HOMEOSTASIS

Chapter VII

"It's not a question about trust,
But will you stand with us?"

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"Did you like Jeff?"

Jane almost spat out her soda, "Huh?!"

Chaser chuckled. They'd just entered a convenience store to buy some liquor. They wouldn't catch the guy so soon, it's already been 24 hours, after all. They needed to get loose! But man, is it inconvenient for Jane everytime she has to be in a public place. She has no idea if people can identify her, so she makes sure to cover her face or look away anytime she can. Sometimes, she'll just take off the mask and walk around. Sure, people stare and judge, but at least nobody can recognize her.

Chaser took a bottle of vodka and a can of orange juice. She was never the type to drink, but after one night with the other three, when Toby first joined, that changed. She's not a drunk. Even the aliens know that she can't afford to drink. But every once in a while shouldn't hurt.

"I'm just curious. Did you two have some type of relationship back in the day?"

The girl next to her pouted, looking back at the huge line that was forming. Upon noticing the bathroom sign on the other side of the store, she made a run for it, her friend just behind her. When she spotted a small window above the unclean toilet, she opened it, and crawled out effortlessly. Chaser didn't question it. She did the same.

"I never had a crush on Jeff. He was just a really good friend. And I really liked him."

"Ah, so he wasn't your type."

"You could say that." She started mixing the soda and the orange juice inside the bottle of vodka. The moon and the light from the bathroom were the only things illuminating both their figures- it could be movie-worthy if the place didn't smell like vomit and dog crap.

"So what type of guys are you into?"

Both walked back to the bench they've been seating on for the past few hours. They missed having someone to gossip with and just have general girl talk. Jane is always by herself, and Chaser is surrounded by men. She felt she needed this slight feminine touch.

"Who said I'm into guys?"

"That's fair. So what type of girls are you into?"

"I don't think I have a type, I just roll along with what I like, you know?" She took a sip from the drink she'd just made. It was disgusting. She passed it to her friend nevertheless. Watching as she took a big gulp, Jane scanned her from head to toe, and smirked. "Well, actually... You're cute. You might just be my type."

"I'm flattered! I don't know, maybe I'm into women who are three times taller than me." They giggled. "Seriously, though. I'm sure both men and women would be drooling over you."

"Yeah, well... surely not now. And you, Chaser? Did you ever have a crush? Oh, how about Masky? He seems sweet!"

"What? Ew, no! He's like... ten years older than me! Old man..."

"Oh, I see. Makes sense. So... you never fell in love?"

"There was this guy... his name was Carl Ross."

"Oh, my! Were you two a thing?"

"I had to reject him. I was starting to lose my mind when Slenderman appeared. It would be best if we just... stayed friends."