Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Icarus Morningstar, Fable Gilded’s pride and joy, reduced to Lodestar College’s “weird kid”. (really, didn’t they leave that stuff behind in high school?) Though of course, this wasn’t a new thing, not at all. They’ve been called since coming back after never finishing their sophomore year on campus. 

The constant gossip and stares were normal at this point, Icarus had found it easy to ignore them as they walked to their class, music blasting in their headphones.

It was weird to everyone, seeing Icarus like this, especially any new kids who had been told about how they used to be. Happy, outgoing, friendly, always the teacher's favourite but not in an annoying way. Now, to everyone else, they were just a shell of the person they once were.

It made sense to the people that actually cared to learn about what happened, Momboo and Haley, Icarus’ best friends, passed. After that? They shut down and ended up doing the rest of their online and taking a gap year before coming back for their junior year.

It was something that took a while for people to get used to, they still would try to make conversation with Icarus, and while they’d reciprocate, it was never the same. Eventually people just,, stopped, and they slowly fell into their own world

Being alone wasn’t something fun, but it was something that Icarus had learned to accept. People didn’t really want to be around the kid that talked to themself like a maniac, and they couldn’t exactly tell people they were talking to their dead best friends, that wasn’t believable, and they didn’t need people to think they were more insane.

So, they can deal with the stares and whispers and names. They had more important stuff to do, and couldn’t risk losing all the progress they had already made.

Icarus was pulling out their phone, going to type something to see if Momboo or Haley were here, when someone tapped their shoulder. They turned around to see a blond kid, shortish and-

And their breath caught in their throat as they recognized the person. One of Momboo’s younger siblings…

Icarus felt like they were going to be sick, they hadn’t actually met the kid before, but Momboo had talked about her siblings a lot. She had told them about how she had practically raised them.

“Oh uhm, I’m sorry..? Do I- uhh… know you…?” They asked, pointedly ignoring the fact that they did in fact know them. The younger looked at them and shook their head “Nah, I was hoping for you to show me around?” Something in their tone suggested something else, but Icarus was too busy trying not to be sick.

They sighed and shoved their hands in their pockets hunching in on themself slightly. “Yeah, alright what did you need?” They asked, as much as they hated talking to them, it would be more suspicious if they hadn’t.

The kid smiled and handed them a paper copy of their schedule. They pointed at the first class, it was the same class Icarus had which was,,, a little weird. “Aren’t you a bit,,, young? For that class?” They asked before their brain to mouth filter could work.

Their look became more smug at that, “I skipped a grade, and my high school had a program that let kids graduate early so I’m 2 years ahead of others my age.” Icarus nodded, taking that as a valid answer, and let out a breath.”Right,, well that’s my class so I can take you to it?” They offer before mentally kicking themself. Momboo had been awfully quiet since this interaction started but they also know she’d be upset if they lied to her little sibling and left them to figure out where to go on their own.

The kid nodded, so they sucked up the feeling of guilt crawling out of their gut and swallowing them in its thick vines, and instead began to walk to their class, the younger trailing behind.

“So uh,, Law?” They asked awkwardly after a bit of uncomfortable silence. The kid nodded at that “Yeah, it sounded fun, what about you?” Icarus tried to hide the fact that they visibly tensed at that. “Uh, going against my father’s wishes I guess, he wanted me to take over the business so I could take over the company but that’s not what I want to do,, so..”

With that the conversation was over and soon they were at the classroom door. Icarus pauses in front of it and points “This is the classroom, so,,” THey begin to walk in when they hear the younger speak behind them. “I never got your name”

“Icarus, uh Morningstar” They replied after turning to face them. “Alright ‘Icarus uh Morningstar’ I’m Easton, Easton Pine” Despite knowing it already it somehow just confirmed the nightmare they’d have to live for the rest of the semester. They just nodded once, then quickly hurried to a seat.

They quickly set their phone to record the lecture, then let themself zone out, ignoring Easton sitting beside them, ignoring all of Haley's attempts at getting their attention, ignoring the nagging part of their brain telling them to run. They ignored it all and just let themself,, exist.

After class they left, still ignoring everything and completely on autopilot. They hated the slight floaty feeling that was encasing them, just like guilt was earlier. They hurry back to their dorm room and shut the door, sliding against it and just breathing.

They remembered what Rae had told them what to do when they felt like this and with the voice of their brother in their head, they grounded themself. After a bit of being grounded and just sitting on the floor, they get up and head to the kitchen. Icarus grabs a cup and fills it with water, before setting it down and going searching for tylenol. Being like that always gave them killer headaches.  Quickly they downed 2 pills along with the cup of water.

Icarus set the now empty cup in the sink and went to their room to start on homework. “Icarus?” They heard a voice above them speak, voice soft and slightly echo-y. Momboo. They knew her voice so well, the softness engraved in their head.

Icarus sighed slightly. Looking up to see a floating, translucent Momboo, beside her was an equally translucent Haley. Both had concern covering their face. Icarus bit their lip before turning back to their work.

“I’m fine guys, promise” The two ghosts were quiet, before slightly humming, both decided it was best not to push them on this. Both ghosts moved down to be on either side of Icarus, but didn’t interact with them. Sometimes it was better to let them open up and not be forced, this was one of those times.

After hours of working and only eating after Haley’s reminder, they got ready for bed and basically the second their head hit the pillow, they were out cold.

This was going to be a long year, they could feel it.

Chapter Text

“Icarus!”

“Dad,,,? What… What are you doing here?” they asked, disoriented. Their head was spinning as they held it, squinting. God where’d they get this awful migraine?

Their father stood above them holding… A scythe? “You, you my child are far too close to figuring out the truth.” Now that he was speaking more, they could hear his voice,,, echoing? Either way that didn’t matter. Unsure of what he meant by that, they backed away quickly, or, backed away as much as they could. Not far away their back hit a wall. “What,, What do you mean by that??”

“Oh my child, my darling naive child… Do not listen to those who whisper , for they only seek to enjoy your failure.” and with that he brings the scythe up and slams it down onto them. Icarus gets hit with a wave of unbearable pain before suddenly their eyes shoot open

They sit up, covered in a cold sweat and holding their chest where their dream-father stabbed it. They panted and began to try and calm themself suddenly they could hear two other voices around them and quickly slam their hands on their ears. Their senses were always upped by 100 after nightmares. Seemingly noticing this, the two voices quieted down quickly.

After a few minutes, they slowly lowered their hands from their ears, pointedly ignoring the way they shake. “Icarus, are you alright?” Momboo asked, voice gentle and quiet. Icarus nods “Just.. just a bad dream” they choke out. Getting a small hum from the woman. “Would you like to talk about it?”

The offer was kind, and Icarus knew they wouldn’t be pressured to talk about it, so they gently shook their head. “No, not right now at least” Momboo hums and Haley places a reassuring hand on their shoulder. “That’s alright, it’s still decently early, you should go back to sleep.”

Icarus shook their head, the thought of going back to sleep and risking another nightmare made them nauseous. Slowly, they got themself out of bed and began to dig through their dresser for clothing. “It’s fine, I’m not tired anyways”

As they finally find clothing they want, they make their way to the bathroom, hoping a shower would help the feeling of thousands of little spiders crawling under their skin, never leaving, never slowing, never stopping, no matter how much they scratched and picked at their skin, no matter how much the begged, it would never stop.

The shower was burning hot and they didn’t get out till they had scrubbed their skin red and raw, till any remnants of their nightmare was gone. Once they got out they quickly dried themself off and got dressed, pretending not to notice the way their shirt clung to them like a second layer of skin.

