Love Me, Harm Me

One-way (ticket)

"Rejection looks like - me,
I suppose.
Slightly leftover
Like the last, curled sandwich
When all the guests
Have gone." - Rejection, Jenny Sullivan

.☀.🌑.☀.🌑.

"Make sure to behave for Elizabeth, Zeal," Stooping down to scoop her younger brother into a tight hug, Guila placed a gentle kiss onto his cheek, ruffling his dark blonde hair. Elegantly, her own long black hair swayed with the motion as she wrapped her arms around the tiny boy's shoulders. "I promise that she'll be a good babysitter."

"I know," Zeal responded, a muffled whisper back as he buried his face within the crook of sister's neck. His own hands paled at the knuckles as he squeezed his sister back.

Stood behind them, Elizabeth couldn't help but feel somewhat nostalgic at the scene. Such a sight was nothing new for her: whenever Zeal was around, the tiny tot was always glued to his older sister's hip. Whether it was in public or a simple trip to the shops, Zeal was always right behind Guila. Guila was never far away from Zeal. Those two were always a pair, a double-package deal.

Today, however, several weeks since she had made the offer to babysit, Elizabeth was finally making good on her word. As payment for Jericho's forever-open door for sob stories and trashy rom-coms, Elizabeth was giving her and Guila a free night out for game night. Bag packed for an overnight stay, Zeal prepped and both women kitted out in clothes that looked suspiciously date-like, and Elizabeth was moments away from babysitting duties. Plus an extra surprise.

Mael, asking if she was free, wanted to hang out. Deciding that he wouldn't do much harm, Elizabeth had suggested that he tag along for her babysitting adventures. With how distracted Elizabeth could be these days, slipping into dark streams of deep thoughts, she needed his presence to keep her grounded. Bouncing on her toes.

Add in an eager Diane, not too trusting of Mael and also promoting an envy game, and Elizabeth knew that tonight she'd definitely be kept on her toes. Without a doubt, she'd be babysitting the adults much more than the literal child.

Even now, before Guila had even left the building, Diane and Mael were already exchanging looks and nudges. No doubt plotting to get Elizabeth to loosen up a bit. That or to blackmail her into another platonic lunch date. Who knew Diane and Mael could be such an oppressive force when combined?

"You two sure you're not going on a date?" Diane, cheeky as ever, grinned slyly as she wiggled her brows. Nudging Jericho's side, who was dressed in a beautiful black jumpsuit, Diane smirked as she added, "You look awfully dressed up for a night down at the local pub, Jericho. Have you finally decided to make a move?"

"No-one's made a move," Guila sighed, shaking her head as she stood up from her hug. Dusting off her skirt, made of a shiny white leather material, the other woman pursed her lips as she turned to Diane. "We're simply excited to finally go out after having to cancel for..." Frowning, she lifted a hand, counting off something, "At least a good month."

"More than a month," Jericho scoffed, rolling her eyes as she folded her arms across her chest. "Now let's go, Guila! Diane keeps giving me the stink eye."

Nodding, Guila grabbed her matching white purse, gave Zeal a final goodbye squeeze, and rushed out after a stormy Jericho. Left in the aftermath, Diane, Mael and Elizabeth could only blink. Zeal, on the other hand, was squeezing firmly on Elizabeth's hand, his own small one surprisingly cold despite them being safe inside his home.

"You know those two are totally dating," Diane abruptly spoke out, turning on her heel as she headed toward the open arch of the living room's doorway. Sass exuded from her entire body as she huffed, "This isn't the first time they've planned an 'exclusive games night' without anyone else present. Jericho's been giving me flimsy excuses for months!"