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Clone — Outside of Fire Escape
After the conversation with Lenore
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Truly a mystery it was, the question as to why Dominic was so displeased to see his dearest, closest friend. He could try digging all the way to the far back of his mind for answers, searching every corner and crevice to come to the true answer Vincenzo had been patiently awaiting to hear. Why, oh why, did he sound so unhappy in his greeting? Such a mystery. A shame it will never be answered.
He ignored his question.
Dominic flinched at the arm at his shoulder, his breath catching in his throat. He hunched over, crossing his arms over his body as if it could shield him from the discomfort. Now what excuse could he give for his trip outside the academy grounds? Clearly “just exploring” wasn’t an answer enough. He had to give Vincenzo an actual explanation, one that wasn’t the full truth yet close to it. It wasn’t a lie that he’d felt a presence around the campus. Now the fact that that presence was likely Vincenzo wasn’t important, he only needed a believable enough answer. Dominic took a deep breath again.
“It’s not something I can quite put into words. I felt a presence… Dark and… Kind of foreboding. I felt as if something was about to happen…” He trailed off, averting Vincenzo’s eyes. “You feel it too, don’t you?”
Perhaps he’d say yes, and feed into his lie.
No, he wasn’t going to run. What reason did Vincenzo have to suspect him? He could see right through his lies, couldn’t he? The tension in his body, the way he kept averting his gaze and the weight of the backpack against his back, if this man gave it a second thought he’d realize immediately this wasn’t a simple exploration. Of course he knew there was a forest on all sides — he had everything clearly mapped out, every possible route he could use to escape — written down and stored in his pocket after days of research. His lips parted, prepared to defend himself in some way, before… What followed next cut him off, changing his tense expression to one of utter confusion. Why was he laughing now? Dominic forced his lips into a smile. He hadn’t the faintest clue as to what this all meant. Another test? If so, how was he supposed to respond?
“No. I don’t have a reason to leave,” not like he could, anyway. “And I don’t have a secret lover, if that’s what you’re wondering… Especially not a man.”
Paying a visit to a pretty girl? Dominic knew no one of the sort. There was nothing he’d leave behind if he left Wyndham, and it was final.
His eyes darted away again, only for a second, enough time to look for an escape without being too suspicious. He couldn’t possibly outrun this man, much less escape the grip on his shoulders. Dominic had no choice but to play along as he always has. Have a drink with him, why not! Let his guard down under the influence of alcohol where he could pry into his thoughts and memories. That’s what he really wanted out of Dominic, to know his weaknesses, exploit him—
"Not like your parents would mind though, right Vaillant?”
Dominic’s eyes shot wide.
For what felt like a minute, his heart had stopped; and he stared at the man in complete silence.
Vaillant. How did he know?
His mind filled with static over the sounds of crickets and the cool autumn breeze. Dominic had tried so hard to keep his name concealed from his classmates, going as far as introducing himself under Nic. So how, just how did he find out? Connections to the staff? Access to personal documents? Perhaps he’d entered his room, digging out the information himself. He could feel his breath quickening, his chest growing tighter.
Forget the alcohol. He already had his ways to find the details, and Dominic couldn’t guess the extent of what he knew.
He nodded to his request, his shoulders slouching under the weight of his arm. “Yes… A drink sounds great…” He answered under his breath. His teeth clenched together, nails digging into his palms. Just what could he say, what could he even ask that wouldn’t lead to an injury or revealing even more of his past?
In the midst of his panicked and scrambled mind, his lips were faster than his logical thoughts. “What do you want from me? What did I do?”
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@raviola ⋅𖥔⋅ Vinnieee bff4ever
if you think this post is bad you should see the draft i debated on posting
Dominic or something
I don’t know, Vincenzo, why does he sound so displeased? dominic duh in the far back of his mind, searching every corner and crevice to come to the true answer we’d all been hoping to hear — why exactly was he so unhappy to see such a dear friend? What a mystery, shame it will never be answered.
He ignored his question.
Dominic flinched feeling an arm awing over his shoulder before stiffening his muslces, trying to appear nonchalant. He knows words like inebriated? He smiled faintly to himself, but it quickly faded as the discomfort of the arm around his body set in and knowing he couldn’t pull himself away without a conflict. How much longer would he pester Dominic? He looked to the side, past the stair railings, can he jump and run safely? No, obviously not. He’d die. Maybe he should. Spare me from writing these emo -ss replies
He asked him a question. Dominic thinked hard to dodge it and sound natural. “I don’t know exactly what I’m looking for,” he stated. “I heard a… Strange sound coming from outside the kitchen.” He grimaced at his own awkwardness, the stiffness in his body, and crossef his arms in front of him
Dominic’s eyes widened at the accusation that he’d run. Was he onto him? Was dommy not convincing enough? He was starting to think of an excuse, any way to explain that he totally knew about the forest, even its lenght — he had a map, in fact, right in this suspicious backpack he’s carrying. He’s not suspicious st all. No. But why does he have a map? FOR FUN VINCENZO but then he was snapped put of his psnicked thoughts by the bullsh-t once again coming out of Vinnie’s mouth. Instead of even trying he exhaled in exhaustion, averting his eyes away from the man. But pretty girl he’d like to see…? No. Nobody he knew of. Nobody to really leave behind.
Insert tense atmosphere here. Internal monologue from threatened Dominic. Oh no, he’s gonna kill me. He sighs. But quietly, this guy can’t hear it. "Ok. Wait parents—
Fin
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