Stricken by Love
*Now Leanne actually helped him significantly. His body was
not doing as much of the Puking and the Lying down thing, but he
still felt awful. Good enough to bathe himself, dress himself and
even sleep in his own room. There was this headache he couldn't
shake for the life of him, and well there was that Lyeth thing
that he couldn't get out of his mind. Mainly /her/ . He blamed it
solely on because he was sick. But that wasn't his most major
drama. While watching his favorite Soap the TV blew. Just up and
popped smoke and everything. After 30 minutes of sitting there in
befuddlement, trying to click it on and off via remote, he
FINALLY got up to make sure it was plugged in and put out the
small fire. Cigarette dangling from his lips, blinking as the
smoke filtered to his eyes. * Fuuuuucke dude this thing is like
toasted dude. . . * Looking back at Woofie who he just assumed
understood. So finally he got off the couch, an ass print there
where he usually sat. He blinked at the mess the living area
gotten to be too. When he was well he usually cleaned the place,
he /despised/ messes. He wasn't ghetto white trash after all. So
slowly he started to clean a few things, tidying everything. And
actually made the place look a little presentable. Occasionally
clicking the TV in case it decided to try to work. No tears were
shed, instead, he figured it was an omen to get up. Moving half
drugged still to the kitchen and opening the cupboard to get
something to eat and only seeing about 100 pizza boxes stacked in
there. He blinked unbelieving. . .Rifling through a few of them
and seeing Spikey laying down in the back. Spasm was sleeping IN
the cupboard, BEHIND about a gazillion pizza boxes. Mark just
kinda stared, not really surprised and grabbed a half full box of
fruit loops from the top shelf and closed the doors again. *
*a slamming door and dimmed lights herald her arrival* I hate
men! *words angrily muttered as she leans against the recently
closed door...her silver bodysuit seems to attract and reflect
the remaining light...the only brightness left in the room* Damn
him.....*She slides over to the wall beside the door and slowly
slides down it....one hand running through her perfectly kept
hair...a heavy sigh leaving her body......after a few seconds she
glances up, surprise crossing her face as she notes Mark...one
hand trying to quickly wipe away the streaked mascara as she
stands back up* Uhmmm, hi Mark.....how`s it going? *she licks her
lips, almost nervously* sorry, thought I was alone
* Hearing Spasm roll over and just rolling his eyes. Grabbing a
bowl from the OTHER cabinet and a spoon, looking at the mess the
kitchen was in too. He sighed, putting his food on the table, his
smoke down the garbage disposal. Taking the rag and starting to
clean the dishes. The dishes, a mere mountain ONLY dwarfed by
Everest was just gnarly. He pulled up his sleeves and began the
simply nasty task. Ever since Mica, that ass, said he was a waste
of space, and doing everything to get attention, machismo popped
up. He wasn't a waste of space. . . He scrubbed, even though he
felt just like plopping and sitting, and being for a bit. Finally
moving and wiping up the counters when the feat of the dishes was
done, and then the table. AT LAST peace, clean, good, honest
peace. . . all but the snoring from the cupboard. Moving and
getting the milk, and pouring it over the cereal, and it just
plopped out like cottage cheese. He watched almost in a trance
half tempted to eat the stuff anyway. He blinked up and hardly
noticed Star, instead mumbled something. * Dude I know, men suck.
. . * Watching the remains of the milk kur-splop- into the bowl
and sighing. He didn't even notice that she was crying at this
point. Instead he scooped up the bowl and cleaned it too. Looking
at the curds and whey float down the drain. Uttering softly. *
Dude I really hate this place. *Tossing the rag into the sink,
thinking about Lyeth again. If SHE were here she'd help him. Not
that /anyone/ else cared. Well maybe Geoff, possibly Kevin . . .
Finally when looking back towards her he tilted his head to the
side. Grabbing a paper towel, and tossing it to her. * You're
eyes are like all runny n'stuff. . . who are you pissed at today?
