etherealdizzle

Before the Entity brought Ji-Woon to this world, he was a star. His face was all over posters, autographs, and merchandise. Ji-Woon loved his fame. He loved the attention. He loved the look of admiration in people’s eyes. To see their fascinated gaze. It wasn’t the same looks he got here.

Here, the faces were filled with horror. Dread. Pain. They no longer looked at him like he was a god. They looked at him like he was a monster. Deep down, he knew that was what he was. He was a monster. He liked the fear he got from people. He liked knowing that they were afraid. That they screamed his name in terror.

But he missed being the Trickster. He missed dancing around on stage. He missed knowing there were hundreds of people with their eyes only on him. Mesmerized. It wasn’t quite the same thing as being here. They all looked. But not admired.

That was the reason Ji-Woon was so upset today. He’d barely laughed at all during the trial - something that was very unusual for him - and just moped around. While away from the trial, the killers were allowed to mold reality. Ji-Woon took this opportunity to create a stage. It was the same stage he used for most shows, right in the middle of Seoul. The lights were bright, with colors that popped and brought out Ji-Woon’s outfit. The stage was where he was happiest, but he still felt sad.

Danny had been looking for him for what felt like forever. Usually Ji-Woon was right there when Danny finished his trials. But he wasn’t there and Danny knew something wasn’t right. He wanted to figure out what was wrong.

He found him eventually. On accident, of course. One second he was in a forest, then the next he was on a stage. It was amazing! The music, the lights, everything! He looked around until he found Ji-Woon, sitting on the edge of the stage. “Ji-Woon!” Danny called out excitedly. Danny was clingy, often too clingy, but Ji-Woon never disapproved of his affection. But today he didn’t even look up. Just looked into the seats, where not a single soul was sitting.

Danny understood what was happening. He made his way over to his lover and sat next to him. He looked to the non-existent crowd. “I bet this place used to be super crowded,” Danny said, taking off his mask. It wasn’t hard to breathe in, but it always felt like a relief to take it off. He fixed his hair, smoothing it out with his hand.

After a moment of silence, Ji-Woon spoke. “It was. It used to be packed. Filled with so many fans, fans from around the world,” He explained. A smile poked at his lips, but was gone by the time he finished his sentence.

“Is that what you’re pouting about?” Danny asked, looking over to Ji-Woon.

“I’m not pouting.”

“Yeah you are.”

Ji-Woon sighed. “Okay, whatever, I’m pouting.” He rolled his eyes, standing up. His eyes stayed glued to the seats. “You know what it’s like, Danny. To want people to admire you.”

“Murder and a music idol… Admiration, sure, but not in the same way, though,” Danny joked, standing alongside Ji-Woon.

Ji-Woon tore his gaze from the seats and finally looked at his boyfriend. “I miss it a lot. I miss…” He fell silent, eyes landing on his feet. He didn’t know how to say it. “I miss all those people. I miss how they looked at me.”

“Ohhh.. You’re an attention whore, huh?” Danny teased.

“Shut up.”

Danny raised his hands defensively. “Am I wrong?”

Finally, a smile fell upon Ji-Woon’s lips. “No, but you could’ve said it more… delicately.”

Danny put a hand on Tricker’s face, rubbing it softly. “You have my attention. That’s worth a least a thousand fans.”

Trickster grinned. “I think it’s worth about a quarter of a person.”

“Wow. That hurts.”

Ji-Woon leaned down and kissed Danny, them both laughing into the kiss. “You’re an idiot,” Ji-Woon laughed, walking to the middle of the stage. Danny stayed where he was, and watched as Ji-Woon began to dance.

“Hey, you’re actually kind of good!” Danny said. He had to admit, Ji-Woon was a great dancer. He was an amazing singer, too. He sang a lot, whether in trials, just walking around, or helping Danny get to sleep. Ghostface reminded Ji-Woon of a child often. He even requested a bedtime story once, but Ji-Woon shut him down.

Trickster finished with a final move, then bowed. “What do you mean ‘kind of’?” He asked, finally acknowledging what Ghostface said.

“Do you know what the phrase ‘kind of’ means?”

Ji-Woon sighed. “You’re so annoying.”

“But you love it, right?” Danny flashed a cheeky smile at him and winked.

“Kind of.” Ji-Woon closed his eyes, and for a moment, he could imagine himself back before the Entity. Before the trials. Before his final performance. Pure bliss. He’d taken it for granted and now it was the one thing he craved.

Danny thought for a moment. He wasn’t quite sure how to cheer Ji-Woon up. So he thought until he finally figured it out. “Oh! Oh! Oh!” He ran up to Ji-Woon, grabbing his shoulders and shaking him back and forth. “I’ve got it! I’ve got it! Come with me!” Danny grabbed his hand and led him backstage. He sat him down in a makeup chair. “You know how to do this, right?” Ji-Woon nodded, a little confused. “Great! You sit there and don’t move ‘till I say, got it?”

“Danny, what are you doing?” Ji-Woon tried to stand, but Danny pushed him back down into the seat.

“Stay!” Danny pointed at him, slowly stepping away. “Good boy!” He joked, turning and running away from the room, leaving Ji-Woon by himself. And confused.

Finally, after what felt like forever, his lover returned. Danny had a big grin on his face. “Ready, Mr. Hak?” He asked, grabbing Ji-Woon’s arm and looping theirs together.

“Ready for what?” Ji-Woon questioned nervously. He trusted Danny, but that didn’t mean that Danny still didn’t do dumb shit. Danny brought him near the stage.

“Don’t forget this,” He said, placing a headset on Ji-Woon. “You’ll do great.” Danny kissed Ji-Woon on his cheek, then gestured to the stage.

Ji-Woon was even more confused. “...What?”

“Just get out there!” Danny urged, shoving Ji-Woon lightly.

Ji-Woon just shook his head, but listened to Danny. He figured it was just some prank, but then he heard it. The cheers.

The seats were filled with audience members. Nearly everyone was wearing his merch, yelling out his name. Posters with his name on it, people with pens and papers, begging for autographs.

“Ji-Woon!”

“We love you!”

“Trickster, over here!”

“I love you so much!”

“Sign my autograph!”

“Ji-Woon!!!”

Ji-Woon stopped dead in his tracks, excitement and happiness overloading his system. He couldn’t believe it. Hundreds of people, looking at him. With love. With happiness. With admiration. He waved to them, a grin plastered on his face.

