We bring art to life... (Darren/Alejandro)

[Neko Scot]

I lingered for as long as I could; drawing out the minutes as I painstakingly tidied the storeroom. I'd already taken on that slut's shift in order to stay for an extra hour; but the post office was closing down and soon Mr Reynold came down the stairs in his outdoor gear.

"Darren, Darren." He shook his head. "Why am I not suprised you're still working at eight o'clock at night?"

I shrugged. "To be honest; I need the money, sir."

"Well you're not going to earn it by working ridiculous hours. Take the day off for the next three days; you've been working nonstop for the past five years and I've yet to see you take a day off other than that week's sick leave last year."

My eyes widened. "No!" The words came out rushed. "Don't make me do that; please! Look; I'll stop working so much; just let me work here!"

Mr Reynold looked amused. "I'm not firing you, boy! Merely giving you a well needed rest. Go home now; and say hi to your parents for me."

I nod sullenly, unable to hide my disapointment. "Yes sir."

An hour later I approached the well worn down house that once was a home. The loungeroom blinds were open and the blue light of the TV flickered nonstop on the walls. Taking a few calming breaths, I entered the household.

[mesmu]

My sensitive nose caught a whiff of a scent from earlier.That guy whom helped me. Only it's got fear attached to it now. A little worried I follow the scent to end up out side a dank looking house.

[Neko Scot]

"What. The. Fuck."

I cringed. "I was held back at work." My eyes were trained on the ground. "I couldn't get away until half an hour ago."

A large hand grabbed my chin and yanked my head up so fast I heard an audible crack as my jaw strained under the pressure.

"You were due back two hours ago."

"They just got a whole new pile of non-return letters." It was hard to speak, but I managed. Slowly. And painfully.

The man snorted and shoved me back. My head collided with the wall and I staggered sideways a few steps before regaining my balance.

"Get me dinner. Now."

I bowed my head, refusing to let him see the pain in my eyes.

"Yes, dad."

[mesmu]

Even if its the softest of crashes that reaches my ears, I still growl. Then promptly walk over to the door, eyes narrowed as I knock loudly.

[Neko Scot]

As I threw together a chicken dinner, I heard a loud knocking on the front door. Confusion ruled my mind - no one called upon us. Not even my boss. But it must have irritated my father as he marched straight from the living room and past the kitchen to answer it. A murmer of voices ensued. I listened hard; trying to figure out who it was. My curiosity wasn't sated however, as my father slammed the door on the unknown visitor and locked it. I dared to venture from my kitchen post to intercept him.

"...who was it?"

"Some twink. Now shut up."

A fist cuffed me round the side of my head. A low swear escaped my lips as I felt the tender skin after he'd left; it would bruise. Turning, I made my way back into the kitchen and resumed cooking dinner.

Man. I could really use a freind right now.

[mesmu]

My face flushed in anger , a small jet of fire escaping from between my clenched teeth. And then I hear the click of a lock. Oh! Now I'm really pissed. First the man bitches at me, then he slams the door in my face, and finally he goes as far to lock me out?

Well I know some that'll make his head spin I shout, "FINE THEN BITCH!!!! I'LL BURN THE DOOR DOWN!!!!" My fire lung is at an intense heat as it is, so I just release it on the door, watching it burn into nothing. The I stomp into the household. "I KNOW YOU'RE HIDING SOMETHING IN HERE!!! I'M NO FOOL!!!! NOW SHOW YOUR UGLY FACE ASSHOLE!!!"

[Neko Scot]

When I say I'm not a coward, I'm honestly telling the truth.

However, in situations where the front door is burned down and something comes storming into the house screeching at the top of its lungs; you'd understand my fear.

So the first thing I did was to throw the first object in hand. AKA. The chicken cutting knife.

It missed. And the...thing...that came through the door turned to me with fury in its eyes...that diminished into a normal looking guy.

A certain someone I'd met a 12 hours ago.

So I did the next most sensible thing.

I screamed like a girl and ran outside through the backdoor.

[mesmu]

Confused I quickly follow, worried as well, "Hey um... I still don't know your name. BUT WAIT! I can explain!"

[Neko Scot]

The guy followed me into our small, overgrown backyard and cornered me against the far wall.

"Stay away from me!" I snarled angrily, trying not to let my fear show.

It was the cute guy from earlier, and that's what made it so terrifying. He stood there, all apolegetic, arms spread so I could see he had no weapons.

Though that didn't really matter - I saw that guy burn our front door. Why would he need any weapons?

[mesmu]

"please, I'm so sorry..." I say softly and worriedly. "I'm not upset with you, its that other man, he just pisses me the fuck off." I finish and suppress a growl.

[Neko Scot]

I stayed firmly against the stone wall. Although my body refused to comply with the cajoling in my mind, I couldn't help but feel for him, and how angry he seemed.

Inside, I heard my father speaking urgently into a phone. The words 'lunatic' 'man' and 'help' where heard. In the distance police sirens rang; filling the otherwise silent air.

"Please leave." I begged him. "I don't know who you are."

[mesmu]

"I can sense you don't like it here," I say calmly. "Please come with me." I hold out my hand.

"I can save you from this world you live in." Though I've never been off of this world I've met many travelers and at the very least he'd be safe with my pack.

[Neko Scot]

I felt an insane urge to take his outstretched hand. The guy I didn't know the name of, or even if he was human.

They say human instinct does what's best for you, subconsiously.

But what I did next was against every single instinct I ever had.

"No - get out of here! The police are at the door!" Instead, I pushed him out the back gate, hearing loud voices at my house back door. His tortured eyes held mine for an immesurable moment before he murmered, "I'll be back for you."

And then I was alone in my dark garden.

[mesmu]

Once far enough away I morph and take off, heading home to the fields.

[Neko Scot]

The police chalked the burnt door down to a freak accident; not taking our insistances that someone had burnt it down. After they'd left with a promise to search to area my father sat back down in the living room and cracked open a bottle of beer; greedily sipping the poisen liquid.

Dinner apparently forgotten, I went into my small, sparsely decorated room and sat on the bed, goosebumps travelling up my bare arms.

I felt guilt. Not a small, twinge in your mind guilt, but a gut wrenching, whole mind consuming guilt. It wouldn't leave me. The more I thought of his pleading eyes and outstretched hand I felt even more wretched.

By the time I fell asleep I knew I'd made the wrong decision.