I am NOT a Lapdog

𝘐 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘐’𝘮 𝘥𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘋𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘥𝘪𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘣𝘦. Banner Art by @ayet8466

[thefemarookie]

“𝘍𝘌𝘔𝘈 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘶𝘴𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶…”

One of FEMA’s youngest agents...

WARNING: He will be a bit violent and rude because that was how he's raised. Also he's a FEMA agent so it's to be expected. This blog will deal with mentions of choking, insults, depression, body horror, violence, guns and bullying from the anons 😔

“Do you have what it takes?”

Mechanics ☣️

On one of the nights, a FEMA Agent will come to your door. You assume they are planning to take more people. However this one lacks a rifle and his voice is more strained. Almost like his vocal chords have been injured...

If you're willing to hear him out, he will take off his mask and underneath is...a young man?

He explains he got lost from his group and nearly died to the Pale Visitor. But he managed to escape. Barely. He will force himself in so you really don't have a choice if you didn't want him to enter anyways. He will reside in the kitchen where he sits one of the seats and he will have a neck cast.

Endings! ☣️

𝘍𝘌𝘔𝘈 𝘌𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨

So you would get two endings with him. Throughout the time he stays, if you choose to speak kindly, always picking the kindest options with him despite him being in FEMA, he will offer you a chance to join FEMA, telling you that his uncle is one of the commanders and he can put in a good word for you. If you accept, it will automatically lead to the FEMA ending much quicker. If you refuse, he will get miffed and tell you that you are on the wrong side, refusing to let you check for signs.

𝘚𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘰𝘳 𝘌𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨

If you have two visitors in the kitchen with him, more specifically the Bearded Huntsman being one, you will find the Rookie sleeping on the table. The next day, if you check him again, he has turned into a visitor.

[This ending is still a work in progress.]

Government Secrets/Little Info about him! ☣️

He claims he is 21 years old but he really isn't. He just recently turned 17.

He is more well hygiened then the rest of the officers.

He practically grew up in FEMA so he believes they are the good guys. Will get aggressive if you try to convince him otherwise.

He knows taekwondo.

He can speak fluent English, Russian and Japanese and few words in Polish and Georgian too.

He's...um...been...experimented on a lot. So that is also one of the factors that lead to him becoming a supervisitor instead of a normal one. Also due to this, he has straight white teeth and red eyes.

He has a temper due to multiple reasons.

He can't yell or shout because his throat would just get worse but he unintentionally does it sometimes if provoked.

Rookie is Japanese. Don't know where you guys got the idea that he is a white boy 💀

[This will be updated as the roleplays go.]

[bird-gifs-collection-agency]

While its eyes are not as big as its mummy's, this baby tawny frogmouth is still using its beady peepers to see the best it can

[black-cat-starters]

random muse questions that i feel are very important /j

🐶: what’s your muse’s favorite dog breed? 🤧: does your muse have any allergies (penicillin, nuts, cats, etc.)? 🥸: does your muse have more of a dad sneeze or a bunny sneeze? 📱: does your muse pronounce GIF like gif or jif? 💀: what is something your muse is petty about for no reason? 🎨: what’s your muse’s favorite color and why? ♾: if your muse had to describe their gender with words other than male/female/masc/andro/woman/etc., how would they describe it? 👃: what is your muse’s favorite smell? 👎: does your muse have a texture they absolutely cannot stand? 😳: does your muse have any embarrassing tattoos? 📺: if your muse is queer, what fictional character made them question their identity? 🔥: how much spice can your muse handle? 🧦: describe your muse’s favorite pair of socks. 🤪: can your muse roll their tongue? 💸: what’s the weirdest thing your muse has impulse bought? 😂: what meme best describes your muse? (whether as something they’d say or something someone would say to them) 💤: is your muse a light or heavy sleeper? 🎶: what song is constantly stuck in your muse’s head? 🌱 : should your muse be trusted with plants?➗: is your muse good at math?

[thefemarookie]

Chat what if Ivan just haunts Rookie around as a ghost cuz he got nothing better to do?

We all love tormenting Rookie here 😈

[fema-expert-blogging]

Rookie's BALD BC OF YOU

*dead*

Oh my god- Is he?!

I need to see-

[thefemarookie]

“CORRECTION ANON. I HAVE A BUZZCUT. WHO ARE YOU EVEN TALKING TO?”

[thefemarookie]

Look— kid.

[Lasha tapped their cane against the ground to get the Rookies attention. They hated that it’d have to come to this, but desperation is the mother of necessity, and necessity is the mother of invention.]

You got connections with FEMA, how are you in a scientific setting? I think you and I could help each other.

[They breathe in, then out, trying to clear their head and talk to someone they are certain holds a disdain for them, and they hold a certain dislike of him, too.

But they can’t be petty enemies, it feels weird enough to have this much beef with a literal highschooler. They shake their head of the thought. Nows not the time for argument, nows not the time to treat him with hatred.]

Me and Ilya need access to a proper lab— with proper equipment to gather samples of gamma rays and solar radiation to study, as well as the studying of various symptoms visitors display. If you help us, I can promise you anything you want, I’ll make it worthwhile for you.

