#bastienxfrank

[cryptid-killjoy]

Bastien mosies up to Frank before heading out on his trip because he felt like he hadn't nodded at him enough lately. Those eye contact chin nods were important to silent bonding folk like Bastien who went periods of time without verbal communication. He did more likes smoked together with loud music on, drove around with music on, played wack a zombie in the square for squares. They never really had to say much at all. Hugo and the gargoyles often did more than Bastien around Frank when they'd hang, maybe chilling with Tree. Hang as is Frank possibly literally hanging from something while Bastien sat and Bastien-ed smoking up while deeply conversing through his three rock friends. Meanwhile the Hunch nods, just nods and shares looks with Frank because Frank gets it. Frank seems to see them too, at least Bastien feels like he does. But, in this instance he was all alone, no rock pals upon entrance.

"Frank, Delta said it'd be cool to go off for some time as long as we take the generic wannabe Frank I ordered from Wish with me. She's not taking care of her. So I said cool. So she said cool bring us souvenirs. I'm thinking a real shrunken head if I can find one. I have a feeling she could make her own but I want to get her something special to the region."

Hugo suddenly pops up with librarian glasses, "How very academic of him." Victor while rolling his eyes, "Yes." Laverne: "Very."

"Anyway, wanted to say bye for now I guess. Oh, and enjoy your trip too. Delta mentioned something about Thailand, something about giving the monkeys a real dragon to ohm at. Whatever that meant."

--

Then after his quick goodbye to Frank to he set off with his family to the Philippines and ended up in Cebu City. When he first stepped foot out of the airport and took his first look around he could see the nightlife of the city in full swing. He noticed the amazing view of the Taoist temple with the dragons high above. "I bet Delta would like that."

The city felt so fancy and they'd even go to a luxury hotel to check in seemed per usual though it wasn't why he was here. He'd let Maddy handle the checking them in and all the such details. They spoke Tagalog here, but luckily it was quite normal for them to be versed in English for foreigners. So, hopefully they wouldn't bump into too much language barrier trouble. That said if either of them have caught on to any of Kuz's Spanish some of it sounds similar and they might be able to catch on sometimes.

He was sitting in the lobby with Frankie as his detail girl checked them in when he saw something that triggered the Jetsam in his soul. It was a pamphlet wall and one was for a whale shark experience and another was a sea turtle swim. Both were in big letters. Oh boy, this was going to get him in trouble before he left. He couldn't stop staring at the tourist pamphlets. He picked them up waiting for Maddy to take them to their luxury room to get settled in.

[cryptid-killjoy]

orleans-jester​:

He just -

He got stabbed.

He got fucking stabbed.

The ice cold feeling of warm blood, so - so contrasting.

He hadn’t been expecting that. A beating, yeah. But -

But he took this as Bastien was trying to fucking kill him now.

His hands immediately went to the wound and - and he knew enough from movies to put pressure on it. He backed up against the wall and slid down it, looking at his hand in disbelief. He’d never been stabbed before. Holy fucking hell. He was starting to go into shock about it. But no one in this room cared.

Frank was also in holy shit mode. He had seen there wasn’t a knife. Bastien had just materialized it. Out of nothing. That was some serious shit right there. Well. Paint him impressed. Paint him impressed the same way that Bastien was painted in the blood of his enemies.

“Fuck man - you stabbed me,” Pierre said from the ground, looking up finally. And then Halloweentown -

“She doesn’t know shit, man. Leave her out of it,” He said, pressing against his stomach. It hurt like Hell. But it didn’t feel like he nicked any arteries. Somehow. “She just thinks I’m some poor sap who never got a chance.”

Delta’s face rarely let herself express that look of surprise but it caught and she was in awe there for a moment and really still was. But, Pierre brought her quickly back down from the Cloud 9 she was feeling when she realized what her Hunch had done. She was almost glad he copped out and didn’t kill him just to see him evolve that access a little more. She really needed to figure out how he tapped into that more. Good god. 

Bastien didn’t answer Leo. He was lucky he didn’t come and hammer him to begin with. Like he cared if he stabbed him at this point even if it was semi-unintentional. He really only came over to box his face in like Chip, but Pierre hit the wrong nerve. He had a knack for doing that. 

She doesn’t know shit. Leave her out of it?

Ohhhh. Looky. Pierre thought he was going to be able to control something again. He crossed a line. He thought he was jumping through loopholes, but he crossed a line. He also thinks the world revolves around Pierre. 

Pierre speaking fired up Bastien’s eyes. “You don’t get to tell me what I can and can not do.” 

Delta could have sworn she saw a glint of that blade in his hand for just a moment. Maybe it was her imagination. She thought she was going crazy. She wasn’t even trying to get Frank’s feeds. She shook her head and walked over to her Hunch and put her hands on his shoulder and said, “That’s right. Only I do.” 

Bastien stood still when she said that like maybe she was going to give him an order and he was waiting for it. But, she let go and walked between the wounded and The Hunch and said, “Why yes, Go to the car honey. We’ll take you to Halloweentown. Go on.” 

So, Bastien glared at Pierre, pulled his hammer out the wall, and walked on up the stairs to go load up in the car. 

