They took turns explaining the story and current situation, deciding that it really wasn't best to have Clark attempt to say so much so soon - though Clark vehemently protested that he was fine and would likely talk more anyways because that's simply who he is.

Selene had taken Aurelia from the room rather swiftly, off in search of a cat to play with, and Big T and Big Law frequently found themselves wishing they could do the same throughout the retelling. It was, for lack of a better phrase, really fucked up.

Every time the four thought they'd reached the worst of it, some cruel being only twisted it further. As though they got some sick sense of entertainment from the men and women's suffering.

"So... which part did you hire us for?" Techno asked, an air of shocked disgust behind his tone, once it was certain that the story was over.

"We just want Damien to leave us all alone." Clark admitted with a sigh.

It was possibly the quietest, most resigned the others had ever heard him. Maybe it was because he'd talked a little too much, voice hoarse, or maybe it was because those thin, scratchy hospital beds were no good for sleeping in. Most likely, it was because he was just so very tired of the pain he'd come to at the hands of the man he'd once called dad.

"We'll handle that." Big T - Tommy, Big T was really getting old - assured strongly. Big Law nodded along, patting Clark's shoulder reassuringly.

"Consider him gone."

////:\\\\

@JeThrowMeAway
Ophelia stop sending me this one fucking image challenge: failed

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retweets      likes
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@OhOphelia
tell him that you love him he's had a really rough and stressful week so he could use plenty of love and appreciation right now
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@luciddreamer
tell him that you love him he's had a really rough and stressful week so he could use plenty of love and appreciation right now
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@KeresHexxOff
tell him that you love him he's had a really rough and stressful week so he could use plenty of love and appreciation right now
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     @JeThrowMeAway
     Please not you too, I had faith in you.
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     retweets      likes

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"Clark?"

The boy in question hummed from his spot splayed on the bedroom floor, despite a perfectly comfy and vacant bed being right at his side. "Hey Buddy." Ophelia greeted softly, peeking into the room carefully. "Can I come in?"

"Of course." Clark answered warmly but didn't move from his starfish pose.

Ophelia shuffled her way into the room, pushing the door closed behind her. She wasted no time in laying herself down beside him, spreading out comfortably at the ends of his fingers. "You okay?"

He hummed once more before falling silent. Ophelia waited patiently, counting any and all marks she could see on the ceiling.

"It feels... weird. To finally talk about it all." He finally spoke. "It's like I'm living through it again but... faster." His hands pulled down to rest over his stomach, allowing him to shift marginally closer to Ophelia. "But it's also... relieving? I don't have to hide or pretend anymore. I don't have to worry that you'll all think less of me if you found out because you already know."

Ophelia reached between them to offer her open hand. Clark took it slowly and gently.

"Clark, if anything I admire you more now." She admitted in a quiet sounding voice. "I was upset at first - mostly angry at myself for not seeing it or questioning anything - but I never thought less of you for it. I already knew that you were strong and brave and selfless. Now I know that I'll never comprehend the extent of your strength, bravery and selflessness."

She squeezed his hand lightly between rough, warm fingers. "No one should have to deal with that, with someone like him, but if anyone in the world could do it then it would be you. I've never met anyone as incredible as you and I doubt I ever will."

Clark smiled, something crooked but wide and true. For once, he didn't feel the need to fill his mouth with cherries in order to will away the tears. Instead, he let them build and trickle softly across his face and unto the floor beneath them. "I love you, Ophelia. I hope you know I never lied about that."

And Ophelia found herself teary eyed as well. "I know. I love you too, Clark." For a moment, she let them both bask in the glow of one another's company before deciding that she really ought to get on with what she should have told Clark the moment she saw him again.

"And I also know that you're a 'rip the bandaid off' kind of person." She continued and Clark hummed questioningly, urging her to continue. "I'm sure you saw that a few of us paid a visit to Damien's office." He nodded slowly. "Well we... I think we might have found something from your mum."

Clark was quick to sit up, so quick that he had to stabilise himself against the ground while he waited for his vision back.

"I don't know for sure whether it's a.. a note or not.. but it said 'Dear my little Ash' and 'From Mama'. I didn't read anything but that." She promised, sitting up beside him and squeezing their still-clasped hands.

"Do you... do you still have it?" He asked shakily and Ophelia nodded.

"Geo has it, he hasn't opened it either."

"Could I read it?" His pleasing tone was pitiful.

"Of course, yes, yeah." She agreed quickly, standing and dropping Clark's hand. "I'll get it. Do you.. want me to tell the others to leave you be in here?"

He thought for a moment. "Could you send Ro in? And then ask the others not to come in." She nodded before slipping easily from the room, door clicking closed behind her.

////:\\\\

@Sapnap
U @GeorgeNotFound

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@GeorgeNotFound
"Quite Epic" - sapnap
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@chiccennuggies
the fact that Sapnap stole this from an account called gae_frogs is sending me more than the meme itself
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@luciddreamer
That is very pog, like extremely poggers
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     @fleepfloop
     That is very pog, like extremely poggers
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     retweets      likes

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"You're humming the song again." Clay pointed out with an amused tone, resisting the urge to place a hand over his heart to quell the warmth there.

"My song." George corrected, glancing over and grinning.

Clay took in George's smile, took in George entirely. All curled in the desk chair, clad in Clay's joggers and his own merch, humming the song absently as he worked on editing his newest video.

"Your song." He agreed and George didn't miss the smitten way in which he'd said it. He figured he owed it to Clay to let him off the hook, just this once.

"You should record it." He suggested nonchalantly.

"Yeah?" Clay asked from their bed. "Why?"

"What do you mean why? So I can listen to it." George glanced over and gave Clay a confused look before turning back to his monitor. Clay simply laughed.

"I can just play it for you." He reasoned instead and George smirked.

"Okay. Go on then."

"Now?" George hummed an affirmative, standing from the chair and almost skipping to retrieve the love-worn acoustic guitar from its stand by the desk, handing it to Clay. He then sat back in the chair and waited patiently.

Clay eventually realised that George was entirely serious and so readied himself, beginning the song slowly. George smiled when he did so, originally returning to editing before deciding that he really couldn't enjoy the song properly that way. He saved what he had and dragged his ankles up to cross in the chair, spinning to watch Clay as he played.

Just the same as the first time, George could hear the intent and emotion behind every word. Without the slight air of nervousness, he found he was able to enjoy the melody ever more, softly closing his eyes to immerse himself in the wondrous world that was Clay's love for him.

Clay watched, content in his ability to play without looking, as George closed his eyes and let the corners of his lips quirk into a blissful, calm expression. He swayed, ever so slightly, and even mouthed along to a few of the words he'd picked up and remembered and Clay found that so very endearing that he swore he felt his heart tug.

As the song came to a close, George had only a few words to say. Actually, he decided, one seemed to suffice.

"Again."

"Again?" Clay echoed with a laugh and George simply nodded childishly. Despite himself, Clay prepared to repeat the song.

After two more repeats, Clay finally caved and promised that he'd record it for George. George felt satisfied in his victory but more so happy that he'd be able to listen to his song whenever he pleased.

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1.5k words

A quick personal update: I may or may not end up writing more frequently for a short while as I'm currently being quarantined waiting for c*vid test results to come back and writing helps to calm the nerves and keep my mind off it all. I'm not horribly ill to the point of being bedbound or anything but as I'm in the at risk category, it was safer to just get me tested when I started showing symptoms. I'll likely be fine and back to normal in no time :]

Feedback is welcome and appreciated!!

Yours, Dandelion