#like that took a shitload of courage. at least i tried man.

[stinkbeck]

words of wisdom: my profs are just kinda mean.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #239

i just want to sincerely apologize if my surveys take a negative nosedive again. i know this one’s kinda grim and i don’t want to make that a routine, but things are just rough right now and i’m not gonna lie on a survey, y’know.

Do you know anyone who works at McDonald’s? Not that I'm aware of. Do you know anyone who plays heaps of sports? Probably through school. Have you ever been suspended from school? No. Where do your cousins live? Aaaaaaall over the U.S. Have you met any of your second cousins? Possibly at some point? Do you like the All-American Rejects? I like "Move Along" and "It Ends Tonight" is good, but that's all off the top of my head. Oh wait, of course there's "Gives You Hell." When was the last time you wore a skirt? WOW I have ZERO clue. Probably not since elementary years. Have you ever finished a whole video game? Plenty. If so, which one(s)? There are way too many. Do you know anyone with a pet snake? Me, Sara, probably others. Which one of your friends has great music taste? Sara. Was the last person you hung out with single? That would be my young niece and nephew... so yeah. Have you ever attended a private school? I'm a private college now. Have you ever been in an abusive relationship? No, thank Christ. Have you ever cooked for anyone other than yourself? I made breakfast for Sara once. If your phone has a hole for phone charms, is it on the left or right side? I don't have one. Would you rather live in the city, the suburbs, or the rural area? Kinda like... suburban mixed with rural. I don't wanna be totally isolated, particularly away from necessary stores and such, but I also do NOT wanna be swarmed by people. Maybe like a loose neighborhood in the woods outside a small town? Do you know someone who is really ambidextrous? Sara. Did you use a pencil today? No. Are you adopted? Nope. Have you ever had your car break down on you? Never when I've driven, not that that's been much. With Mom, yes. Dad, idr. Jason's prom night, yeah; his truck broke down otw home at a stop light. Oof. Who was the last person that cried in your presence? My mom. It's the worst. When was the last time you ate at your favorite restaurant? Oh wow, probably not since my last birthday. What was the last thing someone gave you? A close family friend/my former teacher lent me a $20 just in case I needed anything while my mom was up in NY. Can you write your name in a foreign language? My first name (at least) is the same in German; even though "y" doesn't exist in the language, I guess it does for foreign names?? Idk about my last name. Who is the person you often go to for venting? Sara. Do you keep an actual journal or diary? No, not anymore. I did briefly when I had that WILD and totally random Jason obsession episode, but once I came off that godawful medicine and I went back to normal, I deleted it. Have you ever been prescribed Vicodin? That sounds very familiar... Maybe? Perhaps that's what was prescribed after my surgery? Have you ever cheated on someone without them finding out about it? Well considering I've never cheated and never would, I can't answer this. Was the last person you kissed male or female? Female. Who were you with the last time you went swimming? Colleen, at the beach. Does your dining table currently have place mats on it? No; we don't even eat at it. What was the last thing you cooked in an oven? I myself have literally never used an oven. I'm scared to. Oh wait, yeah I have... on some occasions where Mom needed me to put something in there or take something out, but idr what. But boy and I can tell you without memory that I was jumpy as hell about it. Is it hard for you to be “just friends” with the opposite sex? No. It's difficult for me to like-like people, especially men when you consider I'm generally afraid of them, on top of I'm just paranoid and don't trust easily. Do you prefer wheat or white bread? Wheat. Do you have an electric toothbrush? No, but coincidentally, I actually have that on my Christmas wishlist. Have you ever had an “exotic” or “abnormal” pet? Do you consider a Chinese water dragon "exotic?" Then I have a ball python morph. Have you ever eaten lobster? No, and considering crab is nauseating, I doubt lobster would be too different. What is your grade point average (if you’re still in school)? I don't know right now and don't know where to find it. Have you ever played croquet? Oh yeah. My sisters and I LOVED that shit as kids. Who was the last person you called? Dad. Have you ever watched Ghostbusters? No, believe it or