forum •Apotheosis of Abnormality• [one/one]

Started July 27, 2022 by @Dayzed forum

tune

At the thanks Jen seemed to pause, but it was only for a second as he continued in his path out the building. He didn't say anything. He appreciated the thanks, but a simple thanks was not going to fix the problems this would cause if A.C.E. saw through them and caught onto their lie. It was a matter of how well they could sell their explanation of what had happened here.

Rae gave Wynn a very warm smile, going up to him and giving him a brief hug before pulling away.
"Thanks, just glad to see neither Aaron nor Cas got a shot on you," Rae said arching her eyebrow and giving him a once over as if she could determine if he had been hurt since then. "But hey, maybe we can one day, you never know," She said playfully, though, it was just being hopeful.

She was about to say her goodbyes and leave when Xio nearly screeched at her to stop in her tracks. Rae jumped at that but froze in place as he watched Xiomara go off and get something.

When she returned with a bag and offered it to Rae, she took a look inside, seeing the baked good and feathers. Rae's eyes widened as they sparkled brightly at the things Xio had brought her. She looked up to see Xio, still with a shocked look on her face as she explained.
At Xio leaning close to Rae to speak at a lower volume, Rae's eyes watered as she tried holding back a laugh that was starting to bubble in her throat but couldn't stop it as the sweet laugh filled the air. She gave Xio a giant smile, a slight blush on her face now. The "legal" part had gotten her, even though it was kind of sad.

Rae sort of stood there, listening, her smile fading a little.
"Even if you were considered a real danger to us, you don't mean any harm and I think that's what counts. Nothing makes things worse or better unless you act like an actual threat…you're just…you. You know? Doesn't matter what others think, you're all very human- probably even more than that in my eyes…" Friends. Is what Rae wanted to say but didn't have the nerve to say it.

"Coffee?" Rae blinked at Xio. "Oh uhm, like, right now?" She asked curiously, putting the bag over her shoulder as she watched the other gesture at their appearance. Rae's eyes softened at that.
"That's okay, you don't have to hide yourself- or well, you shouldn't have to hide yourself. Know it's a little harder nowadays and people still won't come around to accept you guys, but you don't have to worry about that with me…" She trailed off. "I wouldn't mind going with you to get some coffee, but also a part of me doesn't want you to repay me for the kindness that should be given to everyone despite who they may be…" Rae was now looking at the floor, gently kicking at the floor in a childish manner as if she had been scolded. Her eyes seemed a bit droopy again as reality seemed to seep into her brief period of happiness. With more and more exchanges like this one, Rae felt a deep sense of helplessness mixed with a bit of anger that was smothered by that helpless feeling as soon as it manifested. She wanted to fight for these people, but it seemed that all they were doing was fighting against them.

Jake snickered when Wynn scowled at Marcus for just looking at him. It made a huge smile crack on his face at the way Wynn talked about him. That part never really seemed to change no matter who he met and he was alright with that- maybe a little more amused than anything else.

"I'm loving the affection in your voice, really makes me want to pin you against the wall" Jake rolled his eyes at Wynn as he pointed at him with disdain.
Wynn seemed like a very overprotective friend and some part of Jake appreciated Marcus having someone like that, in a strange way it put him at ease that at least someone was trying to take care of him. Jake blinked at that, confused as to why he was concerned with Marcus' safety all of a sudden. That was…new.

Jake took a step closer to Wynn as if taunting him a little.
"You keep sweet talking me like that and I might just take you instead" Jake teased, seeing how far he could push Wynn before he tried to swing at him. Though, when he glanced over at Rae, she was giving him an unholy demonic glare as if telling him to back off. He could almost see the deathly aura around her, threatening to strangle him.
He huffed, backing off of Wynn. Next time. Next time he'd take his sweet time poking at Wynn. Wynn was just too fun to mess with in Jake's head.
Instead, he went over to Marcus and wrapped an arm around his waist, pulling him close.
"Don't trust me?" Jake gave Wynn a sadistic grin. "Then maybe you should do something about it, hm?" Jake seemed way in over his head, messing with people who could easily have him killed, his confidence was astounding….and stupid.
"But don't worry, I'll deliver your friend safe and sound, in one piece, unharmed" Jake said casually, it didn't seem like he was lying, but with Jake, you never knew.

Wynn laughed softly, doing a small spin to show her he was relatively unharmed. “Nothing wrong here, no bullets. I got lucky and slipped away while no one was looking.” Wynn mused, his expression softening at her next words. “Maybe one day…”

Xio laughed sheepishly, twittering at the kind words. “Oh I know, I just… I wasn’t sure, I’ve heard A.C.E. is fairly strict. It’s kind of you to see me as not a threat, most see the claws and the teeth and assume otherwise.” She mused, grinning as if to show off her teeth and laughing softly.
Xiomara flushed suddenly, her feathers fluffing slightly. “Oh! It doesn’t have to be right now! Just whenever!” She offered, waving her hands and laughing softly. “But if you’re open now I wouldn’t mind, it would be nice and I’m open.”
Xio shrugged lightly, looking down at herself for a moment. “If it makes others more comfortable I don’t mind it. It must be strange to see us. I’m sure it’s alarming, many of us have history of hunting humans as well so I’m sure that adds to the hesitance.”
The harpy hummed happily at Rae’s next words, grinning again and gently taking her hands. Xio’s hands were strangely cold though the few small clusters of feathers at her wrists were soft like downy. “Don’t be so hesitant. You helped me, I want to say thank you.” She chirped.
She squeezed Rae’s hands softly when the other’s mood fell, letting out a soft coo. “Don’t worry too much about it, while we might not be fully accepted it’s a lot better than it used to be. And it’s really not all that bad, there’s still people like you.” She hummed gently, fluffing her feathers out again and smiling brightly.

Wynn shot Jake a dirty look, a scowl forming on his face. “Not interested. Touch me and you’ll become my next meal.” He threatened, shuddering in distaste. Jake would be simultaneously the most satisfying meal and the worst meal Wynn would have ever had.
“Fuck off, I don’t date assholes.” Wynn huffed in return, taking a step back as Jake stepped towards him. He scowled deeply, shaking his head.
Marcus flinched a little at the sudden touch, flushing as he was pulled in closer. He turned his face away, tensing and yet stating strangely still against Jake.
Wynn seemed to seethe at the action, baring his teeth and taking a step forwards. “Don’t fucking touch him, you don’t deserve to-” One stern look from Marcus, however, and Wynn was reluctantly backing off.
He glared at Jake, gritting his teeth. “Don’t try anything with him, if he does come back harmed I’ll be less inclined to kill you right away and more inclined to letting Marx do what he wants to you first.” Wynn grumbled, unease settling into his stomach.
This was a bad idea. He knew it was a bad idea. But there was nothing he could do when it came to Marcus’s bad decisions, Marcus would do it regardless if Wynn said no or tried to keep him from it.
Marcus had always been stupidly stubborn.
And while Wynn could trail Marcus or tag along, he had the sinking feeling that Jake would find someway to spirit Marcus away.

And secretly, some part of Wynn kind of wanted to let Marcus go off with Jake… he also wanted Marx to get a taste of his own medicine. Wynn just had to decide if letting Marcus close to another trigger happy asshole was worth the satisfaction.

Rae hummed approvingly at his spin, a giant grin on her face at the playfulness before giving her full attention to Xio. She nodded at her words.

"A.C.E. is strict- very strict" Rae gave a small nervous laugh. "But I don't really mind, same goes for the rest of Apotheosis…" She trailed off. "…or well, most of them I would like to think." She frowned a little thinking back about Aaron's words.
Rae gave her a smile in return for her grin.
"I don't mind the teeth at all, I think it's very neat" She beamed. She really did find the abnormalities fascinating but not in an exotic caged animal type of way, more of like it was kind of amazing to see what the world produced- even the normal humans, they were all so different from each other.

A soft laugh left Rae's mouth at Xio's blush and fluffing up of feathers.

At her request Rae tilted her head slightly, now looking over at Jake who was advancing on Wynn. The guy really couldn't help messing with others- especially when they expressed visible distaste for him. Rae however did not appreciate Jake poking at Wynn like that.
She looked over at Xio, thinking about it for a moment. She did have a few things to do…but who was to say she couldn't get that done later?
"I'm free right now if you'll have me then" Rae smiled, just staring at the other curiously. "Well, that doesn't really matter now, right? I mean, that was a while ago, doesn't mean good people should have to pay for other's mistakes" She muttered at the end, stiffening when Xio took her hands. A small blush now spreading on Rae's freckled face.

