saltyxtides

[saltyxtides]

MONTGOMERY WARDEYN && DR. WARDEYN.

Monty was too in her own head to catch on this wasn't her brother. Witch gifts or not it was a pretty big leap to go assuming someone had gone and switched bodies even if someone was acting a little off.

All she really knew was her brother kept calling her impatient when she already told him she had a Valentine's date waiting. She rather liked the idea of keeping a guy waiting a little. It keeps them in anticipation and lets them know she's hardly desperate. They weren't THAT important. So, she didn't mind too much playing out her brother's incessant need to check up on his mother.

He continued to say things that seemed a little weird, but he was weird, so she just kept thinking he's having a weirder day than usual. It must be the holiday hype. The excitement must be too much for wee Bayden and his boring life.

Leave his meds out this. Blah blah blah. She rolled her eyes.

As for ponies and Star Wars? She turned it around on him.

"Of course I do. Every time you call the family tv."

Monty would show no apparent attention or notice to the apparition or vision showing all the more it was all in Celeste's view. Well, Celeste's view from within Bayden's body, or so it would seem.

Monty crossed her arms as her brother kept dragging out reasons to dance. That was the most unusual. It was usually him begging her to hurry up and she'd be lucky if he wasn't begging for more when it was over and have to put her foot down.

There he was trying to be clever again with the sparklers from last July still sitting in the garage.

"Okay. Okay. Cute."

Then Bayden decided to put on a song through his phone though she always had hers ready for him. The theme was appropriate to her. Unknown to Celeste, or maybe she did, but it was a song the brother and sister had shared before. If Celeste got anything right wearing a Bayden skin suit, she got that right. It was his passive aggessive attitude on the world all wrapped up in a song. Passive aggression was something Bayden was great at reading and dishing. Maybe Celestis just liked the song or maybe she found it on his playlists and just chose randomly. Whatever reason Celeste chose it the real Bayden may never get to know. But, that was what no one understood about Bayden at this point in his life that actually knew him. Maybe he was set up, but it didn't matter. He chose every step along the way. He chose to stay in this bumsack asylum of a Hellspace and make it his own paradise. He fucking loved his mother and sister in spite of it all.

Then Monty would finally get that traditional dance, the one Bayden and she had every year. This is when from within the windows of Bayden's blue eyes Celeste would actually see the family fun he clings to.

Monty would dance.

She wouldn't just stand there like a lump at her brother's side tracking the time like she wanted it to be over already. No. She smiled. She swayed. She whooshed her hair to the side and curled his tattooed hands into hers in a playful way. She'd giggle and try to make him turn out to spin her. She'd even sing the last few lines out loud with him like the song was a celebration between them and their life was a party nobody else was invited to. It'd be a proper dance that got a little silly and rambunctious near the end.

"My waaaaaaay!"

Then they'd see a flash because of course late in life Judith would have her flash set on her phone.

"Aww, my BayBay. Home. My sweet perfect children."

Jude entered the room with a light in her eyes, a dainty glass in her hand, and satin robe, and bare feet.

"I didn't know you were coming. What a perfect night."

She sounded too tipsy and full of joy to be upset Monty pulled Bayden home without permission first.

"I got it." She shook her phone. She was so happy she managed to get a shot of them dancing. She stuck her tongue out at them feeling sneaky.

She'd come right up and embrace Bayden like she hadn't seen him in years. It was certainly a special ocassion greeting hug. She'd start popping kisses all over the side of his cheeks while she had him in her grasp.

There was an experience Celestis would never have known from her own psychiatrist. Kisses and hugs like family instead of professional distance. Now she was inside Bayden's body really getting the Bayden's life experience.

Then she'd twirl her finger, "Keep it going Monty-girl. My stunning girl." She meant the music. "Let it run." She didn't know who's phone it was coming from. Her hips would sway and she took Monty's hand and they'd take a moment to dance a square or two around the family room.

She'd swirl her way over to the counter and leaned as the joy never stopped. "I'm next, you know." She pointed at Bayden. "You're giving your momma a dance too. I want a dance from my boy. My boy. My boy. My boy who came to save me from having to spend Valentine's dancing alone." She was refilling her glass.

Even Monty would stroke Bayden's ego here and say, "You know he's always there to save you, Mom."

"Oh, I know. I know. My boy loves me. What do you got?" She teased Monty.

Monty laughed and smiled, "A date. I'll leave this to you two."

It was all a fun and fancy free type feeling the moment Jude entered the room. She wasn't in director mode. She was in mom mode in the comfort of her own home.

"No no. One more before you go." Jude plead so tickled inside by the whole thing. "Then you can make those boys out there suffer wanting you. My so pretty girl."

Then Celeste would have to stand there in Bayden's body and watch as mother and daughter danced a fun and laughter filled dance Witchraft. Another Frankie song. "Pull me some Witchcraft, BayBay." She knew Bayden would have a whole playlist of Sinatra because she knew her brother. The song would just make the pair laugh and giggle. Jude would throw her head back as Monty spun her. This was Wardeyn family fun.

He... she could watch as the mother/daughter pair shared some fun filled laughter in the family room. Monty called over, "Look what you got me into, Bay." But, she wouldn't look upset at all. Just fun and silliness.

Jude would put the back of her hand on her head after like she was winded with glee. "Oh my. These dancing feet still have a little kick in them." She went over to take a sip of her glass.

Monty would finally pick up her phone to leave. She hadn't seen Bayden's text just yet. She was too busy with the momma ambush. As she gathered her handbag to go and with Jude so happy, to the outside looking in, it might have looked like the most normal happy family ever. They could be a beautiful family portrait. The real Bayden lived for these moments sitting in his little assisted living house watching his old home from afar. They didn't come often.

---

The real Bayden back at the asylum was still in Rowan's body, the girl who Celestis jumped into and who's body he always knew as his friend Rowan until recently. The girl who he'd known for so many years wasn't even the girl he thought she was, but in that he also came to realize no matter what name she went by, it had always been the same person since he'd known that body whether she'd stolen it or not. Accidently or not.

But right now none of that was in his-her head. He was Rowan now. The only thing in his head was knowing he was missing time with his sister. She only came once a month unless there was a holiday. Inside he was longing for it. Every time his mother passed him in the halls of Briarcliff and didn't recognize him he didn't feel the freedom he thought he might. He felt lost. Absolutely misplaced. He felt like he was slowly disappearing like he might just vanish. For as many times as he wished to be invisible the feeling was absolutely atrocious.

He knew if this was how Celestis felt every time she accidently touched someone her life fucking sucked. No wonder she wanted to sit around in Briarcliff and waste away.

He put on a dress. It was Valentine's Day. There was always some games and fun in the community room. It took everything in him to not cry. He tried to focus on going out to join Clarrissa. She might have been a mute child, but at least someone still liked him. Even facing Clarrissa without being his complete self felt daunting. She didn't get the same light in her eyes he was used to from being pals for so long in there. It was the same with the nurses. Janet. He had no refuge. The staff he was buddies with, the inside jokes were all gone.

He was trying to get to know her life, but it was hard.

He was alone.

He wasn't sure he could do it. Not today of all days. ( @montywonmom )

Being in Bayden's body — his younger SISTER was b l i s s f u l l y unaware of anything about the real Bayden beneath the surface she knew.

Regardless of there own soulful paranoia in BAYDEN'S b o d y Montgomery would never suspect the outlandish truth — that her OLDER b r o t h e r wasn't her OLDER b r o t h e r today. That idea of a body switch? Even for Montgomery that was a bridge too far.

Even for a WITCH — that was a b r i d g e too far.

But sparklers ablaze as the music started && a song Montgomery shared with Bayden — Bayden's own little PASSIVE a g g r e s i v e anthem — snuck in through there choice. Did THEY k n o w? It was all just a coincidence — as the real Bayden might never know there reasoning — but it DIDN'T m a t t e r to Montgomery.

This song was like a magic spell — an gateway into the kind of private && A N N O Y I N G s i b l i n g ritual they’d share. IF a n y t h i n g — Montgomery would think — he got that right.

At first they HALF h e a r t e d l y played along. Not because they wanted too but because Montgomery was a bundle of to much movement for them to keep up with in the dark as they were waiting for the cue to happen as they practiced so many times before —

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew When I bit off more than I could chew But through it all, when there was doubt

With Montgomery's hand in one of Bayden's tattooed one's they'd finally turn out to spin Montgomery. While the other hand slipped into Bayden's LEATHER j a c k e t sneakily && pulled out the surprise they had for Montgomery the way they imagined over && over && over.

I ate it up and spit it out I faced it all, and I stood tall And did it MY w a y

Letting the cheap chain drop revealing a Pure Silver 1937 Rose & Leaf Spoon Heart Necklace dangling in front of Montgomery when they spun them back in towards them. THERE w a y.

When they were investigating the House during the time they stayed for Christmas as Bayden. They hoped to find answers about the ' History of the House ' && ' Property ' in search of secrets that might help them solve where those things could be stored away but in there investigation they found a stray dusty old silver spoon in the attic.

The tools in the garage worked wonders. Montgomery can't be jealous of DR.W a r d e y n either as they now each have there own pendent.

The bright flash of DR.W a r d e y n ' s phone going off capturing the moment they were putting the necklace on Montgomery.

DAMN. There was a part of them hoping there would be no true record of today. In the kind of way that Bayden won't ever have to look back on the time they weren't there. Why they've done this all there way from the very b e g i n n i n g.

“ Mom! You’re ruining my dramatic moment! ” Exaggeratedly taking on an Emperor Kuzco tone as if emphasizing someone interrupted there groove.

Moments later, when the sounds of their silly little dance party filled the living room, them as Bayden couldn’t help but feel a flicker of dread. In those fleeting seconds, perhaps the weight of the world could be crashing down on them after all. HELP. They are in need of an p s y c h i a t r i s t.

