Adjusting

A short while later:

When Abraxas opened the door he could almost hear the otherworldly silence that filled the house. All the lights were off and the only light that was entering the house was from the windows and the open door. “Hello?” He called. There wasn’t any response. He glanced back at Penny who was practically clinging to him as he headed into the darkened room.

“Why’s it so dark in here?” Penny asked. “And what happened to your friend?”

“No idea. I’m sure he’s just out with his new girlfriend.” Abraxas said, kissing Penny’s cheek.

“Yeah. And I’m here with you.” She smiled as she kissed him back.

“Why don’t you make yourself comfortable.” He said softly.

“I am comfortable right here.” She smiled. The sound of slow and heavy footsteps echoed from upstairs.

“Mm looks like he’s still home.” Abraxas said, glancing towards the stairs.

A door upstairs was shut with a loud bang before the shower was turned on.

“I don’t think he’ll bother us.” Penny said.

“You’re right. Not that it would matter if he did.” Abraxas said with a bit more enthusiasm, putting an arm around Penny’s waist and pulling her against him. She giggled loudly and hugged him tightly, nuzzling her head against his neck. “Why don’t you go get a drink?”

“Okay, do you want something too?” She asked.

“You.” He said softly, kissing her cheek.

“You already have me silly.” Penny giggled as she kissed him back. She then reluctantly let go of him and quickly rushed into the kitchen to grab a drink. There was a loud crash upstairs that sounded exactly like glass being shattered. Abraxas glanced towards the stairs and raised an eyebrow before ascending them. As he reached the top of them he heard a loud thump against the closed bathroom door.

“Mind keeping it down buddy? You have a big breakfast or something?” Abraxas questioned through the door.

“Just… go away.” Sand said, his tone absolutely bleak and nearly lifeless.

“Oh are you still upset about earlier?” Abraxas teased. Sand didn’t respond and Abraxas heard something entirely new from him… crying. “Oh come on, it wasn’t that bad…” He said, the sickening feeling from earlier starting to return.

“Go away… You don’t have to be anywhere near me any more… and it’s better if you… and everyone else just… leaves…” Sand mumbled.

“Does that include your sweetheart?” Abraxas asked. “If so, I’ll just tell her that.”

“I don’t want her to get hurt…” Sand muttered.

“So you plan to stay here locked in the bathroom? You assume it isn’t hurting her by keeping your distance? By pushing her away?” Abraxas questioned.

“She had to work.” Sand said. “And I don’t intend to stay locked in here.”

“That wasn’t an answer.” Abraxas said. “At least not to both questions.”

“No… I…” Sand mumbled. “I don’t want to lose someone I care about again…” He sobbed as his crying returned. Abraxas paused, crossing his arms tightly.

“Then don’t…” Abraxas said quietly.

“Why… would you care… if I did…” Sand mumbled as he slowly attempted to calm himself down.

“I don’t.” Abraxas said defensively, his lip twitching with irritation.

“Go… be happy… I know that’s all you care about… your own happiness.” Sand said, the door clicking as it unlocked. Abraxas grabbed the handle and yanked the door open. Sand stared at Abraxas, not moving an inch from his current position right in front of Abraxas.

“I will break your arm if you don’t get downstairs right now.” Abraxas said sternly.

“Why?” Sand questioned.

“Because…” Abraxas started, pausing as he thought of what to say.

“Why are you trying to be kind all of a sudden?” Sand asked.

Abraxas groaned. “Ever since the diner I’ve had this sickening feeling in my stomach. I can’t eat…” He started.

“You don’t need to eat.” Sand said.

“Shut up.” Abraxas shushed him. “I can’t sleep.”

“You don’t…” Sand started.

“Shut.” Abraxas shushed again. “And it’s been getting worse.” Sand’s emotionless mask slipped up for a few moments as very small smile slipped onto his face.

“Oh.” Sand said quietly.

“What? Am I dying or something?” Abraxas asked, genuinely concerned for his own health.

“You’re actually feeling guilt… I never expected that to happen.” Sand said.

“No that’s not it.” Abraxas said dismissively.

“You can keep telling yourself that.” Sand chuckled softly as he pushed past Abraxas and started to walk downstairs. “But that’s exactly what, in your mind is wrong.”

Abraxas turned and followed him immediately. “That’s absurd.” He stated.

“Mmhm. Sure it is.” Sand nodded. Abraxas hit the bottom of the stairs and Penny was there waiting, hugging him tightly.

“Hrr...nngh… phh…” Abraxas grumbled, the feeling hitting him once more.

“Trust me. You’re feeling guilty.” Sand said.

“Penny… Kill.” Abraxas said, pointing at Sand. Penny’s head twisted to Sand and stared silently at him.

“Good luck with that.” Sand waved dismissively as he entered the kitchen.

“Worth a shot.” Abraxas sighed, lifting Penny up and setting her on the couch.

“Mmm.” Penny mumbled as she clung even tighter to Abraxas.

“GUILT!” Sand shouted.

