#timestamp:there's nothing we can do to stop feeling this blue anyway

[reevezs]

//closed starter for @twistedhxart

He didn't know why Eric was so adamant about their birthday party. They always spent it together or with their parents, but it was a day like any other, and neither made a big deal of it. This year, however, Eric insisted on inviting a few friends, spending way too much time choosing between a cruise and rooftop drinks. Suspicious and slightly out of character even for him, but Zach decided he would humor him and suggested choosing the latter. Being stuck on a boat with people and booze for a couple hours sounded like his least favorite birthday party idea. A rooftop bar at least provided a nice view and would be easier to sneak out if necessary.

Zach had more than two weeks to text Lian and invite him, or ask him in person when they were playing his game or when he came to Lian's workplace to grab some coffee. It was almost their birthday when Zach finally mustered enough courage to ask him if he wanted to come. Not because he was hoping he had given the other enough time to make other plans and he would be busy and simply say no, though. It was more likely that he was naively waiting for his brother to change his mind.

[text 📱] hey, what's up? I was wondering if you had any plans for the weekend.

[text 📱] Vie has this stupid idea for our birthday. saturday, 7pm. a rooftop bar, he invited a few friends whatever the fuck A FEW means lol

[text 📱] anyway... wanna come?

[reevezs]

Zach was tired of that delusional speech, but he didn't want the kicking and pushing to resume, so he listened, praying Alba would be safe soon. His muscles were already sore from the effort he had put into protecting his internal organs from Victor's boots, legs nearly glued together to ensure he'd still be able to have an offspring of his own one day. Actually, Zach was surprised Victor hadn't tried kicking him there the first thing he did. Now that his body relaxed and took a break from the beating, breath labored, he felt the soreness in his muscles already. In his whole body, and it was easy to guess his torso and legs would be covered in bruises.

Just when he contemplated talking back to buy Alba more time, she appeared a few feet from them, bruised and scared but otherwise okay. Free. Zach had to remind himself not to let the relief show on his face and as much as he wanted to look at her, only at her, he knew he couldn't risk it. He had to keep Victor's gaze and attention on himself. He wanted Alba to run - run to the car and escape this monster. He'd keep Victor busy here while she found help, and even if it would be too late for Zach, the only thing that mattered to him was Alba's safety. He waited until she was far enough and hopefully, once she was, he could give it a try and fight back.

But instead of running away and back to safety, Alba started walking in their direction. Zach wanted to yell at her. What the hell was she doing, why didn't she leave now? She shouldn't be putting herself in danger again! Then he realized he couldn't blame her because he would do the same. He would never even contemplate leaving her behind or escaping a dangerous situation without her, his life meaning less than nothing without Alba in it being the least powerful of his motivations.

For now, he just made sure Victor wouldn't turn around and his eyes would remain on him. With a newfound energy, he started doing everything to keep his attention, and what better way than to piss him off some more. Zach's chest jerked a few times in a burst of soundless laughter. "You're probably the most delusional asshole I've ever met! This is some top-tier high school crush joke." He tried to push himself up and onto his knees, his mocking laughter growing louder and he looked up at Victor. "Very brave for a guy who has to do all this and still can't reach his goal. But maybe you're right." He shrugged. "At least I'll die knowing her face when she falls asleep after a few really good rounds. She's a work of art. You should see those trembling legs, that sweaty cleavage, that smile... I'm so glad that you won't but she'll sure miss having it that good."

Judging by the look on Victor's face, Zach chose the right direction, especially after what the man had witnessed on the beach. This kind of jealousy, his toxic possessiveness, seemed to speak the loudest to him and distracted him so much that Alba had it even easier, despite her petite frame. To make sure he wouldn't fight back so easily, Zach rolled into Victor's legs so he would lose his balance. The man was already hissing in pain, which must have been caused by the knife Alba was holding. One thing was for sure – Zach would never forget the surprise on his face. Not just because the attack was so unexpected, but he would have never imagined Alba attacking him, let alone so aggressively.