"O-oh, uhm-" She looked up at Xio from their hands. "I guess if you'd like to then there's no harm…" She said, although, Rae was not used to people paying her for her help. "It would just be the two of us then?" She asked, suddenly feeling really anxious. Not because Xio was an abnormality, but because they had just met and while Xio seemed really sweet, Rae didn't exactly know how to act around her. Though, she supposed this is how you made new friends.

Jake laughed at the threat of eating him. He was sure Wynn could and would do it given the chance but the thought was amusing to him.
"It's for the best, you do seem like a good kid," Jake said casually. It sounded like a compliment and it was but Jake made it seem like a bad thing.

He watched as Wynn nearly snapped at him for bringing Marcus closer to him, though, something in Jake's eyes looked down on Wynn, as if challenging him to do something about it. There was still that slight playfulness there but it seemed more dark and malicious this time around.
Jake rolled his eyes, a smile now on his face.
"I'm sure the delicious pastry can take care of himself," Jake said at last, finally releasing Marcus. "Well, we should be going, it's about that time," He said taking his phone out and checking the time, his eyes scanning the missed calls before pocketing his phone again.
"When you're ready" Jake stood there, waiting for Wynn and Marcus to do their little heart-to-heart as if they'd never see each other again. Or well, it's what he was half expecting to happen before he took Marcus away.

“Ah good. I don’t want you to get into trouble over me.” She hummed, tilting her head slightly.
Xio puffed up slightly in excitement at the compliment, grinning brighter. “Neat? Really?” She chirped, her eyes glittering. Compliments outside of her tiny family were rare and so she took those to heart.

“Oh good!” Xio chirped happily, nearly bouncing on her feet.
“I suppose that’s true, though that kind of thing is hard to forget.” She replied with a light shrug. “It’s understandable, I don’t mind.” She repeated, offering a small smile.

“Yes, just the two of us, unless you’d be more comfortable bringing someone along. I don’t mind that either. We’ll also be in a public space, albeit one meant for Abnormalities. It’s still open and others will be around.” Xio reassured, nodding firmly.

“I just have standards” Wynn grumbled, shoving his hands in his pockets with a soft huff.
Wynn returned the malicious gaze with one of his own, moving to meet Jake’s challenge with a low, rumbling growl.
“Oh he’s capable, it’s just a matter of whether or not he’s going to be a dumbass.” He snapped, glaring at Marcus this time. Marcus seemed a little taken aback but quickly regrouped, flipping Wynn off with a playful sort of upset.
The moment he was freed, Marcus moved to Wynn, frowning lightly at the conflicted expression on his face.
“He’s right, I am capable. I’ll be fine.” Marcus reassured quietly, patting his side where Wynn knew Marcus kept his emergency weaponry.
“You’re a dumbass and I hate you for making me worry. I’m serious about calling you, you better pickup or I’m sending Van after you.” Wynn growled. “And if that asshole tried anything I want you to make sure he becomes a human bonfire, got it?! None of that bullshit you pull with Marx.” He glanced wearily at Jake, scowling again at the thought of having to eat him. “Maybe he’d taste better roasted.”
Marcus laughed softly, shaking his head. He punched Wynn’s shoulder lightly, nodding. “Maybe. But don’t worry, I’ll be careful about it, he won’t get the chance to do anything.” He nodded, giving Wynn one last grin before turning to Jake.
“Alright, let’s get this over with.”

Rae beamed at Xio's glittering eyes.
"Yes, very neat" She repeated, though paused at what Xio said next. "O-oh, no! Not at all, I don't mind if it's just the two of us! I just thought maybe you would invite some of your friends to come with us" She gave a nervous chuckle. Not that Rae was scared in the slightest if Xio did she was a little but Xio seemed nice- she wasn't sure what other personalities would be joining them if Xio did decide to bring one of her friends along.

"The bitch boy has standards, amazing" Jake taunted, it seemed like the stupid grin never left his face when talking to Wynn, simply to piss him off more. "What? You think he likes me enough to tolerate me?" He rolled his eyes. "Spare me, I'm not that stupid, I don't think he would take anything from anyone" Jake scoffed, not really knowing what Marx and Marcus' relationship was like.

At the mention of burning him at the stake, Jake put his hands up defensively.
"Listen, I don't judge when it comes to kinks, but maybe burning is off the table for now," He said nervously, a sort of uncertain smile on his face.
"I'd taste good anyway you'd have me" Jake boasted, though the thought did unsettle him some. Being digested did not sound pleasant.
"You can say that again," Jake said at Marcus' last words- not the part where he was spending time with Marcus, but more so the piercing part. He went over to gently grab Marcus' hand and lead him out of the building. He didn't need to, Marcus could just trail behind him, but Jake wanted him beside him- not behind.

Jake let go as soon as he figured Marcus would stay beside him, if he didn't, he'd slow down to do so. It was odd, seeing Jake make an effort for another person- to make them feel included.
"Decide where you're gonna get pierced yet?" He asked, the only places decorated with jewelry on Jake's body being his ears at the moment. "You could go wild and maybe do the nipples" He snickered, only half joking. Crude. Jake was very crude and this was true since a very young age.

Xio let out a soft laugh, shaking her head and turning to look at Wynn and Marcus. “I don’t have many friends. Those two and a handful of others. The only ones I’d consider coffee-getting friends would be Jeremy and then those two.” She smiled slightly before turning back to Rae. “I think they’re all busy at the moment. The only person who might bother us would be the owner of the cafe. She acts scary but she’s a good person.”

Wynn’s scowl deepened slightly though he didn’t respond, huffing slightly.
At Jake’s comment Wynn turned to glare at him. “Ask him yourself, asshole. Marcus has a habit of putting up with shit he shouldn’t.”
“What is it with you guys and telling the people who literally tried to kill us like a month ago my flaws?” Marcus grumbled, shifting on his feet.

“What a shame, you and Marcus aren’t compatible then.” Wynn grumbled, waving away Jake’s words. “You’d taste bad, there’s a reason Cam didn’t want to actually bite you.”
Wynn took a step back to let Marcus go, handing him one of the spines out of his pocket and frowning.
“Don’t do anything stupid.” He called after the witch. Marcus waved in return, smiling weakly.

The witch allowed Jake to pull him to his side, matching his steps. Even after Jake released him, Marcus didn’t lose the pace. He understood that Jake wanted him at his side. He assumed it was to make sure Marcus didn’t try anything.
Marcus made a face, shaking his head. “That one will have to stay in your fantasies, pervert.” he growled.
After a small pause he reached up to feel along his ear, sighing. “I’ll probably go with a helix or two. I like those. Or maybe even just my first lobe.” He admitted, shifting lightly.

Rae nodded at Xio's words.
"Oh, alright then," She glanced over at Marcus and Wynn. They really were good people even though her job said otherwise. "Well, uhm, I guess if you'll lead the way?" Rae asked shyly, not wanting to push Xio or anything, but somewhere deep down she was really excited to be invited for coffee with someone else than Apotheosis. Things like these were rare for her as the friends she had in school didn't hang out much due to her work and their busy schedules as well. Yet it was strange- making time for someone she had just met over a few long-term friends, it's not that she preferred hanging out with strangers at all, but Xio gave her a good vibe and Rae was actually really curious to see where this would go. But it was coffee, right? There probably wouldn't be much after that anyways- but coffee was good!

As Jake walked, he seemed a bit bothered by something- maybe even irked. It had nothing to do with Marcus but had everything to do with him at the same time. Not compatible. He knew it was mostly a joke because of the "no burning" comment, but it still seemed to put him in a bad mood. And putting up with stuff? What stuff? It's not like Marcus was a prostitute and had to deal with ill-tempered people on a daily basis- but Wynn had said something about Marx. He looked over at Marcus before he spoke again.

He smiled at Marcus' first words, but it didn't seem genuine this time, none of the cockiness he had just a minute ago.
"Was worth a shot" She shrugged, watching Marcus assess where he would want his ears pierced. "Oh, a helix?" He asked, raising his eyebrow and then laughing at the last bit. "I would recommend starting off with just the first one and letting that heal- or well if you want, that's not exactly how I did mine, I got a little crazy when I found out I could pay for piercings and got about at least two in each ear" He admitted, reached up to tap on his left ear which was the one facing Marcus. There was a lobe and helix piercing with three more piercings in between the helix piercing. The three piercings were small black spikes, the ends of the helix jewelry also seemed to match the other three.
"As long as you keep up with the cleaning process, nothing too major should happen," He said finally, growing quiet for a second before asking the question he was curious about.
"Uhm, about what your friend said…" Jake trailed off. "What did he mean? That you put up with 'stuff'? I just can't see it" He said a bit softer in the end. In Jake's mind, Marcus was a really tough individual and could take anything thrown at him, but Jake would also like to think that he put people in their place when they tried anything he didn't like.

