I Know What I Want Now!!! :))))))) @infected-paul - Tumblr Blog

[Willow sighed, throwing her bag down on the ground as she stepped through the door to Paul’s house]

Paul, are you home? Have you seen Richie?

[She asks, the house is noticeably silent.]

(@withinthewillowtree)

[A soft glow emanated from the bathroom, standing stark against the darkness. A small sound could be heard, barely audible from where Willow was standing, but it sounded like... humming?]

@withinthewillowtree

Paul, you home?

[Willow walked towards the bathroom, shutting the front door behind her]

[The light underneath the door moved back and forth. The humming stopped and, after a moment, a voice replied]

Hey, Willow!!! Sorry, just had a shower!!!! I'll be out in a sec!!!!

Oh, okay! I’ll be in the kitchen

[Willow makes her way to the kitchen and grabs a glass, pouring herself some water.]

[After a few moments passed, the door opened and Paul stepped out, a wide grin on his face as he adjusted his tie]

Hi, Willow!!!! Sorry if I scared you there!!! How are you????

I’m fine, did you get a promotion or something? You look.. happy.

[Willow set her glass of water down, focusing on paul]

[Paul's eyes lit up as his smile grew even wider]

I guess you could call it that!!! I had a bit of a perspective shift recently!!!

[He walked over to the fridge, opening it and pulling out a tupperware container]

You hungry???

Uh not really. Have you seen Richie? He wouldn’t stop going on about musicals.. Wait, what even is that?

[Willow starts looking at the tupperware closer]

[Paul tilted his head, his smile as wide as ever]

Oh, this?? Just a little recipe I wanted to test out!! It's soup!!! You want some??

Sure! Can’t hurt, can it?

[Willow smiles and grabs her glass of water, taking a sip of it]

[Paul's grin widened even more. He opened one of the cupboards, pulling out a bowl and filling it with the 'soup'. He put it into the microwave for a minute, then turned back to Willow]

Richie and his friends are at rehearsal right now! They're gonna debut a new musical!!! Isn't that exciting????

Yeah, I know. Richie wanted me to join in but my body aches after gymnastics so I had to decline.

[Willow fiddles with her messy bangs]

[Paul pouted a bit, drumming his fingers on the counter]

Are you sure?? I was going to go over and help them with it in a little while!! You should come with me!!!

No, Paul. I don’t want to anyway, musicals are pretty boring like why are you singing to move along the plot? I never really got musicals.

[The microwave beeps, indicating it’s done]

[Paul gasped in astonishment, clutching his chest as his eyes widened]

You don't like musicals??? Willow, you're breaking my heart!!

[He glanced back at the microwave, then stared at Willow for a moment before walking over and taking the soup out]

Well, no matter. I'm sure I can change your mind!!

Well, I used to like musicals but after…Whatever, it doesn’t matter!

[Willow stops playing with her bangs, excited for the soup as gymnastics makes her hungry]

[Paul tilted his head, his brow furrowing in thought. He should have remembered that Willow didn't like musicals. Why..?

He shook his head a bit, dismissing the thought. He handed Willow the bowl before grabbing a spoon for her]

You're right: no use talking about trivial things like that!!!

[Willow takes the spoon and stirs the soup a little]

[Paul watched her for a moment, barely blinking, his grin just as wide as ever]

scarlett-clivesdale-crane

Im hearing singing in my head constantly. Why?

-🍭🪻@scarlett-clivesdale-crane

Hi there!!!! It sounds like you've been chosen for apotheosis!!! Don't be scared!!! It's a wonderful thing!!!!

@scarlett-clivesdale-crane

Chosen for what??- How is a song playing repeatedly in my mind wonderful, I think its atleast a bit scary.

scarlett-clivesdale-crane

It's okay if you think that!!! I was scared at first too!!!! Trust me, the Singular Voice wants you to ascend beyond your current state and become something greater!!!

The singular who- Okay, okay. Listen, this is all just a bit confusing for me, do you know how to possibly.. Stop the singing?

Nope!!! There's no stopping it once it starts!!! Don't worry, I'll help you through it if you want!!!

[Pete knocks on the door of Richie and Paul's place. It's been a while since he's hung out with Richie]

@peter-pumpkin-spankoffski

[As Pete knocked, the door softly swung open. It looked as though it had been kicked in, the wood splintered and the metal bent out of shape]

@peter-pumpkin-spankoffski

[Okay, now he's a little concerned at the state of the door ]

Hi?

