Ester Valentine

Hey Black and Yellow, Who are you, exactly?

Nobody, really, the folks back home call me the Funnelweaver seein as that's the kinda spider I seem to be.

Hey Black and Yellow, Who are you, exactly?

Nobody, really, the folks back home call me the Funnelweaver seein as that's the kinda spider I seem to be.

Hey Black and Yellow, Who are you, exactly?

Nobody, really, the folks back home call me the Funnelweaver seein as that's the kinda spider I seem to be.

You look… different. I like it!

Hey... sorry to show up unannounced.

Oh lord above please don’t be what I think it is.

Just some tests. No big deal.

They sit close to their friend, panic setting in. Please don’t tell me that they were doing something stupid.

…Why are you doing this?

They took the towel from Ester to get it themself and tugged their sleeve down to their palm

What do you mean, "Look at me?"

What’s Honey saying this time?

I’m sorry, I’m just… nervous for you…

Hey, if it goes green, and not in the good way, I'll tell my dad, alright? I just... this could be massive if it works. Think about it, Est. Imagine the possibilities.

I’ll believe you for now.

I'm completely fine, Est. I'll be fine. I haven't gone on a murderous, vengeful rampage, have I?

…You better talk to your dad about this. And keep me updated.

He can't know. He'll shut it down out of paranoia to "protect me from myself."

Maybe you should listen… even if it’s in the name of science… just saying.

He furrowed his brow.

What’s wrong? Did I say something?

I’m not scared at all! Obviously. I’m just skittish around people in general. Cass has seen me, I’m sure you have to.

He quietly hummed the tune of The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

They tried to ignore the song. It was the nursery rhyme, maybe it was a different song with the same tune, like twinkle twinkle little star and the ABCS.

He coughed, quickly grabbing a cloth from his pocket and lifting it to his mouth, staining it green.

I'll admit, that isn't ideal. But it's just one little side effect. It doesn't matter that there's more than last time.

I really would rather not.

Sorry…

His research could prove to be useful...

I don’t like that look on your face… do I dare ask what you’re looking at?

He couldn't help but laugh to themself.

Esters mind was pounding at her skull. They knew whatever was going to happen was bad. She tried to stop them, convince them, now she had to pray that she wouldn’t have to do anything.

You really don't want me to follow through with this, do you? It's completely controlled.

He grabbed his wrist tightly.

Their eyes darted to his wrists, looking back up with worry and comfort in her eyes.

He opened his arms for a hug.

I love you a lot, dude. I don’t want you hurting yourself…

Dang it, this fit me fine last week...

Are you growing out of your clothes?

It's not unheard of to have a growth spurt at my age.

Ester laughed quietly, their fingers curling around the fabric of Cass’ shirt, completely melting into her friend.

You always find a way to tease.

…You don’t have to stay.

I'm just a bit out of it. I'm alright.

Besides, I have to be in the lab early tomorrow.

Ester continued to curl up in the embrace, feeling safe and comforted in his arms, offering as much support she could as well.

I guess I could let my dad know where I am. He'll probably want proof, but if I give it to him, I'm sure he'll be fine.

They bury herself against Cass more and more, basically becoming a weighted blanket for him.

He wants to talk to you, if that's alright.

They say in a friendly tone.

How has he been acting at home, exactly?

Not like Cass, Otto. Not like Cass.

She covers her mouth and whispers into the phone.

We appreciate the offer, Ester. You're very kind. Thank you for being such a good friend to Cass. If you would like to talk with him, you are welcome to. Norman and I will speak with him when he gets home either way.

I think I should go.

This is a risk I have to take. I'm sorry you don't seem to understand that.

Even if you don't see why, I have to do this.

He stepped forward, lifting a hand up for emphasis. His sleeve moved again, revealing dark veins in his wrists that likely went up his arm. He didn't seem to notice.

He reached out to touch their shoulder but paused, thinking better of it.

Ester choked.

Everything will be fine. I have it under control. It isn't as bad as it looks.

You better be in as much control as you say you are…

I'm as in control as I can be.

She exhaled a breath of air. She laid her head on his chest, softly weeping.

