Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was another hot day in the desert of Battery City. It was dry, and stale,like any other day. It was shitty. There is never a guarantee if you wouldn’t be at risk of getting heatstroke or some other bullshit of that nature. Me, my brother Party Poison, and our friends Jet-Star and Fun Ghoul constantly are on the run, from some evil corporation that I forget the name of at times. My older brother is more about that stuff, I just follow his orders. We have never settled somewhere completely, we’re always jumping from base or abandoned buildings in the zones surrounding the city. It sucks not having somewhere permanent to live, but it's whatever. The world has gone to shit, apocalyptic if you want to call it that.

I woke up to the unpleasant sound of Fun Ghoul banging pots and pans to awake anyone who was sleeping in. Suddenly, he disrupted my peace as he pushed aside my makeshift door, which was really a curtain, torn and tattered. I squinted my eyes at being flashed with the strong sun rays in my face as Ghoul opened up my broken shutters. I threw my head back onto my pillow. Why did he always pull this dumb shit to wake me up? He knew how much I hated it.

“Rise and Shine, Kobra.” the short male with black hair grinned. “You’ve got rounds to do and breakfast to eat. Get your lazy ass up.” Fun Ghoul tossed a torn dirty pillow at the blonde on the bed, hitting him on the head. Ghoul chuckled in amusement as he watched the blonde turn over to face the wall, giving his back to Ghoul. “ Come on, dude. I doubt you’d want Jet to come in here.”

I groaned, lazily reaching for my helmet, placing it over my head and shutting my visor of my helmet as I got comfy in bed again. I didn’t feel like going into the blazing heat or getting up in general. I was sore of our previous mission with that stupid corporation. Ghoul placed his hands on his hips expectantly, awaiting for the younger to rise and get his ass up. He raised an eyebrow, waiting there as if he was my mom or something. But, he was right.

I didn’t want Jet to come in here. Ghoul was much more lenient in ways of waking me up then Jet was. One time, Jet dragged me out of bed and I hit my head on the corner of my makeshift drawer, as if Jet had planned that out. Left me with a nasty bump on my forehead for a while. He jokes about it still, a lot.

“Fine, fine.” I sighed, as I reluctantly sat up, taking off my helmet and shaking my blonde hair out, before pushing it back with my hand. I watched as Ghoul left, probably to go suck up to Party Poison. I wasn’t eager to see them acting all lovey dovey, especially on a blazing day such as this one. I couldn’t wrap my head around the fact they were indeed dating now. I remember the times when I would catch Ghoul staring at my older brother like a love sick puppy, it was gross. But it got even worse now that they were dating. Though, I wondered how it felt to have a partner. But I’ve never really had feelings for anyone in particular. I wonder if there was anyone for me at all. But there was no time to think about that stuff right now.

I threw on some clothes, my jacket and my boots. I grabbed my sunglasses and then my helmet, before making my way to our makeshift kitchen of our current base. I took a seat next to my brother Party Poison on the stools that were positioned at the kitchen counter. I noticed how he had his hair tied. Looks like the heat was bothering him too. My brother had bright red hair, bright as a bloomed rose in the spring. As red as blood. We had the same eye color, hazel. We looked different, but also the same. It was weird. Only in certain angles could you tell we were really related.

“What’s with the new look?” I ask him, as I pour myself some only lukewarm coffee into my dirty mug, glancing at him. I set the coffee carafe on the counter, sipping my mug. Sure, the coffee wasn’t necessarily good, but it was better than the shit Jet likes to whip up to get energized in the morning. Plus, I’ve always liked coffee.

“ Well, isn’t it blazing outside?” The red head stated as he sipped his own coffee, staring at a drawn map of our next mission, unamused of my question about his hairdo. “Don’t forget water when you go out this time.” Poison said while giving his younger brother a look. He meant it, and I knew he did.

“I’m not sending out Ghoul to go get you because you passed out.”

I wave my hand dismissively. “Yeah, sure whatever. Protect your precious boyfriend from the heat waves”. I chugged the rest of my coffee before setting the mug down, grabbing my helmet and then my keys that hung from a broken coat rack on the wall. I stepped out from the shelter of our base, into the ungodly heat that was the desert. I squinted my eyes at the sun’s terrible beaming rays before I was hit with something in the back of my head.

“Don’t forget your vitamins!” I heard Jet Star yell out to me. I grumbled before I bent down, grabbing the stupid bottle from the ground, shaking two pills into my hand. I took them dry, tossing the bottle back inside our base through a hole in the window. I yelled out a bye to the other three, which I was met with byes from them as well from inside.

I headed over to my motorbike that was perched by its kickstand near our base under the shade of our metal sheet roof, straddling it and turning the key, bringing the vehicle to life with a loud roar of the engine. I felt the familiar subtle rumble of the heap of machinery under me as I gripped the handles and revved a few, before speeding off to the west.

I revved the bike once more, zooming down the road that seemed to stretch for eternity in the vast area of the desert. I felt my clothes whipping in the wind, the air speeding through my clothes and against my body. In my vision, I could see every tree and broken utility pole zipping by. I love the adrenaline of being on a bike. The speed. Everything. I love riding. It’s much better than sitting on my ass all the time, but I always forget that whenever I get into bed. I should ride for fun more often.

Yet again, it was like another other day. Right?

Chapter Text

I was on the search for some food for me and the guys. We were barely portioning our rations equally, so it was up to me to get us more food and supplies. Great. I wouldn’t have minded it so much if my back didn’t feel like it was being set on fire because of that awful sun. I looked up, seeing a sign that read: 10 miles from Battery City. I had to be stealthy going into the city. They hate our kind. Just because we don’t want to become modernized rockstars with our hair trimmed, to look “respectable.” Whatever the hell that means. We’re considered a rebellion out here. Insects. Filth. A bad look on the city. That stupid Better Living corporation always sent their little leader, Korse, over to the desert to ‘clean it up’. Which really meant to find us and kill us. We didn’t want to submit to them. Why couldn’t they just ignore us? We would leave them alone if they did. It’s dumb if you ask me.

Once I saw the skyline of Battery City appearing in the distance, I used my body to turn my bike onto the dirt terrain, as I sped up, dirt and dust spraying from under my wheels. It was the way I went into the city without being noticed. I rode to the more secluded part of the city, around some abandoned rotting old building and stopped my bike in the alley between that building and the next, kicking the kickstand with my boot, making sure my precious bike wouldn't tip over. I removed my helmet, shaking my light blonde hair out before combing it back with my fingers into its freely slicked back style. I set my helmet on my handlebars, securing it.

After I double checked, I reached for the bandana around my neck and pulled it over my nose. I checked my coordinates on the device Poison had designed, and sent them back to the other three just in case. They sent me theirs back, they were all still at our base. They were safe and I hoped they would still be there when I got back.

I put the device in my pocket, before creeping around the corner to see if anyone who seemed to work for Better Living would be around. Like those Draculoids. Man, they were just creepy. Going around and killing anyone that fell out of line. At the sight of anyone having unauthorized fun. I saw no one at least, and made my way to this abandoned market. I go there any time I'm sent to go get rations, it gives me a weird vibe. It’s so empty. So lifeless. It stunk. But it was the only resource available that would keep me hidden from the public eye.

I entered the sad looking market. It was nearly rotting, and crawling with fat rats. Broken glass crunched under my boots as I searched the aisles for anything canned. I stuffed a few cans of beans and anything that wouldn’t expire for a long time into my bag. I cringed at the sight of roaches dispersing whenever I passed by. This was beyond fucking gross.

There was rotting produce in the store, emitting an unpleasant odor. There was even the presence of bullet holes in the walls. Man, was this place rundown. There was the crackling sound of damaged wires and the subtle buzz of the flickering lights over my head. I grabbed a can of some sort of food, and examined it. Yet, this shitty place filled me with a sense of familiarity. It was almost uncanny.

It reminded me of when me and Poison would go grocery shopping with our parents before this, when we were little. Before everything changed for the worst. It was lively. Colorful. Full of different kinds of people. Me and Poison would beg our parents for a specific cereal or something we both wanted. Our mom would give in soon enough. We would be ecstatic, jumping up and down in the check out line, excited to indulge in the item we had picked. Our dad would grin as he watched his excited sons unable to contain themselves over something so small.

It all seemed like a distant memory, or something that was just a dream. But it had been our life at some point. I forget our real names at times. I can hardly remember. Anything before this, I can’t recall. But I miss something. I just don’t know what. My heart had a gaping hole. But I didn’t know what caused it.

After getting what I needed, I left that depressing smelly market, and carefully made my way back to the alley. I was about to hop onto my bike, my helmet already on when I saw these white cars zooming down the street, heading out of the city.

I looked on, snapping my visor open, squinting my eyes. Better Living, again? I raised an eyebrow, wondering what the hell was going on. Why were they heading back east? They never went east. No one was there besides.. I was suddenly snapped out of my thoughts as I heard alarmingly rapid beeping from my pocket, scrambling, I took the device out, almost dropping it in the process and making my heart skip a beat. I saw that stupid Better Living logo, laughing at me. Taunting me. they had hacked our devices. Then it dawned on me. They were heading for our base. The guys didn’t know, and I couldn’t let them know, because I had no way of communicating it because our devices were hacked. Their coordinates had been exposed. The Draculoids were going for them. To kill them.

“Shit”, I muttered as I kicked my kickstand back up, and shut my visor. I shoved my keys into the ignition, turning them hastily, hearing that roar of my bike coming to life.

I revved my handlebars before maneuvering my body and my bike in synchronization to make a sharp turn, redirecting me to the east. I zoomed down the long stretch of road, but I couldn’t see those white vans anywhere in my sight.

I began to feel a pit in my stomach, unease creeping up my spine and into my heart. I could feel my heart pounding in an unusual, fast paced rhythm in my chest. It felt like it wanted to break through my ribs. I swallowed hard, my hands gripping the handlebars so hard my knuckles were white. This couldn’t be good. Nothing to do with Better Living could ever be good. I could only blame myself. I went speeds I couldn’t imagine going. I needed to get there, and fast. I needed to. I had to. They needed me, and I needed them. God, please.

Not them, anyone but them. Please.

Chapter Text

I had never been so desperate to reach home, ever. It felt like I was driving for eternity. I couldn’t think about anything but the endless possibilities that could be. What if they were killed on the spot? What if I’d never see them again? What if they didn’t want anything to do with me because it was my fault? My heart was racing, and it felt like something was squeezing my chest, like a vice. A very, very brutal vice. I couldn’t even focus on driving. I could’ve sworn I was about to steer off road many times.

I wasn’t one to get overly emotional ever, I couldn’t even remember what it felt like to cry. But, I don’t remember it hurting this much if you hold it in. I took a deep breath, trying to recollect myself. I blinked away my unshed tears and continued down this painfully very long stretch of road.

Finally, I began to make out the shape of our base in the hot desert heat waves, so I sped up, leaning my body forward on my bike.

I pulled up near our base, kicking down my kickstand hastily. I kept my helmet on as I jogged my way into the base. I heard the familiar yet very uneasy sound of broken glass crunching under my boots. Just earlier, everything had been fine. I had just been home a few hours prior. What happened to this place? It was almost unrecognizable. I looked around, flipping the visor of my helmet up. Our torn furniture was flipped, pictures scrambled around on the floor, and unfortunately, Ghoul’s guitar Pansy’s neck was broken, split in two. Ghoul’s prized possession. I grimaced at the sight, carefully picking the guitar up. Yeah, he would not be so happy about this. I looked around at our trashed base once more before hopelessly calling out:

“Ghoul? Jet? Poison?”
I called out loudly, stupidly hoping for one of their faces to peek out from around the corner. I waited for a few silent moments. But, they weren’t here. And I wasn’t sure when I’d ever see them again. I quickly snatched a picture of the four of us. I was completely overwhelmed with emotion, so I quickly exited the place we had once called home.