[The gentle thud of the door against the wall was the only sound Pete could hear. The house looked empty, which was... odd, considering the time of day. School was out for the day, and Paul's job finished around 5, so where..?

The sound of shattering glass interrupted the silence. It sounded like it came from Paul's room]

[Panicing, Pete runs up to the room, hoping Richie isn't in there or is at least okay]

[Standing in the middle of the room, staring at a broken mirror on the vanity, was Paul. His hair was carefully combed back, his suit was freshly ironed, his skin... looked a bit pale, to be honest, but he looked weirdly put together, especially after a long day of work.

He continued staring at the shattered mirror for a moment before turning to Pete with a smile]

Oh, hi Pete!!! Sorry, I didn't hear you come in!!!!

Uh, hi Mr Mathews. Is everything...okay?

Absolutely!!!! Everything's wonderful!!! Richie isn't home just yet, but feel free to make yourself at home!!!!

Okay....

[Pete slowly goes into the living room, sitting on the couch, unsure what to do now]

[A few moments passed before Paul came down the stairs, holding his phone and glancing at it every now and then despite the screen being dark]

I just let Richie know you were here, so he's on his way!!! Can I get you anything in the meantime?? Something to eat or drink???

Um, a drink would be nice I guess?

[Paul's grin widened as he nodded, pivoting on the ball of his heel and walking into the kitchen]

Sure thing!! You want water?? A hot chocolate, maybe???

Hot chocolate would be nice

[Paul skipped into the kitchen, humming a little song to himself as he turned on the kettle. He tapped his foot as he waited, leaning against the counter and staring at Pete]

So, how are you?? How's school???

Um, I'm alright. School's just the usual.

[Paul laughed just a bit too hard, his eyes never leaving the teen in front of him]

That's great to hear!!! Still getting amazing grades, I assume! You met anyone you like yet??

Uh, no, not really.

[He's starting to get a little uncomfortable

Paul stared at Pete for a moment before turning around and turning off the kettle. He opened a packet of hot chocolate into the mug before spitting something into it and pouring the hot water in]

That's alright!!! You've still got your whole life to decide those kinds of things!!!

[Did he just spit in the hot chocolate. No, don't be ridiculous Pete, this isn't Beanies]

Mhm

[Paul turned back to Pete, leaning over the counter and handing him the hot chocolate with a grin that was just a bit too wide]

Here you go!!! I hope you like it

[His eyes flashed a little bit brighter]

|| Alex was walking around Hatchetfield. He knew as soon as he made enough money, he was getting the hell out of this tiny town. It always creeped him out, he never knew why though ||

“I swear to god, if I’m late to work again..”

- @alex-thesilly

[The streets of Hatchetfield were unusually quiet, especially for the middle of the day. It seemed as though the entire town was frozen, like a miniature town sitting on an old man's shelf. The cars were stopped in the middle of the road with no sign of life inside of them]

@alex-thesilly

[Bug opened his mouth to answer, then stopped, his brow furrowing a bit. He sighed, then shrugged]

It might be easier if I show you

“Oh?”

|| he tilts his head a bit ||

[Bug reached up and untied his tie, letting it hang around his neck as he unbuttoned his shirt. After the top four were undone, he pulled his shirt off his left shoulder, revealing a massive wound that continued down and across his chest in a curve.

To say Bug had a shoulder at all was a bit of a stretch. The vast majority of it was gone, a mess of 'blood' and bones taking its place. A few tendrils of the blue goo had formed across the wound, and the very top of it seemed to have formed a scar already]

Yeah, uhm... it's a lot...

“Woah! That’s a lot more than I expected!”

|| Alex gagged a bit ||

“That’s gonna take a shit ton of bandage wrap. Also, does it just heal itself?”

[Paul winced slightly before slipping his shirt back up, covering his shoulder]

It does, but I need to be asleep. The Singular Voice got a bit excited after I joined and He ordered us to start work on the theatre immediately... it doesn't hurt at all, so that's nice!

“I guess that’s a plus…should we just try to cover it up or do you wanna see if some rest would help?”

Covering it up might be easier, just for now. I can sleep a bit at the hospital

[Bug reached for the bandages, smiling softly]

I can try doing it myself, if you want. I don't wanna make you uncomfortable

|| they smile ||

“It’s fine, I know I reacted really bad at first, but I can still cover you up.”

