ayyy im back with another Unedited human au snippet <3 it's almost entirely dialogue oopsies <3
~
Eddie slows in putting his coat on - Barnaby isn’t sticking around to chat with fellow staff like usual. He’s in a rush, scrambling to grab his jacket and hurrying from behind the bar. He dashes through the door, looking like a man on a mission.
The door Mr. Frankly had just vanished through.
Could he be…? No, Barnaby seems like a good man. But he had seemed a little pushy with Mr. Frankly, from what Eddie could tell.
It couldn’t hurt to make sure.
Eddie frowns deeply as he goes outside, wincing slightly at the first burst of cold air after hours spent in a warm building. He’s just in time to see Barnaby jog up behind Frankly and close his car door before he can get in. Barnaby immediately leans against the door with his arms crossed, pinning it shut and blocking Frankly from the driver’s seat.
Eddie’s stomach plummets. Before he knows it, he’s speed-walking across the parking lot towards them, a fire burning in his chest and his hands curled into fists.
Frankly says something loud enough that Eddie can almost hear, his voice echoing in the empty lot. As Eddie watches, Barnaby pokes Frankly’s chest, making him stagger back a step.
“Hey!” Eddie barks.
Both of them jump and whip around - Barnaby’s eyebrows shoot into his hair, while Frankly’s lowers into a flat line.
“Eddie?” Barnaby says.
At the same time, Frankly says, “Mr. Dear?”
The two of them look at each other in surprise. Eddie pays the exchange no mind. He stops by Frankly, trying to slightly angle himself in front of him without making it too obvious.
“Is everything all right here?” he asks, looking Barnaby up and down. He really hopes this won’t come to blows - Eddie can throw a punch well enough, but Barnaby is an imposing figure. Eddie already knows he’d likely lose, but as long as he can buy Frankly a couple extra seconds…
“No, actually, everything is not fine,” Frankly says in a ticked-off - and strangely scolding - tone.
Barnaby, not breaking eye-contact with Frankly, counters with, “Everything’s peachy, Ed.”
“You sure about that?” Eddie asks, trying to keep his tone amicable.
“Scout’s honor.”
“Please,” Frankly scoffs, “you were never a boy scout. And that’s not the point - I am trying to get home!”
“You are trying to die in the most avoidable way possible.”
Eddie shoots Frankly a concerned look. “You’re what?”
“I am perfectly sober,” Frankly says.
Barnaby raises an unimpressed eyebrow. “Your face is flushed.”
“It is not!”
Eddie winces. “It, uh, it is. A little.”
“It’s none of your business,” Frankly seethes.
“Listen,” Barnaby sighs. He leans heavier against the car and rubs the back of his neck. “I don’t wanna be the one 'ta call Julie and deliver the news that her beloved Frankie went and got himself killed at the taco bell intersection.”
Frankly makes a high and derisive noise. “Excuse you, I have class. I’d die outside of Howdy’s.”
“Please, he’d turn your memorial into part of the gift shop. I can already see the signs - ‘dead friend sale, five percent off!’”
“I’m worth at least thirty percent.”
Eddie clears his throat and gestures between the two of them. “You two… know each other?”
“Unfortunately,” Frankly mutters.
Barnaby grins. “Aw, you’re just saying that. It’s okay - I know ya love me, Frankie. You don’t have to say it.”
“I do not.”
“I have evidence that proves otherwise.”
Frankly rolls his eyes. “You’re unbearable.”
“And yet…”
Eddie heaves a sigh - of relief or exhaustion, he’s not sure - and drags a hand over his face. “Alright. Good, I - good to know.”
“What, did’ja think I was attacking him?” After a moment of prolonged, awkward silence, Barnaby’s teasing smile drops. “Oh. You did.”
“Barnaby? Attack me?” Frankly snorts. “Give him some credit - he’s smarter than he looks.”
“Yeah, I’d have better chances taking on a pack’a hyenas!” Barnaby lets out a hearty cackle. “At least then we’d all get a laugh out of it!”
“So I misjudged the situation pretty terribly,” Eddie says, inching to the side to give Frankly his personal space back. “My apologies.”
“Don’t sweat it, Ed. I know Frank may look like a bundle of sticks, but he’s petrified wood all the way through! Pure stone, you know.” Barnaby grins and leans towards Eddie. He whispers conspiratorially, “‘Cept when it comes to holdin’ his liquor. Then he’s a total lightweight.”
“Barnaby,” Frankly hisses.
“Practically paper!”
“That’s enough, thank you!” Frankly makes an attempt at shoving Barnaby away from the car door, but Barnaby widens his stance. It’s like watching someone try to move a tree.
“See, this is how I know he shouldn’t be driving,” Barnaby says conversationally to Eddie. “If he were sober, I’d be the one drunk - punch-drunk, that is.”
Eddie isn’t sure whether or not he should laugh - was that a joke? Barnaby seems fond of them, but… surely Frankly isn’t a violent person. Frankly lets out a growl of frustration and clumsily tries to bodyslam Barnaby. Eddie inches back a step.
“Alright Frankie, you had your fun.” Barnaby scruffs Frankly like a misbehaving cat and holds him at arm's length. He holds out a hand. “C’mon. Keys.”
“Never.”
“Have it your way. I’ll go ahead and call Poppy, tell her that you’ve forgotten the many dangers of-”
“Oh, fine,” Frankly spits. He yanks his keys out of his pocket and slaps them into Barnaby’s waiting hand.