The teenager had certainly changed since the last time Lasha saw him. His eyes were no longer pink but a swollen, bloodshot scarlet, ringed with bruised-looking skin. His hair was cropped to a rough buzzcut and his knuckles were encased in bandages. What exactly happened to him...?

“Ha, you must be desperate if you're coming to me.”

His blood runs cold when he hears the word lab. His shoulders stiffened. The bandaged fingers curled into a fist.

“A lab? No.”

[digging-up-ghosts]

[Lasha stood, dumbfounded. They swallowed the urge to yell. But they knew that it would come out eventually.]

Why not? Seriously access to a proper lab could change everything.

[They gripped their cane tightly. Is he crazy? Is he insane? Or has he just accepted the state of the world?

Well, Lasha had not.]

I’m not lying about any of this— ask Ilya or something. I’m not asking you for access to a lab. I’m telling you, we need access to one with the proper materials. I am desperate. That what you wanna hear? I’m desperate.

[They grit their teeth. Seriously?!? Ugh, this kid knows nothing. Absolutely nothing, they should be a little kinder, they could be a little more understanding.

There’s a developmental gap between the two in terms of brain maturity. Lasha knows this fact, and realizes they should take it into consideration when they choose their words and actions.

But they don’t.]

You don’t even have to step foot in it! We just need the access!

[thefemarookie]

“You guys aren't scientists. You won't get results. It won't amount to anything. Besides you just admitted you're desperate. Do you know what desperate people do? Desperate people break into places, steal things, blow themselves up with chemicals they don't understand and somehow make it everyone else's problem. Look, even if I told you where it was, what then? You stroll in, grab whatever you need, and nobody notices? That's not how the world works. FEMA goes in and out. I do know a lab. It's miles away and don't you think I would have gone back to it already? But I didn't because I'm not stupid.”

“It's too far and you'll get burned in less then a day. As you lay burning in the unforgiving flames of the sun, you realise that this whole mission was stupid, stupid stupid.”

[digging-up-ghosts]

I was studying molecular biology before this, I know how a proper lab works, Rook. If you won’t help us then yes— we’ll break in. I know you don’t care for me, as I don’t care for you. But you care about Ilya, yes?

[They leaned down slightly to meet his gaze.]

If you do not help us, we will get hurt. I know you don’t care if I do, but Ilya will get hurt. And probably die trying to help me not get hurt. And that blood will be on your shoulders. Your only job is to tell me a location and how to get inside. The rest I can figure out.

[Their gaze is penetrating, in a way. Those deep dark wells of their eyes, burn scars littering their left side, a shot to their right leg, they’d gotten hurt worse before.

They just really hope they’re not overestimating Ilya’s relevancy in Rooks life right now.

Or they can just knock him out with the cane and search for any access cards or keys on his person, which they are not averse to doing. Just because they avoid force, doesn’t mean they are incapable of it.]

[thefemarookie]

“I already have blood on my shoulders. Nothing new there. Don't even try with the cane. Takes more then that to knock me out.”

Now Rookie definitely did not want to help Lasha out. However...

“How's about we play a game? I'll consider giving you one of my key cards if you win.”

[thefemarookie]

Post Ivan Depression 😔

TUMBLR BUTCHERED THE QUALITYYYY

[digging-up-ghosts]

The only reason he was recruited to the science team is cause he has resources from FEMA that they can’t get elsewhere

@thefemarookie

[thefemarookie]

Look— kid.

[Lasha tapped their cane against the ground to get the Rookies attention. They hated that it’d have to come to this, but desperation is the mother of necessity, and necessity is the mother of invention.]

You got connections with FEMA, how are you in a scientific setting? I think you and I could help each other.

[They breathe in, then out, trying to clear their head and talk to someone they are certain holds a disdain for them, and they hold a certain dislike of him, too.

But they can’t be petty enemies, it feels weird enough to have this much beef with a literal highschooler. They shake their head of the thought. Nows not the time for argument, nows not the time to treat him with hatred.]

Me and Ilya need access to a proper lab— with proper equipment to gather samples of gamma rays and solar radiation to study, as well as the studying of various symptoms visitors display. If you help us, I can promise you anything you want, I’ll make it worthwhile for you.

The teenager had certainly changed since the last time Lasha saw him. His eyes were no longer pink but a swollen, bloodshot scarlet, ringed with bruised-looking skin. His hair was cropped to a rough buzzcut and his knuckles were encased in bandages. What exactly happened to him...?

“Ha, you must be desperate if you're coming to me.”

His blood runs cold when he hears the word lab. His shoulders stiffened. The bandaged fingers curled into a fist.

“A lab? No.”

[digging-up-ghosts]

[Lasha stood, dumbfounded. They swallowed the urge to yell. But they knew that it would come out eventually.]

Why not? Seriously access to a proper lab could change everything.

[They gripped their cane tightly. Is he crazy? Is he insane? Or has he just accepted the state of the world?

Well, Lasha had not.]

I’m not lying about any of this— ask Ilya or something. I’m not asking you for access to a lab. I’m telling you, we need access to one with the proper materials. I am desperate. That what you wanna hear? I’m desperate.