They quickly brushed their teeth, then made their way out to the living room. Momboo and Haley were nowhere in sight and as much as they love their friends, they were glad the two were giving them space. 

Not having much in the small mini fridge in their dorm, and hating the idea of going to one of the crowded dining halls right now, they slipped on their shoes, grabbed their phone and wallet, and were out the door.

It was nice, still early morning, so the summer heat hadn’t fully kicked in just yet. As they began their walk to a nearby cafe just far enough that most students wouldn’t make the trip, they let their mind wander. They thought about everything, yet nothing at the same time, and eventually they were at Starbarks. They walk in and smile a little at the small tune that plays with the door opening.

They watch as Wolf peaks out from the back, smiling when he sees them. “Icarus, hi! What can I getcha?” They smile back at him and walk up to the counter. “Hi wolf, could I just get a medium orchid tea?” For a second, Wolf had an expression, one that Icarus struggled to read but it didn’t look good. The next moment it was gone and he was smiling again, so Icarus decided to pay no mind to it. They quickly handed him the owed money, then went to wait for their drink.

The two made small talk while Wolf worked, the first hour after opening was always basically dead so it was a good time to catch up, both of their busy schedules never really aligning otherwise. Right as Icarus was getting ready to leave, Wolf stopped them for a minute. “Wait Icarus, here take this.”

With that he handed them a loaf of Songbird Bread. Icarus looked at him confused. Wolf just held it out more, forcing them to take it. “You need to eat, your brother will kill me if he knows I ignored you not eating.”  Icarus looked at Wolf, hesitating but nodding “Right then, thank you, Wolf.” They smile at him softly and continues to leave. At the door they turn around slightly, “Tell Rae I said hi?” Wolf nodded and the two bid each other goodbye. On the way home Icarus broke off a piece of the bread, taking small bites of it. It’s good, Wolf’s food always was, but the thought of eating anything made them feel sick to their stomach. After a few small bites they put it back into the bag.

The walk home was similar to the one there, only now the heat had begun to pick up a bit more. Once they got back into the central area of the campus they had regretted not bringing their headphones. A lot of morning classes would be starting soon meaning the sidewalks were a lot more crowded. They did their best to hurry back to their dorm building but still making sure not to run into any one.

Once they got back into their dorm they sighed, thankful for the air conditioning. They took a moment to breathe before something in the corner of their eye caught their attention. It was.. A pair of shoes? Not ones they owned either. At first they looked around, making sure they were in the right dorm and when everything looked like how they left it.

After hearing a noise come from the room beside their bedroom, they made their way to the small kitchenette and grabbed a frying pan, holding it up like a weapon as they made their way closer to the door. Suddenly it opened and a man they hadn’t recognized stepped out.

Now.. what happened next, they weren’t super proud of. Quickly they raised the frying pan and…

BANG!

Oh my god did they just kill a man?!?!?!

Chapter Text

Now.. what happened next, they weren’t super proud of. Quickly they raised the frying pan and…

Icarus was staring at the now unconscious man in their dorm room, without much thought they quickly propped him up against the wall. They sighed letting themself calm down a moment before panic shot up again “Holy shit, is he dead?” Haley asked from behind Icarus. “Well- I- No…! I hope ,,” 

“He still looks to be breathing so,” Momboo supplied helpfully,, at the same time that Haley went to suggest ways to get rid of a body. Icarus nodded and began to pace, flipping the frying pan in their hands absentmindedly, waiting for the man to wake up.

After what felt like hours, despite it only being a few minutes, Icarus heard a groan from where the man was. They quickly snapped their attention to where he was, holding the frying pan out threateningly. “What,, what the fuck ?”

Icarus holds the pan out more, almost like they were afraid to get closer to him (which they most definitely weren’t ) “How’d you get in here?” They asked. The man looked up at them confused “This is my dorm dumbass”

Icarus paused at that, that….

Made sense…

“Oh.” They lowered the pan and just looked at him. The man stared back at them, annoyance filling his purple eyes. “‘Oh’? Is that it?” He spat, glaring at them. And, fair point but really, what else was Icarus supposed to say? The two stared at each other for a moment before “He wants you to apologize, idiot”

They jumped at that, completely forgetting about Haley and Momboo. “Right uh, sorry ... for hitting you.” The man glared at them suspiciously and Icarus didn’t really know what else to do so they grinned sheepishly and offered the man their hand. “The school didn’t tell me I was going to have a roommate so I uh,, wasn’t expecting you.” 

The man grabs their hand and they help him up. They then go back to the kitchenette and put the frying pan back. “So uh,, what’s your name?” They ask, hating the uncomfortable silence that filled the room. “Centross.” The man Centross answered, digging through what they assumed was his bag. “Right,, I’m Icarus.”

At that Centross stopped trying to find whatever he was looking for, instead looking up and raising an eyebrow at them. The look on his face suggested that he had already heard what people had said about them.

Lovely .

“Right well..” They quickly try to change the subject, wanting to talk about anything but that . He just eyes them suspiciously before continuing to search in his bag, pulling out a bottle of Advil and downing two pills dry.

Icarus must make a face at that cause he gives them a look, before walking away back to his room. Once he’s gone Icarus lets out a breath they didn’t know they were holding, before grabbing the back they took with them and going to their own room, shutting the door then flopping dramatically on their bed. 

They could hear laughs from above them and turn their head to glare at Momboo and Haley, before groaning. “What am I meant to do now? He’s going to get in my way” They whine dramatically. Momboo laughs and by the sound of her voice, she had gotten closer.

“You could always, you know, try and be friends with him?” She suggests, and Icarus looks at her like she just told them to cut their left leg off and use it as a sacrifice. “What? You can’t go through your whole college experience without any friends” And… well she made points but they could always just befriend Easton! Though the thought of that did make them sick with guilt… It’s fine, they don’t need friends, what they need is to get their friends justice and friends would just be a distraction!

Right..?

A few hours later their alarm goes off to start getting ready for their afternoon class, they had been so lost in research that it had startled them. Quickly they get up and gather their things, shoving them into a bag before grabbing their phone and headphones, then leave their room.

They noticed Centross sitting on the small couch in the living room, they remembered what Momboo had suggested but quickly shook the thought away, even if they did want to get to know him (which they don’t thank you very much) it’s not like they had time right now anyways.

They put their shoes on then hurry out the door. Their English professor hated late students and their class was on the other side of the campus. They put their headphones on as they walked. Out of the corner of their eye they thought they saw someone looking at them. When they turned their head slightly they saw familiar pink hair and sped up. Thankfully they were going in opposite directions so even if he had recognized them, it wasn’t like he could hunt them down.

Once they got to their class they checked the time and sighed in relief when it showed they weren’t late. They had too much work to do and the extra work their professor would assign would 100% go forgotten about,, which would get them in more trouble.

Right as they were about to put their phone away they got a text from an unknown number. They looked at the text, just a simple ‘hi’ and they debated responding before deciding against it. They could worry about that after class, but for now if they kept lingering they were going to be late.

After class they made their walk back to their dorm. Along the way they had texted Rae checking up on him and their mom. They had told them about what little has happened at school so far (pointedly leaving the frying pan out). Once they got back to their dorm they had opened the door to be met with a shirtless Centross. They assumed he had just gotten out of the shower based off of the water running down his chest and,,,, holy fuck .

They stand there and stare for a moment and it must be a moment too long cause he gives them a look. “You good?” They quickly snap out of their thoughts and rush out an answer “Yeah,, I’m fine.” They mutter before quickly heading to their room and locking the door. They slide against the door and take a few deep breaths trying to get rid of the burning feeling in their gut.