* Handing her the paper towel, before lighting another smoke
offering one to her.*
*She half smiles as he hands her the papertowel* thanks *..and
wipes off some of the mascara* Jason....damn asshole took off
with some redhead and left me at the club *She sniffs a little
then blows her nose into the towel..she shakes her head at the
proffered smoke then walks over to the fridge..the light dimming
down almost before its opened...a slight smirk coming to her lips
as she looks up at the still dimmed kitchen lights* oops...* She
once more reigns in her power and the lights resume their
brightness* We got anything ta like drink? *a grimace crosses her
face as she hesitantly reaches for a juice jug...she lifts the
top and quickly replaces it* Like oh my gods.....I have no idea
what that was....*she holds it at arms length as she walks to the
sink then dumps an almost solid mass from it* But that is just
Like totally gross *she turns the hot water on and leaves it
running..hoping perhaps that the mass will disintegrate...* I
don't think this is salvageable..she throws the container in the
garbage then looks around, a brief look of confusion on her face*
It like....clean...* the last word said with awe...it hadn't been
that way in ages....*
Dude I know I finally cleaned it and junk. * Thinking for a
minute and shrugging motioning for her to follow him. * Jason's a
dick, he's like a walking dick, everyone told you that dude. * He
managed a sniffing noise as he moved towards his room, petting
Snoopy on his way. Finally moving into his room, which was always
clean. Plopping on his bed and looking towards the spot where his
TV had been, Spasm broke that one while trying to mosh alone. . .
thinking of this and saying aloud. * I really like hate that man.
. . *Curling in his covers and reaching under his bed, grabbing
the first bottle he could feel. He wasn't an alchie, but had a
fresh supply. * Dude Brandy it is, there's soda and stuff in the
bottom of the closet. * Falling back on his bed and watching her.
* Man you know who you should like be with. Kevin, he's a hella
cool guy. Sides he needs a piece of poontang pie. * He smiled and
reached for a bit more of his Sudafed.* So which red head was it
dude? The big chested one or the horse-faced one?
Thats like cool...good job dude *she shrugs and follows him out
of the kitchen* but he can be so sweet...*She notices the bare
spot* Oh man, what happened to the set? him? *she glances in the
general direction of the pit* ya mean that freak?...cool thanks
*she grabs a can of coke from the closet and plops herself down
on the bed* You still feeling like crap? man thats a hella a bug
ya got there *She smacks him lightly on the shoulder* I aint
dating that creep, can`t stand him...*she shrugged* `sides I aint
dumped Jason.....*she pouts* neither it was some stick with a
tampon string skirt
Staring at the ceiling for a while blowing poufs of his hair out
of the way. Almost missing the throbs that emitted from the
garage. Sonic rarely spinned anymore. Autumn was too frikkin
stoned to care. Anything that boy could snort inject swallow. . .
Mark sighed, aside from that he hadn't seen Geoff in forever, or
Rocky twice as long as that and really began to worry. /I
shouldda been nicer ta her and stuff. . ./ He shrugged a bit
while he thought almost missing what Star said completely. * Huh?
Oh, yeah. . . Kev's great, sides if Jason is dating the tampon,
you should dump him. He isn't like THAT fukin'sweet if he pulled
this AGAIN *Spinning the top to the E&J's tipping just about
a shot back, before spinning it back on, shoving it back under
his bed. * My TV was killed by Spikey the wonder stoner, and the
TV in the front just fried man. * Wiping his lips and sighing,
giving her a long sideways glance * Anyway, dude you could get
any man panting like a dog in heat after you, and you settle on
scum. I just don't get you women. *Thinking for a moment, picking
fuzzes off his blankie, and turning to her.* Hey Star, I know
it's like your time to be all upset and stuff but can I ask ya a
quick question dude-ette?
No way man...*she shrugs* `sides Kev ain`t interested..*she
smiles fondly*..but he is sweet and last time he apologized and
took me for dinner and bought me flowers...and I like aint never
had noone buy me flowers before...*She takes a swig of the soda
then gestures towards where your TV was *the set out fronts been
going for ages...... Man, we gotta get rid o` that dude...he`s
like a total waste of oxygen and space *She raises a skeptical
eyebrow at him* Yeah right *..and takes another long swig then
shrugs* sure...what ya want? whats up?