“SHUT IT YA GIT!” Abraxas shouted, a slight british accent previously unseen slipping through. “Gawdon Bennet! I swear ter god I'll kill yew in yaaahr sleep!”

“Oh I’m shaking a pommy wants to kill me in my sleep.” Sand said.

“I love your accent!” Penny smiled. Abraxas put his hand on her face and slowly pushed her away.

“Just accept the fact that I’m right and let’s get over this stupid fight.” Sand said. Abraxas stood up and stormed into the kitchen, hitting Sand with surprising strength and sending him into the wall. Sand grunted and struggled to stand up straight. “Well fuck you too.”

“It’s not guilt, it’s you.” Abraxas said, a wide grin sliding across his face as his horns appeared once again as his tail slid out from his lower back.

“Right. It’s me.” Sand said as he stared down Abraxas.

“So why don’t we cut out the tumor?” Abraxas suggested, diving at Sand. Sand sidestepped Abraxas and his horn sparked to life, his magic barely managing to hold Abraxas down. Abraxas groaned and attempted to thrash to no avail.

“I’m done fighting with you. It’s pointless.” Sand stated as he stepped completely out of reach. Abraxas spit at Sand, his saliva burning him as it sizzled. Sand yelped and jumped back, his magic instantly releasing Abraxas as it removed the saliva from Sand’s body. Abraxas stumbled to his feet and tackled Sand, grabbing his horn with one hand and his throat with his other. Sand struggled against Abraxas.

“Take it back…” Abraxas growled.

“If… it’s not true… why is it getting a response?” Sand choked out. Abraxas glared down at him for a moment before his grip went limp. Sand broke free from Abraxas and shoved him off. He shakily climbed to his feet and balanced himself against the nearby counter. Abraxas didn’t move from his position on the floor. “I’m leaving, come…” Sand stopped as he coughed, “Find me when you’re done trying to kill me.” He finished as he stumbled out of the kitchen and to the front door. When he opened it he was greeted by a familiar face.

“Hello.” Redheart smiled, her hand in the air as if it was about to knock.

“Hi.” Sand said as he pushed himself off the door frame and managed to straighten up.

“You look tense.” Redheart said, walking in and closing the door behind herself. Sand grabbed her and hugged her tightly, completely stopping her from moving any further. “Ohh… I see we’re skipping foreplay today?” She laughed.

“Hi.” Penny waved from the couch. Redheart looked at Penny silently for a moment before looking up at Sand.

“I’m not with her.” Sand said softly as he nuzzled Redheart’s cheek.

“I’m sure.” Redheart rolled her eyes, kissing the side of his head. Her eyes widened slightly as Abraxas walked out from the kitchen, seeing his twin horns protruding from his long white hair and tail. Sand sighed and his grip on Redheart tightened. Abraxas walked past the two and slowly trudged upstairs, his tail limply being dragged behind him. “What’s… wrong with him?” She asked, her surprise quickly being replaced with a caring curiosity.

“I…” Sand started before he sighed and let go of her.

“Sand, what did you do?” Redheart questioned.

“It’s not what I did.” Sand said. Redheart continued to stare at him with a questioning looking. “He just attempted to kill me.” He said. She crossed her arms and continued to keep eye contact. “W… I told him the sick feeling he’s been having was guilt and since he didn’t accept it… I continued to push it.” Sand sighed in defeat. Redheart simply pointed to the stairs where Abraxas had ascended. Sand nodded and walked up the stairs and back to where Abraxas was heading. He stopped in front of Abraxas’ room and knocked. “Abraxas. I want to talk.” He said. There was no response, only a quiet crackling. “Pl…” Sand trailed off. He sighed quietly again, “I care about you… as little as I’ve shown it… You were for the longest time… the only person I had any contact with… and, you were the only one I could actually talk to on an equal level…” He said. “I want to… now… get over whatever hatred we have for each other and, actually become friends with you… I don’t have much else beyond you and Redheart… everything else is gone…”

The crackling only seemed to grow louder with those words. There were quiet footsteps as Redheart walked up the stairs and stood beside Sand. “So?” She asked.

“I’m sorry.” Sand said quietly. Redheart rolled her eyes and grabbed the door handle, turning it and opening it. The two of them were greeted by a room completely engulfed in fire.

“Abraxas?” Sand questioned. Redheart stared into the room for a moment before her foot moved forward to step in. Sand pulled her back. “No… Not yet.” He said.

“Sand, I’ll be fine.” Redheart said softly, grabbing his hand gently.

