The Junkie

Arizona Kmetko . 17 "Innocence lost." You got that medicine I need. Dope, shoot it up, straight to the heart please -- I don't really wanna know what's good for me.

[krispcostanza-blog]

[davinawagner-deactivated2017090]

Smiling against the straw he was holding to his lips, Austin took another gulp of his frosty drink before slightly pulling back. Throwing his head back to look at the ceiling, the sound that made it through closed teeth was the equivalent to an, “Eew”. His torso shook with laughter at the proposal. His lip curled, wrinkling his nose as he turned to look at her. A slobbery kiss didn’t appeal to him. Adult things like kissing, in general, didn’t make sense. It just seemed so weird. He knew this was nothing more than just friends, not that he was sure he should use that word; like a big sister type thing, but due to their previous argument he quickly jabbed that thought away. “…Alright, you got yourself a deal.” Would he regret this? Most certainly. Now he just had to have fun–and stall–until then. “Anyways, I already got you chocolate.” He supposed in their old world that people went out for the holiday. Austin had to make do with what he had. “Do you like rollercoasters?”

[underagecorruption-blog]

Arizona couldn’t help the loud laughter that bubbled out of her at the sound he’d made -- though she’d make every effort to deny how genuine it sounded if he brought it up -- tossing her head back, thin locks falling down her back. “Yer a brave one, kid.” She commented after he’d answered her, shaking her head as she reached for another chocolate strawberry; she couldn’t get enough of them probably because of the chocolate. She’d never been one for a particularly healthy food selection. "Roller-coasters are cool.” She nodded, biting into the piece of fruit. “Haven’t been on one in ferever. Why? Y’don’t got one hidden under ground here do ya?” She smirked, nudging him playfully with her elbow.

[davinawagner-deactivated2017090]

He hadn’t wanted to be alone, he decided. Whether it was an excuse or not was unclear, but if Ari had left then she would’ve spent the holiday in a rotten mood. No one deserved to be bitterly alone, especially today of all days. He had already contributed to her anger and disliked being on her bad side. Even though he wasn’t sure he forgave her for making him feel like dirt, the boy decided he could try being the bigger person. After all, he spent a lot of time trying to be greater than his age and height. Time to start showing it. “Guess you’re gonma have to trust me.” His gaze went to the older and the corners of his mouth twitched, a fraction of a smile. “So…is it too late to ask you to be my Valentine or have I shot that horse in the face?” It was random of him, but he considered the possibility as a chance to redeem himself and clear the air between them. And it wouldn’t hurt to practice how to be a Valentine.

[underagecorruption-blog]

“Yeah, y’can be m’valentine, but...” She allowed her voice to trail off, grinning to herself as she straightened up in her seat and shifted her body to face him. Looking at Austin, she directed the pointed end of the strawberry she’d picked up at him. “...y’gotta let me plant a big ol’ wet one on yer cheek when we’re done hangin’.” Ari didn’t know if he was actually going to go for it or not, but she was feeling better about the previous situation already, and it was all in good fun. She had a general idea that most kids, usually boys, didn’t like affection and -- or -- found the mere idea of getting kissed by anyone in any way to be gross. Maybe he wasn’t young enough to believe in cooties and whatnot any more, she didn’t know, but when she’d mentioned what older people did for Valentine’s Day to him earlier he didn’t seem too thrilled about it.

[davinawagner-deactivated2017090]

Austin didn’t keep from rolling his eyes, even though his back was to the girl. Of course she’d make it seem like he was the bad guy here. A snort quickly followed the kid’s soft lips and he momentarily considered picking up another chocolate covered fruit. Here he was trying to make Valentine’s Day not so negative, but he was stuck in a squabble. Pushing the plate of fruit away with the tips of his fingers, Austin reached for a tall cup instead and watched it fill up with his desire. He refused to check if she were still there, but then again didn’t have to. Her hotly attitude came with an intense energy that hadn’t yet left the room. “Y'don’t think you said enough ‘bout him already?” He finally countered, attempting to mimic her slang-sounding way of speech and failed. He shook his head, placing a straw into his root beer float. “Next time don’t bring him up if that’s the case.” But as soon as he said it, he got the feeling that maybe she did need to talk about her brother in a positive light. He wasn’t sure he wanted her to go or stay. If it were possible, he’d like to get past their dispute and start over, but he was too stubborn to let it go. Deciding to leave it up to her, he finally asked, “Are you just gonna stand there or…are you gonna come hang out with me?” Maybe that was the way to try.