The music started. Ji-Woon remembered the words, singing them hundreds of times before. The dance was like muscle memory, the knife tricks he learned as a kid becoming an important piece of his choreography. He hadn’t felt this happy in a long time. Danny might be a little piece of shit, but Ji-Woon wouldn’t have it any other way. He loved him. He loved Danny Johnson with all of his heart. He loved him even more than this feeling. He might’ve not said it a whole lot, but Danny knew. And Danny loved him, too.

When Evan first entered this world, he fought. He did not consider himself a murderer. He did not wish to kill as mercilessly as the others. They enjoyed their victims, they enjoyed watching people die. Evan didn’t feel that. Sure, he had been angry at his father. Years of abuse and lies had built up into pure rage. He was angry at his friends. The workers. They sold him out. They deserved their fate, as did his father. But after that day, he didn’t feel that anymore. He felt he killed for justice, not pleasure. So, he fought.

But the Entity was strong. The Entity forced him. It channeled the rage he felt - at his father, his friends - and formed it into the perfect murderer. Merciless. It took what was left of humanity and crumpled it. In exchange for his soul, Evan asked simply for a favor. He didn’t know what it would be. He hadn’t even thought of anything. But he knew better than to ask for nothing. A favor. That’s all he needed.

And the Entity listened. And it promised. It didn’t have a voice. Or a body. But Evan knew that it would keep its end of the bargain. It was good to the killers. Evan trusted it. So, Evan turned into the Trapper. The Entity created him the perfect weapon - one that could never break. Bear traps that could be used again and again. They were already rusted, but Evan wasn’t picky. As long as it caught prey, he was happy.

And it did. He remembered the first time he caught someone. Dwight. He was fascinated. The grunts of pain made him exhilarated. He was so happy knowing this. But his happiness fell when Dwight freed himself from the trap. Of course. The Entity couldn’t just give him the kill. He still had to earn it.

The next trial, he experimented. Just placed a bunch of traps down. The survivors seemed to know better. They all avoided the traps. It was frustrating. He couldn’t force them into his traps, either. They either avoided it or just took a hit. It wasn’t fair. He placed one down in the basement, never expecting a survivor to go there voluntary. But then he heard the snap and the scream. His heart raced, a sense of happiness flooding his mind. Finally.

He rushed back to the basement, finding a young woman caught in his trap. He was mesmerized. She was so beautiful. Long, ginger hair done in braids. Blue eyes that were so entrancing. And here she was, caught in his trap. He didn’t move. Just looked at her. Finally, her gaze met his. She looks scared. Terrified. The Entity spoke to him. Gave him her name.

Meg Thomas.

At that moment, the Trapper knew what his favor was. He’d never wanted anything as much as this. He asked. He begged. The Entity granted his wish.

✯ ✯ ✯

The Trapper always rushed to finish the trials. Only once he was free from the trials could he get what he wanted. Once away from the trials, he was transported to his old house. No one was there anymore. Except for one.

He made his way to his old room. There was what he had asked for. Meg Thomas.

She had tried to escape a couple of times. But Trapper had learned in the trials how to prevent an escape. Bear traps, placed all around the home. He put them in random places, but made sure to always memorize where they were to prevent his own capture.

But Meg, too, had learned the locations. She learned to adapt, to have careful eyes. Avoiding the traps became easy to her. Evan came back once to find her gone. He asked the Entity for help. The Entity, favoring it’s creation, listened to his request. It brought her back. And gave Evan some tools to make sure she never escaped again.

That’s how she ended up here. She laid in Evan’s bed, a collar around her neck. A leash was connected to a lock, with a key only Evan possessed. Meg tried to break it, to pick the lock, but it didn’t work. She could no longer leave. But as time went on, she found her urge to run away dampened. It scared her, but she accepted this growing feeling. She trusted her gut.

“Hey, kitty,” Evan greeted her, taking a seat on the bed. It sunk slightly with his weight. He removed his mask, setting it on the end of the bed. It was the only time he could remove it. During the trials, it was stuck to his face. The Entity liked the killers with the masks it crafted for them.

Meg had just woken up, still a little groggy. “Hmm?” She groaned, sitting up, rubbing her eyes. Meg stretched, hearing a bone crack. She always looked so beautiful to Evan. Every inch of her body was perfect. He made sure she was safe here. No bruises, no cuts, no scrapes. Meg found it sweet in a weird way. It terrified her but made her happy at the same time.

“Let me see your neck,” He demanded. Meg craned her neck up, looking at the ceiling. There were a few holes in it, dust flowing down, as well as spiders. It creeped her out, but she didn’t say anything.

Evan leaned in closer, grabbing her chin with one hand and pulling the collar up with the other one. He noticed underneath her neck was red, a rash forming. It was too tight. “Is it hurting you?” Evan asked. He was disappointed in himself for letting this happen.

Meg nodded. Evan loosened the collar, taking it off her neck. It felt nice, a relief to her. This was her chance. She could run. Be free. But she didn’t move. She didn’t want to. She just waited for the Trapper to loosen it, then place it back on her neck. And just like that, she was no longer free.

He scratched her chin, like one would a cat. Meg liked the feeling. She leaned into it. “Good girl,” He whispered, his breath hot on her neck. He placed a kiss to her neck and she moaned gently, leaning closer to Evan. She wanted more.

But he liked to tease her. He removed himself from her, standing up. She pouted, reaching for him. Evan chuckled, grabbing her hand and kissing her fingers. One by one, a kiss placed across each of her delicate fingers. She could only stare, smiling. “You continue to be good, and I’ll give you a special treat,” He promised her.

“When you said you wanted to hang out, this isn’t quite what I was expecting,” Dwight said nervously, but continued to follow his friend into the woods. Jake had asked Dwight if he wanted to spend some time with him. Jake liked solitary, but he needed human interaction sometimes.

He met Dwight during one of those times. It had been nearly a year since he’d spoken to - or seen - anyone. It was starting to get to him. He made sure his stuff was safe, even going as far as setting a few traps, and ventured into the city. He’d planned to have his life on the edges of the woods, never going back to civilization. But he’d run out of food, clean clothes, and medical equipment. He grew up in a wealthy family and made sure to bring enough cash to last him a while.

He ended up going to the grocery store. He earned a few weird glances in his direction. He smelled and looked… different. Not entirely awful, but different. He just shrugged it off and continued to look for supplies. While he was looking for some food, he felt someone bump into him.

“Oh! Sorry, excuse me,” Came a soft voice behind him. He turned around to meet the other man’s gaze. He was wearing a button up shirt and a tie, looking frantic. Poor kid, Jake thought to himself.