[Bug tilted his head, his brow furrowing in concern]

Are you sure?? I don't know if my blood's infectious or not... I think it is???

“I mean, I’ve been near you for a while. Wait, but what if it’s direct contact that gets me infected? Fuck-“

|| Alex thinks for a bit, before inevitably giving up ||

“Sorry, Bug. I really wanna help but, y’know..”

[Bug shook his head, gesturing dismissively]

Nonono it's okay!! Honest!!! I wouldn't wanna make you risk it like that

“If you want, I can still help by covering up smaller wounds?”

|| they shrug ||

[Bug furrowed his brow for a moment in thought before shaking his head again]

It'd probably be safer if I do it. I'll be okay, I promise!

“Alright.”

|| they hand Bug the med kit ||

“Sorry I can’t really help. If you need anything, just let me know.”

|| they go back to the wheel, realizing that Clivesdale is a lot closer than he thought ||

[Bug took the kit, smiling awkwardly before opening it up]

No worries!! Honestly, it's probably better this way. I don't think you'd wanna see me with my shirt off anyway!!

[He shrugged off his suit jacket, laying it down on the floor of the boat before starting to unbutton his shirt]

“True.”

|| they chuckle and continue steering the boat ||

[Bug smiled softly, staring at Alex for a moment before shaking his head and continuing to undress.

Three spools of bandages later, Bug had managed to mostly cover up his wounds. The biggest trick was making sure all of his organs stayed concealed, the skin having just started to heal at the top and base of his wound, which left the middle mostly open. He thought he'd done a good enough job of it]

Okay, I think we're good!!! You wanna double-check??

|| they walk over ||

“Yeah, sure.”

[Bug stood up, sticking his arms out and smiling]

What do you think??? Do I look human???

[Despite his efforts, Bug did not look human]

“Uhm…not really. But you did cover your injuries super well!”

|| they pat Bug’s back ||

[Bug looked a bit disappointed, but he smiled up at Alex all the same]

Thanks, Al pal. At least I'm mostly harmless now!!

“Yeah, that’s a plus.”

|| they smile ||

“I think the main thing that still makes you look dead is the pale skin and the blue…shit on your clothes.”

[Bug furrowed his brow, then glanced down at his arms. Most of them had been wrapped up, but the portions of skin he could see looked more like a pale blue than anything resembling a living person]

Huh! I didn't notice that... you wouldn't happen to have any makeup, would you?

“No. I do have an idea though. I can leave you here and just go to a store to get you some! Unless you wanna come with me, then we’re gonna have to hide…everything.”

[Bug pulled his mouth into a thin line, staring at the floor for a moment as he weighed his options]

...I can wait here. Just-.. just promise me you'll come back, okay?

“I promise.”

|| they smile ||

“I’ll just get some really cheap makeup because I decided to leave most of my money at home.”

[Bug hugged himself tighter, nodding slightly]

Okay... okay. I dunno if there's anything in it, but my wallet should still be in my jacket pocket

|| he smiled ||

“Eh, it’s fine. If I don’t have enough I can just steal or something.”

[Bug smiled slightly, his grin a little lopsided]

Al, stealing is wrong! Besides, I don't think I'm gonna need money anymore. I don't really need to eat or anything

|| they think for a bit ||

“True…but I’ll still feel kinda bad for taking your money.”

[Bug shrugged, tilting his head]

You're not really taking it. I'm giving it to you! You're my friend!

[Willow sighed, throwing her bag down on the ground as she stepped through the door to Paul’s house]

Paul, are you home? Have you seen Richie?

[She asks, the house is noticeably silent.]

(@withinthewillowtree)

[A soft glow emanated from the bathroom, standing stark against the darkness. A small sound could be heard, barely audible from where Willow was standing, but it sounded like... humming?]

@withinthewillowtree

Paul, you home?

[Willow walked towards the bathroom, shutting the front door behind her]

[The light underneath the door moved back and forth. The humming stopped and, after a moment, a voice replied]

Hey, Willow!!! Sorry, just had a shower!!!! I'll be out in a sec!!!!

Oh, okay! I’ll be in the kitchen

[Willow makes her way to the kitchen and grabs a glass, pouring herself some water.]

[After a few moments passed, the door opened and Paul stepped out, a wide grin on his face as he adjusted his tie]

Hi, Willow!!!! Sorry if I scared you there!!! How are you????