[They grit their teeth. Seriously?!? Ugh, this kid knows nothing. Absolutely nothing, they should be a little kinder, they could be a little more understanding.

There’s a developmental gap between the two in terms of brain maturity. Lasha knows this fact, and realizes they should take it into consideration when they choose their words and actions.

But they don’t.]

You don’t even have to step foot in it! We just need the access!

[thefemarookie]

“You guys aren't scientists. You won't get results. It won't amount to anything. Besides you just admitted you're desperate. Do you know what desperate people do? Desperate people break into places, steal things, blow themselves up with chemicals they don't understand and somehow make it everyone else's problem. Look, even if I told you where it was, what then? You stroll in, grab whatever you need, and nobody notices? That's not how the world works. FEMA goes in and out. I do know a lab. It's miles away and don't you think I would have gone back to it already? But I didn't because I'm not stupid.”

“It's too far and you'll get burned in less then a day. As you lay burning in the unforgiving flames of the sun, you realise that this whole mission was stupid, stupid stupid.”

[thefemarookie]

Look— kid.

[Lasha tapped their cane against the ground to get the Rookies attention. They hated that it’d have to come to this, but desperation is the mother of necessity, and necessity is the mother of invention.]

You got connections with FEMA, how are you in a scientific setting? I think you and I could help each other.

[They breathe in, then out, trying to clear their head and talk to someone they are certain holds a disdain for them, and they hold a certain dislike of him, too.

But they can’t be petty enemies, it feels weird enough to have this much beef with a literal highschooler. They shake their head of the thought. Nows not the time for argument, nows not the time to treat him with hatred.]

Me and Ilya need access to a proper lab— with proper equipment to gather samples of gamma rays and solar radiation to study, as well as the studying of various symptoms visitors display. If you help us, I can promise you anything you want, I’ll make it worthwhile for you.

The teenager had certainly changed since the last time Lasha saw him. His eyes were no longer pink but a swollen, bloodshot scarlet, ringed with bruised-looking skin. His hair was cropped to a rough buzzcut and his knuckles were encased in bandages. What exactly happened to him...?

“Ha, you must be desperate if you're coming to me.”

His blood runs cold when he hears the word lab. His shoulders stiffened. The bandaged fingers curled into a fist.

“A lab? No.”

[gothredy]

[thefemarookie]

*Knock knock knock !*

- Hey, Rook ? It's me, Ilya... Just... Wanted to check on you and tell you I was here... For you... If you ever needed to talk, you know ?

- @not-a-ex-fema-i-swear ☣️

No response....

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*Silence. But he is here, they are sure, they saw him enter not so long ago...*

- ... Give me any sign you are alive in here or I swear to God I'll break down this door.

*They were a soldier, a factory worker, than a F.E.M.A agent. A few strong kicks toward the doorknob would suffice.

And there is not a lot stopping them.*

[thefemarookie]

Ilya heard slight footsteps towards the door but it was still locked tight.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*Ok. That's was good start. It was a sign of life but now confirmation it was really him would be great.*

- Thank you. Maybe a word, now ? Or... A knock back ? I need to check conciousness and... Other stuff.

*And if he did not change.

They could be in denial all they wanted, it was always in the back of their mind. Bound to happen.*

[thefemarookie]

“Leave me alone.”

Woah, Rook actually spoke? His voice was quiet, clipped, oddly...threatening sounding. A few shaky breaths here and there.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Oh don't you dare speak to me with that tone young man.

*Ilya grumpily answered, but worry was peircing in their voice. Rook sounded... Rough, and different, and more agressive he ever was with them. And Ilya knew it was not against them in particular, but hoped a bit of rage might get him out...*

- I will leave you in peace but I...

*What lie could they find in the moment to lure him out ? Checking his bandages ? Needing the bathroom ? No explanation and just destroying the door ?

Or the secret option of actually being honnest ?*

- ... Well in fact I wont leave you in peace until I make sure you are alright. Real alright.

[thefemarookie]

“Why do you have to be so damn persistent...”

He walked slowly. It sounded as if he was walking over broken glass. Did he break something in there...

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Well it's kinda my job...

*They knew what it was by sheer logic. Either a window or a mirror. And poor Rook had that typical frustrated teenager anger that followed some patterns...*

- But mostly because I care about you. So before you use those mirror shards to do something stupid why dont you come out so we can have a chat, okay ?

[thefemarookie]

There was silence.

Then he finally opened the door.

The bathroom was a war zone, the mirror was shattered into jagged shards that littered the floor like teeth. The sink was cracked, water pooling around the base, its steady drip echoing like a countdown to something worse. Even the shower head had been torn from its moorings, hanging limp and useless.

As for Rookie?

His hair was cropped to a jagged buzzcut, the dark brown strands uneven and scattered like broken twigs on the floor. He was wrapping his hands in bandages, it trembled slightly, the skin beneath them swollen and bruised. But the worst part was, his pinkish reddish eyes were now a scarlet color. Either from anger, extensive crying or something else completely....

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ...