You never realize how much you need someone or something, until they’re gone. I was scared of the unknown factor, that I didn’t know if I’d ever see them again. That I would be alone. I hated being alone, more than anything. I could barely handle everything with them, it’d be suicide to live this life alone. I could feel the hole in my heart become bigger and even more deep. I needed someone, anyone.

I straddled my bike, kicking up my kickstand. I took a deep breath, my bottom lip quivering subtly as the activity of swallowing became much harder to do. My vision blurred with tears, but I quickly wiped them away by rubbing my eyes with my forearm. I flipped my visor back down, before grabbing the handlebars and revving, then I was off. It was my fault. It was my fault they had gotten taken. Maybe if I hadn’t sent my coordinates, or gone out in general. We could’ve lasted another day or two with small portions of food. Or I could’ve starved. Now we are separated. The future didn’t seem so clear. I was caught off guard when I noticed my fuel meter was nearing empty, the nearest gas station wasn’t for miles.

My bike slowly and painfully came to a halt. I forgot to refill my gas tank at Battery City. What an idiot.

“Damnit.” I muttered as I got off of my bike, beginning to push it down the road. The sun wasn’t even going down yet. I pushed for at least 2 hours, but it was all meaningless. I couldn’t see a sign for any civilization or people for miles, or anywhere around the road that stretched for miles. I could feel myself overheating because of the sun’s harsh rays on me.

I eventually stopped, putting down the bike’s kickstand, making sure it wouldn’t tip over. I slumped down to the dirt tiredly, removing my helmet. I was exhausted, and hot. My head hung low in defeat as I let my hair fall messily over my face, the strands tickling my face. My lips were dry and cracked, I was thirsty. I should’ve listened to Poison and brought water. Party Poison. I leaned my head back against my bike, not caring that the hot metal was basically burning my neck. I closed my eyes, ready for God to take me or for anyone to take me. It felt like I was dying. No really it did. Or, at least I hoped I was. It was too hot. I hated the summer. I hate the desert. I hate the way life is.

“Need some help?” I heard someone ask, a male voice specifically, and it wasn’t one I recognized. I groaned softly as I opened my eyes, looking up at whoever the guy was.

This guy was in a car, run down and beat but working. It was a convertible. He had olive toned skin, blue hair with choppy bangs that fell across his forehead in a side part, hazel eyes and a stupid grin on his face. He had these thick eyebrows too, and pretty hazel eyes, surrounded by smudgy black eyeliner. Who the hell was he? I’d never seen him before. At all. In any zone I’ve been in. I quietly nodded, looking up at the guy with blue hair. I watched as he exited the car, grabbing a gas can. He approached my bike, popped the fuel cap open and began to fill it with fuel, gently tilting the gas can. I watched him carefully, analyzing him.

He seemed much too cheerful for times like these. What was there to really be happy about? Death? Destruction? A dystopian society? The guy with blue hair was wearing a bandanna over his nose as well, blue colored. How well coordinated.

“ My name’s Bubble Gun and that guy with the stupidly bright orange hair is Candy Crush.” he said with a lighthearted teasing grin as he gestured with his head to the orange haired guy in the driver's seat.

The one in the driver's seat was a bit on the chubbier side, telling by his face and his neck. He had bright orange fiery hair, blue-green eyes and was a rather pale dude. He wore glasses, thick framed black ones. He was wearing this dad hat, with a corny saying that was “I <3 bingo”. What a cornball. But he seemed nice enough. “And you are?” Bubble Gun asked me, pulling me out of my analysis over the orange haired guy. He seemed awfully nice. Maybe a bit too nice. It made me a little weary, so I kept my guard up. I didn’t know these guys and their intentions.

“Kobra Kid.” I answered, firmly. The truth was I was beginning to feel faint, because of dehydration and of the heat. I guess Bubble Gun noticed, because I heard him quickly tell Candy Crush to grab a water bottle from the back. I probably looked dazed and I could feel myself swaying a little on my feet. “Here. You look as pale as a ghost.” The short male with blue hair joked, with a hint of concern in his eyes as he handed me the water bottle. I gave a nod thankfully before taking a sip. It wasn’t cold water, but it hit just as good as cold would. I gulped it down thirstfully, almost a bit too desperate. But I didn’t care. It soothed the dryness in my throat, nourishing my lips as well.

“Need a ride? So you could get some rest, that is.” Candy Crush asked as he looked at me, almost analyzing me if I was a threat or not. But, I guess he realized I didn’t oppose any type of threat. Unless they started something first, but they seemed to be defenseless. I didn’t see any weapons on them, but you could never be too sure. I’d never heard of these guys.

“Uhm. . Yeah sure, thanks.” I responded, a small mutter escaping my lips, though I was hesitant about riding with them . Bubble Gun helped me hitch my bike onto the back of their car with little effort. For his stature, he seemed pretty strong.

Soon, I climbed into the back of their beat up convertible , pushing my hair back with my fingers as I leaned back into the torn cushion. I breathed a small sigh of relief. I wondered if these guys were willing to help me. I leaned my head back onto the headrest, letting the wind softly hit my face.

“So, why were you traveling through the dry ass desert with an empty tank, Kobra?” Bubble Gun asked, with a lighthearted teasing tone as he looked at me from his passenger's seat. The car began to move steadily along the road after a brief moment of the engine stalling. He was being oddly attentive of me.

“Korse took my friends, I’m looking for them.” I said, strained. It hurt me to say, as I tightly squeezed my eyes shut for a moment, and opened them again. I couldn’t get emotional in front of these absolute strangers. Had they even heard of us Killjoys before?

“Hey, we could help you find them. We don’t have much to do.” Candy Crush spoke up, as he drove, looking at me through the rear view mirror. I saw Bubble Gun give me a sympathetic look, looking at me in the backseat through the review mirror. His hazel eyes were unnaturally pretty. They reminded me of a wounded puppy. Why was I even saying his eyes were pretty? He was a guy and so was I. That was just weird. Why would I say that?

“If you’re willing.” I responded.

Chapter Text

They had agreed to help me. I mean, I didn’t really need it. But again, I hated being alone, I could use all the company I could get. I absentmindedly fiddled with the strap on my glove, the wind running through my hair. I couldn’t stop overthinking everything, my mind wouldn’t shut up no matter how hard I tried to make it stop. I didn’t even feel like I was present at the moment. I was wishing this was a dream but it didn’t seem to be one. Everything was very much real. I hated that it was real. I wish they would’ve taken me. Not them, they didn’t deserve that.

This was all my fault. My chest felt heavy with guilt and remorse. I wasn’t even sure what I had done, but I knew I was to blame. I must’ve looked a certain way because my thoughts were interrupted by–

“You okay back there?” It was Bubble Gun. He sounded worried. He shouldn’t be worried, or even feel sympathy. He didn’t know me, and I didn’t know him. I was just some guy they had picked up.

Maybe he was just a sympathetic person. That wouldn’t do him any good. He shouldn’t be sympathetic to just anyone. Not everyone had good intentions. I was silent for a few moments, biting the inside of my cheek.

“I'm alright, thank you.” I responded quietly, as I met his hazel eyes with my own, his eyes looking at me worriedly.

“They’re gonna be okay.” Bubble chided comfortingly, as if it changed anything. I didn’t need his pity, but it brought an odd sense of calmness to my aching heart. It felt like a soothing balm. Healing. Comforting. Maybe because I couldn’t remember the last time I had been spoken to so tenderly. There was never any time for it. Everything kept moving, so you would too. No time to ever stop. Unless you wanted to get killed. It was about surviving. But man, sometimes I just needed to be comforted. It felt like a foreign yet familiar feeling.

“One can only hope.” I said with a small weary smile. I was trying to put on a strong front, like my big brother did. But the truth is, this was killing me. I felt achy all over. But I had no visible scars or injuries. I missed my friends, I missed my brother.

***

It had been over a week since they had taken my friends and my brother. I was beginning to lose hope. At least, Bubble and Candy had a base they stayed at. It was pretty cozy, but also pretty worn out as well. I hadn’t been keen on eating, I was too busy trying to find clues on where they were or how to find them.

Candy was kind enough to try to figure out the frequency of Dr. Death Defying, a radio host that would always help the Killjoys. Their radio was kind of jacked up. But, even he couldn’t seem to figure it out.

I was staring at my hacked device, a look of defeat on my face. I placed it down on the worn down coffee table in front of me. I felt the worst I had ever felt. I wanted to give up and accept the fact that I would never see them again. Be subjected to Jet’s corny jokes whilst he cooked breakfast, listen to Ghoul’s guitar playing and give Poison feedback on his art. I missed those days. When everything was okay.

I pulled out the photo I had taken from our trashed home from my jacket pocket, and I stared at it, analyzing it. I couldn’t take my eyes off of the photo. Of how happy we looked, together. Sure we were in a shitty situation, but we were happy to have had at least each other. Now we are separated. Because of me.

A wave of despair and hopelessness washed over me, as my vision blurred with hot tears. I swallowed hard, my lips quivering. I closed my eyes in defeat, feeling a few tears roll down my cheeks and silently land on the carpet beneath me. I let out a shaky sigh mixed in with a sob as my hand reached around the side of my head, my fingers curling so the tips of them would rest on my forehead, to shield my face from any of the two passing by.

A few moments of my anguish passed, and I felt the couch dip beside me. I bit down on my trembling bottom lip to suppress the sobs that threatened to escape my mouth.

“Hey. I noticed you haven’t eaten since you got here. So.. I made you some food.” It was Bubble, his voice soft and quiet, speaking to me as if I was a wounded animal who couldn’t fend for themself.

“ It’s not a lot but you need your nutrients.” He added softly.

I could feel his eyes on me. I had taken a liking to him. He was funny, and a pretty nice guy, older than me by two years. He was very optimistic and charming. Always saw the good side of things or people. The opposite of me. You could say we were almost friends. I heard the soft clatter of the plate and utensils being placed onto the coffee table.

“Thanks.” I muttered, trying to keep the shakiness out of my voice. But it was clearly in vain.

I hadn’t moved my hand that was covering my face just yet. Also another dead giveaway. Bubble’s eyes peered down to the picture in my other hand, it had dawned on him. What I was feeling, what I was thinking. His cheerful expression softened into something more sympathetic and somber.

“Those are your friends?” he asked curiously as he scooted a little closer to me.

I nodded in response, my trembling hand handing him the photo for him to examine.

“Hmm.” Bubble hummed softly, looking at the photo. “ I could tell which one is your brother immediately. The red head? You guys look alike.” He said with a small smile and a light chuckle as he looked at me.

It was silent for a moment before I heard him let out a little sigh before his fingers wrapped around my thin wrist, prying my hand gently from my face. I was reluctant to show my face. My cheeks were strained with tear tracks, it was embarrassing.

I felt a strange feeling in my stomach, feeling his fingers on my skin. It was strange and I didn’t know what it was. It was a fluttering, warm feeling. I didn’t like it. My hazel eyes meeting Bubbles, it only made the feeling in the pit of my stomach intensify. I noticed his eyes were gazing over my face , seeing the tear tracks that strained my pale cheeks. Why was I feeling this way? He was a guy. I was a guy. Having feelings for the same gender as you is wrong.. Right? I shouldn’t feel the way I was feeling. It’ll pass, I told myself.

It should pass.

“ It’s not your fault, Kobra. They’re okay. They seem like they can handle themselves. They can, right? Don’t send yourself to an early grave over worrying about this shit. They’re fine. You’re alright. ” His fingers were still enveloping my wrist, ever so softly. He said it in a soft, gentle way. Like a lovely whisper.

My red rimmed eyes stared at him, he knew I was in desperate need of reassurance. I might’ve not shouted it out, but he knew. But how? He gave me one of his charming smiles, and I felt my own worries disappear. Like everything would be okay in the end. He kept eye contact with me when he said those words, so I knew he meant it. I was a mess, and I needed someone to anchor me. But why did my heart want him to be that someone? It was wrong.

