Sunday, 9 June 2024, 10:11 am
Ghazal grabs Reyn by the shoulders and marches him towards his room. The two burst through the door and Ghazal swiftly tosses Reyn onto his bed before grabbing a nearby chair. He swings his seat next to Reyn, and proceeds to sit down as he places his elbows on his knees, clasps his hands together, and leans into Reyns face while sporting a serious and inquisitive glare.
"Look, I'm no therapist or psychologist or whatever. But I know talking helps. That's psychology 101, mate. So, I'm gonna shut up, and you're gonna talk. And when you're done, I'm gonna pretend to think really, really hard and say some big intellectual words and you'll be fixed. Sounds good, right?"
Reyn rolls his eyes and chuckles. Ghazal's crude honesty and encouragement showed that he cared. He was loyal. Reyn knew he could always trust his friend with his burdens.
Ghazal pokes his head. "You gonna make me force you? I know your weakness, mate!" he says as he turns his head towards Reyn's feet. He knew Reyn could not stand being tickled. The sensation made him lose control of his body and burst out into uncontrollable laughter. Something Ghazal had previously used to devastating effect.
"Ok, ok!"
"Excellent. Then let's begin. Please, tell me what's on your mind, young man." Ghazal twists his face into a playful seriousness. But Reyn can tell his friend's intentions are earnest, forcing Reyn to
relent, and share his burdens. He takes a deep breath and starts rubbing his head as he proceeds to tell Ghazal every detail of the mental struggles that torment him, the nature of his ARCH-type and the burden of consequence that each of the aetherically created choices brings.
He explains his first experience with aether in the Prism. His first foray into the inner-ocean in his subconsciousness. The bubbles of possibilities and all the thoughts and feelings that plague his mind since the visions of brutally murdering Rick, and his confusion regarding Rick's survival. Reyn finishes with a long sigh and turns his attention to Ghazal, eagerly awaiting his friend's reaction.
Ghazal sat motionless for a moment. He then falls back into the chair, holding both hands to his head in profound thought before he suddenly rises and begins pacing about, stroking his chin vigorously. He stops occasionally to stare at his friend or a random item in the room. Finally, he flops down on the bed next to Reyn and lets out a long, tired sigh. "Mate, that's fucked!"
Reyn stares back in bewilderment. "Uh, thanks, Doctor Ghazal. That really helped!"
"Nah, mate, your brain. The way it works. I can't imagine. Ugh, my head hurts just trying to imagine!" Ghazal complains and Reyn swiftly scowls and curses in retort. "But… your aetherics. I don't know if I really understand what you said. But, if you really have that kinda power, mate, you'd bloody be unstoppable, right? Creating a different future just from thought, that's right madness, mate."
Reyn nods. "I know, but that's the problem too. I could end up making the wrong choice. Choosing the wrong possibility. The consequences are…"
"But there's always consequences." Ghazal interrupts, "Even if you don't know what they are before you make the choice, right. That's what life is." Ghazal scratches his head in confusion. The topics of consciousness and consequence stretching the limits of his thinking. "I'm not like you, Reyn. You know that, mate. I don't think much ahead. I don't think much at all. I'm a live-in-the-moment kinda chap. And you know some of the shit I've been through, right, my consequences?"
The two chuckle.
"Right, I fucked up. A lot. Made lots of mistakes. Made lots of people angry, and sad and whatnot. But, I'm here. Now. The cause and effect. It led to this. So, did I make the right choices? Maybe not. But at the end of the day, I think I'm happy with the result. So, far at least."
Reyn shifts his head back in surprise and raises his brow.
"Why do you look so surprised? Hey, screw you, mate. That was good advice!"
"That was great advice, Gaz. But, your choices didn't blow people's heads off, you know. Bit more complicated this time around, buddy."
Ghazal winces and groans. "Fuck mate, then I don't know."
"Maybe I should just tell Ravinok, he kinda seems honest. Like he really wants to help, you know."
