Cloud Association: Pretty Boy Psycho

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When we land in the woods Casey's more unconscious than he is conscious. Getting him safely down from Honey is a struggle, especially with Danny being staggery; he's gained deep gashes though none appear to be fatal. I sit in-between the two of them. Casey slopes against my right shoulder giving off groans every other minute.

"Do you think Casey has concussion?"

"Maybe. Try keep him awake to be safe."

"''Kay. You alright there, Case? Sorry I teased you before our job."

"Teased who?"

"You, I teased you."

"Herm."

I hold his hand. Give it a squeeze. "You had me worried laid on the floor like you were. I hope you weren't out cold for long."

Danny sits himself right by Casey. "Thanks for helping me out mate." Gives his shoulder a thank you rub. "He like took a few down for me. Reckon I'd have been killed if he'd not stepped in." Danny carries on rubbing at Casey's shoulder.

"Get off." Casey does a one shoulder shrug then slouches right down my arm.

"He doesn't like being touched."

"Seriously?"

"Mostly. Don't mind me, do you?"

"Head hurts."

"Much? Are you dizzy? How's your vision?" I touch his head; it's hot. "Hey Case, you dizzy?"

"A little."

"Look up."

"No, makes me dizzier."

"Then talk to me instead." I wait for speech. He doesn't give me any. "He's not right." Even though I want to avoid him being too comfy, to put him off sleeping, I put my arms round him, hold him close.

"Sorry I messed up," gets mumbled into my arm.

"You did great."

"No before. Ignoring you."

"Don't worry about that."

"I wouldn't want me either." His eyes get heavy. I give him a shake as he starts drifting off. "Get off. I said no. Get off. Please."

"It's me, Case." He must have concussion. What an awful memory to have. I really hope he isn't immersed in that abusive moment. I wonder if he has night terrors about Justin from time to time.

Ooo Geordie and Charlie join us sooner than I thought they would. "Lee is escorting the students to Kensington," is Geordie's punchy explanation, as he sits himself next to me, pressing a hand to his ribcage. "What's he groaning about?"

"I think he has concussion."

"Any wounds Danny?"

"Only flesh ones."

Charlie hovers over Geordie. "You're alive does this mean you killed Midnight?"

"Afraid I messed up there."

"You mean all this was for nothing?" Charlie heaves a heavy sigh. "And we'll be in deeper trouble than before."

"Hey, I said only me or Midnight was coming outta Spindle Tower alive."

Danny smiles. "In Al we trust."

Charlie sits down in front of me. "Al, you made her go away?"

I tilt my head slightly to one side. "No one hurts my family or threatens our home."

"He was epic. Came through for us. We ought to be called Team Al."

I shake my head. "I like how we are."