“Me and Candy are figuring it out. You need to stay strong for them, and for yourself. You’ll see them again.” He gave my wrist a reassuring squeeze.

My eyes couldn’t bring themselves to leave that face for one second. He was awfully good looking. He was captivating. He wiped the stray tears of my cheeks with his glove, with the gentlest touch I have ever felt. Did he know how he was making me feel? Or was he blissfully unaware ? I sniffled, embarrassingly wiping the snot off my nose with my forearm.

“ I promise, okay?” He added, his voice hushed so only I could hear.

I slowly nodded in response, I didn’t feel the need to cry anymore. I had a bit more hope now. That they were okay. My eyes were still on him. I was amazed by how his words could have the impact they did on me. I was amazed by another man.

“Alright then. Eat your food, and try to get some sleep. You look dead on your feet.” He teased with a chuckle as he arose from the couch.

I was in fact a mess. My blonde hair was messy, not in its usual freely slick back style, it would constantly fall in my face now. I could only assume that I had eyebags from the lack of sleep. Unable to sleep from the constant what ifs or what could’ve been. I mustered a small smile at his innocent lighthearted tease.

“ Goodnight, Kobra!” he said, grinning at me, looking behind his shoulder at me before disappearing into his room. I watched as he left. I couldn’t accept this. The feeling I got when I was around him. He made the wound in my heart stop throbbing. He made me stop feeling like I was in constant agony. I laid on the couch, throwing my forearm over my forehead as I was left in the dark, left questioning myself:

Was I really in love with Bubble Gun?

Chapter Text

That morning I woke up with a groan, the golden rays of the sun shining through the torn curtains, hitting me in the face. I reluctantly sat up, taking in my surroundings for a moment. I rubbed the sleepiness out of my eyes, before stretching my arms up to the ceiling.

I sat there for a moment, preparing myself mentally for the day ahead. I hoped this would be over soon. I wanted to get back to the way things were. I wanted to stop feeling so bad. I reluctantly arose from the couch, feeling much better than I had the whole week, well in terms of sleep. But yet, my body still felt heavy. It was a quiet morning, but it was still hot. It was a sticky kind of hot. I heard Candy and Bubble discussing something in the kitchen, their voices hushed.

I tentatively and sluggishly entered the kitchen, my figure creeping from behind the doorway. My eyes fixed on them, observing them quietly.

Candy was sitting at the dinner table, drinking a cup of coffee, having barely just woken up. Bubble was beside the one with fiery orange hair, tinkering with my device, an assortment of small tools scattered onto the table. His face was focused, his hands skilled. I noticed he had dark circles under his eyes, it made me slightly concerned for him. But, I doubted he would ever find a way to fix the damn thing.

“ Get your stupid tools off the table, Bubble.” Candy scolded, his eyes glaring at the man right beside him. Bubble only rolled his eyes like a child but did not oblige.

Soon, those beautiful eyes landed on me and I felt myself tense slightly, my heart beginning to race.

“ Oh hey, Kobra.” He would grin at me, looking at me up from the device before focusing back on the task at hand.

“Took you long enough. You were beginning to make me think you had died in your sleep or some shit.” he chuckled to himself as he turned his little screwdriver to the right.

He had my sarcastic humor. I chuckled as well, unable to hide the little smile forming on my face. I leaned onto the counter behind me, my hands resting on the top of the counter behind my body.

“Yeah, I'm a ghost and I came to haunt you.” I rolled my eyes. “Have you been able to figure that thing out?” I asked, tilting my head slightly to the side in questioning.

“ Nah, but I’ve been trying to all night. I just want you to find them, y’know?” He looked at me with this soft look, and I swear my heart flipped. I felt it. I almost forgot how to speak. He cared enough to waste his nights rest for me? Was I even worth that? Why did it make me feel special? He was probably just sympathetic and nothing more. Nothing more.

“ Yeah uhm.. Thanks Bubbles.” I said in a meek voice, the nickname slipping out as I mustered a small grin. He met me with his own, looking up for a second before looking back down. Candy looked between the two of us, raising an eyebrow as he took a sip of his coffee.

“Once Bubble figures out that device, we’ll devise a plan. You don’t have any idea whatsoever on how to fix it, Kobra?”

I shook my head, looking at the device in Bubble Gun’s hands as Candy spoke. “ No idea. My brother designed it, I had no part in creating it. He wasn’t really specific on how to debug it if this sort of shit happens.” I shrugged, crossing my arms.

I was searching my memory to try to recollect if Poison ever mentioned what procedures to take if this ever happened. But, even if he did, I couldn’t remember. An uncomfortable silence filled the room, the big question hanging in the air:

“Would we ever even find them?”

I was trying to find the hope Bubble had given me last night, trying to find it somewhere in my heart. But, I could no longer find it. The thought of seeing them was getting further and further, out of reach. My eyes were downcast, staring at the floor. I was beginning to space out, stuck in my head, stuck thinking about the endless outcomes. They were probably even dead by now. And I wasn’t even sure.

***

Party Poison Pov
A week earlier, the kidnapping

I was still sitting on the stool by the counter, chewing on my pen in thought. Was the plan fool proof? Or was there room for improvement? I sighed, placing my elbow on the counter, my cheek resting in my palm. We still hadn’t taken down Better Living, people were still being eradicated in the desert, and none of my plans had been strong enough to take them down for good.

I allowed my hand to slip into my hair, gripping it tight in my hand, my fingers tangling in my hair as I let out a sigh of frustration. I wanted this to end. I wanted us to be able to live freely, not in the fear of being killed because we didn’t want to be subject to expectations. It was unfair. Some of us were more affected by this than others. But, we all wanted it to be over. I closed my eyes for a moment, before feeling a gentle hand on my shoulder.

“Poison? You okay, honey?” Ghoul said softly to me, his head resting on top of mine.

He squeezed my shoulder softly. I nodded in response, “yeah, I'm okay, sugar.” I said, patting Ghoul’s hand that was resting on my shoulder.

Ghoul pressed a soft kiss to my cheek which I smiled slightly in response, feeling Ghoul wrap his arms around my waist. I sighed in contentment, letting myself relax. We were able to be openly loving to one another in the comfort of our base. It was such a lovely feeling, I couldn’t get enough of it. It was so peaceful for once.

Soon, Kobra Kid would come back with rations and we could finally have a decent meal to eat. I wondered if he had actually taken water like I had told him to. He never listened sometimes. He worried me all the time. He hadn’t taken our current situation very lightly.

But what I didn’t know was that peace would be short lived.

It all happened so fast. It was like whiplash. Before I knew it, there were countless Draculoids raiding through the door, holding their plasma guns, ready to aim and fire, their disgusting snarls escaping their mouths. Me and Ghoul immediately crouched onto the floor, to avoid the lasers that were being shot at us. Our guns were on the table near the hallway that separated into our individual rooms, so me and Ghoul began to crawl over. Jet came running out from his room, greeted by the sight of destruction. I was able to reach mine in time, but I wasn’t able to shoot a laser before I was on the ground against my will.

A Draculoid was sitting on my chest, their knees on the divots of my elbows. It hurt like crazy, I couldn’t even breathe properly. I wiggled and squirmed to get free, my movements desperate. I got a punch square to my cheek, my breathing coming out in smothered gasps now. I was getting slugged repeatedly, they were trying to knock me out. I groaned, feeling my vision slipping away. I managed to get one arm free miraculously after struggling for a while , and I reached for my gun that wasn’t that far from me on the carpet but it was in vain. My fingers extended desperately. I couldn’t reach it even as I wiggled desperately, stretching my arm to the point of discomfort.

In my peripheral vision, I saw Ghoul get tackled by three of those bastards, overtaken by them.

“Ghoul!” I called out to my lover, my heart aching as I saw him trying to defend himself by shooting his lasers, only to get easily knocked out to a good punch to the temple, his head lolling to the side on the carpet.

My eyes darted elsewhere. Jet was able to withstand a little more, before also ultimately getting tackled onto the floor and knocked out in the process by getting hit to the head with the hilt of a gun.

How did this happen? We were well hidden in the desert. How did they find us?

Suddenly, I was able to free myself from the grasp of the Draculoid, able to kick the thing off , pushing myself up to my feet immediately, readying my stance strongly and began to shoot lasers from my gun , trying to kill as many as I could but there were too many for me to handle, I was soon cornered by a swarm of them.

I blinked and all of a sudden I was tackled once more, landing onto my stomach onto the carpet below, my head thudding to the floor harshly, landing with a strained grunt escaping from my lips. I struggled and grunted as my arms were pulled behind me, being tied together by a rope.

“ Sons of bitches.” I muttered, as I looked over my shoulder before my attention was grabbed by a boot stomped in front of me, and my eyes looked up.

It was Korse, the bald bastard staring down at me with a twisted grim look on his face. As if I was beneath him, or less than a human.

“ What do you want with us ?” I demanded as I continued to struggle, attempting to trash around to get them off, but I was met with one of their strong feet stepping onto my back to hold me in place.

“Let us go.” I breathed, a hand on the back of my head, forced my head to lay directly back onto the carpet. My eyes followed as the Draculoids carried out Ghoul and Jet, both of their hands tied behind them by rope as well, their bodies limp as they were both passed out. I could barely see them with my red hair obstructing my view.

What did they want with us? I squeezed my eyes as they tied my hands a bit too tight. I could hear Korse chuckle, his boots thudding softly onto the carpet, barking out orders to the Draculoids. But suddenly, I remembered my little brother. How would he find us? He would be all alone. Unsure of what to do. He needed us, we needed him. The realization hit me as I only managed out a yelp as I was struck brutally in the back of my head, everything going black and silent.

The next thing I knew, I woke up in a cold, oddly silent environment, the sounds of rhythmic beeping and soft hums of industrial lights filling my ears. I felt groggy, dizzy even. I groaned softly, lifting my head up, squinting my eyes for them to adjust to the harsh lighting. I attempted to move my arms, only to be reminded that they were tied behind me. I attempted to pull them apart to free them, but they were tied tightly, tightly enough to almost cut off my circulation.

I looked around the dull gray room, to see that Ghoul was to my right and Jet was to my left, but they hadn’t come to their senses just yet. Their heads were limply downcasted, they were slouched against the cold tile wall. There was a dull throbbing sensation present in my cheek from where I had gotten punched repeatedly.

To my left, I heard the creak of a metal door opening, then the loud boom it made when shutting, rattling the facility walls. I looked on, my facial expression guarded and foreboding, my eyes following the thud of those familiar black heavy boots. My eyes furrowed as they followed Korse, who stood in front of me with his arms behind his back, his body shielded by his long gray trench coat. I felt a tight strong grip on my red hair, I let out a sharp gasp as the pain registered. This action made me look up at Korse, so the pain would be less. My eyes searched his face for any sympathy, but I was only met with a stern expression.

“Let us go, damnit.” I demanded weakly, my eyes shutting at the pain of the strong grip on my hair, his fingers tangled into it. Korse crouched to get on eye level with me, his grip on my hair unwavering.

“ I don’t think so. My plan isn’t to kill you. It’s to utilize you. You three would make an excellent addition to the corporation. Too bad we don’t have the fourth.” He said in a flat tone, as he let go of my hair and cupped my chin by curling his pointer finger and thumb around it, squeezing forcefully, his dull eyes analyzing me, studying me.

He pushed my head down with his other free hand to look at the white dull tile floor beneath me as I sat as a low gravelly, throaty laugh escaped his mouth, standing straight up and making his way to exit the room, the metal door opening.

But before Korse was able to leave, I lifted my head slightly, my breathing uneven with the amount of fear I had, my eyes smoldering with indignation also as my eyes followed his movements across the room.

