask any more. They might not even mind sharing the same cone."
'Lady Julia, any recommended elder vacation destinations? I felt like my wife could be getting tired of late night beach flights.' -Issac
"I must confess many of my later years were spent in more casinos than sightseeing destinations, but I'm still willing to offer suggestions. As you're the winged sort, I'd recommend viewing the mountains - it's a nice routine break from the beach, although it requires a bit of stamina."
"Rooftop dates in unfamiliar cities also sound sufficiently romantic. Particularly if it's at the top of a tower, or somewhere with a nice open view of the city lights - I know a few places with spectacular views, but I'm most familiar with Enigma Island and its view of Dragon's Point."
"If nothing else, I'd suggest going somewhere or doing something that reminds you of your youth. You might find it re-energises you, or at the very least makes you better appreciate those familiar beach nights."
are you a ghost? And if so what’s your tips on how to smooch a ghost
"Why, yes! I am a ghost! Thank you for asking."
"If you want to smooch a ghost, you'll have to go through the courting ritual expected by all living relationships. Once you're past that hurdle, there's a few things you'll need to know…"
"With this knowledge, stranger, you may kiss my glove~"
'Do you have any tips for uh.... 'long-distance' relationships? Like if you met someone on vacation?' -[extremely anonymous user wdym]
"Well, Anon, the beauty of a vacation's romance is that they're fleeting. But if you want to reconnect … I'd evaluate whether you're in love with them, or in love with the idea of them."
"Would things be different if they weren't your paradise in the sun? Are they your escape, or can you imagine bringing them home? ... While you're ruminating on this, cellular telephones seem to be a good, modern way of staying in contact. You must remind them you exist, and that you value your precious moments together, or it'll soon be a fond but distant memory for you both."
"Most standard tinctures, potions and salves can take care of aches and pains after nightly activities. I preferred the inventory at Adeline Apothecary, but these may be pricier than your budgeting range."
"There's always walk-in heal spells, but I can understand not wanting to explain to your local physician why you come in every morning for cureall. Learning a simple healing spell of your own might be worthwhile, depending on how much it's wearing on you."
"Oh, and tell your partner to stop taking impromptu naps to ignore his aunt."
areudirty
vaporwave
snowghoul
andulkaphoto
annaxmalina
stormborns
