Escapee Number 1 🍒

Guess who 🌺‼️‼️ • She/Her

[n4dine-cherie]

Hey. Hey, let’s get you and Kam sat on the couch, okay?

I’ll- I’ll take care of- this.

[Nadine is unresponsive, raggedly breathing. Her hands are fastened tightly onto Kam—still unconscious.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He looks over the two, his eyebrows furrowing. She looks like a scared child. To him, she practically is.]

Its okay. Hey, listen to me. Breathe.

[He struggles to grab onto the part of him that still felt.]

I’m here. I’m not going anywhere. Im-

..I’m sorry.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine steadies her breathing, her body still trembling slightly. Her eyes are fixed staring off into space.]

I—

[Tears begin to well up, as Nadine hunches up over Kam.]

[n4dine-cherie]

Hey. Hey, let’s get you and Kam sat on the couch, okay?

I’ll- I’ll take care of- this.

[Nadine is unresponsive, raggedly breathing. Her hands are fastened tightly onto Kam—still unconscious.]

[hiss-sterics]

[The apartment hadn’t seen this much life. The small group of friends, sharing a movie. Each equally surprised to be there. Each appreciative in their own way. The apartment hadn’t responded how anyone had expected it to. An unfamiliar chill crept in through seemingly every surface. Mort shuddered, tossing a blanket to Kam and Nadine, and subsequently Vernon.]

I thought my days of getting cold were over.

[Vernon wraps it around his upper body, with a yawn.]

We’re always cold. I think, anyway.

Could’ya pass me the remote? …I gotta find the right channel.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He nods, passing the remote to Vernon. Even the buttons on the remote seemed to be freezing. The battery inside was hanging on by a thread, crackling quietly.]

Here you are, my good man.

[strifeso]

….It seems the autumn temperatures are already closing in. Feels a little early, yes?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[There comes a firm knock on the door, and a soft humming is heard from the other side.]

[strifeso]

Ah! I’ll answer it.

[Kam gets up from their seating beside Nadine, walking over to the door. They undo the lock—as their hands grasp the handle.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[The handle is ice cold and sticks to their hand when they try to pull it away. The door is thrown open roughly, and Leo stands in the doorway. The hall behind him has been covered with a thin layer of ice.]

Am I interrupting?

[n4dine-cherie]

Kam—!

[Kam gets squished behind the door, as Nadine’s off the chair in a flash, hands at the ready.]

Come on—can’t you leave us alone?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He looks at her, finally, and something in his eyes changes. The girl he once called his friend, reduced to this. Pathetic. Groveling. Happy. How could she. He takes a step forward, his eyes locked on her.]

When I’m done here? There won’t be anything to leave alone.

[n4dine-cherie]

[A flame begins to flicker in Nadine’s hand, growing in size.]

You don’t have to keep doing this, Leo. It will never satisfy you.

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He scoffs, the floor under their feet crunching as a thin layer of frost began to form.]

And how would you know what’s good for me? You never have before. Otherwise you wouldn’t have left me there with the dogs.

You didn’t even give me the courtesy to say goodbye. I returned from New York, and you were gone.

I sent you letters, you bitch!

[He throws his hand up, and a blast of ice goes barreling towards her.]

[n4dine-cherie]

Damn it—!

[Nadine attempts to brace herself and deflect the ice with flames—but ends up barreling backward into the floor.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He breaks off a chunk of a large ice crystal that had formed, raising it over his head as he stepped over. His eyes were fixated on her, and tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. They froze almost immediately, dotting his cheeks in red.]

Why wasn’t I good enough??

Why wasn’t I worth your time? Because you had a change of heart? Or because you found something better?

Why couldn’t you just take me for me?

I hate you! I- I hate you, so fucking much!

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine clutches on of her legs—petrified in ice as she attempts to thaw it. She inches away from Leo on the floor, writhing.]

I never hated you—I hate CloseKnit. I hate that I bought into what they preached. It was never about you.

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He scoffed out a laugh, stifling a choked sob.]

Then why didn’t you talk to me sooner? Why was I such an afterthought?

I let them mold he how they wanted. At least they told me they didn’t care.

[n4dine-cherie]

Why do you think, Leo? Look at us. Look at yourself.

…I didn’t think you’d ever come back. So—I thought that keeping you in the dark about it was the best option.

And seeing where we are now—maybe that was.

There was never going to be an agreement between us after I left CloseKnit. Stayed with Kam. This is proof of that.

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He heaves out a few breaths, dropping the chunk of ice at his side as he chokes out a sob. He glances around the room, destroyed, and full of people who wanted him dead.]

I don’t wanna do this anymore. I just want things to go back to the way they were.

[strifeso]

Don’t—

hurt—

[Kam’s able to claw their way out of the ice—staggering over to Nadine before collapsing on the floor beside her.]

gh—…

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[His eyebrows furrow and he takes a step back, another sob escaping him.]

I’m sorry. I’m- I’m sorry.

I’m sorry.

I’m so sorry.

I’ve had enough.

I wanna be done!

[As he says this, a pair of claws plunges through the side of his head, exiting his other temple. He goes limp unceremoniously, and Lazarus lifts the corpse into the air, inhaling deeply, seemingly satisfied with his work.]

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine lets out a bloodcurdling scream at the sight. Blood trickles down to the floor, in indistinguishable puddles. She looks up horrified, tongue-tied, and unable to speak.]

[hiss-sterics]

[The apartment hadn’t seen this much life. The small group of friends, sharing a movie. Each equally surprised to be there. Each appreciative in their own way. The apartment hadn’t responded how anyone had expected it to. An unfamiliar chill crept in through seemingly every surface. Mort shuddered, tossing a blanket to Kam and Nadine, and subsequently Vernon.]

I thought my days of getting cold were over.

[Vernon wraps it around his upper body, with a yawn.]

We’re always cold. I think, anyway.