They had grown up without a family of there own && the one they thought was there family betrayed them. This moment sparked a trigger to remember that moment of a traitor. So all that warmth && affection passing between them — the familial closeness was both strange && causing PTSD within them. It's worse when they quickly have to squash it down, burying there problems beneath a Bayden who wrapped there arm around DR. W a r d e y n acting as if they felt the total opposite as they do.

EVERYTHING was n o r m a l. EVERYTHING was f i n e.

As they danced, oblivious to anything but the present, they felt a tinge of worry creeping in the back of there mind. A whisper of doubt about DR. W a r d e y n ' s drinking. As if trying to focus on something else. Anything else. Because being there in that moment was like being in an den of snakes — GRACEFUL yet d e a d l y.

" Looks like I'm not the only one who can pull off some moves, huh? " They quipped as Montgomery && DR. W a r d e y n danced together trying to play along with the lightness of the moment. Messing with the phone to play the song DR. W a r d e y n so suggested. Watching as mother && daughter fell easily into a rhythm of there own swaying to Witchcraft

Trying to craftily pour some of DR. W a r d e y n ' s alcohol down a fake plant . . . as they hoped that was a fake plant! They didn't have enough time to water down DR. W a r d e y n ' s alcohol so pouring a little of them out in the dark in what they pray to be a fake plant worked for them.

HID a f e w open bottles. STOLEN a f e w sips themselves. Glad Montgomery distracted DR. W a r d e y n as they worried something bad would happen to Bayden's mom once they all left — guilty of association if something does happen — the accidents lurking where unfathomable.

“ Oh, you’ll live! ” They quipped playfully, arms crossed, watching them share a moment so simple yet if they were the real Bayden must feel like undeniably precious. Though all they felt was cold anxiousness && fear clawing at there chest.

It felt like they were seeing Bayden’s world through his eyes — this raw — uncomplicated joy that had kept him so fiercely tied to his family. But what Bayden was clinging to && why he might love this HELLs p a c e of a world so fiercely.

Though Bayden also had to wake up too. They mirrored each other in a way — in the kind of way that Bayden's family gave him up — as much as Rowan themselves gave her up. Only difference was they felt they were never going to stop until all that was wronged was righted. While Bayden carried the weight very differently then themselves that took a lot of strength they didn't have.

THAT t r a i t o r was going to pay. If it's the last thing they EVER d o. They just have to remember it all first . . . as it was scattered && fractured for now.

" Don't forget to text me, " They called as they watched a rushed Montgomery leave. Wrapping there arms behind DR. W a r d e y n embracing them from behind, resting there chin on her shoulder gently. " Happy Valentine's Day Mom. " As if they had waited to tell her privately. It seemed like a Bayden thing to do. Though if they were being honest had no idea what to do. Only thing they aimed for was DR. W a r d e y n ' s glass yoinking it out of DR. W a r d e y n ' s hands gently of course.

" You still have enough kick to dance with me? "

[saltyxtides]

TRAITOR | Fierce Orchestral Strings Music

[saltyxtides]

SALTY TIDES TAG DUMP ! *

[saltyxtides]

☪ —— Scars.   

Scars have always served as a powerful reminder of both the physical && emotional journey(s).  

For Rowan && Celestis there scars vividly illustrate there abusive childhood growing up in the care of Katherine Greene:

Along Rowan’s spine is a burn mark of a upright cross.

One look at both of Rowan’s ribs && one can’t really tell where scars or her rib indentions begin.  There’s just to many scared over laceration marks to make sense of it.

At first glance Rowan may look like she has freckles along her upper arms, shoulder blades, chest, && stomach.  But getting a closer look will show those weren’t freckles at all but cigarette && taser burns scattered about her body.

[saltyxtides]

The Owl House: Hunter Theme - The Golden Guard

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MONTGOMERY WARDEYN.

Sibling what?  Code of conduct?

She sneered her nose at the wording. Bayden suddenly sounded like he was raised in Catholic school or maybe he’d been watching too much Brit tv. What the fuck? 

She let that weirdness go when he asked to call him more. 

“Okay? I know damn well you have a phone. I thought you didn’t like we couldn’t be completely honest there in case people were listening. But, okay. Don’t think I don’t see what you’re doing. You’re trying to check up on my dates again. You worry too much. I can take care of myself, but if it makes you feel better, I will.” 

Celeste hit on one unknowingly with that one and scored big for Bayden. He might not know it yet, but if Monty followed through, he would be thankful later. Shocked and thankful. 

When Bayden pointed to the cams she shook her head. “Stop foiling my dreams, Bay.” She crossed her arms and pouted when she realized she was wrong. 

Then there came something to bring her back up. 

“A surprise? For me? What are you talking about now?” 

She looked around at the chinzy tackiness of it all. 

“You are right about that. I do deserve better.” 

Once they were talking about Janet and he was trying to steer her away from it Monty continued to be wow-ed and weirded out by the manner in which Bayden spoke. It was just so flowery. It seemed off, but funny. 

“Why do you sound like a mashup of Star Wars, My Little Pony, and Friends with a dash of wannabe Deadpool only you’re not pulling any of them off?” She was laughing softly poking fun at how he spoke which was probably a good thing because it distracted her from the actual conversation’s topic more than what the fake Bayden was trying to do. Celeste’s flowery way of speaking was definitely catching her ear and seemed to over do it when trying to act like a don’t-care-boy, sort of like Amanda Bynes in She’s the Man. She just didn’t quite pull it off and if an audience was watching it would be pretty damn fun. It also wasn’t enough to make Monty jump to any crazy conclusions like it wasn’t her brother in that skin, but it certainly raised a brow. 

“Oswald?” Monty shrieked shrill at Bayden’s analogy of himself in a suit because Monty knew something else Celeste didn’t know. 

“And that’s a bad thing? I mean it is for me, maybe not for you, but  I told you never to bring your obsession with him up again. Your celebrity crush on him got way too descriptive and TMI for even me of all things you wanted to do to that man, brother dear. You are out of hand, Bayden. You did that on purpose just to put all those images back in my head, didn’t you? Sneaky, sneaky. I’ll get you back for that.” 

Sibling stories were spilling. Bayden’s secrets were too. Celebrity crush. Robin Lord Taylor. Now she knows. Rogue wasn’t the only comic book character brought to life on screen Bayden had an affinity for. 

It seemed after that Bayden tried to save face after Monty’s mocking and speak about who he danced with in real life. Screw fake crushes. Something real happened to him? Monty lifted yet another brow. 

“Shhh. Oh my gawd Bayden. We’re a little close to the house to be saying that place’s name out loud. Mom’ll gut you. You know she’s terrified of you loving him more than her. You and your daddy issues. AND don’t say that’s crazy because we both already know she’s crazy. But okaaaaaaaaay. Okay. I believe you. You danced with a girl. Your secrets are safe with me. Always are. You know that.” 

She still sneered her nose up because there was no telling what Bayden got up to in the Hotel Cortez. It was the family’s weak spot when it came to Bayden. It was where they fucked up and let out his leash too far. 

“But you are talking weird. You are just extra today, Bay. Did they change your meds again? You always get weird when they change your meds.” 

Everything got light again with the tale of their childhood. It felt good to Monty to relive it. She parked in the garage and the door would close behind them. Once it down they were safe. 

“Safe. It’s down. You can sit up. We’re home. We can act normal now. No more show for the hospital.” 

She’d get out and head into the house through a side kitchen door. The house was as it always was. 

“Mom. We’re home!” Monty called out and set the keys in dish on the counter. 

The doctor’s voice would come from the bathroom way down a long wing in the hall. 

“Thank you for bringing my boy on this day of love. My children are home at last.” Then a big splash was heard as she laughed kicking her feet around in her bubbles. 

Monty’s eyes shifted over to Bayden, “Told ya and looky there, still alive. Not drowned yet. Worry wart.”  “Now, what’s the surprise? And our dance before figures out how to get out of the tub or let me guess. You have to go help her first?”  ( @montywonmom )

Today was shaping up to be more of a Valentine's DAYMARE than a s i b l i n g celebration.

Everything had turned out to be ROCKY at best && the weight of unresolved emotions hung heavily in themselves.

“ I KNOW, I k n o w. It’s just that I care, okay? You’re not just my little sister. You're my ONLY l i t t l e sister Monty. I can’t help but think about all the potential creeps out there. GOOD at l e a s t text once in a while if you can't call me. ”

Not that they believed in Montgomery to keep her word. Relying on her was more often a gamble or a risk more times than not ending in disappointment. There was no doubt Bayden countlessly had reached out only for his efforts to dissolve into the quicksand of her busy lifestyle/ignoring her big brother. Yet the urge to connect — to try was far stronger than the fear of not trying to help Bayden in the very end.

It honestly sucks to like someone, let alone care. They already learned what happens when you do. It never works out in the end.

They NEEDED to s t a y focused. They NEEDED to not s c r e w this up. But doubts lurked in the corners of the back of there mind whispering deceptive thoughts that threatened to unravel there focus. Each passing whisper fed off there anxiety only amplifying the sense of urgency that coursed through their veins.

Knowing the bond he had with his sister was significant to Bayden himself && rather than letting the day's LESS-than-g l a m o r o u s moments push && pull as they urgently were rushing Montgomery. They needed to make sure DR. W a r d e y n was ok.

" I'll stop foiling your DREAMS when you stop being i m p a t i e n t, " a faint smirk on Bayden's features as they continued to walk alongside Montgomery.

" SEE? You're being Impatient a g a i n! I guess I'll keep foiling your dreams when you least expect me to. " Knowing full well that Bayden himself would have relished in a little game with his sister like this priding on being the dream disruptor to his sister jokingly. Keeping her hopefully intrigued about her valentine surprise at least as they held a certain smugness && ignored her on purpose.

Not that the oddly oversized absurdity of cheesy Valentine decorations clinging to the white walls desperately trying to make something out of nothing. That ' CHINTZY t a c k i n e s s ' couldn’t be helped — neither could it overshadow how they felt about themselves being Bayden in the moment.