“You’re not going to find him.” I started with conviction, staring daggers at him. Korse looked behind his shoulder at me, a smug look growing on his face.

“ I’ll find him. Whatever it takes. I’ll kill everyone in Battery City if I have to. ” He reassured me in a grim tone before the bang of the shutting metal door echoed.

I stared at the metal door for a moment, fear creeping up my spine. I wasn’t able to protect him. Sure, he was more than capable, but I was his older brother. It was my job to ensure that safety. But I couldn’t. All because I had been unprepared for an attack. I frantically tried to free myself, wanting to escape the nightmarish reality of our situation. To get to Kobra most importantly before they did. An excessive tight groan escaped my throat as I jerked and pulled my arms, trying to free them from their confinements, but it hurt to do so.

I panted from exertion, my chest heaving up and down. I let my head hang low in defeat after I attempted to get free for 5 minutes, fear consuming my heart and my mind. “Fuck,” I breathed as I slumped against the wall, I had given up. All hope was lost. I could only hope Kobra would find us. I could only hope he would be okay. Suddenly, the door swung open again, I didn’t open my eyes. I accepted it, squeezing my eyes shut, my breathing shaky and uneven. What were we going to do now? We were trapped. This was it. I had failed everyone.

What was going to happen to us? To Kobra?

Chapter Text

Back to the present
Kobra Kid pov:

A few hours had passed, it was about 7pm now, dusk was now coming over the desert, the sky now a beautiful periwinkle color. A soft glow illuminated from the tiny lamp in the corner of the living room, casting a warm yellow tint to the room. The three of us were silent, Bubble was still tinkering with the device, sitting on a worn out armchair in the corner, with the recliner sticking out.

I was sitting on the couch directly across from him, my elbow placed on the armrest next to me, my chin perched onto my palm. I tried to look elsewhere, but my eyes kept glancing at him, at his face, as if he had some sort of magnetic pull, affecting me only. I felt like a creep but truthfully, I couldn’t help myself. He was so captivating it was almost supernatural.

Candy, who was turning the knob of the radio to try to find the right station, raised an eyebrow at me, probably noticing all of my glances at Bubble. I sheepishly directed my attention to the map of the desert displayed on the wall, though I wasn’t really paying attention to it. I just didn’t want Candy to get suspicious of me. I directed my eyes to Bubbles. His lips were pursed in concentration, so were his eyebrows. He looked awfully adorable, it almost made me sick.

I was in deep. I couldn’t fight it anymore. I was hopelessly in love with Bubble Gun. And I didn’t know what to do. What I was feeling was so strange. My palms got clammy around him, I wasn’t able to form words, my heart would ram against my ribcage, my cheeks would get hot. It was so weird. Was this what being in love felt like? I’d ask Poison when I see him again.

My thoughts were cut off by the ear piercing sound of static, before a voice broke through the static once it settled:

“This is Dr. Death Defying coming at you with the latest information on the Killjoy situation.”

I perked up and immediately abandoned the couch, crouching near the table that held the radio as the radio show host continued:

“ The Killjoys abruptly disappeared without a trace. Their whereabouts are currently unknown but I have this audio recording here..” He sounded rather disturbed. “Take a listen to this.”

The sound of a button being pressed received to our end, the tape beginning to play through the static:

“Hey Bubble, record the message and try to trace it back to where it is.” Candy told Bubble, who hurriedly grabbed one of his own manufactured devices and immediately began to record, crouching near the radio. Then the audio recording played:

“ Kobra Kid, we know you’re out there. I have your friends. I suggest you turn yourself in or.. Well, things won’t be so good then. You wouldn’t want them to get hurt, would you? Do the right thing. I’ll be expecting your arrival shortly by tomorrow.” Korse said grimly in the tape, the sounds of pained moans and groans sounding in the background, before it stopped abruptly.

My heart stopped in my chest, my eyes widening ever so slightly. I shook my head in denial, I could feel myself trembling, in anger and in fear. Soon, the radio switched back into static. I turned my head towards Bubble, my gaze desperate. He must’ve gotten the message as he quickly began to try to figure out where the message had been recorded.

I could feel myself going into hysterics, as I forgot how to breathe. If I didn’t turn myself in, they could get killed. They were already in pain, and it was my fault for leaving the base. I could've helped, I should've been there. My chest felt as if it was being crushed by an invisible force as breathing became increasingly harder to perform, my hand instinctively clutching my shirt. My heart was ramming brutally against my chest in a rapid pace. I squeezed my eyes shut in agony.

“Kobra, breathe man. You’re fine. They’re alright.” Bubble placed a gentle hand onto my shoulder, squeezing it in an attempt to ground me. His eyes were worried and filled with sympathy. His look was soft.

“ Come on, breathe. You’re freaking me out.” He chided gently after noticing I wasn’t becoming grounded , having put the device down to give me his full undivided attention. He was genuinely worried about me.. the thought made my racing heart flutter.

He demonstrated exhaling and inhaling, encouraging me to follow along, which I eventually did. I took in a couple of deep shaky breaths, which surprisingly worked to calm my racing heart. I was able to calm down enough to be coherent and rational.

“ You okay?” He asked me, worriedly as he didn’t remove his hand just yet.

I nodded in response, taking deep breaths. He gave me a reassuring smile and squeeze, removing his hand and going back to his task at relocating where the message was initially recorded. I was still trembling a bit, but I felt slightly more at ease. This was too much for me to handle. I couldn’t do this. I was beginning to feel things, but in order to get my friends back, I’d have to give it up. I didn’t want to. I loved Bubble. I didn’t want to lose him. A few moments passed before Bubble jumped up:

“I got it! It’s only an hour away going farther east. We could go now, Kobra.”

I looked up at him, hope and ease filling my heart. I could almost hug him, but I merely grinned at him with excitement. Bubble looked at Candy,

“what do you think, huh Crush?” He grinned, amusement and also excitement present in his eyes.” You up for a late night drive?”

Candy nodded in agreement, before getting up and grabbing the car keys. “ Come on.” he said, before heading out the door.

Me and Bubble followed, I grabbed my helmet and jacket before heading out of the door, slipping my jacket onto myself. Soon, we were zipping down the road in the convertible , the cold breeze hitting our uncovered eyes, we had our bandanas over our noses to avoid the dust.

***

In a little over an hour, I saw the shadow of a tall building in the distance, guarded with heavy fencing with barbed wire on top of the rails of the fences. The logo of Better Living was right smack in the middle of the building, which was obnoxiously huge. My heart filled with a sense of unease as I stared at the building, my eyes unmoving.

The plan was to sneak in, and retrieve my friends without being noticed. It sounded easy on paper, but easier said than done. Who knows what could happen to us if we are caught. That was the unnerving part. We were stepping right into enemy territory.

Candy drove around to a blindspot of the building, stopping the car there. I took in a deep breath, trying to mentally prepare myself. We hopped out of the car, Candy pulling out a bolt cutter out of his bag, and began to cut away at the fence. I watched in astonishment. So he really just carried that shit around?

“ Wow, you have thought of everything.” I said in a sarcastic tone, earning a small snicker from Bubble, who gave me a soft punch to my shoulder . It made me giggle.

“Oh shut up. I’ll leave your ass here.” Candy grumbled before making a hole large enough for us to crawl through. We all went through, and inched our way behind a wall to stay out of sight of the Draculoids, our backs pressed right against the wall. Draculoids were circling around the building holding weaponry, scouting the area for any potential anomalies.

“Hmm.” Bubble hummed thoughtfully before picking up a large rock, and tossing it far in front of the Draculoids, which they immediately were distracted by, assuming it was a threat, pointing their guns at the dumb rock. “Idiots.” he mumbled with a smug smirk , before letting out a small yelp while I ushered the two of them into an unlocked door that led into the building, which conveniently had no camera above the doorway. I shut the door behind us quietly and carefully.

At least to my knowledge there were no cameras. This place was awfully sterile and silent, it was eerie. You could hear a pin drop. The walls were white, the tiles were white and there were industrial lights on the white ceiling above. Some rooms contained wide windows to peer inside, likely for test subjects for that matter. I shivered. The faster we find them, the faster we get out of here. We began our search, hugging the corners to stay out of sight and trying to keep our steps as lightweight as possible as we walked down the long corridors. We peered into the windows, trying to find the room where they held my friends and brother. Desperation and unease were creeping up my spine.

“ Does this place give you guys the creeps or is that just me?” Bubble asked no one in particular as he walked beside me to my right, his hazel eyes scanning around the desolate corridor.

“ You’re not wrong. For a place to try to push the image of a perfect rock star, it sure is bland.” I responded, my eyes scanning around. I consistently checked behind my shoulder to make sure we weren’t being watched or followed. I had the feeling we were being watched.. But I saw no cameras.

After an eternity of walking, I peered into a wide window which led into a room, seeing the familiar bright red color of hair. It was Poison! Next to the red head, I saw the familiar jet black hair of one and curly hair of the other male. Fun Ghoul and Jet! I had never felt so much relief in my life. This was the happiest I had been in awhile. I turned the door handle, and it was unlocked. Not that it mattered, they could finally go home. And everything could go back to normal.

I allowed myself in, Bubble and Candy following suit. I went and immediately crouched down in front of Poison whose head was limply downcasted, his vibrant red hair obstructing his face from my view, so I lifted it up, cupping his cheeks in my hands.

“ Poison, it’s time to go home.” His hazel eyes met mine, they were tired. He looked beat.

“ You- You have to leave, Kobra.” He whispered, his voice weak and hoarse.

“What? What-what’re you talking about?”

“Leave,” he pleaded gently.

I shook my head in confusion, before I heard the thump of boots coming down the corridor.

“ Come on, please!” I pleaded, trying to hoist Poison up, but he was so heavy. So weak. I was desperate as I struggled.

“ Bubble, Candy grab the other two please-” I said strained, Bubble and Candy moving to try to lift up Jet and Fun Ghoul.

“There you are.” Korse said from behind me, making me look behind my shoulder at him, his hands folded behind his back. “I see you’ve found them.”

“Let them go! Take me instead!” I pleaded foolishly, as if he would even listen to me, as if that bastard had any sympathy for us. I looked at Poison, my eyes searching his face for any defiance. But no. He was rather subdued.

“ I’ll have all of you instead. A whole team doesn’t sound so bad.” he raised his hand which held a small remote, pressing a small simple button. Party’s head fell once again limply in my hands, before he raised it, his expression blank, his empty hazel eyes boring into mine. He arose, and so did the other two with the same blank expression on their faces.

I backed up immediately, getting up from my crouching position, and so did Bubble and Candy. That didnt seem right. Why were they looking at us like that?

“Get them.” Korse instructed, which made the three of their heads snap towards us.

Before I knew it, I was being tackled by my older brother by such force that it seemed unnatural. It was much too strong.

“ Poison, please it’s me! It’s me, Kobra!” I cried out, struggling to hold the volatile red head back.

I grunted as he was beginning to win over me, before Bubble came and was able to take Poison off of me. I sat there in a daze, panting. I was so confused. What was happening? Why was my older brother attacking me? Why did Korse need them so bad? I panted, my heart thumping in my ears as I stared at Poison, who was laid on the floor , slowly getting up unfazed. I heard the sound of a gun cocking, so I looked behind Bubble to see Fun Ghoul aiming a plasma hand gun at the back of Bubble. He was blissfully unaware. My heart leapt in fear, my stomach sinking.

“ Get down!” I yelled out to Bubble, I reached up and grabbed Bubble quickly yet impulsively by his shirt, unknowingly making him fall on top of me. I grunted as he hit my chest, glass shards landing near us as Ghoul missed and shot the window, covering our heads. I hesitantly opened my eyes, and was met with Bubble’s face dangerously close to mine, I could feel his breath against my lips, the tips of our noses grazing each other.

