DESCENDING FF P3 PG2 22/04

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-Rehanna-

@-Rehanna-

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 6 years ago

Aditya Hooda resides in a small town where you're not accepted if you're anything but normal. Having continuous struggles to understand social cues and often saying the wrong thing without realising it, life has never been easy for the man who just wants to make people smile. But there is something that makes him smile, the cabaret and the circus, spending his evenings watching the beautiful woman sing sometimes and be an acrobat the others, he's sure he's in love with her and if she'd just look his way, she'd love him too.

But Zoya didn't move to a smaller village to be found, she wants to stay hidden, but she just can't seem to walk away from the man who might just be the only person who never saw her for her scars, instead he sees her for who she really is.

Descending is a story of a love that defies all the odds, because when you're falling is when you learn how to fly.

+++

The slam of a bat upon a rough palm was the only sound that echoed down the empty alley, recoiling away from the sound the young man pulled his knees to his chest, screwed his eyes shut and held his breath. The oily paint that covered his face made him scrunch his nose up to soothe the itch he was too fearful to scratch, peering open an eye he gazed down at the extra large clown shoes on his feet, dusted with red and blue and ripped at the seams causing the water on the ground to find it's way to his socks that had seen better days. He didn't want to be scared, he wanted to be brave, but try as he might he couldn't stop his body from shaking.

"Come out clown, we won't hurt you" a loud cackle made his chest vibrate, placing his hand on his bald head he eyed the trash chute that covered the curly, rainbow coloured wig that still sat on the man's head, with a sneer he walked forward "There you are".

Looking up he found his way to his feet, he had said he wouldn't hurt him, so now he had nothing to be afraid of. Smiling widely his eyes widened "I am a clown" he said while honking the red, squeaky nose that sat atop his, his smile widened when the bald man laughed again, all he had ever wanted was to make people happy.

"Yes, you are, oi boys I found him, come here" without taking his eyes off of him, he slung the bat over his shoulder "What's your name?"

"Aditya".

"My name's Robbo" he found it absolutely hilarious how oblivious he was to what was going to happen to him, it was his own fault really, he had it coming, freaks had no place here.

"Hello Robbo" upon seeing more men join the gang, he gulped and dropped his head "You aren't going to hurt me, are you?"

"Now why would you think that?" Robbo's tone seemed calmer now, maybe even slightly friendly "I just want to see you perform your act".

Aditya spread out his feet "I am a clown and-" before he could continue, one of the men's fist smashed into his face knocking him back into the wall, lifting his arms to cover his head, he let out a cry "You said you wouldn't hurt me".

The vein on Robbo's head enlarged, swinging the bat forward he dropped it onto his head, the snap of a bone breaking was nothing short of music to his ears "People like you don't belong here, freak" he spat as he watched him coil into himself, blood merging into the puddle that surrounded him, his quivering body dressed in attire suitable for a circus made the situation more humorous. "Let's finish him". He was seconds away from moving to hold him down when an alarmed voice shouted from behind.

"What are you doing to him?" A stern expression covered Zoya's face, eyes dark with determination, yet enraged at the same time "Get away from him before I call the police" shoving past them, she knelt down, uncaring for the water that drowned the bottom of her dress "Hey, hey it's okay, you're safe now".

"LIAR" Aditya jumped up, pushed her away and ran as fast as he could, sliding across the ground as he tripped over the clown shoes, he continued his pursuit to get away, ignoring the woman's shouts for him to come back. Spotting his bloody reflection in a shop mirror, he came to a halt and pulled off the wig from his head "They said it would be funny to dress up like a clown" chucking it to the floor, he snivelled, running a hand beneath his nose "But I'm not laughing". Tears pooled in his eyes, dripping over his cut cheeks that were still covered with paint, he looked like a freak now, so maybe they were right, maybe that was what he was.

Finally catching up with him, she exhaled and stepped forward "Hey" frowning at the way he flinched, she pursed her lips to the side "I don't want to hurt you, I just want to make sure you're okay" choosing to ignore her horrid fear of clowns, she put on her warmest smile "Is there somewhere I could take you to?"

