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 Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 8:28 pm
The bathroom was now a perilous place. The glitter that met his eyes when he switched the light on made him wince, his eyes glancing from the scattered fragments of clear and red glass shards to the gaping hole in the window. He was glad to be in his senshi uniform; he had no fear of glass. But if Damian wanted -- no, Damian needed a shower. He stank. But if he stepped out of the shower without shoes...
Merope pushed the thought from his mind as he retrieved the medkit, leaving the bathroom light on as he left. Seeing Damian instead of Orion was a relief. The fear of his roommate summoning meteors indoors was dispelled -- those would be far too difficult to explain to the landlord.
Quietly, he knelt next to Damian and moved his arm back a bit, trying to get a look at his elbow. He tilted it up and down, and -- there! "This'll sting, you've got some glass in your arm. Also -- hey, I've been looking for that!" He nodded towards his hoodie on Damian's lap, talking more out of nervousness than anything else. As he spoke, he withdrew the tweezers from the kit before tearing open a sterilization pad to clean the tool. "I mean, not recently. I thought I lost that a couple weeks ago -- it's my favorite hoodie. I don't remember where I got it, but it's really cozy not to mention it looks awesome." The tweezers pinched a piece of glass, the bluenette pausing to hold his breath as he withdrew the first shard.
"Where did you go, anyway? I tried calling you, but you didn't pick up. It made me worried -- I even tried calling Alba and Simon, but either they didn't know or didn't pick up either. Makes me wonder if my senshi phone is glitching somehow for some reason..."
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Posted: Fri Apr 29, 2011 10:12 pm
The touch on his arm made him jump slightly, but then he settled looking over at Merope. "Oh, yeah. I accidentally took it with me when I left. Sorry." He didn't move to give it back though, it was a comfortable pillow. He watched the bluenette clean the tweezers, not looking forwards to whatever they were going to be used for.
He winced when his roommate started pulling the glass out of his arm. Maybe breaking into his own place wasn't such a good idea after all. "Ouch." His nose wrinkled and he tried to ignore the little stings from Merope pulling the glass out of him. He just told himself he was lucky that a bigger shard didn't get stuck inside him, or something.
His best friends words made him frown, feeling guilty again. For a long moment he didn't say anything, but then he sighed and the words came out. "New York, and I got your calls...I just avoided them" The words were said quickly, and he looked away. He had a feeling the bluenette was going to be upset with him when he heard that. He just hoped he didn't ask why. He wasn't sure he wanted him to know that he remembered his drunken awkward night.
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Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 12:46 am
"No biggie, I'm just glad to see it again. I lost it a couple weeks before you left." Merope said, dropping the glass onto the spent sterilizing sheet. "I might need to wash it, though. No offense, but you... you're not exactly bright and shining right now."
Merope tweezed out another shard of glass, wincing. "Speaking of, don't go to the bathroom just yet." He paused, dropping out the glass before moving to find the next. "Or at least wear flipflops. Just in case." He didn't elaborate on the how or why -- they both knew, and Merope had a different topic to fry.
He continued to remove the shards of glass that he could see, the occasional "Sorry," slipping out from under his breath. That is, until Damian explained himself. The Sailor Senshi's hands hovered over Damian's wound, quietly turning it this way and that. He let go, carefully picking up the spent sterilization pad and its wrapper.
"You know," he began quietly, rising from where he sat to walk over to the trash bin. "I was afraid for you. I thought something happened to you, or worse. The fact that I could keep calling you was the only proof I had that you weren't dead." He twisted the kitchen sink on and held the tweezers under the water, leaning against the counter as he watched the steam rise from the hot water. "But here you are, fine and dandy and dirty but in once piece. You could have easily called me. Hell, if you didn't want to talk, you could have just picked up and hung up again. Or tell me to stop calling."
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Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 1:08 am
At Merope's words Damian lifted his head slightly, looking down at the dirt smear his face had left across the once clean hoodie. He smiled a bit sheepishly, lowering his head back onto it. "Sorry. I'll throw it in with my stuff next time I do the wash." He needed a shower too, he still felt grungy from the alley even though most the dirt had disappeared with his fuku.
When he was warned about going into the bathroom he sighed. Yeah, breaking the window was definitely a stupid idea. "Alright. I'll put some shoes on and sweep before I shower." He wondered if he should promise to fix and repaint the walls now since he seemed to be apologizing about everything else. He couldn't bring himself to bring it up though, the thought of throwing Merope against the wall like he had was tearing him up inside. He'd never gotten quite that angry before.
