We Are the Kids From Yesterday

Wipe Away Those Tears of Blood Again

Last week, the impossible had happened. Party was so sure that he'd never be able to look at Ghoul, call him his baby, call him his lover, ever again. He was overjoyed, taking every opportunity he could to just appreciate Ghoul. But something was different now, obviously. Ghoul was just more cautious around Party, not as eager to respond to kisses and not as affectionate but it wasn't something that Party didn't expect. It would obviously take a little while for things to be the way they were before, due to just how big everything was. He wasn't gonna lie and say he was completely unphased by it, it fucked with his head a little bit but Party didn't want to focus on himself. He wanted to focus on Ghoul and helping Ghoul feel better about everything.

"How've you been doing?" said Jet, walking up to Party and leaning against a lightpost. The guys hadn't really moved much in the past few days. They had moved a bit but hadn't at all switched zones.

"I've been fine," lied Party, crossing his arms, sitting down, his legs crossed on the ground. "Don't go asking me though, you should be asking Ghoul. He's the one who's really been having trouble."

"Hey, I've been checking in on Ghoul a ton and don't think you've got anyone convinced this isn't bothering you too," said Jet, kneeling down in front of Party. Jet was just really fucking observant, wasn't he?"I've seen your face when Ghoul turns away from you. You're hurt."

"Jet, stop."

"Party, I know there's something up. I know you don't want to talk about it to Ghoul but at least talk about it to me or Kobra. C'mon."

"I guess you're right," murmured Party. "I don't want Ghoul to look at me and see someone he can't trust. I want him to see me the way he did before if that's even possible. I miss that."

Jet went for a hug, clutching Party as he said, "I don't know if it can really be the way it was, but I can be here for you and help."

"Thanks," said Party. He didn't return the hug, he just sat there with Jet hugging him until he pulled away. "Thanks Jet, I really do appreciate it."

Jet smiled and patted his shoulder. "Stay strong, dude."

Party let his weak grin fall when he noticed Jet had gone and he just tossed his head back. He really screwed himself over this time, didn't he? He managed to get himself on his feet to walk over to his brother, who seemed to be minding his own business as he sipped coffee, looking rather tired and disheveled.

"You don't look too good," said Party as he sat down in front of his brother and pushed some of the bleach blonde hair from his face. "Keep it up and people won't be able to tell whether you're a Killjoy or just homeless."

"Shut up," said Kobra, yawning. "As a matter of fact I just haven't slept much lately. It's been hard, I've had a lot on my mind."

"Anything on your mind you wanna talk to me about?"

"Not really."

"Look, I don't wanna force anything out of you and I won't, but if it's keeping you up, you need to find some way to clear your mind. If we get in some sort of fight and you're all disoriented, that could be really dangerous."

"Yeah, true." Kobra took a sip from the cup of coffee and said, "You had some earlier, right?"

Party nodded before saying, "You think you can get some sleep? I know, I'm one to talk as a professional insomniac but I also care about you guys more than myself so it's allowed."

Kobra must've been really tired because he didn't even argue with Party as he added, "Have you seen Ghoul? I wanna... I wanna talk to him."

"Things have been rough?" said Kobra, taking another sip.