Looking to the side, he tapped his left foot three times, moved his hands to his hair and tugged at it "Go away" his body moved with each heavy breath "Go away" his voice got louder "I said GO AWAY" bashing his fist into the shop window, he turned and ran again, knocking into many people and tripping over his own feet as he did.

Zoya crossed her arms over her body, she hated this town and its people for their constant cruelty, her heart ached for the pain he must've been in, everyone had their own little quirks and it was unfair for him to be belittled for his. As much as she wanted to help, she knew she'd never catch up with him now, placing her hands together she shut her eyes "Please keep him safe", glancing down at her watch she sighed heavily, if she wasn't in her work clothes and already late for work, she would have chased him, but she couldn't afford to lose her job.

+++

Aditya knelt down beside the window of the nightclub, fingers gripping onto the rim of the window and eyes peering through the shaded blinds, he had always enjoyed the cabaret, the way they dressed, the way they sung, the way they danced- it was all magnificent to him. The ruby red curtains behind the stage matched the woman's lipstick, her emerald green dress with the slit up the side was quite plain in comparison to the norm, but that didn't matter to him. He had craved to meet this woman, become her friend, she was different, just like him.

Turning her head to the window, her eyes widened, stepping down from the stage she moved a gloved hand toward the blind and pulled them apart. Raising her hand, she waved slightly, the last thing she wanted to do was scare him away again, but it was quite likely that he couldn't recognise her with her hair so different- pin straight and tied back and contact lenses hiding her true eye colour, but she remembered him.

He was in awe, she had finally seen him, finally looked his way. Then he remembered the blood that smeared over his features, she'd never like him like this, scurrying back he shook his head, turned on his heel and ran. Skidding onto his knees as soon as he reached the comfort of his home, grabbing the sponge from the sink he scrubbed it over his face, ignorant of how raw his skin became as he fought to remove all the paint, moving to the sink he threw water on himself, gasped and gripped the sideboard "I am NOT A CLOWN, I AM NOT A CLOWN", falling onto his knees again he pulled the shoes from his feet and threw them into a cabinet, hands tight around his soft, sooty coloured hair as he rocked back and forth "I am Aditya, I am not a clown, I am Aditya" sliding onto his back, he curled up, shut his eyes and allowed the darkness to overtake him.

He was not a clown, he was Aditya, the man who had only ever wanted to make people smile.

Okay so like, I know this story may sound really weird, but I watched the Joker trailer for the new Joker film that's coming out and found some inspiration. But anyway, I hope you like it:))

Part 2~ Below

Part 3~ Page 2

Edited by -Rehanna- - 6 years ago

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Frequent Posters

Jai Shree Ram

@Aquabutterfly

Rocker

+ 18

Posted: 6 years ago

WOW is the only word I have to describe this beautiful story. ❤️ Each emotion, ranging from angst to hurt to broken hope, was just flawlessly penned. I have to say that you are a very talented writer and your control on words is commendable. 👏 Truly speaking, my heart clenched reading the pain Aditya was going through while Zoya felt helpless.

I was going to say this reminds me of the Joker but then I read your little note at the end.

I would love to read more from you. Please continue this story soon and PM me when/if you update this or write another story

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-Rehanna-

@-Rehanna-

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 6 years ago

Originally posted by: Aquabutterfly
WOW is the only word I have to describe this beautiful story. ❤️ Each emotion, ranging from angst to hurt to broken hope, was just flawlessly penned. I have to say that you are a very talented writer and your control on words is commendable. 👏 Truly speaking, my heart clenched reading the pain Aditya was going through while Zoya felt helpless.
I was going to say this reminds me of the Joker but then I read your little note at the end.
I would love to read more from you. Please continue this story soon and PM me when/if you update this or write another story

Aw. Thank you love. You are very sweet, it wasn't an easy chapter to write so im glad I didn't mess it up.

Oh same, writing it was so hard!

I am obsessed with that trailer, I cannot wait for it.