[underagecorruption-blog]

For a brief moment it was all she could do not to let her anger metaphorically boil over; however, it was all flushed out of her system when he suddenly left the ball in her court, replaced with utter surprise and slight confusion -- both of which she easily managed to keep from appearing in her expression. She didn’t think he’d still want her around after she’d been a bitch to him for lack of a better word, but the kid had seemingly done a 180. Staying quiet, the brunette slowly walked herself back to the table and plopped herself down next to him before tucking her legs under and in. There were rare times when Arizona felt socially awkward -- in fact, she hadn’t encountered the disabling feeling since before she’d fallen into her ‘scene’ -- yet this was probably the worst to date. Coming back from a little rough ground shouldn’t have been this hard with a kid, but she was still as clueless as ever on how to proceed past it. Reaching for her plate that she’d pushed away, Ari slid it closer in front of her and plucked another piece of chocolate covered fruit from the platter, turning it over under her gaze. “Y’didn’t poison it while m’back was turned, did ya?” She asked playfully, flashing him a quick glance, brows lifting in faux suspicion in an effort to lighten the mood.

[miscellanyofmusings]

               Give me back the TIME

                        You can keep the memories

[davinawagner-deactivated2017090]

His heart hurt, like a fist closing over it and squeezing. It was uncomfortable and made him want to press his face into his hands. So Austin couldn’t help the way he buried his head onto his folded arms on the table, but not before his upset expression slipped into one full of surprise and guilt. He felt utterly awful for making such a comment, his ignorance making him want to curse himself. The ‘f’ world felt appropriate, but the boy was too chicken to say it. So he rested there for a moment, listening to her footsteps retreat. Just as quickly as the sadness filled him, the bitterness hadn’t completely evaporated. It left him suddenly exhausted. Slowly lifting his head and turning enough to face the girl, he stared in silence. He wanted to snap again, wanted to make it worse after the way she made him feel bad, but there’d be no point. An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind, right? “You shouldn’t…mention your brother just to spite someone.” His thoughts hadn’t yet left her sibling, nor had they left his own. “I’d never do that and…your brother probably wouldn’t like it.” Austin turned his back now, knowing the subject was touchy and wanting to avoid her glare, just in case she was going to continue being a meanie.

[underagecorruption-blog]

“M’brother ain’t yer concern. Y’don’t think y’said enough ‘bout him already?” Ari retorted, naturally high brows arched at him. Perhaps she was being slightly unreasonable and tough on the kid... slightly, but even as the thought occurred to her, it wasn’t enough to get her to withdraw her attitude. It wasn’t easy to break through her tough exterior, but the longer they went on about the subject, the more it was getting to her. However, as determined as she was to put this to a quick end, she certainly wasn’t going to be the first to offer an apology. Her jaw was tight as she waited for something to leave his lips, though being the impatient person she was, she couldn’t help but feel further annoyed the longer it took him. Despite wanting to walk out of the room after a few seconds, Ari wasn’t one to shy away from conflict, and so she held her ground, feet planted firmly where she stood.

[davinawagner-deactivated2017090]

“Good thing you’re not.” He snapped, her words fueled his anger. It struck him the wrong way, even though he knew she hadn’t meant bad by it. She was the one trying to make things between them better right now and he didn’t mean to make it worse, not really. It was strange going through different emotions so quickly with her. First fun and happiness to disappointment and now…offence. Had Ari said something similar before they bumped heads, it would’ve gone smoother. But now all he could think of was Olivia and how no one would or could ever replace her.

[underagecorruption-blog]

Cocking her head back, Arizona merely stared at the kid next to her with nothing else but confusion on her face. She didn’t know whether to be offended or what to feel if she was being honest, but it didn’t surprise her that of all people a child had been the one to leave her speechless. His words had jabbed her in a place she wasn’t used to accessing within herself, and she’d only dared to do so just a moment ago by mentioning her brother. The reinforced thought of her kin caused her to narrow her eyes at him, glaring. “Tell that to m’dead brother. Maybe he’d agree.” For a split second she wanted to make him feel like shit, but as soon as the words had left her lips she found herself feeling less than satisfied, and something closer to what she felt when she’d fucked up. Still, she couldn’t ignore her own feelings. The brunette abruptly stood up from the table, not bothering to spare so much as a glance back at Austin. Nearly at the exit, she turned around suddenly and crossed her arms. “Y’know, ‘demons’ ain’t the only thing y’should be afraid of in here. The smart thing for ya to do would be makin’ allies not enemies.”