Could’ya pass me the remote? …I gotta find the right channel.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He nods, passing the remote to Vernon. Even the buttons on the remote seemed to be freezing. The battery inside was hanging on by a thread, crackling quietly.]

Here you are, my good man.

[strifeso]

….It seems the autumn temperatures are already closing in. Feels a little early, yes?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[There comes a firm knock on the door, and a soft humming is heard from the other side.]

[strifeso]

Ah! I’ll answer it.

[Kam gets up from their seating beside Nadine, walking over to the door. They undo the lock—as their hands grasp the handle.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[The handle is ice cold and sticks to their hand when they try to pull it away. The door is thrown open roughly, and Leo stands in the doorway. The hall behind him has been covered with a thin layer of ice.]

Am I interrupting?

[n4dine-cherie]

Kam—!

[Kam gets squished behind the door, as Nadine’s off the chair in a flash, hands at the ready.]

Come on—can’t you leave us alone?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He looks at her, finally, and something in his eyes changes. The girl he once called his friend, reduced to this. Pathetic. Groveling. Happy. How could she. He takes a step forward, his eyes locked on her.]

When I’m done here? There won’t be anything to leave alone.

[n4dine-cherie]

[A flame begins to flicker in Nadine’s hand, growing in size.]

You don’t have to keep doing this, Leo. It will never satisfy you.

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He scoffs, the floor under their feet crunching as a thin layer of frost began to form.]

And how would you know what’s good for me? You never have before. Otherwise you wouldn’t have left me there with the dogs.

You didn’t even give me the courtesy to say goodbye. I returned from New York, and you were gone.

I sent you letters, you bitch!

[He throws his hand up, and a blast of ice goes barreling towards her.]

[n4dine-cherie]

Damn it—!

[Nadine attempts to brace herself and deflect the ice with flames—but ends up barreling backward into the floor.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He breaks off a chunk of a large ice crystal that had formed, raising it over his head as he stepped over. His eyes were fixated on her, and tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. They froze almost immediately, dotting his cheeks in red.]

Why wasn’t I good enough??

Why wasn’t I worth your time? Because you had a change of heart? Or because you found something better?

Why couldn’t you just take me for me?

I hate you! I- I hate you, so fucking much!

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine clutches on of her legs—petrified in ice as she attempts to thaw it. She inches away from Leo on the floor, writhing.]

I never hated you—I hate CloseKnit. I hate that I bought into what they preached. It was never about you.

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He scoffed out a laugh, stifling a choked sob.]

Then why didn’t you talk to me sooner? Why was I such an afterthought?

I let them mold he how they wanted. At least they told me they didn’t care.

[n4dine-cherie]

Why do you think, Leo? Look at us. Look at yourself.

…I didn’t think you’d ever come back. So—I thought that keeping you in the dark about it was the best option.

And seeing where we are now—maybe that was.

There was never going to be an agreement between us after I left CloseKnit. Stayed with Kam. This is proof of that.

[hiss-sterics]

[The apartment hadn’t seen this much life. The small group of friends, sharing a movie. Each equally surprised to be there. Each appreciative in their own way. The apartment hadn’t responded how anyone had expected it to. An unfamiliar chill crept in through seemingly every surface. Mort shuddered, tossing a blanket to Kam and Nadine, and subsequently Vernon.]

I thought my days of getting cold were over.

[Vernon wraps it around his upper body, with a yawn.]

We’re always cold. I think, anyway.

Could’ya pass me the remote? …I gotta find the right channel.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He nods, passing the remote to Vernon. Even the buttons on the remote seemed to be freezing. The battery inside was hanging on by a thread, crackling quietly.]

Here you are, my good man.

[strifeso]

….It seems the autumn temperatures are already closing in. Feels a little early, yes?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[There comes a firm knock on the door, and a soft humming is heard from the other side.]

[strifeso]

Ah! I’ll answer it.

[Kam gets up from their seating beside Nadine, walking over to the door. They undo the lock—as their hands grasp the handle.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[The handle is ice cold and sticks to their hand when they try to pull it away. The door is thrown open roughly, and Leo stands in the doorway. The hall behind him has been covered with a thin layer of ice.]

Am I interrupting?

[n4dine-cherie]

Kam—!

[Kam gets squished behind the door, as Nadine’s off the chair in a flash, hands at the ready.]

Come on—can’t you leave us alone?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He looks at her, finally, and something in his eyes changes. The girl he once called his friend, reduced to this. Pathetic. Groveling. Happy. How could she. He takes a step forward, his eyes locked on her.]

When I’m done here? There won’t be anything to leave alone.

[n4dine-cherie]

[A flame begins to flicker in Nadine’s hand, growing in size.]

You don’t have to keep doing this, Leo. It will never satisfy you.

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He scoffs, the floor under their feet crunching as a thin layer of frost began to form.]

And how would you know what’s good for me? You never have before. Otherwise you wouldn’t have left me there with the dogs.

You didn’t even give me the courtesy to say goodbye. I returned from New York, and you were gone.

I sent you letters, you bitch!

[He throws his hand up, and a blast of ice goes barreling towards her.]

[n4dine-cherie]

Damn it—!

[Nadine attempts to brace herself and deflect the ice with flames—but ends up barreling backward into the floor.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He breaks off a chunk of a large ice crystal that had formed, raising it over his head as he stepped over. His eyes were fixated on her, and tears pricked at the corners of his eyes. They froze almost immediately, dotting his cheeks in red.]

Why wasn’t I good enough??

Why wasn’t I worth your time? Because you had a change of heart? Or because you found something better?

Why couldn’t you just take me for me?

I hate you! I- I hate you, so fucking much!

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine clutches on of her legs—petrified in ice as she attempts to thaw it. She inches away from Leo on the floor, writhing.]

I never hated you—I hate CloseKnit. I hate that I bought into what they preached. It was never about you.