Then when he was gone she said, “Now you listen to me. I let you live. I brought you life. But, Don’t you think for a twisted minute everything we do has to do with you, bitch. Marcie just took some nobody that never got a chance across MY Hunch’s line to Fuck his Maddy Mouse. She’s not allowed to touch My Hunch’s wife in any fucking form. So Fuck You. Marcie crossed MY line. She fucked up. She crossed the line. But, you took her there. You can blame yourself.” 

Then they went out to the car to head out to HTH. She was having a little fun truth be told. 

Now, when he did come to Marcie, truth be told there, Frank already got into her head the day they marched around looking for interesting people and ended up at the drag club. It was a pretty random day. Delta was just stirring the pot getting some intel. This would be the day it actually came in handy. She knew from that day Marcie was not some big Oogie supporter and was mostly a gal of her own head design. She seemed to be content in her own little world. This is also why Delta did not pick her up. She wouldn’t stick. She was too aloof. She had no motivation to want to pick sides. But, now Marcie was walking a fine line of one without meaning to. This was probably her moment that could make or break the neutrality Delta files her under in her head depending on her reaction to however Hunchy approached her. She was curious herself what it was he wanted to say or do. But, Delta knew what she would make very clear to her.  

[cryptid-killjoy]

Bastien x Frank

Bastien: You don't happen to have one of your Pierre checks anytime soon do you?

[cryptid-killjoy]

Bastien X Frank

Bastien: It's a girl

[cryptid-killjoy]

Bastien x Frank

Bastien: Do you and Delta happen to burn if you go in churches?

[cryptid-killjoy]

orleans-jester​:

Well - okay, even Maddy had to grin and nod at that. Wulf was a cutie pie. But she wasn’t going to go admiring any boys other than her about-to-be husband tonight. She had seen him dressed up in Triton’s clothes before but - Bastien in a suit? The thought almost made her swoon.

She helped Ellie with the zipper on the back of her dress and watched as the red head did a little twirl for them. “You look amazing - really, if Babyface even notices that there’s anyone else in the room, he’s not the right guy for you,” She cooed over the younger girl.

“Yeah, yeah, stop trying to make me blush, you’re the bride here,” Ellie joked.

“I think the tradition goes that you walk separate. I wouldn’t want any reason for Delta to get pissed off,” She admitted. She couldn’t see Frank walking down the aisle with anyone either. But she was smiling anyway as the make up artist and the hair dresser both helped her to get into her gown, pulling it up onto her the way that the associates at the store did. “Besides, it’ll be your runway, girl. You don’t need anyone else throwing off your groove.”

And there it was. All buttoned up. She stood in front of the mirror and gasped at herself. The hair, the make up, the shoes, it was all happening. It was happening. Oh my god. “No, my mascara,” She breathed out, and started to fan her eyes. “Oh god. This is happening. I’m getting married!” She turned towards Piper, hands over her heart. “Married!”

“A spritz of perfume?” The make up artist asked, grabbing the bottle but Maddy quickly grabbed her wrist.

“This is all I need,” She smiled, revealing the little pouch, maybe the size of a nickle, that she had tucked away inside of her cleavage. Jasmine. As always. Like Piper had joked about - Bastien might not know it was her if she showed up smelling like anything else.

-

Frank approved of the hammer. He knew that Delta would too, which made him smirk all the more. Bastien had become pretty attatched to it. That was a good thing in his books.

Clopin was wearing a more traditional suit for the first time in ages. He let his husband steal the show on this one, because hot damn those colors throwing in some Peruvian groove. He was feeling more like a James Bond in this thing. Undercover reaper, acting as a guardian to someone who had been sorely lacking them for all of her life, oh yeah baby, blow the smoke off his finger guns cause he was killing this.

“Suit yourself,” Frank said, pouring them all a shot and handed them out himself. Five shots. Five guys. To Bastien,” He’d say, holding his up before draining it down.

A text would go to Clopin’s phone. He’d bring it out of his pocket and grin. “Time to go collect the bride, it’s just about show time. See you lads out there.”

-

The church crowd was growing. Summer was sitting with River, though she and Figaro were making eyes and having non verbal conversations across the room in the way that they do, both of them coming in red. Summer was being especially teasing because Figaro had showed up looking like a little lady as one of her two presents to Maddy tonight. It wasn’t what was asked of them but it just felt like the right thing to do? They didn’t know, they were going with what felt right. To Figaro’s right was sitting Gep, who was all dressesd up Mafia style with a sprig of Holly hanging out of his lapel. he had brought along his own little dates who were sitting on his shoulders, little hands in front of their mouths, oohing and awwing at all of the people.

Iain had brought a date. A stranger to all of this. But dang if he didn’t look happy to have a pretty woman on his arm. For once. There were a few minutes where those who knew one another would wave, nod, say hellos and then find seats in the pews. The Christmas theme was evident. Poinsettas on every other row. It was subtle - but it was there.

A woman sat at the organ. It was just about time to get this thing started.

Bastien would take his shot and head out behind Clopin because it was time. 

Sometimes the men would just already be standing up front and other times they walked up to get up front. Bastien would walk up carrying his hammer to get in position next to the priest. So, he’d be up there. 

Babyface would be all wide eyed at the hammer not having much experience with these guys. 

The Flower pig with Laverne at her side would tottle first. There would be Frank and Piper separately. There would be Wulf and Ellie together. 