Thank you darling, I will do

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-Rehanna-

@-Rehanna-

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 6 years ago

~2~

Aditya's eyes lit up as they fluttered over the large dome that stood before him, the stripes of colour on the roof made him recall the first ever rainbow he'd set eyes on. It was a good day that day, the sun was shining, and everyone was laughing because he'd fallen into a puddle, he always was good at making people laugh, even though that day it had been an accident. The wind fluttered through the tent as he approached it slowly, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape, he held out his ticket to the man.

Brian raised a brow "This showing is particularly for children, I'm afraid you can't come in".

"Why are you afraid?" Keeping his eyes on the grass, he stuffed the toes of his trainers into the mud "I just want to watch".

Zoya pulled her coat around her body, exiting from the side she pushed her hair from her face "Hey Brian, can you tell" she stopped as soon as she saw him again, unsure of what to say she turned to her friend "Does he want to watch?"

"Yep, but I've told him he can't".

Shaking his head fast he looked from side to side "I just want to watch, but this man said no, everyone should be able to see the circus".

"Let him in" she took his ticket "He's my guest".

"No, I'm not, she's lying" his hair bobbed when his head did "She is lying, lying".

Looking to Brian, she stepped forward "Would you be my guest for this showing, please?"

"Okay, I will be your guest" he still hadn't looked up at her, but he had decided that he liked her voice, she also smelt of candyfloss and that was his favourite thing in the whole wide world, turning to follow her as she walked, he stopped when she did "You smell of candyfloss".

Zoya turned her head over her shoulder "Thank you" it was perhaps the strangest compliment she had received, but one that would stick with her for a while "Do you like the circus?"

"I love the circus, when I was younger I always used to visit the circus, every Sunday" he recalled the spotlight descending over the performers as they always made him stare in awe, the way they would leap from one act to another, he had only ever wished to bring to joy to people the same way the circus had brought joy to him.

"I have to go and get ready for my act now" she knew she had something to do before she went on stage, but after seeing him again she couldn't quite remember "You go and take your seat".

"Take it where?"

Her brows furrowed, he seemed to take everything literally "Sorry, I meant go and sit in a seat so you can watch the show" turning back into the tent she dropped her coat over a chair then walked toward the mirror, wiped her hands down over her black sequin leotard with lace over the chest area, and pulled her hair into a band, sitting on the chair she sighed loudly, as much as she loved the freedom of her job, she still got nervous every time she went out, one wrong move and it could be life threatening.

Aditya jogged his legs, hands steepled beneath his chin as he watched the Jester somersault till he was back in the centre of the main area, hold his arms out and bow. The announcement of the trapeze artist made his chest fill with warmth, she was his most treasured act, he loved the way she flew so freely.

Zoya waved her hand as her trapeze moved with her perched above it as if it was a swing, letting go with both hands she dropped back so the only thing holding her up was her two legs wound around the bar, releasing one leg she swung forward and grabbed the rope with her right hand and pointed her right leg up above the bar, spinning to grab it with her other hand, she hoisted her hips up and stood atop the bar. Then, as the music began to get louder, she spread her arms out and dropped, gasps from the crowd now outweighing the music in her ears as she hung with one foot.

Aditya rose to his feet, hands covering his mouth as she moved slowly, as if unconscious, suddenly she pulled her self up, legs now behind each rope and spread widely as her arms rested on her hips, she sat back atop the bar, span it around and led back, hands weightless and floppy until she came to a stop and stood back up. She really was the most stunning woman he had the pleasure to set eyes on. She was ethereal, floating in the air, soaring to heights he could only dream of reaching.

Arriving on the floor, she bowed, eyes searching the crowd for her guest, a calmness overtook her when she saw him kicking the ground but facing her, putting a thumb up, she waved at the children then backed away into the darkness before her next act.

+++

It had gone midnight when Zoya was finally able to pack up and head home, her shoulders ached from the constant rehearsals and she knew she should probably take a break for some time before getting back up there, but she couldn't help it, up there, no one could even touch her, she was free to be exactly who she wanted to be. A shrill scream escaped her when she bumped into someone, stepping back she shone her torch "Who are you?"

