Back Alleys of Fandom | Monday Morning

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

It was easy for Luke to get around town unnoticed, even in broad daylight. He put all the sneaking and thieving traits of a Hermes child to good use here. Despite this, he still tangled with people loyal to Umbridge when he felt like it or on the occasion where he exhausted himself so much that his powers weakened. Or if he was trying to knock some sense into his cursed ex-boyfriend.

Today he was out looking for food, something he had experience in even before getting trapped in Fandom. His worn backpack was already filled with stuff to eat but he was still out, hoping to find something special to bring back to Kate. She could always use some cheering up.

[Expecting a certain loyalist first, but the post is open]

Comments

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

Said cursed ex-boyfriend always tended to be on the lookout for Luke. Really, besides serving loyally, this is what he got up in the morning for so when he just happened to run into Luke, Percy considered it a good day.

"Well, well," Percy said, coming up behind Luke and readying his powers should they be needed. "Look who's out shopping."

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

Luke immediately tensed up when he heard that voice. He could have disappeared, it's not like he could hide his powers from Percy. But he didn't. As much as this hurt him he liked seeing that Percy was okay physically.

So he turned around slowly, not wanting to give Percy any excuse to attack him yet. "And here I thought you liked sleeping in. But I guess your boss doesn't allow that sort of thing."

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"She's everyone's boss," Percy corrected, shaking his head. "It's really very sad that you haven't learned that yet, Luke. It'd make things a lot easier, you know."

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

"Easier on who? You?" Luke asked. "It sure as hell wouldn't be easier on me, considering I'd die before letting someone brainwash me like they did you."

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"I'm not brainwashed," Percy said, shaking his head. "You don't know what you're talking about. I chose this myself."

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

Luke shook his head, laughing dryly. "Wow, you must be more screwed in the head than I thought if you really believe that. When have you ever submitted to anyone in your life? That's not the stubborn brat that I know."

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"You don't know me," Percy said, taking a few steps closer to Luke. "You never did. What are you doing out here anyway? Waiting for me?"

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

Luke rolled his eyes. "Oh yeah this is the favorite part of my day."

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"Aww, you don't sound like you mean that," Percy said, shaking his head. "You don't miss me? I know you do."

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

"I don't miss you," Luke said, trying to sound as sincere as possible. "I miss who you used to be, but I don't want anything to do with you now."

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"But, you're still standing here talking to me," Percy said, spreading his arms. "Why's that?"

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

Well Percy had him there. "Maybe seeing how far you've fallen amuses me."

It didn't. In fact it made him feel sick to his stomach.

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"You're a liar," Percy said, half smiling. "You just wanted to see me."

He almost chanted the words just to be a jerk.

"Why don't you come back with me?" he suggested, stepping closer. "Come on."

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

"And what happens to me if I go with you?" Luke asked, holding his ground even if he wanted nothing more than to run away. "My options are getting brainwashed to hurt the people I care about or thrown into detention. No thanks."

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"But, you get to be with me!" Percy pointed out in a tone that was way too friendly for the situation. "And that's a great thing!"

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

"I know this might be hard for your ego to handle, but I don't want you," Luke said, glaring. "And even if I did I know better than to think that old bat would let us be together. I'm not some stupid newbie, Percy, I know how things work around here."

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"Then, you should probably start running right now," Percy said, face darkening. "I'm done trying to talk sense into you. You're an idiot and I'm showing mercy."

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

"Don't bother putting in the effort anymore," Luke said, his body tensing up as he readied himself to move when he had to. "We both know the only person you care about these days is Umbridge."

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

Percy didn't bother responding. He just tried to lunge for Luke to see if he could catch the other boy off guard.

Umbridge would certainly reward him for bringing such a powerful student to her!

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

Luke had been expecting a wall of water or something so when it was just Percy lunging at him it was actually a stroke of luck. He disappeared and then tried to reappear behind Percy so he could slam him into the brick wall of one of the buildings. Preferably face first.

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

Percy went careening towards the brick wall but managed to turn and hit it with his shoulder. When he spun back around, he did send a wall of water at Luke to try and knock him off his feet.

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

Yeah, okay, that one Luke hadn't been expecting. He landed hard on his side, pain shooting up his hip and elbow when he landed. He struggled to get up, coughing up water and trying to regain focus.

[imitatingluke.livejournal.com]

"Run away," Percy said, calling the water to him and letting it spin impressively in the air above Luke. "Do it now. Or I will kill you."

[alwaystherebel.livejournal.com]

For a brief moment Luke wondered where the mercy was coming from but quickly pushed that out of his head. Trying to give Percy attributes other than ones belonging to a brainwashed psycho would only lead to heartache on Luke's part. Still, the look Luke gave Percy when he looked up was more sad than angry.

He did want to live to fight another day so he did take Percy's advice and disappeared. He reappeared at the end of the alley, running full speed away from the other boy.