Once all the glass was out Damian sighed, watching his roommate clean up the glass he'd pulled out of him. He wanted to say thank you, thank you for not hating him, for helping him, but he didn't get the chance before the lecture started.
The redhead bit his lip, closing his eyes. Carter was afraid for him. That alone made him feel horrible. He felt like even more of an a** now for not calling, or at least leaving a note. Slowly he pushed himself up, crossing the apartment to stand behind Merope. Lifting a hand he gripped his shoulder, squeezing lightly. "I'm sorry," He paused letting his words linger on the air. "I wasn't thinking right, I just..." He swallowed hard and looked away as he continued on. "I remembered what I said to you when I was drunk, and what....happened." He hoped his roommate would catch his drift because he really didn't want to have to say 'I remember getting turned on while lying on top of you' out loud. "I freaked out, and that was the big reason why I left, and was avoiding you, and was avoiding coming home." His hand fell away from Merope's shoulder and he sighed. "I'm sorry."
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Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 5:34 am
The hand on his shoulder made him jump. He wasn't expecting Damian to touch him, and even if he was -- wait what. Merope stared at the counter. Damian left because he was drunk and acted inappropriately? Just once? There were other times Damian was smashed, but Carter would do his best to either stay out of his way or find an excuse to get out. But... really?
Merope whirled around, spinning and twisting so that Damian's hand slid off of his shoulder. His hand was extended in a fist, a punch flying towards Damian. It fell short; Merope did not extend his arm all the way, and only extended it slowly to lightly jab at Damian's torso. "You're a giant idiot, you know that?" Merope began, head down and eyes focused on his fist. He didn't want to look Damian in the eyes to see his blush as he lectured him, "You're my best friend and teammate. It's going to take more then that to get rid of me."
The essence of Sailor Merope melted away, Carter's fist falling back down to his side. He sighed, running a hand nervously through his hair. "Just..." His hand ran through his hair again before he finally looked up, trying to manage a half-smile. "Just go take your shower, okay? I... I'd like to talk to you about some things, but you need to get cleaned up. I'll keep the medkit out here -- it'd be best to put some band-aids on your scratches."
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Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 10:56 am
When Merope turned to face him Damian took a half-step back, not expecting the sudden movement. Silver eyes glanced down to his fist and he flinched, expecting to get covered in cold seawater.When he was only jabbed he relaxed a little, raising a hand to rub the back of his head. Yeah, he knew he was an idiot, drinking like he did, leaving like he did. All of that was definitely idiot behaviour. He didn't say that though, instead stared down at Merope as he listened to him talk.
His words made him feel like a weight was taken off his shoulders. Carter didn't hate him, they were still best friends even though Damian had been a complete idiot. Now he definitely felt like a fool for worrying so much and taking off like he did.
The redhead watched Merope turn into Carter and then nodded. "Yeah, a shower sounds good." He was suddenly nervous again, not exactly sure what Carter wanted to talk to him about. Probably his drinking, which wasn't a conversation he was looking forwards to having at all. He began to turn away to head into the bathroom, but suddenly he stopped and turned, closing the distance between the two. Only this time, instead of grabbing Carter and throwing him against a counter, he was grabbing him and hugging him tight. "Thank you for not giving up on me." For a moment he just stood there hugging his best friend.
Slowly he let go, and with a smile that almost made him look like his old self he reached up tousling the bluenette's hair."Now you're the one bandaging me up." The last time they had used the first aid kit was to take care of Carter's wounds. Turning away from him Damian headed through the bedroom and into the bathroom, glass crunching under his sneakers as he stripped down. His shoes and socks were taken off just before he stepped into the shower, not wanting to step on glass.
Turning the water to hot Damian stepped under the spray of water to wash the night away.
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Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 10:20 pm
Carter was in the middle of taking a deep breath in preparation for a sigh when Damian suddenly turned and caught him up in a tight hug, the shorter man's breath lost as it was squeezed out of him. "Hey, that's what best friends are for, right?" His voice was muffled, face pressed tightly into Damian's shirt. His embrace was warm, comforting and...
"Dude." Carter put his hands up and pushing back. "But c'mon. You really need a sh- hey!" He swatted at the taller man's hand, laughing as his hair was tousled. "Great! Thanks man, now I need to take a shower too. Ugh, what the hell did you get into, anyway? Go on," He nudged Damian in the direction of the shower, grinning.
