Darkness Retribution

Singingggg

As Emo Jesus wrapped up his story, there was a heavy silence in the room. The rest of the team exchanged glances, a mix of sympathy and mild confusion washing over their faces. Even Neuvillette seemed to soften, if only for a moment, as he watched Emo Jesus fiddle with the edge of his guitar, clearly uncomfortable.

Mafia Mickey Mouse broke the silence first, looking genuinely puzzled. "So you're tellin' me, you got booted from the Big Man's circle just because you went through a phase? That's harsh, bro."

Emo Jesus rolled his eyes but nodded, trying to keep his face neutral. "Yeah. They couldn't handle the hair dye, the eyeliner, the heavy riffs—apparently, it was all too much for Heaven's image." He shrugged, but there was a glint of pain behind his eyes that he couldn't hide. "Guess I just didn't 'fit in' with the whole robes and harp scene."

Freddy, always one to chime in, shook his head. "Man, that's messed up! So what if you don't fit the mold? You're still, like, the Jesus."

Toe Pedeos, who had been silent this whole time, finally spoke up. "Yeah, bro, that's actually kinda... tragic. You're a whole vibe, though. So... emo." He reached over and offered Emo Jesus a fist bump, which was returned with a reluctant half-smile.

Mafia Mickey Mouse, who had been unusually thoughtful, nodded firmly. "Well, pal, that's their loss. You're with us now. I gotcha back."

The whole team collectively raised their fists in support, Freddy even letting out a soft cheer. It was an oddly heartfelt moment for such a mismatched crew, but it felt right. Neuvillette, however, kept his arms folded, leaning against the wall, observing but still holding his usual air of detached elegance.

Finally, breaking the tension, Felix stepped over, grinning wide as he slung an arm around Emo Jesus's shoulder. "You know what this calls for? A celebration! We can't let this moody backstory keep us down." He turned to you, his eyes lighting up with that mischievous spark. "What do you say, babe? How about some karaoke?"

You nod enthusiastically, and soon, the living room turned into a makeshift concert hall. Felix was the first to hop on stage, belting out a dramatic rendition of a pop song that had the whole room cheering and laughing, even Neuvillette cracked a reluctant smile.

When it was Emo Jesus's turn, he grumbled about being too "above" pop songs but eventually gave in, delivering a grungy, soulful rendition of his own ballad that left the room both in awe and laughter. And so the night went, with the team coming together, singing, dancing, and, for a little while, putting their strange and chaotic lives on pause. Even Neuvillette joined in with a reluctant toast, though he was careful not to go too heavy on the wine this time.

By the end of the night, as the last few notes faded and everyone sank into the couches, they knew one thing: whatever came next, they were more than just a team.

As the last notes of the night's karaoke wound down, the room was bathed in a warm, golden glow from the string lights that Freddy had meticulously hung around the room earlier in the day. Everyone was sprawled out across the mismatched couches and beanbags they'd dragged in from around the house, blissfully tired from an evening of laughter, singing, and letting loose in ways they hadn't in what felt like ages.

Felix, still riding the adrenaline from his final song, grinned widely at you, giving you that look that always made your heart race. "Come on, one more duet?" he asked, his eyes twinkling. Despite the exhaustion tugging at your eyelids, you couldn't resist his enthusiasm. You smiled and nodded, pulling yourself up and joining him by the old, slightly wobbly karaoke machine.

As the music started, Felix wrapped his arm around you, holding you close as the two of you swayed to the rhythm, singing softly together. The world outside faded away, leaving just the two of you in your own little bubble, sharing quiet laughter and stealing a quick kiss between lines. Around you, the team watched with amused smiles. Toe Pedeos snickered, muttering something to Mafia Mickey Mouse about "young love," who simply gave a knowing nod.

Neuvillette, however, was the only one who seemed mildly perturbed. He watched the two of you with a faint sigh, his gaze shifting between you and the rest of the team who were absolutely riveted by the performance. With a faint roll of his eyes, he muttered, "Is this going to be a regular thing, or shall we prepare for a serenade every evening?"

Felix glanced at him, chuckling. "Oh, come on, Neuvillette. Live a little."

Emo Jesus, smirking slightly, leaned over, guitar in hand, and added, "Lighten up, man. They're cute." He gave Neuvillette a mock-serious look. "Not everyone can brood like us. Some of us are stuck with being... happy."

Neuvillette's lip curled, but you could almost see a faint grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. With a half-hearted wave, he raised his glass. "Alright, alright. To... young love, then. May it bring less drama than our recent endeavors."

Freddy, always ready with a quip, raised his glass and burst out, "To young love and fewer skibidi-toilet situations." The entire room erupted into laughter, and even Neuvillette's reserved smile cracked into a genuine chuckle.

As the evening drifted into early morning hours, everyone finally began to settle down. You and Felix found yourselves curled up on a couch, watching as the others gradually drifted off to sleep. Neuvillette retreated to his room with a nod, his usual elegance undeterred by the casual chaos around him. Emo Jesus sprawled out on a beanbag, his guitar clutched like a security blanket. Freddy, too tired to make it upstairs, pulled a blanket over himself and dozed off right there on the floor.

Just before you and Felix finally headed to bed, he pulled you close, looking at you with a soft smile that made your heart flutter. "Tonight was perfect," he murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to your forehead.

In the morning, you woke to the sun streaming in through the windows. You slipped out of bed to the smell of breakfast—Duolingo, predictably, was already up, fluttering about in the kitchen and humming a tune as he prepared an extravagant spread of pancakes, eggs, and fruit. The rest of the team slowly trickled into the kitchen, bleary-eyed but cheerful after the previous night's celebration.

As everyone dug into breakfast, Freddy glanced around the table, noticing an empty chair. "Wait, where's Neuvillette?"

The whole table went silent for a moment, everyone glancing around in confusion. Emo Jesus, with a mouthful of pancake, shrugged, "Maybe he got tired of our antics."

Just then, Neuvillette strolled into the room, looking as composed as ever, though there was a softness in his gaze that hadn't been there before. He took a seat with his usual grace, helping himself to a glass of water.

Freddy, never one to shy away from poking fun, leaned over and asked, "So... you good, Neuvillette?"

Neuvillette raised a brow, his gaze flicking over the table of oddball teammates he'd somehow grown attached to. After a brief pause, he sighed, "Yes, I'm fine. Just... adjusting." He took a sip of water, offering a faint smile.

There was a brief, warm silence as everyone exchanged glances, a shared understanding passing around the table. Then, Duolingo cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "Well, let's finish up and get out there! Adventure doesn't wait!"

As you looked around at the team—your unconventional, chaotic, and wonderfully odd team—you couldn't help but smile. Whatever lay ahead, you were ready for it, together.