“Yes! Follow me!” Xio chirped, hopping towards the entrance happily. She glanced over her shoulder to see if Rae was following, letting out more chittering sounds when she found the other was indeed joining her.
Xio paused for a moment, waiting for Rae to catch up to her side. “Rae, was it?” She asked sheepishly, picking nervously at the feathers around one of her wounds. “And is coffee okay? There are other places we could go, coffee was just the first thing that came to my mind.”

Marcus shot Jake a look, rolling his eyes after. At least he was listening to what he wanted to do and didn’t seem to be pushing Marcus for something he wasn’t comfortable with.
“Just because you said that, I’m getting my helix first, just to spite you.” Marcus mused, grinning. And a helix would piss Marx off the most.
Marcus looked over Jake’s piercings, silently admiring how well they fit Jake’s character. He sighed softly, shrugging. “I’ll deal with it. Despite my infamy, I take rather good care of my self… most of the time.”

Marcus fell silent at Jake’s questioning, something in his stature wilting. He turned his head away, staring at the ground and shoved his hands in his pockets and scoffed.
“I don’t think the nature of my love life concerns you.” He grumbled, swallowing hard. He stole a glance at Jake’s face after a moment, frowning slightly. The softness of the question had thrown him off… and maybe tugged a little at his heart strings.
He sighed deeply.
“Listen, you don’t know shit about me, okay? Don’t assume anything about me.” Marcus rubbed at a few of the yellowing bruises along his shoulder, momentarily reminded where they came from. “But, since you’re so curious and I need a chance to vent because he pissed me off… Marx isn’t exactly the romantic type. He is when he wants something from me, but only then. Otherwise he just does whatever the fuck he wants regardless of who it hurts. He doesn’t care what others think or what might happen to them. He does things for his own gain. He’s an asshole with a twisted sense of self-importance who does things regardless of the consequences as long as it benefits himself. If anything goes wrong or not in a way that satisfies him, he lashes out and makes sure you hurt for it.” Marcus scowled, the runes along his arms starting to glow lightly. “And yet for some reason I seem to be into that… and I do owe him at least my time. He did get me out of a bad situation and he does seem to still love me in some way. I just-“ he huffed, rubbing at his face. “Every time I get the balls to leave he either threatens me until I go back or he acts so lovey and kind that I’m reminded of how he used to be. It’s confusing as all hell and Wynn is fed up with it, wants me to go for something more stable.”

Rae jogged to catch up with Xio, a smile on her face at the sounds the other made. It was…adorable? She didn't know how to describe it but it sounded very happy and Rae enjoyed seeing others excited.
"Yeah, it's Rae," She said also stopping when Xio did. She thought about her question. "I don't mind coffee," She said, even though Rae wasn't a huge fan of coffee. She liked the more fizzy side of things but Rae didn't want to be rude, besides, it had been a while seen she had any, maybe her palate had changed. "I mean as long as there's food too I'm happy to go where ever you want to" She held onto the bag Xio had given her, seeing what the other wanted to do.

Jake opened his mouth to protest at Marcus' choice but just gave a defeated sigh, knowing there was nothing he could do about that.
"You're so charming.." Jake muttered under his breath, rolling his eyes. "And you say that but have your friend on your ass probably what I assume to be twenty-four-seven about you making terrible decisions and getting hurt a lot" Jake waved his hand around, gesturing as he spoke.

They walked in silence for a while before Jake pitched his question.
At Marcus' reply, Jake stiffened, his shoulders tensing a little. He looked straight ahead instead of looking over at Marcus, something he had been doing a lot as they walked, like he couldn't get enough of just looking at him, but right now there was something bubbling up inside of him. He didn't know what it was, but he didn't like the uncomfortable feeling.

"Yeah, you're right." Jake said a bit bitterly, though, finally looked over at the guy when he addressed him. Jake scoffed at Marcus' words, not really saying anything, probably because Marcus had a point.
As Marcus spoke, pretty much ranting about the guy, Jake's face flushed a little as he looked down at his feet as he walked, some of the things Marcus said seemed to fit his own character and Jake was aware of that- having been told it many times. He felt…a bit ashamed? Wondering if that's how others talked about him behind his back. He didn't mind it- he tried to tell himself and was pretty good at showing that nothing bothered him, but it did cut deep sometimes.

"Leave him." Jake said suddenly, now feeling his face heat up. Although the words that Marcus spoke did make him feel targeted even though he wasn't talking about him, he shoved everything down, trying not to think about it, but for some reason, it bothered him.
A lot.

"I doubt he genuinely loves you." Jake said harshly. "You can keep deluding yourself if you'd like, but that doesn't change the facts." Truth was, Jake didn't know this to be a hundred percent true. He didn't know the guy, but he just wanted Marx away. Away from the person walking beside him.
"You should go for something more stable," Jake said finally, his eyes softening as they came into view of the tattoo/piercing shop he always went to. "I'm sure there are some guys out there who'd cherish you" Jake could be cruel with his words, but it was a weird balance of soft and harsh at times as if he didn't know how to act or what to say at times. He couldn't make up his mind on how open he wanted to be with others and as a result, it always made people avoid him.

“Oh good!” She hummed, looking pleased with herself to have remembered the correct name. Marcus had indeed been slightly correct about her absent-minded nature. Names were the hardest to keep in her head.
“Of course! It’s a cafe, there’s plenty of other stuff!” She reassured, offering a small smile once more before she gently took Rae’s wrist and led her from the building and out onto the street.
She released Rae when she seemed to realize she was still holding her wrist, apologizing softly before she reached into the pockets of her skirt and pulled a bracelet from it.
“Just until we get to where we’re going, I need to look more human.” She explained, slipping the bracelet on and humming when she seemed to transform into a human almost as quickly as Wynn did. She hummed happily, turning to smile at Rae. Unlike Wynn’s disguise, Xio’s form seemed to resemble her a lot, albeit considerably less feathered.
“This isn’t actually a human form, I can do one of those but again, that takes a bit and it’s uncomfortable. This is a glamour spell, all of my feathers are still here and sometimes people can actually see past the spell and see them but they’re usually fairly hidden. It’s like a short term solution until we get to the place.”

Marcus’s grin grew. He laughed and shrugged idly before lifting his head and placing his hand under his chin, presenting his face with a feigned pride.
“Oh I’m the most charming and I know it. Wynn knows it too, that’s why he’s so on my ass about everything.” He joked, rolling his eyes at himself. “Wynn is why I’m still not dead.” He admitted, something hidden beneath his words that admitted he wasn’t just talking about being kept from harm… Wynn had stopped him from going through with certain plans far too often - and often without Wynn even realizing he had done so.

Marcus hadn’t even noticed how much Jake had been looking at him until the other stopped. Now he felt suddenly more aware of his being, and slightly uncomfortable now that the other seemed so… stiff.

“Wha-” Jake’s sudden words made Marcus double take. He stared at Jake for a long time, taking in the advice he had just been given and frowning. Marcus’s eyes dropped back to their feet, his brows furrowed.
That was now four people to give him the same exact advice about his relationship. Wynn, Xio, Van (even though Marcus assumed Vance was trying to be an asshole reaching for power that time), and now Jake all seemed to agree that Marx wasn’t good for Marcus. That was… concerning.
“What a strange thing to say considering you’ve been flirting with me since the moment we met.” Marcus replied bitterly. Truth be told, Jake was probably right about everything and yet that pissed Marcus off slightly to think about. It also made him slightly depressed. He had been suspecting it for months now but he didn’t want to admit it; Marx didn’t love him. Not in any way that was healthy.
“Something stable… I don’t think anyone stable would go for someone like me. I’m the walking manifestation of bad decisions. Nobody wants me and anyone who does won’t stick around.”

Rae didn't seem to mind Xio leading her out onto the streets- for all she knew this could be a very clever plan of getting her alone and then striking when she was most vulnerable…buuutttt she would take those chances- I mean, Xio was really starting to grow on her, charmed by her nature and personality. Rae was absolutely in love with how Xio carried herself and even a little more curious about the other.

Rae hummed lightly when Xio finally let go of her and apologized for it. Xio seemed very soft in Rae's eyes, immediately being labeled as 'someone to protect'.