I’m fine, did you get a promotion or something? You look.. happy.

[Willow set her glass of water down, focusing on paul]

[Paul's eyes lit up as his smile grew even wider]

I guess you could call it that!!! I had a bit of a perspective shift recently!!!

[He walked over to the fridge, opening it and pulling out a tupperware container]

You hungry???

Uh not really. Have you seen Richie? He wouldn’t stop going on about musicals.. Wait, what even is that?

[Willow starts looking at the tupperware closer]

[Paul tilted his head, his smile as wide as ever]

Oh, this?? Just a little recipe I wanted to test out!! It's soup!!! You want some??

Sure! Can’t hurt, can it?

[Willow smiles and grabs her glass of water, taking a sip of it]

[Paul's grin widened even more. He opened one of the cupboards, pulling out a bowl and filling it with the 'soup'. He put it into the microwave for a minute, then turned back to Willow]

Richie and his friends are at rehearsal right now! They're gonna debut a new musical!!! Isn't that exciting????

Yeah, I know. Richie wanted me to join in but my body aches after gymnastics so I had to decline.

[Willow fiddles with her messy bangs]

[Paul pouted a bit, drumming his fingers on the counter]

Are you sure?? I was going to go over and help them with it in a little while!! You should come with me!!!

No, Paul. I don’t want to anyway, musicals are pretty boring like why are you singing to move along the plot? I never really got musicals.

[The microwave beeps, indicating it’s done]

[Paul gasped in astonishment, clutching his chest as his eyes widened]

You don't like musicals??? Willow, you're breaking my heart!!

[He glanced back at the microwave, then stared at Willow for a moment before walking over and taking the soup out]

Well, no matter. I'm sure I can change your mind!!

Well, I used to like musicals but after…Whatever, it doesn’t matter!

[Willow stops playing with her bangs, excited for the soup as gymnastics makes her hungry]

[Paul tilted his head, his brow furrowing in thought. He should have remembered that Willow didn't like musicals. Why..?

He shook his head a bit, dismissing the thought. He handed Willow the bowl before grabbing a spoon for her]

You're right: no use talking about trivial things like that!!!

[Pete knocks on the door of Richie and Paul's place. It's been a while since he's hung out with Richie]

@peter-pumpkin-spankoffski

[As Pete knocked, the door softly swung open. It looked as though it had been kicked in, the wood splintered and the metal bent out of shape]

@peter-pumpkin-spankoffski

[Okay, now he's a little concerned at the state of the door ]

Hi?

The sound of shattering glass interrupted the silence. It sounded like it came from Paul's room]

[Panicing, Pete runs up to the room, hoping Richie isn't in there or is at least okay]

He continued staring at the shattered mirror for a moment before turning to Pete with a smile]

Oh, hi Pete!!! Sorry, I didn't hear you come in!!!!

Uh, hi Mr Mathews. Is everything...okay?

Absolutely!!!! Everything's wonderful!!! Richie isn't home just yet, but feel free to make yourself at home!!!!

Okay....

[Pete slowly goes into the living room, sitting on the couch, unsure what to do now]

[A few moments passed before Paul came down the stairs, holding his phone and glancing at it every now and then despite the screen being dark]

I just let Richie know you were here, so he's on his way!!! Can I get you anything in the meantime?? Something to eat or drink???

Um, a drink would be nice I guess?

[Paul's grin widened as he nodded, pivoting on the ball of his heel and walking into the kitchen]

Sure thing!! You want water?? A hot chocolate, maybe???

Hot chocolate would be nice

[Paul skipped into the kitchen, humming a little song to himself as he turned on the kettle. He tapped his foot as he waited, leaning against the counter and staring at Pete]

So, how are you?? How's school???

Um, I'm alright. School's just the usual.

[Paul laughed just a bit too hard, his eyes never leaving the teen in front of him]

That's great to hear!!! Still getting amazing grades, I assume! You met anyone you like yet??

Uh, no, not really.

[He's starting to get a little uncomfortable

Paul stared at Pete for a moment before turning around and turning off the kettle. He opened a packet of hot chocolate into the mug before spitting something into it and pouring the hot water in]

That's alright!!! You've still got your whole life to decide those kinds of things!!!

scarlett-clivesdale-crane

Im hearing singing in my head constantly. Why?