not. When was the last time you drew a picture? Yikes... been a while. Not since I started a concept drawing of encompassing a panic attack in a meerkat form, as I tend to do. I haven't touched it in months. It's right on the second shelf of the table beside me, so... my only remaining excuse as to not finish it is that the paper is horribly wrinkled now. Are you happy? Not exactly. Should you be doing something now? I could be doing the practice exam work my math professor gave us all considering it's extra credit, but. Yeah. I'm absolutely awful at math and barely passing but I don't exactly need another stressor right now. Is there a smoke detector on every floor of your house? We only have one floor. What was the last kind of soup you ate? I tried vegetable soup anyway when I got my tongue pierced because I literally could not eat solids for over a week, but I'm a picky asshole who didn't like it so wasted the can. I had to survive almost exclusively on meal replacement shakes and popsicles. Warning from the wise: you want your tongue pierced? You better fucking want it bad because healing is a P R O C E S S. Or at least mine was, having to get it re-done and all... Have you ever had to do a class in summer school? No. Have you ever went a year without getting your hair cut? I don't think a year... but maybe? Do you think you could go a week without sugar? Considering sugar is in like... EVERYTHING, probably no? Would you be willing to go one day each week without meat? I don't really pay attention, but I probably already do. I'd like to eat as little meat as possible. Hell, I wish I could go full-on vegan. Do you feel comfortable telling people how much you weigh? NO. Do you have any talents that your friends don’t know about? No. Are you any good at sewing? Never tried, not interested. Has anyone ever interviewed you about one of your hobbies/talents? No. Would you ever consider experimenting with drugs? Marijuana for medical purposes if I didn't have to smoke it. I'm not smoking anything, I don't care what it is. What’s been tugging on your heart lately? I guess life in general. Mortality, death. Teddy died in my arms, I saw my grandmother physically ravaged by cancer, and just life hasn't been the kindest lately. I've been thinking about how time just flies, how every moment should be cherished even though it's so fucking hard, and just yeah. I don't wanna go down this rabbit hole. Are you comfortable with who you are? Have you accepted who you are? I don't know dude I shouldn't be taking a survey during like an existential crisis lol. What is the last thing you did that made you feel guilty? Decided to get some really unhealthy fries with my dinner. Would you have sex with the last person you texted? It's not a matter of "would," I want to. I may have already, I don't really know what separates foreplay from lesbian sex. Do you consider weed, marijuana, pot, etc. a drug? This isn't even an argument anymore, it's fact. It's a mind-altering substance. "Drug" does not always equate to bad, either. Are you planning on kissing anyone tomorrow evening? It'd be nice. Do you require a lot of private time? Oh yeah, but way less than I used to. I get depressed if I'm alone for too long now. Have you ever done something humiliating while drunk? N/A What is your favorite classic Disney movie? The Lion King. Do you like looking at old photographs? Yeah, usually. Do you enjoy puzzles? Yeah. Do you prefer painting or drawing? Drawing by a long shot. I'm taking a painting course this upcoming semester though, so hopefully that'll up my skill and thus enjoyment of it. Do you ever wear high heels? No, I don't have a reason to. Do you use belts? No, considering I never wear anything with belt loops. When was the last time you played Uno? Oh my fucking god, it's been forever, thankfully. When I lived with Colleen, as did her younger sister, we played Uno a lot, and then, AND THEN, came the night Chelsea dyed my hair red. Mind you, the ONLY TIME dyeing my hair had been truly successful and long-lasting. The process took hours, and we played Uno round after Uno round... and now I literally hate it. What do you like better, kiwis or pineapple? Oh man, I love both, but I gotta say kiwi. Are you trying to grow out your hair? No, I actually need to cute it again. What is your favorite perfume/body spray/cologne? Don't have one, really. Have you ever wanted to try karate? Not seriously. How often do you drink water? Ah yikes... I really fell out of my regular habit of drinking multiple bottles daily. Do you ever wear headbands? No. How many video games do you own? A lot. There's like a huge CD case in a living room drawer full of them. I've been considering making an EBay