Rolling his eyes almost gagging* You don't think he totally
DIDN'T buy flowers for Ms. Tampon? He did and he's gonna totally
do it again for a piece of ass, I know. . . *fluffing the pillow
a bit offering a smile. * I'm a guy. And as for Mr. Spasm I've
learned to totally loathe that man so much that I don't care
dude. * He was dodging the question and he knew it, so he went in
his own round about way of asking. * So like this Jason guy
bought you flowers, and then you like totally fell at his feet?
And that's all it took? I mean shite if that's all it took to
impress /some/ girls I'd be a florist dude. . . * He offered a
bit of a laugh, and sighed again, his head still pounding. He
closed his eyes for a bit. Finally after waiting for her to
answer his other questions saying, in a very serious tone. * Dude
like I'll kill, deny and kill some more if you ever meep this to
anyone no matter what, but. . . * He raised a brow and sat up,
flopping his arms over his legs tilting his head again. * Ya'ever
think someone like. . .say Lyeth, *Quickly then adding.* or even
Leanne would go fer a guy like me? I mean what does it take,
frikin'fireworks, skywriting? What? *Looking at her very flatly
and saying. *If you say flowers I'll hurl.
*she almost pouts then brightens up* but it was like roses, long
stemmed, ya know the expensive ones..it was like so cool *a
mocking smile crosses her lips, but her tone is perfect deadpan
serious* you`re a guy? I didn`t know that*she shrugs* But roses
are like so cool, they are like romantic and stuff....*she
smiles* its nice...I didn`t like totally fall at his feet...he`s
like hot, totally built..he`s got a bod....*her smile turns
impish* `some`? like who?*she pulls her legs up and sits
cross-legged* You mean you like, like Lyeth? cool....ya I can
like totally see her digging ya....your like *she cocks her head,
as she looks you over* cute.... *she shrugs* I dunno...fer Lyeth?
uhmmm...*she shrugs* I dunno...jest be yourself...your cool...if
she ever looks around she`ll see ya
Nodding as she spoke and then shrugging. * Well not necessarily
fer her y'know? *He shruged again and sighed. * Well I dunno no
one seems to notice me anyway except for that Prick Mica.
*Grinding his teeth mildly. Chin on his hands. Elbows on his
knees. * I wish sometimes, *His voice low very serious. * I never
had these stupid powers. I mean come on how useful is it a guy
can replicate himself? I mean please it's like a cheap rip off of
Multiple man, couldn't GEMlabs think of something a little MORE
original please, and I mean, shite man, I hadda a bitchin'car, I
had babes, I have everything, now look at me. I am stuck talking
to a girl who is still dating a loser because he bought her
roses, * He turned and smiled to let her know it was all in jest.
*and I can't even like look the girl I like in the face. I am so
pathetic. *Yeah it was his self-pity and he knew it wouldn't get
him anywhere in the long run. * And as much as I like hate to
admit it I miss my parents ya'know? I dunno. *He just dropped the
subject, and glanced at her, asking her. * SO what are ya gonna
do about Jason?
*she grins and nods* Yeah right....*she waves her hand
negligently in the air* Yeah...he can be like a total prick, just
ignore him and he'll eventually go away *she shifts, almost
restlessly, one hand coming to rest on you shoulder* Yeah, thats
one I know well.....*she sighs heavily*...why couldn't we be
normal? yeah and I'm a copy of an old comic called DarkLight...I
don't think any of us are originals...* silence hangs there for
long moments...her own thoughts running back to her old life, her
family...the lights dimming as her mood darkens* Yeah, I miss
mine too...*she shakes her head* but I can't go see them, not if
I want them to live * she looks up, tears once more threatening
to fall* what about yours? *rarely did anyone in the lair discuss
their families, the less known the better, most tried to drop
their past lives, past associations...they didn't want to
endanger them...and mention of them usually brought pain*
Huh? Mine? Oh I think * Trying very hard to remember. He could
remember his mom's perfume, he could remember his 'Dad's'smile,
even his after-shave. Hell he remembered 3 different routes to
get to his mom's work from the surfing shoppe. But because of
Psi-warps beautiful mind screw, not much else. Just a strong
sense that GUARD didn't do it, or meant to have done it. *
They're dead. I remember commin'back from school one day, no
cops, just weird people. I guess my mom worked for something or
other, and well. My sister Jessica still lives with my Aunt, but
they all think I did it or some crap. Or so Jason told me when I
borrowed 50 bucks to like get away. Was all over the news or
something, I never really heard about it again. I don't think it
was the GUARD, but like right after that, I met Geoff wound up
here you know? Better than where-ever they were gonna take me . .