When the water was turned on, Carter sighed and rubbed his head, his eyes flickering to the wall that bore the beer stain. Forced mirth faded from him as he practically fell onto the couch, taking slow deep breaths. His roommate had thrown him into the wall. His teammate attacked him. His best friend looked like he was going to kill him.
But he wasn't going to do that anymore. Right? Everything was sorted out. He was fine. Damian was fine. Damian was sober now, he wouldn't do it again, right? He wasn't so sure. His eyes drifted towards the door before he shook his head. This was one problem he couldn't run from. He had to face it right here and now, and be prepared to transform into Merope again -- just in case.
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Posted: Sat Apr 30, 2011 11:18 pm
Damian smiled at Carter's words. Yeah, that was exactly what best friends were for. He just wasn't used to it. Before Carter he hadn't had a best friend, before the Pleiades he really hadn't had any true friends. He had been a drifter in high school, floating from clique to clique never really settling down. He was popular enough, generally known as a ladies man, but really he was on his own. Joining the Pleiades and getting to know Carter, Alba, and Simon was the best thing that had happened to him.
In the shower he closed his eyes, the hot water cutting through the grime to soak into his skin. For a while he just stood like that until the shower filled with steam. Picking up the shampoo he squirted a dollop into his palm and worked it into his hair. Now that he was alone and had a quiet moment to think he found himself going over what he did again. He sighed as he scrubbed his scalp, he couldn't believe he had thrown Carter into a wall. He had been drunk yes (if he was being honest the pounding in his head was telling him he was still a little drunk), but that didn't excuse what he did. Tilting his head back he rinsed the shampoo and dirt out of his hair. He needed to apologize and stop drinking, only...the idea of being completely sober all the time was a bit scary. If he was sober he'd have to face the fact that his band was going nowhere, and that he had been in love before and whoever she had been was gone now. He wasn't ready to face that, not yet.
Grabbing the conditioner he squirted some into his hand, working it into his red locks. Maybe he should just stop thinking for now, if he stopped thinking maybe things would work themselves out on their own. It was doubtful, but Damian could hope.
Leaving the conditioner in his hair Damian started soaping up his body, being careful around his elbow and paying particularly close attention to his face. He wanted to make sure all the make up was washed away. With his eyes shut he moved under the spray of water again, tilting his head upwards so the soap would be washed off his face and body. His hair was rinsed out next and by then the water was starting to cool.
Shutting it off he was careful as he stepped out of the shower, avoiding the glass on the bathroom floor. Grabbing a towel from the rack he scrubbed at his hair and then at his body getting himself as dry as he could. When that was done he wrapped the towel around his waist, tucking the corner in so it hung by itself. He was about to turn and walk out of the room when he paused, catching sight of something odd.
Carefully he approached the toilet, stepping around glass. He pushed down on the lid of the reservoir, arching a brow as it wiggled. Well, that wasn't right. Lifting the lid he set it on the ground and then looked inside. What...the <********> Why the hell was his beer in the toilet? He felt his anger flare up looking in the direction of the living room. Carter had said he had no idea where his beer was, but this...who the hell else would have put his beer inside the toilet?
Pulling one bottle out he stalked out of the bathroom not even bothering to get dressed before he confronted Carter, shoving the bottle in his face. "What the ******** is this, Carter? You ******** lied to me. What the hell, man?!" That was what really hurt him more than anything, that Carter acted like he had no idea what happened to his stash.
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Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 12:34 am
Carter visibly jumped when Damian confronted him. He would have stood up if Damian wasn't in his way, forcing him to stay seated. The bottle, now. He stared at the wet bottle, his guilt catching up to him. There was no point in denying it or playing dumb now. "And?" He asked sharply. "You were gone for several days and avoided my calls. Excuse me for being more concerned for your well-being and the fact that you're still in one piece instead of lying down in an alleyway as a corpse!"
He sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry for lying. Okay? Just --" He gestured towards the wall. "When I come back to an empty place and find that there..." his words trailed off as he shook his head, unable to continue.
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Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 12:46 am
Damian wanted to throw something, he almost threw the beer bottle but that would be a waste. While Carter's words made him feel a twinge of guilt it wasn't enough to erase his anger. He was about to go off on him when Carter started pointing out the new beer stains on the wall. He looked from them then back to the bluenette, eyes narrowing.