My cheeks heated up and I swear I saw a pink tint dust his tan cheeks, our eyes meeting with the others in a strong contact. His weight was on me, his chest pressed against mine. We were both caught off guard when Candy ushered us to get up and go outside, having just thrown off a violent acting Jet off of him. Candy grabbed Jet’s plasma gun that he had dropped and hit Ghoul on his temple with the hilt of it, quickly discarding it. He turned his attention to me and Bubble, seeing our predicament. His eyebrows shot up in surprise before he focused on the issue at hand.

“ Come on you two, cut the lovey shit! No time!” Candy called out as he began to exit the room.

I watched as Jet and Ghoul got up, also unfazed to any injuries they had. It wasn’t them. Those weren’t my friends. I gently yet quickly nudged Bubble off of my body, scrambling to get up. We both bolted up and we began to race down the corridors, the other three giving chase. I panted heavily, i was on autopilot. None of this seems real. I even almost tripped whilst I ran. I looked behind my shoulder , my eyes on my older brother. His eyes were empty, his face foreboding. That wasn’t my poison. Who was that?

I could feel my legs shaking, I was feeling so much.  I felt scared, anguish, hate, but most of all, sorrow.  What had Korse done?  I didn’t want to try anymore.  I didn’t want to continue.  I gradually slowed down, unable to continue due to my overwhelming emotions.  

Bubble stopped running, coming back to me and quickly grabbing my hand, making me run along with him.  His hand was tightly enveloping mine in a desperate manner.  Soon, I was pressed up against his side, his arm wrapped around my waist as he hoisted me up to run.

I felt like I was going to faint.  This was too much.  I was going to faint or go hysterical again.  But, my legs kept moving.  I wanted to scream, to cry.  But I couldn’t make a sound.  My brain wasn’t working.  It wasn’t processing this.  I didn’t want to.

We were beginning to near the exit.

We burst through the door in a hurry and hastily got through the hole in the fence, my arm getting scrapped by the cut fence in the process, but I wasn’t able to register the pain in time. We jumped into the car, and Candy immediately sped us off, shifting the gear, the wind harsh against our faces. I was in the backseat with Bubble, both of us looking back to see if we were still being followed. There stood Party Poison, Fun Ghoul and Jet star beside Korse, the man who were all swore we were against. They were getting farther and farther. I continued to pant heavily, unaware of the huge gash in my arm. We were all beat up. My heart was in my throat, I couldn’t believe this.

“ Let them go.” Korse told the three, raising up a hand to signalize for them to halt. “They’ll be back. Otherwise, go back to your room.” He ordered, the other three obliging with their heads hung low.

What had he done..? They didn’t deserve this.

Chapter Text

We were almost at the base.  I could hear my heartbeat in my ears, as I struggled to catch my breath. I didn’t want to look forward; my eyes were stuck looking at the road behind us, watching out if they would appear out of thin air.  I was so paranoid, paranoid that we would be killed in a second.

I couldn’t believe it.  They had attacked us, attacked me.  Why didn’t they recognize me?  Why did they start acting strange when Korse hit that button?  

Could they be saved? I wasn’t sure.  And that I wasn’t sure made me sick to my stomach.  

Everything was happening so fast, too fast.  Just a week ago we had been going through our usual routine, now they were in the captivity of Better Living. I felt nauseous, nauseous that I could potentially lose them and I’d be on my own.  

The car soon came to a halt near the base, and we all hobbled in.  Candy flopped onto the couch, taking off his hat and running his hand through his hair, breathing a heavy sigh of relief.  Bubble sat on his arm chair, throwing his head back in exhaustion.  We had all been too close to death.

Bubble opened his eyes and noticed blood drops on the carpet below, raising an eyebrow.  He looked to Candy but noticed nothing wrong, then he looked to me, I was leaning on the wall, I felt as sick as I probably looked.  I was exhausted, scared, and confused.

“ Kobra.. you’re bleeding..” he said, his tone quiet yet also full of panic.  He slowly arose from his seat, staring at the gash that ripped through my jacket, it was red and fresh, blood dripping down my arm.

I piped up before my eyes peered down to my left arm, I had felt some type of liquid running down my arm but I hadn’t thought much of it.  I noticed the large angry gash along my forearm.  I felt myself turn more pale at the sight of my own flesh staring back at me. 

Bubble moved toward me in an urgent manner, his face contorted in concern. 

“ Candy go get the first aid.”  Bubble said sternly before placing his hand on my lower back and guiding me to his room.  He shoved a bunch of clothes, gadgets and other shit aside, assisting me to remove my jacket and lay on his bed. 

My head rested on a pillow that felt slightly stiff, his bed smelt like him.  But that wasn’t able to distract me from the feeling when my brain finally registered the stabbing pain of my gash.  My face twisted in a grimace, as I gritted my teeth. I inhaled sharply, feeling the burning sensation of my initial wound. 

I watched him as he untied his bandana from his neck, gently yet firmly tying the blue cloth around my gash to stall the bleeding momentarily that Candy for the first aid.  

“ come on, Candy!” Bubble called out, his tone frustrated and urgent. 

“ He’s not gonna die, Bubble.  Worst thing is that it can get infected.” 
Candy came in, handing the male with blue hair the first aid kit before leaning against the wall, observing. 

“ That’s what we don’t want.” Bubble murmured before opening the kit, and grabbing disinfect and a roll of bandages.  He unraveled the bandana from my forearm. 

“ What you don’t want.”  Candy retorted. I noticed Bubble give him a look before continuing with the disinfection. 

I felt a brutal burning sensation, but even worse than before when Bubble added the disinfectant to my wound.  I squeezed my eyes shut and let out a small wince, my eyebrows pinched together. 

“ Fuck.” I managed to croak out weakly, trying to keep my arm steady as Bubble bandaged it. Candy had left the room, probably to go devise another plan. 

“ There, all done.” Bubble said softly as he taped the bandage to finish it off, placing everything back into the kit and closing it. 

I sighed of relief.  The stinging was still present, but it was much more muffled. I managed a small weak smile towards Bubble. 

“ thank you.”

” No problem, Kobra.”

I was silent for a moment, but I noticed Bubble about to leave. 

” Can you stay, please..?”

” Huh? Oh, yeah sure.”  He grinned, almost shyly.  

He took a seat next to me where I lay. I turned my head slightly to the right, peering up at him.  Bubble peered down at me where I was. Our eyes locked, holding a deep eye contact with the other.  I felt my breath hitch in my throat.  Neither of us were looking away.

The atmosphere changed suddenly.

It was silent.  Not much had to be said.  We both knew what had happened back at Betted Living.  I didn’t want to speak of it.  I wasn’t sure if Bubble wanted to either.  But I had felt something.  A spark in my heart, an unfamiliar one. There was so much tension, so thick you could cut it with a knife.

“ Sorry about landing on you over there.  Didn’t mean to.”  Bubble said, almost awkwardly. That was a first.  From the time I’ve known him, I’d never seen him be awkward.  He was the most sociable person I know.  The one keeps the conversation interesting. I was slightly surprised by this.

” Don’t mention it.  You would’ve died if you didn’t. It matters more to me that you’re okay.”  I said with a small smile.

But inside, in reality I was shitting it.  That sounded corny.  Or that I would’ve killed myself if he didn’t turn out to be okay.  I hoped it didn’t sound weird. 

“ Yeah, you’re right.  I’m glad you’re okay too.”  Bubble returned a soft smile as well. “But, it was still embarrassing.”  Soon, that awkwardness returned.

Words were being left unsaid.  But what could we both say?  Or what could I say?  I didn’t want to ruin what he had.  I didn’t want to lose him.  He made me feel things I had never felt before, and I couldn’t let go of that. 

I’d much rather be in absolute agony and feel an absurd amount of longing with him than lose him completely because of my stupidity of confessing. I loved this feeling.  I never wanted to lose it. Even if it would never be nothing more. Nothing more than friends.

“ Y’know, I’ve gotten really attached to you.  You’re my best friend almost.” Bubble said suddenly, speaking but not looking at me. He was staring straight ahead, his hands fidgeting with his jacket zipper. 

I could feel my heart skip a beat, it had become so familiar. 

“ Really..?” I asked, my tone curious.  Why was he so attached?  Well, that’s saying as if I wasn’t as well.  But it had only been a week that we had known each other. 

”Yeah,” he paused, as he looked at me before continuing, “You get me like Candy never has.  I feel— comfier with you.”  He was still fidgeting. He seemed.. nervous almost.  I could tell.  I always good at reading people.


“ You never thought my ideas were stupid, or that I was too loud, or too much.  And I appreciate it.  I know Candy gets tired of me at times.” Bubble continued, giving me a small sheepish smile. 

I felt a pang of sympathy at this revelation.  He seemed to be insecure of himself or his personality.  Oh, the way I longed to tell him how much I loved him and appreciated him, with all of me.  But, I just couldn’t.  Not with the risk of him not liking me back.  But, he deserves to know how great of a man he is. 

“ You’re a great guy to be around.  Even though you’re pretty geeky at times.” I teased softly. “ I personally could never get tired of you, Bubbles.” I added. 

I grinned when I noticed that I managed to elicit a grin from Bubble.  I felt very sorry for him.  He deserved the best, and he should get the best.  It wasn’t fair to him to feel like he was annoying or a nuisance.  I personally never knew that feeling.  But I wanted to understand.  I wanted to understand him. 

“ I hope once all of this blows over, we get to stay friends.  I don’t want to lose you.”  Bubble said, with a hint of somber expression.

”  Yeah of course.  We’ll always keep in touch.”  I reassured him gently. 

“ I hope you know I don’t find you annoying, Bubbles.” I told him suddenly, my eyes locked on his face.  He seemed sad.  I could tell by his expression that he felt like an annoyance. I felt terrible.  He was too beautiful to feel that way.

His beautiful hazel eyes were downcast, his usual lovely smile no wear to be seen.  It was replaced by a somber, gloomy expression. It was strange.  Of course, he still looked gorgeous, but he looked much more stunning when he was happy.  I loved his smile.

How his eyes crinkled when he grinned so wide, or the small giggles at my sarcastic remarks. I wanted him.  And I wanted him bad.  He was everything I needed and wanted, and more. I loved his blue hair, his olive skin, his short stature, his gadgets, his humor, I loved everything. I loved Bubble Gun.

“ Man, I hope not.” Bubble chuckled sheepishly, but I can see how his tense shoulders relaxed more at the much needed reassurance.

“ I promise.”  I said reassuringly, just how he had promised me earlier this week.  I raised out my pinky to him, I could feel my face softening into something peaceful. 

Bubble relaxed fully, a small smile stretching across his face as he hooked his pinky onto mine.  A promise that I never found him annoying, or that I ever will. He was my light in this ugly world, and I wanted to keep him in it.  Forever.  Even if we just remained friends.  I would never lose him. 

“ well.. im gonna go help Candy make a plan.  Get some rest, okay?  Don’t use that arm too much.”  He told me firmly, yet also very gently.  He reached down and ruffled my hair lovingly. 

I giggled as I watched as Bubble arose from the bed, looking behind his shoulder at me.  I gave him a small smile and he returned it back. 

“ I’ll check on you in a bit, Kobra.”

He walked out of the room, shutting the curtain that was the makeshift door.

I sighed softly before I got comfortable in his bed, basking in his scent.  It comforted me, made things slightly less worse.  I shut my eyes, allowing my exhaustion to overcome me. 

Maybe things would be different tomorrow or soon.

Chapter Text

I woke up to the sound of the soft thud of boots on the wooden floor outside of the silent room that was Bubbles bedroom. I could faintly hear Bubble talking to himself.  It was a cute habit of his.  I opened my eyes slowly, the pain in my forearm muffled and dull.  I still felt heavy with exhaustion, the events of yesterday evening still lingering in my mind and my body.