. I'd be like one massive guinea pig or something dude. *
Shrugging, noting then finally the tears welling from her just
not being able to see her parents, and feeling incredibly hallow.
Smiling a bit, straining, and saying. * Look at it this way I
have some major babe-age to stare at around here. *Offering a
corner of his blankie to dry her eyes. * Dude-ette look man,
you're all leaking and stuff.
dead? oh man! I`m sorry...*..and she honestly was...at least she
knew her folks were alive...or she hoped they still were..she
hadn't seen them since the fight...her last words with her mom
had been harsh, and her dad she hadn't even seen...she just took
off...* sounds like GUARD to me *the words gently spoken..if he
didn't want to believe she wasn't going to force him, their life
was hard enough, why shatter illusions..she sniffles and elbows
him, a partial smile on her lips* yeah, you got Lyeth *she
accepts the blankie and wipes her eyes* thanks man...*she sniffs*
I dunno why I'm like like this lately...*she sighs*
Nah it wasn't them. Maybe like associated, but even GUARD isn't
that twisted to slaughter people. * Sitting and watching, saying
suddenly, totally out of respect, and camaraderie. * Dude-ette
your emotions are all in one frazzled knot. I think yer like
upset abut the /Jason/ *Name said in clear spite * thing. You
need to so dump him. Yer too sweet of a pal ta see cry n'stuff.
Sides yer tha only one who hasn't called me like a good for
nothing bum, who is faking it. . . .. * Mica .. Mark never held
grudges THIS long, not even about the TV Spasm smashed, or the
Pot he got them in trouble for, or the drugs Sonic was doing,
Mark was an easy going guy, but this ass. He just hated him.
Plain, and simple* What about Lyeth man? *Suddenly a bit
defensive. * I used her as a total hypothetical situation, sides
she's what like way older than me and some junk. . . shea. .
.riiiiiight. *sighing a bit, finally sliding off the bed sitting
next to her. * As the good man Denis Leary once said * Pulling
out a smoke and lighting it. * "Life sucks wear a
fuckin'helmet" And like *Taking a long drag. *Even though
that quote has nothing to do with dick-headed men, or dead
parents, it fits.
*she simply shrugs at his defense of GUARD* I've seen and heard
some crazy shit, who knows *she turns to better look at Mark* but
I like like him...I really do..and Jason said he liked me...and I
like know he'll call me like in the morning.... *she smiles and
reaches to hug him* well, your a bum, but your a sweet bum *she
chuckles* nothing....just sayin`..ya know Lyeths cool...she don't
think your a worthless bum either...and she aint that much
older...hell when your like 38 she's only gonna be like around 44
or somethin`..that aint bad...and when your like 80 she`s only
like 84 thats even better
So /he/ said. . . .*He looked very flatly at her. Pulling his
knees to his chest and thought about that.* 38 eh?. . . Suppose
we don't live that long? * He said honestly contemplating that.
It's not like he wanted to /marry/ the girl . She was in grade
when he was born for crying out loud. It hadda be this damned
sickness. Sniffling again, and then shrugging his shoulders. *
Well at least you feel a bit better about the /Jason/ thing. I'd
personally kick his ass if I were you. I mean you /could/ do it.
Totally freak him out crazy shite you know? * Smiling devilishly.
Then letting it fade to a nice smile. Staring then at his socked
feet. A long moment of silence drawn out between them finally he
cleared his throat. * So . . . um how about this weather eh?