I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere.

You’re too important.

Sorry. That was probably the wrong thing to say. But it's true. You'd be completely fine without me.

Don’t do this to me.

He smiled, trying to lighten the mood just a bit.

She couldn’t help but quietly chuckle.

He quickly grabbed the cloth again and turned away to cough violently into it.

Do you want complete honesty? The truth isn't pretty.

I told you it wasn't pretty.

God damn it…. Why?

I had to know, Ester. Now it's too late to turn back.

She said with watery eyes.

Please, when you leave, go home. Show them- this! This needs to be watched and taken care of.

He went to scratch at an irritated spot on his neck but stopped.

She opened a drawer in their desk.

Thanks.

Of course.

He bit his hand to stop himself from making any pained sounds.

Boy you are as pale as a ghost.

Sorry. I've been cooped up in the lab for the better part of three months.

I know, I’m not judging. though this makeup makes you look a bit more orange for some reason. Am I really that tanned?

I had no idea what I was getting.

She takes the makeup from him and starts wiping off the layers of powder and liquid she has been trying to work with before dabbing it onto his skin.

He dug his nails into his palms to ignore the pain he felt from his skin being touched.

Am I hurting you?

I really appreciate you doing this for me.

Do you want to talk with me to try and distract yourself? Or I can talk. Whatever helps.

If you want.

Ester sat the brushes down and handed Cass’ shirt to him.

I think it's mostly my neck and arms that are visible.

She spoke while in the middle of cleaning her makeup brushes.

He mentally smacked himself for admitting it hurt.

How’s it look?

He smiled at his arm. He hadn't seen it normal for months. It was refreshing to feel somewhat whole

You owe me nothing.

… I’m a bit curious… Is the experiments the only reason you haven’t been talking to me? Or responding to my texts?

He patted the side of his leg repeatedly with the already finished hand.

She murmured something to herself, focusing on the makeup.

what? Seriously? Right now? Okay. And Henry didn't trust you.

Also I’ve given Henry a chance, or at least tried, why doesn’t he like me?! Sure I can be a bit tense around him but I know he’s no real threat. He’s a good person.

You're naive.

Speak up.

You're pathetic and weak. You think we should hide ourselves. Quit before we reach our true potential.

What are you talking about?!

You're making him, us, weak.

She resisted the urge to pull back, to defend themself and fight, but Ester already had a slight feeling that Henry was onto them.

Give me one good reason.

Ester whimpered, searching his face for any sign of emotion.

Quit pretending you do.

Henry we can talk about this! Stop you’re hurting me!

He shoved them to the ground and walked to the window.

You look… different. I like it!

Hey... sorry to show up unannounced.

Oh lord above please don’t be what I think it is.

Just some tests. No big deal.

They sit close to their friend, panic setting in. Please don’t tell me that they were doing something stupid.

…Why are you doing this?

They took the towel from Ester to get it themself and tugged their sleeve down to their palm

What do you mean, "Look at me?"

What’s Honey saying this time?

I’m sorry, I’m just… nervous for you…

Hey, if it goes green, and not in the good way, I'll tell my dad, alright? I just... this could be massive if it works. Think about it, Est. Imagine the possibilities.

I’ll believe you for now.

I'm completely fine, Est. I'll be fine. I haven't gone on a murderous, vengeful rampage, have I?

…You better talk to your dad about this. And keep me updated.

He can't know. He'll shut it down out of paranoia to "protect me from myself."

Maybe you should listen… even if it’s in the name of science… just saying.

He furrowed his brow.

What’s wrong? Did I say something?

I’m not scared at all! Obviously. I’m just skittish around people in general. Cass has seen me, I’m sure you have to.

He quietly hummed the tune of The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

They tried to ignore the song. It was the nursery rhyme, maybe it was a different song with the same tune, like twinkle twinkle little star and the ABCS.

He coughed, quickly grabbing a cloth from his pocket and lifting it to his mouth, staining it green.

I'll admit, that isn't ideal. But it's just one little side effect. It doesn't matter that there's more than last time.

I really would rather not.