Wulf would step up to meet Ellie and Willem would be behind just holding the pig. “I’m Wulf.” He’d say just meeting her for the time. “I hear we’ve got a carpet to cruise together. Have you seen how long it is? I feel like we’re walking to our doom up there like when I get to the end God is going to judge me.” He was only teasing, laughing about it. He wasn’t a big church guy and all these luxurious crosses and the grander in the place was a little intimidating to him. Then he’d put his arm out for her. “How wild is this wedding though, really? That’s my pig.” He’d say so proudly. 

It was Willem’s job to release Agnes after Ellie and Wulf since he knew Agnes so well. It just felt right for Wulf to ask him to do it. After he released her he’d sit right down in the pew to watch the rest. The basket on Agnes was made so petals would drop as the little pig in a tutu went. Then she would keep tottling all the way up to Wulf. He’d stay at the center till she caught up to him and then he’d take his place next to Frank.

When Babyface would see Ellie coming down the line aisle he’d lean more that way trying to see better. He’d grin at her and give her a little “Woowoowoo” not realizing he was suppose to be quiet. She felt like something he was supposed to cheer to him. But, this made the audience laugh and start whistling at Wulf, at least a few ladies anyhow including Laverne behind them. Of course only Bastien would know that... and Frank.

While all that was happening Kuzco and Clopin had gone to meet Maddy. He’d come up and hug her. “Just don’t hug off your make up.” But, this wasn’t a no touchy moment. This was a very touchy touching moment. 

He knew though this was the moment a Papa is supposed to give the bride advice before doing this. Kuzco stepped up first to give it even if Maddy didn’t expect that tradition followed. He’d take her by the hand and say, “Never laugh or look down at your husband’s choices in life because you are one of them.” Then he’d smile real big and cheesy. 

[cryptid-killjoy]

Bastien X Frank

Bastien: Would you be offended if Delta did not want to remove a brand from a rapist who stole her away from you?

[cryptid-killjoy]

Bastien X Frank

Bastien: Figured it out - December 17th Reception @The Ruby Slipper - Open Bar

[cryptid-killjoy]

Bastien X Frank

Bastien: would going on a trip after to Paris be okay? Im trying to make sure in case you guys need me

[cryptid-killjoy]

orleans-jester​:

As for Iain, he was going between chatting to Koda and then hanging out over by Willem and greeting other people that he only sort of new, being his own friendly self to everyone. But what he was thinking about when Frank and Bastien came in was the happy couple. Remembering how really fucked up Maddy had looked when she and Willem had gotten into the car. How much blood that he had to try to clean off of the upholstery before he was able to replace it because it simply wasn’t coming out. And that lead to when he picked them up by the mountainside and though she still looked rough, Maddy had proudly introduced Bastien as her boyfriend. And then the party where they looked really dang cute together, it had Iain grinning throughout the night, until all that bullshit happened. But man, he was happy to see Bastien here looking the happiest that Iain had seen him. He didn’t seem like a big smiley sort of guy but Iain could tell there was definitely positivity in there. Good for him.

Frank was mainly paying attention to Willem, to Robin and to Zero for different reasons. Willem because Declan’s name had caught his attention. Was he going to warn their little butcher about the pirate boy wanting his head? Not a chance. Robin because the way that he was trying to rationalize the bar situation was amusing. And Zero because - because the ‘pup’ now hated Pierre as much as the rest of them. Oh fuck, Frank had to be there when they woke the asshole up in the body that he apparently hated so much. He had to see his reaction to being ostracized.

Clopin let Kuzco’s action do the talking, just giving a little ‘We’ll think about it’ nod to go along with it. He was a party crasher, but going on a honeymoon with his granddaughter? That was just weird even for him. He’d quickly push that out of his mind though, and enjoy the very fruity drink that he had gotten for himself, and go back to just watching for material among all of these odd ducks.

Frank sent out the text just as Bastien was coming to him, and pulled out the seat next to his with his long legs, inviting the special guest to sit. “You’re more popular than you give yourself credit for,” He said, amused by the bouncy hair that Bastien was known for. Different from Delta’s but still made him want to pull it and watch it go back into place with a ‘boing boing’. And then leaning in as if revealing a secret, “And they all want you to be happy. Trust me. You’re among friends.”

The doors opened again, and this time it was a stream of people coming in, making paths between all of the people. Alternating men and women, neither of them wearing very much clothing despite the slight chill in the New Orleans air. The women were wearing thing lingerie and fishnet stockings, and the men were just wearing filthy jeans, completely shirtless. Frank was in charge, he wasn’t going to be tacky enough to have them wearing something like little booty shorts, fuck that. As they spread out, it was noticed that some of them were carrying trays, like waitresses and waiters. Party favors.

But he wasn’t stepping into Wulf’s territory. That was the big weed man, Frank could respect that. So it was lines of cocaine right on those trays, being waved in people’s faces if they so wanted to indulge. Others had little arrays of pills, each with happy faces. A third sort of tray going around - condoms of all sorts - ribbed, flavored, warming. Between the people and the drugs, Frank was going to make sure everyone had an entertaining time while he would just lay back and take it all in.

The grand finale? The piece de resistance as Clopin would say?

In came a girl with almost the exact same skin tone as Maddy, the same big dark eyes as Maddy, but the rest of the features were a bit different - though there was enough there to get the picture. Full on in the tackiest little bride costume, she walked in looking around for someone in particular, then saw Bastien. “You must be the groom,” She said, walking over, her hips shaking with each step, heels going click clack on the floor. “Congratulations.”