“It’s okay.” Jake turned back to the aisle, returning to his own thoughts.

“Actually, could you help me?” The man asked, Jake facing him once more. Dwight pointed to the top of the aisle. “I can’t reach that box. Can you grab it for me?”

Jake nodded, having to stand on his tippy-toes to reach the box. He looked at the box. He didn’t recognize the company. He had been away for a while, so he figured he just didn’t know this brand. There was only once there… How long had this guy been searching? Jake handed it to the shorter man.

He smiled, taking it. “Thank you!”

“Sure.” He paused for a moment. “Why that brand? I’ve never heard of it.”

The man chuckled. “Neither have I. My boss asked me to grab it.”

“Your boss?”

“Yeah. He always sends me out to get stuff. Lots of time, it’s stuff I’ve never even heard of!”

“Sounds like he’s trying to get rid of you.” Jake said truthfully. Jake didn’t really have a filter, so he hoped this man didn’t mind it too much.

His face fell. “You really think that…?”

“Well… yeah? I guess?”

“Huh. I guess you’re right.” He looked sad.

Fuck, should’ve kept my mouth shut.

“Hey, what’s your name?” Jake asked the man.

“Dwight. Dwight Fairfield.”

“I’m Jake Park. Listen, I’m sorry about your boss. You seem like a nice enough guy.” Jake said awkwardly. He wasn’t very good at this. “So, um… Wanna hang out? Next week, same time? I can meet you back here.”

“Really? Sure!” Dwight said, a little too excited. “Do you want my number?”

Jake chuckled. “No, I don’t have a phone. Just meet me here next week, okay?”

Maybe it was stupid, but Dwight trusted the man. He’d been honest enough to tell him the truth about his boss, right? “Okay!”

And so that’s how the two of them ended up here. In the woods. Dwight would’ve worn something else if he’d known this is what would be happening. He wore nearly the same thing when they first met. The tie was a different color, and the pants were bluer.

“You’re free to leave anytime, Dwight,” Jake responded. He would understand. Most people weren’t suited for this life. Growing up, he didn’t think he would ever live like this. But people change. They grow and they learn.

“No thanks! Not sure I’d be able to find my way out, anyways,” He laughed, Jake chuckling with him.

“That’s why I’m here. I’m gonna help you.” Jake continued to walk further and further until he figured it was a good enough spot. “Okay, here’s good.”

“Good for what?”

“Dwight, remember when I told you I didn’t have a phone?”

“Yeah?”

“I also don’t have a house. I live here,” Jake motioned to the woods. “Not here, but near the outskirts.”

“Wow! That must be hard, I imagine,” Dwight said, impressed.

“It was at first. But you learn things. Like... “ Jake looked around, trying to find an example. “Do you know what time it is?”

“Huh? Sure it’s-”

Jake grabbed Dwight’s wrist, covering the watch he had almost looked at. “Not like that, Dwight. Without technology.”

Dwight shook his head. “I have no clue.”

Jake stood next to Dwight, then put his two hands together. One directly on top of the other. He raised the highest finger to the bottom of the sun. “You can use your hands to tell the time. See my two hands? It takes two to reach the horizon. That means two hours until sunset.

“So… it’s 4?”

“Yeah. See, you’re getting it!” Jake smiled at him. Dwight nervously smiled back. Jake slung the backpack off of him, sitting on the floor.

“What are you doing?” Dwight asked. He still wasn’t completely sure Jake was gonna murder him.

Jake pulled out the pieces of a tent. “We’re gonna pitch a tent.”

“Oh man…”

“Don’t worry, man. I got an easy one.” Jake set down the materials. “First step! Lay the tent down flat.”

Dwight looked at him like he was crazy. “Me?”

“Yes, Dwight! You’ve got it.”

Dwight nodded, getting to work. He pulled the fabric until it was in a rectangle. “Like that?”

“Not quite. Flip it the other way so the tent isn’t upside down,” Jake chuckled.

Dwight’s face went red. “O-oh…”

“Don’t be embarrassed. This is your first time, huh?”

“Yeah.” Dwight fixed the fabric.

“Okay, step two; use the pole and prop up the front of the tent.”

Dwight grabbed a pole. “This one?” When Jake nodded, Dwight put it into the hole, then stabbed it into the ground.

“Great. Now, use that string and tie it to the pole. Then, tie the other end to a hook, then stomp it into the ground.”

Dwight did that. “There!”

Jake nodded. “Stomp down on that hook a little more. Don’t want that flying away, right?”

Dwight used all his strength and kicked it until he couldn’t see it in the ground. Jake continued helping him with instructions. Dwight had some trouble, the poles kept falling down, but Jake was patient. “It’s okay, you’ve got it.” He kept saying, reassuring Dwight.

Once the tent was pitched, Jake patted Dwight on the back. “Look at that! All by yourself, too, man.”

Dwight grinned. “That was frustrating.”

Jake laughed. “Trust me, I know.”

The sun had begun to set. “Jake, I have work tomorrow.”

Jake had reality hit him. “Oh, right. You have work. I forgot.” Jake smiled. “C’mon. I’ll lead you back.”

“Thanks. And thank you for teaching me that stuff.”

“Anytime. You ever wanna learn some more, you come find me. I live on the outskirts. Just come find me, okay?”

Dwight grinned. “Yeah! I’ll be sure to do that!”

He meant it, too. Jake was one of the first people to actually treat him like a human. He had just met the guy and he was already his best friend. It was kind of sad, but Dwight didn’t care. He was just happy to have a friend.

“What are you doing?”

I jumped, turning around quickly to the person that had scared me. “Herman!”

“Hi,” He grinned at me. While away from the trials, he was free to take off the headgear. It allowed him to smile, frown, do pretty much any facial expression. He could blink, too. He told me how now it was. I couldn’t imagine not blinking! “What are you doing?”

“Evan told me of an old journal. Benedict Bakers.” I told him. He didn’t really seem to understand why I cared.

“Why?”

I rolled my eyes. “Aren’t you curious? He was here way before we were! He’s met killers and survivors that are gone now!” I was so excited, my voice clearly expressing it. “I’d love to see what he thought of the Entity and this world before we came into it. To see how much has changed!”

Herman nodded. He still didn’t get it. Oh, well. I tried. “Do you need help?” He asked. He was so sweet. Even if he didn’t really care, he still tried and gave at least a little effort.

