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You’re not exactly an expert on unpacking emotions, grief, and trauma… you’re <span class="mu-s">IRISH/ITALIAN–</span> it’s genetic! But something tells you the best way to get Raj back to his, uh…
<span class="mu-i">Rajness</span>... is to focus on other things. Different topics. Things that’ll distract him.
It’s probably nothing, you begin as you take a seat on the table next to your ‘<span class="mu-i">bro</span>’, but there’s something you’ve been noticing tonight–especially when you’ve been getting into fights.
Raj raises an eyebrow.
“You mean when you get, like, crazy into it?”
You blink. Yea… he’s noticed that?
A hint of a grin forms on the skater’s stubbly face. “Raj sees all, dude…”
Apparently he does, you reply with an impressed nod! So what’s his take on it?
“Dunno… I just thought, like, you were really into fighting or somethin’.” Sniffs Raj as he shrugs. “Didn’t really think something was off until you fought that thing attacking Terra and Ayla.”
Your pulse quickens as you remember the sensation you felt carving into the monster–the excitement…
The <span class="mu-i">hunger</span>.
“That thing’s tentacles and teeth were all over you, bro.” Adds Raj as you shake yourself out of the memory, “But, like, you were barely reacting at all!”
There’s more, you sigh as the reality sets in, you could almost swear you heard a voice.
“... what did it say, man?” Asks Raj as he leans forward with interest!
<span class="mu-s">MORE</span>, you repeat as a chill runs down your spine, it said ‘<span class="mu-s">MORE</span>’...
The two of you fall silent for a moment as the word sinks into your heads.
“... you think uh…” The skater mutters, thankfully being the first to break the silence, “You think it’s talking about, like…”
He pauses.
“... <span class="mu-i">tentacles?</span>”
Oh good, Raj is coming back. No, you groan, it’s not tentacles! Jeez…
“Then what do you think?” He asks, cocking his head to the side.
That’s what <span class="mu-i">you</span> wanna know, you groan! Blood? Violence? Near-Death Situations? You don’t know, but you’re worried it’s just gonna get <span class="mu-i">worse</span> if you don’t figure it out!
“Well I’m no expert, dude,” Sighs Raj as he rubs his stubbled chin, “But I think you oughta’, like, think about everything you’ve <span class="mu-s">EATEN, DRANK… MEDICINE YOU TOOK…</span>”
Yea, you frown, you’ve got a bone to pick with that Nurse that just walked out–you still haven’t gotten the full story on what she stuck you with after your run-in with that <span class="mu-s">DISCO GOON</span> earlier… but you <span class="mu-i">did</span> have a drink or two earlier… and a little food…
“Well whatever it is,” The skater continues in a composed tone, “Just focus on who <span class="mu-i">you</span> are, man… what makes Diesel <span class="mu-i">Diesel</span>, y’know?” Giving Linda’s wheels a spin, Raj gives you a reassuring smile. “Always puts <span class="mu-i">me</span> back on track…”
Damn it, what happened here?! you were supposed to be supporting <span class="mu-s">HIM!</span>
>CONTD.