Desperately trying to make something out of nothing. Trying so desperately to be someone else — all over again.

Wow. More than anything they were slightly impressed Montgomery knew the words ' Star Wars ' let alone ' My Little Pony '.

" Did I just hear you say My Little Pony? Star Wars? I bet you secretly watch My Little Pony when no ones around, " Half in disbelief && half in shock && half joking for once.

" Maybe not that DRAMATIC, but a bit more — expressive && a tiny bit nervous than usual . . . " A tiny bit nervous was an understatement as they stared at the ceiling of Montgomery's car questioning when they were going to figure out they were a fake.

Only underneath the lightness in the moment was a level of anxiety that couldn't be comprehended in the kind of way that felt like they've done wrong.

" How dare you! I'm simply expressing my 50-s h a d e s-of love for Robin Lord Taylor!!! "

An ache flaring in there chest as they were learning things about Bayden from someone else && not exactly from himself hit very different. Each little detail shared felt like a knife — twisting with the realization that this felt invasive. That's not the way they wanted to know him. Shoving the thoughts from there mind as that's the least of there problems right now but a sharp ache still remained.

If she wants sneaky. They'll show Montgomery sneaky. Whipping Bayden's phone out so secretly && with a bit of heavy concentration to do what they wanted to do while Montgomery drove they sent her a text && an image from the backseat!

[ 📱 — text to Montgomery from Bayden ] Nothing freaky to see here at all. [ X ]

" You do know HOUSES can't hear r i g h t? Please seek professional help if you start hearing houses Monty. The crazy in our Mom doesn't fall to far from the crazy in us. We just make it lOoK gOoD. Minus your expert level on house whispering now! So rude of you keeping that from me. That's why you need to CALL me m o r e. But yea. Don't tell Mom. I'll also keep your HOUSE w h i s p e r i n g from Mom too. "

Joking into it more than trying to take what she said seriously or to heavy, because they know how Bayden felt about Hotel Cortez && at the same time they can't say they feel the same way as them. They've only been there once.

" Leave my meds out of this!!! I'm doing this MY w a y this year, " as if her big brother has had this moment in his mind for a while. Yet she's been questioning them ever since they arrived at Briarcliff. Being reminded of an pitbull that won't let go of it's toy.

Though in all trueness, they couldn't compare to the real Bayden. However, they did plan this in case of this happening. Only thing they wished they could change was there situation with Bayden prior. In the kind of way to prepare themselves to be the Bayden Montgomery expects to be would have helped more then trying to grasp into improv.

" Ha ha Monty VERY f u n n y. " They retorted not so amused. Now that they were actually in a parked car. Getting up slowly from the back seat of her car as soreness throbbed from there stomach.

Only the moment they open the car door to get out there was a familiar rancid smell overwhelming them.

The KIND of s m e l l that they knew wasn't existent but only in there mind. Casually stepping out of the car into the garage there ' IT ' was again.

On the cemented ground of the garage the visage of a dead girl again laid a few ways away from them, as they recall seeing her near the laundry room last time they visited. Her skin swollen about to split any moment. Once a beautiful young girl but now just a tangled decaying rot of a mess.

As that smell that filled the entire garage was like potted meat left in the sun. It doesn't help that the empty glassy appearance of it's eyes followed them like a Decayed-Mona-Lisa, as the veins around it's eyes appeared black making it much harder to pry there own attention away.

They knew she wasn't real, or actually there, but that didn't mean it didn't startle them.

Or was it? They question to themselves that there might be more to Bayden. With so many EYES on h i m, they couldn't investigate the matter on there own without the questions being raised if there was something wrong with him.

After all, if they ' SWAP b o d i e s ' why couldn't Bayden see thing's that other's can't? His family tree comes from a LINE of w i t c h e s/w i z a r d s.

Where the voices more than just voices && the things they see more than just that. Or where they projecting what they desire Bayden to be?

But why it had moved from the Laundry Room to the Garage? Did it move because ' IT ' followed them in the kind of way they spent some time in the garage back in Christmas? Or had it moved to lead them. In the kind of way that the dead girl was trying to show Bayden something.

It won't be solved standing around making Montgomery suspect something was wrong with them. They already had enough to actually worry about right now. Closing the car door gently as if everything was normal. No smell. No dead girl. Just them walking over to pick up something they hid during Christmas that they needed to use.

Following Montgomery into DR.W a r d e y n ' s home through the side kitchen door. It looked exactly the same when they visited.

But it was such a relief to hear DR.W a r d e y n ' s voice, to feel a burden weight lift from her shoulders.

Never had they ever felt so awkward && out of place standing there in an actual family unit. Dysfunctional. But still a family unit. Better then Rowan's && her own situation anyway.

The way there tongue felt thick && full of cotton suddenly. As if anything they wanted to say back in that moment wouldn't come out. Staring down the hallway where DR. W a r d e y n ' s voice came from.

“ ALRIGHT, a l r i g h t ! I won’t jump to help Mom just yet, ” they said, crossing there arms with playful mock sternness. “ But you’re RIGHT, we should probably dance like nobody’s w a t c h i n g before she sets sail on her bubble sea. ”

On that note they began walking past Montgomery with ease && little hesitation as if they've known this house all there life.

" Stay here for a second Monty I want to do something first — " they sounded more serious as they went to the living room && though they felt terribly stupid, in the kind of way that made them feel utterly embarrassed.

They put 5 sparklers In the shape of an ' M ' for Montgomery in a aluminum can they already put holes in to hold them. Finding them around Christmas when they where restless.

Turning off the living room lights leaving it nicely dark enough. Fiddling with Bayden's phone ready as they lowered the volume so it wasn't hella loud after lighting one sparkler after another until they were all lit, sparkling in that ' M ' for her to clearly see.

" You can come look now, " not so loud but just loud enough for Montgomery to catch.

lıllılı.ıllı.ılılıılıı.lllııılı. Now Playing [My Way] 0:07 ———♡——— 4:36 ◁◁ ▐ ▌ ▷▷

" — Montgomery Wardeyn will you do me the honor of having this dance with me? "

[saltyxtides]

MONTGOMERY WARDEYN.

Bayden was one of the most cuddly people on the planet despite his off putting personality and when he finally put his arm up around her Monty felt more signs of him. Between the home-spun gifting so simple and the quickness for affection she had no reason to suspect anything was up in this room.

Until he refused to dance. 

Celeste told Bayden she wouldn’t try to ruin his life with family, but it seemed her own stubbornness couldn’t help itself. 

Celeste said to Bayden Monty would sniff it out because she was a witch too. Nah. She could sniff it out because Celeste couldn’t follow one simple lead set before her. 

When families have traditions you don’t break them. She even just heard Monty say out loud Bayden was the one who made up this tradition giving Celeste the biggest clue how important this was to Bayden and Monty really comes here every year just for him to do this. Celeste was fucking up by not just going through the motions and moving along. She was tipping Monty off is what she was doing sucking at acting like Bayden at all.

Why does it matter if we don’t do it this year?

“Because it’s what we do. It’s our tradition. It’s how I know you love me. You’re acting weird. Not your regular weird. Actual weird.”  

She shook her head no. She wasn’t going to stop.

Then up she went forced off his lap. As her mind was reliving the Valentine’s Day the tradition was made up she almost became turned into a boiling pot of rage because she knew things right now Celeste did not. The Bay turned this into being worried for mommy. She narrowed her eyes at him. She stood there with little white knuckled fist balls at her sides and straight arms. It was the only thing he could have said to simmer her down and make her believe in any sort of way something might have been more important than the dance. The stupid mamma’s boy. Thank fuck he was so that he was so easy to manipulate. They did need Jude alive.

“Fine, but we’ll dance in the house before I go. I’ll hate giving mom the satisfaction of knowing how mushy we get, but I’m getting my dance. I blame you. My date can wait. I’m worth it.”

Personal life? Shrugging her off and going vague with terms like personal life? Who did he think he was talking to? He wasn’t an employee speaking to a boss. This wasn’t work. This was his sister. They didn’t have boundaries like that. Personal life? That’s what she came for so he could talk to someone for real because he lied to all the doctors. They both knew that. She was who went to about his personal life. So this instantly made no sense now. She was his real person and now he was going to suddenly build a wall?  – At least, Monty thought she was his real person. Truly, she was. At least, Bayden attempted to make a real person out of Rowan because of the things he couldn’t open up to Monty. But, Rowan started to be a sucky friend too. You know you’re a sucky friend when Bayden decides he likes his sister better than you.

“What personal life? Look, if this is about Janet again her husband doesn’t know. If she’s acting weird again she’s just scared of getting caught, but that’s half the thrill for her anyway. I have already gotten the last janitor that was going to file a report fired. I said he touched me. I did a mind wipe on her hubs before he could confront her. He’s never going to confront her, Bayden. I got ahead of it all. Really. You’re in the clear. Fuck nurse pussy to your heart’s content. She had a hysterectomy. I don’t really give a fuck if it gives you some excitement in these boring walls and I don’t become an auntie. Just try to be discreet. Just tell me if you think someone saw you guys again so I can deal with it. You know it just snow balls into a bigger mess when you stall.”

He danced with a girl before?

She laughed as she gathered up her gifts and his gift basket so he could go through it at the house.

“Yeah, I know all about your dates to all those medical conventions and galas Mom paid for so you could appear like a nice young man that knew nice girls back when she paraded you around like a patient monkey in a suit. You cleaned up real nice too. Remember the one in the red dress with big puffy brunette hair? The convention you accidently got burnt down? I helped pick her out. She seemed like your type. But you always told me those girls didn’t count. It doesn’t count when your mommy pays them to be on your arm.”

Then she thought about his moments he escaped and his hallucinations. She better check in to be sure he’s okay. She waved them on.