I shifted and sat up slowly, my body aching even though I had not been seriously hurt anywhere but my injury on my forearm.  My eyes locked onto Bubble Gun, who was hiding half of his body behind the slightly opened curtain peaking in.  His eyes were on me, so soft and warm.

“ Hey Kobra.” He whispered, allowing himself in as he saw me awaken, slowly shutting the curtain behind him.

“ Hey Bubbles.” I responded as I began to stretch out the kinks in my back, my back arching slightly before returning to its normal position. “ Need something?” I said while running my hand through my hair, to slick it out of my face.

“ I just came to check on you.  Like I said I would.”  He said with a small chuckle as he slowly approached the bed, taking a seat on the edge near my legs.  Judging by the bags under his eyes, he didn’t sleep.  Again.  It worried me.  A lot.

“ No sleep, again..?”  I asked, tilting my head.  I showed my concern, I wasn’t willing to hide it anymore.  I wanted him to know that I cared for him.  That I appreciated him.

Bubbles seemed slightly surprised that I had even noticed, or looked at him close enough to notice.  His cheeks turned a warm rose color, as he cleared his throat.  A shy little smile appeared on his face.

“ Not a wink.” He said while looking at me, rubbing the nape of his neck. He gave a sheepish little laugh.  It was the best melody I had ever heard , it was easy to my ears.

“ How come?”

“ Just… thinking about things.”

“ Like what?”

He was silent for a moment, his eyes drifting to the side, before a warm, lovely smile appeared on his face, his eyes sparkling something different.  He looked back at me, shaking his head.

“ Nothing to worry your pretty little head about.” He shook his head reassuringly.

I felt my own cheeks become dusted with a warm pink tint.  I think we both acknowledged that we must’ve had some type of chemistry, or some type of good tension.  I could only let out a small giggle, returning my own loving smile.  I was smitten, and by the looks of it.  He was too.

Our actions said more than our words could ever, how the atmosphere felt when it was just the two of us, how we both seemed to be connected.  By fate.  Not by choice.  But I didn’t have a problem with fate, and I really hoped he didn’t either.

Candy’s cooking breakfast.  Usually I would but I almost burnt this place down last time.”  He joked, with a small grin. 

“ Sounds like something you would do.”  I curled an eyebrow, the joke eliciting a small laugh from me. 

“ Hmm.”  Bubble hummed with a small smile before arising from the bed, taking a step toward me where I sat on the bed , my back against the headboard. I looked up at him, my eyes never leaving his face. 

“ I’ll see you at the table.”  He brushed at the stray blonde strand of my hair back to rest with the rest, and placed a small gentle kiss on my forehead. 
My breath hitched.  

I could just melt there.  All I felt that was my face was burning, and I managed a probably goofy smile. I was head over heels. 

“ Oh Kobra.” 

Bubble chucked in amusement, the fondness and love evident in his eyes as he shook his head, turning and walking out of the room, leaving me an oozy lovey mess in my bed.  Maybe things were looking up.  The curtain shut behind him softly and slowly. 

I giggled to myself.  I was able to forget how dire our current situation was, and I wish I could forget it.  I felt happy, finally.  And I loved it.  I was on cloud nine from here on out. 

I stood up, looking for my red jacket that had been discarded onto a nearby broken chair, but I couldn’t seem to find it, leaving me in my muscle shirt.   I raised an eyebrow at this. I then pulled up my boots, then placed my sunglasses to rest on top of my golden blonde hair.  I shoved my gloves into my pocket before heading to the dining area for breakfast. 

I exited the room, a soft swish of the curtain behind me.  I shuffled to the dining area, where Candy was at the stove, frying some eggs.  Bubble was seated at the table, hand sewing the tear in my jacket, his hands precise and his eyes deeply focused. 

I smiled fondly at the sight, my chest filling up with a warm feeling.  I slowly walked over, pulling out a chair and taking a seat next to him. 

He looked up at me, his face turning sheepish at being caught with my jacket. 

“ sorry, I..I just thought I’d fix it…” he began to ramble, trying to make up an excuse as to why he had my jacket in the first place. 

“ Hey, it’s okay.  Thank you.”  He gave him a reassuring nod, before wrapping my arm around him, placing my hand onto his cheek and gently pushing his face to mine, my lips softly meeting his cheek in a manner of gratitude. 

Bubble eased up as his shoulders relaxed, a wide grin stretching across his face.  He cut the thread by biting it, soon handing my newly fixed jacket back to me.  I held it out in front of me, inspecting it.  It wasn’t perfect, but that was okay with me.  Bubble had fixed it, with his heart.  So it was perfect. 

We both smiled at each other, our gazes full of love for the other, like love sick puppies.

 Like how Party Poison and Fun Ghoul looked at each other. 

Now I understood what they felt.  I regret ever feeling a type of way seeing them love each other, this feeling was amazing.  No wonder they were open about it, unable to contain themselves around the other.  When you love someone, you love them strongly.  You love them with everything you have.  You love them more than life itself. 

Candy cleared his throat, as his eyes darted between the two of us before turning back to the eggs on the pan. 

“ So it’s official now?”  He asked out loud unamused, flipping the egg, emitting a pleasant aroma that filled the room, sounding out a soft sizzling sound as it laid on the pan. He held the spatula up. 

“ Is what official?”  Bubble asked, confused, raising an eyebrow at the ginger. 

“ You two.” He looked behind his shoulder at us.  I looked at Bubble, seeing what he would say. I was curious.  We were a thing now?  I hoped we were.

“ Actually, yeah.”   Bubble responded with a confident grin, he seemed proud to be my now boyfriend.  He wasn’t ashamed. So I shouldn’t be either.  I shouldn’t be ashamed of the way I felt.  I loved him, and I would scream it out to the world if I could. 

“ About time.”  Candy chuckled before plating the sunnyside eggs onto two plates, sliding them on the table in front of us. He then took a seat beside Bubble, eating his own egg. 

Me and Bubble peered at each other.  Bubble gave me a reassuring smile before grabbing his fork and digging in.  

I picked up my utensil and began to chip away at my sunnyside egg as well. I noticed on the table was that photo of me, Party, Ghoul and Jet that I had taken when our base was trashed. 

Soon, the memories of last night flooded my brain.  How they had attacked us.  Attacked me.  My own brother, my own blood, had turned against me.  I suddenly lost my appetite, that sick familiar feeling of unease creeping its way back into my heart.  I stared down at my half eaten egg, my hand grasping my fork as if it would fall out of my hand.  I was gripping it so hard my fist was beginning to tremble. 

Bubble looked up from his food in front of him to me, swallowing the piece of egg in his mouth. His eyebrows furrowed in concern, noticing my current state.  His eyes scanned my face carefully, trying to figure out what was wrong with me. 

“Kobra? You’re shaking…” He stated before continuing: “Are you okay…?” Bubble said while placing a gentle hand onto my mid back.

I snapped out of my original state of mind, my mind being snapped back to the present.  I could feel the bile rising up my throat as I nodded a bit too hastily, gingerly placing my fork onto the table. “

Yeah, I’m alright.”  I swallowed thickly, pushing my plate away slightly.  I couldn’t face either of them. I wanted to crawl into a hole and die. 

“I’m just not hungry anymore.”  I said quietly, pushing my seat back and getting up.  I grabbed my jacket and headed back to Bubble’s room, swinging the curtain to the side, isolating myself in his room.

Bubble’s gaze followed me until I disappeared into the hallway where he could not see me anymore, only knowing I entered his room by the clatter of the curtain swishing shut. 

“ I think you should go talk to him.” Candy said, his own gazing focusing on Bubble from Kobra. “I would, but it seems you’re the only one who can really get through to him.  More than I can.” 

Bubble nodded, gobbling down the rest of his egg, getting up and placing his dish in the sink. He thanked Candy for the food before tentatively making his way towards his room.  He knocked on the doorframe as gently as he could to not startle the already distressed Kobra Kid.

“Kobra?  It’s me Bubble.  Can I come in?..” He waited a few moments. 

“Please?” he pleaded softly, pressing his forehead against the rotting wooden doorframe, seeing Kobra’s silhouette at a distance through the curtain. 

“ Come in..” I responded, trying to stabilize my shaky voice but it was in vain. 

The curtain was pushed open then pushed back closed once Bubble entered the room.  I was sitting in the middle of the bed, my knees pulled up to my chest, one of my arms was draped across my knees and the other was pathetically wiping at my tears.  I couldn’t stand this anymore.  My heart couldn’t take it much longer.  

My shoulders shook with suppressed sobs, I was letting out these pitiful whimpers that I couldn’t control.  I coughed out a choked sob, all of my overwhelming emotions trying to flush out of me all at once.  My vision was blurry with tears, I could barely even make out Bubble through them. 

Bubble froze in shock.  Sure, he had seen me cry a bit or seen me tearful, but not full on sobbing the way I currently was.  He stood there for a moment before quickly making his way to the bed, sitting next to me, the mattress dipping beside me.  He looked at me for a moment before wrapping his arms around my trembling body. 

“Oh, baby.” Bubble said as he pressed his nose to my hair, his soft calloused hand rubbing against my back.  The dam that held back all of my emotions broke in an instant at the soothing words of Bubble Gun.  I let out a choked sob once more, before they were coming out consistently, hot tears of pure anguish and pain rolling down my cheeks pitifully. I gripped onto his jacket to ground myself, to try to get ahold of myself. 

But I wasn’t able to.  Whenever I tried to take a deep breath, I would only sob more.  I felt pathetic, very, very pathetic.  My chest was aching, and my body was being wracked with the force of my sobs.  What made it worse is that Bubble wasn’t saying a word, just kept rubbing my back and placing a small kiss to my temple or my hair. Why wasn’t he saying something? Anything? That hole in my heart was throbbing agonizingly in my chest. 

I wanted my brother.  I wanted my friends back.  If I hadn’t left that base, we would’ve been fine.  We would’ve been together still.  It’s all my fault, it was always my fault.

We could’ve survived another few days.  I could’ve starved, I didn’t eat that much anyway.  I hated myself for leaving them, I was the reason their coordinates were exposed, why they had been taken and tortured for God knows how long.

 
I don’t know how long I cried, and I truthfully didn’t want to know.  Before I knew it, I was a hiccuping, trembling mess against Bubble’s chest.  

Bubble had been continuously rubbing my back, not stopping once.  He used the sleeve of his jacket to rub the tear stains off of my cheeks. 

“ You okay now?” He asked me softly, looking down at my face.  I nodded slowly, not all there in the present.

“ Okay baby.” Bubble said, his tone full of skepticism, but he wasn’t one to push. He sighed softly before continuing: “I’m sorry for what happened last night.  But Candy thinks it’s mind control.  Especially with the way your brother seemed different when he used that remote.”

“ Why would Korse want to do that?” I asked as I sniffled, confused on why Korse would want to use us Killjoys instead of kill us like he originally planned to.  

All Korse lived for was killing us anomalies that ruined everything in the grand scheme of things.  What changed his mind? 

“ I’m not sure.  But we’re going to get them back, don’t worry.” He said before pressing a small kiss to my cheekbone. He paused for a moment, his hand stopping on my back.  He lowered his tone to a soft soothing whisper: 

“ It’s not your fault..” 

I didn’t respond back, I knew he was only telling me what I wanted to hear.  But I knew I was fully responsible for what had happened.  I wouldn’t be surprised if they hated me, or held some type of resentment towards me.  But I nodded in agreement, but Bubble wasn’t stupid.  He knew I didn’t truly agree. 

I wasn’t stupid either.  I was so fixated that it was my fault.  It felt like it was.  Maybe if I hadn’t left, I could’ve protected them.  I could’ve been that extra hand that could’ve saved them from being hurt.  Me.  I could’ve done something.  If I had made it back in time, if I was quicker.  Or if I had never gone at all.  They could’ve been here. Safe. 

Bubble placed his warm hands on my cheeks, lifting my face to meet his. “ Look at me, Kobra.”  So I did, my hazel eyes met his. “ It is not your fault.” He said sternly, his eyes boring into mine. 