"That was done by Devi after she broke up with me because I chose you over her! I'm not some completely dysfunctional drunk, Carter." The beer bottle was slammed down on the coffee table before he turned to stare at his roommate again. Sighing he raked his fingers through still damp hair. "Just tell me where the rest of it is and we'll be done with it." He didn't particularly fancy the thought of drinking beer that had been in a toilet, even if it had just been in the reservoir and not the actual bowl.
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Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 6:12 am
He couldn't do anything but stare at Damian in mute surprise. He knew Damian had a girlfriend, but to choose between him and her -- what lead up to that? While he and Requiem did not see eye to eye... how did he wind up between them as the source of their argument? Maybe -- no. He looked away as the heat rose up in his cheeks. Was it because they slept together in the same bed? How many people believed that "sleeping together" meant having an intimate relationship when it was just being asleep in the same bed?
"I'm sorry," he said, looking up at his roommate. "For whatever I did that drove you two apart. I may not like her, but... I'm sor-" He jumped as the beer bottle was slammed down, the heat in his cheeks replaced by a pale chill.
"You know," Carter began, rising from his seat to face Damain. He still had to look up in order to stare into Damian's pale grey eyes. "Let's not be done with it. Do you have any idea how many empty bottles you keep leaving behind? There's way too many to be healthy. We might be senshi and we might be able to heal faster than anyone else, but that's with wounds Damian. Livers are near irreplaceable. Not only that, you're damn dangerous when you're drunk."
He reached out, jabbing Damian in the middle of his chest. "I don't know everything. But what I do know is that you're not going to find your answers at the bottom of the bottle, especially when it leads you to throwing your own teammates into a wall."
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Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 10:31 am
Damian could see the surprise on Carter's face and he wasn't all that surprised himself. It was a bit of a bomb to drop, and Damian hadn't mentioned that he'd also chosen the Pleiades over her. But the rest of the Pleiades weren't there, it was him and Carter and a bottle of beer.
His roommate's apology fell on deaf ears. Damian didn't really care in that moment, and beyond that it wasn't something that needed to be apologized about. Damian would always chose Carter and the Pleiades, so any girl who didn't understand and accept that would have to go.
As Carter stood up Damian put his hands on his hips, careful not to dislodge his towel, and stared down at him. His eyes darkened as he looked down at him, each word just stoking the fire. A part of him knew Carter was right, if he kept drinking the way he was drinking he was going to need a liver transplant along with being the dysfunctional drunk he claimed not to be. But then he called him dangerous and something snapped.
The redhead hit Carter's hand away, glaring down at him. "Yeah, you don't know everything, so why don't you just back the ******** off!" He shoved the smaller man away from him as he spoke, his anger starting to boil over. "If I'm so ******** dangerous why don't you just leave? Just get the ******** out and let me drink my liver away." His hands clenched into fists, he didn't want to have this fight, not really. He just wanted his beer, and that was the one thing Carter wouldn't give him.
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Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 6:50 pm
Carter matched Damian's glare as his hand was slapped away. He wasn't prepared for the shove -- he stumbled back, wincing as his healing leg took most of his weight. <********! Damnit Damian, I'm trying to ******** help you!" He spat, straightening up. "I'm not going to leave you. Too bad for you, I'm your friend and I'm not going to ditch you so easily! Calm down and listen to yourself."
His own hands curled into fists as he spoke, knees bent and ready to move should the worst come to worst. "You said you chose the Pleiades over your girlfriend. Then let us help."
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Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 7:16 pm
Damian's fist tightened as Carter spoke and he looked away. He just wanted to be left to drink in peace, was that so much to ask for? The redhead gritted his teeth. Listen to himself? So what, he wanted to have a drink that wasn't that big of a deal. Sure, he got a little crazy sometimes, but it wasn't that often.
Turning to face his roommate he growled. "I don't need help!" The word help was punctuated by Damian's fist flying into Carter's face. He had completely lost control, even the tips of his ears were turning red. "I don't need you to ******** help me. You're not my mother, or my girlfriend, you're nothing!" Another punch was thrown, this time at Carter's torso.
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Posted: Sun May 01, 2011 9:31 pm
Despite being thrown twice today, Carter was not ready for the punch. He was just an ordinary teen who just so happened to have the powers to transform into a magical warrior from a star. He wasn't Superman or any other sort of Saturday morning cartoon who was prepared for anything. Superman probably could have caught Damian's fist in his hand. Carter caught it instead on his cheek, yelping before catching the second punch in his stomach. He doubled over, hands landing upon the coffee table and couch in a vain attempt to hold himself steady as he struggled to catch his breath.
This position, however, enabled him to charge at Damian and tackle him.
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