Zach had been working hard to break the rope's structure and loosen the surprisingly familiar knot while Victor focused on kicking him to where they now were. Right now was the best moment to check if he succeeded — Alba needed his help as much as he needed hers. The part that kept his wrists and ankles tied together broke, but that gave him enough freedom to act, so he didn't waste more time. He put his arms over Victor's head, a single pull making the ropes dig into his neck. If they used the upper hand they had now to their advantage, they could not only escape the nightmare but also make this man pay for what he did to them.

"Cut the ropes, baby," he shouted, giving Alba better access to his ankles, while he fought to keep the struggling man on the ground with him. Victor was stronger but Zach was running on adrenaline and a vivid reminder that he was one false move from losing his love.

Alba's heart raced as the sounds of struggle reached her ears, each grunt and thud of Zach's body striking the unforgiving ground fueling her desperation.

She twisted her wrists, testing the restraints. She winced as the metal cut deeper, but she refused to give in to the pain. Her heart ached at the thought of Zach out there, suffering, and the idea of leaving him to face Victor alone was unbearable. She could still hear his voice in her mind, echoing with sweet reassurances

Suddenly, she felt something cold and sharp against her skin. Zach had given her a small knife before Victor took him. It was hidden away, wedged in her waistband. Alba felt a rush of hope and quickly fumbled to retrieve it. The blade was small but sturdy, a perfect tool for freeing herself.

She twisted her wrists again, and with one swift motion, she pressed the blade against the chains binding her. It took effort, but she focused, willing the knife to slice through the metal. She heard the satisfying crunch of metal against the blade, and a thrill surged through her.

“Come on, come on,” she urged herself, each pull of the knife more desperate than the last. Finally, with a sharp snap, the chain broke free, and she gasped, her wrists sore but liberated.

Alba wasted no time. She sprang to her feet, adrenaline coursing through her veins but quickly overwhelmed with an incredible headache. The knife still trembled in her hand, but she needed something more, something that would give her the edge to fight back and protect the love of her life.

Her eyes darted around the dimly lit cabin, searching for anything that could help. The wooden walls were rough and unforgiving, and the floor creaked under her shifting weight. Then she spotted it: a small, sharp shard of glass glinting under the light.

It was a risk, but desperation drove her. She reached for the shard, her heart racing as she snagged it between her fingers, the edges biting into her skins.

Victor stood above Zach, a twisted smile pulling at his lips as he listened to Zach’s words. He bent down, his eyes dark and wild, inches from Zach’s face. “Hate me?” he scoffed, his voice dripping with derision. “She doesn’t know what she wants. But I do.” He leaned closer, his breath hot against Zach’s skin. “I’ll be the one to save her from herself, from her pathetic attachment to you. Once you’re gone, she’ll see it. She’ll understand she’s mine. And hate me?” He laughed, a chilling, guttural sound. “I think not. When you're out of the picture, she’ll have no choice but to come to me. I’ll make sure of it.”

Alba slipped out of the cabin like a shadow, her movements quiet and precise as she circled around the outside, staying low. The night air was frigid, biting at her skin, but she ignored it, her focus entirely on reaching Zach before it was too late. Don’t be seen. Don’t make a sound. She felt terrible, the urge to cry out for him and scream was awful.

Victor’s attention was wholly on Zach, and that gave her the advantage she needed. With her heart pounding in her throat, Alba moved closer, staying hidden in the shadows. She could hear Zach’s ragged breathing, see the faint tremor in his body as he struggled to keep going. I have to do this now. Steeling herself, Alba crept up behind Victor. Her grip tightened on the metal shard, her palms sweating, her mind racing with a hundred fears, but none greater than losing Zach.

With a burst of energy, she lunged.

[reevezs]

//closed starter for @twistedhxart

Zach pushed the last slice of pizza a little more forward, in Lian's direction, only stealing a single olive from it. Before Doom even started begging him to share it, he took a bite and gave the dog the rest. The pup didn't even like olives, but there was a microscopic piece of cheese on it, and therefore, according to Doom's logic, it counted as cheese. Zach shook his head in disbelief as they shared the tiny treat.

