Elegy for a Dead Rose

they're just two normal people

NOTE:
I am using the pronouns I headcanon for the characters, and Nina specifically uses She/Blood/Glitter/Bow.
EJ uses He/they.
Malachite, or Mal, is an oc I made with a friend. She's the daughter of Nina and EJ. I do not ship NinaJack, however.

⦻————⦻

September 2nd.

Do you regret anything?

The blood that stained your hands, the screams that echoed down the halls?

He regrets it.

Do you know that?

⦻————⦻

Jeff ran his hand through his hair as he made his way down one of many long hallways in the mansion.

Puppeteer had gathered mostly everyone together for a small little party of sorts tonight. He did this often, trying to keep everyone together and happy (and also give himself a spotlight).

Jeff usually joined in on these get-togethers, enjoying the attention, and tonight wasn't that different. He hung out for a bit, but man, he was tired; Slender had worn him out with all of the solo missions he was assigned the past few days.

Oh well, more screams, more blood, more fun.

Jeff shoved the door to his and EJ's room open, not bothering to knock or give any warning.

EJ was out on the balcony attached to their room, facing out towards the woods, letting the cold night breeze blow through his fur. His tail flicked slightly as Jeff walked in.

EJ never went to any sort of gatherings or events in the mansion unless it was some required meeting held by Slender or one of the proxies. He says it's because of all the noise.

"Tired?" EJ spoke in his usual monotone voice, not looking behind themself to face Jeff.

"Yeah." Jeff nodded, walking out towards EJ and resting his arms on the railing around the balcony.

EJ wasn't wearing their mask, only a blindfold to help stop the tar and blood in their eyes from getting everywhere. EJ seldom took his mask off, especially not if there were other people around, including Jeff.

The duo sat there in silence for a few moments, staring off into the distance.

"What are ya doing out here? I thought you'd be like..out somewhere." Jeff broke the silence, looking down as the wind started to pick up.

"Didn't feel like it." EJ's ears lowered.

Jeff looked over to EJ, they were usually monotone and hard to read, but something about them felt.. off.

"The hell's up with you?" Jeff nudged EJ in some sort of attempt to seem playful.

EJ sighed, "If you could go back, would you?"

"Huh?"

"If you could be normal, a normal person, have a normal life, would you? If you could reverse everything, would you?" EJ spoke with no emotion, despite the clear sorrow hidden behind his words. He usually never even said more than a few words at a time, especially not whatever nonsense they were rambling about currently.