[hiss-sterics]

[The apartment hadn’t seen this much life. The small group of friends, sharing a movie. Each equally surprised to be there. Each appreciative in their own way. The apartment hadn’t responded how anyone had expected it to. An unfamiliar chill crept in through seemingly every surface. Mort shuddered, tossing a blanket to Kam and Nadine, and subsequently Vernon.]

I thought my days of getting cold were over.

[Vernon wraps it around his upper body, with a yawn.]

We’re always cold. I think, anyway.

Could’ya pass me the remote? …I gotta find the right channel.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He nods, passing the remote to Vernon. Even the buttons on the remote seemed to be freezing. The battery inside was hanging on by a thread, crackling quietly.]

Here you are, my good man.

[strifeso]

….It seems the autumn temperatures are already closing in. Feels a little early, yes?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[There comes a firm knock on the door, and a soft humming is heard from the other side.]

[strifeso]

Ah! I’ll answer it.

[Kam gets up from their seating beside Nadine, walking over to the door. They undo the lock—as their hands grasp the handle.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[The handle is ice cold and sticks to their hand when they try to pull it away. The door is thrown open roughly, and Leo stands in the doorway. The hall behind him has been covered with a thin layer of ice.]

Am I interrupting?

[n4dine-cherie]

Kam—!

[Kam gets squished behind the door, as Nadine’s off the chair in a flash, hands at the ready.]

Come on—can’t you leave us alone?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He looks at her, finally, and something in his eyes changes. The girl he once called his friend, reduced to this. Pathetic. Groveling. Happy. How could she. He takes a step forward, his eyes locked on her.]

When I’m done here? There won’t be anything to leave alone.

[n4dine-cherie]

[A flame begins to flicker in Nadine’s hand, growing in size.]

You don’t have to keep doing this, Leo. It will never satisfy you.

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He scoffs, the floor under their feet crunching as a thin layer of frost began to form.]

And how would you know what’s good for me? You never have before. Otherwise you wouldn’t have left me there with the dogs.

You didn’t even give me the courtesy to say goodbye. I returned from New York, and you were gone.

I sent you letters, you bitch!

[He throws his hand up, and a blast of ice goes barreling towards her.]

[n4dine-cherie]

Damn it—!

[Nadine attempts to brace herself and deflect the ice with flames—but ends up barreling backward into the floor.]

[hiss-sterics]

[The apartment hadn’t seen this much life. The small group of friends, sharing a movie. Each equally surprised to be there. Each appreciative in their own way. The apartment hadn’t responded how anyone had expected it to. An unfamiliar chill crept in through seemingly every surface. Mort shuddered, tossing a blanket to Kam and Nadine, and subsequently Vernon.]

I thought my days of getting cold were over.

[Vernon wraps it around his upper body, with a yawn.]

We’re always cold. I think, anyway.

Could’ya pass me the remote? …I gotta find the right channel.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He nods, passing the remote to Vernon. Even the buttons on the remote seemed to be freezing. The battery inside was hanging on by a thread, crackling quietly.]

Here you are, my good man.

[strifeso]

….It seems the autumn temperatures are already closing in. Feels a little early, yes?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[There comes a firm knock on the door, and a soft humming is heard from the other side.]

[strifeso]

Ah! I’ll answer it.

[Kam gets up from their seating beside Nadine, walking over to the door. They undo the lock—as their hands grasp the handle.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[The handle is ice cold and sticks to their hand when they try to pull it away. The door is thrown open roughly, and Leo stands in the doorway. The hall behind him has been covered with a thin layer of ice.]

Am I interrupting?

[n4dine-cherie]

Kam—!

[Kam gets squished behind the door, as Nadine’s off the chair in a flash, hands at the ready.]

Come on—can’t you leave us alone?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[He looks at her, finally, and something in his eyes changes. The girl he once called his friend, reduced to this. Pathetic. Groveling. Happy. How could she. He takes a step forward, his eyes locked on her.]

When I’m done here? There won’t be anything to leave alone.

[n4dine-cherie]

[A flame begins to flicker in Nadine’s hand, growing in size.]

You don’t have to keep doing this, Leo. It will never satisfy you.

[hiss-sterics]

[The apartment hadn’t seen this much life. The small group of friends, sharing a movie. Each equally surprised to be there. Each appreciative in their own way. The apartment hadn’t responded how anyone had expected it to. An unfamiliar chill crept in through seemingly every surface. Mort shuddered, tossing a blanket to Kam and Nadine, and subsequently Vernon.]

I thought my days of getting cold were over.

[Vernon wraps it around his upper body, with a yawn.]

We’re always cold. I think, anyway.

Could’ya pass me the remote? …I gotta find the right channel.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He nods, passing the remote to Vernon. Even the buttons on the remote seemed to be freezing. The battery inside was hanging on by a thread, crackling quietly.]

Here you are, my good man.

[strifeso]

….It seems the autumn temperatures are already closing in. Feels a little early, yes?

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[There comes a firm knock on the door, and a soft humming is heard from the other side.]

[strifeso]

Ah! I’ll answer it.

[Kam gets up from their seating beside Nadine, walking over to the door. They undo the lock—as their hands grasp the handle.]

[knit-closely-in-ny]

[The handle is ice cold and sticks to their hand when they try to pull it away. The door is thrown open roughly, and Leo stands in the doorway. The hall behind him has been covered with a thin layer of ice.]

Am I interrupting?

[n4dine-cherie]

Kam—!

[Kam gets squished behind the door, as Nadine’s off the chair in a flash, hands at the ready.]

Come on—can’t you leave us alone?

[n4dine-cherie]

Hello, Nadine.

It’s me. Mort. I purchased a new phone.

I’m inviting you to our apartment tonight. We will be watching Vernon’s pick of movie tonight. Please don’t make me bear this cross alone.

