✧ グリフィス

I’d rather die.

Did you hear that?

I know what I saw.

That doesn’t make any sense.

Promise me, you’ll never do that again…

Don’t touch me.

We make a good team.

What’s the news?

Do you hear yourself?

Are those wedding bells I detect?

You stole that from me

You’re joking, right?

I can’t see anything.

You’re bleeding…

Are you drunk?

Who do you think you are?

Don’t leave.

How did that happen?

Why won’t you believe me?

I want to help.

I’m not going to make it.

Tell me the truth.

You’re cut off.

You’ll come bail me out, right?

Except it felt wrong to call it that. No, if anything it was a brand.

He looked all around, even in the main town that hardly even compared to Kairos, before an idea popped into his head. Griffith’s place— of course, and perhaps in all the ruckus he might find the silvery haired male himself in that same house. He would call him there at least, his own phone battery waning on 9%. He had to get into the habit of plugging it in overnight. He couldn’t worry about that now, and at least he had the mind to pocket his charger for when he got to work.

Shit, how was he supposed to get to work? No bike, trains were down… Walking would take hours if not the rest of the day, and still something told the blond that even if he did walk, there wouldn’t be a way to get back home so easily.

So he set his sights on finding Griffith.

It took a total of two hours to walk to the summer home, getting lost almost every 5 minutes didn’t exactly help his time either, but upon seeing the house in the distance he ran. Panting, he searched beneath a few flower puts before finding the right one, popping out the key, opening the door and putting it back in place. The house was dark and quiet, blinds shut and lights off completely, it was doubtful that Griffith was even there. Still , he had to try.

"Hey Griffith, you here?"

"I’m gonna use your outlet…" he called out again, and upon hearing no response shrugged and plugged his phone in. It began to charge with a small chime. It was just as he stood that the door had opened with a small creak, and with the excitement of a puppy the blond ran to the entry hall.

"Griffith! You—…" His smile suddenly faltered as he saw the condition of his closest friend, and concerned bubbled up his throat and through his mouth in the form of words.

"What happened?" he whispered in confusion, seeing the brands— the puffy red irritated skin and the others frightened look. His crystal blue eyes wide, as if he were a deer in headlights. It was if Griffith had been branded as well, but in a much more literal and animalistic sense. It was terrifying. Just as the taller of the two reached out in concern, the smaller turned swiftly, making for the exit.

"Hold on!" Snow said, making for the other and gently taking Griffith’s hand— the only place seem to be undamaged. Snow didn’t want to risk a shoulder.

Tell him. If only he could.

Turning back to face the blond, Griffith attempted to calm his breath, blood rushing through his veins as he simply couldn't help but panic. Everything else seemed so utterly normal, even Snow appeared to be entirely untouched -- how could something like that have ever happened to him? Opening his mouth slightly, the smaller of the two attempted to speak, tried to say "no," yet all that came out was a startled noise, the blood swiftly leaving his face.

Immediately, he grit his teeth, trying to jerk his hand away, though the blond's grasp was strong. Too strong.

That was enough to make Griffith stop, hand shaking slightly within the other's hold, and as he found his gaze shifting away from Snow's face.. tears burned in his eyes. A whimper slipped past his lips, other hand curling up and moving to cover his mouth. Repulsion. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, he could not disregard how it felt -- how empty his mouth was. Whatever remained of his tongue strained for a moment, tears finally beginning to slip down his cheeks.. and as Griffith's resilience finally broke apart, he stepped forward, wrapping both arms around the blond.

Never before had he realized just how much he wanted to say to Snow. Now it seemed he wouldn't ever get the chance to express himself so easily. Taking shallow, shuddering breaths, he clutched at the other's shirt, pressing his mouth against the other's shoulder. Even while his strange, new injuries -- which did not seem quite so new at all -- hurt well enough, they seemed to pale in comparison to what had been done to his mouth.

One hand shifting to the other's blond hair, he curled his fingers through the soft locks, pulling slightly as he tried to silence himself. How could such a thing have happened? He would have thought someone had taken him to Paralia, somehow harming him overnight.. yet the wounds were too old for that, the nightmare too fresh in his memory.

Mimeux’s was a French restaurant and cafe in downtown Kairos, owned by an elderly couple, Yvette and Leon. They’d been running the place with their own son and daughter since Jack was a kid—he lost count of how many afternoons had been spent here after school, staining their maths worksheets with croissant crumbs and chocolate icing. In that time, the place had hardly changed. Nostalgia welled up within him, a lighthearted feeling that he’d been getting a lot, these days.

Jack knew his friend was fond of the restaurant, so he’d booked them a table nearly a week before he was due to even return to Kairos. The owners were pleasantly surprised, but all the same it had cost quite a bit to make the reservation.

At the end of the day, who cared? Jack had been looking forward to this reunion for ages.

