Star Crossed Haters [EDITING]

Abnormalities

*Dan's pov* 

"Washing dishes is the fucking worst." Aay curses 

Kurin opens his mouth to say something but slams it shut. He lowers his gaze towards the plate. 

"My arms ache." I whine But by the second, the stack of plates was increasing. 

"Not much we can do. Plus, every second the pile grows. We'll be here for a while." Magnus mumbles 

Riot has her lips pursed, and brows drawn together in concentration. 

"How about all of you stop slacking and start working?"Riot snarls 

"Oh shut the fuck up and mind your own business, lesbo." Aay retorts 

Riot places her plate down, and turns to face him.  

"What did you call me?" Riot screeches and lunges for his hair. 

***  

Riot grips Aay's green hair, knuckles tinted blue. Aay's cheeks are flushed scarlet. I place my plate down on top of the pile, plate dripping with soap and still wet, it slides off and crashes to the ground. Shards of white glass go flying. Shattered pieces lie on the ground. A wave of dread washes over me and I chew on my bottom lip.

"Riot!" 

Jurin finally decides to take action. 

"Listen, Aay! I know you're scared of coming out. I know you're scared of being judged by your friends, family. I am too. But that doesn't change anything for me. Because I still love you!" I place my hands on Riot's shoulder and attempt to drag her away. Riot whips her head around to stare incredulously at me, and lunges for me next. I duck down to avoid her, and then Magnus springs to action. He presses his left hand down on her shoulder and grabs her right arm. Riot's arm trembles in the air, and Magnus tightens his grip. Riot squeals in pain, blood colouring her cheeks. She reaches for a plate and tosses it at Magnus who avoids it. The plate shatters and lies beside the other destroyed plate.  

"Please. . . Let go. . ." She attempts to wriggle out of Magnus's grip but fails. 

A glint of abhorrence and malice is visible - or is it just the light? My heart spirals into an irregular rhythm.

"You don't fuck with me, or Dan, get it? Next time you do, I will fucking END you." Magnus snarls, releasing his grip before shoving her to the ground. Tears streak her face, I rush over to her and lend her my hand. She presses her palm against mine, and I help her up. She slips, and I help her up again. 

Everything goes silent. 

We share identical horrified expressions. Magnus remains frozen on the spot, clutching a plate to his chest and panting. 

"Magnus. . ." 

He stares ahead, blankly. I purse my lips into a thin line. 

"Let's get this cleaned up," I sigh "Riot, grab the mop. I'll get this dustpan and brush and clean up the shards. Kurin and Aay, continue washing the dishes. Magnus, you can empty the bin once we're done." Magnus blinks and turns his attention to me, and my stomach knots itself tighter. I search through the cupboards, tossing cleaning liquids aside. I grab the dustpan and brush and sweep up the broken shards. I place my foot onto the pedal, and the bin opens and I empty the content inside. Riot mops, while Magnus approaches me and takes out the bin to destroy all proof. Kurin and Aay continue to watch the dishes, dread consuming me amidst the silence. 

"We need to have a meeting."

"Magnus is scaring me."

"Such abnormalities." Riot mumbles 

"What time?"

"After our next lesson?" 

"Yeah."

The next lesson is p.e 

*Magnus's pov* 

"We're going to be doing running today." Storm declares 

I notice Dan sulking with his arms folded across his chest. Riot places an on his shoulder and they share a smile. A pang of jealousy stabs at my chest, but I remind myself that he isn't straight. 

"You have to run one mile, which is 15 laps," Dan groans "Who volunteers to be a pacemaker?" 

Riot's hand shoots up. "It's been settled then. You now may line up, and when they listed ton blows, you begin." We shuffle ourselves into a line and await the whistle. A shrill, piercing blow signals our start. My head begins to ache, and I slow my pace. My surroundings shift

Faster! Faster! My eyes have become adjusted to the dark. I turn left into the alleyway to outrun the police. I clutch the brown paper that contains the warm pastries in my arm. I clamber up the bins and I leap over the wall. I no longer have control over my feet or arms, I urge them in different directions but fail. 

"Mag!" 

Emily runs towards me and I hand get the bag and her eyes open in wonder. She drools and takes out a pastry. Something seems. . .different. Her amethyst orbs were far too big for her body, and her raven hair was cropped. 

"Wow! Mmm! This looks so yummy!" 

I smile, Emily deserves so much more than this and I wish I could get everything she wants and we wouldn't have to live in the streets, stealing to survive. I long to reach out, to embrace her, reassure her that everything is fine and remind her we'll be out of this situation soon. I wipe the sweat from my brow with my arm. The cries of the police die down. My sister sits next to me and tears a chunk for me. 

"Try some!" 

I take the chunk because my stomach has been acting so happy since I haven't eaten in a while. 

I faxed up at the White sphere in the sky. The inky black sky is illuminated by luminous stars. 

I hold Emily since it's freezing. 

"Your feet..."  

I 

  s 

    e

      e

        b 

           l

             a

               c

                 k

*Dan's pov* 

My lungs burning and my legs aching, I urge myself to go faster, thinking of Magnus. Yeah, he wouldn't quit! I almost trip over something, but catch myself just in time. 

"MAGNUS???" Fear grips my body and freezes my mind upon seeing him sprawled across the ground. I drop to my knees and examine his pulse, tears pricking my eyes. 

"MAGNUS COLLAPSED!" I shriek, Storm fumbles for his whistle and blows it before rushing over to assist us. Crystal Blue, Riot, Kurin and Aay dash towards us. 

"I. I checked his pulse. It's fine but. . . Really slow." I say, hyperventilating and trying not to choke on my tears. A pang of salt enters my mouth. 

"Kurin, Aay, grab his legs. Riot, Dan, grab his arms." Storm instructs. Riot joins my side, and we lift an arm in unison. Kurin and Aay have a secure grip on their legs. We lift his body in unison, horror consumes me as I realise. 

Magnus is so light.