Trust - UsaMamo Week Day 1
In a dark, cramped space with stifling air, something in the chemistry between two people transformed. The universe fell away and, in those seven minutes, actions had no consequences.
But this.. this felt more like Seven Minutes in Hell.
Written for UsaMamo Week 2023, Day 1
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My slightly offbeat take on the kissing game theme. The writing is still a bit raw and unedited, but hope you all enjoy!!
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IV. november
In which the Mallorys endure family dinner.
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Contents: dysfunctional family, locked in a closet, discussion of murder
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Thomas Mallory wants to have his whole family home for the holidays. It isn’t about family, though. Alex learned that right away.
Thomas Mallory wants the family home so he can get pictures to send to the press. Pictures of them pretending to like each other while posing in front of painted backgrounds or in scenes of mundane family bliss.
They sit around a long table, smiling over-bright smiles and pushing food around their plates. As soon as the cameras are gone, the façade drops. They don’t speak except to ask for food to be passed. They make it to dessert without conflict. A record for family dinner.
“You shouldn’t go to those parties, Alexandria.” Irene Cranston-Mallory sits straight backed in her chair. She looks every bit as elegant as she was when Alex met her, but her words make Alex want to either hide in a corner or commit murder.
“You need to be aware of how you represent the family,” Irene goes on. “You might have been able to do whatever you wanted with no consequences before, but here, that will not work.”
“I heard you went drinking with frat boys,” Alex’s half-sister smirks across the table, smug, as if she hadn’t been doing the same thing five years ago. “You know, the decisions you make now can affect you for the rest of your life.”
“Thanks,” Alex says. “I’ll treasure that advice forever.”
“Don’t use that tone of voice on your sister, young lady.” Irene’s back somehow becomes straighter.
“Wouldn’t dream of it. Ma’am.”
Alex knows she made a mistake.
Irene places her napkin on the table, ever so slowly, and takes her time rising. She levels Alex with a stare made of ice.
Everyone is silent as Irene drags Alex from the room, her grip crushing.
She pulls Alex to a spare closet off the kitchen, shoves her into the small space, and locks the door without a word.
Alex thinks of the space as her prayer-closet and wishes she could develop telepathy so she could be rid of Irene and her daughter.
Alex startles at a banging outside. Speaking of the devil …
“Mom says you’ll be here for twice as long as you were at the party,” Ada says. Alex can hear her smiling. “Hope you didn’t drink too much at dinner. Well. Have a good night, Alexandria.”
There’s no way to tell how much time has passed in the prayer-closet. Alex guesses it is almost morning by the pressure in her bladder. To distract herself, she sings loudly, dramatic pop ballads that devolve into bawdy drinking songs.
Eventually, Julian lets her out.
“Again, Alex?” he says wearily.
“Well, you weren’t exactly jumping in to help,” Alex snaps, but she’s not really mad at her half-brother. He’s the only one she can talk to when she’s home.
“I’m sorry,” he says. “What are you thinking?”
“I can’t tell you. I don’t want you implicated when I commit murder.”
“Very funny.”
“I thought so.”
“Maybe wait until after Christmas though.”
“Why? What better present than a morning murder? Merry Christmas to me.”
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to this DAY I am obsessed with the dynamics in this scene. The Thalia v. Percy fight. Them being their fathers' children, giving us just a taste (a preview) of why the big three made an oath to never have any more demigod children. And then you have this interesting distinction of how Chiron interacts with Thalia vs Percy. Because with Thalia, Chiron is stern. He reprimands her. But with Percy, he pleads.... and isn't that just fascinating.
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crowley is going to be mad at aziraphale, but not in the way ppl think.
i keep seeing ppl say crowley wont be angry or will immediately forgive his angel, and like... i get what ur saying, but no. crowley WILL save aziraphale if he needed to, i agree with ppl saying that at least. he would never let any fight between them risk aziraphales safety (ie, running into a church to keep him from being "embarrassed") and he will eventually forgive aziraphale for how that final fifteen convo went (they both r in the wrong tho and i think they both need to apologize. just talk to each other ffs pleaseeee)
but. that doesnt mean he wont be mad. cuz he IS mad. hes hurt and hes going to make it very obvious to aziraphale. does that mean he loves him any less? no. its just means aziraphale is going to have to earn his trust back.
they BOTH need to communicate their feelings, and they both have stuff they need to have a long long talk about. but crowley is allowed to be bitter, and he will be. but. that will never stop him from protecting aziraphale.
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Aziraphale has some bad days in Heaven but he finds the strength to keep fighting.
The Devil’s Red Hair
When duty feels too much to take
I fear my weary mind may break
and as my body starts to shake
I find a place to hide
Once I’m alone I check my watch
wherein I’ve stashed a crimson swatch
red silken strands that smell of scotch
give me the strength to bide
The lock of hair I took from you
that sacred fiery scarlet hue
always hidden from others’ view
but ever at my side
Remembering your parting kiss
a well of tears I can't dismiss
but I've no chance to reminisce
nor dwell on dreams denied
We’ll end the war we can’t outrun
I’ll strive until the fight is done
tear down their rules and yield for none
dismantling their pride
If somehow I survive the test
and you will take me to your breast
beside you I will always rest
our hearts forever tied
I stow my treasure in time’s case
and fix a smile across my face
and stride back to my lofty place
and none will see I’ve cried
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