I leaned forward and went on my tippy-toes, kissing him softly on the lips. “Thank you.” I went back on my feet, my toes hurting. I liked it when he kissed me because he leaned down. It was easier. “And yes, you can help! Evan said it was somewhere around here. Help me look for it?” He sighed. “Please?”

“Okay,” He gave in. The two of us split up, looking everywhere for it. I came across a few books, but they were all blank.

“Is this the Entity’s idea of a joke?”

He laughed. He laughed differently when he wasn’t all… shocky. I preferred it this way. “The Entity’s jokes are the trials.”

“Yuppp.”

I continued to look. “Got it!” Herman walked back to me.

“Really? Awesome!” I said, excited. He held the book out. It was dirty, the cover partly torn, but I could see a name on it. Benedict Baker. “Let me see it!”

I went to grab it, but he yanked it away. “Wait.” I pouted. “We have to make a deal.”

“A deal?” I scoffed. He wouldn’t budge. “Fine. What do you want?” He winked. That’s it. Yet I knew exactly what he meant. “Oh… Oh, wow.” I giggled. “You could just ask anytime!”

His face turned a little bit red. It only made me giggle more. We’d been together for months, but he was still shy to ask about that kind of stuff. Even if we had done it more than a few times, he was still nervous about asking me. Maybe he didn’t want to force me? “Here.” He held the book out and I grabbed it. “Tomorrow we can… you know. I’ll let you read this book, today, though.”

“Thank you!” I hugged him, just for a moment, and darted off to find a quiet place to read. This was going to be interesting! I was so excited to find out what Baker had thought.

✯ ✯ ✯

“Feng? Love? Where are you?” I called out, trying to find her. She’d gone off somewhere to read that book… I knew where she was.

I went into my office. It was just a room with a bed with a desk. But, it was better than anything else in this world.

I saw her at the desk. I went to say something, but I saw that she was asleep. The book was wide open, and her face was on it. She’d been reading so long she’d fallen asleep. A smile fell upon my lips. She was so cute. I didn’t deserve her.

We’d been together a while now. We were friends even longer before that. We were ten months, almost a year now. I’d thought about… marriage. Feng had talked about it. But it was more sad. She didn’t know how it would work here.

Would the Entity grant us a ceremony? How would I get the rings? How would it work with the killers and survivors? It’d be a hassle to convince them to place nice for just an hour or so. And our outfits! How would that work?

But when I look at her face… So gentle. So beautiful. The worry and stress just fades away. Our time would come, one day. I’m sure of it.

I removed my coat, placing it gently on her. I saw a smile on her face. I leaned down, kissing her forehead. “I love you.” I left the room, allowing her to sleep.

“It’s not good enough,” The boss stated firmly. “Why is everything you do shit?” He slammed the paper’s back down on Dwight’s desk, causing the younger man to jump.

“I’m sorry, sir, I-”

“Save it, Fairfield! I’ve had enough of your excuses. You do this work over again, and do it right, or you’re fired!” He yelled, causing heads to turn. Including that of David King.

David had been here for a shorter time than Dwight. But he had seen as much as he wanted to. Dwight Fairfield was treated like crap, to say the least. David has watched as his boss verbally abused Dwight over and over again. The other co-workers ignored it, but David didn’t.

David didn’t want to stand up to his boss. So, he just tried to make Dwight feel better. The two became friends, David being the only person to actually treat Dwight like a person. To say Dwight appreciated it was an understatement. Dwight admired him.

“Yes, sir, sorry again, sir.” Dwight sat down at his desk, starting to re-do his assignment. His hands were shaking, the yelling always making him nervous and scared. He was afraid his boss would one day get physical and he wouldn’t be able to do anything about it.

David watched Dwight, pitying him, but he had to finish his work. Perhaps during break he would comfort him.

✯ ✯ ✯

When break time came, Dwight was still glued to his computer. David walked over to him, patting his back. “Hey, it’s break time.”

“What?” Dwight asked, still typing. His eyes were focused.

“Break. C’mon,” David urged Dwight, pulling at his arm to try and get him up.

“I can’t, David. Sorry.”

“Dwight?”

“David I can’t I-”

“Dwight! Look at me.”

Dwight snapped his head up to meet David’s gaze. “W-What?”

David didn’t even have to say anything before the tears began to spill from Dwight’s eyes. “Dwight?” David said softly, putting a gentle hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry…” Dwight raised his hands up and hid his face, embarrassed. He’d been strong for so long… Why now did he have to break? Why in front of David?

“Hey, hey…” David gently took Dwight’s hands away from Dwight’s face. He replaced them with his own hands, cupping Dwight’s cheeks and using his thumbs to wipe away the tears. “Dwight…”

“Just… Leave me alone, please.” Dwight stood up, rushing away from David. David reached his hand out, wanting to stop him. But he didn’t. He had something else to do.

David made his way to his boss’s office. He busted the doors open, causing his boss to stand up angrily from his seat. “David! What do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m doing something I should’ve done a long time ago, boss.” Dwight curled his fists in anger. “You’ve done nothing but treat us like shit.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Don’t play stupid, dumbass. You remember Dwight? Of course you do. You’ve done nothing but treat him like he doesn’t matter since he got here.”

“Well he deserves it! He sucks, quite frankly.” The boss answered, crossing his arms. He stepped up to David, smug. “Why? You care about that freak or something?”

David had enough. Something inside of him snapped. Before he could even try to stop himself, his fist collided with his boss’s face. It felt good. Watching the boss grunt and fall to the ground in pain felt satisfying. David wasn’t doing this because of himself, though. He was doing it for Dwight.

“You little shit!” The boss tried to stand and swing, but David quickly dodged the attack, moving out of the way. “Fuck!”

David chuckled, watching as his boss fell on his own two feet. David kneeled down next to him, getting right in his face. “You ever fuck with Dwight again… well, let’s just say next time will be way, way worse.”

David got up, walking out of the room. He felt no pity or regret for his boss. Well, that was until he saw Dwight standing there, wide-eyed. “D-Dwight! I was um-”

“David.” Dwight suddenly smiled wide. “Thank you!”

“I… What?”

“You’re the only one whose ever been nice to me. You’re the only one who's ever cared... And now this.” Dwight stepped closer to David. His heart was pounding. “Thank you.”

David smiled softly. “Of course, Dwight. You mean a lot to me. Seeing him, treating you like that… I couldn’t handle it.”

Dwight nodded in understanding. “We’re probably getting fired.”

“Yeah, probably.”