“ They don’t hold this against you, and they never will.  None of this is your fault, ya hear?” He added firmly, trying to make sure he got the point across and that it would stick in my head.  I nodded once more, keeping the eye contact strong. 

He nodded back to me, before impulsively I assume, pressing a soft kiss to my lips, his head tilting to the side.  This caught me completely off guard, but it soothed my initial anxiety and anguish.  My eyes fluttered shut as I put in my own effort into the kiss. 

Yes, the feeling was new.  But I was already in love with the feeling of his soft lips moving against mine in a smooth synchronicity.  It was gentle, sweet and I could feel the love emitting from it. My trembling hands slid to his shoulders, to my arms wrapped around his neck loosely. We held the kiss for a few solid seconds.  The tips of our noses grazed each other once he pulled away, his eyes never once leaving mine.  

“ It’s going to be okay from now, Kobra.  I promise you. When have I ever broken a promise to you?”

“ Never.”

“ I intend on keeping it that way.”

Chapter Text

Party Poison POV. 

I was in that same white tilted room again, the industrial lights initiating a pounding headache.  I was sitting in the corner, the room cold and desolate. My body was sore, bruised, and achy all over.  I sat in the corner, my head empty. I couldn’t stop thinking about yesterday.  The look on Kobra’s face.  It haunted my thoughts and my heart. 

I usually always had thoughts fluttering in my mind, unceasingly. But I couldn’t muster a thought.  But I could only think of one thing, more louder than anything. 

That I had hurt my baby brother. 

I hated myself in that moment.  Why would I do that? I would never want to hurt him. I breathed heavily, my hands suffering from ceaseless tremors.  I couldn’t live myself, knowing I had hurt the one person in my life who had always been by my side since day one. 

I was stuck in my head, I was unaware of my surroundings.  The only sound in my ears was my rapid heart beat.  Why?  All I wanted to know was why.  Why us?  Why couldn’t we be left alone?  Why did things have to be this way? 

“ Poison?”  It was Jet.  He was just as beat up as I was. Poor guy. I snapped back into reality, trying to reel myself back in.

” Yeah?”

” Everything okay?” Jet asked, attempting to play a facade that he was already, but I knew he was suffering as well.  I’d known him for years. 

“Just fine.” I muttered before my attention drifted over to Ghoul who had been incessantly trying to kick the door open, creating a loud banging sound from the sheer force of his attempts.

“ He’s been doing that for awhile, while you were knocked out cold.”  Jet told me, his eyes also full of worry.  He was just as lost as I was.  None of us knew how to get out of this.  Or if we even would make it out.

My eyes softened as I slowly arose, walking behind Ghoul and placing a hand on his shoulder, a silent way to tell him to stop. His body felt tense and rigid, coiled up with pent up hatred and disdain for Better Living.

” It’s no use.  We’re stuck, Ghoul.” I stated, looking at the shorter man.  Ghoul sighed sharply in frustration as he gave the door one last strong kick with his boots. 

“ This is bullshit.”  Ghoul said to no one in particular, before trying to jostle the handle.  After a few measly attempts, he rested his forehead against the cold metal door in defeat. 

“ we should’ve been long gone from this place.”  Ghoul muttered as he closed his eyes, banging his fist onto the door. He seemed.. hopeless.

And that scared me.  Fun Ghoul was one of the most fearless, brave, fun person I had ever known.  That’s what attracted me to him in the first place.  He was my rock.  My advisor in plans.  And to see him hopeless and lost, it terrified me.  

Reality was beginning to set in.  There was no way out, we had no idea if we would be alive tomorrow.  Or if we would be killed if Korse wanted us to be killed. 

My thoughts started back up, but in a intuitive way.  I began to spiral in my thoughts.  I could have been a better leader.  Devise a strategy to take down Better Living, to take down Korse.  But I couldn’t even do that.  I couldn’t do anything right.  I had learned that from an early age.. not even when my life depend on it.  Not even when my friends lives depended on it. 

I felt like such a failure, to everyone.  What kind of leader was I even really? A good, strong leader would’ve gotten us out by now.  I was of no such position or smarts to even do so. 

I was pathetic.  I felt shame arise in my heart, the activity of swallowing much harder.  My lip quivered as my vision blurred with hot tears.  I looked down at my hands, before clenching them.  I was so mad at myself. 

“ I’m so sorry..” I said to them both, my voice choked.  I was unable to hold back the flood of emotions I felt. 

“ Im no leader.  I can’t even get us out of this.”  I added, my arms wrapping around myself, I felt insecure.  Very, very insecure. I was nothing practically.   I wiped my tears with the back of my hand, as my tears fell silently. 

Jet and Ghoul stared at me for a moment, before Jet approached hesitantly first, placing a hand onto my back.

” It’s not your fault, Party. None of it is.  We’ll get out of it.”  Jet assured softly, his hand rubbing circles onto my back. 

Ghoul stared at me for a moment, his eyes full of worry, fondness and sorrow.  He slowly approached me, wrapping his arm around my shoulder.  He pressed a small gentle kiss to my temple. 

“ Jet’s right.  It’s not your fault, babe.  You’re a badass leader.”  He said with a small grin which made me laugh a little.  He wiped my tears with his hand.

” We’ll get out of this together.”  Jet added with a small meek grin of his own.  I wrapped my arms both of their shoulders. “ you two are the best.”  I grinned weakly. 

**3 hours later.**

I woke up, flinching to loud bang of the metal door opening and closing.  Me and the guys were huddled in the corner, attempting to rest. I opened my eyes, to the harsh lights so I squinted.   I saw the figure of a man.  It was Korse.

I sat up straight slowly, my eyes never leaving him.  For once, my stomach twisted in fear, then my heart usually pumped with adrenaline filled defiance against him.  I was genuinely fearful of him.

My body tensed, coiled back like a cat ready to pounce.  I backed up slightly, my eyes trained on him as he neared.  I breathed heavily, swallowing thickly.  I didn’t know what he was going to do.  And I didn’t want to know. 

Korse pressed a button on the wall, soon a big screen was pushed out the wall by some machinery, the wiring sound was delicate and subtle.  Soon out came a keyboard along side.

I watched him type something onto the board.  Then the unorganized computer that was his desk top.   Jesus, does this guy not know organization?  The thing was a total shit show.  I would’ve laughed if I wasn’t so scared. 

Soon the screen showed pictures of me, Ghoul, Jet and Kobra.  I looked under the pictures at the information provided, it had our real names.  Mine, Gerard Way, Ghoul’s Frank Iero and Jet’s Ray Toro.  We didn’t go by them.  For our identity sake.

But I noticed they had nothing on Kobra.  They hadn’t gathered anything.  Since he was the only Killjoy not in captivity.  Korse stared at the screen before banging his fist angrily on the keyboard. “ Damn that Kobra!”

Korse soon looked behind his shoulder at me, his eyes zeroing in on me.  I froze, my heart stopping as we locked eyes.  His face turned sinister, as he turned to face me fully. 

He stalked towards me.  I couldn’t look at him.  My head hung low immediately, my eyes shut as I braced for anything he would throw my way, in fear.  Korse cupped my chin harshly, forcing my head up. 

“ I have a mission for you.”  Korse said calmly, his fingers squeezing my chin unceasingly.  “ you are going to get your brother and bring him here.”

I shook my head profusely, trying to gauge what I was being told.  
“ I’m not going to.”  I refuted, my eyes boring into his, trying to seem strong and confident.  When in reality, I very much was not. 

“Oh, and why is that?” Korse asked, raising an eyebrow.  “ You do as I say.” He said flatly, brutally gripping my chin, making me grimace and wince.  

“ We’ll take you down.”  I responded.  I watched as he stood up, reaching in his pocket, his fingers gripping my chin.  He pulled out that remote and pressed a few buttons.  “ I don’t think we’d want that.”  Korse said grimly.

I soon felt a painful shock travel from my ear into the rest of my body.  I let out a sharp gasp of pain and surprise, before doubling over.  I groaned in agony, crying out.  “ Stop, please!”  I cried, which alarmed Ghoul and Jet to wake up. 

Korse gave them a look to stop moving which they did, not wanting to be subjected to the same treatment I was currently enduring.  I writhed in pain on the cold tile floor.  I cried out once more, the agony evident in my pleas.

It felt as if I was being burned from the inside, it was intense shocks.  “ Stop please!”  Ghoul pleaded suddenly, and before I knew it, I was in a daze on the ground, laying on my side. I couldn’t breathe, my heart was going a mile a minute. 

Ghoul leaned over to check on me, his hand gently placing itself on my cheek to turn my head to him to see if I was alright.  His eyes were full of anger, but he was subdued.  There was nothing we could do.  I closed my eyes, wanting to surrender.  I had no ounce of strength left in me.  

“ You sick bastard.”  Ghoul looked up at Korse, who looked down at us as if we were nothing but shit. “ You set out tomorrow evening.”  Korse ordered before leaving, slamming the door shut.

Ghoul’s eyes smoldered before he brought his attention back to me, his fingers gingerly moving my red hair from my face.

“ Baby?  Can you hear me?”  He asked tentatively , gently running his fingers through my hair.  I nodded weakly in response, my breaths coming out in small pants.

” It’s going to be okay soon.”

Chapter Text

We had been devising a new plan for ages, but there were so many complications with each idea.  Either the complication was there was no definite way in, being caught by Draculoids was a huge possibility, or it was simply too impossible.  I felt the most hopeless I had felt in ages.  It had almost been 2 weeks by this point, and it was well into the evening at this point.  I overheard Candy speaking with Bubble in the kitchen, their voices hushed but I was still able to make out what they were talking about.

I was sat in the living room, my mind blank.  I was hyper-aware of their conversation.  I felt a pounding headache behind my eyes, from my earlier crying spiral.  I felt like shit, and I most likely looked it too.  Soon I heard them begin whispering again, which they were failing miserably at.  We had attempted 2 more rescue missions in the past days, only to come out unsuccessful.  But, stupidly I still had faith. Faith that we could save them, and that everything would go back to normal. 

"Bubble, this is impossible.  There is no solid way or any way that ensures that we rescue them."  I heard the ginger say in a grim tone.

" He's going to have to accept that they are forever gone and he's going to have to move on without them." Candy added quietly but in a firm tone, showing he was serious about this revelation.  So.. he was just going to give up?  That easily..?  I was shocked.  I'm pretty sure if it was his own folk, he would have done anything to save them, no matter what it would take.  So, why couldn't he do the same for me?

" There's no point in risking our lives for these guys anyway."  Candy then added with finality. 

I felt my heart begin to race with slight anger, I was in complete shock.  I wasn't using my head, all that I was feeling was my body coiled in anger, my heart racing.  My head felt clouded, as if I wasn't all there.  I stalked my way to the kitchen, their voices becoming louder and more distinguishable.  I leaned on the door frame, observing their conversation.  The ginger bastard hadn't even realized I was there but Bubble noticed, then Candy did. 

" There's no point, huh?"  I said flatly, trying to keep my voice steady despite the original disdain coursing through my veins at that very moment.  I raised an eyebrow.

" So you heard?" Candy asked, not bothering to make up some lie or shitty excuse.  He was true to his word and I could respect that.  But I couldn't respect him at the moment, not with the bullshit he was saying behind my back.  If he wanted to say this, he could've said it up front.  I never understood non-confrontational people, if you don't like something, speak on it.  Don't quiver behind someone's back. 

" Every word."  I responded, getting off from leaning on the doorway before entering the kitchen fully, my boots thudding on the wooden floor as I soon came close to Candy.  He was short, easily 5'5.  I was 5'10.  I could easily take him if I wanted to.  I looked down at him, my expression severe as I locked eyes with his, his own expression stern.  Tension filled the room quickly as Bubble's eyes darted between us.