“Change of heart? They count now? Or is my big brother keeping a secret from me?” She started to smile like come on. Let it out. Spill if there’s something’s to tell.

Getting through the hospital and loading up the car would have to go in relative silence because even though much of the staff knew what was going on so Bayden wasn’t unaccounted for during head counts there was still an obscurity to taking a patient with a life sentence without parole dropped in this program off grounds, even if it was just up the hill to the director’s house.

Bayden would be forced to lie down in the backseat where he wouldn’t be seen as they drove up the hill. He knew the routine, but if Celeste messed anything up along the way Monty was sure to remind him. Once safely stowed away she’d say, “Remember the first time I drove you and we snuck away first to get ice cream and Indian food? We laughed so much and you wanted to run away. I asked how we would live. You said I don’t care as long as I have ice cream, and Indian food, and you, every day forever you thought it was so good. I’ll be good I swear. I kept telling you you were good. Mom was so mad by the time we finally went home. I’m surprised she ever trusted me to drive you, her precious boy, ever again.”

But boy oh boy if the real Bayden could read minds. Thank goodness he couldn’t. If he knew Rowan-Celeste-Whatever-She-Wanted-To-Be-Called was judging him all the time the way she was, judging his family, just fucking all of it, daring to act like she had room to judge as if Celeste had a normal bone her body worthy to cast normal judgement… that’d be last she’d ever see of him. Luckily, he could not read minds.

Instead while Celeste was avoiding the dance with his sister the real Bayden was dreaming of it, wishing for it, and missing it so greatly stuck in Rowan’s body he’d… she’d nearly be having a breakdown of their own in silent tears by themselves avoiding everyone for the rest of the day because they were close. Monty and Bayden were close. That was the problem here. Celeste was somehow missing even though they were putting Bayden through all this she was all he had in the whole world. She was his everything. Of course they were close. She was his one and only visitor in the entire fucking world. If the girl wasn’t intelligent enough to figure out these two were close she was going to ruin his life before the day was through because Monty didn’t have to be a witch to figure out something was wrong with Bayden if this was going to keep up.

( @montywonmom​ )  

      THEY tested the water’s that they treaded on.  Montgomery just happened to be the current that demanded there full attention or so god they would certainly find themselves in deeper water.

      ‘ The trick, ’ said the voice in there head, ‘ is to commit your sins in plain sight. ’ as if the voice read there mind.  They needed to switch to there p l a n B.  Not that they were happy about having to do it.

      Sadly.  They fingered the hidden package in the leather jacket’s hidden upper pocket.  That they managed to hide, as Montgomery almost found it earlier if they didn’t stop her from patting his stomach.  Soreness is one factor, as there was also something they didn’t want them finding.  Though they hoped they could have given it to Clarissa, but it was still made with Montgomery in mind, in case they had to go with PLAN b.

      “Ok.  Then what about sibling code of conduct?”

      “If you don’t want me to be salty next year little sister then here’s a solution.  Once a month.  Preferably any sunday.  Call me.  Believe it or not I have a phone.”  Pulling it out && wiggling it to show her the proof that she must already knew about.  Yet there was still another in assistant living house too.

      “Since you’re the one with the busiest schedule.  It’s easier for you to make the call first.  Yea?”  Since being in Bayden’s body a little over a month, they’ve learned a thing or two about them just from observing alone.

      “&& you can start on how much of a DWEEB you’re d a t e was.  Tonight.”  Emphasizing older-ly brother distaste of her date she was going to have tonight.  Bayden’s sister so happily brought to the conversation.  Along with portraying selfish-concern.  After all she was meeting a total stranger that just might psychologically be more fucked up than her.  It’s not that impossible to imagine that Bayden could be worried about there little sister’s well being.  Along with the teasing that it wasn’t SUNDAY but t u e s d a y.

       But using dramatic means to make a point, but underlining that they must miss there younger sister, &&. be concerned all on top of it all, while wishing to connect more felt stronger in leads of Bayden’s side of a brother.

      They could only hope by the time Montgomery calls next time she’ll actually be talking to the real Bayden.  If Montgomery ever called again - one visit a month wasn’t enough effort for them to accept.  Cause regardless of her attitude now, the real Bayden deserved better, && needed more.

       They knew Bayden was SALTY but his sister was certainly s n a p p y.  Couldn’t help but admire the ORIGINAL-d u e t of the Wardeyn siblings. Feeling a grin tug at the corner of there lips.  “What are you talking about Monty?  WE give m o m the satisfaction every year.  Every dance — ” pointing at the ceiling, rolling there finger &&. whistling for dramatic effect, as if circling the surveillance not just from the camera’s around the room, but some of the nurses capturing the successful valentines day event they so provide at Briarcliff Asylum DR.W a r d e y n could use for publicity.

       “I know it’s our TRADITION , it’s i m p o r t a n t to me , && I know it’s important to you too.  Despite everything , we still have each other — ”  

      “ — It’s just this year I wanted . . .  to surprise you?  Do something DIFFERENT for y o u that can’t be done here but you’re hella impatient.  You deserve better then paper doilies && dancing under construction paper hearts Monty. ”  They didn’t lie, going into damage control mode - as they had a plan in mind in case the nuclear reactor was over-heating they thought it through since Christmas.  That’s how far along they planned this in case they had too.

       It also was a drop of a hint. A big brother ruffling his younger sister’s feather’s on the outside playing on her impatient weaknesses.  Only they tested what was possible && what wasn’t from the inside as they were learning as they go.  There not Bayden because in the end, no one could replace the original, but there not dumb enough going into this blindly, they had a little more creativity/planning it was always something that felt familiar to them. 

       Slowly turning around, walking backwards as there hands would jam into the front pockets of Bayden’s signature leather jacket.  There was something soft.  A soft muffling clanking sound being jostled around in that LEATHER j a c k e t of his that clearly would peak Montgomery’s interest as they wouldn’t have stopped until she had recognized the sound was coming off them.  As they wouldn’t give it/reveal it until they got back to the house it seemed.

       They hoped the little hints being dropped might lower there blood pressure, cause Montgomery couldn’t hide her anger veins if her life depended on it!  All they could HOPE for was that they border lined thought — maybe she just got to close to something Bayden didn’t want her to find so quickly > That sitting on his lap might have made them overly nervous — Could have outright panicked && moved her without thinking twice about it > doing all they could to try to cover for it only saying the first thing that came to mind.  H o p e f u l l y.

       . . .  They were silent for a moment as they pivoted forward, as they were wanted to be angry but couldn’t.  Bayden’s own sister talked about a cheap version of what happened to her own mother when there where plenty of other ways - tactics - to get someone fired.  To carelessly use sexual assault as a means of an end knowing the person they are talking too?

‘ ...I was never wanted just some accident of rape okay ’   ‘ ...I don’t belong on this fucking earth. I shouldn’t fucking exist ’

       It was like going back as they saw the ghostly visage of that night play in the back of there head.  Remembering the pain in Bayden’s face as Rowan, hearing the hurt in his voice as Rowan that night.  Worse they couldn’t get mad — not for what DR.W a r d e y n or for BAYDEN been through because of it.  

       “ You know this conversation is starting to snow ball into an avalanche, because I’ve temporarily taken a hiatus on nurses.  FOCUS l e s s on Janet - that was so last month but don’t quote me on it cause it’ll probably be back in next month.  BUT concentrate m o r e on the pressing matters that my life right now is glitteringly — coarse && rough && irritating && messily everywhere && not worth much to bother about. ”  It’s basically like glitter. If it was a feeling, that’s how they felt.  The problems they struggled with as they couldn’t exactly tell Monty everything, but they also couldn’t lie either or be damned by getting caught by a Witches intuition.  They met in the middle of things.

       They had forgotten about that.  Briefly remembering seeing Bayden dress up a couple times in a PENGUIN-s u i t e /  FORMAL-s u i t e as all that sounded a lot like glorified torture, && it made a little more sense as they snorted with humor.  “ I looked liked Oswald Cobblepot on a bad day. ”  They wanted to smile, the kind of smile that would reflect that they were thinking of someone that they liked-a u g h aware of?  Bayden stature in a suite reminded them of cosplaying Oswald Cobblepot, the Robin Lord Taylor version, at least.  They wanted to be mean && tease him about it now.  Feeling a massive curiosity too, unfortunately they couldn’t tap into memory's of Bayden to pry what Montgomery meant when — convention you accidently got burnt down.  Feeling instantly && unreasonably annoyed but it didn’t change a thing about themselves to show it.

       “Keep taken cheap shots at me aye?  Is it about time I tell you?  SHOULD I s p i l l?”  Obviously as they where baiting Montgomery, while they were thinking about what to even say!  That memory was something that Bayden didn’t even tell his sister, regardless of him not believing they were real.  They didn’t want to tell her.  They liked that she didn’t know.  Until the answer came out all on it’s own solving itself.  

       “ TSK. T s k.  Tsk.  You forgot I used to work at Hotel Cortez — && I danced with one hot mamá.  One HOT d r u n k mamá — ” to be fair, if there was someone Bayden would dance with.  They could certainly visualize Bayden doing something that near amusing anyway.  If he locks DJ’s in bathroom’s to heist the music playlist there’s wiggle room to work with here. “ — but don’t go telling MOM t h a t.  That’s just stays between the two of us now. ”  All jokes aside && banter with Montgomery there was a feeling — a feeling that caused the hair on the back of there neck to stand up.  Alarmed by it.

       For a long moment they’re demeaner changed after reaching a certain point with Montgomery as it obviously made them feel the weight of it.  Slowing there steps enough to have them walking side by side, slowly falling a hair behind her so she was in front.  Not sure how to act . . . but they didn’t ignore what they felt && kept a solemnness to them.  Committed to the silence, even it wasn’t what Montgomery was used to.