*The place was destroyed. As if grenade exploded here. It would take hours to clean, and with those shards and big pieces of sink and mirror everywhere, Ilya was careful about their steps. Even with their big boots, they could hear the crounching under their feet and, sometimes, a sharp pain when they made a mistake.

But Rook was even more pitiful looking than the room.*

- Rook... Let me do it.

*They tried to reach for the bandages, and, if let to do so, actually bandaged the hand better, with firm precision.*

- Are you hurt anywhere else ?

*Their eyes refuses to meet his. They simply ignored it. But they would not be able to pretend to see nothing for very long...*

[thefemarookie]

Rookie didn't speak. But he was shaking slightly as he glared daggers at Ilya.

“Why aren't you looking at me?”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ...

*The former-FEMA stayed mute, jaw clenched and gaze heavy. The only thing they could look at was the hair scattered along the floor tiles. Why did he do that ? A whole make over ? A diversion ?

They finished bandaging the soon-to-be... No, they could not look at him. Not yet.

Was it them, or did he grew even taller than before ?*

- ... Is it because of Arkadij, or did it start... Earlier ?

*When the Pale Man...

No use lying about it now.*

[thefemarookie]

He immediately pulls away from Ilya, a look of disgust and anger in his eyes.

“Are you MAD? I am not a goddamn VISITOR.”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Not yet, no.

*They answered more calmly, not finding any anger in them to match Rook's. *

- But you know it too deep down. That's why you destroyed that mirror, right ? To not see the signs ?

*Or because he messed up his hair... What was he thinking ? And Ilya was the mad one ?*

[thefemarookie]

“Shut the hell up.”

He pushed Ilya away from him. Shoving them against a wall.

“I ought to shoot your delusional ass right now.”

Damn, this version of Rookie was way more aggressive.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Humpf !

*With a little pained whisper, Ilya hit the wall and immediatly catched their sniper. This was not going into the desired direction at all.*

- Oooh sure you will young man. I would be very proud to see you use your gun correctly for once.

*Faking assurance and mocking the young boy were disastrous decisions but showing fear or anger would be even worse. Mentioning the Arkadij accident was also a way to remind Rook of who were his friends here...*

- Go on. Impress me.

*The grin that followed was deserving of a punch. The loaded sniper was deserving of cautiousness.*

- Let's not fight, idiot. I am trying to help, as I have always did. Whatever you are, I am on your side so calm the fuck down okay ?

[thefemarookie]

“On my side? Oh, that's rich. Considering you think I'm turning into a visitor.”

He noticed Ilya reaching for the sniper. He kicks it away.

“You aren't getting out of this one easily.”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Okay, okay, I should not have said that... I may be wrong... ... ...

*Hands before them in a protective gesture, Ilya tried to pacify Rook the best they could...

The kicking the gun away made them wince in fear, not only for themselves but for the angry boy too. The angry, too tall, too thin, too weird boy.*

- Careful ! One loose bullet and one of us is going to feel it...

*Always so "better than you", always so caring. Surely it felt pedestrian. Rook, despite his age, had been in F.E.M.A way longer than Ilya, after all !*

[thefemarookie]

“May be wrong? No you ARE wrong.”

His neck cast was the only thing preventing him sounding louder then he actually was. Ilya's attempts at pacifying Rookie or this version of Rookie seemed to be futile...

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*This was going south quicker than anticipated.

At least it was only shouting and a push, for now. But Ilya grew a bit panicked at realizing how tall Rook was, now, compared to them. The former-FEMA was not even a full 1.70 m... And they felt powerless and so, so vulnerable without their gun... It waited for them at the other side of the room, just past Rook...*

- Okay. I misspoke. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that, it was stupid of my part...

*They believed none of that. Well, maybe the stupid part was honnest. But they were still convinced of what Rook was becoming... He looked so much like Him.

But they would loose that fight. And they didnt want to try.*

- ... Why did you cut your hair ?

*Okay, a bad attempt at redirecting the conversation...*

[thefemarookie]

“I...”

His anger slowly faded, replaced by a flicker of confusion. His brows furrowed as he searched for an answer, but the uncertainty in his eyes made it clear that he didn’t know it either.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ... Well at least the military cut is not a disaster on you... But what did that poor sink do to you, huh ?

*They tried to avoid the subject of the mirror, but the sink, broken and dripping, was a subject of worry. They spoke about it in a joke, light tone, but their eyes were full of concern, darting from Rook, to the door, to their gun. They felt a bit of fear pinching their heart... Not only for the shards but for the strenght and anger it asked of Rook to broke it. What was going on inside his head ?*

- ... I know how it is. Accidents...

*Ilya could understand. Violence was born of strong emotions and Rook had his share, lately... The horror and anger he felt at the discovery of what happened to Ivan ? Or was it just anger and despair at seeing his reflexion ? Or something else entierly ?*

- ... Is there anything I can do ?

[thefemarookie]

“If you can miraculously reattach Ivan's detached head to his body and kick that Lady Luck out the house, that would be wonderful.”

He rolls his eyes.

“But you can't. What's the point.”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ... I cannot ressurect the dead, no. But know that Lady Luck is not a resident of this school. She lives nearby and cause trouble, but... I can make sure she leaves you alone. I understand why she did what she did, but I do not approve of it in any way. I am sorry you had to witness that.