-🍭🪻@scarlett-clivesdale-crane

Hi there!!!! It sounds like you've been chosen for apotheosis!!! Don't be scared!!! It's a wonderful thing!!!!

@scarlett-clivesdale-crane

Chosen for what??- How is a song playing repeatedly in my mind wonderful, I think its atleast a bit scary.

It's okay if you think that!!! I was scared at first too!!!! Trust me, the Singular Voice wants you to ascend beyond your current state and become something greater!!!

[A person approaches you with a shot gun in hand] "Your one of them aren't you"[they aim their gun at you] "don't you dare try anything I'm not gonna be part of your stupid hive!

[Paul raised his hands]

Woah woah woah, friend!!! There's no need for violence!!! I'm not going to hurt you!!!!

[They lower their gun] I don't trust it one of the other infected tried killing me, why should I trust you?

[Paul shook his head with a wide smile]

Nonononono!! I don't want to kill you!! I want to help you live!!!!

Singing like a idiot and hearing voices don't really sound like a life I'd like to live,but I won't lie I'm curious what would being an infected be like?

[Paul tilted his head, tapping his lip]

Well, it's a lot of things! Your whole body is healed, revitalized, elevated to deification!! Your mind is united to everyone you know and love!! You never have to worry about pain or suffering!!! Your whole life becomes a song!!! I'll admit, it's a bit painful at first, but it's worth it!!!!

Why would I want that [they scoffed] life is pain anyone who says other wise is a idiot or trying to sell something and id and rather die than be mentally connected to anyone in this shitty town. But thanks, though,[ they started walking away]

[Paul sighed, shaking his head]

I think you'd change your mind if you tried joining us! I used to think the same as you!!

Right, your Paul, the guy who didn't like musicals till one of the lords in black, pokey changed that, changed you. That's what the lords do they get in your head and never leave. doesn't that drive you insane? [They held a black book up] this book told me everything. I could get you back to normal, don't you want that?

[Paul froze, his eyes widening in shock]

Where did you get that???

The old Waylon place, why are you scared?[they smiled] I intend on fixing this mess and that includes getting everyone back to normal. So do you want to be normal again?

[Paul opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. His brow furrowed as his eyes flickered back to their natural color for a moment]

I... No. I don't want that

You know Paul your story always made me sad a guy who didn't know what he wanted then he was forced to be something he hates. Which begs the question is the real you,the human you still there or die he die in the explosion at starlight theater?

[Paul took a step back, shaking his head as he glared at them]

Leave me alone!! I don't want anything to do with you or that book!! I'm happy now!!! For the first time in my life, I'm happy!!!

[They laughed creepily] ok Paul, I'll leave you alone, but before I go do me one last favor and tell me what about this book scares you so bad it's just a book it can't hurt you

[Paul narrowed his eyes]

You just told me you're planning on ending the apotheosis!! Well, I'm not going to let you do that!!!

And what are you gonna do about it? [They picked up their shot gun aiming it at his head] you know I'm doing this for you. I'm doing it for this stupid town. Don't you want to see Emma again?

[Paul's eyes widened for a moment, raising his hands]

I... I do, but that's not-- you're trying to kill me and my friends!!

Well yea you got to give a little to get a lot. It's only temporary you and the rest of this dumb town will wake up, and it'll all seem like a bad dream. I don't want to do this, but I gave everything to fix this mess, and I can't let you or anyone else get in my way [they narrow their eyes]

[Paul narrowed his eyes at them before sighing]

Okayokayokayokayokay, look, I'm the leader of the Hive. If I go, the rest won't be a threat to you. If I agree to let you do whatever it is you're going to do, will you let everyone else go??

I wish I could, but that's not how it works. I gave my name and life in exchange I learned how to reset everything, and it's by killing everyone. Like I said, you'll all wake up, and it'll be like nothing ever happened, just a bad dream. So please [they got ready to shoot paul] don't resist

[Paul narrowed his eyes before grabbing the gun and wrenching it away from his head]

Sorry, but I can't let you do that!!!

What are you gonna do kill me? [They were holding back tears] make me part of your stupid hive?

If that's what it takes

[Paul's face softened and he reached up to wipe away their tears]

Don't worry. It'll be alright

No it won't be. I have no memory's I gave them up to fix this mess. It can't have been for nothing.[they started sobbing] I don't even have a name anymore. Could you give me a name please?

[Paul smiled reassuringly, dropping the gun and kicking it away before pulling them into a hug]

Hey, it's okay. I'll give you a name if you want!!