“That’s not i…” Sand sighed, “Okay.” He let go of her. Redheart turned back to the fireball that was the room and slowly took a step in. The moment her foot touched the ground, the fire around that area dissipated just enough for her to walk. She looked back at Sand and smiled before continuing into the room. Sand bit his lip and watched, the small nagging fear he had previously fading with every step she took. He still shifted around nervously. After Redheart took a few steps, the flame behind her reignited and blocked the view from Sand. His nervousness skyrocketed and he began to shake a little. The crackling grew louder, and louder. He attempted to rush into the room only to yank back and fell down onto the floor as his hand made contact with the flames. He bit his lip to contain his pained scream. He avoided touching his now burnt hand as he remained on the floor, nearly motionless except for his continued shaking. Suddenly, the flames were extinguished. Sand saw Redheart on the bed and Abraxas’ head was pushed into her chest. Sand was on his feet instantly and almost stormed into the room but as he entered his anger faded. Abraxas glanced up at Sand, tears staining his face. All anger left Sand and concern took over. He walked up to the bed and slowly sat down beside Abraxas. He gently placed his hand on Abraxas’ shoulder and stared silently at him. Redheart gently pulled Abraxas back to her chest and his closed his eyes.

“I’m so sorry…” Abraxas mumbled, starting to sob lightly.

“You don’t need to be sorry…” Sand said quietly.

“Stop… stop being so nice to me…” Abraxas said shakily.

“Why? Why would I stop being nice to someone who’s important to me?” Sand questioned.

“All I’ve done is hurt, how am I important in any way?” Abraxas asked.

“The fact that you can change makes you more important then you can understand…” Sand said. Abraxas glanced away and lied down on his back. Sand sighed. “Abraxas.”

Redheart’s eyes widened slowly. “I think he’s back to normal.” She said. Sand glanced to Redheart, seeing Abraxas’ tail had slipped into her pants. Sand grabbed his tail and yanked it back.

“Don’t do that.” Sand said with a small laugh.

“I’m still me.” Abraxas said, wiping away a couple tears, his tail sliding out and around Redheart’s waist.

“Mm… Better.” Redheart chuckled. Sand rolled his eyes and let go of Abraxas’ tail.

“Umm… Are you guys busy or…” Penny’s voice chimed in. “What smells like smoke?”

“You.” Abraxas smiled. Penny walked in and climbed onto the bed and atop Abraxas. His smile grew more forced as more guilt twisted his stomach into knots. Sand saw a thin stream of white energy go from Abraxas to Penny as the two kissed. Sand quickly hugged Abraxas tightly. “The hell…” Abraxas groaned.

“Just shut it and take it like a man.” Sand said jokingly. Abraxas’ tail slowly wrapped around Sand and squeezed him gently. “That’s better.”

Penny clung to the two of them and giggled.

Sand looked up at Redheart, “Come on you should be part of this too.” He smiled. Redheart shook her head and joined the hug.

“Abraxas… Ohh my.” Penny said with a soft moan.

“Oh come on not here.” Sand groaned.

“Get a room.” Redheart laughed.

“I have one, and you’re in it.” Abraxas grinned, licking Redheart’s neck, causing her to shiver.

“Knock it off.” Sand stated.

“Oh come on, since when did you get so defensive?” Abraxas asked. “Oh right.”

“Yeah, get with the times. Why should love be so… restricted?” Penny asked softly, sensually running her hand up Sand’s chest. He saw two small horns starting to sprout from Penny’s head, tiny, but visible.

Sand remained silent as he jerked away from her hand.

“Now before you start…” Abraxas started.

“And why shouldn’t I start?” Sand questioned as he glared at Abraxas.

“It’s not my fault!” Abraxas said defensively. “It was yours.”

“I’m not the one taking souls.” Sand stated.

“I gave it back.” Abraxas said.

“And you took it in the first place. You see where this is heading?” Sand questioned.

“Finders keepers.” Abraxas snickered.

Sand rolled his eyes. “Mmhm. You know since you gave it back…” He started, his tone becoming serious.

“Yeah… What about it?” Abraxas asked slowly. Sand grinned widely.

“Don’t you worry about it.” Sand chuckled.

“No, tell me.” Abraxas said, a little more cautious.

“Put two and two together.” Sand said as he squeezed Abraxas a little tighter. “You’re in my arms, all but defenceless, and no soul to use as leverage…”

Abraxas started to shake, a tear sliding down his face as utter terror ran rampant through him.

“Hey… it’s a joke. I’m not going to do that to you. Not now, not ever.” Sand said comfortingly. He heard a faint gasp of air as Redheart breathed in. Sand turned to Redheart and saw Abraxas’ tail had been around her throat.

“Oh… right. Haha…” Abraxas mumbled.

Sand’s eye twitched. “Don’t ever try that again.” He said in a cold tone.

“Don’t terrify me then.” Abraxas said calmly, standing up and smiling down at the rest. “Now that that’s over, how about we get something to eat? My appetite is back.”

Sand grabbed Redheart and held her close.

“That sounds wonderful!” Penny said as she got up too.

“I’ll be eating something real soon, I’m very, very hungry…” Redheart said teasingly.

“I’ll be coming then too.” Sand said.

“I hope so.” Redheart grinned. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“I’m n-” Sand stopped as he felt Redheart’s soft hand slide into his pants. He blinked slowly. “Oh… Oh. Oh!”

“Oh we’re getting a show before dinner?” Abraxas hummed, turning back to the two.

Sand ignored him and kissed Redheart before his horn started to glow. “Oh come on that’s not fair you’re in my ro-”