[Afterparty] Whistling in the dark

Riley was of two minds. Finding themself, it seemed between Linden and Archie.

The Moth stood crossed arms in thought, digesting the Archies side of the story and Linden's reaction. For Riley, it was the part about Agrippa that bothered them the most; they considered the Unicorn a friend. And How Archie handled that. Reminded them of their concerns first signing up with him. If they had not got the part, or the scandal at the troupe been worse, would he have done the same to Riley? It was a nagging doubt that the Darkling squashed under the heel of their resolve. That didn't matter now.

The other stuff, not that Riley would say it, didn't bother them. Choices were made to achieve goals. We use the tools given to us; we adapt, change, the metamorphosis was needed to survive. And who was Loki to Judge morality? The man was part of the cartels, the violence, the methods, the tools. Riley was certain Loki was far deeper in blood than Archie or themself.

The Moth pulled back from their thoughts for a moment. Archie was seething with anger; Riley could taste it in the air.

"As much as I hate allowin' them to kick us and get away with it. We don't have the same resources, and public opinion is against us. So lick our wounds but don't forget I say."

What was that old saying? Vengeance was a dish best-served cold?

“Because you don’t walk away! You owe it to the community for what they have done for you and even if it isn’t the most fun part you make sure everyone ends up better than where they were before. That is how we operate!”

That ‘we’ was very exclusive, as he compared the Lost community to another of his personal communities.

“And just as much I am not going to be stolen from, if I am known to give with no consequences all I’ll have is the beggar's hand stretched out in front me, with the saddest story they can tell.”

Clearly agitated, he stood up, pacing in front of their friend.

“And you shouldn’t be involved, this is my problem, my fault, and my retaliation. Next time do nothing, and I will handle it. If you are so pissed off with me than just fucking swing”

There wasn't the time between the end of his words and when their fist struck his diaphragm for Linden to do anything except feel. The pure anger at his words, how little he understood the person he was speaking to. If everything was wound-for-wound retaliation, this was theirs. It was as pure an expression of feeling as any. Their knuckles ripped as metal passed beyond the skin's ability to hold it in and the Ogre let out a low, feral growl at the pain.

They caught the Fairest as he folded, uninjured hand grasping him by the shoulder tight enough to bruise. For a moment Linden simply looked down at him, then lowered their face toward his. A feeling began to simmer in the room, like acid creeping up to burn the bottom of their throats. "I made a promise to you, I gave my word. I am involved. You don't get to decide when, and if you," they hoisted him, barely resisting the urge to shake him, "Don't respect me enough to listen when I check you, what are we even doing here."

Eyes hard, they guided Archie back to a chair and dropped him into it. Riley was all but ignored, all of their attention and wrath focused on the Chatelaine. Linden crouched in front of him, the gesture of making themself smaller doing nothing to diminish the intensity of their voice. "I'm with you, Archie, I'm on your side. You need to stop being a shithead long enough to be on my side, too."

"I'm a consequence that should matter to you."

Their gaze held his, demanding an answer even as they wanted to flip the chair backward and make sure he remembered this conversation. The scent of their mantle was oppressive, hot copper and dirt baking in their unwavering fury.

Note to self. Dont piss of Linden.
It was the first thing that jumps to their mind as they watch Archie buckle over. It was a selfish thought, the shock of the singular moment slowly processed in the Darklings mind.

“Holy shit” Riley mouthed in silent shock.
They were cemented to the spot, they wanted to help Archie, move to help him up. But the rage that blazed off Linden halted them. Their mouth dry from the heat.

Riley made no comment o the daring look shot their way by the Ogre. Instead, they just stood and moved to the kitchen, pulling a couple of beers from the Fridge. Handing one to Linden in passing before moving to Archie and handing him one as well.



Riley was lost for words, it seemed in this moment action spoke louder. Riley let out a soft sigh reflecting on the question on hand.



How do we be better?

Beneath that thought was another softer voice.



Can a Lost be better?

Riley takes a drink of their beer.