[davinawagner-deactivated2017090]

“No, you said you’d tell me anything about Broken. I expected facts or useful information.” Instead she offered her opinion. Maybe that’s what she’d been offering all along. If he would have known that then at least he could have prepared for the let down. But fine, if the older girl wanted to go about this place like they weren’t being hunted by a more powerful creature, that was on her. And, if Austin could take a minute to calm from his argumentive stubbornness, one thing about what she had to say did stick out. Maybe he should stop thinking about defending himself only agsinst demons. People could do harm just as much. “Yeah, yeah, whatever.” His expression eased from the discomfort she brought, but he avoided looking at her.

[underagecorruption-blog]

The moment he tore his gaze away from her, apparently having some trouble allowing his sights to return to her, Ari rolled her eyes, looking off to the side. She was trying not to show it, but she wasn’t exactly subtle when she was annoyed. Foot tapping staccato on the floor, she looked around for something to grab her attention -- and maybe ease the awkward energy for both of them. It crossed her mind to pick up a piece of fruit and throw it at him; maybe start a food fight to distract their minds from what had just happened between them, but with the way the kid was suddenly acting toward her, she didn’t know if he’d take it as her trying to start a play fight or more likely, just a fight. Scratching that idea from her mind, she brought her hand up to relieve on itch on her head. Looking at him now, the brunette pursed her lips momentarily before letting her words flow out naturally, “I ain’t really sure what t’do now.” She admitted, nearly snickering at herself. “Clearly I’d a been a shitty big sister.”

[arya-cooper-blog]

The reality was that after a bit, Zach honestly was losing touch with his surroundings. It was like all he could see was the hole and the shovel—and Ari’s shovel too—and his only purpose in life was to just keep digging. He literally, honestly could not be assed to pay attention to anything else if even tried. Even the repetitive sounds of him stomping on the bottom of the shovel so it could seep deep into the ground, the scrape of the metal, and the soft thuds of dirt had become too normal for him. That was why when the routine of it all had stopped when Ari spoke again, he was pulled back into realizing why he was doing this and who he was with. “What?” He blinked slowly and looked down at the hole. It was needless to say Ari was right and Zach was amazed that he couldn’t tell himself until she’d pointed it out. The grave was deep enough and he was actually standing in it. Zach climbed out of the grave and stared at Hayden’s body, because this was the part he knew was supposed to happen after digging, sure, but now that it was here, it was simply too much. With the first emotion he displayed since it happened, his eyebrows creased sadly. He had to move, right? But he couldn’t, felt like he was drunk from the waist down and he was so gone it was impossible to move, let alone crouch down to pick Hayden up. “I can’t.”

[underagecorruption-blog]

Arizona nodded, lowering her chin as she turned from him and carried Hayden’s body to the grave. Sitting on the edge, she lowered the girl into her lap and scooted herself forward so that she could jump in. “’m sorry we couldn’t do more for ya.” She said, running her hand over the girls braided hair, before putting her down into the dirt. It took a moment for her to able to turn away knowing that the little girl would remain here for eternity, but she couldn’t allow something that had already happened to hold her back in any section of her life -- that wasn’t who she was. “Hey -- a lil’ help?” She called up to Zach, holding her hand up for him to grab and get her out of the grave. “Would be much appreciated.”

[davinawagner-deactivated2017090]

The smile slowly slipped from his face, as did the amusement and fun he had been having. This time when she swore, it wasn’t cool. It made his head bow slightly and silenced the boy due to her intensity. His blue orbs fell to his lap at her response and, at first, he didn’t know how to react. No such thing as demons? Had she been fortunate enough to not run into one? Who was she to say they weren’t real. The sharp talons digging into his flesh and tearing his fingernails off…there was no making that up. Her words made Austin feel put down. Monsters were real and denying that was the worst advice on the planet. “Just because you chose to believe something is bogus doesn’t mean it is for the rest of us.” Looking up to her, his eyes held a glossy hint. “So much for telling me ‘whatever ya'wanna know’.” His appetite was suddenly gone, making him bitterly flick his half bitten fruit onto his plate.

[underagecorruption-blog]

"Y’did wanna know my opinion, that’s why y’asked ain’t it? Not my fault y’didn’t like what y’heard.” Pushing her plate toward the centre of the table, she leaned back a little bit and pulled her arms up to cross. She could feel the shift in the energy around them, the good vibe that had been created easily enough on good chemistry alone turned hostile and awkward. Ari wasn’t used to dealing with kids, and having one shut down on her like this one was made her want to withdraw from him in return; however, she was the older one here and therefore she knew it was expected -- which, to her was bullshit -- that she extend the olive branch first -- or however that goddamn saying went. “Look, I didn’t spit in yer shoe or nothin’. Agree t’disagree?”