Aditya covered his eyes, backing away he swung his arm up to knock the torch on the floor.

Holding her hands up, she stood still "Sorry, I didn't know it was you, it's okay, see, it's gone" she was thankful that he seemed to not panic anymore "How come you're still here?"

"I saw you before, when they made me dress like a clown, then I saw you singing, I always see you, but you never speak to me, now you do, why?" Raising his hands to his ears at the bang, his body became rigid.

"I never noticed you until the clown thing" she didn't want to bring up bad memories "But now I know you enjoy my work, I want to be your friend".

"I don't want to be your friend, no, no" Aditya went to walk away when he felt her hand on his shoulder, shrugging it off he turned back.

Zoya crossed her arms "It's rude to tell someone that you don't want to be their friend unless you actually have a good reason for it, like maybe if they have been mean to you" she knew she hadn't known him for so long, but it still hurt her feelings.

Unaware that he had said something wrong, he looked up at the sky "Sorry, I don't want to be your friend because I want to be more than friends" tapping his arm he whistled to himself "You could love me if you tried".

She was gobsmacked at his response "But, I hardly know you, don't you think you're going too fast" a sense of dread washed over her, had she accidentally put herself in danger by being nice?

"Going where too fast?" Aditya swayed from side to side.

"No, not going anywhere, I meant like it's too fast for you to say you want me to love you, I've only known you for two days".

"But I have known you for years, I've watched you sing and perform, I know you and I know you could if you tried, it's not fast for me".

A firm expression now shadowed her features "This is inappropriate, are you telling me you've been stalking me? What's wrong with you?" Anger laced her tone and made her see red, walking past him she was tempted to ignore him but waited to listen to what he had to say.

"I have Aspergers syndrome, I find it hard to relate to other people or understand their feelings and I won't comprehend what you are saying unless you say it directly, I suffer from sensory overload when things are too loud or too bright and I don't like looking people in the eye, but I have an I.Q of 146, that means I am a genius, you are not a genius, but that's okay, I'll love you anyway".

Zoya let out a high pitch laugh "No, I'm not a genius" instead of leaving she walked back to him "So, to be direct, I need more time to know you, just because you have watched me doesn't mean you know me, so for now, let's be friends".

"How much time?"

"I'll let you know when I know, do you fancy something to eat?"

Aditya looked over her shoulder "I do not find food attractive, goodnight".

"Wait I" she shouted out, but he didn't turn back around, shaking her head she laughed again "Sweet", walking the opposite way she pushed her earbuds into her ears, missing the loud scream that echoed around the field as she did so.

+++

By the time Aditya had found the courage to stretch out his legs, dawn was breaking, sunlight streaming through the pink clouds that reminded him of candyfloss and his beloved performer. Dry blood stuck to his slack jaw, his muscles were like ice, hard and cold and every time a shiver erupted within him, he let out a sob. He hadn't seen them coming, hadn't expected to be knocked to the ground and beaten, it was hard to focus on his pain when his brain was overloaded with the fact that it was Sunday and he was in his Saturday clothing, looking at his reflection in a puddle beside him, he noted the familiar rainbow wig on his head and the blood on his face over his lips like the darkest lipstick, now he really was a clown, he presumed this was meant to be funny, because clowns always were but more often that not everyone around him was laughing, but he never was. Lying on his back, he covered his eyes with his arm "I started a joke which started the whole world crying, but I didn't see that the joke was on me oh no, I started to cry which started the whole world laughing oh, if I'd only seen that the joke was on me, I looked at the skies running my hands over my eyes and I fell out of bed hurting my head from things that I said till I finally died which started the whole world living, oh if I'd only seen that the joke was on me" his husky voice was the only sound that could be heard over the whole field.