The music would stay more on the rock side of things, a playlist now rather than the jukebox. Girls, Girls, Girls, how fucking funny. The girls would start with taking off their tops, walking around like it was a titty bar, giving attention to anyone who wanted it. And they certainly weren’t above going into the bathrooms with people if they so desired. The men? They tried to gravitate towards the Papas at first, sensing some real sugar daddy energy gathering there but Clopin put a stop to that real quick, leg going out like nuh uh honeys, you can’t get close to his man. After that, it was Victor and Zero they noticed, going over there next.

Trust Frank? He was among friends? Bastien liked that. It made him feel like he was a decent judge of character and at the very least he knew how when and when not to bail or to keep on with people. These were the ones that were making the cut at the moment, minus the Laveaus, but Bastien was finishing off his grudge there. A guy had a right to hold one whether he cared for someone or not. That’s how he thought about it. 

“Cool. I done good.” 

The funny thing about the crowd mix was Bastien had two sorts of crowds. He had his low key crowd like the Sherwood Men, and there was the street thugs, or homeless folk. Mix that up with a few of the most powerful witch names known in the city and that was a hell of a party for this line of entertainment to walk into. People here were not shy about it either, least of all Bastien. His eyes lit up and Frank didn’t have to read his mind to know his thoughts because he’d hear him say, “Oh fuck yeah.” That boy dug right stopping the first tray that walked by. 

What the big surprise was were his trap house buddies realizing this shit was free. Holy fuck. Bastien got to treat people in a way and he didn’t have to give a blowie to do it. His pals dove right in too taking full advantage. 

Not that his pals were trying to figure out how to use Bastien exactly, right now they were just wanting to party, but it was the first moment some of them realized exactly what new position in life Bastien had gotten himself in. There was a lot of Holy Shitting going around. There was a lot of we need to hang around Bastien more often type thoughts going around even though they’d have hung out with the fucker when he was broke on the curb. Anyone on the streets would see opportunity knocking. 

He was getting slaps on the backs all over with gratitude even though he’d say, “Thank the host, Fucking Awesome ass Frank, my best ass man right over there.” 

Kuzco would adore that leg that got hiked up to hold off the topless tatas. While Clopin was worried about keeping things away from Kuzco, Kuzco was admiring Clopin’s lovely long leg. He knew what was under those pants. He knew lovely uniqueness of each leg, one flesh, one not, and what was oh so wonderfully adorning the middle of them. 

“You sexy protective Cougar.” Kuzco was giving eyes over that move. There was something fun about that after all these years. He’d lean his back against Clopin and sink down waving at the shirtless men with little, flirty, wiggly fingers. “Sorry boys.” Then up his arms would go around his Papa. Kuzco wasn’t too old to reach for party favors though. That guy was popping pills in his pocket, snagging E, and snorted a bump as a tray went by like he was an old pro. Maybe it was Flo floating him a line or two when he got bored, but let’s face it. Kuzco really didn’t need more speed. He could be hyper enough if he got going back at the house. But, it still happened.    

When those shirtless guys retreated and went to Victor and Zero they’d get a more welcoming reaction. They’d have seen Vic watching, paying attention with that particular eye. Zero would be instantly reactive as he is at any club, but with Vic’s new resolve to be on his best behavior after their last night out Vic too was up to his own usual as if Zero wasn’t there... except he was. 

They were both being their own little slutty selves out for a good time except now they were seeing one another do it at the same venue. This would escalate throughout the night where they were trying to ignore one another, but Frank would probably be the only one knowing they driving each other mad, making each other jealous. So, they’d get drunker. It was the likely answer to everything, of course. 

When this bride-like stripper lady approached Bastien he laughed. That was his first reaction. He looked over at Frank and thought, ‘oh fuck what did you do?’ and yes, he could see the resemblance. He was high with coke, shots, and weed. What a lovely combination so far. He was pointing at one of his friends in the corner to stop a tray, “Make my cocktail.” Bastien had his own special mix. All pill heads did. He’d sling it back after this simmered a bit. He liked to space it out just right. 

Then he looked up at this girl who was basically right up on him and said, “Yes, yes I am.” 

He sat back into a seat taking a step back from her. He’d pull that joint from his ear and hold it between his fingers and tap it on his thigh. Then he pointed it at her. “And you must be....” He thought for a minute and Hugo yelled across the room from the bar counter, “-the version of Bride-Maddy that got thrown in a warp zone tunnel and fell in a Wild Thang worm hole in outer space and came out on the street corner of 5th of Vine? I’m thinking 50- 75 bucks tops?” 

“Yeah, what he said.” Bastien would say as if this girl even had a clue. But, it didn’t stop him from keeping his lap wide open for her. 

[cryptid-killjoy]

orleans-jester​:

“I would certainly try,” Summer said with a nod. “And even if I couldn’t, there’s no way that I would go on and defend him by not telling you his name.”

That was the weirdest thing about all of it. She could not understand that in the slightest. Did she not realize that she was putting more people, not just herself in danger, by protecting that name? She wanted to slap Maddy upside the damn head. 