They take back everything they may have thought before. Sorry Momboo. Sorry Haley. This year might just be the death of them.

Chapter Text

A week later and Icarus still hadn’t been able to get the image of Centross out of their head, everytime they looked at him it’s all they could see then they’d get all flushed. Their current solution is just fully ignoring him which has been working out well due to their schedules being very different.

This had also been the solution for all of their other problems. That mysterious text? The person they noticed that looked way too familiar for their liking? The nightmare they had of their father stabbing them in the chest? All ignored. Really it was working out great for them, or it had been.

Until their body decided it hated them.

Now, they lay in their bed, sick out of their mind. They had already texted Wolf and had asked him to bring them soup during his break, but until then they were stuck waiting. Momboo and Haley had decided to be quiet today, which they are thankful for due to their pounding headache. 

The thing about them is while they don’t get sick often, when they do it hits them like an 18-wheeler. All Icarus wanted was to be taken care of, but the only other person here was Centross and they strongly doubt he would do that (not that they’d ever ask).

Icarus groaned as their headache only got worse and forced themself to get up. Their painkillers were in their bag, the one they had so happened to leave on the table last night. They debated for a second to just sit there and suffer (they couldn’t remember if Centross would be in class right now or not), only to be hit with a sharp pain and decided to just suck it up.

They quickly made their way out of their room and grabbed their bag, then grabbed a bottle of water from the mini fridge and made their way back to their room. They downed two pills as well as about half the water before falling face first on their bed. A wave of tiredness hit them. They soon let their eyes close and their breathing slowly even out.

Icarus stood in a hospital waiting room, staring at one specific door. Everything around them was muffled and blurry like they were underwater.. Everything but that door.

They try to look around, to figure out why they were here and what was going on, only to find that they weren't able to move. Why couldn’t they move? What was going on?! It felt like their breathing should be getting heavier,. Yet they also felt like they couldn’t breathe at all. 

The static of what should have been a panic attack began to encase them until..

“Icarus?” A voice from behind them called, then a hand was placed on their shoulder and finally they could move their head. Icarus turns slowly just to see Rae standing there, his face all…. wrong, but the feeling of familiarity is there and that's what made them realize.

They knew this day, it's one that had played on repeat over and over, one that had choked them like a strangler fig for months on end, never able to escape it. One that plagued their every waking moment.

This was that day. Suddenly all the emotions they felt had hit them like a truck, strangling them like the vines that were their guilt so often did yet this time it was worse. They clawed at their neck trying to get air, they couldn’t breathe, they couldn’t breathe!

Icarus felt a second hand on their shoulder, but when they whipped their head around nothing was there. “-carus?” They heard someone call, everything was too much so they threw their hands over their ears yet that just made the calling of their name sound louder and they still couldn’t breathe and-

“Icarus!”

Their eyes shot open and they sat up quickly and into a coughing fit. They knew someone was near them, they could feel it. Yet every time they went to look up the coughing got worse. Eventually they shot up, going to the bathroom and coughing and hacking over the toilet bowl until they eventually threw up. Stomach acid replacing the food they didn’t eat.

Even after that, it still took a few more minutes for the coughing to fully be gone. Icarus was so focused on the burning pain that filled their throat that they hadn’t even registered Centross following them and holding their hair out of their face, or the gentle hand that rested on their back.

Once the coughing finally stopped they slumped against the wall, eyes shut tightly as they tried to will the pain away. Right as they became content with sitting there, something cold touched their forehead. They opened their eyes slightly and looked up, only to see Centross standing there, holding a water bottle and frowning.

“You didn’t tell me you were sick” He speaks, deadpanned. They take the water bottle, muttering a small thanks and drinking most of it, gagging slightly at the taste of vomit that still filled their mouth. They forced themself up and started brushing their teeth. ‘Didn’t know I had too” They shot back, though due to the tooth brush in their mouth it only sounded half like what it was supposed to. Centross seems to get the message all the same though, as he glares at them slightly. “You’re friend dropped off food, it’s on the table” 

“Thanks.” They mutter as they spit into the sink, then rinsing their mouth with the rest of the water. The two then head to the living room and Icarus quickly grabs the soup and bread that Wolf had left. They noticed he had also grabbed them some medicine and smiled, making a mental note to thank him later.

Icarus takes a dose of the medicine then curls up in the corner of the couch with their food. They eat slowly, really not wanting to throw up again and pretend not to notice when centross sits on the other end of the couch, instead of the arm chair. They pretend not to notice when he puts on a bird documentary, one of their favourite things to watch when sick. Maybe it was a coincidence, maybe Wolf told him, either way they pretend not to notice, instead letting a comforting warmth fill their chest.

They could deal with all the wrong but right now they were content with where they were.

Chapter Text

A day later and their sickness had gone down significantly, now all that was left was a stuffy nose and a sore throat. Icarus tried everything they could to ignore the warm feeling that filled them everytime they thought about yesterday. They had already texted Wolf, thanking him for the food, which only ended with them getting teased about their “gift from the gods” roommate. (he wasn’t wrong but that's not the point)

They were feeling well enough that they had forced themself out of bed at fuck-ass in the morning (it was 8 am but again, not the point) They took a burning hot shower, hoping it would help with any lasting sickness, then threw on the first they found. They grabbed their stuff and breakfast, then was out the door.

They ate while walking, enjoying the nice morning when the harsh summer heat hadn’t hit yet. Icarus could feel Haley and Momboo much more than they could yesterday. Really they were glad the two left them alone when they were sick but they had started to miss the company.

“Soooo, you and Centross?” Haley asked and immediately they took back everything they just thought. They give her a look, quickly typing out ‘I don’t want to talk about it’ on their notes app, before deleting it after she sighed. “Come on! you know you like him!” She whined, because clearly invading their personal life wasn’t enough, she now had to make these insane accusations.

Icarus sighs, pulling their phone to their ear as they walk, figuring this would be a talking conversation. “I don’t like him, I don’t know how I feel about him but I know it isn’t romantic!” they argued back. Looking up they realized they were at their class and right as they were about to pretend to hang up, so they could go back to ignoring Haley (and Momboo, who was now laughing at the conversation), a voice called out from behind them.

“Don’t like who?” Icarus turns around to see Easton, they sigh and mutter a goodbye before placing their phone in their pocket. “No one, just my roommate” They answered and Easton seemed to,, brighten up at that? Odd… They chose not to question it though and instead the two made their way into the classroom and to their seats. 

Icarus was zoned out for most of what the teacher said though they did catch a little. “You and a partner will be assigned a case, you’ll have to look it over, analyze it, then come up with a defence for one of the parties involved in it, you’ll have two weeks as these are complicated cases. Once you have your partner come up to me and I’ll give you your case.”

With that, Easton turns to them “Wanna be partners?” they asks and other nods. The two go up and are given their case, right after everyone has a case the teacher speaks up again. “Classes will continue like normal, you are expected to use your own time to do this, with that, class is over” Icarus turned to face Easton, “Wanna go back to my dorm to work? My roommate shouldn’t bother us.” They ask and get a nod in return.

The walk back was quiet, aside from small talk, when Icarus unlocked the door they announced their presence, “Hey! I have someone with me!” They call out, not actually sure if Centross was home. When they get no reply they shrug and walk into the dorm, holding the door open for Easton then closing the door and leading them to the living room.