+++

Zoya had suffered many insufferable nights after her encounter with the man who's bloody, paint covered face wouldn't leave her mind. It was as if every moment she was checking over her shoulder in hopes of seeing him again, she had been wracked with guilt, an ill feeling growing in her stomach every time he crossed her thoughts, she should have done more, could have done more. She had no idea where to find him, she neither knew his name nor anything about him other than the fact that he had been tormented by a bunch of bullies and he enjoyed watching her perform, it seemed even upon reaching adulthood, some people never matured, as soon as her colleagues had informed her of a man lying injured on the field, she knew it was him. Gnawing down on the pen in her mouth, she threw it to the side, ran her hand through her silky locks of hair and allowed her shoulders to sag when she let out a deflated sigh. This was hopeless, if she wanted to find him she would have to get out of the house and actively look, that was the only way.

Standing from her chair, she stretched out her arms, closed her eyes, then opened them again, running to grab her coat and shoes, she rushed to put them on and ran out of the house. She'd find him, she had to find him, she'd never have a peaceful night's sleep if she didn't find out if he was okay.

+++

Aditya wrung his hands, eyes gazing from left to right as he sat on the train. It had been a week since he had left the house, this time it was to get food, eggs to be precise, he liked scrambled eggs. Placing the egg box atop his legs, he held onto it tightly and dropped his head "Humpty dumpty sat on a wall, humpty dumpty had a great fall" falling onto the eggs as he hit the floor, he turned his head to look up at the tall man who stood above him, then just as quickly looked away, the yolk of the eggs made the box and his t-shirt wet, gripping the pole to stand up he looked down "You shouldn't have done that".

"Why? What you gonna do? Cry?" Crossing his arms, he laughed again "Aw, little boy gonna cry, do you want your mummy?" His tone was cynical, eyes crinkled at the edges with humour.

"NO" quivering, he stepped back "I'm not a little boy, I'm a man".

"Ooh are you now?" Leaning forward, he blew in his face causing Aditya to jump and cover his face, laughing raucously, he held his stomach.

Zoya boarded the train, tired of searching only to find nothing, leaning to the side to see what the large crowd of people were looking at she began to walk toward them, brows furrowed, and hands shoved into her pocket, the air was both cool and biting and, in her haste, she hadn't brought gloves. She was beginning to think that the questions in her head would never be answered when she saw him again.

His green jacket was slipping from his shoulders, front soaked with some kind of liquid and hands clenching and unclenching around his ticket and a cardboard box that was falling apart. "Just leave me alone" he still didn't look up, whether out of fear or just a case of not wanting to, he tended to look anywhere but at the person he was speaking to.

She had seen enough "Excuse me" pushing past, she stood before him as if some kind of guard and stared up at the man "Got nothing better to do with your life than pick on an innocent man? Maybe invest in a job, at least then you'd be doing this place a service, get away from him, if I ever see you near him again, I swear you'll be sorry". Truth be told, she wanted to run away and hide herself, but that would achieve nothing, and she was not the kind of person to back away from helping someone in need.

"That's a big threat from a little lady" he rocked on his heels "Give us a kiss and I'll think about it" turning his head, he bent down, shock coloured his face when her palm swiped sharply across his face.

"Get away from me before I scream" puffing her chest out, she hoped to seem as if her stance was threatening, releasing a breath she hadn't even known she was holding when he turned and walked away, she finally turned to see him again "Hey".

Aditya held out his box "He broke my eggs".

"How about we get off at the next stop and get you some more?"

A large smile covered his face as he raised his head "Really? You're not lying like the other people?"

"I promise" Zoya couldn't help but smile back, he was quite possibly the most charming individual she had ever set eyes on "Maybe we can also get you cleaned up?"

"No, this is my Tuesday shirt, can't change it till bed time" turning his head to the side, Aditya whistled lowly as his bony fingers dug into his arms, nails scratching the skin till he drew blood "What's your name?" his voice was far too loud for a train ride and he was yet to turn and face her.

"Zoya, yours?"

"Hello Zoya yours".

Giggling behind her hand, she frowned when he shook his head.

"Why are you laughing? Did I say something funny?"

"You, oh" suddenly realising he wasn't being sarcastic she turned her head "I was asking what your name was, not saying that my name is Zoya yours, my name is Zoya".

"Aditya, not clown, Aditya" blinking fast he returned to his seat, now silent as if she wasn't there. Turning his head to face her, he was careful not to meet her eye "You have a beautiful smile".