*She shakes her head, her tone coming out harsh* don't even think
that *she closes her eyes as if pained...too many had vanished
recently and she didn't know where they were going, or what
happened...if it was GUARD why did they just play? Why not just
invade the lair, surely they could overpower us....* I don't want
him to know....*she half smiles and shrugs* maybe that's why I do
like him.....he knows like nothing about my life, what I am, what
I'm capable of....when I'm with him, its almost like I'm
normal..I`m not hunted...I can be what I want to be *she falls
silent as she runs out of reasoning, and lets the concept hang
mid air....the silence not exactly tense between them, but
expectant...waiting....she can't help but start giggling when he
asks about the weather if nothing else it`ll change the mood*
Kinda 60's low humidity, or so it was an hour ago when the TV
blew. . . Slight chance of rain, clear skies through the weekend.
* Scratching his head and chuckling with her. As much as he hated
to admit it too he faced the grim reality in the face. He didn't
WANT to die, it was there, the grim reaper, extending his bony
fingers out of the darkness. So close you could feel the chill
prick your skin, and each night he'd pass over him, but one
night, he'd stop. Extend that one frail looking hand, and . .
.Mark shuddered. Blinking as Spikey wandered in his room,
headphones blaring. He watched the man rummage through his stuff
grab a shirt and leave again, without even asking and leaving a
trail of clothes behind him. * You know as demented twisted and
so sad as this sounds, but sometimes I think that guy has it
right, he lives moment to moment you know? He doesn't care what
the consequences are. . . .That or he's just really too stoned to
care. * He smirked, reaching over to the clothes Spikey left and
folding them, tossing them back into the closet. *
*Amusement dances in her eyes as he gives the local weather
report* don't ya watch anything like interesting? weather totally
sucks *She shakes her head as she watches Spike come in and grab
a shirt then shakes her head as he leaves without issuing a word*
Yeah, but does he know whats going on now? he's like right out of
it..that dude is just strange...I couldn't live that close to the
moment...*A big grin crosses her face* hey I gotta be able to
plan to the next mall sale
Sales rock. . . and so does the weather man, Those people work
hard at the weather channel to like bring us up to date on rain
patterns in Brazil. . . Nah nothing ever is interesting on since
Lyeth banned the porn and poke channel man. *sulking a bit, and
then stretching out, pulling himself back on his bed. * You're
free to like crash here fer tonight if you wanna. I mean I have
like a ton of blankets in the closet and stuff. I mean I know how
it is sometimes you like need a friend righteous dude-ette, but
the Sudafed totally knocked me out man. * Extinguishing his smoke
in his ashtray and dusting off the ash near, and crawling under
the covers. Watching her. Saying very lightly. * I don't care if
this Jason guy bought you all the long stemmed red roses in the
world, he shouldn't treat you like that Star. I don't care if he
lassoes like the moon, and picks alla the stars outta the sky
just for you. You totally deserve better. Ya should never settle
fer second best and stuff, because then like you sell yourself
short. Sides, it sounds like to me, that he already gave this
girl tha red-carpet treatment. . . red-carpet. . . Get it? *
Chuckling, and tossing a pillow her way. he couldn't never just
be serious for a moment. Nah it gave away too much of his
sensitive side. * So um did ya wanna stay I mean ya can have th
bed I can take tha floor er soemthin'. . . *And in a way Mark
hoped she'd say yes. Just to have someone to bullshit with when
he dozed off. . . just because he did feel a bit lonely. *
Sales are like totally awesome ..weather *she shrugs* it just
don't like grab my interest...*Her shoulders shake as she
chuckles* because if she didn't ban it then none o`you guys would
ever get of that couch, you`d be glued there *she shrugs at his
offer....it was good to have a friend sometimes, just to talk
to...and a Mark was a cool dude...besides odds were pretty good
that someone else had already snagged her usual room..*....but he
does treat me pretty good....most o` the time anyhow..its just
sometimes, he don`t *.it was pretty late and with the amount of
people in here it seemed to pretty much be a free for all
lately...how Mark managed to keep a room was beyond her...mind
you he could probably leave a clone to claim it when he went
out..she catches the pillow and throws it back, a huge grin on
her face* Sure...if ya don`t mind *she shakes her head* No way
man...you are like sick!...you take the bed..I`ll be fine...long
as that mongrel don't come in here...*she starts to move towards
the closet and grab the blankets