She nodded at Xio, seeming mesmerized by the more human form Xio took on.
"You're very cute" Rae beamed as she joined Xio's side to walk with her. "Though, I do like the feathers a lot" She nudged Xio gently, a giant smile on her face.

Jake gave a small sound of disbelief, although very playful this time around. His eyes softened a little at Marcus' next words. It was nice to have friends like that- they were the solid ground underneath you and without them, they would fall, hard.

He didn't say anything to those words Marcus had spoken, just seeming to be a silent agreement there.
At Marcus' surprised look, Jake glanced over at him, looking at the guy from the corner of his eyes, there being more curiosity there than anything else.

Jake scoffed at Marcus.
"I know I'm not one to be giving advice to others, but don't make him worry." Jake said, again avoiding looking at Marcus. "Wynn I mean, and your other friends. He likes you enough to protect you from things that will hurt you" Me being a prime example. Jake thought. "Don't take that for granted" He muttered at the end.

Jake gave a laugh at Marcus' obvious point.
"Yeah, I have," He said simply. "I figure I'd keep shooting my shot till you completely shut me down- you haven't really uhh what was it that he said? Turned me into a…..a human bonfire." Jake said at last, firmly. "That counts for something right?" He snickered at the other. "But you're right. That came out of nowhere, just, you don't seem half bad" He noted. And you need to be with someone that's not half bad too.

Jake thought about that. Someone stable. Yeah. That was a bit hard considering who they were.
"I like bad decisions," Jake said randomly, seeing what Marcus' reaction to that would be. He expected a scoff or a look of disgust, it was what he was typically given. At the words "Nobody wants me." Jake seemed to grow quiet, feeling a sort of tightness in his chest.
"I guess we're in the same boat then," He said softly, now opening the door to the shop for Marcus to go through first.

Xio’s eyes widened at Rae’s words. She flushed, looking down to try and hide it. Cute… “Oh… thanks… It gets the job done.” She replied softly, smoothing out her clothes. The skirt fit a little longer now that she didn’t have awkwardly shaped talons in the way. She hummed softly as she picked at its fabric, trying to distract herself.
“F-feathers… yes! I like them too!” She choked out, giggling nervously and nudging Rae back.
“They’re a pain to keep nice sometimes, though.”

Marcus stared at their feet for a moment, sighing softly. He really should start being more careful about what he did. He did worry Wynn a little too much.
“I know…” he muttered, sighing.

Marcus rolled his eyes, looking back up at Jake. Any guilt he had felt before suddenly vanished. “I haven’t done so yet because you haven’t tested my patience to that point.” He mused, shaking his head. “I don’t do that to just anybody, you know. You have to really be pissing me off or trying to kill me to become a bonfire. As you say, ‘I’m not half bad.’” Truth be told, Marcus didn’t like using his fire on others. Nobody deserved such an agonizing death…

The corners of Marcus’s mouth twitched for a moment, his expression bordering on something amused before he reeled himself in and gave Jake an exasperated look.
“Maybe try and make a good decision for once in your life.” He huffed, rolling his eyes.
Marcus looked over at Jake for a moment, frowning before he entered the space. “Yeah… I guess we are.” He muttered as he passed, something bitter rising in his chest. Had they met under different circumstances, Marcus may have found a friend in Jake… eventually. He didn’t seem half bad himself.

"I'm sure they look great even if they're all ruffled up" Rae gushed, just very happy to have someone else to talk to. She did genuinely like the way Xio looked, with and without the illusion of seeming more human.

"Guess I'll have to try harder to piss you off then, yeah?" Jake mused, slightly hinting at the fact that he had been playing with death for a while now.

Jake nearly let out a startled laugh at Marcus' words. Maybe try and make a good decision for once in your life. Adorable.
"No thank you, never have and never will, don't plan on starting now" He smirked, though, in his mind, having Marcus to himself sounded like a great idea. Delicious even. Perfect decision, but that was an idea that would have to be tossed out the window in favor of his current goals. It had always been like that, he never took anything good for himself, choosing to take the harder path, the one that dealt more pain. Sometimes it was intentional. Other times it was not.

"But I appreciate your concern, you're very lovely" Jake hummed, walking in after him.

The tattoo and piercing shop had a few people inside already, a few faint conversations going. A dark-skinned guy was at the counter whining about something to an attractive-looking guy who was working there.
Once Jake and Marcus came in, the two guys looked over at them and Andre suddenly lit up, bouncing his way over to Jake, wrapping his arms around his neck.
"I told him you had an appointment today" Andre cooed, glancing over at the guy who was at the counter, he shook his head and rolled his eyes. Andre looked Jake over, his eyes landing on his lips, but his attention was suddenly caught on Marcus who had come in first. He seemed to be waiting for the other, but Andre assumed Marcus had come in alone even though Jake trailed behind him.
"Oh…" Andre said letting Jake go and taking a small step back, knowing exactly who Marcus was, slight terror building up inside of him. If he was here then that meant they had to report this to A.C.E.
"Don't worry, he's not a threat- for now. Or at least I hope" Jake stared at Marcus for a while, unsure of what to say. "He's just someone who I'm getting to know, he's accompanying me to get the tongue piercing," He said at last, to which Andre eyed Marcus curiously. He did not seem to like that at all, but even less when Jake talked about the tongue piercing.
"Again with that? Seriously? If you don't want to do it you don't have to" Andre said, seeming a bit ticked. Jake shrugged.
"It's already paid for" Was all he said as he smiled at Andre and stepped past him to talk to the person at the counter.
Andre looked from Marcus to the walls nervously, not really sure how to feel about this.

He had the urge to report this to A.C.E.
Not because it was urgent, although it was, but because he didn't like the fact that Jake had given the guy a nickname and was constantly all over him.

Xiomara let out a soft laugh, risking a glance at Rae. “You're a very strange human, pardon me for saying so. Not a bad strange, it’s something good, I promise.” She smiled to herself, gently tugging on Rae’s sleeve as she led her onto a lively little street. Rows and rows of small business, store fronts, and small coffee shops lined the street. People wandered in and out of the buildings, chatting idly with companions as they did so.
“Not a lot of humans are eager to quickly get to know us. It’s nice to have someone who wants to for a change.”

Marcus made a small sound of understanding. “I see. That’s why you want me around. You’ll have to find some other witch to fulfill your little fantasies.” He gave Jake a very fake, exaggerated smile and waved his hands as if he were shooing Jake away.

“Your funeral.” Marcus replied, though he supposed he wasn’t one to really talk. He himself made bad decisions, sometimes on purpose.
Oh well, he supposed. The semantics didn’t really matter.

He made a face at Jake’s words, muttering under his breath about how he was very much not lovely.

Marcus took a small glance around the shop the moment he entered, shoving his hands in his pockets and frowning. Now he remembered why he didn’t often come to places like these.
He always got the same look from every tattoo artist he had ever met: disdain, amusement, confusion… it was hard to explain to non-Abnormalities the reasonings behind his own tattoos. Marcus sometimes wished he had done something more artistic than line said rune’s up in rows and circles.
Oh well.

He eyed Andre up until the point the other hung themselves off of Jake, Marcus’s gaze shifting to something he pretended to be infinitely more interesting to the side.
He probably should have realized that despite Jake’s asshole nature and general standoffish vibe there was the high chance that he too had a relationship.
Not that Marcus cared much, he was more surprised about the fact that Jake let anyone close enough for something like that.

Marcus turned to look at Jake when he felt the other’s eyes on him, standing a little taller to try and hide the anxiousness he was now feeling.
“Don’t get used to it. I’m not sticking around any longer than I have to.” He muttered, eyeing Andre carefully, almost daring him to do something.
Perhaps this was a mistake… Marcus forgot that his face was practically plastered on every Abnormality wanted list and he was sure a few non-Abnormality newspapers as well.
“I don’t just randomly attack people. I have a normal life too, y’know? There’s no threat here unless you make it so.” He mumbled, watching Jake leave to talk to the guy at the counter.
He pretended to hardly give Andre any heed, though he secretly watched him out of the corner of his eye just in case. He didn’t recognize Andre at all, but something in him - call it intuition or general smarts - told him that this guy had something to do with Jake’s little group of A.C.E. fanatics.

Rae gave Xio a huge smile, though, it seemed a little shy even though she was attempting to seem bright and lively.

"I don't think I've ever been told that before" She mused. "Though I'm glad it's a good kind of strange- I guess I just don't really anyone as drastically different from anyone else unless you're the type of person to hurt others" Just like Rae, everyone else in Apotheosis held some similarity to her thoughts. They were very aware that they were not the good guys- Jen was the only one seeming to be in denial until recently. His reality had been shattered and he didn't quite know what to do with it. Everyone saw that but no one dared to try to approach him on the subject for the fear that he may lose it.