       They did not know the weight of the danger Bayden was in, but they could understand what they where getting themselves involved.  Only it didn’t stop the skin prickling along there back, as it wouldn’t have made sense to sit somewhere like the front.  Honestly, regardless of them doing it wrong.  They seemed to prefer the backseat.  There could be a lot of Karen’s out there, && being in Bayden’s sister’s car, no doubt would have a lot of EYES on t h e m.  Regardless of having to take a moment to lie down --- holding there breath as they hid the painful soreness erupting from there abdomen until they where flat on there back.  

       Those words rang in Bayden’s brain.  They felt themselves sinking in the backseat as there was no recollection.  There mind was numb && the body fluttered with minor panic.  It’s not something there used to.  The concept of family.  The concept of being raised properly, as it’s easy to tell DR.W a r d e y n loved them in her own way.  There are some holes in there memory right now though they hope to fill in the gaps with Rowan’s casefile sooner or later, but they know, Bayden had it better growing up.

       A reflexive smile reached there lips, as they suppressed a laugh, leaving a groan like sound as it sounded like the struggled not to laugh. “ It’s memories like those Monty that make it all worth it, you know . . . almost as good as . . . my little sister’s company, ice cream, Indian food, && mom scaring the shit out us!  DDAAMMNN.  That’s c o l d.  ICE c o l d that you’d think mom wouldn’t ever trust you with me after that.  It wouldn’t ever be the same without you.” 

[saltyxtides]

MONTGOMERY WARDEYN.

She was acting overjoyed with the simple gifting.

“Aw. Flowers. Picked fresh and stolen from the yard just for me. Now that’s the BayBay I know. Risking your little bit o’ welfare just for me. Ohhhh. You could have gotten in trouble for this one.”

She held them to her nose as she leaned her head against his shoulder ever so sweetly fawning over it with great dramatics, a sentimental affair like no other.

Pink was her favorite. Absolutely. So that was a win. Rock candy was a golden touch. She almost wondered if Bayden made it himself because that actually seemed like a project he might do in the kitchen, but didn’t ask. She’d check for a store bought label later. He’d pulled out his mother’s credit card at Christmas which was a rare affair of it’s own. It let her know he and their mother were back in good spoiled standing if he was allowed to use it. Monty liked to keep track of these things. Having any access while in lock up was a big deal. So the fact that he did again at Christmas was something Monty noted. It felt like maybe their worlds were getting back to normal after the big blow up and she wondered if it was even possible. Monty saw that as a good sign.

“Thank you. So sweet of you to go out of your way for me. I love how much you love me. I love you too.”

She was leaning there ever so seemingly happy and overjoyed by the whole exchange when her brother changed up attitude on her.

Not in the mood? Fake dance?

If this were on a scene in a show a scratched record sound would have split the scene and brought everything to a halt.

Since when doesn’t her brother want to dance with her on Valentine’s Day?

“Uh oh.”

She hugged him tighter.

“Someone’s holding something in again. What mood? What happened? Talk to me.” Her hand started to pat his tummy. “Who was mean to you this time? I’ll fix them. No dance with my brother will ever be fake.”

Then she looked up from his shoulder right into his face and patted his cheek. “If that doctor mom has griping over you is giving you too much homework again I’ll go give him another good case of dysentery. Give him a high fever. See how he likes seeing things that aren’t there. I’ll get you out of whatever he assigned for at least another week or two and you haven’t even looked at your big basket from me yet.” She turned and pointed at his Valentine’s gift trying to cheer him up.

Monty would in no way believe Bayden meant fake dance as a real jab against her. It was their tradition to do this dance every year. So not doing it would confuse her and make her think something was seriously wrong with Bayden. It would make her worry for him right after such nice gifting which made her believe he and she were fine. So it would lead her to believe something was wrong elsewhere that was dampening his mood.  

Then she tilted her head in the other direction still looking him dead on in the face thinking of him wanting to hurry along home. “Or is this about mother?” She smoothed the hair around his ears. “I got you all worried about her now mentioning the gin, didn’t I? She’s a grown up Bay. She’ll be okay. She’s made it this far. Stay present. Right now’s about me, what you gave me, and how much I love you for that, and how I got a basket full of all your faaaaaaaaaaavorites. Come on. You love dancing. All you ever do is whine there’s no real girls here to dance with. Come on. You made up this tradition and told me I would be an evil witch and wanted to curse me green with warts if ever I refused. Remember? No way I’m letting you out of it now if I have to puppeteer you myself, just in case you suddenly get a burst of unused bottled magic. I’m not letting that be the first spell that casts out of you.”

She laughed trying to lighten Bayden up, but she was serious. Later bloomers with magic were sometimes known to happen.    

( @montywonmom​ )

       BAYDEN’S sisters current state was a privilege she took for granted.

       Watching as they continued to c o o over her little surprise’s, as the least they can say is Bayden’s sister looked overjoyed with such simple gifts.  Literally had to execute the risk they had to put in to the gift out loud.  It didn’t take much to entertain herself, which was a small blessing considering the circumstances of having to live, breathe, && act as BAYDEN W a r d e y n.

       The dramatics, the act of sentimental affairs, no wonder Bayden was confused at times.  It was like Bayden understood his sister was a WACK-j o b, but they could see why it was a battle to distinguish what’s reality && what’s easier to look the other way because they were tied by blood.  Not fully, but still tied && anchored to one another by DR. W a r d e y n at least.  Especially when his issues flare up, the definition of what’s real && what’s not has it’s own emotional toll.

       “I’m glad you like it.”  They replied genuinely relieved that they passed the test, putting there arm around her shoulder, giving her the faintest of a side embrace.  Every second counted && they didn’t want to linger to long, not sure what MONTGOMERY W a r d e y n was made of.  Pulling away in mere seconds lazily, as they still had to act a little like Bayden, The Older Brother.

       Despite the scratch-record misgivings, they stayed silent glad it wasn’t a full fire-works of dramatics from Montgomery.  They couldn’t run from a psychopath’s whims.  But if they could avoid it, then they’ll face it head-on. There's no way it's going to get the better of them.  It just wasn’t going to happen.

       Reflexively grasping Montgomery’s elbow gently halting her from touching Bayden’s stomach, releasing her elbow effortlessly.  The sheer soreness from vigorous military's muscular strength they spent time doing to build Bayden's endurance trials, && to test Bayden’s own endurance through insomnia-esque late nights.  

       Gaining hope, or some traction to achieve lighter dosages on certain pills in his plethora of pills Bayden takes on the daily.  Performing for six consecutive nights, resting completely one day per week.  Has it helped?  No.  All there was to show for all that effort was a lame 6 pack, && a lot of there time wasted in Bayden.  Girls where just very different from boys.

       Bayden’s face twisted into a scowl.  “Why does it matter if I don’t feel like dancing?  Fake.  Not fake.  Can’t we just not do it this year.”

       Sighing, as they frowned.  Wondering how close Bayden really was to Montgomery.  They can’t say they knew everything about Bayden to act like him, if this was some moment to be vulnerable or not, but it seems from listening to her babble on what she think’s is happening, his younger sister also carried on the weird trait in the WARDEYN f a m i l y.  The only normal one, out of the three to choose from was DR. W a r d e y n. For now . . .  Anything can happen with this damn family.

       “You really aren’t going to stop until you get something out of me?”  

       Rolling there eyes, they couldn’t listen to Montgomery anymore.  As much as they couldn’t take the little touches, from the fact she tried to touch his stomach to the way she’d brush down the sides of his hair.

       “I appreciate your concern Monty, I really do, but there’s nothing to talk about.  I’m just feeling overwhelmed && anxious about something going on in my personal life.  Thanks for offering to help, but I think I need to work through this on my own for now.” 

        “Monty!  Someone drowns in a tub nearly every day in America-”  taking on a serious tone, obviously, that was the que, placing there hands underneath Montgomery’s arms && easily lifting her off there lap placing her down beside them as they where getting up. 

       “-BuT nOt ToDaY sAtAn!  Not my mom. No sir.”  As the amount of sass, && effort to make that so cringe was worth it.

       Placing there hands in there pockets as they where already walking off.  

       “Stay present?  Girrrl, we gotta get you outa here.  Nobody has time to dance in a Asylum when Prince Charming’s waiting for the worst Valentines of his life.  The earlier the better.  So the paramedics can make it on time, you know Monty?  You’re Valentine’s date doesn’t know he’s going to be an organ donor by the end of date.”  A dramatic whistle.

       “It’s all fun && games until you start playing sports sis.  Why mom’s staying with me tonight.  She get’s it.” 

       Not bothering to illuminate or fabricate the gifts Montgomery got for Bayden mattered, because in a way, they didn’t.  Because in some way Montgomery was worried about the wrong things.

       “Oh, by the way Monty.  This might come as a shock to you, but I’ve danced with a real girl before.  Words can't describe.”  

       What a tweaker she was!  A tweaker && a drunk on Valentines Day. Odd to say they missed Bayden right then && there.  Only what there putting Bayden through, the real Bayden, they didn’t deserve it.  Much how Rowan didn’t deserve it either.  There friendship was probably to far gone even if they found a way to fix things.  

[saltyxtides]

MONTGOMERY WARDEYN.

When Monty showed up for her Valentine’s Day visit for her brother she entered with a big over zealous and over dramatic hug for him. She set a ginormous basket of decandant candies and chocolates from all over the world down first. Then she smothered him.

“Happy Valentine’s Day brother of mine. Your Valentine has arrived. Aren’t you happy now? Cherish it now before you get stuck with mother all night. She’s already in the bathtub gin. Good luck with that.”

“I know I’m the best thing that ever happened to you and the highlight of your day. I’m the blessing of your life. You don’t even have to say it. I know you’ll never have a real girl out there for a Valentine but I got all prettied up, just for our dance. Don’t carry on how I’m better than another girl because I’ll never leave you like you always do, but it is true. I never will. Never, ever, EVER. Okay, I have a date after dropping you off with mom, but it’s for you too. She’s making me play shadow caddy. Ew. But, I love, uv you, wuv you.”  