or something to sell a shitload of them as I'm sure a lot are actually pretty valuable now, but I think a lot about how I want to pass them down to my current and possibly future nieces and nephews when they get to a certain age to figure video games out or even have a console that can play PS1-PS3. Have you ever been to a casino? If so, which one(s)? No. What’s your favorite suburb in the city you live in? Why would you... name that on the Internet...? Besides that even, I pay no attention to suburbs' names I happen to pass. Have you ever visited a sex shop? No. I don't know if I could ever muster up the courage to even go in one. I'm the type that would just order online. What’s your favorite place to get pizza? I'm a basic Domino's bitch. How many times have you been to the beach? Multiple, but not a LOT. I have little reason to ever go, and it's never my idea, that's for sure. Has there ever been a fire inside your house? Tell me the story. Childhood home. Trying the Jiffy Pop popcorn that you make over the stove. Next thing y'know the thing is seriously on fire and we had to use the fire extinguisher. Fuck you, Jiffy Pop, the harbinger of the next fucking idiots moving in setting the entire house on fire thanks to the stove too. Have you ever had a scary encounter with a wild animal? No, besides like bees 'n the like being near me. Have you ever had a spray tan? No. Do you own any sports bras? Where’d you get them from? No, but I'd like at least one. Wouldn't know what to use it for, it's not like I go jogging or anything, but. I think it'd be good to have at least one. Have you ever had sex in a kitchen? No. What’s the most expensive restaurant you’ve ever eaten at? I have zero clu- no wait I'm gonna guess the Italian restaurant we went to on Sara's birthday, but that's just a guess judging by how it was fancy as fuck. Who crosses your mind the most? Sara. Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt? Probably as a kid. Ever been to an auction? No. would you ever get acupuncture? omg no Ever got stitches? At least twice. What is a must have on your french fries? At least some salt. Entirely saltless fries are boring. How do you like your meat cooked…medium rare? well done? Nothing less than medium well. If meat tastes even a little bit beneath lukewarm I can't take that shit. Are there two colors that you just simply despise? Bright yellow and puke-green. What do you usually do with recurring dreams? ... Nothing? What CAN you do? Have you ever been told you were hot by a complete stranger? I don't think someone has used the term "hot," but I know I've been called pretty, at least. Do you want to be single or with someone? I want to be with Sara. It kinda feels like we still are, like no feelings have changed, we're just not "official" anymore and not "bound" to one another. Have you ever had a sleepover with the opposite sex? I actually have twice (or thrice?) platonically with my younger neighbor FOREVER ago. We were still kids. Then there was a big (birthday?) party at my place where Juan stayed the night, and then I believe there was an occasion Girt totally knocked out on the couch so... I guess it turned into a "sleepover?" lmao Who are you closest to in your family? My mom. Who were the last 3 people to text you? Sara, Mom, and my sister. Have you ever dated someone in jail? No, and I wouldn't unless it was for something incredibly stupid or I'm aware was a false charge. What’s a movie you cannot BARE to ever watch again? Nothing's coming off the top of my head. Who got you hooked on the addiction you're addicted to (If you have one)? ... I just connected it all in my head. Jason got me into the Amnesia game. I got into custom stories for it. I was playing one one day. I got stuck. I YouTubed it for help. Guess. Who. I. Fuckin'. Found. This is a revelation; I have discovered the main purpose of my and Jason's relationship. Perhaps things do happen for a reason lmao. Are you a little bit cautious around horses? Do they scare you a bit? Not really, but I wouldn't say I'm in no way cautious. They definitely don't scare me, though. I just respect that they're very powerful animals and I'm not experienced with handling them. Have you ever burnt your tongue like REALLY bad? If so, what on? Yes, on rice that was literally right off the fucking stove lmao. LOOK I didn't know it had JUST come off and I was hungry as fuck but boy did I have REGRETS considering the burn lasted for well over a week, maybe two. Do you think having a sleepover with a guy is theoretically acceptable? Um, yes...????? Do you like to have cake on your birthday? Which kind of cake in mind? Yeah, and red velvet or chocolate frosted, depending on what I'm feeling.