Everything was perfect. The afternoon weather was cool, the street was practically deserted and old Mme Mimeux had pinched Jack’s cheeks when she’d reassured him that, yes, she’d baked a fresh batch of mille-feuilles that morning.

Everything was perfect, but Jack’s friend wasn’t here.

"I hope he’s not lost." Jack jiggled his knee in impatience… and listened to his stomach growl as the most mouthwatering aromas wafted out from the restaurant proper.

It hadn't taken long before the vehicle was caught up in traffic, Griffith's brows furrowing in impatience as he spared a glance through the window. Perhaps biking would have been more speedy, though it seemed there was nothing to be done about it by that point. Jack had chosen quite a tasteful place to meet in, the restaurant being one that Griffith personally preferred. While Kairos held many new, bustling venues to explore, his own favorite haunts always remained well in first place.

Finally, the bus came to a grinding halt just down the block from the cafe, a satisfied huff escaping the young man as he exited the vehicle, hurrying to Mimeux's. It seemed the day was off to a good start, delay aside.

Upon seeing his friend seated just outside, a pleased smile curled to Griffith's lips, pale eyes bright with delight.

❝Jack!❞

The brunet appeared to be lost in thought, a detail that only made Griffith smile more as he hurried forth, stopping by the table. ❝It's so good to see you,❞ A reflection that he meant in full earnestness, which wasn't something he could easily say to many of his companions.

They had spent many a time together, confessing blunt opinions, as well as more comical ones, of the company they'd too often been forced to remain within. Familial circumstances being similar, at least in terms of class and wealth, Griffith had found much solace in their friendship, knowing that, if anything, Jack could understand him more easily than most.

❝..But perhaps I should cut my hair.❞

"Woah— woah, what?" Snow asked, leaning over to get a better look at Griffith’s features, and upon seeing downcast cerulean hues and a fading smile, the blond felt almost disheartened. Grasping the other in his arms, mostly to comfort the other, Snow pulling him a bit roughly, but it was all in good sport. With an indignant huff Snow pressed his face into the others hair.

The blond thus pressed his face into his pale locks of hair, and simply feeling him huff so indignantly, breath warm, made the smaller male smile. He could feel the other's body brush against him, hands secure upon his arms, and as Snow blew a few stray strands of hair away from his mouth, Griffith found himself relaxing against the other. It only seemed natural by that point.

It made him happy for some unspeakable reason.

❝Ready when you are.❞

Well, the car only needed about 10 minutes more of repair that he could easily do in the morning, and he hated to keep Griffith waiting… With an exaggerated sigh the blond slid from beneath the car and sat up, cracking his back with a loud pop before sighing in relief and standing.

"Alright, give me a minute." he said, taking off his work gloves and shoving them into his back pocket and grabbing his jacket. He only took a minute to wash the oil from his wrists and arms and did his best to cover up the smell of sweat and oil on him before going back to the silver haired male.

❝On the contrary -- you smell divine, as per the norm.❞

Teasing, as ever--- though that wasn't to say he'd wanted to get closer to the blond. Nevertheless, Griffith had plans on his mind in regards to the masquerade ball... and if he had goals to achieve, he had no intention of letting them simply slip away, regardless of how Snow might have felt on the matter. ❝I know a place,❞ he said as they began to walk, ❝That should have something for you. I already gave them an estimate of your measurements, so it seems it'll work out.❞

Regardless of how much the suit would cost in the end, Griffith intended to get it done. This wasn't necessarily something that he would have done for any other friend, as well -- though Snow seemed to be a special case under most circumstances. As they exited the vicinity, he moved towards his car, unlocking it. ❝It won't take long, don't worry.❞ Offering the blond a confident smile, Griffith nodded, once, before reaching to pull off the flower. Snow would need it, after all.

[text] Are you lost?

[text] NO! That was a typo

[text] Did you buy it?

[text] I think I’m a mermaid

[text] I know it’s 3am, but come over and cook for me. 

[text] Too lazy to booty call, so have this text instead

[text] Need to bury a body, it’s urgent.

[text] Are you sure there’s no monsters?

[text] It was an accident.

[text] lol fuk da police

[text] send me a picture and i’ll be home quicker ;)

[text] DO NOT READ THE LAST MESSAGE IT WASN’T MEANT FOR YOU

[text] Well maybe I broke my tongue!

[text] Please tell me you’re free today! I’ve got some big news today.

[text] Got a spare ticket, do you want to come?

[text] Do you have a spare mankini I can borrow?

[text] Is fancy dress allowed at the wedding?

[text] I was using my old baby blanket as a makeshift skirt because no pants

[text] We were banging then all I remember is coming down hard and smashing my top teeth off his forehead… I just rolled off and tapped out. 

[text] Like alphabetically, I’d say a t?