“I do have a lot of predators to hunt down - eventually. Gaston, that’s going to be really fun,” She was looking forward to crashing the party. “I still dream about tearing Spade to fucking pieces. That Bubbles guy. Whoever stabbed Fig,” She counted off on her fingers. “I won’t go if you don’t want me to, you know that. I’m more than happy to just take it out on Esme through the loopholes I’ve found.”

There was trespassing, which Esmeralda had done by bringing her daughter and Bastien into the hospital, breaking the protocol without going through security. It was her putting the people’s lives at risks. She had done that. Like bringing a ticking bomb into the place with Bastien.

Negligence. Though no one wanted Maddy a medical hospital, it could still be pinned on Esme that she had seen that her daughter needed one, and didn’t attempt to take her despite having her daughter back for nearly a fully day. These were things that they could definitely bring up in court and Summer had made a very detailed report for the prosecutor, AKA whoever would be playing the lawyer, to bring up. She liked helping.

-

Maddy had brought Bastien some more but it seemed so stupid now. To go out shopping at a time like that. What had she been thinking? Clearly she hadn’t. If it came down to it, she could have begged Delta for one of hers if her time came before she could get anything. She would look at those holes now, the ones that were in his chest, the ones that no amount of cotton would be able to plug up. They were big. And they were nasty looking.

It was terrifying. Out of all of the events of the day, this was the worst. This was the one that scared her the most. She tried not to show it, tried to put on a brave face for him but - all she wanted to do was to make him better now.

“I don’t know what he used, but he kept drugging me so I’d be too  weak to use them for more than a minute,” She explained, opening up entirely to him about her experience. No holding back. Even if it was to try to distract him from his own pain. Like a bad bedtime story.

The pants had dipped, just as Willem thought that they would. And that D was there, plain as day. But she wasn’t as mad about it as others might have been. She knew there were ways to cover up a scar. But she saw a steely glint behind Bastien’s eyes as he saw it. Apart from the one gnarly wound that Willem had stitched up for her, she felt she would be alright. He didn’t have as much time to do as much damage, and they had a doctor on call.

“He knows -” She said, and then stopped herself biting her lip. “Well, he knew where I was going to be. He was actually - nicer this time.” No bat. No burns. The things that she considered nice these days. “He took it back. That I’m unloveable. He said that he was wrong. That you do. I knew that before he told me it but -” But hearing it from someone who seemed to just know everything, even if he was sometimes a liar. “I couldn’t get to you fast enough. You were all I wanted. You - are all I want.”

-

“It’s what I do,” Frank said with a smirk. “Oh, that’s true. Should I start growing one? Give you something warm and furry to sit on?” He’d grin.

He’d nod, already having a plan of what kind of things to push into Bastien’s head during his own little surgery. Frank would walk into the room, interrupting the pair who seemed to be having a very intense, emotional conversation. “This is how it’s going to go,”  He said, bluntly, bringing in one of the bowls from their little kitchen. Just in case Bastien wanted to keep the bullets as a souvenir for his bravado. “No docs. Just me. Maddy can help. I’m gonna pull those bullets outta you, but you’re not going to get any anesthetic. You’re gonna realize the beauty of pain while I’m in there, friend.”

Yes, friend. Keep him calm. Keep the trust.

“How can I help?” Maddy asked.

“Just try to keep him still while I’m working in there.” He’d stick a cigarette in his mouth. He’d light it up. He was pretty far from a doctor. He was going to do what would make his own hands as steady as possible which was always his nicotine fix. “Then - I dunno, stitches or cauterize, it’s up to you how much pain you think you can handle. I’d go for burning myself. Chicks dig scars.”

He had a little pair of eyebrow plucking tweezers. That and the bowl were his only tools, so it would feel pretty damn far from a hospital in there. Maddy would stay by his side throughout, just as he had at hers, would hold one of his hands and lightly touch his face with the other. ‘You’ll be okay. Squeeze my hand if you need it. I’m here.’

And as long as Bastien didn’t have some sort of freak out - Frank would begin.

And in his head, Frank would plant the replay of what he had gone through. The running. The rampage. But it was an act of strength. And an act of love. Even the very hidden romantic inside of Frank could appreciate something like that. Not the girl he loved, but the act. Would hyperfocus on the way that Maddy was with him right now, reminding him of who he had done it for. And what he was getting in return.

“Of course not.” He’d say agreeing about the name. “But, that’s just it. Maddy did from Chip. I don’t know, maybe call it a respect for her wishes too.” He shrugged. “But, you’re kinda sexy when you’re ready to go hunting.” He chuckled. 

Bastien would never see it as protecting Declan. He’d see it as Maddy don’t have to fucking talk about if she don’t fucking want to and everyone can kindly fuck off including Summer Savage and the whole Laveau family. The whole world’s safety didn’t belong on Maddy’s shoulders and it wasn’t fair to see it that way. It happened to Maddy. It’s no one’s god damn business when she decides she’s ready for a move like that if ever, fucking nobodies’.

He smirked when she said she found some loopholes. “Oh, now that I like the sound of. But, I don’t know hon. You know I don’t like to tell you what to do. But, I wouldn’t do it if I were you.” 

--

Of course the Declan used drugs on her again even if it was a different kind. But, hearing Declan changed it up and told her she was loveable at least by him was hard to hear. It was fucking confusing especially knowing how it all started, the offer that Bastien didn’t intend to take, but got involved in accidentally just by giving too much information. Frank would probably know all this too as he thought it all through. 

