Reaper's Touch

Hex: Cryptic

"Pain in this life is not avoidable, but the pain we create avoiding pain is avoidable."
-R.D. Laing

"I told you," Gus said, frustrated.

He turned and faced the wall, pretending to study Ember's art deco calendar while Hex rolled her eyes behind him.

"Babe, I know that, but... you want to be a tattoo artist. This job is the only path to that career. Like, are you gonna go somewhere else to do your apprenticeship and start all over with a bunch of people you don't even fuckin' know? I mean... sorry, but what the hell is your plan here?"

"I don't know if I wanna be a tattoo artist anymore," Gus mumbled.

Hex scoffed. "Bullshit. Yes you do! If there's anything you're sure of, it's that! In fact, you have never been so sure about anything before! I know you too well."

Hex was certain of this but couldn't explain why if someone were to ask. It was simply the way Gus's eyes looked when he talked about art or tattoos, a kind of glowing, shining softness, like a lit candle in a corner creating whole worlds with shadows, and it was beautiful to witness.

"I can make minimum wage at any job," Gus said absently, like he hadn't heard a word she'd just said.

Frustration surged through Hex. They were standing in Ember's kitchen during a rare moment of being alone in the apartment, and instead of enjoying it they were arguing about Gus's latest impulsive stunt.

"I just can't believe you quit like this! Out of nowhere! And on top of all the stress we have right now, you have to find a new job!"

"I'll find something fast. Don't worry," Gus said.

He turned away from the wall at last, but even though he was facing her, he was still looking away, this time to the right. Hex searched what she could see of his face. Gus brushed her hand away when she touched his chin to turn his head. He was avoiding making eye contact with her, and when he did that, he was hiding something.

"You are not telling me everything," Hex said softly.

"Why do you say that?" Gus asked innocently.

"Look me in the eye."

Hex saw him try, for a split second, before his eyes darted away. Anger shot through her when she realized her suspicions were correct. She continued, "And you'd better. Right. Fucking. Now. You owe me that and you know it."

Gus sighed. If he hadn't been willing to make eye contact with her before, now he might as well have been trying to escape from the building itself. Once again he looked at the wall, but this time half of his body went with him so he was practically looking over his shoulder to avoid Hex's gaze.

"Okay, fine. I really quit because I need to move on from what happened, as fast as I can. And being there will make it impossible!" Gus said finally.

Hex furled her eyebrows. "Okay... what? Why? Why would you need to move on from it at all? Let alone as fast as possible! Grief takes years to work through!"

She watched him intently, waiting for some kind of response that might make sense. Gus was still wearing his gray knit hat from being outside, and she reached up and yanked it off his head. Hex had meant for it to be an affectionate action, like Ember was so naturally good at doing, but she was so confused and irritated it came off more like an act of aggression instead. Gus, taking it as exactly that, glared at her.

"You didn't have to do that! I'm cold."

"Oh suck it up," Hex said, annoyed with herself and rolling her eyes. "I need to know, is it me? Did I make you feel pressured to get over it or something? I know I can be a bitch, but I'm trying really hard to be careful with you, especially right now! Whether or not you believe that."