Sorry…

His research could prove to be useful...

I don’t like that look on your face… do I dare ask what you’re looking at?

He couldn't help but laugh to themself.

Esters mind was pounding at her skull. They knew whatever was going to happen was bad. She tried to stop them, convince them, now she had to pray that she wouldn’t have to do anything.

You really don't want me to follow through with this, do you? It's completely controlled.

He grabbed his wrist tightly.

Their eyes darted to his wrists, looking back up with worry and comfort in her eyes.

He opened his arms for a hug.

I love you a lot, dude. I don’t want you hurting yourself…

Dang it, this fit me fine last week...

Are you growing out of your clothes?

It's not unheard of to have a growth spurt at my age.

Ester laughed quietly, their fingers curling around the fabric of Cass’ shirt, completely melting into her friend.

You always find a way to tease.

…You don’t have to stay.

I'm just a bit out of it. I'm alright.

Besides, I have to be in the lab early tomorrow.

Ester continued to curl up in the embrace, feeling safe and comforted in his arms, offering as much support she could as well.

I guess I could let my dad know where I am. He'll probably want proof, but if I give it to him, I'm sure he'll be fine.

They bury herself against Cass more and more, basically becoming a weighted blanket for him.

He wants to talk to you, if that's alright.

They say in a friendly tone.

How has he been acting at home, exactly?

Not like Cass, Otto. Not like Cass.

She covers her mouth and whispers into the phone.

We appreciate the offer, Ester. You're very kind. Thank you for being such a good friend to Cass. If you would like to talk with him, you are welcome to. Norman and I will speak with him when he gets home either way.

I think I should go.

This is a risk I have to take. I'm sorry you don't seem to understand that.

Even if you don't see why, I have to do this.

He stepped forward, lifting a hand up for emphasis. His sleeve moved again, revealing dark veins in his wrists that likely went up his arm. He didn't seem to notice.

He reached out to touch their shoulder but paused, thinking better of it.

Ester choked.

Everything will be fine. I have it under control. It isn't as bad as it looks.

You better be in as much control as you say you are…

I'm as in control as I can be.

She exhaled a breath of air. She laid her head on his chest, softly weeping.

I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere.

You’re too important.

Sorry. That was probably the wrong thing to say. But it's true. You'd be completely fine without me.

Don’t do this to me.

He smiled, trying to lighten the mood just a bit.

She couldn’t help but quietly chuckle.

He quickly grabbed the cloth again and turned away to cough violently into it.

Do you want complete honesty? The truth isn't pretty.

I told you it wasn't pretty.

God damn it…. Why?

I had to know, Ester. Now it's too late to turn back.

She said with watery eyes.

Please, when you leave, go home. Show them- this! This needs to be watched and taken care of.

He went to scratch at an irritated spot on his neck but stopped.

She opened a drawer in their desk.

Thanks.

Of course.

He bit his hand to stop himself from making any pained sounds.

Boy you are as pale as a ghost.

Sorry. I've been cooped up in the lab for the better part of three months.

I know, I’m not judging. though this makeup makes you look a bit more orange for some reason. Am I really that tanned?

I had no idea what I was getting.

She takes the makeup from him and starts wiping off the layers of powder and liquid she has been trying to work with before dabbing it onto his skin.

He dug his nails into his palms to ignore the pain he felt from his skin being touched.

Am I hurting you?

I really appreciate you doing this for me.

Do you want to talk with me to try and distract yourself? Or I can talk. Whatever helps.

If you want.

Ester sat the brushes down and handed Cass’ shirt to him.

I think it's mostly my neck and arms that are visible.

She spoke while in the middle of cleaning her makeup brushes.

He mentally smacked himself for admitting it hurt.

How’s it look?

He smiled at his arm. He hadn't seen it normal for months. It was refreshing to feel somewhat whole

You owe me nothing.

… I’m a bit curious… Is the experiments the only reason you haven’t been talking to me? Or responding to my texts?

He patted the side of his leg repeatedly with the already finished hand.

She murmured something to herself, focusing on the makeup.

what? Seriously? Right now? Okay. And Henry didn't trust you.

