uncontrollable beast

Zachariah raised his brow at the tone coming from the other. He didn’t like it, and he wasn’t about to just let the other get away with speaking to him like that. “Now, now, there’s no need to be short with me. I was just offering a service that this festival has deemed necessary to offer. What’s the rush, kid?” The disease manipulator asked, moving from his seat to stand in front of Oliver, arms folded and a smirk on his lips. 

Oliver didn’t even realize his tone had been that short, but clearly it had been enough to piss the other man off. Groaning, he turned to face the guy, his anxiety and nerves slowly turning to rage. This was bad. “I just want to get home. I don’t have to explain anything to you. Don’t get your panties in a bunch because I don’t want to kiss you.” Oliver took a step forward, clenching his fists in his jacket pockets. “Just leave me alone.” 

There was only one good thing about this festival and that was that for the duration of it people could come and go between the towns and Jackson like that. What he didn’t like was how many people were out and about, he preferred being alone and almost everyone knew that. But he had promised a couple of people that he would make an appearance and so he was standing there in the middle of it all. “So, what do people usually do first?” He asked the person next to him. He honestly had no idea where to even start, if it was up to him he would just dip into a bar and stay there until it was all over. 

For the first time in a while, the smile on Oliver’s face was genuine. He had his negation bracelet on and he could actually interact with all the other festival-goers from both towns. Approaching Jackson, he tucked his hands in his pockets and looked around. “Hm, well if you enjoy the rides, I would recommend doing those first before you eat. I’m just here for the food.” Looking toward his mentor, Ollie couldn’t help but ask, “No offense, but you don’t seem like the festival type.” 

The sight of her friend made her calm down slightly, but no matter what her words were Sophia knew her face would betray her. “Yeah, I’m fine, I just think that maybe Church shouldn’t be on my agenda today.” They were words rarely heard by anyone other than Isabella, but she felt she could trust Ollie to not judge her for her doubts. “I feel like I don’t really deserve to walk through those doors… and it’s not the same going on my own.” Sophia would know her father would tell her she is never alone, that they are always with her and so is the Lord, but being there spiritually and being there physically were two completely separate things. “You’re sure I didn’t hurt you? Were you heading to the festival?”

Oliver didn’t worship really anything, he can’t imagine an ‘all loving god’ that cursed him with this ability. That being said, he would never deter Sophia from her faith. If that’s something she believed in and it made her happy? That was fine with him. It wasn’t hurting anyone. “I mean, if you really want to go but don’t want to go by yourself, you can always call me, you know? I won’t know what’s going on... but I can be there if you’d like?” Oliver felt like a completely different person with the bracelet on, he felt like he could truly be himself. Laughing softly, he nodded. “I’m sure you didn’t hurt me. Did I hurt you?” Honestly, he’d forgotten about the festival. “Oh, I didn’t even think about that. I mean, I’m not doing anything else... did you want to go?” 

Sophia stood there, willing herself to go into the place of worship but something stopped her from going in. She almost felt like she didn’t deserve to, because of her recent thoughts and mistrust in Him, especially with her jealousy towards the Park residents who could leave. She just wanted a hug from her mom, but she couldn’t have that right now. The blonde let out a shaky sigh and turned around quickly, beginning to walk without even looking where she was going and slammed right into the other. “Oh shoot, I’m sorry!” She gasped, reaching out to steady the other just in case, though she was only small she doubted she could knock anyone over. “Are you ok? I’m really sorry I just— not with it, obviously.” 

Ollie hadn’t had a specific destination in mind, he just wanted to walk. Get some fresh air from being cooped up playing video games for too long. He’d noticed Sophia just standing outside the church and he was a little worried. She didn’t seem like the type to avoid such a place, so he assumed something might be wrong. Approaching her, Oliver was just about to speak when she quickly turned and walked straight into him. Holding onto her shoulders so she didn’t fall, Ollie was quick to assure her he was fine. “Yeah, I’m good. No worries. Are you okay?” 