Rae put Apotheosis in that category. In the category of people who hurt others. Maybe it wasn't because they wanted to but they had to but the technicalities were irrelevant she felt. Even if you didn't mean it, you still hurt others and that's all that was counted at the end of the day- how you made others feel and how you treated them.

"I hadn't really gathered the courage to really start interacting with others that A.C.E deemed inappropriate even though I wanted to, but Jake told me I couldn't keep doing that. 'There are a lot of great people out there no matter what they looked like, it's just a matter of taking the initiative of getting to know them' is what he said, or something along those lines" Rae quoted, walking with Xio as she tugged on her sleeve to follow. The gesture really seemed to make Rae melt, loving the fact that Xio wasn't at all hesitant to do something like that with her, it showed openness and Rae was grateful for that despite Xio knowing who she was.

Jake scoffed at Marcus' antics. The guy was funny, he had to give him that, the smile on his face only confirming it as a truth.

Once inside and finishing his interaction with Andre and hearing Marcus' words he hummed in amusement.

"We'll see about that, maybe I'll make it so that you spend the rest of the day with me" He joked, something that Andre seemed to grow sour to.

When Jake was done talking to the guy at the counter he went to join Marcus again but Andre stood between them.
"Can I talk to you for a second?" He asked. "In private?" He looked over at Marcus as if insinuating it was about him- because it was. Jake looked at Marcus when Andre did.
"Alright," He told Andre. "Give me a second," He said to Marcus before stepping outside once again with the guy.

"We have to report this." Andre said in a panic, an underlying desperation of getting Marcus away.
"We're not reporting anything," Jake said casually. "because if you do, you're not gonna like what comes next. Don't think I will just let this go and be happy with you once it's over or time has passed" He said. Jake was…manipulative in a sense of the word- definitely an asshole and he wasn't afraid to say or do things to get his way. He knew how much he meant to Andre and losing him would crush him, so he used it against him.
"Though if you do keep quiet we might be able to keep seeing each other" Jake said in a tone as if he didn't care either way.

Andre seemed to wilt at that.
"You can't be serious" Andre bounced a little, maybe it was out of anxiety, maybe it was because he was afraid, he didn't know.
"If you keep quiet I'll give you something," Jake said. "You know there's always something to be gained from me," He said a bit more provocatively this time. Andre knew where this was going and he didn't want it to stop. He couldn't let it stop, it was his only escape from everything else. He stood there like he didn't have the right words to say.
"Glad we've both come to the same understanding," Jake said as he turned to go back in, leaving Andre outside with a conflicted look on his face. He was a bit red in the face at Jake's suggestive nature but also seemed full of anxiety. Andre was the type of person that didn't know what to do, he needed a guide, but at the same time he just wanted to feel okay and Jake provided that for him. He didn't want to lose his drug of choice now that the majority of what he liked was banned.

Jake stepped back inside and gave one look to Marcus before looking away slightly. He struggled to keep his eyes on the guy as if his stare alone would break him. Jake didn't like the fact that he existed and others acknowledged that he existed, not because he was particularly suicidal at the moment, just that it felt very strange and uncomfortable.
"Sorry about that, you don't know him and I think it's better if it stays that way, but he's a friend of mine and Jen's. We all work together" He said, not needing to say anything else, knowing that Marcus had probably already pieced everything together by now.
He didn't wait for Marcus to say anything as he ushered him further into the back where they did the piercings, though, now, it seemed that Jake's mood had dipped a little. While he had no problems using anything to his advantage, it did leave him with a sick feeling, a constant guilt in the back of his mind that ate at him for being this way. An anxiety that shook his hands slightly telling him I don't want to be this way. Just another thing he ignored. It was fine. What did it matter if he hurt others? Hurt his friends. The sick feeling grew inside of him at the thought.

It was fine. Everything was fine. It didn't matter. It didn't matter. He kept repeating in his mind as if trying to convince himself that he believed those words. Maybe if he said it enough times it would come true, then he wouldn't have to worry about anything- about feeling this way.

"Alright, you'll sit here and someone will come to pierce you, I told them what you wanted but if you want something else as well they can do that for you," Jake said, hiding his inner turmoil, something he did very well- that was until it boiled over. Though, that was not something that would happen so soon.
…
He hoped.
"Once they're done with yours it'll be my turn," He said, now seeming a bit nervous himself. Jake didn't have a problem with needles, it was just the nature of the piercing that he was anxious for. He wondered how he would do his job in the next few days if it was still healing and if it hurt, though, he supposed that was the purpose of it and their intent.

“Strange is good. In this situation at least.” Xio laughed softly, returning Rae’s grin.

She made a face when Jake was mentioned though she let out a soft laugh regardless, humming in thought.
“Well, he’s not wrong, you know. Even if I don’t trust him much he at least seems to know what he’s taking about. Plenty of us are worthy of getting to know. In fact, the majority of us are good.” Xio gave Rae a playful smile, turning down an alleyway that at first glance appeared to be a dead end. However, the moment Xiomara got close to the wall at the far end, a small archway seemed to just pop into existence, revealing a very different street lined with strange stores. Abnormalities of all sorts - humanoid or otherwise - wandered down the shop fronts, pausing outside of specialty-made clothing stores and small apothecaries to check the items on display. Once through the archway, Xio’s human disguise dropped just as quickly as it came. If one were to have seen it only out of the corner of their eye or at a glance, they would have assumed it was a trick of the light.
She shook out her winged arms, humming happily when she found that her bandages didn’t ruffle her feathers too badly with the movements.

“Much better.” The harpy chirped, once again gently tugging at Rae’s clothes as she gently led her into one of the buildings.
The smell of coffee and sugar was intense but not overbearing in the small space. It was decorated in warm colors and soft-looking chairs. The cafe was fairly empty, though the soft sound of chatter filled the air - a mix of strange languages.
As Xio passed the tables to the counter, a few of the beings looked up and smiled nervously at her. She chittered in return, waving enthusiastically.

Marcus rolled his eyes at Jake’s words, crossing his arms. “I don’t think what you covered is enough for me to hang about for the rest of the day.” He grumbled, sighing.

As Andre pulled Jake over, Marcus raised his eyebrow. This definitely was a conversation regarding him and he knew exactly what it was going to be.
It wasn’t hard to understand that anyone mixed up with Jake was probably bad for Marcus’s safety.
He nodded at Jake, gesturing for them to go ahead with their talk. He watched them until they disappeared through the door, shoving his hands into his pockets to give them something to do.
Marcus couldn’t help but feel anxious all of the sudden. Perhaps walking off alone with someone who’s had a track record of trying to arrest you was a bad idea.
Just maybe.

Jake’s words upon his return did little to ease Marcus’s anxiety. Even as he was pushed into the back room, he glanced over his shoulder nervously and gave Jake a suspicious glance.

He chose to remain silent, though, and let Jake explain what was to happen.
“Alright… me first.” He repeated, staring at Jake for a long moment before he moved to the seat and plopped into it. “You going to stay here and watch?” He asked nonchalantly, gesturing to one of the other chairs in the room.
“You nervous?” He asked after a moment, grinning though there wasn’t any teasing in his voice or expression.

Rae snickered at Xio's face when Jake was brought up. It was the typical reaction others had to her friend.

She nodded at Xio's words.
"Yeah, I mean, he does have his moments, I think he was the first one to talk about you guys so positively" She shrugged a little. Even Jen had been a bit hesitant at first, granted, they had all been kids at the time. Jen was the second to come around, a bit quicker than the rest.

Once they turned down the alleyway Rae seemed a bit confused as to why Xio would bring her here, a slight panic building that this was indeed what she had been afraid it would be, though, Xio's soft nature made her doubt her violent thoughts.

It was only until they got closer that something new was revealed- a different street, something Rae had read in books as a kid, things of magic and maybe even a trip into the past- it's the vibes that it gave her and she couldn't help the small gasp that came from her.

Rae followed the other, more amazement in her eyes than hesitance of any sort. This was the first time Rae had seen anything like this, it was no secret in Apotheosis that Abnormalities kept themselves hidden- it was a rule, one that was meant to be kept. If they didn't, that's where they came in to keep the public safe….or well, "safe". Very few knew of their existence and those that did kept their mouths shut unless they wanted trouble.