“What the fuck?” That was all Bastien could even think to say. Why would Declan take her up just to tell her that? Was this guy really into doing Bastien these favors he never asked for? Why? Fucking why? 

Then Frank came in and it was time for manual surgery. 

“Oh shit.” He nodded yes, okay. He’d do it. But, that didn’t mean he was looking forward to it. He’d let Frank touch him. Somehow he trusted Frank of all damn people lately. He actually trusted him the most. 

“Do whatever has to be done.” That’s all he’d say about stitches or cauterization. Frank would know best. 

He’d hold Maddy’s hand at first when Frank got started, but his hand would bust loose as he groaned out trying to grit through the pain. His strength was still high in comparison to night Bastien. So, his arm jerking up and his body cringing at the first sharp stabbing of raw fresh wound being dug into. 

But, it would be those visions, those thought projections that would start to back him down. He started to relive it, but the extra hyper focus on Maddy there started to make his groan taper into something more even. It would be odd to watch those uneven eyes roll into the back of his head before they’d close. Even though it wasn’t the same pain, he’d get into that lull that one can get into under monotony of a buzzing ink needle. Then pop the first one would get dug out and he’d gasp. 

He’d jerk again for the second one and smash the wall they were near peeling skin off his knuckles because it was stone. But, it’d crack. That was the kind of pain that shot through his body at first touch. Then the dig again and Frank would manage to lull his mind back to that place. Bastien was usually way too shy or awkward in this body to even allow himself this freedom, but Frank would probably catch it, that feeling of arousal before the body really reacts. Then pop out the second one came he was stunned into reality again. He felt crazy for a second. His eyes hard on Frank because he’d know. 

“Fuck.” 

Then he’d just turn into Maddy and feel exhausted from it still that weird sway in his head like he could pass out that pain can bring. 

But, there it was Frank had saved his life so when night fell quite soon the next round of transformation pain would would not kill him. It’s probably be best to patch him up then. It wouldn’t be long now. 

[cryptid-killjoy]

orleans-jester​:

Frank enjoyed silence. He was a guy who usually just had to use his face to get a message across. And he’d gotten used to hours of not speaking at a time because of his and Delta’s connection. He only really spoke for other’s benefit these days. His mother’s. Triton’s. Zero. Their guests. Arthur.

He wasn’t much of a pusher. A puller, inside of the mind, sure. But there was no real information that he needed out of Bastien. He’d get a few little glimpses of what was going through his mind but didn’t catch onto anything in particular. Didn’t go pulling on the strings. But the pain of getting shot wasn’t exactly what he was wanting. He preferred how he dealt with the pain. He’d seen the vicodin.

And there we go.

“Probably feel it for the rest of your life then,” Frank said, casually. Surgery might be able to fix that but - Bastien wasn’t dying anytime soon. They had too much need of him to let that happen, hence why they had stopped the pirates from shooting.

Don’t think he didn’t notice Bastien saying ‘my girl’. That’s all the confirmation that they needed that the Butcher had worked the fucking miracle. And at the mention of handies, he caught a glimpse of the memory in the shower. “Looks like you’re not all on your own there,” He’d chuckle, going over to sit by Bastien and give him a friendly nudge. “Who says she’s not ready? She initiated. I can smell her jasmine on you so you’ve been getting close.”

At least now Bastien had a friend that he could talk to openly about Maddy. No worries about getting punched like he had with Chip. No danger of tempers flying high as long as he didn’t bring Delta into it.

-

Maddy was trying not to pity anyone, because it didn’t do anyone any good. Agnes had realized that during her conversation with Arthur about Delta. It was much better to be curious than to pity. But she did feel for Zero. He had always seemed so up in the sky when he had been around the house. It must be hard to smile.

“Yes, I suppose - that he tried,” Maddy said, thinking back on all of that strange behavior. But it wasn’t as if she had ever given in to it. She had just done what she had wanted to do. She went out with Chip. She still invited Ronno around. She hung out with Willem at school. No wonder why he had been in a bad mood a lot, she was realizing.

“I wouldn’t say that it’s luck,” She admitted. Look at what had gotten her out. Being raped. Being beaten. Being abused for days, no food, no water, things being told to her, getting caught in her ear, the inability to show gratefulness, losing trust not just in Pierre but in the world. “I can’t imagine how annoying Arthur must have been when he bugged you to let us stay here,” She’d point towards Delta, with an appreciative smile.

“I’m going to be honest with you Zero - I don’t know. I know I’m never going to that house other than to maybe collect the rest of my things. If he didn’t throw a temper tantrum and destroy my room like he had when I moved in with the Laveaus.” She really had not forgotten that. “I’m focusing on myself, and on Bastien. I don’t want to think about him. I thought that I would try to be strong and get some answers today but I’m still just so uncomfortable with knowing that… that he said my name. With other girls.” Hopefully Zero wouldn’t ask how she had found this out, but she continued on. “But what I do know about my very stupid, very gross brother is that he does actually care about you and Seven a lot. You both deserve better obviously, but what he is to you is just .. up to you. I’m leaving him on the outskirts for now, and trying not to think about him.”

He’d only used the vicodin on the first day. He hadn’t used it since sticking to Frank’s techniques so far. He was taking what they said at that dinner about strength in pain seriously. He had too much pain not to think it was a revelation. 