“We can work here, if my roommate is home he shouldn’t bother us.” They speak, throwing their bag on the couch, then sitting on the floor in front of the coffee table. They quickly dig through their bag and as Easton sits down beside them, they pull out the case file they had been given.

“They’re supposed to be made up, right? We’re not like, actually looking into real cases?” Icarus asks and Easton nods. “Yeah they’re based on closed cases, but not the real things.” Icarus nodded, and opened the file, splaying it out on the table.

They then hurry off to their room with a small “gimmie a sec” and go grab their laptop that had been charging all day. When Icarus enters the living room again they’re met with Easton laying the files out on the coffee table.  They went over and placed their laptop on the floor, opening it and logging in. “So, what’s the case about?” Icarus asks. 

“2 victims, basic murder case” was the response they got. Icarus had to ignore the breath that caught in their throat at that. Quickly they forced themself to breathe and calm down, it wasn’t them it couldn’t be them. Their case was still open, it had to be open, it hasn't been long enough to be considered a cold case! (...right?)

Once they calmed themself enough they looked over and started reading the case file. The further they read the more the details started to match up and all of a sudden it felt like they couldn’t breathe again.

That… that meant their case was closed.. Why was their case closed? Did that mean everything they’ve worked for was now for nothing? Could Icarus never get them their justice?

They hadn’t picked up on Easton trying to talk to them, the world around them all a blur and that same underwater feeling from their nightmare came back. They scratched and clawed at their throat, they needed to breathe, why couldn’t they breathe?!

Distantly they felt hands gently grab their wrists, trying to get them to stop. Icarus just flinched away and cried out. They could hear footsteps and talking, but all of it was insanely muffled and they couldn’t make out any words, to them it was all just sounds.

They weren’t sure how long it was before they could hear a second set of footsteps, and someone talking (maybe) to them. They still couldn’t make out words but the tone was comforting. They felt someone grab their wrist again, this time they tried not to flinch. Slowly their hands touched… something and they could feel it rise and fall.

They put their focus into following the rising and falling of the object, assuming it was someone's chest which meant the movement was breathing and that's exactly what they needed to do at that moment.

After what felt like hours, their senses started to come back to them and they could now see who was in front of them. Athena.

Icarus goes to speak but he shakes his head, instead pressing their hand more onto his chest. They nod and keep following the breathing pattern. Eventually they calm down and just sit there, hands in their lap.

As it turns out, that pink they saw the other day was Athena. They honestly weren’t sure how they felt about that. “What caused it?” She asks, voice laced with concern.

Icarus tried to answer, really they do! But their mouth feels dry but also overly thick at the same time, and they just can’t get the word out. So instead they point, right as Easton came back into the room, handing them a water bottle. Athena looks at where they’re point while they chug the water bottle and only then, offering a quiet thanks to their friend (Are they friends? Icarus hopes they are).

Icarus watched Athena frown. “The file?” They ask, not knowing what it is. Icarus bites their lip, not wanting to say and risk setting themself off again. Easton must notice this as they speak up instead, although Icarus can’t make out what they're saying as they cover their ears.

Though based on the look Athena gives them, they can safely assume Easton also told them what it was about.

Icarus shuts their eyes tightly, not wanting to see the pitying look. Someone taps their shoulder and they open their eyes, slowly lowering their hands from their ears. Athena hands them a small piece of paper.

“I have to go to work, that’s my new number” Icarus nods and goes to put it in their pocket, and probably forget about it. “Actually add it to your phone dumbass, alright?” She adds, seeing the look in their eyes. Her tone leaves no room for arguments so they mutter a small agreement and she leaves.

After Athena leaves, they stare at the door for a bit longer, before Easton says something, gaining their attention. “Sorry for inviting them, I couldn’t get you to calm down.” They apologizes, though they don’t sound all that apologetic. Icarus just waves the younger off, they can’t exactly blame them.

Then they turn to their friend, tilting their head slightly. “How do you even know ‘Thena? Or that we are cousins?” they ask and Easton grins slightly at that. “They’re dating my sibling and talk about their family before” Clearly there’s more that Icarus isn’t being told but they drop it.

They’re about to go back to the project when Easton asks “Are you sure you want to keep doing this file? I’m sure we can ask the professor to switch it tomorrow.” They offer and Icarus shakes their head. They were going to get information out of this, information that they needed.

Easton sighs “Alright then” they trailed off before, “Looks like the case was paid to be closed, we should focus on that.”

Chapter Text

Icarus Morningstar had always had a noticeable presence, even if they weren’t always confident. They knew how to carry themselves to get respect, it was something their father taught them from a young age.

So as they barged into the police station, seething in a way that demanded attention and respect, they weren’t all that surprised when at least one of the desk people looked like they got the fear of god struck into them.

“I-Uh, sorry can I help you?” The desk girl asked nervously. Icarus bit their lip, she wouldn’t have anything to do with this so they couldn’t get upset at her. Quickly they look at her name tag and read it, Kimora.

Icarus smiles at her bitterly. “Kimora, Right? Yes, you can be of assistance.” They swore for a second they saw her swallow nervously. They wanted to feel bad for scaring her but this was more important.

“I need to speak with the chief of police, now. ” 

The girl quickly looked at something on her desk then turned back to them “I’m sorry- He uh is busy.” She replies all too quickly. Icarus is just getting annoyed now, they make sure to bite their tongue though, lashing out wont get them anything.

“Look, I’m going in anyways, I was just trying to be formal.” They speak, pulling out their ID and leaving it on her desk, before storming into their fathers office.

He isn’t looking at them when they enter. “What is it, I’m extremely busy and-” He cuts himself off as he turns around and the burning fire that was Icarus Morningstar is standing there. His look changes slightly and he sighs. “Icarus, darling child, you know I’m busy.”

His voice was still cold, in a way Icarus always seemed to get when talking to him. Maybe there had been a time where that bitterness wasn’t there, that he had talked to them with the same warmth that their mother did, though they severely doubted it.

“Why is Haley and Momboo’s case closed?” They demanded, their voice cold just like their father’s. He looked at them, pinching the bridge of his nose he sighed. “They’re families asked for the case to be closed, said having it open was just keeping them from moving on.”

Icarus wanted to scream, there was a burning hot rage that filled them and couldn’t be contained. Why was their father lying? They didn’t want to ruin their only source of information, so they just stormed out. All they wanted to do was go home and pass out for seven hours but they had to make a detour.

“Morningstar, what can I do for you?” Their professor asked, they plastered a grin on their face and sat down in one of the chairs meant for guests. “I had a small question about the case Easton and I are analyzing.” They had their doubts that she would know but, no harm in trying.

Professor Solace looked at them and smiled, they were well aware that they were her favorite. “Of course, what is it?” She asked and Icarus took a deep breath. “The case was closed due to being paid off, was that how it was closed in the actual case?” They asked and held their breath, waiting for an answer.

Dread hit them like a tidal wave when their professor shook her head. “No, it’s not, the case hadn’t specified why it was closed, not even it going cold, it was just,, dropped. We wanted to make it easier so we gave it a reason.”

And that was… something. Icarus nodded and thanked Professor Solace for her time, before leaving and going back to their dorm. Along the way they could feel their friends and sighed. “Can you guys give me anything?” and,,, They think their friends tried to answer, though all that came out was a glitchy-staticy screech and Icarus threw their hands over their ears.

“Okay so you can’t.. Got it..”

They quickly hurried back to their dorm, once there they just went to their room, completely ignoring Centross on the couch and flopped face first down on their bed. It only took a few seconds before they started sobbing.

Loud, ugly sobs filled their dark room, everything felt like too much, all they wanted were answers, was that really too much to ask for?