The two burst out with laughs, unable to control it. Once the laughter died down, Dwight’s face was red. He was tangling his fingers, nervous.

“T-Thank you, David.” Dwight leaned forward, pressing a kiss to David’s cheek. “See you tomorrow!” Dwight was quick to run off, both embarrassed yet glad at what he did.

When you’re born, the mark on your wrist appears. It slowly fades into existence. Once you’re ten, the mark is clear. It’s a pair of initials. Different for everyone. Some people have one, some get two, and very few get nothing. What are the initials for, exactly? Simple.

Your soulmate.

Those who are born with a mark search their whole lives for the person they are meant to be with. Often, they travel all across the world, searching. Some get to meet them. They get to love and to be loved with the other half of their soul. Nearly everyone gets initials. But not everyone gets to meet their soulmate.

Frank Morrison figured that would be his fate. He was stuck in a shitty town with the same group of people. He’d been moved from adoption home to adoption home, never staying in a new place for long. He hadn’t met his soulmate. So, he figured it was time to move. That was until he met a girl named Julie.

Their friendship bloomed into a series of theft, violence, and eventually murder. The group now found themselves in the Fog, a new realm away from the real world. While some accepted their new fates, others were dissatisfied. The marks on their wrists stayed, reminding them of a lost love they would never find.

Frank had two marks. Two initials. Two people he would never get to see. Two people who he would never get the chance to love. He was angry. He kept his marks covered, hoping to forget about them and begin his new life. The life that took his soulmates away from him.

But others didn’t stop searching. Danny Johnson believed the Entity was on his head. He knew it would bring his soulmates to him. He was right. For one of them, at least.

“Danny Johnson,” He introduced himself to the man standing before him. The man’s eyes widened, jaw opening slightly in shock. “...What?”

Frank scrambled, nearly tearing the fabric as he tried to take a look at his wrist. D.J. But maybe it was a fluke, like so many times before. Initials were unique, of course. Frank reached forward and grabbed Danny’s hands. Danny pulled back, but stopped his effort once he saw what the man was trying to do. And Frank saw it. In black text read ‘F.M.’

Frank slowly looked up, eyes still wide, and let out a shaky breath. “It’s you…”

✯ ✯ ✯

It was hard at first. Danny was clingy, and Frank was still processing. But now, they two were in love and they couldn’t be happier. Danny was definitely the more affectionate of the two, but that didn’t mean Frank didn’t care for him. He just showed it in a different way. Less touchy and more words. Danny didn’t mind. As long as Frank was happy, he was happy.

But both of them felt like something was off. Sometimes, the initials burned. Danny didn’t mind as much, just pulled his costume over his wrist and pretended it wasn’t there. But Frank would sit and stare at it. Two letters. An initial. A person. Someone was out there, alone. Were they searching, too? Danny trusted in the Entity to bring the missing link to them. Frank wanted to believe. All he could do was ask.

He asked, and the Entity listened.

✯ ✯ ✯

“Please?”

“No.”

“Pretty pleaseeee?”

“No.”

Danny rolled his eyes. “Why not!?”

Frank crossed his arms and looked to his lover. “Because I don’t even think they exist here!”

Danny huffed, upset. “Maybe we could ask the Entity…?”

“I doubt the Entity would give you a cat.”

“If I asked nicely!”

“No.”

Danny heard the ringing bells in his ears. He sighed, deciding to move the conversation to another time. If Frank had anything to do with it, the conversation would never come up again. The ringing came again and Danny winced, the loudness of the bell something he would never get used to.

“You gotta go?” Frank asked, uncrossing his arms. Danny nodded, and Frank stepped closer to his partner. “Have fun,” He grinned, kissing Danny gently.

“Always do, boss,” Danny winked, waving goodbye as the Entity took him into a trial.

It was Autohaven Wreckers. Ghostface liked it, it had lots of cover for him to hide with. But he also hated it because it was open as well. He just had to figure out where to go. He crouched, moving and making his way until he heard a noise. A voice. He didn’t recognize it. Using the tires as cover, he leaned to see who it was.

“I don’t even know how to repair this,” It was a man. He talked to himself, standing over a generator. He began to connect wires, but the generator exploded. He sighed, trying again. He wasn’t someone Danny knew. He was new! Ghostface had a different way of greeting new survivors to this world.

Danny ran at him, jumping on him. The man landed on his back with a thud, grunting as the air escaped his lungs. “What the fuck!?” The man yelped, trying to push Ghostface off. But it was no use. Ghostface had his legs on either side of the men and pinned his arms down, holding them above his head. He was stuck. The man struggled for a moment, but realized there was no use. He gave up, looking angrily at the killer above him.

Ghostface chuckled. He liked seeing their reactions to his unusual greeting. Danny studied the man. He was well-built, with a face Danny could only describe as handsome. And attractive. And beautiful. Okay, he had a few ways to describe him. Danny flipped his arms so he could see the initials. Actually, it was a pair of them. The first read, ‘F.M.’ … Wait. What? Danny shook his head, thinking of it merely as a coincidence. He read the other one. ‘D.J.’ …

Yes!

The Entity had listened! It brought him the last piece of his soul! And what a beautiful piece he was. Ghostface released his tight grip of the man’s arms, and the man began to rub the sore spots. Danny grabbed his own mask and pushed it off his head, smiling at the man before him. “Tell me - Am I better or worse than you were expecting?”

The man looked to him with confusion. “What are you talking about…?” And once Danny revealed his markings to the man, he understood. “O-oh… well… fuck…” The man said, unsure what to say.

Danny grinned. “I’m your soulmate! Oh! We can go on dates together! Go on strolls, you can watch me kill your friends! It’ll be great!”

The man was still processing. “You’re… my soulmate?”

Danny simply nodded.

“And what about-”

“Frank Morrison! You’ll love him, he’s great!” Danny got off of the man, putting his hand out. He grabbed it, and Danny helped pull him up. The man was shaking, and Danny felt responsible for helping him out. He slung an arm over the man’s shoulder and winked. “Don’t worry, now that you’re my soulmate, I won’t hurt you.”

“And the others?”

“I can’t promise anything.”

✯ ✯ ✯

There was no way for Ghostface to show Frank to the man. All he could do was give him a description of Frank and hoped he could figure it out. Danny kissed him on the cheek, perhaps a little too eager, and pushed him down the hatch. And thus began the search.

He hadn’t found him yet. He saw a pig, a cannibal, twins, a plague… He was starting to give up hope. But then, he found him. At least, he thought it was him. Matched what Danny had told him.