Unexpectant of the comment, she felt her cheeks warm at his words "Th-thank you Aditya".

"No problem Zoya, I like trains, it feels like you're in two different worlds, in here it's slow and out there it's fast, do you like trains?" Before she could answer, he continued to chatter animatedly "My shirt smells and my eggs are still broken, no eggs today, goodbye Zoya" before she could respond, he stood up and exited the train at the stop.

Holding her hand out, Zoya opened, then closed her mouth "Goodbye Aditya, travel home safe" she whispered, knowing he wouldn't hear, he was a unique character that was for sure, charming in his own way and quirky. A shadow of a smile formed on her lips at their small interaction. Aditya had already crept into her heart, she knew she had a soft spot for him, there was just something about him, something she couldn't quite put her finger on, but something special.

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Jai Shree Ram

@Aquabutterfly

Rocker

+ 18

Posted: 6 years ago

Oh my...what a beautiful chapter. I'm honestly rendered speechless at the perfection of the writing ❤️

There's so many thoughts and questions in my head. Aditya is an innocent man who is suffering because he is 'not' normal, in the town's dictionary of normal. Zoya is an independent woman who willingly came to the town for her job. What I don't understand is that if the town cannot accept him and if she hates the town for its narrow mind, why don't they just leave?

Your way of addressing the emotions is truly commendable. 👏 I went from laughing at the light-hearted and rather direct conversation Aditya and Zoya were having to crying at reading about the torture Aditya has to face in his daily life. It breaks my heart to see him this vulnerable. But I'm glad he has a saviour in the form of Zoya who, despite her fears, came forward to rescue him from the crowd of bullies. I'll hope that karma can get back for all the scars on Aditya's body and mind 😭

I think I'm going to be teary throughout this story but this story is definitely magical. Consider me your fan from now on. 😳

Thank you so much for the PM. I'll be eagerly waiting for the next part.

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Peaceful_Haven

@Peaceful_Haven

Voyager

Posted: 6 years ago

Wow wow wow wowww!

Another amazing plot!

You're truly remarkable. I simply can't imagine how you manage to think such creative plots. It's truly extraordinary.

I loved this plot. It's a fresh breath of air. Sometimes it reminded me the recent trailer of Joker that I watched and it made me all the more curious and excited to read more.

Please continue soon. I already can state that I'm not going to get enough of this story no matter how fast you update. I'm beyond obsessed with this story. ❤️

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-Rehanna-

@-Rehanna-

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 6 years ago

Originally posted by: Aquabutterfly
Oh my...what a beautiful chapter. I'm honestly rendered speechless at the perfection of the writing ❤️
There's so many thoughts and questions in my head. Aditya is an innocent man who is suffering because he is 'not' normal, in the town's dictionary of normal. Zoya is an independent woman who willingly came to the town for her job. What I don't understand is that if the town cannot accept him and if she hates the town for its narrow mind, why don't they just leave?
Your way of addressing the emotions is truly commendable. 👏 I went from laughing at the light-hearted and rather direct conversation Aditya and Zoya were having to crying at reading about the torture Aditya has to face in his daily life. It breaks my heart to see him this vulnerable. But I'm glad he has a saviour in the form of Zoya who, despite her fears, came forward to rescue him from the crowd of bullies. I'll hope that karma can get back for all the scars on Aditya's body and mind 😭
I think I'm going to be teary throughout this story but this story is definitely magical. Consider me your fan from now on. 😳
Thank you so much for the PM. I'll be eagerly waiting for the next part.

Aw! Thank you love, that's very sweet of you! For Adi, it's his hometown and there are parts of the town he loves so dearly! Zoya has moved there for a reason which you will soon find out:)

Ah yes, karma does come back around in its own way, but there is a little way to go before that! Also, sorry for making you cry:(

Aw thanks darling! No problemo:)

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-Rehanna-

@-Rehanna-

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 6 years ago

Originally posted by: Peaceful_Haven
Wow wow wow wowww!
Another amazing plot!
You're truly remarkable. I simply can't imagine how you manage to think such creative plots. It's truly extraordinary.
I loved this plot. It's a fresh breath of air. Sometimes it reminded me the recent trailer of Joker that I watched and it made me all the more curious and excited to read more.
Please continue soon. I already can state that I'm not going to get enough of this story no matter how fast you update. I'm beyond obsessed with this story. ❤️

Thank youuu my love! Haha I have a strange brain! Haha that was my inspo!