Then she’d back up and do a little spin for him so he could see her dress all in pale pink lace. It was something designer though the real Bayden rarely called these things out, just told her she looked so pretty.

“Now where is it? Before we dance. Show me what little drawing or confection you’ve whipped up for me this year. Is it a poem? A song? Gimme, gimme.” Then she plopped herself right into his lap like an ever so close space invading sister might. “What quaint little BayBay way have you chosen to honor me this year?”

( @montywonmom​ )

       MONTGOMERY W a r d e y n buzzed around like she’d guzzled every drop of espresso.  Her actions were downright condescending like a Katy Perry parody video.  && they finally understood where Bayden’s arrogance stems from: that. 

       Dozen’s of times they had rehearsed Monty’s return in there head — the dramatic embrace, the exacting chosen gifts pattern last’s Christmas greetings.  They’re own breath felt tight, as if the walls were pressing in being constricted by something as dangerous as a python hugging them back weakly.  

       “ Happy Valentine’s Day, little sister. ”  A spin off of Montgomery’s own words used.  Only they didn’t look happy about Monty’s statement about DR.W a r d e y n.  The mama boy’s persona.  It was easy to show how they truly felt on the inside. A fiery scowl that felt like it wasn’t going away anytime soon.

       The more && more time they spent with Montgomery, in Bayden’s body the more his sister reminded them of Mother Gothel.  Only it’s the sibling addition Instead of listening through it, Monty’s voice began to sound tiny && helium high-pitched, as far away as an echo.

       If Bayden was meant to be controlled, that idjit would have come with a mother fucking remote.  But guess what?  He’s is own person.  What did his own sister really know about him?  It’s worse that his own sister didn’t even think about the concept of him ever falling in love.

       Could be a thing someday!  Anything was possible, but if it didn’t revolve around her, she wouldn’t notice.  He is a qualified person.  Not bothering to listen much after that, thus they lose more brain cells in the process.  Not quite looking to happy && keeping there thoughts to themselves.

       Only to be re-awakened into the moment when Monty sat on there lap.  Who did she think they were?  Jolly old St. Nicholas.  Wasn’t she a little to old to be sitting on his brother’s lap like this.  It was a high level of uncomfortable-ness, as she needed to leave room for the holy spirit.

       Not that they even believed in the holy spirit!  But damn girl give some space.  “ It’s not much. “ Taking a small bundle of daffodils — wrapped in yarn to hold it together ( god forbid the string nurse would come back again knowing Bayden’s luck ).  Freshly picked from the Asylum Grounds.

       Pink lemonade rock candy.  Though they couldn’t match Bayden's real skill of CHEF B o y b a y d e n style.  This was still food-relative?  Also re-using the cupcakes they made for them would have been safe, but let’s face it.  The calories consumption of a cupcake ( 131+ c. ) vs. rock candy ( 15 - 50 c. ).  

      It would be a waste to give them to her if she would just throw them away in the end.  Only now they had to try to finish things quickly between them.  As they didn’t want to stay anymore longer than they should.  “ Monty I’m not in the mood right now to stick around, fake a dance, so let’s JUST l e a v e.”

[saltyxtides]

ROWAN DELACOUR.    

They tried to make the story as short and simple as possible without traumatizing themselves all over again just by saying it all out loud. They live it every day. How much worse could it really get?

Monty was not killing her own kind for power. Bayden didn’t mean to insinuate that. But, it wasn’t hard to see with the limited clues where one might jump to such an idea. Monty was her own power, her own entity, her own monstrosity. She didn’t need to steal anyone else’s. Celeste inside Bayden’s body would learn that soon enough by her regular visits. Bayden’s one and only visitor, always.

That was where the conversation started to head butt. The real Celeste’s refusal to attempt acting. The real Bayden knew his life would be destroyed if she couldn’t pull it off. Simple as that. So it was time to start practicing for the Oscars. They’re in the Academy now like it or not. That’s how the real Bayden saw it because the real Bayden would sooner murder his body with her in it before he let her destroy his precious mother’s feelings for him. Those were the thoughts going through the real Bayden’s head. That’s exactly how fragile their friendship was right now. He wanted a friend bad but, it wasn’t worth his mother.

“You can’t make it better, Celestis…er…Bayden… whatever. I didn’t ask you to make it better. I asked you to not fuck it up. That’s all I ask of you. Don’t fuck up my life. I don’t give a shit what you think of it. It’s mine. Okay? It’s mine.”

Then the other suggested they run, they leave all this behind. They even suggest they’d be able to come back at any time. This was a complete turn around from where the new Bayden stood moments ago. The fake Bayden was being so contrary like nothing was possible and everything too hard to accomplish, so full of nonsensical plans. Now they were suddenly all in for the real Bayden to just up and leave, live, like they’d take care of everything. Don’t even worry about it. They got this.

The real Bayden stood there inside Rowan’s body and had to wonder why. Was their story that sad to create that big of a turn around in attitude? Was their life that pathetic? They supposed it was.

“I don’t know.” They said softly. “Two seconds ago you didn’t want to be me. Why are you being so nice all of a sudden? I hear Admiral Ackbar in my head warning me  its a trap.”  

Then the reality of their own doubts came out. “Annnnnd…. what if Mom’s right? What if my doctor’s right? I’m not ready for that. I can’t handle…. out there. I can’t handle the out there.”

Ah good ol’ Briarcliff brainwashing at work. It was still very fresh in their head whether they had a new body or not. Hello almost phobias and fears he never even had before his escape attempt and the big hotel incident. He’d even mention it.

“They won’t even recognize me at the hotel.” That’s all the further his head even dreamed of running anymore. He had no real dreams, just death wishes with the ghosts of the hotel. “I can’t really go out there.” They were already talking themselves out of it after getting all cocky with her about leaving earlier.

“I mean let’s get real here. What’s really going to happen is I’m going to have to go back to your house which is now my house, masturbate, go through your things, and wait for this body to recharge it’s guitar until we can switch back and hope my real life doesn’t get too fucked up in the meantime.”    

      IT was s h o r t but none of that was simple.  Neither one of them had SIMPLE in t h e m.  && they felt like they weren’t sure if they made things worse or better.  Deep down they won’t know if Bayden will turn out like Rowan.

      Disgusting.  The same feeling they get when they see Rowan turning them into an instagram influencer.  Or if they had to choose between Disney or Bayden’s sister . . . They both sound quite terrible && there not even sure which one to choose because both are horrendous.  Worse?  It’s not just sitting still && look’en pretty.  They began to try to remember how many times his sister actually visited Bayden!  Only thinking seemed to be the hardest thing in this body.  It sometimes felt foggy, or that they had tar for brains.  The drugs in Bayden’s system is something they where going to have to work with.

      The plan is simple.  DEPRESSED B a y d e n.  Isolation.  Isolation.  Isolation.  His level of MAMA b o y could be felt all the way to mars.  It didn’t take magic to read && sense that from where they sat beside each other.  Was it there goal to destroy his relationship with his mother?  No.  Not on purpose, but if his mother goes down some memory lane or Bayden wasn’t clear that they had a Norma Louise && Norman Bates relationship.

      By all means KILL FIRST ask q u e s t i o n s  l a t e r.  Please.  Can’t say they could pull that off.  Porno’s are not the best guides on how-to’s.  Bayden already rejected them twice.  They don’t believe themselves enough that they could pull that one off sincerely with there inexperience.  As Bayden they also had a load to work on.  Examples: addressing his mom right.  Mom? Mother? Mama? Ma? Dr.Wardeyn?  Blanked out.  More likely will ask them that question tomorrow.  Along with learning the notes on his hippie guitar lifestyle - they feel that’s important as they have no idea how to play an instrument like that.  Never heard him play it, but imagen’s Bayden plays the guitar at the pace of something like The Byrds - Turn Turn Turn guitar style.

     Practice studying deer if they can, drawing deer && seeing it was possible to read about MOTHER && s o n relationship articles to try to understand what it means to even have that kind of relationship.  Read a lot of Dr. Wardeyn’s articles.  There are probably a lot of hints to help to keep up with things Bayden knows personally that might not cross there mind.  Birthdays.  Full names.  Stuff they can’t think about right now but would come in handy later.  101 questions && they’ll ask them another time.  It’s already stressful to move && get adjusted in Bayden’s body.

      Celestis? What a dumb name.  Wait.  ??!!  Was that there name?! They felt rusty hinges screeching like an animal in pain, echoing through them a painful headache.  Raising there hands as if this was a ceasefire.  Anything they would have said would have them upset.  A lot has been said.  Along with a lot has been done.  Both emotionally adjusting into the other’s body.  There friendship right now, was more like a barn blazing inferno with flames stretching well above its crumbling roof.  There’s a chance it could become a wildfire.  Careful not to turn it into one.  “Fine.”

      “Let’s just say the money lasts you three weeks ROWAN.”  Seeing it in a bigger picture.  

      “It only means the d e m o n s in the backyard are put on a tight leash.”  With a closed fist held with the thumb extended they’d point over there shoulder behind them.  Obviously indicating the deformed creatures they saw that got them in this trouble in the first place.  

      “I doubt my mother would have the TIME of d a y to really visit or notice with how she’d have to stay busy handling things.”  Ewe.  Kind of foreign && gross saying it like that but if they were going formal better start now? Maybe correct them on the title of address to his mother.

      Publicity was publicity && obviously a stunt like this would be a first ever written journalized of an escapee.  Since they were recently involved in being questioned by the police.  Which would make more opportunity for funding from the city.  Benefitting political powers like the Mayor keeping dangers like Rowan off the streets of there town && small-minded Hollywood somebodies fund mental health issues because that’s just so kind of themselves!  With Dr. Wardeyn being a single mom of two.  With her history rep. in the medical work force rich idiots love a strong-willed mother making the world a better place for there own kids.