As they walked down the streets, Rae found herself staring a bit too long at certain beings, some of whom were less humanoid and more animalistic in shape. She hadn't meant to, but she just couldn't look away. There were so many different beings that it made her head spin, slightly from the excitement of seeing something new and also because she knew she shouldn't be here.
However, the promise of spending time with Xio moved her forward, risking getting scolded by A.C.E. Even though Xio was not a threat, as it had been labeled in her ID, A.C.E. did not like Apotheosis interacting with any of them outside of work, even if it was safe to do so.

Rae watched as Xio waved to others, and seeing their nervousness, she wondered why that was- maybe they were just naturally nervous around humans like herself, or maybe it was the gun at her hip…Rae looked down to see the holster, the outside looking slightly different than a regular gun for it had been modified- Apotheosis switching over to the silver bullets they had been given to deal with Abnormalities. It was much more effective and now that it had passed the trial runs, they were given permission to use it on Abnormality threats.

She swallowed harshly as she sat in a booth with Xio, slowly sinking into the cushion, now looking down at the table in front of her. It was at these times that she was harshly reminded about who she was and why she couldn't enjoy simple things like these.

At Marcus' suspicious glance, Jake sighed a little.

"I told him not to do anything." Jake started, feeling it was necessary to ease Marcus' anxiety. "No one will know" He leaned against the wall now, opting to stand rather than to sit.

He pursed his lips at Marcus' question.
"Yeah, I think I'll stand," He said, rubbing at his arms like he was cold, though it was mostly out of anticipation that it would be his turn after Marcus. It was the whole reason why he wanted someone to be with him- so he didn't have to do it alone. He knew bringing Marcus was probably one of the worst ideas he could have thought of, knowing that one of his friends would have been a better option for calming him down around needles. Jake wasn't as afraid of them as he used to be, having enough exposure around them, but they still put him on edge, especially when they were near his face.

"A little," He said softly, now kicking at an invisible pebble on the ground, something he did when he was waiting for something to happen, sort of an anxious tick. It made him look a bit childish but it was something to distract him as he brushed the soles of his shoes against the ground. He looked up at Marcus' grin, giving him a small one of his own, though looking away shortly after.
"If anyone should be nervous it's you, this is your first one, right?" He arched an eyebrow, then turned as he watched someone come in to get things started. Seeing the surgical gloves on the other made Jake shut up real quick, now going back to his previous little game of kicking the invisible pebble, though he seemed a bit more intimidated now.

“That’s… interesting.” Xiomara admitted, tilting her head curiously. “He doesn’t seem to like us much, I’m surprised he’s the most open to… getting mixed up with our lot.” She commented, shrugging lightly.

Xio glanced at Rae once they had entered the little street, twittering happily at the awestruck look on her face.
It wasn’t often a non-Abnormality human entered one of these spaces, Xio hoped Rae wouldn’t feel too out of place.

Once sat, Xio offered Rae a sympathetic smile and leaned over the table to gently place her hand over Rae’s.
“Hey, it’s okay.” She reassured, fluffing her feathers up. “You’re still welcome here. Don’t mind them much. I think they’re still nervous after Hebe declared me her friend. Hebe making you someone close usually means you’re some kind of big, spooky crime lord.” The harpy laughed, tapping Rae’s hand softly before she took her own back. “If anything, having you here with me will make them think that’s true and I find that very funny.”

Marcus nodded in acknowledgment, though his body language seemed to relax some. He wasn’t sure how much of Jake’s word he could trust but in the moment he’d take it.
Anything to feel some semblance of normalcy an activity such as this one provided.

The witch shrugged, leaning back in his own seat and sighing. “Whatever you’re comfortable with.” He replied, never taking his eyes off Jake. Though this time it seemed to be Marcus trying to figure him out.
His eyes narrowed slightly with Jake’s reply, but there was something soft behind his cold exterior.
“Seems like a rough one to get, I don’t blame you.” Marcus could understand being nervous for such things. Wynn didn’t much like needles or surgical settings either.
“Oh? Me? No, I’m not all that nervous. I’ve seen it done before and I’ve had worse things happen.” Marcus laughed, though he too rubbed at his arms.
Truth be told, he was a little nervous. Not about getting the peircing, he truly didn’t mind that part. It was the reaction to said peircing that scared him. There were two possible outcomes and neither of them were ideal…
Either Marx really liked the surprise or he really hated it.
Marcus hated to think what would happen to him in either situation.
Best case scenario he’d have to remove the peircing and deal with it just healing. Worst case…? That wasn’t something he was willing to elaborate on even to his own brain at the moment.

When the piercer came into the room, Marcus straightened, shoving his thoughts down and offering the person a light smile. He glanced at Jake, his brows furrowing slightly.
“Hey, if you’re going to watch, then get over here and watch asshole.” He huffed, though Marcus’s words worked more as a distraction for Jake than anything. Marcus was trying to get him to focus on anything else than his own thoughts.
“God if you’re really that nervous about it, I’ll stay nearby and you can hold onto my shirt or something.”

Rae was about to say something on Jake's behalf, but she knew he would not appreciate her telling others about his situation- hell, no one knew except Apotheosis and certain A.C.E. personnel. He liked to keep it that way, never getting too involved with others outside of their friend group let alone spilling his life story to others. It was rare to get a piece of information out of Jake that was about his life. Sometimes it was implied but never really elaborated on.
"Yeah.." Rae gave Xio a weak laugh, now fidgeting with the bag Xio had given to her. It looked like she wanted to say something more but wasn't allowing herself to.

Surprisingly, Rae did not feel out of place, the street and shops gave off so much life, that it felt like she belonged there. Her bubbly nature fitting like a puzzle piece to the bustling vendors and customers alike.

After they had sat, Rae's eyes quickly moved up to meet Xio's when she placed a hand over hers, a light embarrassed shade of red spreading on her face. Her eyes dropped again to stare at their hands together. She didn't mind it, in fact, she quite curiously liked it. It always felt nice to be close to someone like this and when her father had died it had seemed like the end of that. Never being able to find someone who quite filled the gap he had left, romantic or platonic. Jen did a good job of being the parent of the group, but Rae knew he was just a kid- like her, and it felt wrong to ask him to be someone more.

"Thanks" Rae muttered, a small smile on her face again. "I thought it had maybe been the gun- though, I'm sure that doesn't help either" She laughed along with Xio.
"Evil" Rae commented jokingly at Xio's last bit, though, the huge smile on her face told her that Rae didn't hate that kind of playfulness.
"But who's Hebe? I think I've heard the name tossed around here and there, but it's never really been brought up fully" She asked, now seeming curious, though, the calm look on Rae's face just told that this was just another conversation to fill the time. Truth was, she wanted to know more about Xio, her life, her interests and whatnot, but felt she should slide into it slowly, not directly bombarding the harpy with so many questions at once.

"I'm not sure, it could be," Jake said, his personality seemed toned down a bit. He didn't seem overly angry or cold or cynical or flirty or even tired, just a bit… normal. If that was even a word you could use to describe Jake. He looked calm, perhaps just slightly anxious as well.

Jake watched Marcus' movements as they reflected his, the same gesture done to indicate he too was a bit on edge about the piercing.

"Yeah, alright tough guy," Jake said, now cracking a smile, though, it seemed a bit more friendly this time around than flirty and looking for something more.

Jake had thought to keep his distance from the pyromaniac, not wanting to be too overbearing- the last thing the guy needed was to have an A.C.E. specialist hovering over him, but Marcus' words caught him off guard. He scowled at the 'asshole' part, but didn't hate it, immediately pushing himself off the wall and walking over to stand by Marcus.

At the last line that came out of Marcus' mouth, Jake shot him a displeased look, though, the way his heart sped up to the offer said something else.
"Maybe I will" Jake muttered stubbornly, his eyes looking at the person who was getting things ready on a small metal rolling table. At the sight of everything laid down on it, Jake quickly sat down beside Marcus, knowing that it was a terrible mistake to keep standing when the tools made his legs feel like jello.
To some, this seemed like an overreaction, and maybe it was for someone as tough as Jake, but every time he looked at a needle- especially something so thick that was going to go into his body, his mind screamed. The connection of those needles that wouldn't do any harm to him, linked to the ones Nexus used on him. Because Nexus and A.C.E. were partnered, Nexus being mostly in the shadows of A.C.E. who was the face of everything, they had permission to take Apotheosis, one member at a time, to try out new weapons that were in the making and certain approved drugs, but….sometimes their disappearances would go…unnoticed by A.C.E. and Nexus took advantage of that.

Xio gave her a small, curious look but didn’t pry. It was best not to in this situation. Jake seemed to be a touchy subject. Or rather the group in its entirety was a touchy subject. Xio wasn’t quite sure.