Oh! Well—alright!! Plans must’ve slipped my mind…woopsies 😋😋

…Once Kam’s done with their editorials we’ll head on over. That alright with you?

[n4dine-cherie]

Is Kam okay????

They’re—alright. Just…resting.

Not sure what we’re going to do about the horn chipping, though. Unless superglue can fix this up.

[strifeso]

[The door to Kam and Nadine’s apartment bursts open, and Mort stands, his posture ready to fight as he takes in the scene.]

I’m here! I’m here, where is the little rat?

[Kam calls out from behind the counter. They’re using their body weight to hold “Vernon” down, while Nadine keeps the rope bonded tight around his neck. She’s got bloody murder painted across her face.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He looks at the scene and cringes, sliding over to the group. He wrestles ‘Vernon’s flailing limbs down, his grip much more sure of itself now that those two were present.]

Go get fixed up, both of you. I’ll- shit, I’ll hold him.

[He shoves him further into the ground, his hands getting a tight hold on his shoulders.]

Little bastard.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon” seems awfully content, despite his current position. The wounds around his neck disappear just as quickly as they were made.]

…It was more entertaining with those two restraining me. Couldn’t you wait a moment longer? We were finally getting somewhere.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He shoots a sharp glare down at the fork on the ground, wracking his brain for ideas. Roughly he slams him into the ground further, the tiles underneath him cracking.]

When this is all done? And we figure out how to rip out out? I’m going to forget you. I hope you know that.

Everyone will.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” grin only widens, beginning a callous laugh.]

Not everyone.

Some…creatures can’t let go.

[“Vernon” points to himself, from his constrained wrist. It bends and cracks as he pushes it.]

I was latched to him for a reason. As frustrating as it is—you can’t get rid of me. I’m embedded into his memory. His psyche.

That includes yours.

…There will always be something there to remind you. As much as you try to bury me—I’m present in the depths of your head, as much as you try to deny it. If not of your own volition—

[“Vernon” tilts his head.]

—then because of your bond with your progeny.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He scoffs, finally looking him in his eyes.]

We’ll always carry you with us. We’ll both have the scars. Physical ones, and otherwise.

But there will come a day. Sometime in the future. Sometime soon. Where neither of us think of you. Where nobody thinks of you. All of the nasty things you did will fade into nothing, just like you.

You’ll be just like you were before we met you. Nothing. You were nothing without me. You always told me that I was worthless without you. But I think it was the other way around.

When I wasn’t around, it drove you crazy. No matter how much you deny it, I was everything to you.

And now, you’re nothing to me.

So get the fuck out.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” grin dissipates, the more Mort goes on. His face is hardened.]

…as you wish.

[“Vernon” closes his eyes—and (finally) lays still.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He holds him for a few more moments, before falling back with a shaky breath.]

Are you two okay?

[His voice is weak and shaky, but spoken with delicate concern.]

[n4dine-cherie]

…How long have you known.

[Nadine is steady on her feet, now healed of the large gash and minor injuries she sustained. However—her tone is oddly cold.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He clears his throat, staring down at the form.]

Not.. not long.

Maybe a week ago, I was awoken to.. a situation similar. We spoke about it, in depth. Made a plan. Short-term, as well as long term.

Short term- he wouldn’t sleep. And to his credit, he was awake for a week. But he had to succumb sometime. So I belted him down.

Those binds were quickly broken.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine sighs.]

A week? And you didn’t think once to call? To text—“Hey, Vernon’s getting possessed by Lazarus.” A heads up would’ve made a difference.

[She stops herself, nipping her anger by the bud. Nadine keeps her breaths collected as she tries to deescalate herself.]

I get it. You didn’t want a commotion. But with what we’ve been dealing with recently?? We have to be in the know.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He shakes his head, waving her off.]

I know. I.. made the wrong call. Vernon suggested the same thing, this one is on me. There’s no excuse, your anger is warranted.

I should have told you both immediately.

Please, tell me what you need.

[n4dine-cherie]

We need…more trust. In each other, I think.

[Nadine takes some more breaths.]

Don’t get me wrong. I trust you more than anything—but—

there’s some information we have to relay. I have to trust your end to handle it, and the same mine.

I know you’re incredibly intelligent. I have no doubts that…eventually—you’ll make this whole situation work. But we can’t be left in the dark.

[strifeso]

[The door to Kam and Nadine’s apartment bursts open, and Mort stands, his posture ready to fight as he takes in the scene.]

I’m here! I’m here, where is the little rat?

[Kam calls out from behind the counter. They’re using their body weight to hold “Vernon” down, while Nadine keeps the rope bonded tight around his neck. She’s got bloody murder painted across her face.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He looks at the scene and cringes, sliding over to the group. He wrestles ‘Vernon’s flailing limbs down, his grip much more sure of itself now that those two were present.]

Go get fixed up, both of you. I’ll- shit, I’ll hold him.

[He shoves him further into the ground, his hands getting a tight hold on his shoulders.]

Little bastard.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon” seems awfully content, despite his current position. The wounds around his neck disappear just as quickly as they were made.]

…It was more entertaining with those two restraining me. Couldn’t you wait a moment longer? We were finally getting somewhere.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He shoots a sharp glare down at the fork on the ground, wracking his brain for ideas. Roughly he slams him into the ground further, the tiles underneath him cracking.]

When this is all done? And we figure out how to rip out out? I’m going to forget you. I hope you know that.

Everyone will.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” grin only widens, beginning a callous laugh.]

Not everyone.

Some…creatures can’t let go.

[“Vernon” points to himself, from his constrained wrist. It bends and cracks as he pushes it.]

I was latched to him for a reason. As frustrating as it is—you can’t get rid of me. I’m embedded into his memory. His psyche.

That includes yours.

…There will always be something there to remind you. As much as you try to bury me—I’m present in the depths of your head, as much as you try to deny it. If not of your own volition—

[“Vernon” tilts his head.]

