Of Love and Death.

The Past Chapter 5: Making Plans

I just want to start off by apologizing to Mind.

Then I want to say that...toxic relationships, low self worth, low mental health are all pretty prominent in this chapter before we switch to Fire. 

No, it was not fun to torture one of the main characters. 

     Mind unfolded the checkered blanket onto the surface of the orb. The black expanse of space consumed his view above him. Only, it wasn't quite as dark as it used to be. In the time after his second meeting with Fire, Mind had seen more and more of those glowy things, and the collections of gas they were situated in, show up. Now the sky was dotted with pinpricks of light, shining in every which way you look. 

     Mind found himself wondering if Fire had ever figured out what the things were, and if they had a name yet. Actually what was the sun doing right now? Was he looking out at the same sky, just from his orb?  Unconsciously, Mind turned around, to where the Suns orb was. Far, far, away, he could see the largish white dot in the sky. Maybe he's looking over here- NO! Now is not the time to be thinking about Fire! Mind scolded himself.  It's the time to focus on setting up this picnic with your girlfriend.

      Mind knelt down on the blue and black blanket he'd spread out and started unpacking the basket he'd brought. He placed down a couple wrapped sandwiches and this fruit cheesecake, both things he'd made himself. He was quite proud of his work, and knew it would make a good dinner. Then a few glasses of orange juice were placed. He placed down the napkins. 

      Finally, Mind put down a picture he'd drawn, of himself and the person he was going on this date with. Well, that was what the picture was supposed to be. It kind of looked more like a dilapidated rock next to a weird swirling square than anything else. You could see the effort in it though. Mind stood up then, and clapped his hands together. Alright, he thought. Now all that's left is to get dressed up and wait for Cold.

      Blood frowned and crossed his arms. "You're going on another date with her?" He asked Mind, staring and his roommate, who was searching through the closet for something to wear. Mind didn't respond, actually tossed a gray T-shirt at him. Now all Blood could see was a few blobby shapes through a gray screen.  "I'm just gonna to say that was an accident," Blood announced to Mind, trying to make it obvious he was joking.

     Apparently that attempt had failed, evident in the guilt Blood heard in Mind's telepathy. I'm so sorry! Here! And now Blood could see again, as Mind tore the shirt off of his head, looking very apologetic. Blood narrowed his eyes as he saw the cracked and bitten nails on his friend's hands. 

     Oh Mind, Blood thought. Then he realized the other Shadow would have heard his worry. You're putting too much effort into this date, Blood quickly tacked on, so it wasn't quite so obvious he knew that Mind was not in the best shape. 

     It was actually kind of ironic. The physical manifestation of the force mind probably had some of the worst mental health of any of the Shadows. Although Blood couldn't be certain of the causes, he knew at least some of it was caused by Cold. Honestly, it took a lot for him to not just punch the nexus force every time he saw her. Which was, thankfully, not too often, or else he'd probably be on a wanted poster by now.  

     Okay, Mind said, sitting down on his bed. But, I really do want to look nice and stuff.

      Blood sighed and sat down next to him, looking across their crowded room. He would never admit this, but it was a little frustrating being friends with Mind. He'd gotten over the fear of his inner thoughts being known a long time ago. What was really annoying was that it was impossible to worry about the guy if he's anywhere near you! "How's about this," Blood began, "Wear a collared shirt, maybe something black, long pants. Don't forget shoes, and you'll be fine."