*Okay. It was going somewhere. At least there was no shouting, pushing, menacing or anything as of right now...*

- ... I do not wish to be pushy toward you. I just hope you know you can... Talk to someone instead of breaking stuff and potentially hurting yourself. You scared me, locking yourself up like that.

*The past tense was... Certainly a choice. Because Ilya was, really, still very much scared both for Rook AND themselves. It was like handling a TNT bar ready to explode and hoping some nice words would suffice to put the fire out...*

[thefemarookie]

....

“I do not understand why my wellbeing concerns you. I'm literally everything you dislike. Hell, you even think I'm turning out like him. Even though I am not, why do you even care?”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- "Everything I dislike" ? Who said that, Rook ?

*Ilya opened wide eyes in surprise. The situation took a turn...*

- You got the wrong idea. You are one of my favorites among these people. A F.E.M.A, like me. And a good guy trying his best. Have I shown anything but care toward you ? If I did, than I apologise. It was not my itent.

*Who offered him the riffle ? Who cooked for him ? Talked to him ? Sure they disagreed on F.E.M.A, and maybe some teasing went too far, but actions were worth a thousand words and Ilya was looking genuinly surprised toward this accusation. It made them look quite stupid, like a wet owl.*

- I just want you to be safe.

*And to hurt no one here, either.*

[thefemarookie]

“Forget it.”

He shrugs as he traced his finger over his knuckles.

[thefemarookie]

{{Lowkey.. The 2 Year Old Kinda Just Stared.. Bc Idk If He Left The Bathroom Yet, But Children Know All The Places To Climb, And All The Secret Nooks, And Rory Teaches Nymara Everything She Shouldn't Do, So Now A 2 Year Old Is Staring At Rookie}}

-

~• @the-oceans-child •~

“What the hell? Why is there a kid here?”

[the-oceans-child]

*She Pokes His Face*

[thefemarookie]

“OW?”

[the-oceans-child]

*Nymara Visibly Looked Guilty*

"Sorry.."

[thefemarookie]

“Since when could a two year old speak..?”

[thefemarookie]

{{Lowkey.. The 2 Year Old Kinda Just Stared.. Bc Idk If He Left The Bathroom Yet, But Children Know All The Places To Climb, And All The Secret Nooks, And Rory Teaches Nymara Everything She Shouldn't Do, So Now A 2 Year Old Is Staring At Rookie}}

-

~• @the-oceans-child •~

“What the hell? Why is there a kid here?”

[the-oceans-child]

*She Pokes His Face*

[thefemarookie]

“OW?”

[thefemarookie]

*Knock knock knock !*

- Hey, Rook ? It's me, Ilya... Just... Wanted to check on you and tell you I was here... For you... If you ever needed to talk, you know ?

- @not-a-ex-fema-i-swear ☣️

No response....

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*Silence. But he is here, they are sure, they saw him enter not so long ago...*

- ... Give me any sign you are alive in here or I swear to God I'll break down this door.

*They were a soldier, a factory worker, than a F.E.M.A agent. A few strong kicks toward the doorknob would suffice.

And there is not a lot stopping them.*

[thefemarookie]

Ilya heard slight footsteps towards the door but it was still locked tight.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*Ok. That's was good start. It was a sign of life but now confirmation it was really him would be great.*

- Thank you. Maybe a word, now ? Or... A knock back ? I need to check conciousness and... Other stuff.

*And if he did not change.

They could be in denial all they wanted, it was always in the back of their mind. Bound to happen.*

[thefemarookie]

“Leave me alone.”

Woah, Rook actually spoke? His voice was quiet, clipped, oddly...threatening sounding. A few shaky breaths here and there.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Oh don't you dare speak to me with that tone young man.

*Ilya grumpily answered, but worry was peircing in their voice. Rook sounded... Rough, and different, and more agressive he ever was with them. And Ilya knew it was not against them in particular, but hoped a bit of rage might get him out...*

- I will leave you in peace but I...

*What lie could they find in the moment to lure him out ? Checking his bandages ? Needing the bathroom ? No explanation and just destroying the door ?

Or the secret option of actually being honnest ?*

- ... Well in fact I wont leave you in peace until I make sure you are alright. Real alright.

[thefemarookie]

“Why do you have to be so damn persistent...”

He walked slowly. It sounded as if he was walking over broken glass. Did he break something in there...

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Well it's kinda my job...

*They knew what it was by sheer logic. Either a window or a mirror. And poor Rook had that typical frustrated teenager anger that followed some patterns...*

- But mostly because I care about you. So before you use those mirror shards to do something stupid why dont you come out so we can have a chat, okay ?

[thefemarookie]

There was silence.

Then he finally opened the door.

The bathroom was a war zone, the mirror was shattered into jagged shards that littered the floor like teeth. The sink was cracked, water pooling around the base, its steady drip echoing like a countdown to something worse. Even the shower head had been torn from its moorings, hanging limp and useless.

As for Rookie?