[underagecorruption-blog]

akosdamore:

While he (sort of) felt like he was being irrational – when didn’t he? – he disliked the dismissive attitude she’d taken with his questioning. It wasn’t that he felt he deserved priority, but a nicer answer would’ve been easier to swallow than what he’d been given, and though he’d wanted to expect something that would ease his anxiety, she’d given him more questions. “Wait, dungeons?” he called after her, wondering if it appeared too predatory to chase after her, though in the end he did so all the same, determined to get his answers. He wasn’t a demon anymore. He didn’t have to worry.

Hearing his footsteps gaining on her, Ari counted three beats as if she’d been expecting him to do so -- before suddenly spinning around to stop him in his tracks. “Are y’surprised?” She asked, already high brows raising at him. “It is a castle.” Her intention had been to grab his attention, and it seemed she had successfully done so, much to her satisfaction. Lips maintaining the same little grin, she casually shrugged her shoulders and slowly began to turn her body away from her opposite. “If y’wanna know somethin’ yer gonna have t’walk with me ‘cause I ain’t stickin’ ‘round.” Just like that, she resumed walking in the direction she’d been initially heading in.

[underagecorruption-blog]

akosdamore:

“–Hey, uh, you, where the hell am I?”

“Fuck if I know.” The brunette replied over her shoulder, though she didn’t stop in her stride. She hadn’t gotten a good enough look at his face to know for sure if he was a new arrival or just someone off their medication, but she wasn’t going to stick around just in case it was the latter. “Yer fine as long as y'don't accidentally find the dungeons!" She called back, lips splitting into a devious little grin.

[underagecorruption-blog]

zach-milkovich:

It made all the difference. Hayden was sunshine and she certainly deserved to be right under it. A sickening reminder that she would now be stuck in Oblivion forever coiled in the pit of his stomach. She wouldn’t be able to go back to earth, anywhere on earth. She’d be stuck in extinction, being forgotten, and it was disgusting. If he and others got to the hell out of here, there was no way Hayden wouldn’t be remembered, and somehow, he was going to find Clementine and tell her about Hayden. He had to. “Yeah. Makes all the difference.” So, he got to working on digging around there, but kept silent, determination etched on his face. He looked up at Ari when she spoke after how many minutes he wasn’t sure, and he paused in his actions, staring at her with blank eyes because honestly, he couldn’t believe she asked that question when it just certainly was not the time. He clenched his jaw and thought about hitting her with the shovel, but Zach also knew he didn’t want to do that. He was just… he was ’just.’ That was all. Zach continued on digging, looking at the ground again. “Zachariah.” He said quickly, quietly. He did find that the silence breaking sort of eased it all in the tiniest possible way, but for once, Zach didn’t have it in himself to care to talk unless spoken to, so his actions went on autopilot until it was numb.

It was clear by his expression that she’d chosen the wrong time to ask something so casual, and she simply replied to his answer with a curt nod. It took a moment for her to search her brain before she had another question, but this time she swallowed it and resumed digging with the shovel. Although Ari didn’t know the child, she felt guilty by association for not having been able to save her. By the time they’d gotten there it was too late, as she’d expressed to Zach in the moment, but the feeling still lingered and it made her want to roll her shoulders back and take a shower -- as if that would wash it off. After a few more minutes of digging, she stopped again to tuck her hair behind her ear, looking over the grave as she did so. “Looks deep enough now.” She voiced, half wondering if he was only continuing to dig deeper to avoid physically putting Hayden’s body into the ground. Licking her lips, she dropped her shovel and made her way over to the small body. She lifted her up carefully, only now realizing just how small she was; it made her heart sink. The brunette cleared her throat before walking over to Zach. She waited to see if he’d take Hayden’s body, though she understood if he couldn’t.

[inactive12235937261493911661373]

[underagecorruption-blog]

theloweryboy:

“Ew, that’s gross…and unsanitary.” It led him to assume the last owner of the building must have not cared for it properly. “I am.” He agreed, glad to have been admitted once the place shaped up. But that had to have sucked for her and the ithers there before it became Michaelson’s. After swallowing the rest of his bite, he nodded enthusiastically and grabbed another off the plate.“You seem like a chill girl.” Austin commented, thinking out loud. “So I’m just gonna dive right into it.” There were several things he’d like to know about Broken and anything else she had to genuinely add. The older looked like she could tell a wild story. “I heard a tale of demons, back when it was called Broken. I thought they were just trying to scare me, but…” But ever since his first encounter with one, now he believed. Waving a hand and moving on he asked, “Is there any way to defend yourself against them?”

