Intertwined

Chapter 2

The water splashed across his face for the 5th time today, being rubbed hard against his face despite the burning sensation that was starting to rise.

This was a nightmare, all a God damn nightmare it was. He's still sleepy and imagining things, he might have drank something last night during the party.

Vert and the rest of his team had a party last night, over another victory from the Reds. Yeah, the memories were starting to come back to him. He remembers having a few drinks and laughs here and there. The drinks were mild at best, for he had to keep his mind up in case of an emergency, but the last one was pretty strong if he remembered correctly. It made his mind go rather fuzzy from one shot. Thankfully it was just one shot. 

He can't remember the trip to his room though. Only a few flashes of color, at least he got back to safety.

Yes, it was most likely the drinks from last night that was making him see this-

The bright red sentence remained on his chest, glowing for all the world to see. His mind was clear, he didn't feel weak or thirsty, the room stood perfectly and the beat of his heart started to increase as the reality started to set in.

This was no hangover or hallucinations, this was all real. The mark, the color, the words, all of them real. There was no denying it now.

Krytus, one of the most vile beings in the Multiverse, the one who had destroyed the Blue Sentient Race, the one who wants to kill Sage.

And the one that the Multiverse decided to tie the Red String to.

Vert's handa shot up to cover his mouth as he felt the bile rising up his throat. If he were to barf right now, it would be heard by his teammates. Then they'll try to come in to see what's wrong, he'd have to barricade the door but they'll succeed anyway because of what they're trained for andthenthey'llseehismarksand-

He forced himself to swallow the bile. Looking at himself, at the red mark, Vert knew what he must do.

It wasn't easy trying to hide a Soulmate Mark, not even getting a skin graft would help, for it will just appear even under the skin. Along with cutting of your body parts since it will just appear in another place instead…

But there are ways to hide it. Either with thick cloth, or with makeup.

Vert may not be a makeup artist, but he is good enough with hiding marks. He's been doing it since high school, so that his mom won't see the bruises.

Then again, she doesn't notice a lot of things. 

(Momlyingonbedalldayeyesemptyhousequietshecanthearyouitsalldadsfault)

The blonde quickly shakes himself out of those thoughts. Nevermind his mother, especially when there's more pressing matters to attend to!

With the decision made, he reached towards the pouch situated at the right side of the sink. The pouch contained alcohol, cottons, foundation, a small bottle of lotion, translucent powder, a number of colorful sponges, lipstick, and setting spray. Checking how much there is, all of it would be enough to cover the mark completey. He'd have to restock later though.

Taking a deep breath, Vert opened the alcohol and started.

By the time he was finished, the rest of the team had already finished breakfast. All there was left on the table was a plate of pancakes with bacon & eggs along with a glass of orange juice. He finished it all and washed the empty plate and glass.

The growing pit of his stomach didn't stop.

His mind seemed to be on autopilot as he walked into the main room of the Hub where all the others are. He couldn't seem to hear them as he slouched down on the couch and watch the TV, not really paying any attention to what's happening.

It's only when Zoom starts to shake him that his returns to reality.

"Vert? Are you, okay?" The youngest member of their team, being only 19, asked him. There was worry obvious on his face.

No he wasn't alright.

"Uh, yeah. Yeah, I am," Vert answered slowly to Zoom as he gently pushed the hand on his shoulder away, "Just, tired from yesterday…"

Zoom didn't looked convinced but thankfully didn't push any further.

Eventually, Vert fell right back to the unconsciousness as the show on the TV continued playing.

The last he saw was a man in a red suit.