Aww that makes me so happy:)

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-Rehanna-

@-Rehanna-

Dazzler

+ 2

Posted: 6 years ago

~3~

Zoya froze in her steps, dread crawling down her spine and crushing into her ribs as she gazed upon the many men with bats, guns and knives in their hands as they looked down at her. Taking a deep breath, she stepped forward and smiled "Can I help you?"

"We don't want to hurt you girl, just to warn you, it's come to our attention that you've befriended the freak and any friend of his is an enemy of ours, you want a boyfriend so bad, we can find you a good man, a normal man, stay away for your own sake next time we won't be so nice, next time we will treat you as we treat him, understood?" The man ran his tongue over his yellow and silver teeth, clenched his fist around his bat and eyed her with a salient desire.

"I understand" she whispered, her mouth was dry as she dug her teeth into her bottom lip. This was war, these men got off on torturing someone who was helpless and anyone who even tried to help the helpless, would become helpless too. This would never end if no one stepped forward, so against all better judgement and every fibre in her body telling her to run she spoke "But I do not agree, Aditya is my" she paused, friend? "Friend and the way you treat him is both mean and uncalled for and if the police force was better in this city, you'd never see the light of day".

"I don't think you're taking us seriously sweets" towering over her, Raymond snickered, silver teeth glistening in the light of the street lamp, he tucked her hair behind her ear while she closed her eyes tightly and grimaced "We will hurt you if you stick up for him again, if you be his friend or if you even speak to him, we'll hurt you and make him watch".

Her eyes opened in a flash "Then hurt me" her voice was throaty, tears welling in her almond coloured eyes "I'd rather die his friend than yours" lifting her knee she hit him where no man wishes to be hit and ran the other way as fast as she could, she had always been the kind of person to speak without thinking and her pathetic desire to be a saviour was about to get her killed, regardless of how she hated her life, the imminent fear of death made her want to live and breathe another day more than anything. Out of nowhere, she tripped over a rock, a twig snapped beneath her foot while her hands skidded on the wet leaves on the ground, gasping at the sharp pain in her side, she rolled down the hill, head smacking against a tree and the metallic taste of blood drowning her taste buds, blinking past the black dots in her vision she ground her teeth and pulled herself up to a sitting position to get a better view.

"There you are sweetness" Raymond looked down at the ditch "I always did like the chase, with all that blood on your face, you remind me of the freak".

"His. Name. Is." Breathlessly she stood up "Aditya" wiping the smear of blood on her cheeks away with the back of her hand, Zoya hissed at the small but nevertheless painful scratches on her face "You are the freak" she wanted her last words to mean something. Limping forward, she jumped over a tree stump and began to run again, spotting the house in the distance, she pushed herself to go faster.

Aditya turned his head over his shoulder at the large smash "Who's there?" Pulling open the door he walked through the hallway, switched on the light and opened the back door "Who-".

Zoya looked up from the floor "Oh, it's you" she sobbed loudly, grief and relief so strong in her heart "I need help, please".

Turning his head to the side his breath caught in his throat at the way her eyes reminded him of the freshest honey, raking his eyes over her he counted each injury then outstretched his hand to help her up "Did someone hurt you?"

"The men who hurt you, came after me, got away but" resting her head on his shoulder as she crashed into his chest she took heavy breaths "But I fell". She hadn't noticed before how muscular his figure was, sturdy shoulders and a toned chest, his biceps were strong as she rubbed her face against his right arm. "I'm sorry they're so horrible to you".

For a long while he didn't respond, sat her down on the sofa and helped nurse her wounds, then when that was done he spoke "I've never had a girl at my house before".

Contrary to the events of the night, she laughed. "I've never ran into someone's house before".