The harpy took note of the soft look Rae gave their hands, a soft bloom of warmth prickling at the edges of her chest. Her feathers fluffed lightly, the edges of a blush staining her face pink.
“C-Could have been the gun too… it’s definitely a surprise to see such things here…” she replied quietly, though Rae’s laugh made her giggle softly.
“I’m very evil I’ll have you know.” Xiomara joked, grinning.
Her expression grew softer, however, as the topic turned to the Sphinx.
“I’m sure you guys have heard of her. She’s the Sphinx who runs a few of the cafe’s around here. She acts all tough - and she is, mind you - but she’s rather kind if you’re the type of person she respects. She’s notorious for her reputation of helping Abnormalities in any situation - even to the point of doing something not entirely legal. Not that you’d ever be able to prove it.” Xio paused for a moment, thinking for a second before twittering happily. “I’m pretty sure she’s in good favors with a couple of gods.”

Marcus nodded, looking away suddenly. He had wanted normal, so why was seeing and hearing Jake act so normal making Marcus so… uncomfortable.
Perhaps it was all just unusual…

He stuck his tongue out at Jake at his comment, flipping him off rather than replying. He laughed along, only feeling slightly called out.

“Good. Keep your word, those are binding you know. Especially in witchcraft.” He snickered softly. Marcus seemed pleased with himself as Jake moved to stand beside him, he opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted when the piercer clicked their tongue to get his attention.
“Alright, so I was given a basic run down of what you want, but you’ll have to explain it to me more seeing as how you’re technically a walk-in as your friend here so graciously snuck you in at the last fucking moment.” They gave Jake a playful glare, grinning. “Anyways, I brought a couple of options for the actual jewelry piece, nothing too intense or fancy mind you, this is something that your body is really going to try and reject.” They explained, gesturing to their equipment on the rolling table. Next to the cleaning items sat a cluster of different colored rings. Marcus stared at them for a long time, chewing on his lip before he glanced at Jake. He looked so nervous for someone who was supposed to be a stone-cold Abnormality killer.
It pulled at Marcus’s heartstrings, despite his best attempts at trying to squash it down.
“Alright, what color?” Marcus asked suddenly, turning to the other. “You wanted to pick didn’t you?”
Distractions. Maybe if he distracted Jake enough the other would look less spooked and Marcus’s chest wouldn’t ache so badly….

Rae watched the feathers on Xio fluff up a bit, a small warm laugh coming from her as she realized the rosiness that had spread on the other's face as well, listening to her stutter her way through her words.

Rae didn't comment on it, although, a bit of heat rushed up to her own face at seeing the "distress" on Xio.

She smiled at Xio's words, specifically the part where she said they wouldn't be able to prove anything, which was very fair. Rae wasn't exactly itching to convict Abnormalities even though that was her job, it was better if things stayed the way they were.

At the last part, however, Rae froze, her breathing stopping momentarily before it shakily resumed. She gave Xio a nervous smile now.
"I-I'm sorry, gods…?" She asked. That was more than a mildly terrifying thought to Rae. They didn't come across those too often, or even those who had god-like qualities but weren't. A.C.E. had been wanting to get their hands on someone like that for the longest time but had never succeeded- for obvious reasons.

Jake rolled his eyes at Marcus flipping him off. It was amusing, yet there was something oddly charming about it too.
He scoffed at Marcus' words. Binding. He merely thought in his own head in almost a sarcastic manner.

As the piercer spoke to Marcus, Jake watched as the two interacted, his eyes meeting the other as they were addressed, a smile now on his face at the playfulness. He waved the other away, another eye roll coming from him, though it quickly faltered into something a bit more serious again, bordering on nervous as he fixated his attention on his hands, specifically the black nail polish he liked to chip away at when he didn't have anything else to fidget with.

Marcus randomly speaking to him made Jake blink, turning to look at him now, his cat-like eyes slightly wide at the attention that was willingly given to him.
"Oh-.." Jake said dumbfounded like he hadn't been expecting it. Yes, he had pitched the idea for Marcus to get a piercing and maybe even threw around the joke a lot that he wanted to choose, but at the end of the day, they were only jokes, and Jake wasn't about to choose for someone else, especially if they disliked it as much as he thought they did.

Jake craned his neck now to see the jewelry on the metal table, his eyes skimming over the colors. His eyes slowly drifted over to Marcus after that, mainly staring at his bottle-green eyes. While Jake thought to do something of the same color that would fit Marcus, the thought of giving him a black jewelry piercing was too tempting.
"Black" Jake said finally, a stupid grin on his face. "So we match," He said proudly, placing his chin on the palm of his hand as he waited to see Marcus' reaction and the piercer move to finally start the process.

Xio laughed softly at the nervousness, nodding as she moved to prop her head up with one hand on her chin.
“Don’t worry, they’re lesser gods, some don’t even make the pantheons they’re associated with. And the rest simply claim to be gods, I don’t think they’re actually anything of the sort. I haven’t met any yet but apparently they like to visit later at night. Which explains why I haven’t met any. I can’t see very good at night so I don’t go out as often.” She chirped happily, tilting her head slightly as she glanced over the menu.
A lot of the items on it were… strange to say the least. There were quite a few marked as “specialty” items meant for certain beings. The most notable being an entire section just for vampiric persons, filled with exactly what you’d expect: blood and viscera.
Xio didn’t seem phased by any of it, skipping over the specialties and jumping right to the drinks with a happy trill.

“What are you thinking of getting? We’ll have to order at the counter but I wanted to make sure we got a seat first.” She looked up at Rae expectantly, her brown eyes wide with excitement.

Marcus seemed slightly smug about catching Jake off-guard. He watched the other as he studied the options, his gaze never wavering. Not even when Jake’s eyes met his and something like a cold shiver ran down his spine.
Marcus worried Jake would catch the turmoil brewing in his brain if the other stared for long enough. He didn’t want to give the other another thing to hold over his head.

Thankfully, though, Jake soon made his decision.
Marcus glanced down at the black piercing, nodding his agreement (and acceptance) of the choice.
Jake’s comment on why he picked the black earned him a suspicious glance from Marcus, who felt a slight wave of hesitance now. He turned his face away for a moment, a slight pink making his face a bit hotter than it was before.
Matching with Jake… this could end up being a very very bad idea…. Again.
Not that he didn’t want to do get the piercing - and he didn’t really care if he and Jake matched - but the ever-looming presence of Marx hung over his shoulder, whispering about how fucked he’d be if the gang leader found any reason to believe Marcus was “unfaithful”. Even if that was as simple as having the same color of jewelry as another person. The chimera liked to make reaches and damn were they reaches.

“Let’s do the black, then.” He said regardless of his spiraling thoughts, smiling nervously when the piercer nodded and picked up the jewelry mentioned.
“Alright. I’ll numb the area and then we’ll go ahead and stick ya.” They said cheerfully, gesturing for Marcus to lean over closer. He did so, closing his eyes as the piercer cleaned and prepped the area, marking where the holes would go. Once they finished they moved to grab the needle, tapping the side of Marcus’s head to get his attention.
“It’ll be quick, one little prick, and you’re done.” They told him, waiting for Marcus to nod in return before they hummed and lined up the needle. “I like doing these ones, cartilage makes a fun sound when you pierce it.” They mused, laughing.
Marcus hardly got time to register what the other had said before the needle was pushed promptly through his ear. He did his best not to flinch but it had caught him off guard.
And it did indeed make a sound, one he wasn’t sure he liked. A solid crunch that reverberated through his skull.
“Fuck man, some more warning.” He huffed, though he grinned afterwards to show he was mostly joking.
“Damn you bleed a lot.” Was the only response he got as the piercer cleaned the area and gently slid the jewelry into its place, making sure it locked closed. “Alright. You’re done. We’ll give you some care products, make sure you clean it as often as we tell you too, got it? And don’t sleep or lay on it. If it swells a lot or gets too infected, give us a call.” They told him, looking him over for a moment as the witch sat up a little more and reached up to gingerly feel around the new metal. They handed Marcus a mirror off their little table, which he took with a soft “thanks” and immediately studied the new jewelry.
He had to admit… black looked fucking good on him.
Perhaps it was his pale complexion.

Rae let out a breath she had been holding, maybe it was for comical effect, or maybe she was genuinely shocked to know the kind of people Xio was in association with- either way, it wasn't any less scary if someone was bold enough to say they were a god. How much power did that person hold to give themselves that title? Surely it couldn't be anything weak and anything over the average for Abnormalities was more than a struggle. I mean, hell, it was already a struggle with your day-to-day gang runners.