—then because of your bond with your progeny.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He scoffs, finally looking him in his eyes.]

We’ll always carry you with us. We’ll both have the scars. Physical ones, and otherwise.

But there will come a day. Sometime in the future. Sometime soon. Where neither of us think of you. Where nobody thinks of you. All of the nasty things you did will fade into nothing, just like you.

You’ll be just like you were before we met you. Nothing. You were nothing without me. You always told me that I was worthless without you. But I think it was the other way around.

When I wasn’t around, it drove you crazy. No matter how much you deny it, I was everything to you.

And now, you’re nothing to me.

So get the fuck out.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” grin dissipates, the more Mort goes on. His face is hardened.]

…as you wish.

[“Vernon” closes his eyes—and (finally) lays still.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He holds him for a few more moments, before falling back with a shaky breath.]

Are you two okay?

[His voice is weak and shaky, but spoken with delicate concern.]

[n4dine-cherie]

…How long have you known.

[Nadine is steady on her feet, now healed of the large gash and minor injuries she sustained. However—her tone is oddly cold.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He clears his throat, staring down at the form.]

Not.. not long.

Maybe a week ago, I was awoken to.. a situation similar. We spoke about it, in depth. Made a plan. Short-term, as well as long term.

Short term- he wouldn’t sleep. And to his credit, he was awake for a week. But he had to succumb sometime. So I belted him down.

Those binds were quickly broken.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine sighs.]

A week? And you didn’t think once to call? To text—“Hey, Vernon’s getting possessed by Lazarus.” A heads up would’ve made a difference.

[She stops herself, nipping her anger by the bud. Nadine keeps her breaths collected as she tries to deescalate herself.]

I get it. You didn’t want a commotion. But with what we’ve been dealing with recently?? We have to be in the know.

[strifeso]

[The door to Kam and Nadine’s apartment bursts open, and Mort stands, his posture ready to fight as he takes in the scene.]

I’m here! I’m here, where is the little rat?

[Kam calls out from behind the counter. They’re using their body weight to hold “Vernon” down, while Nadine keeps the rope bonded tight around his neck. She’s got bloody murder painted across her face.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He looks at the scene and cringes, sliding over to the group. He wrestles ‘Vernon’s flailing limbs down, his grip much more sure of itself now that those two were present.]

Go get fixed up, both of you. I’ll- shit, I’ll hold him.

[He shoves him further into the ground, his hands getting a tight hold on his shoulders.]

Little bastard.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon” seems awfully content, despite his current position. The wounds around his neck disappear just as quickly as they were made.]

…It was more entertaining with those two restraining me. Couldn’t you wait a moment longer? We were finally getting somewhere.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He shoots a sharp glare down at the fork on the ground, wracking his brain for ideas. Roughly he slams him into the ground further, the tiles underneath him cracking.]

When this is all done? And we figure out how to rip out out? I’m going to forget you. I hope you know that.

Everyone will.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” grin only widens, beginning a callous laugh.]

Not everyone.

Some…creatures can’t let go.

[“Vernon” points to himself, from his constrained wrist. It bends and cracks as he pushes it.]

I was latched to him for a reason. As frustrating as it is—you can’t get rid of me. I’m embedded into his memory. His psyche.

That includes yours.

…There will always be something there to remind you. As much as you try to bury me—I’m present in the depths of your head, as much as you try to deny it. If not of your own volition—

[“Vernon” tilts his head.]

—then because of your bond with your progeny.

[morte-dead-sea]

[He scoffs, finally looking him in his eyes.]

We’ll always carry you with us. We’ll both have the scars. Physical ones, and otherwise.

But there will come a day. Sometime in the future. Sometime soon. Where neither of us think of you. Where nobody thinks of you. All of the nasty things you did will fade into nothing, just like you.

You’ll be just like you were before we met you. Nothing. You were nothing without me. You always told me that I was worthless without you. But I think it was the other way around.

When I wasn’t around, it drove you crazy. No matter how much you deny it, I was everything to you.

And now, you’re nothing to me.

So get the fuck out.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” grin dissipates, the more Mort goes on. His face is hardened.]

…as you wish.

[“Vernon” closes his eyes—and (finally) lays still.]

[morte-dead-sea]

[He holds him for a few more moments, before falling back with a shaky breath.]

Are you two okay?

[His voice is weak and shaky, but spoken with delicate concern.]

[n4dine-cherie]

…How long have you known.

[Nadine is steady on her feet, now healed of the large gash and minor injuries she sustained. However—her tone is oddly cold.]

[n4dine-cherie]

[‘Vernon’ shatters a glass window that leads into the apartment, crawling inside the window with seemingly practiced ease. He then scrambles to the wall, slowly making his way around the apartment, getting a feel for the layout, hiding himself in the dark of the night.

Creeping into the apartment bedroom, the door creaking open ever so slowly, before the form darts along the wall.]

Oh, how long it’s been, cherry pit. I don’t believe I was given the opportunity to congratulate you both on your engagement.

@hiss-sterics

[Hearing the noise—Nadine shuffled in bed with Kam in her arms, before shooting up at the mention of “cherries.”]

Huh—?

[Now catching sight of “Vernon,” she taps Kam’s arm to wake them. Her eyes are panicked.]

Vernon? What’s going on?

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” mouth twists into a sick grin.]

You can imagine my surprise when I discovered you had shacked up with someone.

It’s an amusing thought to entertain—anyone is able to put up with your constant babbling. But a demon? Now that was a surprise.

I always sort of imagined you held some internal hatred towards our kind. And even then. Itonda? Really?

…For someone so obnoxious, I figured you of all people could recognize simply how painfully dull they are.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine stares “Vernon” down, clutching the comforter as she continues to attempt to wake Kam up. Disoriented—she begins to piece together the “person” towering on the wall above them.]

…there’s no way. It can’t be—you.

This isn’t funny, Vernon.

