SO BAD [MXM] [MAFIA] ✓

19: A FAVOR

Skylar's dream is strange that morning. In the dream, he is seated on the floor of a darkened room. It's completely pitch black, Skylar can't even see his feet in front of him. Around him are these weird glowing eyes, but they're not the reflective, animalistic ones. They're human eyes, all watching him. He's unsure what to do, but he has a distinct sense of fear that won't go away.

"He's lying to you." A disembodied voice says, and Skylar frowns. Who's lying to him? Ashton? Sure, Skylar is aware that the guy is keeping things from him, but lying? What exactly has he lied about?

"Who?"

He's lying!

Okay, what the hell is going on? It's several voices who say that, and it sounds like it's coming from Skylar's head now. He's so confused. They're talking about Ash, right? Why won't they specify? What is he lying about? Skylar thinks he may have some idea, but still. There are so many unanswered questions. He can't make a proper guess.

A moment later, and something is materializing in front of him. He jumps, backing away as a dark, inky black liquid starts to fill the room. When it stops, its depth is just past Skylar's ankle. It has the texture of sludge though a little more liquid. Smooth yet slimy, and Skylar can't help the face he makes. What is this?

The liquid morphs into a vaguely human shape in front of him, and the general outline is familiar. It takes Skylar a moment to realize it's supposed to be Ashton. Except... it's not. That's not how Ashton really looks. It's this... fucked up, demon-looking version of him. He looks like a monster, glowing white eyes and skin that's pitch black, probably because of the ink substance all over the place, including him. It's dripping off him in droves, and seems never ending. It's not letting up.

When he opens his mouth, the ink connects his lips together like elastic stitches. For some reason, however, Skylar's not particularly scared of him. Just... disturbed.

"You want to be loved so bad," Ashton tells him, and it does sound like his voice, but there's something wrong. Something not quite right, something... tainting it.

Actually, wait, what the fuck did he just say? This man is crazy. Skylar is about to voice that, but Ashton continues.

"It's pathetic. Who could ever love you? An addict with no future. The biggest fuck up I've ever met." Damn, okay, he's actually kind of hurting Skylar's feelings. It makes no sense, because it's not like Skylar actually cares what this guy thinks. Ashton is advancing on him, and Skylar has this sinking feeling in his gut. No fucking way. Did that actually affect him?

"I keep you around for one purpose." Ashton tells him. Skylar is beginning to get angry, and it's entirely because Ashton's words are actually hurting his feelings. What the fuck?

"So do yourself a favor, and don't get your hopes up."

"Okay, first of all: fuck you," Skylar snaps, and Ashton is right in front of him. He's leans down, so his face is right in front of Skylar's. Skylar's heart starts beating faster, and he is feeling violent. Still, he can't bring himself to clock the guy in the jaw, despite the fact he definitely deserves it. He can't bring himself to actually hurt Ashton, even when he's a monster.

"Second, you have no idea what you're talking about. I don't want anyone to—I don't want to be loved. What the hell does that even mean? I wish you'd leave me alone, actually."

Ashton reaches out and runs a hand through Skylar's hair. Somehow, the liquid isn't getting on him, even when the guy moves even closer. Soon he's on top of him, until Skylar is lying flat. The liquid that had previously been covering the floor is gone, but it's dripping off Ashton still. It hits Skylar's face, as well as many other areas, but leaves nothing behind.