[text] I’m sorry if throwing up in the back of your dad’s car ruined our friendship :(

[text] there is absolutely nothing wrong with two grown men staying up all night singing karaoke and drink out of juice cartons. don’t judge me.

[text] I found a door knob in my purse this morning, I hope whoever it belonged to doesn’t need it today.

[text] Do you know where I am?

[text] My wedding is in 5 hours and I have no idea where I am. Help!

[text] We played Rock Paper Scissors to see who would get a piggy back ride home. I’ve never been so broken.

[text] Is “head down ass up” an appropriate way to say good morning?

[text] That is definitely not healthy, in fact I’m not sure it’s legal to send that sort of picture?

[text] There isn’t enough cookie dough ice cream at home, so I’ll be heartbroken tomorrow instead.

[text] Not sure if I took a nap or went to another dimension

[text] ABORT MISSION! ABORT MISSION! HE IS A TRIPLET, WE DONT NEED TO FIGHT OVER HIM WE CAN HAVE AN ORGY INSTEAD

[text] No no don’t leave me, who’s going to walk me home

[text] She wheeled me home in a trolley and sad she loved me, I think I win.

[text] My dick just got serenaded.

[text] I ate the whole wheel of cheese. Help.

[text] I’ve been hiding under the bed for the past 20 minutes, and now they’re getting into it and it’s a little too late for me to jump out and surprise them. So expect a live sex updates

[text] The fridge is fully stocked. I’m either hallucinating or this is a miracle

[text] I need you to help me clean the house because I have visitors in less than an hour???

[text] Your brother is at the front door- WHAT DO I SAY?!

[text] It’s all fun and games till someone says you’re so pretty they could punch you and they, you know, punch you

[text] I’m in A&E but I don’t really know why

[text] Went to bed with a 10, just about woke up with a 2 and a half

[text] I think I’m officially a homewrecker because his wife just walked in screaming and he said it’s not what it looks like. I mean what else could it look like? I wasn’t trimming his hairs with my mouth?!

[text] My night ended with me crying in a gutter, I hate you.

[text] He’s decorated the toilet with his urine. I never want to see him ever again, tell him he has 2 minutes to get out of our house.

[text] Don’t talk to me! You tried to trade me for a glass of wine and a cigarette!

[text] I promise I’ll get everyone to jelly wrestle with us xox

[text] I am armed with a crown, a sash and a bouquet of flowers. Don’t test me.

[text] I think I got married last night?

[text] I think I got married on impulse last night… and after looking a second time, I don’t think i’ve made any mistakes.

[text] My mouth tastes like poor choices

[text] I didn’t let go of the mechanical bull, but they had to pull me off because… it was rough just the way I like it and I think that showed?

[text] If I say it was accidental you’ll just say I’m lying

[text] There is an alarming amount of glitter in my… everywhere

[text] You’re my hero

[text] You’re the worst thing to ever happen to me, thank you

[text] Have you ever had a good idea in your life?

[text] Are we going to end up in the hospital again?

[text] It’s not a good night if I don’t end up crying into your mother’s lap.

[text] Mark my words, your dad will be my sugar daddy, he’ll marry me and you’ll have to call me momma bear and I will interrupt your sex life with condoms and condiments.

[text] I’m may be allergic to nuts, but not his.

[text] She high fived me out of pity

[text] You walked in wearing nothing but a beekeeper mask

[text] You just walked in, rated their performance, dragged in three other people to clap for them, then walked back out.

[text] You kept calling me baby Jesus and trying to see what wise men had to say about my hair…

[text] I am a responsible adult. I tied up my hair before I puked

[text] I am a responsible adult, I brought home a lost kitten and let it shit in your room

[text] I accidentally talked myself into a threesome, when did I become so smooth?

[text] It may or may not have been your sister…

[text] It may or may not have been your brother…

[text] If you’re not coming over with food, don’t come over at all

[text] Call me and get me out of this conversation NOW. My co-worker is talking to me about her birds having sex again…

[text] IM NOT TALKING TO YOU UNTIL YOU MAKE A PROCLAMATION YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN TACOS

[text] Buy me a helicopter, I will give you the last slice of pizza. pls. this is important. okay maybe the crust?

[text] Let’s never forget the time I met you while you were running down the street naked and in handcuffs.

[text] I tried to put lipstick on my eyeballs, help.

[text] I told her my cum counts as protein shake and she sent a text to my gran saying I ate her cat.

[text] If you don’t fuck me hard, rough, and senseless the minute we’re alone in your room, I’m returning you to the boyfriend store

[text] I accidentally sexted your mum, I’m sorry xox

[text] There can only be one screw up per family and I was here first. Get your shit together bro

[text] I feel like you’re pretending I didn’t bail you out of jail last night for trying to staple a cushion to the top of their car so you had a “comfy place to sit”

[text] You climbed the fence and then started crying because you were scared of hamsters, I really don’t know what you took, but you need a babysitter.