They weren’t sure how long they stayed there, sobbing into their sheets but next thing they knew they were waking up so it was at least long enough for them to fall asleep.

Groggily, they reach for their phone, only to find it dead. Icarus sighs and lazily reaches for their charger. After they plug their phone in they make their way to the bathroom so they could wash their face, the tears from earlier now dried and making them feel icky.

After, they made their way back to their room and downed some Advil dry, not bothering to find some water. Icarus makes their way into the living room, a little surprised to see a note on the counter in the kitchenette.

Had night classes, ordered food there are leftovers in the fridge

They grab two slices of pizza from the mini fridge and put them on a plate, not even bothering with reheating them before going to the couch and pulling up their laptop. Along with the physical copy, they had also been given a digital copy of the case.

They spent hours in the same spot, only getting up to use the bathroom. Eventually, by the time the sun had risen they had filled a brand new notebook with things to look at on the actual file and possible theories.

And well, maybe they should have gotten sleep, because now, at 6:45 in the morning, about 2 hours before their father would get into the station, they were calling Athena.

“Icarus wha-?” Their cousin went to ask, only to be cut off by “Wanna help me commit a teeny tiny crime?”

…

“Against who?” He asked after a moment of silence and Icarus grinned, “Fable” Then they could hear shuffling on the other end and a sigh before the younger agreed, as long as Icarus picked them up and bought her coffee after.

Icarus hadn’t bothered to change, just grabbing a hoodie in case it was chilly out and throwing on their shoes. Everything was going to be fine, family bonding, right?

Chapter Text

“So remind me, what crime are we committing again?” Athena asked from the passenger seat of their car, valid question if they were gonna be partners in crime, Icarus supposed.

“We’re taking a tiny little file from Fable’s office” Was the response they gave, then the car fell back into silence minus the quiet music from the radio. Both of them weren’t typically morning people (despite how ironic that is for Athena) and making small talk right now sounded like the worst form of torture.

Once they get there, Icarus parks around the back then the two quickly get out of the car. “Alright, I’m going to climb into the window and get what I need, your job is to keep watch” They speak as they climb up the wall, using indents in the bricks.

Athena nods, turning around and walking towards the corner so she can watch the road.

When Icarus is in they try not to flinch and they fall onto the floor with a slightly loud thud. They quickly get up and move to their father’s desk, knowing he would keep it there. After opening every drawer and nothing, they are about to give up.

That’s when they notice one last drawer, they quickly reach forward and try to open it,

Locked

Dammit! Okay new plan, they make their way back to the window and lean out. Quickly they started whisper-shouting for Athena and, luckly the younger came to see what was going on.

“Do you have bobby pins?” Icarus asked and Athena didn’t answer them, instead feeling around their many many pockets before pulling one out and handing it to Icarus. They grin and quickly thank the other before falling back into the office.

Quickly, and maybe not so quietly, they make their way back over to Fable’s desk and begin to pick the lock. It took a good bit of effort but eventually they got it, and let out a slightly too loud cheer.

The next thing Icarus knew their back was pressed against the desk and their hand was over their mouth. They could hear a set of footsteps approaching. Icarus squeezed their eyes shut as the door was slammed open.

“Who’s here?” A feminine voice spoke and Icarus let out the breath they were holding. See, they didn’t want to get caught, but they made sure that if they did , they wouldn’t land themself in jail.

Slowly, as to not end up with a bullet through their chest, they got up, still mostly behind the desk, hands raised and a sheepish grin on their face. The person spins to point the gun at them, lowering it slightly after a second.

“Icarus”

“Hey Ari..” They respond, lowering their hands at the same time she holstered her gun. “Funny seeing you he-” They go to speak but Arisanna cuts them off “Ven! Come stop your idiot boyfriend.” Uh, Rude. But then Ven comes through the door and is giving them an exasperated smile and their grin only widened.

See, they were stupid enough to break into their father’s office, but they made sure to do it when both Ari and Ven were working. The two hated their father and would look away at anything against him. “Hi” They spoke like an idiot.

Ven smiles at them, leaning down to kiss their forehead and sigh, “What are you doing here, Icarus?” He asks, and Icarus can’t help the slightly guilty look that forms on their face. “I needed something, that's all..”

They hated lying to him, really they did, but they also knew how he worried and didn’t want to stress him out. Clearly they give a good enough ‘drop it’ look, as their boyfriend sighs again.

“Alright, I’ll,,, leave you too it then, text me if you need anything, alright? I love you.” He says and Icarus nods, with a small ‘I love you too’, Ven leaves the room. The remaining two watch him leave and once they are sure he is fully gone, Ari turns towards Icarus.

“What file is it?” she asks and Icarus stutters out the beginning of many responses, before settling on muttering “Haley and Momboo” under their breath. Ari takes a sharp breath, looking at them a little more intensely. “I’m sorry, what did you say? Cause for a second-”

“Haley and Momboo’s” They speak again, louder this time, but also quicker.

Arisanna looks at them for a minute before deciding something in her head “I’m getting Ven” She says and Icarus panics, jumping up and knocking her down. “No! You can’t tell Ven” They plead.

“Ow! What the fuck Icarus?! You can’t stop me!” Which causes Icarus to slap their hand over her mouth. If she kept yelling she’d attract attention they didn’t want and then Ven would find out anyway.

Icarus sighs, thinking they had gotten her quiet, up until they were jumping back, ripping their hand away. “Ew! Ewewew! Did you just lick my hand?!” Ari just grins at them like the jerk she is and starts to go towards the door.

“Ari please, I’m serious you can’t tell Ven” Icarus pleads once more, going back to being serious, Arisanna seems to pick up on their tone and sighs. “Icarus, you know what happened when this all originally went down, you know how bad you got.” SHe tries to reason with them.

“I know! I know I got bad and I promise if I get bad again I’ll tell Ven! But I need to do this, please Ari.” Ari just looks at them, biting her lip. After a moment she sighs, “Alright, but promise you’ll tell Ven? I don’t need him murdering me because I let you go down this path”

Icarus nods quickly, before searching through the previously forgotten drawer, and finding the folder they had been looking for. They grab it, and grin at Ari, before heading back to the window. “Bye Ari” They call, quickly climbing down the wall.

Once they get back down they call to Athena, and watch her come back towards them. “Did you get what you need?” He asked and Icarus nodded. “Yeah, now, I believe I owe you coffee?” They speak as the two get into the car, Icarus putting their car’s compartment.

Icarus had sighed, falling onto the couch in their apartment after getting back from coffee with Athena. They stay like that for a few minutes, about to fall asleep when they hear Centross. “Hey, what’s this folder?” He asks from the kitchen, Icarus shoots up at that, all prior exhaustion leaving their body.

“Uhm it’s,, school stuff..” They blurt out after a minute, quickly jumping off the couch and going to grab it from his hands. He quickly holds it up high so Icarus can’t reach it. Unfortunately for him, Icarus doesn’t care about these counters. Quickly they hoister themself up onto the counter and launch themself at him, knocking them both over and as a result, making Centross drop the file all over the floor.

Icarus doesn’t even process the position they’re in, instead scrambling for the folder. They quickly shove it all back into the file and assume they’re fine, though that assumption doesn’t last long.

“That’s not.. A fake file?”

And fuck! Why did he have to be smart?! I carus tried to come up with an excuse, but all their coherent thoughts apparently went to cussing out their roommate in their head.

Maybe this was all their fault, they shouldn’t have left something so important in such an open space…

On the other hand- Why’d Centross have to be such a nosy jerk?!