After celebrating a day off with a good morning makeout session that had taken a few surprising but pleasant turns, Zach and Lian decided they should grab a pizza and watch a movie. Having found a comfortable spot, with Lian's shirtless back gently pressed against Zach's chest as they half-sat on the couch, they were enjoying their evening together. Zach leaned forward just enough to kiss his boyfriend behind the ear while his hands rested on the chest he adored so much, surprisingly idle.

It could stay like this forever. Him, holding the man he loved in his arms, Doom keeping them company. Starting their day with heated kisses and lazy sex, and ending it with some food they liked and a comfort movie.

"Are you quiet because you've fallen asleep, or do you really like the movie," he asked with a chuckle, tickling Lian's stomach playfully.

[reevezs]

[reevezs]

//closed starter for @pleinsdemuses

He couldn't tell how long he had been standing there, watching the water run down his legs and reach the drain; a race no water drop could win as they merged into mini streams. It was impossible to tell them apart, the slightest blueish hue from Zach's hair was gone already, so it was a clear sign that he should wrap it all up and go to bed. But he simply couldn't do that. Not with all the emotions bubbling inside him, so intense, amhe definitely didn't want Alba to see any of them on his face. She had been through enough and he was supposed to be a shield protecting her from such emotional rollercoasters, not fuel them.

He didn't even notice when the door opened and Alba joined him, stepping beneath the shower in a surprisingly palpable silence. "I'm almost done. Just... decompressing," he muttered as if she'd buy it, still hiding his face. Hard as he tried, her presence only reminded him what he feared most. "I... could have lost you..." Zach pulled her into a hug to feel that she was there, safe and sound. He despised himself for saying that out loud, but it was the first time he felt this way about someone and the idea of losing her was something he couldn't and didn't want to imagine.

[reevezs]

Another piece of sushi landed in his mouth before he quirked an eyebrow in curiosity at Lian's words. Now he put the chopsticks aside again and leaned forward a little. Given how close he and his brother were, Zach enjoyed listening to him speak about his siblings, especially when he saw the smile on his face. He also noted that Lian clearly missed them, his brother especially, it seemed, but he had learned enough to avoid asking more detailed questions, such as their current whereabouts. As long as Lian didn't mention that himself, he wouldn't risk asking anything risky.

"Little brothers can be protective too," he replied with a smile. The picture of his childhood Lian painted matched the one in Zach's head, or maybe it was so easy for him to imagine what he was talking about that Zach falsely assumed that he had come up with it himself, based on his current impression. Either way, he found some comfort in the image that came to his head; climbing trees, wild rivers. "Sounds like you enjoyed growing up together and were close. No matter what other relationships brought, you had had each other. It can't be valued enough."

Zach smiled, enjoying their break for sake, and threw in an amused "Good, isn't it?" before asking about Lian's sister. "Was your sister a part of your team, or she preferred her friends' company?"

"I also have a brother, yes," Lian finally admitted. At least that wasn't a lie. "A sister, too. They're both a few years younger than me." With his chopsticks, he now just pushed one of the sushi pieces back and forth instead of actually eating it.

He told himself it was alright to talk about them. As soon as the question of where they currently were didn't arise. 'In a kingdom in a presumably completely different world' was not an appropriate answer. Although it was the truth.

"When we were little, my brother and I… we… Noah, even though he was younger than me, had always been the one to protect me." A small smile appeared on Lian's face. "When other kids teased me and I couldn't fight back, he was always there to chase them away, shouting nasty things after them." He laughed softly at the memory.

"...I wasn't generally a weak child, actually rather wild. But only when others couldn't see me. When I climbed trees on my own or built a bridge out of cut tree stumps to balance over a wild river. I was more likely to escape from the river than from a conversation or an argument with others, you know?"

When Zach asked him to pour the sake, he filled the small cup. Before he tasted it himself, Lian raised his own and toasted the other. "Cheers." He took a small sip and immediately shook himself.