Frank spotted him. The man was hesitant to walk towards him, scared it wasn’t him. But Frank broke the distance between them. He pulled his mask off, smiling gently at the man before him. “Danny told me. I can’t…”

“Can’t believe it either, huh?” The man laughed. “Never thought I’d find my soulmates here, of all places. Was hoping for a little more romantic qualities.”

“It’s as romantic as we make it,” Frank flirted. “Speaking of, wouldn’t it be better with just us two?” Frank slipped his mask on. “Wait here.”

The man waited, slipping into cover every once in a while when he saw his teammates. They’d probably figured he’d died already. To be quite frank, he sucked at looping. Wasn’t good at it yet. Perhaps Danny and Frank could help him.

“There,” Frank tossed his mask off, grinning at the man. “Isn’t that better?”

The man nodded, unsure what to say. “So… we’re soulmates, right?”

“With Danny,” Frank agreed, stepping closer to the man.

He hesitated, freezing up. His heart was pounding. “S-Sorry… just…”

“I get it,” Frank reassured. He placed a hand on the man’s shoulder. Testing. Once he saw he was allowed, he moved it down, gripping his waist. “It’s not like how you imagined it. Me neither. But you know what?” His other hand found the man’s waist. The man felt his heart slow. “At least we found each other. Some don’t get that much.”

The man nodded, putting his hands on either side of Frank’s upper arms. “I’m happy to have found you, Frank.”

“I’m the lucky one.” Frank leaned forward, closing the distance. He pressed their lips together and was happy once the man kissed him back. He meant it, too. He was lucky. Hell, he didn’t deserve this. He would never take it for granted.

✯ ✯ ✯

Danny met him with enthusiasm. “Frank told me you kissed him!” Danny practically tore his mask off. He pulled off the best puppy dog look he could.

The man chuckled. “It’s your turn, then, right?”

Danny agreed, practically jumping on the man as he smashed their lips together. It was sweet and rough at the same time, but it felt so good.

The man knew he had his hands full with these two.

He never talked. Dwight would be pouring his heart out to him, full on sobbing, but he never said anything. He could be angry, yelling at him. Nothing. It annoyed Dwight at times, but he got used to it. Got used to the silence. Got used to the small touches here and there. The way Michael kissed him, deep and tender. The way that all Michael needed to do to comfort him was hold him in his arms. He didn’t need to speak.

But sometimes it would be better if he did.

Dwight entered the trial, spawning next to Kate. They were in Ormond, a map Dwight liked. It was pretty. Kate pointed to a gen and waved him over, but he shook his head. He wanted to look around for the killer. His friends would ask him why he cared enough, but he couldn’t tell them his secret. Not yet, at least.

“I-I just wanna know who it is!” Dwight said, a little too quickly. Kate raised an eyebrow, but didn’t say anything. “You know! So… so, like, we know how to avoid them…?”

Kate nodded slowly, understanding. “Ooh! Like if it’s Evan, we know to look for the traps, right?” She further explained to him. “And Danny, we are extra observant.”

Dwight let out a sigh of relief. She bought it! “Y-Yeah!” Dwight smiled at her. Silence filled the air. “Okay… bye.” Dwight waved to her, and she awkwardly waved back.

Dwight slipped away, thankful to be free of that conversation. Kate was a really good friend, but she wouldn’t understand. To be lovers with a killer… That was way beyond any of their understanding. At times, Dwight didn’t get it either. It was easier for him not to think about it.

Dwight looked around. He couldn’t find anyone. No heartbeat, no lullaby, no traps, nothing! Dwight figured Ghostface, or maybe Amanda was being extra stealthy today. Oh well. He thought to himself and turned around.

“Gah!” Dwight yelped, his heart jumping. Michael was standing right there, barely a foot away from him. He was staring at Dwight. “Why- oh my goodness!” Dwight breathed out, putting a hand to his chest, trying to calm himself down. Michael put a gentle hand on Dwight’s shoulder and patted him. “Never gonna get used to how quiet you are, Mikey.” Dwight chuckled, finally calm. This wasn’t the first time he had gotten scared. And he knew it wasn’t gonna be the last.

Michael stared at Dwight for a moment, his eyes scanning him up and down. Suddenly, Michael reached forward and picked him up, hoisting him onto his shoulders. Dwight gasped, unsure what was going on. “Michael?” Dwight asked, but to no avail. Michael wasn’t going to answer. Not that he even would if he could. Michael brought Dwight inside the lodge. Dwight could instantly feel the warmth and smiled. He brought him to the couch, and plopped him gently onto it. Dwight fell on his back and propped his elbows and knees up to move, but Michael pressed a hand against his chest. Dwight stopped dead in his tracks, looking up to his boyfriend. “Stay here?” Dwight asked and Michael nodded. “O-Okay.” Dwight obeyed, and Michael left the room.

He was gone for a little while. But Dwight could still hear the screams. Kate, Felix, Elodie… Once everything fell silent, Michael returned. Dwight sat up, smiling at him. He opened up his arms, and Michael moved over to him. He swaddled Dwight between his knees, allowing Dwight to sink back into the softness of the couch. Dwight wrapped his arms around Michael’s neck, leaning forward enough to kiss the forehead of the mask.

Michael huffed, like an upset child. One hand was placed gently onto Dwight’s stomach and the other brought his mask up, revealing his lips. That was all he ever allowed Dwight to see, but Dwight didn’t mind. Whenever he was ready, if ever.

Dwight pressed his lips to Michael’s, sealing them into a kiss. It was sweet at first. Slow, gentle, warm. But Michael pressed his lips harder, sinking his body into Dwight’s. He moved his hands to the bottom of Dwight’s shirt, cold fingers moving the fabric up. Dwight shivered at the sensation, the coolness mixing with the heat of his skin as Michael moved his hands up, pushing the shirt with them.

Dwight gasped and pulled away from the kiss when Michael’s fingers brushed his nipples, gently. Michael smiled slightly, moving his fingers back onto the man’s nipple’s, pressing them. When Dwight produced another whine, Michael pinched them, sending a shock through Dwight's body that shook him. This time, he moaned, the sound sweet to Michael’s ears. The sound sent a signal to Michael, and his crotch began to harden. Dwight could feel it, pressed against his own growing member.