“Icarus.. Where the hell did you get this?” he asked, looking at the page in his hand. Icarus sighed, going over the pros and cons of telling Centross the truth. “I… stole it..?” They blurted out after a minute. They bit their lip before a thought came to their head. “Wait, why do you care so much anyways?” Icarus asked without thinking and quickly snatched the paper from his hands. They look. it over quickly before their breath catches in their throat and they look back at him.

Centross David Mistvale

victim of attempted murder

Chapter Text

Icarus was currently pacing in their room, their desk chair positioned in front of the lock. Maybe it was a little dramatic but they never knew! It also,, might have been to stop them from going and demanding answers from Centross.

Because really, it probably wouldn’t do them any good to barge into their living room and ask him questions he probably didn’t want to answer.

“Hey! I know that was probably really traumatic for you but any chance you could tell me what you remember?”

Yeah no..

It took Icarus maybe an hour of trying to figure out what to do before they remembered, their phone was still in the living room. So they’d have to venture out and risk running into a maybe (reasonably) upset Centross, or suck it up and hide out in their room.

And as much as they wanted to go with the second option, they knew that if they did run into him, this was a conversation they needed to have eventually. So with that, they quickly made their way to the living room, and grabbed their phone.

“Why do you have the file?” Centross asked, starling Icarus as they turned around, to see him in the kitchenette. They mutter a quiet curse before sighing. “Look, it’s really not that important so just drop-” They get cut off by Centross putting his cup down a little too harshly on the counter.

“ Nothing important? That folder has one of the biggest and worst parts of my life in it!” He yells glaring at Icarus like he dares them to try and argue. When he sees they won’t budge, he speaks up once more. “Look, either you tell me where you got it, or I’ll report it to the police.”

Icarus noticeably panics at that “No no no no! You can’t! I’m too close to figuring out the truth!” The ramble on pleads and nonsense, before they must have unconsciously said something out of the ordinary, as the next thing they knew, they were cut off.

“Wait, what was that about your friends?”

Centross asked with a look of confusion and,,,, worry? (no, no, it couldn’t be worry that didn’t make sense ) Icarus froze, okay okay this was fine, they were fine. They just had to lie to this,, incredibly pretty man and- No! Now is not the time! Icarus tried to focus on breathing and thinking of something to say.

When they can’t think of anything they sigh, they really didn’t want to tell him but they also couldn’t risk him telling their dad.

“The.. The two girls who died that night, I knew them… They were my friends..” They spoke, biting their lip afterwards. They kept their gaze on the floor, scared to look him in the eyes. They felt guilty, not only had Icarus dumped that on him, but that also was another person they told before Ven, before their own boyfriend .

“So, why do you have it? Why are you trying to stop the police from investigating?” He asked and that struck something in Icarus, something raw and angry and ugly “I’m not! Why would I-” They stop halfway through their argument as realization dawned on them. “Wait, you don’t know?” They asked, breath caught in their throat.

“Know what?” He asked, which only confirmed Icarus’ suspicions. They must have taken too long to answer cause Centross was speaking again. “Know what Icarus?” His tone was much more firm, like he was trying to get them to only focus on him.  

“The- The case, It was closed.. We’re doing a project on it.. Why aren’t you in the fake file?” They slightly ramble, though the last bit was a thing for them to look into themself. “What do you mean it’s closed?” He asked, a bit impatiently.

Icarus shot their head up, finally looking him in the eyes. “The case! It’s closed but has no reason for being closed! I- If you weren’t aware of this then.. Then how much do I not know? How much is hidden” And that's when they realized it.

They couldn’t hear Momboo or Haley. They haven’t been able to for a few days now. Later, they would chide themself for not realizing sooner, but right now they need to figure out why. If they can’t hear them then they’re fully and truly alone again, they can’t do this alone.

Icarus hadn’t realized they stopped breathing until Centross had sat them down on the couch. He started exaggerating his breaths so they could follow along. They tried their best and once they had calmed down, they looked at the floor.

Icarus figured this would be a conversation neither of them like, but one they would probably have to have. They wouldn’t bring it up themself though, Centross would have to be the one to ask. (A secret, cruel part of them wished he wouldn’t)

“Icarus, why do you have the file?” He asked for what Icarus would have thought to be the 100th time. Icarus just sighs and pulls out their notebook from the night before, yet another thing they forgot to put in their room.

They just looked at it for a minute, this would have all the answers Centross wanted, but it also had the stuff they didn’t want anyone to know about. But, he deserved to know, he deserved the truth, so with a hope that he won’t think they’re insane after this, they hand him the book.

He takes it, and after a minute begins to read through it. All their theories and thoughts and everything about Haley and Momboo, all out for him to read. He’s silent the entire time he’s reading, never looking up from their notebook.

It scares them, they feel like a wild animal waiting to find out it’s fate and it’s terrifying . 

“It was a man” Is what gets them to snap out of their thoughts. “Huh?” They ask, looking at him. “You don’t know who it was, I don’t either but I know it was a man, I heard his voice.” Centross says again, and Icarus is confused. It’s not like he believes them, right? Anyone else would think they were insane!

“You’re right, anyone else would. But I don’t think you’d be so defensive over this if it weren’t true” He says and Icarus realizes they must have said their thoughts out loud. Some part of them calms at that, though they still don’t fully believe he believes them.

Icarus nods and bites their lip, they have a feeling that’s not all he wanted to say. They are only proven right a minute later when he spoke up again. “So, you can… hear them?” He asks hesitantly.

“Uhm, normally,, but I uhh, can’t right now? I haven’t for a bit, I think.." They spoke, trying to figure out when exactly they stopped hearing their friends. The fact that they didn’t know why they couldn’t hear them still freaked them out a little but they forced themself to stay grounded.

Centross just nods then the two continue talking after a minute. He helps them fill out information they didn’t have and before long, their notebook has a lot more notes, written into little blank spaces. 

Icarus had also started written this all down on their laptop because in Centross’s words “notebooks can get easily destroyed”

They had been writing down theories on why they couldn’t hear Haley and Momboo and Centross had gone out to get dinner when they got the text.

    Three new notifications

          18:35 Nerd <3: Ic

          18:35 Nerd <3: What’d you take from Fable’s desk

          18:36 Nerd <3: He seems.. mad..

Icarus held their breath slightly, before asking Ven where he was right now. Once they got the okay, they called him.

Chapter Text

Icarus had sighed, they had just finished taking a picture of the file and put it all on a USB, the idea of giving the file back made them nervous but they didn’t have any choice, it wouldn’t have been the first time Fable had taken his anger out on his workers. Really it was a surprise anyone still willingly worked for him. (maybe they didn’t, who knows?)

Icarus shrugged that thought off though. Right as they had placed the folder on the counter with a sticky note saying ‘give to Arisanna’, Centross had walked in, carrying food from Starbarks.

He looked at the folder and gave them a questioning look. “Who’s Arisanna?” He asked as he placed the food down beside the folder.

They look at him and sigh, thanking him for the food under their breath and grabbing plates for them. “She’s a friend who works at the police station, she also got me the folder.” They pause, taking a bite of their food before continuing. “The chief knows it’s missing and is getting mad, just trying to stop a murder”

They say it like it’s a joke, but they honestly wouldn’t be super if Fable had gone that far. “So you’re just,, giving it back?” Centross asked, grabbing his own food. Icarus shakes their head, grabbing the USB stick. “It’s all on here, speaking of which, do you have anywhere safe you can keep this?”