Bastien would never allow himself to be put under for surgery unless it was forced. If they ever really needed true medical help for Bas they might have to. 

When Frank spoke like he knew it made Bastien grin again. He was also getting stoned so the grin was starting to fix itself into place anyway. 

“I like it when you do that. It’s funny.” 

Bastien picked up the front of his shirt and sniffed at it. “Jasmine? Is that what that is? I just think of it as Maddy smell.” His shoulders jostled chuckling about it. Frank was doing it again, calling out what he knew. 

“But, okay okay. Yes. One time. You got me.” Frank knows all. “You’re fucking better than Zoltar. I love it. But, ehhh you know pink pussy hat shit, women, respect, all that. HashtagMeToo or some shit like that. The whole she’s healing thing.” 

“She’s like... ya know... a real girl, like... the keeper kind. Not some no-face on the street for kicks or tricks. Can’t go fucking this one up.” 

No face. Bastien’s equivalent of a scribble. 

--

This time it was Zero saying Sorry. 

“Oh fuck. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it that way.” He wasn’t including her current abuse in the one that was forming with Pierre as emotional controlling abusive behavior. 

Delta laughed breaking a little bit of the intensity in the room. “Yeah, actually. I didn’t know either one of you. He did the hands on knees on video chat and I recorded it to prove it. Told him if you guys cause anything stupid in my life it’s on him. He promised to take all the blame. You could have been anybody. This has been great so far.” 

But, then back to her answer about Pierre. 

Zero listened yet again and he cringed at the name saying part. “Fuck.” 

He was just getting his hopes up too that maybe it wasn’t quite as bad as he was scared of.  But, that felt a little too real. A lot of the other stuff could still be passed off as Pierre just being a dick brother if he hadn’t heard it with his own ears. 

“Thanks Maddy. I don’t know what I’m comfortable with either. I’ll feel it out. But, I think I’m going to keep my distance for now. It’s not like he’s after me. But, that really fucks with my head. I can’t do that to myself. I don’t know. I’ll think about it.”

Delta reached up and kept smoothing over his hair. “Orrrrr, we get back to what you came here for in the first place? Not thinking about.”

Delta cast Maddy an appreciative smile that she kept gentle with her ghost dog. He was a special pet. “Have you taken any dance Maddy? You know Zero’s self taught and I trained for years and he can keep up with me.” 

Zero interrupted. “Wait. I just want to say one more thing.” 

Delta would say, “Sure Zero.” 

“I know I came over here upset about Pierre. I still want to say I’m sorry for what happened to you to get here and if I knew about Pierre I never would have tried to convince you to go back home. I know it’s been years and I’m not there now. But, I have been. The streets. I just get it okay?”  

[cryptid-killjoy]

Bastien definitely took to driving when Frank offered on zombie runs. Bastien was feeling freer and freer in his no rules world of Feral that the world outside would still forbid him from.

Well, it sure wasn't Delta's own kid and she sure didn't let them have the name because she wanted it named after Frank. She used to cringed every other time she heard it and Frank would probably know it bothered her to some extent that she caved. She did it more to keep the mouse loyal and make her feel connected considering Maddy did things back in the day like suggest leaving the dungeon for a new house. Delta used to have deeper concerns. Delta always had a back up plan to fuck with people, but in the end this one just fucked with her own head instead through no fault of Maddy or Bastien's own. Delta was angry at herself.

It wasn't like she particularly planned on having kids with Frank, but somehow even though she volunteered it over after being badgered for months it felt like her own kid's name got stolen from her. She was holding a silent grudge even if it was her fantasy child she may never even have. Only Frank could possibly know she ever even shed a tear over making such a regretful decision. She caved. She wanted to make them happy. Time moved on though. Things got much better and Delta wasn't so grouchy anymore. But, she still said nasty little quips like that due to her own regret. Forever Delta would be Delta, snark to the bones.

Indeed she made her Hunch very happy, so maybe it was worth it. He would repeat her words without a care in the world, not offended. Bastien had a way with Delta. Delta had a way with Bastien. Neither had easily bunched panties. She spent far more time with him while he was in hunchback mode than night mode because deformed Hunch was so much cooler to her. It was the whole reason she liked him, well plus his very fascinating brain. But actual Hunch in hunch form became her right hand buddy. Frank was her second head, not to mention her heart. Diablo the raven on her trident staff and Zero the ghost dog with Dr. Frankenstein was on her left. Tree stood behind her and she had a whole army of dark fae in waiting. That was her main entourage for now. She had a few stragglers like at the church. She had her girl squad if she needed to summon a circle of witches. The bad ass bitches. Valerie, Ray, Piper, herself, even her mother if she truly needed it, but that one hadn't happened yet. She had a tendency not to ask Maleficent for anything if she could get away with not asking. She usually could. She contemplated often recently if Maddy was confident enough now to stand in a ring of power such as this without bogging down a spell. A ritual is only as strong as the weakest link in the hands held in casting it. She'd grown so much since she first arrived with the Hunch. Delta believed in Maddy so much more now than she used to.

Bastien like Frank also never had a connection to his vacay spot until he took a deep dive you tube spiral and simply got drawn in to the poverty theme and the Happy Jail. They decided to exchange souvenirs from each others' trips then.

"Deal."

Then he'd get a last chin nod on the way out. That was that for the boys.