[lazy-safetastic-13]

Breathe

Giftfic to @silverryu25  XD Man, I’m on it with these gifts. Can’t help the urge. UwU

Pairing: Kustard

Summary: Coming home late from a shitty job, worked to the bone ...There was only so much Red could take. So he breathes.

Unlocking the door, Red breathed out a sigh of relief. It was already so late. It was morning—3 am to be exact. And quietly, he got his shoes off and placed his bag and jacket onto the coat rack.

His movements impressively slow that a snail might even win. Maybe it was to keep quiet, or maybe it was the fatigue wearing down on him, or maybe both. Red didn’t really care.

He simply plopped himself on the couch, and closed his eyes when he leaned back; his weight sinking into the leather.

Red didn’t want to think about anything, but left with silence—left with his ever-so helpful chatterbox companion called his thoughts, it was pointless to think that he’d really catch a break.

It has been … a couple years since monster were able to integrate themselves with the humans in the Surface. But there was still unavoidable discrimination that couldn’t be quelled nor forgotten over time. And there wasn’t really anything they could do about it, because humans were the majority.

It didn’t help that the more … or should he say ‘used to be’ violent monsters like himself, received a negative reception. Having to actually require going through a mandatory rehabilitation to be … ‘civil’.

Red scoffed when he first heard while his brother had been livid with the stupidity of the idea. It wasn’t as if they couldn’t be civil. It wasn’t as if they chose to live such a lifestyle. It was simply just how their world worked. It was their ‘normality’. Just how the animals of the wild followed a code of survival of the fittest, with their circumstances, so did they.

There wasn’t anything wrong with them, but the humans made it seem like there was. That they needed help.

And Red was stopped from lashing out from the overwhelming piteous, and at the same time hateful gazes.

Because of this, he didn’t even know if the Surface was any better than living in the Underground.

The discrimination towards his kind was evident; low-paying jobs, unfair time schedules, unnegotiable vacation, and you’re not even getting paid overtime in most establishments. This was not to say that humans don’t understand this kind of treatment too. This was to say that this accounted for all monsters; whether you have talent or skill, whether you were born for the job—a monster will still have a hard time getting promoted regardless of their achievements. He should know, his brother had worked his ass tiredly just to finally get the job as a mall cop.

Well, at the very least his brother was more than well-off. Unlike him, who got stuck as a school janitor.

Just the reminder made him even more tired than before. He wasn’t allowed to use magic, and no matter the mess, he was called for all of it to be cleaned up. He swore that there was supposed to be two more janitors other than him, but they seemed to be ghosts because he ain’t seen them after the first week of working there.

And he had tried to apply elsewhere.

But even if … even if he had the qualifications, no one bothered to give it a second thought. Always eyeing him with disdain, fear, disgust. Maybe it was his sharp teeth? Maybe the fact that he could use magic? Maybe the fact that he was skeleton? Red never knew the exact reason, but he never got a call back for even an interview with any of them.

The only … The only reason Red even had a job was because …

The short skeleton inhaled and exhaled. No, he shouldn’t bother remembering the how’s.

… He hadn’t even told his partner about it, let alone his brother. Always changing the subject when it came to him.

But god, he was so tired of it all. What was the point of working when you’re barely even getting paid? Red can’t remember the last time he was the one to pitch in to pay for the shit around the house. And god forbid that Sans would nag him about it.

The only reason he still bothered to keep trying was because of Sans and his brother. He didn’t want to let them down. He didn’t want to give up because of them. He just—

Red didn’t realize he had been crying until his eyes began to hurt and his cheeks felt cold; quietly sobbing from the stress—from everything.

Red clutched his chest, and took deep breaths to calm his frayed nerves.

He could do this.

He could still keep going.

But when he remembered what happened today, Red felt all his strength leave—deflating like a balloon.

That’s right. Today, he was even fired.

Stars. Red wanted to laugh at the shitload after shitload of bullshit. Working for four years as a janitor, tolerating the cruel jeers, the sneers, the reprimanding—continuing to work even after the humiliating names, how no matter what he did, it would only be acknowledge as ‘decent’, and that is the most praise he’s ever received. For four fucking years.

And now, they fired him for a mistake he didn’t even do.

Red just—

He teleported straight to Sans’ and his shared room, right by Sans’ side by the bed.

Red didn’t bother to wipe the hot tears that continued to stream down his cheeks as his hand hesitantly hovered in the air, as if wanting—helplessly needing to reach out.

They talked about this. Red knew and understood, but it was much harder to act on it. He wanted to talk about it to Sans, he wanted to tell him what’s been happening with him … but he also couldn’t suppress the worthless monster deeply-rooted in his soul that he didn’t want to be a bother—a burden.  

Sans had already done so much, and it wasn’t as if he, too, wasn’t dealing with the bullshit thrusted upon their kind. Sans paid for most of their bills, and not once did he complain about the overload of the responsibility he had to manage. His partner even had three jobs, and was managing them along with spending time with family and friends, and Red felt all the more unworthy for having such a partner.