His hair was cropped to a jagged buzzcut, the dark brown strands uneven and scattered like broken twigs on the floor. He was wrapping his hands in bandages, it trembled slightly, the skin beneath them swollen and bruised. But the worst part was, his pinkish reddish eyes were now a scarlet color. Either from anger, extensive crying or something else completely....

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ...

*The place was destroyed. As if grenade exploded here. It would take hours to clean, and with those shards and big pieces of sink and mirror everywhere, Ilya was careful about their steps. Even with their big boots, they could hear the crounching under their feet and, sometimes, a sharp pain when they made a mistake.

But Rook was even more pitiful looking than the room.*

- Rook... Let me do it.

*They tried to reach for the bandages, and, if let to do so, actually bandaged the hand better, with firm precision.*

- Are you hurt anywhere else ?

*Their eyes refuses to meet his. They simply ignored it. But they would not be able to pretend to see nothing for very long...*

[thefemarookie]

Rookie didn't speak. But he was shaking slightly as he glared daggers at Ilya.

“Why aren't you looking at me?”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ...

*The former-FEMA stayed mute, jaw clenched and gaze heavy. The only thing they could look at was the hair scattered along the floor tiles. Why did he do that ? A whole make over ? A diversion ?

They finished bandaging the soon-to-be... No, they could not look at him. Not yet.

Was it them, or did he grew even taller than before ?*

- ... Is it because of Arkadij, or did it start... Earlier ?

*When the Pale Man...

No use lying about it now.*

[thefemarookie]

He immediately pulls away from Ilya, a look of disgust and anger in his eyes.

“Are you MAD? I am not a goddamn VISITOR.”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Not yet, no.

*They answered more calmly, not finding any anger in them to match Rook's. *

- But you know it too deep down. That's why you destroyed that mirror, right ? To not see the signs ?

*Or because he messed up his hair... What was he thinking ? And Ilya was the mad one ?*

[thefemarookie]

“Shut the hell up.”

He pushed Ilya away from him. Shoving them against a wall.

“I ought to shoot your delusional ass right now.”

Damn, this version of Rookie was way more aggressive.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Humpf !

*With a little pained whisper, Ilya hit the wall and immediatly catched their sniper. This was not going into the desired direction at all.*

- Oooh sure you will young man. I would be very proud to see you use your gun correctly for once.

*Faking assurance and mocking the young boy were disastrous decisions but showing fear or anger would be even worse. Mentioning the Arkadij accident was also a way to remind Rook of who were his friends here...*

- Go on. Impress me.

*The grin that followed was deserving of a punch. The loaded sniper was deserving of cautiousness.*

- Let's not fight, idiot. I am trying to help, as I have always did. Whatever you are, I am on your side so calm the fuck down okay ?

[thefemarookie]

“On my side? Oh, that's rich. Considering you think I'm turning into a visitor.”

He noticed Ilya reaching for the sniper. He kicks it away.

“You aren't getting out of this one easily.”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Okay, okay, I should not have said that... I may be wrong... ... ...

*Hands before them in a protective gesture, Ilya tried to pacify Rook the best they could...

The kicking the gun away made them wince in fear, not only for themselves but for the angry boy too. The angry, too tall, too thin, too weird boy.*

- Careful ! One loose bullet and one of us is going to feel it...

*Always so "better than you", always so caring. Surely it felt pedestrian. Rook, despite his age, had been in F.E.M.A way longer than Ilya, after all !*

[thefemarookie]

“May be wrong? No you ARE wrong.”

His neck cast was the only thing preventing him sounding louder then he actually was. Ilya's attempts at pacifying Rookie or this version of Rookie seemed to be futile...

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*This was going south quicker than anticipated.

At least it was only shouting and a push, for now. But Ilya grew a bit panicked at realizing how tall Rook was, now, compared to them. The former-FEMA was not even a full 1.70 m... And they felt powerless and so, so vulnerable without their gun... It waited for them at the other side of the room, just past Rook...*

- Okay. I misspoke. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that, it was stupid of my part...

*They believed none of that. Well, maybe the stupid part was honnest. But they were still convinced of what Rook was becoming... He looked so much like Him.

But they would loose that fight. And they didnt want to try.*

- ... Why did you cut your hair ?

*Okay, a bad attempt at redirecting the conversation...*

[thefemarookie]

“I...”

His anger slowly faded, replaced by a flicker of confusion. His brows furrowed as he searched for an answer, but the uncertainty in his eyes made it clear that he didn’t know it either.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ... Well at least the military cut is not a disaster on you... But what did that poor sink do to you, huh ?

*They tried to avoid the subject of the mirror, but the sink, broken and dripping, was a subject of worry. They spoke about it in a joke, light tone, but their eyes were full of concern, darting from Rook, to the door, to their gun. They felt a bit of fear pinching their heart... Not only for the shards but for the strenght and anger it asked of Rook to broke it. What was going on inside his head ?*

- ... I know how it is. Accidents...

*Ilya could understand. Violence was born of strong emotions and Rook had his share, lately... The horror and anger he felt at the discovery of what happened to Ivan ? Or was it just anger and despair at seeing his reflexion ? Or something else entierly ?*

- ... Is there anything I can do ?