      With so much going on && the cops involved the visitations from Monty would be called off whilst being investigated && questioned again about knowing Rowan’s whereabouts.  They already knew that they never really thought they were real anyway play-by-play.  Might as well still use that to there own advantage as Bayden.  They didn’t think they had to explain it any further than that.  

      “It’s not uncommon of yourself to RUN.  I think you’re the only person who can pull it off R o w a n.”  Because they already have pulled it off && then came back.  They’d know they get stuck here a million more light years . . .  That kind of stunt would really put them at a disadvantage of getting out to find the real Rowan.  But it would make big waves && it would keep what Bayden wanted.  His life the way he wanted it.

      Not even sure anymore if finding the real Rowan was worth it.  Was it?  After tonight there was a lot to process, but one of them was: What now?  The idea sent painful shivers through there body.  There soul purpose was to swap back with Rowan, now it felt like Bayden but in all honesty?  No where to go.  Maybe they just didn’t know what they wanted to live for either.  Putting it in the back of there mind for now as they had all night to think about it.

      But with them being away.  They just take on being DEPRESSED B a y d e n.  Stay in between the lines, but not get caught being the fake. 7 days. 14 days. Or just 21 days.

      Brush everyone off except Clarissa.  Being alone isolated would also help them figure out how to fix all this.  The meds where in the way to swap them back.  Regardless of if Dr.Unger got her in through a favor or Dr. Wardeyn naturally selected the challenge of having her admitted.  

      It wouldn’t surprise them now that Bayden’s dropped what this place really was.  Dr. Wardeyn would have a plan already set up for when they actually ran away.

      “If anyone could pull it OFF.  I’m afraid it would be y o u.”  A tint of envy in there vocals.  Annoyed by the fact they had to actually admit that out loud, but the real Bayden themselves knew this place a lot more than they did.  Of course they felt bad for Bayden.  The realization of his timeline.  He did what he did to leave && then all that he had done turns up he did it for nothing some what pissed them off.  Not that they will ever say it.  It sucks to care.  They should have learned there lesson the first time with the actual Rowan.  Caring for someone always ended in betrayal.

      “Yea. Well knowing me is a trap.  I trapped you in a different body.  Where was Admiral Ackbar when that happened!”

      What. In. The. Fuck?  

      Taking one giant inhale only to hold it in what they wanted to say.  They can touch back later.  FUN f a c t:  Bayden talked about all these things he couldn’t do.  There was so much to the world then just Hotel  Cortez.  That place was toxic for Bayden, but they had no room to talk because Texas was toxic to themselves.  

      Bayden reminded them of a cross of Snow White && that other Disney Princess.  What was that one Princess with mommy issues?  Don’t remember the name but there’s not anything special about her or anything that stands out in her personality, the really bland one?  Snow White && the really bland one with super long blond hair.  It drew blanks because half the time they all annoyed her.  There’s not enough support to unravel that kind of damage in him immediately.

      “Guess we both have one thing were both thinking tonight.” Somewhat sarcastic as there was scoff of amusement.  Honestly once Nurse Janet GOES a w a y.  Far. Far away.  Ain’t want nothing to do with all that.  Pretty sure there hypothesis as masturbating as a guy is much easier than when she is a girl.

       They kept all the sketchbooks of Bayden.  Along with some of his clothes - the ones they keenly noticed they wore a lot more than the others.  Kept a few other minor things like the Valentine cards, some of the corona airplane letters, what ever they could get there hands on that seemed important to them.  

       “You’re stuff is in the closet piled in the very back corner.”  

       “Oh, && a chocolate bar in the desk is for you. It’s painted white with cross bones on it.  You can’t miss it.”  Obviously, they had to cover the wrapper && drew over the logo.  They wouldn’t actually know how to explain the logo on the chocolate bar.  The brand just doesn’t exist within this reality as they used Rowan’s ability to read it out of a book.  Found it a little hard to explain how they got a Wonka Bar.  But it was a pretty nice idea for a welcome back gift that failed in it’s own way.

       “Take you’re damn food too!  Can’t stand cold food.  I can’t recall the statistics of starvation but I know it’s bad!”  Just trying to take a step back from the obvious problems in front of them.  Tonight was over to them.  They didn’t want to think about anything anymore.  They were going to have so much to think about tonight that where going to make themselves go insane.

[saltyxtides]

☪ —— Holly Jolly Season.

       THANKFULLY during the holly jolly season THEY didn’t have to meet with the W a r d e y n family during Christmas.  Thank goodness for that.  They did not think that far ahead, && was already stuck with Bayden’s nightmare of a sister.

       The perks of being them during the holly jolly season would be seeing/staying in Bayden’s bedroom!  Exploring through his room, && being nosey.  Three words: what a dork.

        Though after everything Bayden && themselves went through recently.  Bayden was sort of an animal lover.  Though they can’t say the same for themselves.  Animals never really liked them.  But it did stick with them.  Remembering the loss of Freckles the Horse && how it impacted Bayden.  They know that there is nothing that could ever replace Freckles.  But what Bayden doesn’t know during DECEMBER && that they didn’t t e l l him.  They won’t tell them until after they figure out how to swap back.  When nosing around the attic they found a fish tank with a working pump.  Next thing they did was buy a ‘Mystery Betta Fish’ online that turned out to be a Black Orchid Betta, a fake log, filters, betta food, a fish heater && an automatic fish feeder.  Betta’s are one of the few low maintained fish to take care off.  So it’s actually fine for Bayden to be gone long periods of time.  Since things have been pretty rough since Freckles Death.  

       They hope they get to go home at least every month && a half to change the fish filter.  && every three months change the water.  Able to live up to 6+ years it might not be the animal of his dreams but it’s actually something that sits on his nightstand now.  Currently nameless.  They are planning to let Bayden actually name it when he personally discovers it.  Using Bayden’s mom’s money, but didn’t feel an ounce of guilt doing it when they did it.  But no one can take it away from him?  && they guess that is why they did it.  Unless his mom or sister pours bleach in the tank killing it.  It also gives him a reason to go back home, regardless if it’s only for a few hours.  It could be comforting, && though comforting means two very different things to the other.  Sometimes they think Bayden needs it more.  Also he could keep his sketchbooks there.  Might be wiser than holding on to them like before.

[saltyxtides]

Silly Symphony - The Goddess of Spring (1934)

[saltyxtides]

eat your heart out

[saltyxtides]

deer sketch

[saltyxtides]

What dwells in the glade

[saltyxtides]

BEING BAYDEN.

☪ —— 001.

ISOLATION.  I s o l a t i o n.  Isolation.  If there is one thing they have been doing is staying out of TROUBLE && out of s i g h t.  They may do what’s expected of them from the daily routine/schedule, but when it comes down to it they have been avoiding the community room, && nearly everyone else since the swap but Clarissa.

☪ —— 002.

WHEN it comes to Clarissa, there is a bit of an effort they spend about 15-20 minutes with her after Lunch, && it’s usually just them playing around the piano.  Making an effort, but also explaining to Clarissa that they needed some space.

☪ —— 003.

WHEN it comes to Dr. Wardeyn  — Jude Wardeyn — Bayden’s Mom — M o m?  Never having a role model like parents, or any mother from what they remember.  Taking an interest, they have been doing research.  Getting Dr. Wardeyn’s science articles printed out.  Hopefully, somewhere around the Asylum someone’s got to have biography books, written books, anything about Dr. Wardeyn that they could borrow/get there hands on.  They have been doing some research, they are trying to view Bayden’s Mom as a human that also carries trauma buried deep inside of them, regardless of there own personal feelings ( especially the explanation of Bayden’s life ).  Trying to put Dr. Wardeyn on a parental pedestal.  Yet they are very NERVOUS && w o r r i e d they are going to mess things up, because it means a lot to Bayden..

☪ —— 004.

STAYING away from Rowan ( Bayden ) as much as they can since the swap.  There is a lot of ANGRY/h u r t emotions spiraling through them.  It’s not an excuse but, they are angry at Bayden.  The original Rowan didn’t understand, BUT neither did Bayden.  Because if Bayden did, they know that they guarded themselves && had a hard time trusting others.  But they trusted Bayden, && that was special.  Yet Bayden kept calling her “Rowan” && it got complicated.  They can’t believe they thought Bayden was different.  When Bayden’s around in Rowan’s body they act civil, but it’s pretty clear there presence is constantly not there like it was before.  Isolating themselves.  If Rowan ( Bayden ) needed to find them they know where to look.  + the Monty stuff.  && his own mother.  It leaves marks && questions that they have to find out themselves.

☪ —— 005.

BEING in Bayden isn’t as easy as it seems.  In honesty, they have come to understand why Bayden hosts himself in Rowan’s body.  It’s a different world for him.  

Auditory&Parasitosis Delusions happen a lot — they hear random sounds  — && see things they have no control over ( eyes, maggots, ants, snakes, spiders, cockroaches && scorpion-moths  )

Hypnagogic Hallucinations, ect.

☪ —— 006.

They also have to change the way they draw.  It’s not exactly as easy as one would think.  Though the Deer they have been drawing are parasitic.  Sick/Ill.  Rabied.  Dead && covered in mushrooms.

Deer they are studying:

Schomburgk Deer

Megaloceros

Eucladoceros

☪ —— 007.

Avoiding Nurse Janet like the plague.  Deep rooted Depression.  Go away.  DEEP ROOTED DEPRESSION EVERYONE GO AWAY.

[saltyxtides]

ROWAN DELACOUR.  

It was probably best they ignored everything anyhow. The real Bayden didn’t seem to think the real Celestis was contributing much of substance at the moment anyhow.

“That is exactly what all your option plans would do. Ruin everything with my family. When you hear my life. You’ll get it a little better. But, fine. I get it. Tune the guitar. Gotta heal or train or whatever before we can get back to normal. I’ve told you many times. I’m not stupid. I can understand things if you just say them normal instead of trying to overcomplicate everything all the time. Sometimes less is more. If anyone needs to learn that lesson, it is you.”

