Toi et Moi

Episode 3

Twirling my pencil, I rest my chin in my palm as I stare dully at the chalkboard. Time seems to pass by slower and slower and I close my eyes. School was basically over and all I wanted to do was go back to Aunt Claire's and laze around with Blann since she was closing early to take Madeleine to ballet class.

Peaking up at the clock, the bell rings and I watch as everyone starts to pack their things. A group of girls talk excitedly about a party for Adrien as they pass, but I ignore it because I already know I'm not invited.

With him now on my mind, I shift my gaze to sneakily watch him and Nino pack their things. Watching them as they leave the classroom I mentally count to ten before standing to leave.

I slowly amble down the sidewalk with my hands in my pockets. The shop isn't too far from the school, so I arrive there quickly and without problem.

As soon as I unlock the back entrance, Blann comes shooting out of my bag and up the stairs. Stepping in after him, I shut the door and head up to the second floor.

Opening the door that keeps the shop apart from the living space, Blann rushes past me and I head to the couch with a yawn. By the time I'm sitting comfortably, he flies to my side with a container of strawberries. Taking the spot beside me, he focuses all his attention to the TV show currently playing and I lean my head back and close my eyes.

Scrubbing my hands roughly, I take a shaky breath and try to ignore the stinging pain. The black tar staining my skin makes me want to vomit and I just want to get it off. Noticing the wire scratcher sitting by the faucet, I quickly grab it and start to scrub at the disgusting filth. Tears stream down my face, but surely the throbbing pain meant it was working, right? Of course it would, because it had to! If it didn't... if it didn't I would— "Evan!" a voice screams my name but I ignore it because I'm still filthy and I had to get clean. Suddenly pulled away from the kitchen sink, I flail around and try to get away. Didn't she see? The filth was spreading! Down my arms and all over the floor and, and—"Please calm down, Evan, its Aunt Claire!" the woman sobs out as she squeezes me tighter. Her touching me is making me sick, she's just spreading the filth and it's crawling up my arm and—

I jerk awake with a scream stuck in my throat and quickly swallow it back down. Panting heavily, I lean forward and wipe away the sweat coating my forehead with a shaky hand. My eyes are drawn to my hand and I immediately rip off the glove expecting the worse.

Only seeing small, old scars littered across my palms, I almost sob in relief and squeeze my eyes shut. It was just a dream. I take a calming breath before turning towards Blann who, to no real surprise, is dead asleep.

Sinking back into the couch, I sigh tiredly and rub at my face. Listening to the mumbles of the turned down TV, I stare at the ceiling and try not to dwell on my nightmare. Feeling Blann stir beside me, I glance down at him and watch his ears stretch as he wakes.

Feeling my eyes on him, he looks up at me and smiles happily. "Hey, Evan!" he giggles out before flying over to me and sitting on my shoulder. "I hope you weren't sitting here all bored waiting for me to wake up."

I shake my head and offer a tiny smile, "I just woke up too."

"That's good!" he smiles and snuggles up against my cheek and I silently welcome the warmth. We sit in a comfortable silence and I start to slowly relax. One of the best things about Blann is that even though he likes to talk, he doesn't have a problem being quiet.

Screams suddenly erupt from outside making me jump up and rush to the window. Yanking open the curtains, I watch, stunned, at the sight before me. What seems like hundreds of large bubbles float along the street, picking anyone up in their path and carrying them away.

Blann presses his face against the glass beside me and stares, wide-eyed at the scene unfolding. Stepping back, I close the curtains and look at him. "We have to go check it out! This has to be the work of an Akuma!" he squeaks hurriedly and stares at me hopefully.

I nod my head and look at my bracelet on my wrist. "Okay, Blann, ears up!"