[reevezs]

//closed starter for @parvumchao

To put it nicely, Zach wasn't the best at making friends or even being nice to strangers to have a little conversation with them. He took no hints, almost always too busy minding his business to interact with others. There were times, however, when Zach was lucky enough to meet someone by a total accident and got to talk with them long enough to become friendly towards them, before he even noticed. Not that he was a grump, pushing everyone away or biting when they got (too) close, but it looked like in order to make a connection he needed to be adopted by someone.

Whether it was something Lou planned or not, she was one of those people who made Zach stick around longer. It had to be at least partly because of Lou's job and her car – the two things they could actually talk about without having to fake anything, and when the blue-haired man realized he might have made a friend, he was surprised it came so naturally, without awkward moments. Maybe that's just how people function and it's no miracle. Well, it definitely was one for him, though.

*

It was supposed to be one of those uneventful evenings. Knowing that he would still find Lou at The Vinyl Countdown at this hour, Zach dropped by on his way home to say hi, and the two decided to hang out a bit before they parted ways. Nothing out of the ordinary, not even a single controversial comment about a music band or how much milk in coffee was too much. Just a boring evening spent with a friend.

How on Earth have they ended up like this, then, covered in red splatters and frantically closing Lou's door behind them, hurrying before anyone could see them? They were lucky it was late enough for the streets to be rather empty and that they hadn't run into anyone, because there was no way they could convince another person it was nothing. But within the safety of Lou's home's walls, things still didn't get any better. Zach wasn't freaking out not because it would be so out of character for him, but mostly because he was too shocked to process all the events and react in any way.

But who wouldn't be traumatized by seeing a friend unexpectedly pull out a knife and stab an aggressive man at least twice her size, and then having to ditch the motionless body somewhere to buy themselves some time. It made Zach feel nauseous when the same scene replayed in his head in great detail. What was even worse, he knew he most likely could have protected Lou and himself from the guy, but there was nothing he could have done to prevent that horror from happening as long as he didn't see it coming. And, to be fair, there was no way Zach could have predicted Lou's reaction to the stranger's provocation and protect the man from her.

Without a word, he stepped farther into the dark unfamiliar room, running both bloodied hands through his hair with a deep breath to calm himself down. Asking if she was okay or what she thought they should do now sounded unnatural and forced; whoever put such lines in movies was horrible at their job. He wanted to know why she reacted the way she did, but the question waited for the right moment, too. Zach stood there in silence for what felt like ages, until he turned to Lou at some point and the realization that their clothes were covered in the stranger's blood finally sank in.

[reevezs]

//continued from here with @pleinsdemuses

"You are embarrassing."

The voice coming from behind Zach didn't surprise him at all, and he rolled his eyes, downing the rest of the water he had. "Pour me some more," he muttered, staring at the screen, waiting for Alba to reply. It wasn't until she answered that he realized what his brother meant this whole time. Thank god one of them was good at hints and reading between the lines because Zach wouldn't have figured this out alone. Eric's teasing helped him notice what would have otherwise gone unnoticed. If he made this awkward she would run back to her place where her ex would find her and Zach would be degraded to the least helpful friend she had. Out of all the options he chose the only one with a huge neon sign above it: DO NOT TOUCH. But maybe he could fix it.

[text Alba] Thanks, you're the best 💙5 mins and I'm omw.

[text Alba] Okay. Let's not pretend it never happened. I don't want you to think I was joking or anything.

[reevezs]

//closed starter for @scinglives

Zach was more than used to people staring at him when they noticed he was listening to music on something that belonged in a museum. He attracted a lot of attention for someone who loved being invisible, but he stopped paying attention to such details a long, long time ago. "Music makes bad things bearable and good things wonderful." He looked up at the other, switching cassettes in his Walkman and once he was done, he held up the device. "But this... This makes the whole experience even better."

[reevezs]

Zach smiled a little - he didn't think it was bad to feel nice when someone was not around anymore. He liked being alone in general, but some people used to be annoying or pure horrible back in high school. Much as that didn't mean they remained that way or had gotten even worse, neither he nor Sophie – or anyone else for that matter – owed their classmate a chance to redeem themselves. Not to mention that high school wasn't Zach's favorite period either, in general, and for many reasons. "It was okay but I'm feeling much better right now, right here," he replied with a little shrug, then added jokingly, "The list of people I could miss is rather short, too."