A crooked grin reached Ari’s features when she received his compliment unexpectedly. She’d never been afforded kind words from someone so young, though that was usually because she didn’t bother with kids. Patience wasn’t something she’d been gifted with. The second the word demons reached her ears all interest drained from her expression, gaze rolling off to the side as she licked her lips. She wasn’t going to snap on him like she had with other people when it came to this subject -- despite some of the things she’d seen, she still refused to believe in the supernatural, hardly acknowledging them at all. A deep sigh left her as she turned to face Austin directly, a hardness now in her gaze that couldn’t be ignored. “S’all bullshit, y’hear? There ain’t no such thing as demons unless y’choose to believe there is. The way y’defend yerself is by admittin’ that.” Ari was fully aware that this wasn’t the answer he’d been after, but if he wanted someone who would indulge him on the subject he’d chosen the wrong person.

[underagecorruption-blog]

theloweryboy:

He wondered what he said that made the light sound come from her mouth. If it was about his height, well, at least she wasn’t arguing him on it. A lot of the older kids teased or tried to shut down his battle to look bigger than he is. Smiling at her, he took up a fruit and bit into it. He chewed delightfully until seeing something about the girl’s demeanor shift. That time it couldn’t have been something he said. Should he ask? Not even her smile came as easily this time. Austin had decided not to press into anything personal, until she brought up her brother…that had to be it. ‘Woulda’. That lingo was familiar since he used it himself. He acknowledged what she said with a small, knowing smile, but didn’t dive into the matter. “Broken? Like, it was broken or that was the actual name?”

“Both. That shit hole really lived up t’it’s name.” She nearly snorted, blue eyes landing on her plate. She’d all but dismissed the thought of her kin. Finishing off the fruit she’d plucked from the serving dish, Ari leaned back in her seat, allowing her attention, as well as her gaze, to drift to the shaggy haired boy. “Yer lucky y’weren’t there when it smelled like rottin’ bodies all the time--’least ‘m assumin’ y’were only there when it was Michaelson’s since y’didn’t know ‘bout the name change.” Truthfully, she was more so surprised he didn’t know about the crazy events  that had happened while the building was still under the name Broken, but she supposed she couldn’t really expect him to. No kids in her home town watched the news either. “Y’wanna find somethin’ t’do when yer full?” She asked, gesturing to the food in front of them with a nod. “I can tell ya whatever y’wanna know ‘bout Broken... or somethin’ more interestin’ depending on what y’wanna hear.”

[underagecorruption-blog]

zach-milkovich:

Zach quickly walked back, unable to help looking over his shoulder to make sure Ari was also alright. Even in the midst of shock, he had to make sure. After all, it was technically his fault that they were in here, and he’d said she’d have her back. Somehow, that had to be true, even if he was in front of her. He hugged Hayden’s body closer, any blood on his shirt becoming more than irrelevant, and he hurried up and out of the dungeons. Zach turned around, facing Ari, and he kicked the door shut angrily. His exterior was a hardened expression with an empty glare, pausing when she removed her plaid shirt. Quietly, Zach agreed, but he didn’t say anything as he let Ari cover what was literally left of Hayden. He walked forward again, thinking that he just had to get as far away from there as possible. Zach paused at her question, exhaling a stuttered breath before raising his eyebrows lightly rather than shrugging his shoulders. “There’s no other fucking place to do it.” He voiced, nodding for Ari to still come along. He moved forward once again, heading towards one of the doors that led to the courtyard and held it open for Ari before muttering a quiet, “Shovels.” and two appearing just out of thin air on the snow-dusted ground. The castle did provide. Always. Fuck this place. “We can dig by the fountain. I don’t know. Just… some place nice.”

Replying with a nod, Ari took up the second shovel and walked the distance to the fountain. “The sun shines on this side. Dunno if that makes a difference.” She mumbled, giving a one shouldered shrug. She didn’t think she’d be digging a grave for someone today, but she stuck the shovel into the ground and began to remove the dirt. She kept her eyes off of Zach and whatever he might have been doing with Hayden’s body until she was sure he’d gotten to helping her dig. Ari didn’t exactly feel the need to make him feel better, given that she had no attachment to him yet, but she wanted to lighten the mood somehow if that was at all possible... unfortunately, everything she thought of to say were things she knew Zach wouldn’t appreciate even fractionally, things like how there was no raccoons there, so the body wouldn’t be dug up. With a heavy silence hanging over them, the brunette put all of her energy into what she was doing, occasionally sparing glances at Zach. When they eventually got close to the depth she figured they were after, she stuck her shovel straight into the ground and rested her hands upon the top of the handle, looking at him. “Is Zach short for somethin’?”