Ah, fuck. Red can’t go on like this.

Suddenly, both hands clutched onto his chest, the loud pounding of his soul seemed loud in the quiet room. His cries became choked, and he was suddenly finding harder and harder to breathe.

Red’s mouth hang open as if it will all be better if he could just get one gulp of air to soothe his aching chest. But it didn’t become easy, only adding to the growing emptiness he was feeling. He faintly hears the sounds of his own gasps and wheezes, and now felt as if he were subjected to some sick game. His soul pounded hard, thrashing about, wanting to be freed from its cage—to breathe.

His breath whistled past as he greedily sucked in all the air he could attain, and was only met with another wave of pain.

“S … Sa …” The name couldn’t make it pass his mouth. The tears continued to slide absentmindedly down his cheeks.

“Just give up.”

The voice rang in his head.

“No more pain. No more suffering.”

No. Stop. I—

“It would be easier if you just killed yourself.”

Red lunged for Sans desperately, startling the other awake and possibly just as stressed from the suddenness of it.

“H-Huh?! What? R-Red?” Sans, though a bit muddle-headed, instinctively embraced his lover. “Wha—” He was interrupted when he heard the loud gasp from his partner and his mind became all too clear at what happened.

“S-Sa-hic-ans.” Red sniffled and hiccupped in his choked sobs, continuing to breathe fast; his nerves were too frazzled.

“Hey, hey. Shhh. It’s okay. I’m right here. It’s okay.” Sans gingerly pulled Red onto the bed, positioning them so that Red was on top of him, maintaining their embrace. He rubbed his lover’s back, whispering words of comfort.

It might’ve been only a couple of minutes, it might’ve been hours. Sans didn’t really care. He just kept at it until Red calmed to quiet sniffles. His soul twisted at the sight, he himself feeling distressed, possibly even more so than Red was, now.

“Do you … want to talk about it now?” Sans had to ask. It wasn’t that they were never going to talk about it, but if only Red was currently feeling up to discussing it.

Red, on the other hand, became drowsy, and even more exhausted than he ever thought possible after his panic episode. His hoarse and raspy voice came out as mere whispers. “I … should.”

“Okay.” Sans simply stayed quiet and waited.  

“… Got fired. Today. Wasn’t even m’ fault.”

Sans tightened his hold on Red, but didn’t say anything. Opting to listen to hear the whole story.

“‘M just … tired. Of everything Sans.”

Sans hummed in question, his heart breaking at the sight of his lover crying once more.

“J-Just hic everyt-thing. ‘ts so hard. C-Can’t even hic h-help you. Even though y-you hic work so much. P-Pay for eve­-hic-vrything. A-And I just…” Red couldn’t continue when he ended up becoming a blubbering mess.

It pained Sans to see this, but he knew that Red needed to let it all out. So he didn’t stop him, even if his soul pricked with each tear that fell.

Red took a breath. “I … When I got the … idea … to kill myself—”the skeleton felt and heard Sans’ gasp. “I woke y-you up.” Though his vision was partially blurred, he met the other’s gaze. “‘cuz I know i-it’s really bad w-when it got to that point.” Hands tightly gripped at his lover’s shirt. “Needed to t-tell you. T-Talking is key, right?” Red let out a watery smile. “N-Not alone … A-And I love you so… You n-need to know.”

Sans didn’t stop his own tears from falling. “Stars. Y-Yeah. You’re right. T-Thank you. Thank you for t-telling me. I love you. I l-love you Red.” Sans pushed them both upright, keeping Red in his lap against his chest. He began kissing him all over the face; from the mouth, cheeks, nose, eyes, and head—over and over. And all the while, he whispering how much he loved him, how thankful he was, and how he was proud of Red’s courage to talk about it.

They were both a mess that Red couldn’t help but let out a small laugh, albeit tiredly, when the pressure inside him just slowly began to evaporate. He felt lighter as if he were on clouds, and feeling that made him bury his head against Sans’ shoulder.

He glanced at the side, and saw the time on their alarm clock. “… It’s 6.”

Sans turned to look. “… It’s 6.”

“… Your wor—”

“Day off. Sleeping in. The whole shebang.”