The name brought back all the stick bug-themed memories and Zach snorted in amusement. "Yes! Sarah! Oh man, she was so weird..." The pot calling the kettle black. "Yeah... I wonder if she always greets her former classmates like that, but I'll dye my hair even more blue. Just in case."

They reached their destination right on time; usually, being punctual pleased him greatly, but Zach stopped to wait a little longer before they entered the club. He turned to Sophie with a somewhat apologetic smile. "You can go inside if you wanna, I'll join you in a sec. I like to... calm down a little before I go somewhere... Crowded."

"It's weird not being around folks from back then, but also a little nice? Oh, that probably sounds bad," and she didn't mean Zach. Zach was cool in her book. She couldn't imagine many folks taking time out of their day to help someone they hadn't seen in forever have a better day, "Don't get me wrong, high school was okay, but it felt like I had be a certain way around everyone and now I get to break out of that box, you know?"

Oh, she's rambling now and not even sure she was making sense, but Zach bringing up the stick bugs made her giggle. "Oh, I think it was Sarah. With an H," she scrunched her nose as she listened, "Ick. That's gross on her part. I feel like she should have been able to tell that you were you."

[reevezs]

[ speak ] sender leans in to hear receiver better as they're talking

ACTION PROMPTS FOR LEANING

"I'm telling you, something's wrong with this guy. He's an NPC." Zach crossed his arms on the table, eyes glued to the stranger he had been watching for the past few minutes. He wasn't someone who enjoyed staring at random people or risked coming off as a creep, but the man was acting strangely and Zach was curious why. More importantly, he wanted to know if Adam felt the same about it or not.

"Just look at him – he's just standing there now, but it's as if he's stuck in some loop. Next, he's gonna pick up that mug, examine it, and put it back before moving on to the pink one." Zach sighed, shaking his head. "Such a weirdo..."

He waited a bit and, of course, when the man picked up the first mug, Zach almost jumped in his seat. "See? See?! He's a fucking NPC!"

[reevezs]

"Safe. When I'm with you I feel so safe." - from Lian to Zach ❤️

𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐓𝐄𝐑 (𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐀𝐃𝐃 𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐂𝐄.)

@twistedhxart

Zach mouthed a surprised "wow", smiling at Lian. He didn't expect to hear something like that from him; how could an introverted guy like him make anyone feel safe when some of the simplest tasks sounded like a whole damn quest to him? Still, he appreciated his words a lot and how they made him feel safe.

"Am I trying too hard?" He asked openly, in case Lian's opinion matched his exes' words. "Cause you feeling safe is all I want."

[reevezs]

"I could even give you a straw if I knew for certain it'd make you go suck the energy out of someone else."

[reevezs]

//closed starter for @pleinsdemuses

He'd never risk someone taking their pictures and helping Alba's ex find her, but it was one of those small, rather private, events where they could feel safe, knowing no one would try and sell those photos anywhere. Zach wasn't sure if celebs' birthdays counted as parties Alba would want to attend, but he wanted to take her somewhere without necessarily putting her in an awkward position. So, without overthinking it like he usually did, Zach accepted his invitation almost as soon as his brother, which was unusual.

"No one compares to you tonight," he whispered, putting his arm around her waist and looked around as if for good measure. If anything, he wanted to make sure everyone knew she looked perfect.

[reevezs]

//continued from here with @sadiesawyer

He wondered if filtering games like this actually helped to avoid some problems in the future. Not that he would hand an eight-year-old one of the said titles, not even for science, but he knew some people were prone to violence regardless of the movies and games they had enjoyed as kids. Maybe it was a means of prevention and a way of keeping one's conscience clear.

"Nintendo counts as very mature when you start losing and inventing new swear words," he said with the tiniest wink. "I will not ask if you've played any of my games on your stream."

[reevezs]