The widest smile filled his lips "I've never helped someone who's been injured before".

Zoya rubbed her arms "I've never fell down a hill before into a ditch" her breath hitched when he looked up at her "You're, you're looking at me" she almost wanted to cry, it felt like the biggest achievement of her life.

"In here, we're safe, in here I can look at you and no one can tell me not to, you won't tell me not to, will you?"

"I won't" Zoya whispered, she was awestruck by how handsome he was, a strong jawline and kind eyes, she didn't want to destroy the moment, but she wished to touch him "Can I touch you?"

"You can but I don't want you to" truth was, no ones touch had ever been kind and he feared if she touched him, her touch wouldn't be either. "I've never seen a woman as beautiful as you".

She wanted to respond and say she had never seen a man as handsome as him, instead she remained quiet on the subject and broached another "May I stay here tonight, please?"

"Yes" he quite wished she'd stay forever, but she had said she wasn't ready for that yet, he'd wait as long as necessary. "I will get you a blanket".

Zoya moved toward the window, following a raindrop with her finger, she sighed. When she had moved here she had expected to get away from men like Raymond, not encounter even more. Fact of the matter was that nowhere was safe, but sadly here was safer than home, she'd never return home, no matter what. She had no safe place, nothing to live for, nothing to stick around for but she couldn't in good conscience leave Aditya to fend for himself, they'd kill him if they could.

Aditya placed the blanket and pillow down on the sofa then walked up to her "When it rains it's like being somewhere else right? The whole world looks different, darker, gloomier".

"I think it's beautiful, my mother always used to say that when it rains, the world has suffered a great loss" she paused, blinked away tears then focused on the grey sky "It rained when she died, didn't stop for weeks, the first time I saw the sun again was when I arrived here, someone died tonight and the world is mourning" she hadn't meant to open up so much, hadn't meant to speak so deeply about death, but the rain and current circumstances had brought it out of her.

"When you die, I don't think the rain will ever stop".

Turning her head to watch him, she exhaled loudly, his comment had been morbidly beautiful and sadly the nicest thing anyone had ever said to her, she respected his brutal honesty, his whimsical comments and the way he could still find anything beautiful in a world so ugly and cold, she had a lot to learn from him, the man who had the heart of a warrior. "Why do you stay? Other places could treat you so kindly, you'd be safer".

"Home is where the heart is, my grandmother always said so, I never really understood it, but this place is my home and the only place I know, there's magic here".

"Magic?"

"A woman like you would never look at me unless magic was involved" ducking his head again, he walked back toward the door.

"Maybe there's more to you than meets the eye?" She hadn't meant for him to overhear, but as he turned back, it seemed he had.

"I don't understand".

Zoya beckoned him back "Close one eye, what do you see?" Moving to stand behind him she waited for him to respond.

"The sky, the moon".

"Now uncover the other eye, the view is better yes, sometimes what we see is not always what is there, like the magic tricks at the circus, what those men see in you that makes them call you a freak is not what I see, everyone sees differently but within everyone is something no one sees at first and I believe that there is more to you than what I can see, one day I'll see it".

"I still don't understand" maybe a part of him did, but he wanted to hear her voice for a little while longer.

"You aren't just a man who has Asperger's syndrome, you're more than that, you're kind and funny and you see beauty in things I would never see beauty in, you are more than what people think of you".

Aditya nodded "If that's who you think I am, who are you?"

"I don't know" Zoya sucked in a harsh breath "I am still trying to work that out" her eyes brimmed with tears, clearing her throat she smiled "Thank you Aditya".

"For what?"

"For being you" moving to the sofa she put the pillow on the arm rest and pulled the blanket over her legs "Goodnight" waiting for him to go she stood up, shut the door and moved to the mirror, lifted her top up and followed the scarring with her fingers, closing her eyes at the sight, she grimaced "Just let me have one friend, just one".

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Peaceful_Haven

@Peaceful_Haven

Voyager

Posted: 6 years ago

#10

Wow! So beautiful.. Loved the update. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3

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DESCENDING FF P3 PG2 22/04

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