Family Among Us

Part 16- Imposter Rivalry

Black paced across the living room, his small figure seething with frustration. The faint hum of Y/N's footsteps as she left the room echoed in his mind, leaving him alone with the blaring silence and a simmering annoyance. Across from him, White stood with an aloof smirk, arms folded casually as if to say, "I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere." The other crewmates perched themselves on various surfaces, watching the tension build with wide eyes.

"You think you're her favorite now, huh?" Black spat, his voice laced with irritation. "Just because you show up, looking all mysterious and new, doesn't mean anything. I was here first. I know her better than you ever will."

White's smirk widened, an air of confidence in his stance. "Funny, because it doesn't seem that way," he replied, his voice cool, taunting. "Since I got here, she's spent more time with me. Maybe you're just old news, Black."

"Old news?" Black stepped forward, eyes narrowing into dark slits. "You've got some nerve." His hands clenched into tiny fists. Around them, Yellow and Blue exchanged looks, suppressing giggles, while Green sat cross-legged on the sofa, his eyes darting between the two imposters like a spectator at a tennis match.

Purple leaned toward Blue and whispered, "This is better than any show we've ever watched." Blue stifled a snicker, nodding in agreement.

The tension cracked like a whip when Black, unable to contain himself, lunged forward, colliding with White in a flurry of tiny limbs. They tumbled across the rug, rolling and grappling in a chaotic scuffle. White managed to shove Black back, only to have Black recover with a swift push of his own.

"Enough!" Red's voice boomed, cutting through the noise like a knife. His usually calm demeanor gave way to frustration as he pushed between the two. The others fell silent, eyes wide, as Red's stern gaze settled on the imposters. "What do you two think you're doing? Fighting like this doesn't solve anything."

White glared at Black, chest heaving as he caught his breath. "Tell that to him," he muttered, brushing imaginary dust off his white suit.

"She's not a prize to be won," Red continued, addressing them both. "We're here to be a team, and Y/N cares about all of us. You need to put this rivalry aside because, like it or not, we're all staying here for the long run."

Black's eyes shifted to the floor, shame pricking at the edges of his pride. He glanced at the others, the crewmates watching him with a mix of amusement and concern. The reality of Red's words settled in like an unwelcome guest. He hated to admit it, but fighting over Y/N's attention was childish. She did care about him, but she cared about all of them in her own way.

White broke the silence, his voice less haughty this time. "Maybe... maybe we got off on the wrong foot."

Black looked up, meeting White's eyes. The anger ebbed away, replaced by an unspoken truce. He nodded, albeit reluctantly.

"Good," Red said, his tone softer now. "Now, no more fighting. Y/N wouldn't want this."

"Yeah, yeah," Black mumbled, shooting White a sidelong glance. "But don't think this means I'll just back down so easily."

White smirked, but this time it was friendlier. "Wouldn't expect you to."

The room relaxed as the crewmates exhaled a collective sigh of relief. Yellow clapped their hands. "So, who wants to make peace snacks? I'm starving!"

Purple laughed, the tension finally lifting. "Count me in. But you two better not fight over who makes the best sandwich!"

"No promises," Black and White muttered in unison, a reluctant grin forming on their faces. The crewmates erupted into laughter, the air filled with a warmth that hinted at better days ahead—together.