"I dunno, mate. If they figure out what you're capable of… can you imagine. You can create choices, you damned plug. Control people's future. They'd be on you like fleas on a rat, mate. I think that's a huge gamble."
"Yeah, I have to agree. Then what? I can't keep hiding it forever. I need to figure out a way to control it."
"So, just figure out how to control it!"
"Wha? That's exactly what I just…"
"Learn how to control it, mate. You used your ability, what, two times? Doubt you're a master of your aetherics, you know. You've got a frighteningly powerful ability mate, of course you gonna fuck up the first few times you use it. Play around with, get a feel for it. What was that, uh, mastery through repetition, right?"
Reyn slaps his forehead. Another obvious observation he didn't even consider. "Of fucking course! What the hell's wrong with me? That's so fucking obvious, no offence!"
"Yeah, yeah. So obvious you can't figure it out with all that thinking you do. Trust me, mate. I'm kinda in the same boat. Ravinok says my Pyro affinity is one of the highest he's seen. Probably the reason I've been having an arse of a time trying to control it. You kinda figured out how to activate it right, so just, I dunno, do it smaller? Don't think about punching things with all your power, might help."
"Simple, yet effective. I like it. It's a start. Thanks, Gaz. This actually helped, man. Like, really. I dunno what the hell I was thinking, freaking out like that. I fucked up once and it threw me into a fucking tailspin. Jesus, I need to get it together."
"I swear I've been talking to a bloody wall for 3 years. What the hell have I been telling you, mate!?"
"Yeah. Fuck, you're, right. You're always fucking right."
"Of course I am, princess. I keep trying to tell you. Look, whatever happened back in the Prism, it's definitely helped clear your head. But now you're the one filling it with all kinds of shit, mate. Always trying to think of everything. I promise, you don't need to. Especially with that aetherics you have. Just create the possibilities that work for you, you know. Trust yourself."
"Yeah, I get that, Gaz! I do. I always have, I've just kinda, I dunno, thought I could figure it out on my own, you know, since it's all in my head."
"Mate, that hurts. Thought I was your best friend! Argh, whatever. Just get it in that thick skull, that I'm here. Whatever you need, mate. I'm here."
Ghazal's face warms as he smiles at his friend while reaching out his hand. Reyn meets it with his own and the two men do their signature handshake, ending with their forearms entwined and their fists gripped together tightly.
"Thanks, mate. Dunno what I'd do without you! You have no idea how much this helped." Reyn says with a sided grin, digging his fingers into Ghazal's as he glows with new found certainty and conviction.
Ghazal suddenly jumps off the bed and violently drags Reyn up to his feet. "Good, you're fixed! Now let's go! Talking for four hours has tanked my testosterone. I need to see some ladies! I heard some of the recruits and personnel were hitting the beach. Come on! I haven't surfed in months, mate!"
"What? Wait, no. I need to…" Reyn starts to protests and pull himself back to his bed.
"No excuses. Doctor's orders! I fixed your head, now we're gonna fix that body. You look like a ghost! Your Mom would freak out if she saw you. Where is that Carribean blood? You're people belong at the bloody beach you plughead!"
Ghazal drags Reyn off, barely allowing him a chance to grab appropriate clothing and accessories. The two grab a private taxi and spend the late afternoon at one of the local beaches, reminiscing on old memories of adventures at Brannon-Brook as they soak in the deep red rays of the late afternoon sun and enjoy a few sips of hard ciders Ghazal had smuggled onto the beach in apple juice bottles.
Eventually Ghazal would run off to engage in a valiant attempt at surfing and the occasional wooing of the woman that cross his path on the silver sands of the Turkish coastline, leaving Reyn to his thoughts. He again felt more focused, and certain in himself and his convictions. Ghazal and Ravinok's advice as each helped add missing pieces to the puzzle of understanding himself.