[They hug back] could you please? I'm sorry for trying to kill you and everyone else. I just wanted things to be normal again

[Paul nodded, resting his head on their shoulder and he hugged them tighter]

I understand. It's alright. You don't need to worry anymore... what sort of name would you like? Male, female, both or neither?

Neither [they said wiping away tears]

[Paul nodded, gently rubbing circles into their back]

Okay okay okay okay... oh, I know! How about Finn?? That's a nice name!!

I like it, so what's gonna happen now? Are you going to kill me?

[Paul shook his head, a reassuring smile on his face]

No, not at all!! You're not going to die. You'll be reborn into a new, better body!!!

I kinda like my body now. [ fin said stepping back] Why do you want me to be a part of your hive? I was going to kill you like 5 minutes ago. I'm also worried about how it'd affect me since I'm kinda a blank slate memory wise

[Paul chuckled, gesturing dismissively]

Trust me, the Singular Voice doesn't care what you've done in the past! If He did, I wouldn't be here at all!! It'll be fine, I promise!!!

Why should I believe you. I've meet pokey before and he doesn't seem the forgiving or merciful type

[Paul winced slightly, looking away]

He... can be a bit harsh, but hey! If He welcomed even me to the Hive, He'll welcome everyone!!!

You're just puppets he tolerates you because it's entertaining. I don't want to imagine what will happen when he inevitably gets bored of everyone

[Paul blinked, his brow furrowing slightly]

You know, that's not a very nice way to talk about your god

He's your God, not mine. I don't necessarily worship the Lords. It's more of a business partner ship. I give them something they want, and I get something i want. Why should I care if something sounds nice anyway? I'm just stating facts [Finn said putting up their guard again]

[Paul sighed, then shrugged]

Okay, then think of this like a different transaction. You get to live your fullest and happiest life, and He gets your loyalty and obedience. Does that sound okay??

What qualifies a full and happy life if you don't remember anything about your life before two days ago? And I don't trust any of the lords at all. How can I be loyal if I don't trust them?

[Paul tapped his lip for a moment, his brow furrowing in thought]

Well, you can always make a new life in the Hive!!! One where you're happy and content!!! And don't worry, all of us went through adjustments when we joined. You'll grow to love the Singular Voice as much as we do!!!

I don't want to grow to love a dangerous psychopathic God. [Finns stomach growls] God, I'm starving. I haven't eaten anything in days. Can we continue this conversation with a meal, please?

[Paul blinked in confusion before slowly nodding]

I... suppose we could?? Where were you thinking of going??

I don't remember where I liked eating. Where do you wanna go? Do you even need to eat?

[Paul furrowed his brow in thought before shaking his head]

I don't think I do... I mean, there's always Pasqualli's??

That sounds good. Sorry for interrupting the conversation,l just haven't been able to eat anything because of running for my life.yall don't use food to trigger the apotheosis, though, right? Because that would really suck for me.

[Paul tilted his head, smiling a bit too wide]

Maaaybe we do!

You know what I'm too hungry to question that. Lead the way. [Finn gestured in front of them waiting for Paul to turn his back]

[Paul giggled a bit to himself before taking the lead]

Don't worry, I don't like forcing people into the Hive if I don't have to!!! I'd much rather talk!!!

You're the only member of the hive that hasn't tried to force me to join.[Finn waits till Paul isn't looking and picks back up their gun and hide it under their hoddie] Why haven't you forced me to join?

[Paul tilted his head, the corner of his mouth pulling up slightly]

It's more of a personal thing. People in the Hive who came willingly generally have a better time adjusting and stuff! I mean, if it came down to it, I'd still kill you, but yeah

What would make you have to kill me? Sorry if that's morbid. Also, sorry for all the questions it's just that if I am going to join the hive, I'd like to know as much as possible before I make a decision.

[Paul gestured dismissively, turning back to Finn and smiling]

Not at all!!! It's completely understandable!!! I'd say you'd have to be completely 100% against joining us and, I dunno, trying to run away or something!!!

Huh, I'd never do that [Finn lied almost convincingly], but why are you slow to kill, but others are quick to kill? When I met you, I was running from Charlotte and Sam, who were singing a killer duet while trying to brutally murder me.