[hiss-sterics]

[A sick laugh echoes through the room, and the form moves along the wall, creeping ever closer to the pair.]

Can’t it? Far more…outlandish things have happened, cherry pit. Ah, what’s the term—expect the unexpected?

[“Vernon” stares her down, his blank purple eyes unblinking.]

…There she is. That’s the Nadine I spent time with. Not the fake, pathetic mask you display for these fools. Not the one you show your ‘fiancé’. The real Nadine.

The desperate caged animal Nadine. The Nadine that overlooked so much suffering if it meant she was content.

You might be able to fool them all. Even yourself.

But not me. I see what you are.

…Negligent to the end. Does living in denial satisfy you?

[strifeso]

[After Nadine’s continued hasty whispers for Kam under her breath, and the grip on Kam’s hand tightens—they stir awake. Kam rubs their eyes, currently unaware of the danger before the couple.]

Nadine. Is…something troubling you?

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” head snaps to look and Kam.]

Ah! There they are. Itonda. Poor, damaged, good for nothing Itonda.

…Dahlias ever present almanac of useless knowledge.

I pondered for the longest time—what was it Nadine saw in you? But I’ve had so long to think. And I know, now.

Nothing. That’s how she likes it. She couldn’t stand looking in a mirror, knowing the things she’d done. So she got with you.

You’re proof she’s not a monster. You’re a shield to be used against anyone who dares to call her a bigot. A knight in shining armor to swoop her away from the dangers she willingly brought upon herself.

…The best part? You don’t speak unless spoken to. And when you do? You prattle on and on with endless filler.

You justify her actions by simply sitting right where you are. You’re everything she needs, and more. It’s funny how you’ve come full circle and made the same mistake. Does Nadine fill that Holly-shaped-hole in your core?

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine grits her teeth, unable to take “Vernon’s” taunting any longer.]

Enough, Lazarus. What do you want?

I don’t know how—why—you’re back. Or even in Vernon’s body, for that matter. But know this. You get any closer and I’ll pound your face in.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” head is thrown back as he releases a booming cackle, almost doubling over from the force of the laugh. Chest heaving, tear-welling laughter.]

You? You’ll hurt me?

[He manages to contain himself, focusing back onto her.]

…Remember last time you tried that? Maybe you need a quick refresher: You couldn’t even protect a child from Vernon, before he was turned. What makes you think this will be any different?

And to answer your—frankly redundant—question, I’m here because being stuck in this prison of a body has left me starved. And we have unfinished business. Scores to settle.

When I let you go back to Itonda, I needed Mortimer. I had to.

…But I didn’t want to. The sounds you made when I tore your face to shreds are like nothing I’d ever heard before. I was satiated for weeks.

Lucky for you, however—this time you won’t suffer alone. You’ll have your precious pet here with you. Misery makes great company, doesn’t it?

Don’t worry. I’ll make sure the scars match.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine’s free hand remains intertwined with Kam’s—as she throws the blanket towards “Vernon” to buy time as the pair flees to the kitchen.]

Over my dead body!

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon” tosses the blanket off of himself, crawling around the wall of the doorframe.]

As you wish.

I’ll let you slide this time—having a weapon of some kind will make this much less painful for you. Perhaps even level the playing field.

[He lunges at Kam, gripping the tips of each of their horns, steering their face into the wall as best he could. Kam tries to pull themselves free of “Vernon’s” grip.]

…And Itonda? Please don’t worry. They just get in the way anyways.

[With all of his vampiric strength, he wrenches his hands in opposite directions.]

Besides—you were long overdue for a makeover, wouldn’t you say?

[strifeso]

[With a snap—Kam’s horns fracture and break away. They reel in pain, tearing “Vernon’s” hands off of them.]

[n4dine-cherie]

Kam—!

[Nadine grabs the item closest to her—a jumprope—and wraps it around “Vernon’s” neck as tightly as she can.]

We have to—

[She struggles, grunting as she keeps her grip firm.]

—call Mort.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon” struggles against the grip, gagging as his form is pulled backwards. He still grips the splintered horns tightly in his hands, driving one backwards in hopes to pierce Nadine in the ribs.]

You’re not calling anyone, I’m afraid.

[n4dine-cherie]

Shit.

[Nadine tries to evade the attack, but delays too much—and suffers a large gash below her chest. Even with the wound, she tries to stall for Kam, keeping her hold on the ropes.]

Well—I’m not calling them, genius.

[n4dine-cherie]

[‘Vernon’ shatters a glass window that leads into the apartment, crawling inside the window with seemingly practiced ease. He then scrambles to the wall, slowly making his way around the apartment, getting a feel for the layout, hiding himself in the dark of the night.

Creeping into the apartment bedroom, the door creaking open ever so slowly, before the form darts along the wall.]

Oh, how long it’s been, cherry pit. I don’t believe I was given the opportunity to congratulate you both on your engagement.

@hiss-sterics

[Hearing the noise—Nadine shuffled in bed with Kam in her arms, before shooting up at the mention of “cherries.”]

Huh—?

[Now catching sight of “Vernon,” she taps Kam’s arm to wake them. Her eyes are panicked.]

Vernon? What’s going on?

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” mouth twists into a sick grin.]

You can imagine my surprise when I discovered you had shacked up with someone.

It’s an amusing thought to entertain—anyone is able to put up with your constant babbling. But a demon? Now that was a surprise.

I always sort of imagined you held some internal hatred towards our kind. And even then. Itonda? Really?

…For someone so obnoxious, I figured you of all people could recognize simply how painfully dull they are.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine stares “Vernon” down, clutching the comforter as she continues to attempt to wake Kam up. Disoriented—she begins to piece together the “person” towering on the wall above them.]

…there’s no way. It can’t be—you.

This isn’t funny, Vernon.

[hiss-sterics]

[A sick laugh echoes through the room, and the form moves along the wall, creeping ever closer to the pair.]