Michael moved his head, resting in the crook of Dwight’s neck. He began to kiss it, tiny mews escaping Dwight’s lips. With each kiss, Dwight became more desperate. More desperate for Michael’s touch. Anywhere. “M...Michael…” Dwight whispered, eyes closed. Michael removed his hands from Dwight’s chest, instead grabbing Dwight’s hands and guiding them to Michael’s outfit. He put Dwight’s finger on the buttons, and Dwight’s eyes opened and he began to unbutton them. Slowly, teasingly. Once the buttons were done, Michael stripped down his suit, then pulled his shirt off and threw it.

Michael leaned forward, only in his underwear, and grinded his hard cock against the fabric of Dwight’s pants. Dwight let out tiny moans, biting his lip to prevent any more. Michael seemed to growl at this and smashed his lips against Dwight’s, forcing Dwight to moan into Michael’s mouth. Michael grabbed the hem of Dwight’s pants and pulled them down, which sent a gasp through Dwight once he felt the cold air.

Michael tossed away the pants, ending the sloppy kiss the two shared. Dwight whined slightly, wanting to keep kissing his lover. It felt so good, but he knew he was about to feel even better. Michael sat up, pressing his hands against Dwight’s thighs. He stroked his thighs, up and down, slowly, watching Dwight. Wanting to see the pleasure in his partner’s eyes. He craved it. When he figured it was time, Michael moved his hands upwards, pulling down Dwight’s underwear, allowing his member to spring up, fully hard. Pre-cum dripped from him, having been touch starved for so long. It wasn’t often the two were allowed to be this close. They treasured it.

Dwight panted, the cold he once felt now replaced by heat. Michael grinned and removed his own underwear, revealing his erect cock. The first time, Dwight had been scared half to death. Michael was a lot bigger in the Entity, in every way. Height, muscles, and size. Michael always was gentle, though, so it wasn’t a problem.

Michael put his hand against Dwight’s face, petting him softly. He put his fingers to Dwight’s mouth, and Dwight knew what to do. He sucked them, hard, making Michael moan gently, getting carried away with the feeling. If Dwight hadn’t pulled away, Michael never would have. Dwight coated the fingers with saliva, and once they were good enough, stopped with a ‘pop’ and nodded at Michael.

Michael put his fingers at Dwight’s entrance, looking at him for the okay. Once he got it, he slowly slipped his fingers in, and Dwight let out a shaky moan. He moved his fingers around, allowing Dwight to get used to the feeling. He moved them in a scissor motion, making room for his cock. Once Michael figured it was good enough, he pulled them out. He stroked his own member for a moment, letting the pre-cum and saliva mix together to build a lubricant. It wasn’t a very good one, but it was as best as the two could get in this world.

Michael lined himself up, hands gripping onto Dwight’s hips. He pressed the tip against Dwight’s hole, then looked up. Dwight held onto the fabric of the couch, ready. He bit his lip and nodded, and Michael pushed himself in. Slowly, pausing every few seconds to allow Dwight to get used to his size. Dwight moaned, the feeling as bliss as the first was. He closed his eyes, no longer trying to stifle the moans. Michael pushed the rest of his cock inside and stopped, only for a moment. Once Dwight’s moans quieted some, Michael knew he was okay to keep going. Michael pulled himself out, not completely, then pushed in. Dwight moaned loudly, embarrassed. Michael grinned, glad he was able to pleasure his love like this. He wanted to tell Dwight that he shouldn’t be embarrassed, but he couldn’t. So he said it with his body, continuing to push in and out of Dwight. He gripped tighter onto the man, having to hold him in place as his body began to slide against the couch.

Dwight was a mess of moans and gasps as Michael went harder. Dwight threw his head back, feeling his own moans vibrate through his throat. Michael began to groan, the pleasure filling his body as he pounded Dwight’s ass.

“F-Fuck… M.. Michael… a-ah…” Dwight moaned, realizing he was close to his limit. He hated that he never lasted long. It wasn’t his fault. Michael’s cock was huge! No one could last very long. With each thrust, Dwight felt his cock twitch more until he knew. “I’m g-gon...na … mmm… cum!” Dwight warned Michael.

Michael nodded, feeling himself about at his limit as well. Michael kept going, and at last, cum spewed from Dwight’s cock, covering his stomach in a white web. Dwight moaned loudly, gasping as his orgasim. Michael knew he needed to hurry and went as fast and as hard as he could. In an instant, he felt himself explode inside Dwight, filling his ass with cum. Michael pulled out, semen dripping from Dwight as Michael admired his work.

Michael leaned forward, kissing a very exhausted Dwight gently, and picked him up. He searched for the hatch and once he found it, he set his love down next to it. The Entity always fixed things. Once Dwight left through the hatch, his clothes would return. He would be clean and he wouldn’t be sore. Michael would go back to the way he was. The only evidence of their affair would be in their hearts.

Dwight looked to Michael and smiled sweetly. “I love you, Michael.” Dwight said.

Michael didn’t need to talk. But he wanted to. So bad. He wanted to tell Dwight he loved him too. To tell him how much he meant to him. But all he could do was kiss him, sweet and soft, and watch as Dwight left.

The Fog took everything from me. I was ripped from my world, my home, my friends… I was angry, scared, confused. I met up with some other people. Survivors. Some of them had been here long. Told me there was no way to leave. I was heartbroken. The others tried to comfort me. They tried to give me advice on how to deal with this world. But I didn’t want to deal with it. I had wanted to leave.

We were only allowed so far from the campfire before the Entity would bring us back. It wraps its arms around your legs, dragging you back. It wouldn’t let you go until it sunk it’s claws into you, giving you a warning. Then, it would retract, disappear somewhere into the forest. I thought it was my ticket out. I had to defeat the Entity, then I would be set free from this world. I would be back on my bike, racing. My friends would be there and would laugh when I told them my story.

So, I fought back. I would run, as fast as I could into the woods. Meg tried to grab me, beg me to stay, but I evaded her grip and left. I never made it far. The Fog would entrap me, like a solid wall, preventing me from moving any further. Then, the Entity would come. It sounded like a bug, making its way over to me. Then it would grab my legs, sending me to the floor. The first time, I was filled with shock. The warning it gave only made me angry.

The second time, I put my arms forward so I didn’t land as hard. I tried to grab onto the floor, sinking my fingernails into the dirt in an attempt to stop. But the Entity was strong and my efforts didn’t matter. The third time, I reached forward and clawed at the Entity, trying to free my legs from it’s grip. The claws dug deeper into me, further than ever before. I yelped in pain, finally understanding. There was no escape. I was stuck here.