[Paul shrugged, his gaze falling to the ground]

Well, I didn't have the most pleasant experience when I was apotheosized, so I try to avoid hurting new members when I don't have to. Charlotte feels the same way, I think, but she and Sam are so close, they perform all their songs as duets, and he likes killing

|| Alex was walking around Hatchetfield. He knew as soon as he made enough money, he was getting the hell out of this tiny town. It always creeped him out, he never knew why though ||

“I swear to god, if I’m late to work again..”

- @alex-thesilly

@alex-thesilly

[Bug opened his mouth to answer, then stopped, his brow furrowing a bit. He sighed, then shrugged]

It might be easier if I show you

“Oh?”

|| he tilts his head a bit ||

Yeah, uhm... it's a lot...

“Woah! That’s a lot more than I expected!”

|| Alex gagged a bit ||

“That’s gonna take a shit ton of bandage wrap. Also, does it just heal itself?”

[Paul winced slightly before slipping his shirt back up, covering his shoulder]

It does, but I need to be asleep. The Singular Voice got a bit excited after I joined and He ordered us to start work on the theatre immediately... it doesn't hurt at all, so that's nice!

“I guess that’s a plus…should we just try to cover it up or do you wanna see if some rest would help?”

Covering it up might be easier, just for now. I can sleep a bit at the hospital

[Bug reached for the bandages, smiling softly]

I can try doing it myself, if you want. I don't wanna make you uncomfortable

|| they smile ||

“It’s fine, I know I reacted really bad at first, but I can still cover you up.”

[Bug tilted his head, his brow furrowing in concern]

Are you sure?? I don't know if my blood's infectious or not... I think it is???

“I mean, I’ve been near you for a while. Wait, but what if it’s direct contact that gets me infected? Fuck-“

|| Alex thinks for a bit, before inevitably giving up ||

“Sorry, Bug. I really wanna help but, y’know..”

[Bug shook his head, gesturing dismissively]

Nonono it's okay!! Honest!!! I wouldn't wanna make you risk it like that

“If you want, I can still help by covering up smaller wounds?”

|| they shrug ||

[Bug furrowed his brow for a moment in thought before shaking his head again]

It'd probably be safer if I do it. I'll be okay, I promise!

“Alright.”

|| they hand Bug the med kit ||

“Sorry I can’t really help. If you need anything, just let me know.”

|| they go back to the wheel, realizing that Clivesdale is a lot closer than he thought ||

[Bug took the kit, smiling awkwardly before opening it up]

No worries!! Honestly, it's probably better this way. I don't think you'd wanna see me with my shirt off anyway!!

[He shrugged off his suit jacket, laying it down on the floor of the boat before starting to unbutton his shirt]

“True.”

|| they chuckle and continue steering the boat ||

[Bug smiled softly, staring at Alex for a moment before shaking his head and continuing to undress.

Okay, I think we're good!!! You wanna double-check??

|| they walk over ||

“Yeah, sure.”

[Bug stood up, sticking his arms out and smiling]

What do you think??? Do I look human???

[Despite his efforts, Bug did not look human]

“Uhm…not really. But you did cover your injuries super well!”

|| they pat Bug’s back ||

[Bug looked a bit disappointed, but he smiled up at Alex all the same]

Thanks, Al pal. At least I'm mostly harmless now!!

“Yeah, that’s a plus.”

|| they smile ||

“I think the main thing that still makes you look dead is the pale skin and the blue…shit on your clothes.”

[Bug furrowed his brow, then glanced down at his arms. Most of them had been wrapped up, but the portions of skin he could see looked more like a pale blue than anything resembling a living person]

Huh! I didn't notice that... you wouldn't happen to have any makeup, would you?

“No. I do have an idea though. I can leave you here and just go to a store to get you some! Unless you wanna come with me, then we’re gonna have to hide…everything.”

[Bug pulled his mouth into a thin line, staring at the floor for a moment as he weighed his options]

...I can wait here. Just-.. just promise me you'll come back, okay?

“I promise.”

|| they smile ||

“I’ll just get some really cheap makeup because I decided to leave most of my money at home.”

[Bug hugged himself tighter, nodding slightly]

Okay... okay. I dunno if there's anything in it, but my wallet should still be in my jacket pocket

|| he smiled ||

“Eh, it’s fine. If I don’t have enough I can just steal or something.”

[Bug smiled slightly, his grin a little lopsided]

Al, stealing is wrong! Besides, I don't think I'm gonna need money anymore. I don't really need to eat or anything