Ghazal's constant activity occasionally grabs his attention, as do the various physical forms of the local women. He watches his friend crude ride the golden waves rolling under the setting sun, gracefully crashing into walls of water that send him tumbling into clouds of bubbles. The scene reminds him of his time in his own mind, battling indecision while surrounded by endless choices, but Ghazal bursting out of the ocean, flicking around his hair and sporting a gigantic grin, fills him with an symbiotic confidence and even the abyss in his mind feels like a challenge he could conquer.
They end their day with some local cuisine, after Ghazal's courtship dances on the beach prove fruitless, and proceed back to the base, strolling off to their dormitory, tired and content. The two slink in as the most of the other recruits has already retires to their rooms for the day.
A quick detour into the kitchen for a drink, finds Reyn bumping into Jocelyn and Chummei.
Ghazal stumbles into the kitchen shortly after, hitting Reyn in the back, his legs succumbing to the exhaustion of bouncing around on rolling waves for hours. "What's the hold up, plug? I need to get to bed, my legs and arse are killing me! Haven't ridden that hard in years. Argh, that last one almost ripped me open."
"Oh, rubbing butts again, huh? Sounds like you got it rough today. You should take it easy on your partner Reyn." Chunmei says as she tries to hide her giggles.
"Chunmei! Leave the guys alone. What they do in private is none of our business." Jocelyn adds with a playful scowling.
"Joze! Really…" Reyn says, pouting and puffing his cheeks.
"Hey, you guys are kinda cute together. The height thing works." Jocelyn shrugs.
"Ah, screw this, I'm gonna go shower. You guys have fun with Mr. Mitchells. Be gentle, I need my butt rubber in one piece." Ghazal says with a chuckle as he quickly limps off into the dim-lit halls of the dorms, leaving a fuming Reyn standing before the two snickering, pajama-clad women.
Reyn scoffs at Ghazal before he turns back to the kitchen. He nervously squeezesn inbetween the two women as he tries to make his way to the refrigerator at the back. Chunmei quickly shifts out of his way, flattening herself up against a counter to allow Reyn through, Jocelyn stands firm, forcing Reyn to brush against her as he passes. His elbow slide across her chest, sliftly hooking a button and pulling on her blouse.
Jocelyn yelps out a playful moan. "Oh, Mitchells! Careful, you almost took my top off."
Reyn, fully aware of her intentions that lie barely hidden behind her sly smirk and tilted eyes, finds himself delivering a quick retort, almost reflexively. "Sorry, forgot how big they got."
Jocelyn's eyes flash wide and she finds herself flustered. Reyn's swift response illicits a multitude of emotions that flare across her face as different shades of red.
Chunmei watches on, her eyes equally stretched as she watches Jocelyn contend with Reyn's retort.
Reyn quickly moves to the refrigerator and starts rummaging for a cold drink, his heart beating pounding into his ears as he also struggles to content with his response to the girl he has crushed on for years. Perhaps a reflex brought on by the changes in his psyche, or Ghazal's crudeness rubbing off on him. The deeds were done, he now had to contend with Jocelyn's reaction.
The kitchen is silent around Reyn as he keeps his focus on the interior of the fridge, aimlessly flicking his eyes between its contents while he waits for a response. His mind begins to twist itself, calculating and processing possible outcomes. Reyn feels his anxieties and fears start to grow as the silence grows louder around him. He's doing it again, he thinks, allowing his thoughts to overwhelm him, focusing on calculating the outcome instead of choosing one.
Reyn grabs the closest juice bottle, his decision made, and resolved hardened. He slams the fridge door shut and turns to face juice as he pops open the juice and lifts it to his mouth. His head falls into his shoulders as her looks across the empty room. His indecision has left him alone and disappointed once more. He solemnly sips on his beverage as he skulks out of the kitchen dejected.
"Gotcha!" A voice shrieks out as Reyn exits the kitchen, and small, delicate hands reach out from the darkness, tickling him around he waist forcing a yelp from Reyn.
