The Rise Of CuteGuy

Rejected

Xisuma pov

Watching the two lovebirds of the ship have a fight like that… it wasn’t something I expected today. Not at all. I glanced over at Mumbo, who looked just as bewildered, his brow furrowed, mouth slightly open as if he was about to say something, but no words came out.

My brother—Xavier—stood there, frozen in place, still rubbing the back of his neck, almost like he didn’t notice what had caused the argument in the first place. Maybe he really didn’t. I could see the confusion and panic flicker in his ruby eyes, the way his breathing quickened as he tried to make sense of what had just happened.

Then, it was like something snapped in him. He started clawing at the back of his neck, desperate, frantic, trying to get that damned brand off. His fingers scraped at his skin with such intensity that I could see he was going to hurt himself if he kept it up. I felt my stomach twist as the realization hit me—he wasn’t just confused. He was terrified.

“Xavier, stop!” I moved quickly, grabbing his wrists before he could do any more damage. His hands were shaking, and his eyes met mine—wide, frantic, tears threatening to spill over. I tightened my grip, firm but gentle, pulling his hands away from his neck.

“It’s still me,” he muttered, almost to himself, his voice trembling. “It’s still me… I didn’t know, Xisuma, I swear I didn’t know…”

“I know, I know,” I said softly, keeping his hands in mine to stop him from hurting himself. He looked so lost, so desperate to be believed, and it broke my heart. This isn’t supposed to happen to him. Not him.

I could feel Mumbo hovering behind me, his presence a quiet support as he watched the scene unfold. He looked like he wanted to help, but there wasn’t much anyone could do right now. Xavier was spiraling, and I had to keep him grounded.

“You’re okay,” I said, trying to steady my own voice. “You didn’t know. No one blames you.”

Xavier’s shoulders shook as he looked down at his hands, still held in mine. He wasn’t fighting me anymore, but I could feel the tremors running through his body, the fear, the uncertainty. His breath hitched, and he squeezed his eyes shut, the tears finally breaking free.

“I didn’t want this,” Xavier whispered, his voice cracking. “I don’t want to be marked by them… Xisuma. This is so bad.” His voice shook with fear, and he tried to pull away from me, but I held onto him tightly.

“Hey, hey, stop,” I said, my voice soft but firm, trying to keep him grounded. I could feel him trembling, his panic rising with each second. “We’ll figure it out.”

Mumbo, who had been standing silently, finally spoke, his confusion evident. “Why are you and Hels freaking out so bad?” He looked between us, clearly trying to understand the weight of the situation.

Xavier’s ruby eyes widened as Mumbo’s question hit him. His breath hitched, and I could see his hands balling into fists. I knew that look—he was trying to hold it together, but it wasn’t working.

I sighed, glancing at Mumbo, knowing I’d have to explain, at least somewhat. “It’s not just some mark, Mumbo,” I said, keeping my voice low and calm. “It’s a Watcher brand.”

Mumbo’s eyebrows furrowed as he looked at me, clearly not grasping the severity yet. “A Watcher brand? But… it’s just a mark, right?”

“No,” Xavier muttered, shaking his head as if trying to dispel the weight of those words. “It’s not just a mark. They control people, Mumbo. They get into your head, twist your thoughts. I don’t even know if I’m still me…”

I squeezed his shoulder, trying to steady him. “You are still you, Xavier. Don’t start thinking like that.”

Mumbo, now starting to understand, stepped closer. “So… they could… influence you? Like, mind control?”