Can’t it? Far more…outlandish things have happened, cherry pit. Ah, what’s the term—expect the unexpected?

[“Vernon” stares her down, his blank purple eyes unblinking.]

…There she is. That’s the Nadine I spent time with. Not the fake, pathetic mask you display for these fools. Not the one you show your ‘fiancé’. The real Nadine.

The desperate caged animal Nadine. The Nadine that overlooked so much suffering if it meant she was content.

You might be able to fool them all. Even yourself.

But not me. I see what you are.

…Negligent to the end. Does living in denial satisfy you?

[strifeso]

[After Nadine’s continued hasty whispers for Kam under her breath, and the grip on Kam’s hand tightens—they stir awake. Kam rubs their eyes, currently unaware of the danger before the couple.]

Nadine. Is…something troubling you?

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” head snaps to look and Kam.]

Ah! There they are. Itonda. Poor, damaged, good for nothing Itonda.

…Dahlias ever present almanac of useless knowledge.

I pondered for the longest time—what was it Nadine saw in you? But I’ve had so long to think. And I know, now.

Nothing. That’s how she likes it. She couldn’t stand looking in a mirror, knowing the things she’d done. So she got with you.

You’re proof she’s not a monster. You’re a shield to be used against anyone who dares to call her a bigot. A knight in shining armor to swoop her away from the dangers she willingly brought upon herself.

…The best part? You don’t speak unless spoken to. And when you do? You prattle on and on with endless filler.

You justify her actions by simply sitting right where you are. You’re everything she needs, and more. It’s funny how you’ve come full circle and made the same mistake. Does Nadine fill that Holly-shaped-hole in your core?

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine grits her teeth, unable to take “Vernon’s” taunting any longer.]

Enough, Lazarus. What do you want?

I don’t know how—why—you’re back. Or even in Vernon’s body, for that matter. But know this. You get any closer and I’ll pound your face in.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” head is thrown back as he releases a booming cackle, almost doubling over from the force of the laugh. Chest heaving, tear-welling laughter.]

You? You’ll hurt me?

[He manages to contain himself, focusing back onto her.]

…Remember last time you tried that? Maybe you need a quick refresher: You couldn’t even protect a child from Vernon, before he was turned. What makes you think this will be any different?

And to answer your—frankly redundant—question, I’m here because being stuck in this prison of a body has left me starved. And we have unfinished business. Scores to settle.

When I let you go back to Itonda, I needed Mortimer. I had to.

…But I didn’t want to. The sounds you made when I tore your face to shreds are like nothing I’d ever heard before. I was satiated for weeks.

Lucky for you, however—this time you won’t suffer alone. You’ll have your precious pet here with you. Misery makes great company, doesn’t it?

Don’t worry. I’ll make sure the scars match.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine’s free hand remains intertwined with Kam’s—as she throws the blanket towards “Vernon” to buy time as the pair flees to the kitchen.]

Over my dead body!

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon” tosses the blanket off of himself, crawling around the wall of the doorframe.]

As you wish.

I’ll let you slide this time—having a weapon of some kind will make this much less painful for you. Perhaps even level the playing field.

[He lunges at Kam, gripping the tips of each of their horns, steering their face into the wall as best he could. Kam tries to pull themselves free of “Vernon’s” grip.]

…And Itonda? Please don’t worry. They just get in the way anyways.

[With all of his vampiric strength, he wrenches his hands in opposite directions.]

Besides—you were long overdue for a makeover, wouldn’t you say?

[strifeso]

[With a snap—Kam’s horns fracture and break away. They reel in pain, tearing “Vernon’s” hands off of them.]

[n4dine-cherie]

Kam—!

[Nadine grabs the item closest to her—a jumprope—and wraps it around “Vernon’s” neck as tightly as she can.]

We have to—

[She struggles, grunting as she keeps her grip firm.]

—call Mort.

[n4dine-cherie]

[‘Vernon’ shatters a glass window that leads into the apartment, crawling inside the window with seemingly practiced ease. He then scrambles to the wall, slowly making his way around the apartment, getting a feel for the layout, hiding himself in the dark of the night.

Creeping into the apartment bedroom, the door creaking open ever so slowly, before the form darts along the wall.]

Oh, how long it’s been, cherry pit. I don’t believe I was given the opportunity to congratulate you both on your engagement.

@hiss-sterics

[Hearing the noise—Nadine shuffled in bed with Kam in her arms, before shooting up at the mention of “cherries.”]

Huh—?

[Now catching sight of “Vernon,” she taps Kam’s arm to wake them. Her eyes are panicked.]

Vernon? What’s going on?

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” mouth twists into a sick grin.]

You can imagine my surprise when I discovered you had shacked up with someone.

It’s an amusing thought to entertain—anyone is able to put up with your constant babbling. But a demon? Now that was a surprise.

I always sort of imagined you held some internal hatred towards our kind. And even then. Itonda? Really?

…For someone so obnoxious, I figured you of all people could recognize simply how painfully dull they are.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine stares “Vernon” down, clutching the comforter as she continues to attempt to wake Kam up. Disoriented—she begins to piece together the “person” towering on the wall above them.]

…there’s no way. It can’t be—you.

This isn’t funny, Vernon.

[hiss-sterics]

[A sick laugh echoes through the room, and the form moves along the wall, creeping ever closer to the pair.]

Can’t it? Far more…outlandish things have happened, cherry pit. Ah, what’s the term—expect the unexpected?

[“Vernon” stares her down, his blank purple eyes unblinking.]

…There she is. That’s the Nadine I spent time with. Not the fake, pathetic mask you display for these fools. Not the one you show your ‘fiancé’. The real Nadine.

The desperate caged animal Nadine. The Nadine that overlooked so much suffering if it meant she was content.

You might be able to fool them all. Even yourself.

But not me. I see what you are.

