OUTRUN THE TRUTH {OMORI AU} (OLD)

Expectations

TW: Foul language, Forceful Behavior, slight arguing.

Once ECHO's presence faded away, BASIL turned his attention back to KEL. With a mixture of relief and curiosity, he asked, 'Where are SUNNY's parents now? Did they leave?'

KEL nodded in response, his expression slightly solemn. 'Yeah, they went out to look for SUNNY,' he replied. 'I tried to reason with them, but they seemed really upset and weren't in a mood to listen. I think they just need some time to cool off.'

BASIL's heart sank as he absorbed the information. He felt a mixture of emotions – relief that SUNNY's parents were temporarily away, but also bitterness and frustration at the situation. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was always the cause of trouble, even if unintentionally.

He gave KEL a tight-lipped smile, trying to mask his bitterness, but it was evident that the weight of the situation was still on his mind. 'Right, cool off,' he muttered, the bitterness creeping into his voice. 'I seem to be good at making people upset.'

KEL's response was unexpected as he mirrored BASIL's bitterness and frustration. 'Well, maybe if you weren't always causing problems, they wouldn't be upset in the first place!' he retorted, his voice taking on an abrasive tone.

'Oh, great observation, Sherlock!' BASIL replied, his voice dripping with sarcasm. 'Clearly, I wake up every morning with the sole intention of ruining EVERYONE's day.'

He knew he shouldn't be lashing out like this, but KEL's abrasive comment had struck a nerve. He felt hurt and misunderstood, and his sarcastic remark was a defense mechanism to mask his vulnerability.

KEL's expression softened, and he seemed to realize that his response had only added fuel to the fire. 'Look, I didn't mean it like that,' he said, his voice softer now. 'I know you don't want to cause trouble, but things just seem to go south whenever you're around.'

BASIL's sarcasm faded a bit as he saw the sincerity in KEL's eyes. 'Yeah, well, tell me about it,' he muttered, feeling a mix of resignation and sadness. '....I'm like a walking disaster.'

KEL sighed, his frustration evident. 'You're not a walking disaster, but let's face it, things do tend to get complicated when you're involved,' he said, his tone slightly blunt. 'I know you don't do it on purpose, but sometimes your actions have consequences, and it's not always easy to deal with.'

BASIL looked away, feeling a twinge of guilt. He knew KEL was right, and he hated the fact that he often caused unintended problems for those around him.

His bitterness resurfaced as he glanced back at KEL. 'I was wondering when you were gonna drop that 'good guy' shtick,' he said, his voice carrying a hint of bitterness. 'I guess it's easier to pretend to be the perfect one when you're dealing with someone like me.'

KEL's eyes widened at the unexpected accusation. '...What...the FUCK are you talking about?!' he replied, sounding hurt by the remark. 'I've never claimed to be perfect, and I'm not pretending to be anything I'm not. I'm just trying to help, even when things get difficult.'