Jocelyn laughs hysterically as she lit on her behind on the rile floor, stamping her feet as she bellows. "That's what you get for touching without permission!". She scowls between snickers, trying to catch her breath.
Reyn chuckles as he gently lifts Jocelyn off the ground. "Yeah, I guess I deserved that. You got me."
"Yep!" She says with scoff as she dust off her pajamas, smirking proudly. "Now, we're even."
"Yeah, right." Reyn says rolling his eyes as they walk towards their rooms. "Where's Chunmei?"
"Probably laying bed reading her weird romantic novels. She has a thing for, um, butt rubbing, you know?"
"Ah, that, uh, actually explains a lot."
Jocelyn giggles at the comment. "You guys got back pretty late, have a fun date?"
Reyn responds with a frustrated grunt.
"I'm kidding, Mitchells!" Jocelyn laughs, bumping Reyn with her hip. "Lighten up."
"Spent the afternoon at the beach, Ghazal kinda forced me. But I guess I kinda needed it, you know." Reyn sighs, smiling as he thinks back on his and Ghazal's misadventures for the day.
"Yeah, about that. I, uh, saw you this morning come into the dorm. You seemed, like, really pissed. Is everything, ok?"
"Oh, shit, yeah, that. I actually just got out of ICU. I was just kinda stuck in my head, again. You know me. Got stuck up on some personal shit, but Gaz helped me get my head straight." Reyn nods happily.
"Oh, really. I can see why you guys are such good friends." Jocelyn says, with a forlorn smile.
"Yeah, he forced me into a whole impromptu therapy session and everything. Can't believe it actually helped."
Jocelyn chuckles. "Sounds like him. But, um, Reyn. You know I'm a healer, right. So, if you need help or anything… I mean, I'm your friend too, right?" She turns to Reyn, stopping him in the hall as she looks longing, awaiting an answer.
"Uh, of course, Joze. Of course, I…"
"You know, I think we stood just over there when you held me against your chest and told me that you'd always look out for me." Jocelyn says as she points to a spot on the floor, meters from her dorm room, where the two stood weeks ago, after the Sydney battle. Reyn winces at the thought of his cringeworthy performance in that moment.
"It was really cute, Reyn. I, um, I think you really meant it. And it really meant a lot to me. So, um, I just want you to know I worry about you, ok, and if there's anything I can do to help… We'll, I can't heal injuries yet, but I'm a very good listener. And I'd like to listen to you, Reyn." she smiles and shifts her vision forward, leaving Reyn to bask in her words as the walk.
"Joze, I-I dunno… um, thanks..." He stutters. She moves closer to him, almost digging herself under his arm, forcing him to lift and place it around her while his minds fights to keep his mental and physical composure. "Um, are you…"
"Ugh, I like you, Reyn. Jeez, you're such an idiot, sometimes." She says hitting him with her shoulders in his ribs. "You like me too, I can tell. Am I right?" Jocelyn turns her gaze up to meet Reyn's face and locks her eyes with his, gripping him tightly around his waist as they stand still across from her room door.
"Jocelyn, I… um, I, mean, I do. I really do, I like you, Joze, I have for so long, I just…" he splutters on, trying and failing to express his burgeoning emotions to the women latched to his waist. But as he tries to talk, she hops to the tip of her toes, grab the back of his neck, pulls his face towards hers and plants a big, soft kiss directly onto his mouth, his eyes widen but he quickly sinks into his body as he loses himself to the touch of her lips.
"You've said enough, Mitchells." She smiles as she detaches from his face. She quickly slips out of his arm, gives him a firm slap on his buttocks and proceeds to skip to her room door. "Meet me for breakfast, I'll make treat you before class." She says with a coy smirk and wink, before slipping into her room.
Reyn stands smiling in the hallway before slowly strutting back to his room. His mind had no time for processing thoughts or emotions. Jocelyn's kiss was the only thing that would occupy his thoughts for the rest of the night.
He slips into bed with a face firmly frozen into a state of ethereal bliss.