He seems to think on this for a minute before nodding. “Yeah I think so, why can’t you keep it though?” And well,, what were the chances he trusts them after finding out their father is the chief, especially since the case had been closed for no reason.

“I uh, know him.. He knows how I feel about,,, everything with the case and how he handled it..” It’s not completely a lie just… not the full truth either! He seems to think it’s a good enough reason (even if there is something else in his eyes, something that Icarus can’t figure out what), and moves on.

A bit after the two finished eating, there was a knock on the door and Icarus hopped off of the stool and headed to the door. They opened it to find Arisanna, and called back for Centross, asking him to bring them the file.

“Is everything alright at the office?” Icarus asked and Arisanna nodded. “Luckily he hasn’t gotten too upset yet” Then she paused and bit her lip. “He did yell at Ven though, might wanna check up on him,.” She spoke, this time more quietly. They nodded right as Centross appeared behind them, folder in hand.

Arisanna looked up at him, a little surprised, then looked back down at Icarus. She hadn’t even grabbed the folder, instead grabbing Icarus’ arm and pulling them to their room. “Ack! Ari!” They shouted in surprise, though at that point they had already been in their room as Arisanna closed the door behind them.

“Who is that ?” Arisanna asked, shaking their shoulders slightly. Icarus tried to pull away, “Chill out! He’s my roommate!” They replied, grabbing her shoulders to stop her from shaking them. Ari narrowed her eyes at them and gave them a look. “If he’s your roommate then why does he have the file!?” She shouted and.. Okay well fair point, they hadn’t even told Ven what they were doing so it did look a little weird.

They couldn’t tell her about Centross though! He would never forgive them for that and they needed the help, especially since they couldn’t communicate with Momboo or Haley right now.

“He’s,, Helping out. Look why he’s helping isn’t my place to tell, but I promise he’s on our side.” They reassure while looking her in the eyes, their tone nothing short of sincere. Arisanna seemed to calm down a bit at this, and took a deep breath. “Alright. But if he hurts you or fucks with this I’ll kill him.”

Icarus laughs a little and nods, “Alright, now, get out I want to sleep” They jokingly shove her and she sighs dramatically. “Wow, can’t even walk me to the door, tsk, tsk” Icarus laughs lightly and gets up to walk her to the door. “Yeah, yeah, whatever” They say in mock annoyance.

They give her the folder and bid her a quick goodbye and once the door closes the sigh. “What was that about?” Centross asks from beside them, causing Icarus to jump in surprise, forgetting he was there. “She’s… protective ..” They look at their scar covered hands, it was ( mostly) all burn scars but still not a pretty sight.

When they notice their roommate hadn’t responded they continue. “She’s seen how I was when it happened..” There’s more, there always is and always would be. There’s stuff Icarus would take to the grave before admitting.

Centross seems to get that they won’t say anymore so he doesn’t ask anything more, and they’re grateful for it.

“So what’s the next step?” He asks instead. Icarus sighs again (really, it felt like they had been doing a lot of that recently)

“I wanna try and find out why I can’t hear them.. I think that’s the biggest problem..” The taller nods  and goes to sit on the couch while Icarus grabs their laptop. They sit down beside him, crossing their legs. They opened their laptop and clicked on the tab that had the doc on it.

“When was the last time you could hear them?” Centross asked and Icarus bit their lip, thinking back to when it stopped. “Uh, maybe a few days ago? But, thinking back, I haven’t heard them that much after the school year started.” Unconsciously, Icarus starts to pull and twist their fingers.

Their roommate smacks their hand lightly and when they look up he’s frowning. “You’re gonna hurt yourself, idiot.” He reprimands before continuing. “What’s different with this year? Have you changed anything?” He asks and Icaurs bites their lip, thinking. They can’t really think of anything that has been different.. Of course that didn’t mean nothing was, just that they hadn’t noticed.

“I guess I’ve been getting closer with people… But I don’t really see how that would affect it..” They respond after a minute of thinking. Centross sighs, putting his head in his hands. “Great, we have so much information,” he mutters. “Alright, this is going to be a long night.”

Haley had gotten used to being ignored by Icarus at times, (In her friend's defence, it was only when she was annoying, but still) , yet this was different. They hadn’t even been talking to Momboo and that was weird. It hadn’t just been Icarus ignoring them that set her off on something being wrong though, the entire world around them felt… different .

Things had never been 100% clear sounding as a ghost, there was always a slight fuzz to the world around her but now it felt like more, like she was encased in static, and according to Momboo, she felt the same.

They had both heard how they sounded, when they tried to answer Icarus’s question. It was awful, and since then it’s like they hadn’t existed to them.

Haley had watched as Icarus broke down in their room, she watched as Icarus panicked finding out their roommate had a part in the case. (Which, to be fair, also confused Haley because as much as she tried to remember, she just.. Couldn’t remember him being there) All she could do was watch as Icarus tore themself apart, desperate for answers…

Momboo had tried everything to get Icarus’s attention. She hated watching her friend run themself dry for her and Haley, she hated the fact that she could hardly make out what Icarus had been talking about, she hated the fact that she was useless in this situation.

Momboo had been used to being able to solve everything, it was something that came with raising her younger siblings, she supposed. Now though? Now she was stuck. Still she stuck with them, she was always by their side and always would be.

Chapter Text

Icarus sits down at the library table setting their stuff down. Across from them is Easton, they’ve already got their own stuff laid out. “Oh look at that, you’ve finally decided to show up” They speak in faux annoyance. Icarus just jokingly glares at them, opening their laptop. “Slept in, had a long night.” They respond, not looking up from where they’re opening various things. Easton just hums half-heartedly. 

The two began to work, starting off with figuring out which of the two suspects were innocent. Neither of them wanting to go into criminal defense.

“I just can’t see Ms. Williams being innocent..” Icarus spoke, biting the tip of their pen. The two had been trying to figure it out for about an hour now with only a little luck. “Alright, but a feeling won’t cut it, we’re going to need a defense.” Easton replied, typing something on their laptop.

Icarus groaned, laying their head down on the table with a little more force than necessary. “Okay drama queen,” Easton mutters jokingly. Icarus glares at them. “It’s a little hard to come up with a defense when so much of the file is redacted” They argue back.

Easton sighs, looking at the time. “Alright how about this, I have to go get ready for work, we can pick this up tomorrow, write a request to have access to the full file” They reason, starting to clean up their stuff. Icarus sits back up, looking at the younger. “You work on saturdays? Gross.”

Easton gives them a look. “Yeah, not everyone has daddy’s money to rely on”

And.. Icarus knows they didn’t mean it in a harsh way, but they can’t help but shrink in on themself a bit. Icarus had known about Momboo’s parents, or lack thereof (well she had parents they just like sucked). They also hated relying on their father, it wasn’t something they liked to flaunt and they weren’t proud of it.

But then they get an idea, maybe they should also start working. It would be hard to manage with school and their own investigation, but they could manage!! (probably..) And they knew just who to go to.

“You want to.. work here..?” Wolf asks, looking at them. Icarus nods their head frantically, handing them a sheet of paper they had filled out an hour before. He takes it and looks it over quickly. “No offense, but why do you want to work? Doesn’t your dad pay for your tuition?” Icarus sighs and picks at their fingers slightly, before remembering Centross’s words from the night before and stopping.

“Technically, but I don’t like relying on him” They answer after a minute. He seems to understand at least a little, as he nods. “Alright, well come on back for an interview” Icarus nods again, following him to the back and sitting down when he pulls out a chair for them.