Grimstone Point’s waterfront area was his favorite part of the town. It reminded him of bays in cities outside. Moving to Grimstone Point for his research had only made sense, but the biggest draw back lately had been that he missed visiting other places. Still, for now, the waterfront would have to do. “Nice out today, isn’t it?” he said to the person sitting nearest him. He dug his notebook out of his bag and then froze. “I’m not a creep or anything. I’m just taking notes on you for scientific reasons.” He was trying to explain himself but, as was so often the case, it came out all wrong.

Ollie smiled down at the bracelet on his wrist, the one that kept him from transforming and ruining his life. Sure, the deal he made with Kaden wasn’t ideal on his end, Oliver was glad he got a bracelet out of it. He finally felt like he could enjoy life with it on and he tried to keep it on or be in his house almost always. He never wanted the risk of shifting if it wasn’t mandatory. Someone’s voice shook him out of his mind, Oliver quickly standing and looking at the other man. “Yeah, it’s beautiful.” The man’s next statement caught him even more off guard. Laughing lightly, Ollie shook his head. “Well, unfortunately, you’re not going to get much. I’ve got this bracelet on so my power doesn’t slip.”

“Not, it’s okay, I can come off a bit bitchy sometimes. It wasn’t my intention to pry into your personal business, sorry.” She had good intentions at heart, and she genuinely wanted to help the boy. She felt protective of the ones who suffered and needed a friend, or someone to talk to and share some of the burden they carried. “Do you trust them?” She asked softly; blue orbs searching for his own. Once again, it felt as if she was asking too much of him, but she couldn’t help it. She needed to know, if they were truly helping him, if they were good, and wanted to do good. With her distrustful nature, she doubted everyone’s intentions, but perhaps Oliver knew something she didn’t. “Of course. Is there anything else you need?”

The blonde smiled, grabbing their drinks and going up to the counter to ask for them to put them into take out cups. She came back, handing Oliver his cup, “Come on, let’s go. You need a hand?” She asked, offering her arm in case he needed the support again. “Just because you’re used to them doesn’t mean it’s right. People shouldn’t stare. I’m sure they’ve had issues with their powers before, and they wouldn’t like people staring at them for it. Or if they’re going to stare they could at least help you.” Sophia almost grumbled, and that was a rarity for her.  

Summer pressed her lips together into a thin line as she listened to the younger male speak about his power. “Maybe it’s not trying to be this scary thing?” She suggested. “Maybe you just need to try to understand the Beast better?” Summer was just trying to help Oliver in any way she could. She wanted to. She could see how exhausted he was when it came to his power. 

A frown formed on her lips at his next comment and worry clearly showed in her eyes. “Oliver…” She reached out and put her hand over his. “I know it’s hard. I know I don’t understand the full extent because my power is not like yours. But things do get better.” She squeezed his hand. “And I’m here with anything you need or anything you might need help with.” 

Oliver really didn’t have the energy or heart to argue with Summer. He knew all she wanted to do was help him, but he knew the Beast’s intentions weren’t good. It didn’t want Oliver to understand it, it wanted to be in control. All the time. So, instead of refuting her suggestions, Oliver simply nodded and offered a soft, “Maybe.” 

The hesitation was obvious on the other’s man face and Tristan wondered if he’d decline his help again. It was beginning to be that Miller thought he was literally being a pest - and often he usually was, but he wasn’t blind to seeing when a guy needed some assistance. The guy holding his limbs together on the bench, definitely needed something.  “Good,” Tris nodded, glad that he’d finally agreed to his offer to help. Though, he wasn’t exactly known for much of the best methods in that department. He wasn’t going to pry on the guy’s age either - he didn’t care enough for rules, even if he was half convinced the younger male was definitely not legal. Miller shifted his eyes back to the man who was grappling to his feet.  Immediately, Tristan could see the instability and naturally, on instinct, reached out to grab the boy’s elbow and steady him. “Easy,” he murmured, not believing the guy was at all alright. In fact, he was starting to think the infirmary was a better place than a beer. Attempting to divert a little, Tristan shifted his conversation as he urged the stranger to begin taking small steps. “If you’re in this state, what’s the other guy look like?”

