Palette's POV hours later
We sit in the library after Tina sent a group to get us back. We have introduced Tina to Raven and explained everything to him. Now we're sitting quietly as Raven takes it in. Goth leans on the armrest, seeming deep in thought. I continue fixing the gem in my necklace.
"Wait...So let me get this straight. You both have made up and cool now in the time that we've been searching for you?"Raven asks
"Well yeah, time moves faster here than wherever you come from. More can happen in what you see as a short time. And I guess it helps to have a list of innocence that literally teleports you to the person you're searching for. Guess the early bird does get the worm!"Tina replies with a giggle
Raven looks to me.
"You're serious?"He asks
I glance at Gothy who lifts his head curiously. I glance back at Raven.
"I mean, yeah. We cleared things up and it's going to be better. Would you rather us still upset over the past?"I reply with a shrug
"No no, I was just trying to understand...That's great. "He says
Goth smiles at me, setting his hands in his lap.
"So, you're ready to head home for Gradient and Radier?"He asks
"Well is it safe?"Tina asks
Raven nods.
"First thing we did was handle the jerk in the way. He's incapable of posing any threat now."Raven says
Tina nods, getting up to leave the room. She returns after a few minutes, coming to me with a hug and bracelet that has a glowing blue lizard charm attached. I slip it on my wrist.
"If you ever want to return here, just grip it in both hands and it will teleport you here. You're always welcome."She says
I smile at her, seeing how accepting she is of this.
"You sure that you got this?"I ask
"Yea, I knew this would happen eventually so we've trained someone for when this day comes."She says
I nod, understanding.
"Thanks for everything, Tina. I'll be sure to visit!"I say
She smiles with a nod.
"Stay safe, Palette."She says
Then she turns to Goth and shakes his hand.
"It's been wild with you but I wish you the best."She says, then swiftly leaves the room
Raven gets up, tapping a few things on his wrist-gadget. A portal opens and I can see my brother with Radier and Shino on the other side. I smile as Raven goes through first. Goth hugs my arm again, glancing at me. His one eye seems to blur and curve at the edges, making a faint heart before returning to normal. We step through together and Raven shuts the portal behind us. Within seconds I get tackled to the ground in a hug from behind.
"Palette! Never scare us like that again!"PJ shouts, holding me down
"Hey, PJ! God to see you again too!"I say
"You scared Gradient! No big bro should do that! You better not-!"He snaps, then starts tearing up
I pull him close as he hides in my chest. He kept blaming Gradient for why he was worried but I knew that he was just trying to hide very poorly that he was worried too.
"We didn't know...Didn't want you in danger...Or hurt..."He sniffles
"I know, PJ. I was worried about you guys too. That's why I told you to go into lockdown."I say
"I'm going to kill Calludo!"He snaps
I roll my eyes and keep rubbing his back to soothe him. Radier leaps on me, hugging me with all four arms of his. Then Shino hops onto me and Gradient steps closer as they all lecture me for the same reasons. I smile and couldn't help but laugh, so happy to be back with them. They start laughing with relief as well, hugging me close or messing with each other.
A few days pass and I fall back into my routine at home and school. Once explaining the situation to my boss, I was welcomed back to work and reacquainted myself with the coworkers or customers. A lot less time passed here than Tina's world which made things easier. I wear the bracelet from her on my wrist everywhere, sometimes working time in my schedule to drop into her world so we don't lose complete contact. It's plenty of fun and I'm still welcomed there like she said I would be. It's nice and I've completely repaired my necklace by now, though still protect the gem in the locket so it doesn't break again.
Our friends are surprised to see that Gothy and I are on good terms, acting so awkward and tense when we're together in a group to hangout. It's as if they expect one of us to snap even though we've explained things and assured them that we're cool. They talk especially to me, concerned that I'm moving forward too quickly but keep citing shows or books of fiction as their evidence. These same books or shows that have the cliche or trope of miscommunications and misunderstandings. I dismiss it and tell them that we're okay. This is our real life after all, not some fantasy story.
Other than that, Gothy and I have bonded much better and communicate better than before. Our decision to do private hangouts with "I feel" statements have really helped greatly. It allows me feel safer about feeling, good or bad emotions. It allows me to accept it without fearing that my feelings will be trouble or cause trouble. He shows me that it's okay. If anything, he gives me security and he even advises me how to handle it. It's a wonderful feeling.
But of course it can't be that easy.
TBC
YOU ARE READING
The Artist and the Angel(A Poth story)
Fanfic*THIS IS A SEQUEL TO MY AFTERDEATH BOOK: A TALE OF DEADLY LOVE! PLEASE READ THAT FIRST TO UNDERSTAND SOME PLOT HERE! It isn't anything major, but having that knowledge may help your reading experience and enjoyment. Your choice at your own pleasure*...