Though, Xio seemed to be confident in the fact that they weren't anyone dangerous- but it was just that. It was coming from Xio who was an abnormality- and as much as Rae didn't want to think a certain way, there was always that fear in the back of her mind, the lessons they had been taught. Every Abnormality is dangerous. They will kill you given the chance. Logically Rae knew that wasn't true, but you couldn't refute the fact that they were much stronger than an average human not armed to the T.
Rae gave Xio a small smile.
"Is your vision very bad at night?" She asked, wondering if it was just something normal Xio had in common with the humans or if it had something to do with the species she was.

When given a nudge to see the menu, Rae picked it up as well, having been too focused talking with Xio that she had forgotten they were in a cafe, if only for a few seconds.
She opened it and stopped when she saw all the different items- things you would never see in a simple human establishment.
"O-oh.." Rae said audibly in reaction to the vampire specialties, then looked up to Xio when she asked what she thought of getting.
"Uhm…" Rae concentrated on the menu again, skimming past certain "delicacies" they had, catching a glimpse of something less than flavorful- or at least for her. "I'll have the uhh croissant bacon egg and cheese sandwich and a tea-" Rae said as if she were having a business meeting- it's not that she wanted to come off as formal, but she wanted to be extra polite around Xio. "The- the valerian tea" She finished, doing a double take when she saw Xio's excited wide eyes.
Rae had never had a crush before and she wasn't sure what she'd do if she ever did have one- love seemed very complicated- or so Jake told her. Even Jen agreed at times.

A small amused laugh bubbled out of Jake at the suspicious look Marcus gave him. Yeah, this would never get old. He tilted his head slightly when Marcus looked away, wondering if his words had done something- and they had, he just didn't know if it was a good or bad thing.

Nearly all the blood drained from Jake's face at the crunch sound even though he had his own ears pierced and exactly in the places Marcus had just gotten his. But that was before. Before all the poking and prodding had gotten worse. There had been a time when Jake had been okay with needles, not giving it two thoughts, but he struggled now- struggled to even look at them.

However, the thought and mini panic seemed to be wiped from him as he saw Marcus with the new jewelry on his ear, watching him look at it through a mirror now. There was something stunning about the black against Marcus' fair complexion. He swallowed harshly at the thoughts in his head.

"You look-" He paused. Good? Hot? "…lovely.." Jake said, at last, his face turning a bit rosy from saying something so soft for once, his voice trailing off, only confirming the genuineness in his tone.
However, it seemed Jake was uncomfortable with being "affectionate", quickly adding to his sentence.
"For someone with such a distasteful personality anyways," He said, giving Marcus a proud smile.

Jake watched the piercer clean up the area and leave to get more things for Jake's piercing, only to come back a minute later and start to set up again.

They looked over at Jake, knowing that the guy could handle himself, but also knowing it had been a while.

"When you're ready," They said, gesturing to the small metal rolling table, to which Jake had him and Marcus switch positions so he was sitting where Marcus had been previously. He let out a small huff as if to get his nerves out, but not trying to make a huge scene.

“Oh it’s terrible at night. Ever heard of night blindness? It’s a condition some of you humans have too, and most harpy’s share that diagnosis. We’re not built for the night.” She paused, thinking for a moment. “Well, some are, depends on their type. I’m not a nocturnal harpy so I unfortunately am not blessed with good vision in the dark.” She laughed softly, shrugging lightly. Despite her awful vision at night, she could get around just fine. Xio simply preferred not to. Daytime was much nicer anyway, and less full of things like Marx.

The corners of the harpy’s mouth twitched up into a smile. How formal.
She reached over again to gently tap Rae’s hand, smiling warmly. “Sounds good, valerian tea is lovely. Would you want to come with me to order? I can leave my bag here to mark our spot.” She was simply trying to calm Rae a little, let her know it was alright to be casual with her.
Xio wasn’t much of an important person in her own eyes, definitely not an Abnormality worthy of any high regards or even any extra precautions.

The witch glanced over at Jake, confused by the genuinity in his voice. And then Jake tacked on the jab at his personality and Marcus was rolling his eyes. The heat in his face, however, didn’t go away.
“Wow, thanks. Glad you think I’m at least attractive in the physical sense, though it’s a shame my personality turns you off.” He joked back, setting the mirror down. “I make a great date, just so you know.”

Marcus watched Jake for a moment, only looking away when they had them switch places. He stood awkwardly in the same place Jake had, looking over the table and the equipment there with slight interest.
A tongue piercing, while a little out there, strangely fit with Jake and he couldn’t pinpoint why.

He glanced at the other when he huffed, giving him an amused smile. “You alright down there?” He asked, leaning slightly over to be eye-level with Jake.

"Oh- no, I didn't know about that-" Rae paused a little to let Xio finish, a small smile tugging at her lips as Xio talked about who she was and where she came from in a sense. "I don't know too much about Harpies- or well, even the human body, I was never good at sciences" She gave a small polite laugh. Rae knew she should be more aware of the beings around her, but she had never bothered, only doing her job just as everyone else. No one bothered to look into the abnormalities like that, the exception of course being Blake who studied them relentlessly. If you had a question about anyone or anything, she was the person you went to, science and anatomy being her strengths.
Rae froze when Xio tapped on her hand lightly as if to tell her everything was alright. Her eyes looked down, a warmness spreading on her face. She was probably making a fool of herself and yet was clueless about it all the same.

She gently grabbed Xio's hand, running her thumb over the part where the feathers ended towards her hand. Rae had a very curious look on her face as she "investigated" Xio's appearance, this time a bit more close and involved.
"It's very interesting…" Rae muttered, looking up to see Xio and realizing she had gotten carried away.
"O-oh, I'm sorry-" She said, letting Xio take her hand back, looking a bit uncomfortable now. "And yes- I…wouldn't mind going with you" Rae brightened up a little at the "invitation", now getting up to go with Xio, though, Rae herself did not set down the tote bag Xio had given her, as if trying to guard it so no one took it from her.

Jake clicked his tongue at Marcus' words.
"Mmm, I never said that," He remarked lightly, absolutely in love with the guy's personality. "Just pointing out what others say" He smiled, sitting up straight so the piercer could examine him.
He paused at the last bit.
"Oh really?" Jake questioned, his eyebrow arched. "Then let me take you out on a date to confirm- oh wait, you don't have the balls" Jake grinned now opening his mouth and letting the other mark the area where the needle would go through. Jake knew- or maybe he thought he knew, that Marcus would 100% decline his offer, which is why he had joked about it- well. Maybe half-joked about it. Part of him was curious to see what a date would look like with this guy, but the other half was calm at the fact that he wouldn't be roped into going on a date- I mean, he didn't know the first thing about dates. Andre had taken him on one once but….that had ended disastrously.

Once marked and ready to go, Jake flexed his hands, then rubbed them on his pants as more of a soothing action. He shot Marcus a slightly dirty look at his taunt, searching the other's eyes, though seeming to be shy about holding eye contact for too long, looking away after only two seconds.
"Peachy…" He muttered. He was not about to freak out in front of the strawberry pastry, in his nightmares. He had a reputation to keep up.

The piercer ran their tongue over the left side of their teeth as they held the needle in their hand, waiting for the interaction to end, finally smiling when Jake gave them the attention to proceed.
"Not going to go over this with you, you already know," They said, tapping on Jake's lips to get him to open up when Jake seemed hesitant.

After a beat longer Jake gave in, allowing for the other to place the needle over the marking, giving it a once over to make sure everything was correct.
"Alright, on a count to three," They said, to which Jake nodded, balling his hands into fists, anticipating the pain. "One" They simply said before pushing the needle through to which it caught Jake off guard and before he could react, the hard part was over. He gave the other a hard glare to which they simply snickered, reaching over to grab the barbell piercing and sliding it through. They knew Jake long enough to know that a stunt like that was acceptable and Jake wouldn't actually kill them for it.

"Standard jewelry for you while it heals. It will swell which is why we give you guys a longer barbell. Once it heals you can change it, but please be mindful of the material you choose and where you buy it from if you don't get it from us" They said as they finished screwing on the little ball piece on one of the ends. "Rinse your mouth out every time you eat-" They paused, glancing over at Marcus for a second. "And no kissing while it heals- or blowjobs. No sharing cups or utensils either, all the fun stuff" They went back to examining Jake one last time before letting him go.
Jake rolled his eyes at the unnecessary information from them.
"Yeah, alright," He said, feeling the new foreign object in his mouth and finding it slightly hard to talk so his words came out a bit slower than they had before.