[thefemarookie]

“If you can miraculously reattach Ivan's detached head to his body and kick that Lady Luck out the house, that would be wonderful.”

He rolls his eyes.

“But you can't. What's the point.”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ... I cannot ressurect the dead, no. But know that Lady Luck is not a resident of this school. She lives nearby and cause trouble, but... I can make sure she leaves you alone. I understand why she did what she did, but I do not approve of it in any way. I am sorry you had to witness that.

*Okay. It was going somewhere. At least there was no shouting, pushing, menacing or anything as of right now...*

- ... I do not wish to be pushy toward you. I just hope you know you can... Talk to someone instead of breaking stuff and potentially hurting yourself. You scared me, locking yourself up like that.

*The past tense was... Certainly a choice. Because Ilya was, really, still very much scared both for Rook AND themselves. It was like handling a TNT bar ready to explode and hoping some nice words would suffice to put the fire out...*

[thefemarookie]

....

“I do not understand why my wellbeing concerns you. I'm literally everything you dislike. Hell, you even think I'm turning out like him. Even though I am not, why do you even care?”

[thefemarookie]

It appears we meet again.

Have things changed while I was gone? Peace brought upon you? Or paranoia has still crept onto your back?

- @the-pale-on3

“Destiny must hate me if I have to meet the likes of you again.”

He scowls. But he can't deny the he had a feeling of impending doom for him. Not that he was going to admit that...

[the-pale-on3]

Don't be so sour! It's only me.

There it is again.. the smile. That disgusting, perfectly aligned smile that would creep anyone out, even the strongest people. The sound he makes when he does it is grueling. It had a disgusting, sticky sound, almost like you could feel the saliva.

I sensed you missed me! The feelings are.. mutual. Oh, what fun it is out here, isn't it?

You couldn't tell if he was mocking you. Either way, the words coming out of his mouth still don't sound good, no matter the intentions.

[thefemarookie]

“Save it. I don’t care how much you like this little reunion. Keep your smile to yourself before I make you regret it.”

He spat these words out as if they were acid.

[the-pale-on3]

...

Haha. No funny business here. You run such a strict program!

He already knew how he would react to his.. presence. But, he doesn't care.

I came here for one thing.

He throws the decapitated head of a FEMA agent on the patio.

You already know what it is.

[thefemarookie]

“You sick freak. You like seeing me distressed don't you?”

[thefemarookie]

*Knock knock knock !*

- Hey, Rook ? It's me, Ilya... Just... Wanted to check on you and tell you I was here... For you... If you ever needed to talk, you know ?

- @not-a-ex-fema-i-swear ☣️

No response....

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*Silence. But he is here, they are sure, they saw him enter not so long ago...*

- ... Give me any sign you are alive in here or I swear to God I'll break down this door.

*They were a soldier, a factory worker, than a F.E.M.A agent. A few strong kicks toward the doorknob would suffice.

And there is not a lot stopping them.*

[thefemarookie]

Ilya heard slight footsteps towards the door but it was still locked tight.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*Ok. That's was good start. It was a sign of life but now confirmation it was really him would be great.*

- Thank you. Maybe a word, now ? Or... A knock back ? I need to check conciousness and... Other stuff.

*And if he did not change.

They could be in denial all they wanted, it was always in the back of their mind. Bound to happen.*

[thefemarookie]

“Leave me alone.”

Woah, Rook actually spoke? His voice was quiet, clipped, oddly...threatening sounding. A few shaky breaths here and there.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Oh don't you dare speak to me with that tone young man.

*Ilya grumpily answered, but worry was peircing in their voice. Rook sounded... Rough, and different, and more agressive he ever was with them. And Ilya knew it was not against them in particular, but hoped a bit of rage might get him out...*

- I will leave you in peace but I...

*What lie could they find in the moment to lure him out ? Checking his bandages ? Needing the bathroom ? No explanation and just destroying the door ?

Or the secret option of actually being honnest ?*

- ... Well in fact I wont leave you in peace until I make sure you are alright. Real alright.

[thefemarookie]

“Why do you have to be so damn persistent...”

He walked slowly. It sounded as if he was walking over broken glass. Did he break something in there...

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Well it's kinda my job...

*They knew what it was by sheer logic. Either a window or a mirror. And poor Rook had that typical frustrated teenager anger that followed some patterns...*

- But mostly because I care about you. So before you use those mirror shards to do something stupid why dont you come out so we can have a chat, okay ?

[thefemarookie]

There was silence.

Then he finally opened the door.

The bathroom was a war zone, the mirror was shattered into jagged shards that littered the floor like teeth. The sink was cracked, water pooling around the base, its steady drip echoing like a countdown to something worse. Even the shower head had been torn from its moorings, hanging limp and useless.

As for Rookie?

His hair was cropped to a jagged buzzcut, the dark brown strands uneven and scattered like broken twigs on the floor. He was wrapping his hands in bandages, it trembled slightly, the skin beneath them swollen and bruised. But the worst part was, his pinkish reddish eyes were now a scarlet color. Either from anger, extensive crying or something else completely....

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ...