That was their big constructive criticism for the day and compliment at the same time because she finally managed to condense a little more than normal.  

Then he looked across at her and she wasn’t a she. She was a he. She was him literally, his very own face. That took some getting used to.

Start where they felt comfortable. Whenever they were ready. Ugh. They’d known each other for so long. It was so weird to finally be giving the actual details, but they couldn’t live like this if she didn’t get what she was involved in now. They had to spill it all. They suddenly felt like they were going to vomit.

“Okay. I’m going to. I’m just. Okay.”

How to start?

“I’m just going to try and take my own advice and try to make this as simple as possible. Get it all out there. Fill in the details after. Maybe yeah. We’ll see.”

They were breathing weird just thinking about it all.

“Okay here goes. My sister is the Horrorville Hacker. She killed all those people back then. Mom hid the bodies. I was set up to take the fall because she never liked me. I thought it was because I wasn’t a girl with power like Monty. I couldn’t get in that stupid coven she wanted to get in herself so bad, but she didn’t have powers either. The rest of the family does. It skipped Mom. Just unlucky I guess. Monty was everything Mom wanted to be. The perfect daughter. But it wasn’t because I was a boy or didn’t have power. I was never wanted just some accident of rape okay?”

Their face screwed up and they looked away as they said it. It was not exactly the sort of thing they ever told anyone actually, so trying to get them to understand their family dynamics was difficult.

“I don’t belong on this fucking earth. I shouldn’t fucking exist and it started to make sense at that point why Monty got everything bigger and better and blah. So, when I found out the truth of who I was all I ever thought about was my father who I didn’t know, never met, never named. But, I found out. Long story short. When I found out I killed him. So, I deserve to be prison. I do. I’m a murderer. I may not be the Horrorville Hacker serial killer but I killed that mother fucker dead for what he did to my mom and what he did to my life, this stupid life I didn’t ask for.”

Their eyes were getting emotional.

“So um... when they set me up to take the fall for those murders I didn’t care. Fuck it. I knew I deserved to be here anyway. No one’s ever finding his body I promise you that and I am not sorry and if this is my penance so be it and Mom knows I see it that way. Yeah, she knows because in the start I didn’t even know my mom knew it was my sister who was doing it. I thought she set up this whole program and paid for all these fancy lawyers to get me into this mental place instead of prison because she could get me here with her. Basically this whole program is bullshit for other patients. It was created literally just for me to not go to prison and keep me near my mom. The rest is filler. Your treatment is bullshit and pays for their lifestyle. I was wrongfully accused. Monty had a future. I didn’t. I’m sick anyway. I’m a fucking loser. Fuck it. At least she could take care of me. Better me than Monty.

“How wrong I was. Monty still does crazy shit like this to this day. Mom’s still covering her tracks, burying bodies. It’s been years. They’re just better at it. She comes in and visits me and tells me all about it. I’m her brother. She loves me. I’ve given her a free life. She owes everything to me taking this one for the fam so she can be Mommy’s perfect little girl and I want her to be that. Mom should have that. But, she’s got Monty, so close enough. It’s what’s she’s got.

“But listen to this. When mom found out I killed he rapist, my father, whatever you want to call that motherfucker, everything changed. I think I started to become her favorite. Monty was causing all this stress. She kept promising to stop the chaos and it just kept happening. Mom always playing damage control. Then she’s got me. Her sweet boy who avenged her and sits pretty to keep her real daughter safe. I start making her rich with this program. You make fun of Princess Bayden but I earned that spot on that throne. My mom has broken down crying apologizing for all of this. She takes care of me and I take of her.

“Things aren’t as cut and dry as they look around here. We can’t just back out and tell the truth. She doesn’t deserve that. Monty’s in control. I just want to keep my family together. At least... sometimes. Sometimes I want to run the fuck away and never come back. But, where would I go?” They shrugged. “I shouldn’t fucking exist anyway.”

That felt like enough of the story to soak in so far. Let them process on that.

“But see? Switching bodies with anyone else would put everyone in the wrong position to do their jobs here in the cover up and continued serial killing and witch entrapping. I’m in here so Monty can be out there growing stronger. She has supreme potential. All the coven leaders say it.”

Witch entrapping.

They’d let that one linger too.

       THIS was about Bayden, more than it was about themselves.  The only thing they had to lose, was well, there l i f e.  Maybe . . . they didn’t want to think about the theory Leo left behind what felt like decades ago since they met before they came here.  The years have certainly gone by so fast that they didn’t realize how long they’ve really been in the Asylum.  Honestly, they were doing GOOD, up until n o w.  && instead of arguing with Bayden anymore, or digging a bigger grave for themselves with the disarray chaos in front of them making things evidently worse.  

       “FINE.” As if they would take what they said in mind.  While it’s not a matter of s t u p i d, they never really thought Bayden was that, but a matter of how much his family keeps Bayden in the dark.  Not that they themselves help in that matter.  To much or to little they weren’t sure how to go about expressing it.  It’s also worse. . . processing it all in this body of Bayden’s.  It’s much harder to think, as much as it was harder to function.  Bayden’s NAIVE-n e s s was not stupid.

       ‘ Take a picture it will last longer PRINCESS, ’ it was like the words wanted to come out, as it was on the tip of there tongue as they felt Bayden stare at them like a object.  Holding it in.  Hazy as there memories where, they tried a kinder approach, getting a sense none of the transfer between them was easy.  Taking Bayden’s hand instead they gently pushed Rowan softly on the shoulder.  Hopefully breaking the stare down, before they concentrated too hard && who knows what magical accident would happen.

       No defense against a Witch with a spell at the tip of her tongue, or a little witch that doesn’t know the telekinetic prowess they hold.  Thankfully only one of them vomited.  So kudos to Bayden’s inner-will.  Unlike Bayden, they purged.  It shows it’s never really easy to talk about the past.  Only now that they were forgetting, they were feeling empty in some way, as if the past would fill the emptiness regardless of how bad it was.  Leaning back, propping themselves up on there elbows.  Preparing themselves.  Not sure what was going to be said.

      The visage of Bayden looked really upset.  They kept running one of there hands through black hair && shook there head a little.  Listening.  It was a lot to take in.  Being in the process of another person’s body, it took longer to process with. . .disabilities Bayden had.  It was harder to process it all quickly.

       Death.

       Murder.

       Rape.

       A boy that loves his family regarding the rot && ruin.  Clinging on to it too.

       Breaking News.

       Bayden deserved better.

       It all felt sensitive to talk about - felt like some they ought to keep a lot of it to themselves.  After all, they cared for Bayden immensely && already knew though there friendship was six feet deep underground && dying.  They didn’t need to push them into the grave itself.  Pointing out his sister.  The flaws.  The irresponsibility.  Potential was just a nice way to say Monty was SPECIAL.  Breaking down the idea of false potential his sister really had.  It would be like arguing about Dracula.  He’s not after Lucy to offer his eternal, undying love && devotion.  

       He wants to drink her dry - an ocean of blood wouldn’t have satisfied his thirst.  Where Monty stood, there was blood in the sand, && if she was killing her own kind for power . . . It’s only going to be a matter of time before reality sinks in.  She’s no different then a modern day Dracula, just a copy cat of someone else in a different form.  Being the next Coven Supreme is already predetermined by nature itself, It’s not something someone can truly steal away, fake, even someone like themselves couldn’t steal it forever.

       Not that they would.  They also couldn’t bring the fact even if Monty made it.  The DEATH would never s t o p.  The killings would keep happening.  It’s something that’s going to follow her until the CULT members turns on the f a l s e  l e a d e r.  Once they figure out there own are dying, && Monty kills the wrong Witch.  If Bayden had strong family ties, then one day Monty is going to meet someone with those same && strong family/best friend/lovers values ready to unravel the truth.  A riot will begin.  Figuring out the truth && the whole truth.

       Killing one another in the process.  It gave them to much of a headache to consider the aftermath.  The once upon a time fear what they could truly lose.  The body they might have been born from, if there not already dead.  Or on Monty’s soon to be list. Monty could be compared to a modern day Dracula in many ways, though they still saw them as an overgrown turkey.  In the end of all this?  They didn’t need to destroy Bayden.  They just needed to be with him for support?  As they’ll have a lot of time to think about Dr. Wardeyn. . .

       “I’m sorry,” They said soberly, as that wasn’t very comforting finally finding the power to talk.  “I don’t have any answers about how to make any of this better, Bayden.”

       “All I know is that we are here.  We exist.”  Even if it’s messed up.

       “You can leave!  Run away from all this, go be Rowan Delacour.  You’re a Delacour now.  Nnn.  You’re in Rowan’s body anyway.  You can LITERALLY go a n y w h e r e.”  && yet still stay in the same place all at once.  Not that it’ll help them understand.  The Bloodline in a Witch, or the body he inhabits can take him literally anywhere he’s ever dreamed through books.  Perhaps not in the way they imagine freedom would be, but Bayden would find out sooner or later, after they adjust, && with guidance when there ready.

       A Magical Historian.  Not that they ever adjusted to that one type set.  They missed there own talents, && the comfort of there own body.  But it’s complicated.  Doubting.  Falling in a spiral of loss, as if, gravity was setting in && making it feel it was a nearly impossible feat.  A part of them realized, with the truth underneath Bayden’s words.  It’s kind of a Doll House Community. . . Now there was even more pressure in realizing: Just a plaything or a Body to experiment with.  

       Only when there in the right body. . . but even then how do they even know when tides turn. . .

       “But there’s no shame in you deserting this place Bayden.  You know where to find yourself.  It’s not like I’ll be going anywhere anytime soon you do know that right?”  Grounding themselves, they just have to play the role of Bayden from memory.  “You’ve lived your entire life in a bubble.  In here.  Things happen for a reason, maybe you should consider the chance you have now.  To escape it for a while.”  

       “While I’m being you.”

       “Not destroying your life’s work.”