Red chuckled, and didn’t question it. “Okay.”

Sans laid them both down on the bed, and tucked them in. And even though both of them were probably really tired, Red couldn’t help but ask, “Sans?”

“Hmm?”

“Sing me a lullaby?”

It was childish. And something he’d never really ask. But he really enjoyed hearing Sans hum and sing. It calmed him.

“Sure thing sweetheart.”

“And …”

“Hmm?”

“I’ll sing one for you too next time.”

Sans blinked, before smiling warmly. “Okay.”

“And Sans?”

“Yeah?”

Red said it softly, but the underlying firmness of his words remained strong and clear. “I got you too.”

If he ever needed to cry.

If everything becomes too much.

If he ever wanted to just say fuck it all.

Red would be there for him.

“I know you do.”

It’s short, but hope you like it~! :D

Considering supporting and pressuring me to get some work done and not be lazy?

[Pour me a glass of milk]

[wanderer706]

Behind the Screens Ch 12- Signs

(Cam. Airl- Written Draft 2)

Reginald couldn’t take it anymore. He didn’t care that he was stuck in his apartment. He needed a drink. Now. So, he grabbed one, and skulled half the bottle, letting that sweet frothy goodness fill his mouth.

Breathing a sigh of relief, he looked back at the sign. It wasn’t anything spectacular, but it would do the job. He had taken several pieces of paper from circulars and news paper and had formed it into a larger piece. Then he had found a marker and scrawled help onto it. It was cheaply done, but it would do the job.

One thing however was absolutely clear to him now. He hated his goddamn brother. Thanks to that shithead he was now stuck here with no way of calling out for help except for a damn sign. Did anyone give this system a check? A backup opinion? Was it an experiment? The more he thought about it the angrier he got, and now it was decided that when he saw his brother after this he was going to punch him.

He took another a swig from the bottle before he got back to work on the sign. He was nearly done when there was another knock on his door.

“It’s open.” He said.

He saw out of the corner of his eye that both Michela and what he assumed was her boyfriend had come back.

“I though you went back to your room. I’m still…” he begun to say.

“Milo’s dead.” Michela said. Reggie stopped drinking right in his tracks.

“What do you mean dead?” He said.

“Dead. Head missing. Blood everywhere and he’s not the only one.” She said siting on his couch with her boyfriend comforting her.

“What do you mean?”

“On our way down, we heard more screams. We couldn’t do anything. I think we’re stuck in here with a psychopath.” The boyfriend said.

“Are you saying… are you saying the apartment killer is in this building.”

“I think, but I don’t think…” Michela said pausing.

“What?”

“That’s the only stairwell in this building, right?”

“Yes.”

“As we ran down those stairs we heard multiple screams, and at the rate to which we heard them the killer would have had to have been running in between floors. But we didn’t see anything.”

Reggie stared blankly at them while he processed this information. He tried to figure out how that could happen, but there didn’t seem to be a logical answer.

“That’s not possible. There’s no other way in this building someone could move from floor to floor with the elevator out.”

“It doesn’t matter!” Michela suddenly shouted. “What matters is getting out of here.” Reginald steeped aside to show them the sign so far. Michela also saw the open bottle of beer.

“It’s crude and cheap though.” He said “Some people. Might think it’s a joke.”

“We have to try at least.” She said.

Reginald took that motivation by finishing his bottle of beer. He then immediately went to go and get another bottle.

“How much have you had?” Michela asked.

“Not nearly enough.” Reginald responded

“You need to stop.”

“I’ll stop when this is over!”

“No, you need to stop now.”

“Shut up!”

Reginald said walking over to Michela with the full intent of hitting her. He heard enough of this stop drinking crap from his brother. He was stopped by Clark who grabbed his hand as he raised it.

“Listen to the lady.” Clark said getting up. “You don’t want to be drunk now.”

“Yes, I do! It’s the only way to calm down.”

“From what I’ve heard you drink a shitload. How do you even stay afloat financially?”

That did it. He punched Clark square in the face causing him to fall back into Michela’s lap. She gave out a small scream.

“Don’t patronize me! Just because I drink doesn’t make me a monster! I mean so what if I’ve scammed a few people to get money for this privilege. I am not a monster for those gullible rich twats deserved it.”