I gave up. What was the point of trying if I was just going to keep dying? I might as well get it over with. The first time was with The Clown. I just walked right up to him, and he didn’t even hesitate. He just grabbed my hand, cut off my finger, and threw me on a hook. It was painful, but I was out of the trial. The Entity took notice. Usually, the survivors got a break before going back. This time, the Entity forced me into trial immediately.

So be it. Danny Johnson was my next killer. He laughed when I walked up to him. He didn’t give me a quick death; I was tortured. I still hadn’t learned my lesson. The Entity was growing angry. The Trapper understood, gave me as clean a death I could get. Finally, the Entity put me with a new killer. One unlike the rest.

I remember seeing her for the first time and feeling pity. Her body was in pieces, shards of glass littering her body. She looked sad, something I didn’t think the killers could feel. My heart was pounding when I walked up to her. I wasn’t sure why. I wasn’t scared of her.

She stopped moving when she saw me. Her face was no longer sad but angry. She made a noise at me, like a croak. Like she was trying to speak. I counted the steps to her. One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. Eight steps and I was standing in front of her, looking into her eyes. She didn’t move, but her face softened. No longer angry. I could see the streaks from tears that had fallen down her face. I wanted to wipe away the fresh tears, but I couldn’t move. I was frozen in place. All I could do was speak.

“I’m sorry…” I said, to her confusion. She made another croak, but this one sounded clearer to a word. Almost like ‘what?’. So, I answered. “For whatever happened to you.” I motioned to her body, all in chunks. She looked to herself, face turning sad when looking at her wounds.

She glanced at me again, scanning my body. Her eyes stopped on my legs. “Y...you..’re… hurt....” She said, her voice quiet and soft. It was a voice I imagined her with. Beautiful and delicate, like her.

I nodded, looking to where she pointed. She could see the holes from where the Entity dug into me, fresh blood pouring. It hurt, but I had gotten used to the pain. I figured once the Entity could trust me not to run again it would let me heal. “The Entity. It’s a warning.”

Her head cocked and her face filled with confusion. “W...Warning… wh..y?”

“I tried to escape.” I smiled. I didn’t regret it. I still wanted out. But I couldn’t leave.

She nodded. “Nam..e?” She asked. I paused for a moment. Why was I even talking to her? Shouldn’t she be killing me? What’s going on? She noticed my hesitance and spoke up again. “Rin… Yamaoka.” A slight slime reached her lips. It suited her. It made her look really pretty.

“Yui Kimura,” I responded. There was an awkward silence that landed between us. “Listen… Can you kill me?” Her eyes widened. “I figure you’re going to eventually. Can you just get it over with?”

Rin paused, then plunged her sword into my chest without even a warning. Her eyebrows were furrowed, but whether in sadness or anger I couldn’t tell.

The next time I saw her, we talked a little more. I told her about my races. I told her about my grandmother. I avoided talking about my father. She didn’t talk much about herself. Just said her mother had been sick and they struggled with bills.

I lost count of how many times we saw each other. I loved talking to her. She got better at it. Less stutter and clearer sentences. I offered to paint her nails if we ever found any nail polish. And if the Entity gave her some clothes, I could help her with a hairstyle to go with it.

One time, it was just me and her left. She killed the others, allowing us to talk freely without worry of the others. We were in Ormond, sitting on the couch in front of the fire. This time, she was crying. Angry. I tried to soothe her.

“Rin…” She wouldn’t look at me. “Rin, please? Let me help you feel better.”

She didn’t answer. Just stared into the flame intently. Watching.

“I… I really care about you. I just wanna help you.” I said. Rin slowly looked at me, tears falling down her eyes. She sobbed quietly. “How can I help you?” I asked her, leaning closer to her. I rested my hand on her thigh, stroking gently. Her breath hitched for a second, but she kept crying. “Rin?”

“Just… Listen. That’s all,” She finally answered, looking deep into my eyes. She was opening herself up to me. She was vulnerable. I loved it. I loved seeing this side of her. But it made me more sad than anything. I just wanted her to be happy.

“Okay.” I whispered.

She sighed, turning to the flame again. “My family wasn’t perfect. We all had problems. My mom… she was sick. The bills were stacking up. I had a job, as did my father. He was supposed to ask for a raise…” She paused, tears beginning to flow more. I stayed silent, allowing her to talk. “I came home from work one day. Late. I heard my mother scream and I ran upstairs. I was so scared… I got up there and… she was all chopped up. Blood was all over.” She was panting.

I moved my hand to her own, grabbing it tightly. I squeezed it, letting her know that I was here. Her gaze moved to our hands and she took a deep staggering breath. “I was afraid my father was dead, too. But then I was attacked. I looked to see who did it…” My eyes widened when I realized. She didn’t even have to say it, but I knew. “I thought he loved me. I tried to fight back. I tried so, so hard. I wasn’t strong enough.”

“No, no… Rin, look at me.” She didn’t listen, so I used my free hand to guide her head to meet my gaze. I held her chin gently to insure she wouldn’t move. “You are strong. There’s nothing you could have done in that situation. But now look at you! You’re beautiful, strong, and brave. I’m proud of you.”

Her cheeks flushed pink. “B-Beautiful?” She said.

I felt my own face warm up. Wow. Of all the things she could have focused on, of course she focused on that. I nodded shyly, smiling. “Of course. Thank you so much for telling me this. It means so much to me that you trust me.” I told her. I let go of her chin and leaned forward, kissing her on the cheek. My lips lingered a second too long, but something told me that she didn’t mind. I leaned away. She stared at me, wide-eyed.

I felt embarrassed. I made a fool out of myself. Of course she didn't like me. How could I be so stupid. I gently ripped my hand from hers, standing up quickly. “Well.. I’m gonna go find hatch now!” I tried to move, but Rin grabbed my wrist.

“Wait!” She said. She released my wrist but grabbed onto my jacket, pulling me down. I didn’t get to react before our lips pressed together. Her grip on my jacket was tight, and my own hands moved to cover her own. Not making her let go, but letting her know I wasn’t leaving. The kiss lasted but a moment. She pulled away, her face flushed. “Sorry…” She whispered.

“Don’t be.” I grinned, leaning forward to kiss her again.

Once the trial was over, I sat down at the campfire. A stupid grin was on my face.

Feng Min sat next to me and noticed my smile. “What are you so happy about?” She asked in a teasing manner.

I looked at my legs. The holes were gone, no longer pouring blood. No warning. It trusted me. “Because,” I paused, looking at Feng Min. Happiness flooded my heart and I struggled to find the words to explain. I continued, “I found my reason to stay.”