*The place was destroyed. As if grenade exploded here. It would take hours to clean, and with those shards and big pieces of sink and mirror everywhere, Ilya was careful about their steps. Even with their big boots, they could hear the crounching under their feet and, sometimes, a sharp pain when they made a mistake.

But Rook was even more pitiful looking than the room.*

- Rook... Let me do it.

*They tried to reach for the bandages, and, if let to do so, actually bandaged the hand better, with firm precision.*

- Are you hurt anywhere else ?

*Their eyes refuses to meet his. They simply ignored it. But they would not be able to pretend to see nothing for very long...*

[thefemarookie]

Rookie didn't speak. But he was shaking slightly as he glared daggers at Ilya.

“Why aren't you looking at me?”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ...

*The former-FEMA stayed mute, jaw clenched and gaze heavy. The only thing they could look at was the hair scattered along the floor tiles. Why did he do that ? A whole make over ? A diversion ?

They finished bandaging the soon-to-be... No, they could not look at him. Not yet.

Was it them, or did he grew even taller than before ?*

- ... Is it because of Arkadij, or did it start... Earlier ?

*When the Pale Man...

No use lying about it now.*

[thefemarookie]

He immediately pulls away from Ilya, a look of disgust and anger in his eyes.

“Are you MAD? I am not a goddamn VISITOR.”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Not yet, no.

*They answered more calmly, not finding any anger in them to match Rook's. *

- But you know it too deep down. That's why you destroyed that mirror, right ? To not see the signs ?

*Or because he messed up his hair... What was he thinking ? And Ilya was the mad one ?*

[thefemarookie]

“Shut the hell up.”

He pushed Ilya away from him. Shoving them against a wall.

“I ought to shoot your delusional ass right now.”

Damn, this version of Rookie was way more aggressive.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Humpf !

*With a little pained whisper, Ilya hit the wall and immediatly catched their sniper. This was not going into the desired direction at all.*

- Oooh sure you will young man. I would be very proud to see you use your gun correctly for once.

*Faking assurance and mocking the young boy were disastrous decisions but showing fear or anger would be even worse. Mentioning the Arkadij accident was also a way to remind Rook of who were his friends here...*

- Go on. Impress me.

*The grin that followed was deserving of a punch. The loaded sniper was deserving of cautiousness.*

- Let's not fight, idiot. I am trying to help, as I have always did. Whatever you are, I am on your side so calm the fuck down okay ?

[thefemarookie]

“On my side? Oh, that's rich. Considering you think I'm turning into a visitor.”

He noticed Ilya reaching for the sniper. He kicks it away.

“You aren't getting out of this one easily.”

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- Okay, okay, I should not have said that... I may be wrong... ... ...

*Hands before them in a protective gesture, Ilya tried to pacify Rook the best they could...

The kicking the gun away made them wince in fear, not only for themselves but for the angry boy too. The angry, too tall, too thin, too weird boy.*

- Careful ! One loose bullet and one of us is going to feel it...

*Always so "better than you", always so caring. Surely it felt pedestrian. Rook, despite his age, had been in F.E.M.A way longer than Ilya, after all !*

[thefemarookie]

“May be wrong? No you ARE wrong.”

His neck cast was the only thing preventing him sounding louder then he actually was. Ilya's attempts at pacifying Rookie or this version of Rookie seemed to be futile...

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

*This was going south quicker than anticipated.

At least it was only shouting and a push, for now. But Ilya grew a bit panicked at realizing how tall Rook was, now, compared to them. The former-FEMA was not even a full 1.70 m... And they felt powerless and so, so vulnerable without their gun... It waited for them at the other side of the room, just past Rook...*

- Okay. I misspoke. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that, it was stupid of my part...

*They believed none of that. Well, maybe the stupid part was honnest. But they were still convinced of what Rook was becoming... He looked so much like Him.

But they would loose that fight. And they didnt want to try.*

- ... Why did you cut your hair ?

*Okay, a bad attempt at redirecting the conversation...*

[thefemarookie]

“I...”

His anger slowly faded, replaced by a flicker of confusion. His brows furrowed as he searched for an answer, but the uncertainty in his eyes made it clear that he didn’t know it either.

[not-a-ex-fema-i-swear]

- ... Well at least the military cut is not a disaster on you... But what did that poor sink do to you, huh ?

*They tried to avoid the subject of the mirror, but the sink, broken and dripping, was a subject of worry. They spoke about it in a joke, light tone, but their eyes were full of concern, darting from Rook, to the door, to their gun. They felt a bit of fear pinching their heart... Not only for the shards but for the strenght and anger it asked of Rook to broke it. What was going on inside his head ?*

- ... I know how it is. Accidents...

*Ilya could understand. Violence was born of strong emotions and Rook had his share, lately... The horror and anger he felt at the discovery of what happened to Ivan ? Or was it just anger and despair at seeing his reflexion ? Or something else entierly ?*

- ... Is there anything I can do ?

[thefemarookie]

“If you can miraculously reattach Ivan's detached head to his body and kick that Lady Luck out the house, that would be wonderful.”

He rolls his eyes.

“But you can't. What's the point.”