…Negligent to the end. Does living in denial satisfy you?

[strifeso]

[After Nadine’s continued hasty whispers for Kam under her breath, and the grip on Kam’s hand tightens—they stir awake. Kam rubs their eyes, currently unaware of the danger before the couple.]

Nadine. Is…something troubling you?

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” head snaps to look and Kam.]

Ah! There they are. Itonda. Poor, damaged, good for nothing Itonda.

…Dahlias ever present almanac of useless knowledge.

I pondered for the longest time—what was it Nadine saw in you? But I’ve had so long to think. And I know, now.

Nothing. That’s how she likes it. She couldn’t stand looking in a mirror, knowing the things she’d done. So she got with you.

You’re proof she’s not a monster. You’re a shield to be used against anyone who dares to call her a bigot. A knight in shining armor to swoop her away from the dangers she willingly brought upon herself.

…The best part? You don’t speak unless spoken to. And when you do? You prattle on and on with endless filler.

You justify her actions by simply sitting right where you are. You’re everything she needs, and more. It’s funny how you’ve come full circle and made the same mistake. Does Nadine fill that Holly-shaped-hole in your core?

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine grits her teeth, unable to take “Vernon’s” taunting any longer.]

Enough, Lazarus. What do you want?

I don’t know how—why—you’re back. Or even in Vernon’s body, for that matter. But know this. You get any closer and I’ll pound your face in.

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” head is thrown back as he releases a booming cackle, almost doubling over from the force of the laugh. Chest heaving, tear-welling laughter.]

You? You’ll hurt me?

[He manages to contain himself, focusing back onto her.]

…Remember last time you tried that? Maybe you need a quick refresher: You couldn’t even protect a child from Vernon, before he was turned. What makes you think this will be any different?

And to answer your—frankly redundant—question, I’m here because being stuck in this prison of a body has left me starved. And we have unfinished business. Scores to settle.

When I let you go back to Itonda, I needed Mortimer. I had to.

…But I didn’t want to. The sounds you made when I tore your face to shreds are like nothing I’d ever heard before. I was satiated for weeks.

Lucky for you, however—this time you won’t suffer alone. You’ll have your precious pet here with you. Misery makes great company, doesn’t it?

Don’t worry. I’ll make sure the scars match.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine’s free hand remains intertwined with Kam’s—as she throws the blanket towards “Vernon” to buy time as the pair flees to the kitchen.]

Over my dead body!

[n4dine-cherie]

[‘Vernon’ shatters a glass window that leads into the apartment, crawling inside the window with seemingly practiced ease. He then scrambles to the wall, slowly making his way around the apartment, getting a feel for the layout, hiding himself in the dark of the night.

Creeping into the apartment bedroom, the door creaking open ever so slowly, before the form darts along the wall.]

Oh, how long it’s been, cherry pit. I don’t believe I was given the opportunity to congratulate you both on your engagement.

@hiss-sterics

[Hearing the noise—Nadine shuffled in bed with Kam in her arms, before shooting up at the mention of “cherries.”]

Huh—?

[Now catching sight of “Vernon,” she taps Kam’s arm to wake them. Her eyes are panicked.]

Vernon? What’s going on?

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” mouth twists into a sick grin.]

You can imagine my surprise when I discovered you had shacked up with someone.

It’s an amusing thought to entertain—anyone is able to put up with your constant babbling. But a demon? Now that was a surprise.

I always sort of imagined you held some internal hatred towards our kind. And even then. Itonda? Really?

…For someone so obnoxious, I figured you of all people could recognize simply how painfully dull they are.

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine stares “Vernon” down, clutching the comforter as she continues to attempt to wake Kam up. Disoriented—she begins to piece together the “person” towering on the wall above them.]

…there’s no way. It can’t be—you.

This isn’t funny, Vernon.

[hiss-sterics]

[A sick laugh echoes through the room, and the form moves along the wall, creeping ever closer to the pair.]

Can’t it? Far more…outlandish things have happened, cherry pit. Ah, what’s the term—expect the unexpected?

[“Vernon” stares her down, his blank purple eyes unblinking.]

…There she is. That’s the Nadine I spent time with. Not the fake, pathetic mask you display for these fools. Not the one you show your ‘fiancé’. The real Nadine.

The desperate caged animal Nadine. The Nadine that overlooked so much suffering if it meant she was content.

You might be able to fool them all. Even yourself.

But not me. I see what you are.

…Negligent to the end. Does living in denial satisfy you?

[strifeso]

[After Nadine’s continued hasty whispers for Kam under her breath, and the grip on Kam’s hand tightens—they stir awake. Kam rubs their eyes, currently unaware of the danger before the couple.]

Nadine. Is…something troubling you?

[hiss-sterics]

[“Vernon’s” head snaps to look and Kam.]

Ah! There they are. Itonda. Poor, damaged, good for nothing Itonda.

…Dahlias ever present almanac of useless knowledge.

I pondered for the longest time—what was it Nadine saw in you? But I’ve had so long to think. And I know, now.

Nothing. That’s how she likes it. She couldn’t stand looking in a mirror, knowing the things she’d done. So she got with you.

You’re proof she’s not a monster. You’re a shield to be used against anyone who dares to call her a bigot. A knight in shining armor to swoop her away from the dangers she willingly brought upon herself.

…The best part? You don’t speak unless spoken to. And when you do? You prattle on and on with endless filler.

You justify her actions by simply sitting right where you are. You’re everything she needs, and more. It’s funny how you’ve come full circle and made the same mistake. Does Nadine fill that Holly-shaped-hole in your core?

[n4dine-cherie]

[Nadine grits her teeth, unable to take “Vernon’s” taunting any longer.]

Enough, Lazarus. What do you want?

I don’t know how—why—you’re back. Or even in Vernon’s body, for that matter. But know this. You get any closer and I’ll pound your face in.