Barnaby flicks the keys as Frankly stalks to the passenger side door and yanks it open. “Choose a place for dinner, we’ll swing by and pick it up - my treat.”
“Obviously your treat,” Frankly grumbles. “As if I’d-”
The slam of his door cuts off whatever he says next, though Eddie can see him still talking in the car. His phone screen illuminates his irritated expression as he - presumably - looks up places for takeout.
“Well, I’m glad you were here to stop him from doin’ somethin’ everyone would regret,” Eddie says. “Mr. Frankly-”
“Mr. Frankly?” Barnaby snorts. “You’re not one of his students, are ya?”
“I’m just bein’ polite. He set the tone by referrin’ to me by Mr. Dear, so I’m tryin’ to respect that line in the sand.”
Barnaby shakes his head, grinning. “Just call him Frank. He puts up a big show of bein' a grouch, but he’s really a big softie. Though don’t - don’t try to pick a fight with him. Ever. You’ll lose.”
“Wasn’t plannin' on it.” Eddie makes a mental note to keep calling him Mr. Frankly, just to be on the safe side. It’s not like they’re friends, anyway. More like… acquaintances. Occasional Run-Into-Each-Other strangers.
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21. Listening to someone’s heartbeat —Data to Stella after the Vault
Stella's breath came in labored gasps as she hurriedly ascended the stairs leading to the vault. Data had departed several hours prior with the intention of confronting Thordan VII. In this encounter, she knew that he would inevitably confront the deep grief resulting from the loss of Haurchefant. Data would undoubtedly exert his utmost effort to maintain a facade of strength for the people, but the Au Ra knew him too well. She knew that his heart was already succumbing to the weight of anguish. This event was beyond her control, as hard as that was to admit. Which, made it impossible for her to prevent it or even forewarn him. It wasn't her place to mess with the timeline, no matter how much she wished to shield Data from all the pain he would face across his own journey.
With a gradual motion, her hand tightened into a firm fist, corresponding with the onset of rain cascading upon her form. Even now, she retains vivid memories of the rainfall that fell upon her on the very same day. Reaching up, she touched the red blossom necklace laying against her neck. The rapid beating of her heart almost made it hard to breathe. That all seemed insignificant though, once Stella spotted Data. There he was perched upon the staircase, his face hidden behind a cascade of brown hair. She quickly realized that he had indeed already been crying, presumably choosing to wait until the other Scions had departed before allowing his emotions to surface. It was how it always had been for them as Warriors of Light.
The world’s expected them to demonstrate great strength and resilience in the face of numerous challenges. To guide this world in the way of light, yet did anyone stop and realize that they were also human? With their own thoughts, feelings and pain? Silently, she settled herself beside him and tenderly drew his head towards her chest. The rhythmic pulsation of her heart resembled a melodious lullaby, soothing and captivating.
"Data," Stella whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the turmoil of all the emotions. Tears teetered on the edges of her eyes. It was becoming difficult to keep them surpassed, but taking care of Data took precedence over her personal emotions. Right now, he was hurting and needed her support.
In light of her intimate understanding of the severe anguish that lay ahead, how could she offer solace to him? The weight of guilt and self-blame that he was bound to place on his own heart. So many would say it wasn't his fault, and he would try and force a smile. Simply burying how he truly felt deep in his own heart.
Stella vividly remembered enduring prolonged periods of fasting, secluding herself within the confines of her room and rarely emerging, except when her presence was required. Despite the circumstances, it became evident that the Warrior of Light was severely limited in her physical mobility. She was rendered weak by exhaustion and hunger to concentrate on her duties. The situation had deteriorated to such an extent that Alphinaud identified it necessary to gently encourage her to take in nourishment. However, it wasn't until she experienced the echo of G'raha's voice summoning her within the realm of dreams that she mustered the strength to keep going. Regardless of the tremendous suffering it caused, she had to persevere and carry out her duty as the Warrior of Light.
At that moment, talking seemed inadequate, and so she cradled Data against her chest in silence. With the gentle rhythm of her heartbeat providing solace, she relied on its familiar presence, trusting it to bring the other solace once again. Deep down, hoping it would serve as a means to keep Data grounded, enabling him to rely on her and reveal the emotions he concealed from everyone else.
With a tender touch, she delicately placed her head upon his, while his arms enveloped her waist. As they sought refuge beneath the protective canopy of the building, the relentless downpour persisted, drenching the surroundings. Given the current conditions, it is highly probable that the two individuals would succumb to a cold if they were to continue staying outside. With a gentle motion, she tenderly cradled Data's face, his eyes inflamed from weeping, while tears persisted in tracing their path along his sun-kissed cheeks.
"Data, it’s important that you take a nice shower, and we get a fresh set of garments for you. I understand that it's the last thing you want to do right now..but I won't have you getting sick. “
A part of Stella wasn't sure if Data would heed her advice and follow her back to the Forgotten Knight, or if his aching heart wished to remain here. She wouldn't blame him if he did, but just feeling how badly the brunet was shaking against her worried the pink haired Au Ra a lot. A soft gasp escaped her lips, as she felt him nuzzle against her chest. His hands clenching at her shirt, as tears fell from his face onto her own skin.
I'm sorry...that I couldn't prevent you from suffering this, too...
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