"Guys.. please."  The blue haired male said softly, trying to ease the tension between me and that stupid ginger.  He seemed uncertain on what to do.  I almost felt pitiful for my lover, but I couldn't stand this arrogant son of a bitch in front of me.  I wanted to punch him in his stupid face, and break his glasses.  He had no idea what I was going through, so why was it his place to decide if we would rescue my friends and brother?  It made me sick.  He had no idea what agony I had been feeling for the past 2 weeks.  And he wanted to brush it aside? 

" What gives you the right to decide if we save them or not, huh?"  I asked Candy, my eyebrows furrowing, my hazel eyes zeroing in on his stupid face.  My voice was beginning to noticeably tremble with pent up irritation, my hands subconsciously clenching into balled up fists by my sides.

" Statistically speaking, it's impossible.  Especially with those advanced security systems?  It's practically suicide, Kobra."  Candy said between gritted teeth before salty adding: "But of course, you're too stupidly hopeful to understand that." He said in a matter of fact like tone.  God that just set me off even more. 

" What the fuck is your problem?" I asked, unable to keep my rage out of my tone now.  I could practically feel my frame trembling with how frustrated I was.  I wanted to rip this man apart, to make him feel what I had been feeling for two weeks.  Two whole weeks.  Two whole weeks of sleepless nights because of my racing thoughts and constant what ifs.  Two whole weeks of silent tears in bed because I was truly convinced that I was at fault.  Nobody understood that.  Not even Bubble, no matter how hard he tried to understand.  He'd never know the full extent of my never ending anguish.  I felt a hand on my back, and by the callouses I could tell it was Bubble's hand.  I whipped around, my eyes landing on that familiar gorgeous face.

Bubble sighed softly as he suddenly muttered: "Candy's right.."  He looked ashamed, and full of pity for me and to be agreeing with Candy.  I knew he would never do anything to intentionally hurt me, but man, was he hurting me now.

My heart stopped.  I was dumbfounded. My own boyfriend, who was supposed to be on my side through and through, was backing up Candy.  I shook my head, unable to believe what I was currently hearing.  I couldn't be mad at him.  I loved him too much to ever be mad at him. But this.. this was too low.  I was only ever hurt.  I thought he had my back.  " Really..?  You too?" I said, my mood had done a complete 180.  I was appalled.  I had trusted these guys, I had trusted Bubble.  But they wanted me to just move on?  To stop trying?

Ghoul, and Jet were like my brothers, more than just my friends.  We had a bond that was irreplaceable.  And Party Poison, my elder brother... Man, don't even get me started on him.  He was my inspiration.  I wanted to be just like him someday.  We had a unique kind of brotherly bond.  We fought, but always made up a second later.  He had never given up on me.  None of them ever had.  So why would I give up on them now..?  Why would I throw them away for a couple of what ifs?  Was my problem some kind of joke?  Sure it wasn't their battle, but to just give up?  I was more betrayed that Bubble of all people had given up.  My supposed lover.  

My eyes darted between Candy and Bubble.  Bubble was the same guy who had filled me with the hope when I had none.  And now, he wanted to give up?  I was so confused, so lost.  So hurt.  I let out a small shocked laugh, unable to process this.  But I knew, that at the end of the day,  I was really alone.  I'd always been alone.  Just me.  I ran my hand through my hair, as I tried to recollect myself.  But truthfully, I could not.  I wanted to scream, to punch something but all I could do was just laugh.   Laugh at how ironic this was.  Laugh at my own pain and issues.   I genuinely was losing my mind and myself at this point, I was at the ledge of falling down into the deep dark pits of insanity. 

" Well alright then.  I'll save them myself."  I grabbed my helmet which had been situated on the counter, then I reached and grabbed my bike keys from the key hanger on the wall.  " I don't need you guys.  I never did."  I wish I could take those words back.  When I looked up and saw the pained, hurt look on Bubble's face, I knew there was no going back.  I had said what I said, and there was no looking back.  Like I had said before, there was no time for shit like this in our time.  You had to keep moving to survive.  And that's what I was going to do, keep moving.  Even if I died sooner or later. 

I swung the front door open and I swore I slammed it, but it had been stopped by Bubble's boot as he followed me desperately.  I headed to my bike which was under a tarp, and I quickly pulled it off, discarding it onto the sand below.  I quickly straddled my bike, jabbing my keys into the ignition and turning it, feeling the oh so familiar rumble of power beneath me.  I was just about to ride off when Bubble stood in front of the bike, his hands on top of mine that grabbed onto the handles.

" Baby, please.  Don't go."  He pleaded with me softly, his beautiful hazel eyes filled with insecurity and suffering.  It wasn't his fault.  But, I simply couldn't bring myself to be with someone who didn't have my back in the end.  It would be better off this way, so much better off this way.  I shook my head slowly, my own eyes meeting his.  " Please."  He pleaded again, but more quieter that I only heard.

" I'm sorry, but I can't stay here."  I said with finality.  I knew I was stubborn, and I was determined to go save them.  No matter what it took.  If I was dead or alive, I would rest easy knowing they were free and out of harm's way.   " At least let me come with you."  Bubble chided softly,  his calloused hand cupping my cheek, his thumb caressing my cheek.  Damnit, this man really knew how to make me melt.  But yet again, he had agreed with Candy that it was meaningless going back for my friends.  I shook my head yet again, revving my bike which made Bubble move out of the way, and I quickly zoomed off.  I didn't bother to look back.  To see that look of anguish on his face.  I would've gone back in an instant. 

Bubble would always haunt my narrative if I never saw him again.  I'd never stop thinking about him, ever.  No matter how hard I would try, my mind would still be wrapped around him.  But again, it was better off this way.  There was no time for relationships or flings,  I had to keep moving.  If I wanted to live that is.   Don't get me wrong, I felt sorry.  Sorry that I had abandoned him, but he had crossed me.  And I wasn't one to tolerate that.

I had to let go and move on.

**Bubble POV**

I watched as Kobra's bike whipped off into the east, dust spraying behind him.  My heart twisted with agony, an agony I hadn't felt in years ever since my own parents were killed earlier this year at the hands of Better Living.  My chest felt tight, and for once, I didn't feel like I was in control.  I was hurt, and angry.  Hurt that Kobra had just left, left me.  Angry that I was so stupid to agree with Candy and not have a mind of my own.  I was always agreeing with him, and I was sick of it. 

I turned on my heel and headed back inside, where Candy stood blankly in the kitchen, seemingly trying to clarify what had just happened in his head.  I stood there in the kitchen with him, crossing my forearms as I stared at him.  Indeed, I was not happy.  What he had said, was completely selfish and stupid.  Kobra, was even stupider for just walking out on us that way and saying he didn't need us.  Christ, I was dating a dumbass, wasn't I?

"  What the hell was that about?"  Candy asked, as he raised an eyebrow at me.  I stared back at him, my stern expression unmoving.  I scowled, this guy was playing stupid.  "Why are you being so selfish and rude, Candy?  What you said was completely uncalled for."  I said, my tone grim and serious.  I was never a serious person, I always tended to try and be positive and understanding, but I couldn't understand what the fuck Candy had been thinking.  Saying all of that so openly, knowing Kobra was just in the next room over.  Kobra clearly cared about his friends, so of course Candy's words would've cut deep.

"  Bubble, be logical.  We had no chance to save them, not with how advanced that company is."  Candy responded, heading to the plan display that was on the wall in the kitchen, with different escape routes, where they had seen the most advanced security pointed out, potential strategies and more.   " I don't care about logic, Candy."  I shook my head slowly as I analyzed the different strategies.  " He's my boyfriend, and I'd do anything for him to make sure he's happy."  I then appointed my eyes to Candy, who looked at me as if I had grown a second head.  What was so crazy about loving someone?

" Have fun getting killed then."  Candy said nonchalantly as he shrugged, cleaning up the table which had an assortment of my different kinds of gadgets.  I was stunned by his words, my body freezing before my head turned hot with frustration.  " How the fuck can you just say that?"  I growled, my eyes following him as he cleaned around.  No wonder Kobra had gotten pissed.  Candy was being a complete douche.   Candy gave me a once over, before turning his attention back to cleaning up.

" Answer me, Patrick."  I said before slamming my hand onto our wooden dining table.  Candy perked up at me using his real name, his head snapping in my direction.  " I was only protecting you both.  But you both have your heads in la la land.  You two ignore the huge possibilities of being killed.  It's either kill or get killed, Pete."  I gripped the table, my knuckles turning white at the sheer strength.  I hated when he used my first name.  I tried hiding that away from me,  pretending that Pete was a different person entirely.  

It dawned on me that there was a possibility of Kobra getting killed, he was going alone.  That stubborn idiot.  He was going to be dead before he even reached that room.  My heart pumped blood faster.  I was so angry, so lost.  My eyes, for once in the longest time, were filled with hot tears.  I couldn't see anything behind them.   I was so helpless.  There was no way we'd reach Kobra in time to stop him, or if I could ever even stop him. I had learned early that he truly was stubborn as a mule.  Whenever he had his mind set on something, he wouldn't stop.

" We have to go help him!  That's my boyfriend, damnit!"  I cried out in sheer desperation.  The thought of Kobra dying killed me.  I wanted him to be back in my arms, where everything felt right.  " He's not our problem anymore."  Candy said, while inspecting one of my gadgets.  I couldn't see right, or even think right.  " You need to move on." Candy added, which added more salt into the wound.  Move on?  Kobra had been the only one who had ever loved me for me, flaws and all.  And Candy wanted me to just forget that?  Was he insane?  

I sat alone in my room for ages,  I had cried out all of my tears that I had left, I had spent them on Kobra.  I had never felt so alone and isolated before, it shocked me even.  I held myself, trying to pretend my own body was Kobra's, that he was still here with me and listening to me ramble about some video game or gadget of mine that I was working on.  I sighed sharply, my shoulders slumping as I looked to my right, at the picture of Kobra that I had taken during downtime.  My expression was filled with admiration and devotion.

He was so gorgeous, it made my heart ache.  His sharp features, hazel eyes that I would never forget.  I would never forget the way my heart flipped whenever I looked into them when we laid in bed together after a mission or after intimacy. I would never forget the way his body felt underneath mine, his knobby knees or his shoulders that were like knife blades. So fragile, yet so strong at the same time.  I knew I didn't have to miss him, that I could easily go search for him.  But, did he even want anything to do with me anymore?

Who was I to take that risk of wasting valuable time to go search for someone who most likely did not want to see my face no longer?  Well, my love for him overpowered my rationality.  I decided I would go look for him.  Get my baby back.  I waited until it was later in the night, around 2am when I knew for sure that Candy was asleep.  How did I know this?  Because he was snoring, disrupting the peace that the night brought with his obnoxious sounds that came out of his throat.

I carefully shifted off of my creaky bed, before moving to my closet.  I grabbed my jacket and shrugged it on, adjusting it to my liking.  I carefully slid on my boots, then grabbed my goggles, placing them to sit on top of my forehead.  They were technically modified by yours truly, me.  One of my best inventions yet! I was very much proud of them, so much so that I was borderline cocky about it.  But, could you blame me?  They were fucking awesome.  They were utilized with night vision, perfect for missions. 

I tiptoed my way to the living room, trying to keep my footsteps as light as possible since my boots were so heavy. I snatched the car keys from the key hanger on the wall, then quietly opened the door and carefully shut it behind me.  I tiptoed to our beat up convertible, uncovering it from the tarp that had been thrown above to protect it from the harsh heat of the desert.  I sighed sharply as I got in, carefully shutting the car door. 

I pushed the key into the ignition and turned it, hearing the engine sputter so I attempted a few more times before it finally came to life.  Old piece of shit.  But hey, we still love her. I took a breath before I slowly departed from our base, before gradually speeding up down the road headed east.

I'm coming baby, just hold on.