“What?” Michela suddenly said. Reginald knew he just dove into shit creek.

“Being landlord, doesn’t pay nearly enough. So, I scam people to make ends meet, and it’s always rich shitheads who can’t do jack with their lives who fall for it. If you want to see that in action just look at the fucking movies, and how fucking incompetent the people who make them are.”

“You fucking animal!” Michela shouted leaving the room. Reginald quickly had a moment of sobriety, and rushed after her with Clark following behind.

“Help! Help!” She was now screaming at the main door. The door wasn’t that thick, and she could clearly be heard, and seen through both it, and the grate blocking it.

“Get back here!” Reggie shouted.

“No! Help!” She screamed again. Someone outside saw her.

“Stop shouting!” He said trying to pull her away from the door. She elbowed him quite hard in the stomach causing him to fall over, but as he did one of his fingers got caught on a belt loop on her pants causing them to fall slightly when he hit the ground. Michela screamed even louder, and started hitting him harder. The man outside suddenly pulled out his phone and made a call.

Reggie quickly removed his finger just a Clark showed up to help him carry Michela back to the room, but the damage was already done.

Once back in the apartment Michela was still screaming and demanding to be let go. Reginald continued to try and explain himself to her but she was far beyond the point of listening. Clark was also trying his hardest to calm her down but she was more focused on Reginald.

Suddenly, she seemed to calm down. At first Reginald was glad, but then he looked at her deeply. She looked like she had been drugged. He tried to snap her out of it, but she quickly lost consciousness.

“Damn it.” Clark said. “Was hoping she would be in her apartment before it kicked in.”

“Why did you… What did you do to her?” Reginald asked.

“I drugged her drink when I took her out to dinner. Apparently, it’s supposed to knock her out, but why did it have to be here.” He said leaning in to check her vitals. Reggie saw sweat starting to form on his brow

“You wanted to rape your own girlfriend?” Reginald asked.

“No. I have to. You wouldn’t understand. I was supposed to do it tonight, but shit.”

Reginald just stared at him. The alcohol suddenly cleared right up allowing him to see the full extent of the situation. He remembered something similar from the days when he was that age.

“Who’s the puppet master?” he asked

“You won’t know him, but he holds the finest parties. Anybody on campus who is lucky enough to get into his crowd is immediately hailed as a legend. I got the courage to ask him if I could join, and he gave me these pills. He then told me to slip the foreign bitch you call a girlfriend these then film yourself screwing her. Then I would in the club free to party forever. Doing nothing, but having a damn good time.”

Reginald continued to stare at him. A series of memories were flooding back to him like a bad dream. There been had been a similar kid who wanted into his group, and he told him he was not aloud in unless he punched a girl in a public place whilst naked, and then do a silly dance. The whole point was to not let them in, they were never going to do that anyway, but to have make such a fool of themselves that they didn’t have to give a reason anymore. If he didn’t they could just call him a chicken.

“Don’t look at me like that. I want this I need this.” Clark said

“No, you don’t.”

“You’re just a spoilsport drunk.” Clark said getting up and going to his fridge. “I don’t care about your scamming just help me do this, and I will even honour you, and mention you in my acceptance.”

Reggie stood up to the man.

“I don’t care about some bloody frat boy house. I am too old, and you shouldn’t let them push you around like that.”

Clark backed up against the wall. He then started shimmying towards the kitchen.

“You don’t care,” he said with tears streaming down his face.

“I do. I know a lot more about this than you think.” Reggie tried to say, but Clark reached into the kitchen, and pulled out a knife.

“No, you don’t. I am not going to have you ruin my chance. I am not going to be a loser on campus grounds.” He said with the knife aimed right at Reggie’s chest.

“Calm down.” Reggie said raising his hands in the air.

“You want me to calm down? Then drink this.” Clark said removing a can of beer from Reggie’s fridge, and throwing it at him. “It’ll let you help me.”

Reggie caught the can, and looked down at it, and for the first time in his life didn’t feel like drinking. He wanted to throw it back, but Clark was looking at him with knife still pointed at him. Seeing no way-out Reginald opened the can, drank the beer, and felt two things.

The first was an urge to vomit the stuff back up, but this he was able to fight. The second was a desire to beat the crap out of the shit who was pulling the stings of the person standing in front of him.