The interview went well, or at least Icarus is pretty sure it did, as after it Wolf handed them an apron and told them they could start now. (Of course, he always could have pity hired them, but Icarus refuses to think about that.)

He quickly went over how things worked, and showed them where all the recipes were written down. They took to everything pretty quickly, memorizing a decent bit of the recipes with just a few looks at them. 

Wolf had explained right now was most of the time a dead hour, majority of students still sleeping in due to it being saturday, and the odd few who had weekend classes. Icarus had been wiping down the counters and making idle conversation about Rae and Ven when Wolf mentions him. 

“So, Centross?” He says in a teasing tone and Icarus goes stiff, face flushing slightly. They don’t need to be facing him to know he has that stupid grin on his face. They go to answer, but then the door chimes, signalling someone had walked in. 

“Oh hey look at that, you have a customer!” They spoke, turning to face him. They were relieved that someone had come in. They loved their friend, really they did, but they also had known he wouldn’t drop it. Wolf turns back to face them, “You win.., for now” he mutters before turning around to serve the customer.

Once Icarus was done clearing the counters and Wolf was done with the customer, he told them he was going on break, and to get him if needed. Icarus nods and before he leaves thinks of something. “Oh wait, Wolf?” Wolf turns around to face them, tilting his head slightly. ‘Yeah? What’s up?”

“Did you mind if I worked on something for school in between customers?” They ask and smile as he nods. “Go ahead, just make sure to pay attention.” Icarus nods and thanks him, and then they’re alone in the front. They quickly pull a stool from in front of the counter, to behind it and get their laptop from the back.

They get to work quickly, only pausing to serve the occasional customer. By the time Wolf comes back, to let them go for break, they’ve gotten the majority of their request written. “Hey Wolf, any chance you could read this over for me at some point?”

He nods and slides their laptop over so he can see. “What class is this for?”

Icarus lets him take it, going around to put the stool back. “Law, we’re doing fake cases but the majority of the information in mine is redacted.” Wolf hums, and after a minute slides the laptop back to them. “Yeah it’s good”Icarus thanks him, then goes for their break.

The rest of their shift goes pretty much the same, they leave Wolf with a copy of their schedule so he can make them a schedule. They quickly bid him a goodbye, grabbing their stuff and leaving Starbarks.

Along the way, they grab dinner, making sure to grab extra incase Centross hasn’t eaten. When they get home they slide their shoes off, before calling out that they were home and had food. Icarus goes and places the food onto the faux marble counters, as Centross emerges from his room.

After the two are done eating, Icarus says a quick goodnight to their roommate before showering, and finally heading to bed. They’re content and half asleep when they hear it.

“Icarus!”

Chapter Text

“Icarus!” 

It sounded like Centross, but the voice was all distorted and glitchy. Their eyes shot open and they quickly sat up. They had ran to his room the second they felt like they could breathe again, only to open his door and find him sleeping.

Maybe this was it, they must have finally gone fully insane because what other logical explanation was there? It had freaked them out enough that they spent the rest of the night awake, going through all their notes like a mad man.

They now found themself very much regretting that, as they sat in the library waiting for Easton so they could (hopefully) finish their statements and report.

Speaking of the devil, Easton walked into the library, looking a little surprised that Icarus was there before them. “You’re here early..” Easton spoke as they set their stuff down. They offered a quiet hum in response, still distracted by the night's events.

“Ic? Icarus!” Easton waved their hand in front of the older’s face. That seemed to snap Icarus out of their thoughts, they blinked and looked at them. “Sorry, what were you saying?” They gave Icarus a look at that. “I asked if you sent the request to Professor Solace?”

Icarus looks properly at Easton now, silent for a few seconds before it hits them. “Right! Yeah I did, I’ll send you the unredacted version” They moved their finger around on their mouse pad, bringing life to the dimmed laptop, before opening the file they had been sent to them earlier and emailing it to Easton.

The two continued to work throughout the morning, and Easton must have noticed that Icarus was distracted. About 2 hours into their work, they sighed and gave Icarus a look. “Alright, what’s going on?” They asked, catching their attention.

“What do you mean?” Icarus asked as they looked up at Easton, earning them even more of a look. “I just didn’t sleep well,”

“Well you look like you haven’t slept in 56 hours and are on your 7th monster” 

Icarus gave them a look at that as they sighed. “Really, I’m fine just a long night,” They hoped Easton would drop it because they really couldn’t go into everything right now. They just needed a distraction. Easton seems to get the memo and nods, but eyes them suspiciously. “Fine, keep your secrets” They say jokingly, before going back to working

By the time the two had gotten the remaining work done, it was the middle of the afternoon, now all they had to do was present the information. Icarus felt a twinge of annoyance as they looked over their work for the 5th time. They hadn’t gotten much new information from this project, and now they also had to find out why they couldn’t hear their friends.

Still, as much as they despised the distractions originally, it was fun working with Easton. The two got along well and if Icarus looked closely enough, they could see Momboo in them. It was clear she raised them well, even if the circumstances weren’t the best.

…Gods they felt sappy, it wasn’t like they’d never see each other again, they’d still have class together, no matter how much Icarus would bury themself in research without the necessary breaks to do other work.

After a quick goodbye, the two went their separate ways. Icarus checked the time on their phone, frowning at their phone almost being dead, but decided to pick up some food for Centross and themself, ignoring the odd feeling they had in their chest. It was probably nothing..

Icarus had been sitting in the living room when it happened. Centross came storming into the dorm, looking furious. They were about to ask what happened, when he noticed them and his expression turned from anger to rage.

“You’re his child…” 

Icarus couldn’t breathe. Everything was closing in around them and they needed out. “I- I don’t..-” They tried to lie, it only made things worse.

“Don’t. Don’t lie to me- not again” He was mad, but he wasn’t shouting and that made it so much worse. Icarus could deal with shouting, it was familiar. This was anger they only saw a few times, right before their father would get to his worst.

Now, when they looked at their roommate, all they saw was their father, and they panicked. “I don’t have to tell you shit!” They shouted back like an idiot. They wanted him to scream, to shout, hell even throwing something was better than,, than this. 

And like always, Icarus got what they wanted.

“You’re fucking kidding me, right?! After everything I did to help you?!” His voice rose in volume quickly, and Icarus stopped thinking. “Don’t act like this wasn’t for your own benefit!! You were in that file too!” 

“I did it for you! I helped for you, and I get repaid with lies?!” He was lying, he had to be, why would anyone help without getting something in return, that’s just how the world works.

They couldn’t breathe, they wanted out and they were going to get it. “Stop lying, you jerk! God why did it have to be them! Why couldn’t you have been the one that died!” Their hand stung as the room fell to silence after a sharp smack.

The two stared at each other, not staying anything, because what could they. Alarm bells went off in Icarus’s head. They needed to go, run, leave, something!!

So they listened, and they ran.

Icarus wasn’t sure how long it had been, just that the sun had begun to set. They were seriously regretting not charging their phone last night, thankfully enough the area was familiar.

There was one problem though.. No matter where they went, the feeling of being watched wouldn’t stop. Subconsciously, they began to make their way to the station. They hadn’t even realised they had until a cloth had been placed over their face

They panicked, throwing their head backwards quickly to  get out of the person’s grasp. They only caught a glimpse of the face before they did what they do best, run. For once, the thing that seemed to only do them bad worked. 

They’re head spun but they paid it no mind, on foot in front  of the other- just keeping going- they couldn’t stop, not now. (not after what they said to Centross-)

They pushed the doors open, making eye contact with Ven, who was at the front desk. They swore someone said something, but the room spun all too quickly and their knees gave out on them.