Also I’ve given Henry a chance, or at least tried, why doesn’t he like me?! Sure I can be a bit tense around him but I know he’s no real threat. He’s a good person.

You're naive.

Speak up.

You're pathetic and weak. You think we should hide ourselves. Quit before we reach our true potential.

What are you talking about?!

You're making him, us, weak.

She resisted the urge to pull back, to defend themself and fight, but Ester already had a slight feeling that Henry was onto them.

Give me one good reason.

Ester whimpered, searching his face for any sign of emotion.

Quit pretending you do.

Henry we can talk about this! Stop you’re hurting me!

You look… different. I like it!

Hey... sorry to show up unannounced.

Oh lord above please don’t be what I think it is.

Just some tests. No big deal.

They sit close to their friend, panic setting in. Please don’t tell me that they were doing something stupid.

…Why are you doing this?

They took the towel from Ester to get it themself and tugged their sleeve down to their palm

What do you mean, "Look at me?"

What’s Honey saying this time?

I’m sorry, I’m just… nervous for you…

Hey, if it goes green, and not in the good way, I'll tell my dad, alright? I just... this could be massive if it works. Think about it, Est. Imagine the possibilities.

I’ll believe you for now.

I'm completely fine, Est. I'll be fine. I haven't gone on a murderous, vengeful rampage, have I?

…You better talk to your dad about this. And keep me updated.

He can't know. He'll shut it down out of paranoia to "protect me from myself."

Maybe you should listen… even if it’s in the name of science… just saying.

He furrowed his brow.

What’s wrong? Did I say something?

I’m not scared at all! Obviously. I’m just skittish around people in general. Cass has seen me, I’m sure you have to.

He quietly hummed the tune of The Itsy Bitsy Spider.

They tried to ignore the song. It was the nursery rhyme, maybe it was a different song with the same tune, like twinkle twinkle little star and the ABCS.

He coughed, quickly grabbing a cloth from his pocket and lifting it to his mouth, staining it green.

I'll admit, that isn't ideal. But it's just one little side effect. It doesn't matter that there's more than last time.

I really would rather not.

Sorry…

His research could prove to be useful...

I don’t like that look on your face… do I dare ask what you’re looking at?

He couldn't help but laugh to themself.

Esters mind was pounding at her skull. They knew whatever was going to happen was bad. She tried to stop them, convince them, now she had to pray that she wouldn’t have to do anything.

You really don't want me to follow through with this, do you? It's completely controlled.

He grabbed his wrist tightly.

Their eyes darted to his wrists, looking back up with worry and comfort in her eyes.

He opened his arms for a hug.

I love you a lot, dude. I don’t want you hurting yourself…

Dang it, this fit me fine last week...

Are you growing out of your clothes?

It's not unheard of to have a growth spurt at my age.

Ester laughed quietly, their fingers curling around the fabric of Cass’ shirt, completely melting into her friend.

You always find a way to tease.

…You don’t have to stay.

I'm just a bit out of it. I'm alright.

Besides, I have to be in the lab early tomorrow.

Ester continued to curl up in the embrace, feeling safe and comforted in his arms, offering as much support she could as well.

I guess I could let my dad know where I am. He'll probably want proof, but if I give it to him, I'm sure he'll be fine.

They bury herself against Cass more and more, basically becoming a weighted blanket for him.

He wants to talk to you, if that's alright.

They say in a friendly tone.

How has he been acting at home, exactly?

Not like Cass, Otto. Not like Cass.

She covers her mouth and whispers into the phone.

We appreciate the offer, Ester. You're very kind. Thank you for being such a good friend to Cass. If you would like to talk with him, you are welcome to. Norman and I will speak with him when he gets home either way.

I think I should go.

This is a risk I have to take. I'm sorry you don't seem to understand that.

Even if you don't see why, I have to do this.

He stepped forward, lifting a hand up for emphasis. His sleeve moved again, revealing dark veins in his wrists that likely went up his arm. He didn't seem to notice.

He reached out to touch their shoulder but paused, thinking better of it.

Ester choked.