Oliver continued to go along with the notion that he was of age to drink in Lake Grimstone even though he definitely wasn’t. Maybe a drink or two would help him to relax a little? He’d never actually tried anything out of fear he’d be too out of control. Plus, he’d been in plenty of foster homes where the parents weren’t always sober. 

She was a very perceptive person, she saw the stares he was getting and Sophia could see why… He looked like he’d been dragged through the entire town and fought with every person on his way. “Me too,” She replied softly, a smile coming to her lips. “And how about after this we go somewhere with a little less people? I expect you feel enough like eyes are on you without actually having them on you. If you’re up to it, we could go to the lake? The water might be good for your injuries.” Not that she’d go in, Sophia and water didn’t have a great relationship. 

“Well, I don’t know much about your ability, or the way you try to cope with it. I’m just trying to be helpful, as much as I can.” She admitted. Katherine didn’t mean to offend him, or cause him more distress, she was simply trying to understand where he was coming from. “Have you talked to anyone that could actually help you find another, healthier way to control it?” She asked, as she offered him the pill and a glass of water. 

She hadn’t been worried about The Beast at all;’ she’d been worried about Oliver. But there was no convincing him of that. She’d messed up, and he didn’t trust her, and that–unfortunately–was that. Kayleigh supposed she’d have to get used to it if she was going to use her power. Not that she was planning to use her power, of course. “Okay, well, let’s get you somewhere it’s safe to lie down, okay? If you don’t want to go home, there’s a back room in the library that has an old couch on it.” She had the key, being the manager. It wasn’t supposed to be for non-employees but surely this could be an exception, right?

Unconvinced, Tristan reluctantly didn’t ask after the man’s wellbeing again. It was obvious he wasn’t in good shape and the guy clearly didn’t want any assistance. So, he shifted tactics, not wanting to leave a critically injured man on his lonesome. Harley would probably smack him over the head too if he found out he didn’t help in some way. “If you want, I’ve got beers at my place,” he offered, leaving it open. Was the guy even old enough to drink? Did you really just ask yourself that? Have you met you? Chuckling at his own thoughts, he looked back to the younger guy and sighed, a little pitiful of whatever the boy had been through. Tris’ lip formed a smile, “A minute, huh, alright, I’m counting.” he toyed, glancing at his wrist as if he had a watch there - he didn’t, it was probably at Harley’s place, by the sink, next to his shower where he’d forgotten to put it back on. Or maybe it was Z’s? “If you think I’m joking, then I’ll tell you now, I’m really not.”  

Lifting his brow, Oliver almost laughed at the man offering him a beer. Clearly, he didn’t know how old Oliver was. He was about to correct him, but maybe that would help numb him just a little. Deciding to see how far the other man would let it go, Ollie went with it. Shrugging, he answered, “Why not? Could be nice.”

Summer nodded slowly as she listened to him. “Have you ever been able to find out what triggers your power?” She asked, glancing towards Oliver. Everyone had triggers but maybe he wasn’t sure what his was? Or it was just stress. Any kind of stress. “It could be both.” Summer said but she didn’t say it to upset him. “That doesn’t mean you can’t find some way to control it though.” She offered him a small smile, trying to reassure the other. 

There was no way for Kayleigh to tell Oliver that he didn’t have to put on an act for her. If he was hurt, she’d be willing to help him. She’d understand. Hell, she knew how to nurse someone back to help from some bruises and cuts. But there was no way that he’d let her, so telling him was pointless. She understood that.

Instead, she rocked back and forth awkwardly on her heels. “I’m sorry,” she told him after a moment. “Do you, uh, need a bandaid or an ice pack or–” She shook her head. “You look rough. Can I help you? Please. I promise not to…you know.”