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Caine’s voice echoed throughout the theatre, rambling about some nonsense. Jax felt his stomach still churning after his confrontation with Pomni, regret sizzling low in his stomach.
Why did he do that. He quietly tapped his finger, refusing to look towards the sad eyes he felt on him.
After a minute, he got up, rushing to the bathroom. As he stared in the mirror, he felt echoes ringing in his head.
Of course you fucked it all up. What else are you even good for?
His hands clenched around the sink as he spiraled, feeling himself drift further and further until-
He jumped slightly as he heard noise behind him, turning to see a familiar mannequin begin walking out towards him before suddenly disappearing.
Right. This wasn’t real. None of this mattered.
With a shuttering sigh Jax felt his usual grin paint itself across his face as he turned towards the exit.
He sauntered back to the theatre with his usual swagger.
He still refused to look at Pomni.
He still sat in the very back.
As Jax began tuning back in, he heard Caine begin an announcement in his usual grandiose tone.
“AND NOW… FOR THE MOST LIKELY TO MAKE SOMEONE ABSTRACT AWARD…”
“JAX!”
Jax froze, suddenly finding himself on the stage. His pupils shook as he felt blood rushing to his head.
Was this really all his fault? Had he been his own tormentor for all this time?
Why was he still trying?
Eyes upon eyes surrounded him. This was always the ending. It was never going to be anything else.
He panted, slowly sinking down. He heard muted voices shouting his name as he watched his hands begin to shake and sputter like an old television.
He closed his eyes.
“Sorry, Ribbit.” He mumbled softly, in a voice that was barely his. He felt himself shifting, not even noticing the blend of red and blue rapidly approaching.
They’ll be better off without me anyw-
His suddenly gasped as a pair of lips met his. In this digital circus, where getting shot didn’t hurt, where nothing matters.
This was real.
His eyes shot open as he felt himself snap back into himself. He slowly looked to see Pomni’s eyes flutter open as she slowly pulled back.
Her face was stained with tears, and her breath was barely there.
“Jax? Thank god-“
She was quickly interrupted by Jax pulling her back in, kissing her like someone possessed. Like a floodgate opening, he felt tears streaming out as every emotion he had withheld suddenly came bursting out.
He felt Pomni tense in surprise before leaning in, and it gave him a warm feeling he didn’t know he could still feel.
As they broke away to gasp for breath, Jax buried his head in Pomni’s shoulder, gripping her tightly.
“You have to take responsibility, you know.” His words came out a with a shaking tremor.
He felt arms circle around him.
“I know.”
“You know you can’t ever leave now.”
He felt hands slowly drawing soothing circles.
“I know.”
A broken sob escaped from him.
“I’m so sorry”
“… I know.”
They stayed in each other’s embrace for a very, very long time.