-

To the Philippines he and his family went. Time zones did have a way of fucking with his curse. It was something he never considered until he started traveling the world. Who knew curses could be affected by such and weren't on a simple timer? Bastien figured it made sense since he noticed Delta always doing witchy tasks according to the moon. It seemed to control all the power despite the sun being the big bright light in the sky. Even the demons spoke about it. The wolves howled at it. Bastien never went to magic school, but the more he hung around Delta the more he was catching on and learning what he never had before.

Bastien stared up at the temple when Maddy suggested he take a picture. "Good idea."

He got out his phone and did exactly that taking several from different angles since there were so many dragons on that place.

Maddy seemed into the sea turtles too, probably not for the same reason as Jetsam.

"Yeah, we'll have to do that."

There was little in his voice to indicate anyone else was there to start with. He walked along with Maddy casual as could be to the room too. He'd learned to pick up some of Bastien's mannerisms, but they weren't perfect. He walked slow. He stared around a lot. It came natural just being a body again. He'd get extra quiet trying not to say something that would tip Maddy off it was him, but Bastien often was quiet so that also might take a moment for her to suspect. Then again Jetsam was also good at being quiet as predator. So, this came fairly easy to him too. It wasn't difficult for him to hold his tongue.

Once up in their room Jetsam would make the mistake of slipping out of Bastien yet again. When Jetsam slipped in and out too quickly and too close together Bastien would start to feel confused, get that missing time feeling in a more scattered way than is even normal for him. Everything would start blipping to him. He looked at his wife super confused how they even got to their room.

"I took pictures of the temple."

He remembered that. He was stating the obvious for what might seem to be no apparent reason when he sat on the bed and was looking around the luxurious suite. It was big. Everything was black and white. He noticed that right away. But maybe she'd know something was off if she knew his distress or coping methods with whatever he's seeing or feeling that's off.

That said, Frankie there or not, Bastien had other plans and miiiiiiiiiiiight not have voiced and defined them all to his wife to have made his purpose clear for coming here. That's probably a Bastien problem. He's not the best communicator, not even close.

"So, tomorrow after we get some sleep I'm going to locate a couple spots first, like the jail, the firefly tour entrance, stuff like that, and then go walking man with Frankie. We gotta figure this country out. Get out of this city and find the heart of what's real. You know, where the real people live. My feet have a way of finding them. They always know the way. I trust my feet."

'Go walking man'

Yes, Bastien just told Maddy he was taking their little girl out into streets of a foreign country they know little about and basically specifically looking for the slums in the most tattered living situations he could find even while she was this little. If she knew her husband at all she should know he had no intentions of coming back to hotel to sleep after this. That's why he brought his lucky backpack and only his lucky pack just like in his street days. This was a man with a plan.

"I can't wait. This is going to be so great."

He was so happy even if his head was getting the confusles. It wasn't like that didn't happen sometimes. He was used to ignoring that too.

Bastien mosies up to Frank before heading out on his trip because he felt like he hadn't nodded at him enough lately. Those eye contact chin nods were important to silent bonding folk like Bastien who went periods of time without verbal communication. He did more likes smoked together with loud music on, drove around with music on, played wack a zombie in the square for squares. They never really had to say much at all. Hugo and the gargoyles often did more than Bastien around Frank when they'd hang, maybe chilling with Tree. Hang as is Frank possibly literally hanging from something while Bastien sat and Bastien-ed smoking up while deeply conversing through his three rock friends. Meanwhile the Hunch nods, just nods and shares looks with Frank because Frank gets it. Frank seems to see them too, at least Bastien feels like he does. But, in this instance he was all alone, no rock pals upon entrance.

"Frank, Delta said it'd be cool to go off for some time as long as we take the generic wannabe Frank I ordered from Wish with me. She's not taking care of her. So I said cool. So she said cool bring us souvenirs. I'm thinking a real shrunken head if I can find one. I have a feeling she could make her own but I want to get her something special to the region."

Hugo suddenly pops up with librarian glasses, "How very academic of him." Victor while rolling his eyes, "Yes." Laverne: "Very."

"Anyway, wanted to say bye for now I guess. Oh, and enjoy your trip too. Delta mentioned something about Thailand, something about giving the monkeys a real dragon to ohm at. Whatever that meant."

--

Then after his quick goodbye to Frank to he set off with his family to the Philippines and ended up in Cebu City. When he first stepped foot out of the airport and took his first look around he could see the nightlife of the city in full swing. He noticed the amazing view of the Taoist temple with the dragons high above. "I bet Delta would like that."

The city felt so fancy and they'd even go to a luxury hotel to check in seemed per usual though it wasn't why he was here. He'd let Maddy handle the checking them in and all the such details. They spoke Tagalog here, but luckily it was quite normal for them to be versed in English for foreigners. So, hopefully they wouldn't bump into too much language barrier trouble. That said if either of them have caught on to any of Kuz's Spanish some of it sounds similar and they might be able to catch on sometimes.

He was sitting in the lobby with Frankie as his detail girl checked them in when he saw something that triggered the Jetsam in his soul. It was a pamphlet wall and one was for a whale shark experience and another was a sea turtle swim. Both were in big letters. Oh boy, this was going to get him in trouble before he left. He couldn't stop staring at the tourist pamphlets. He picked them up waiting for Maddy to take them to their luxury room to get settled in.