Betrayal

The Crybaby

A/N: Soooo....Hi. I'm back! Didn't die! As an apology, I've got a couple gifts! First, this chapter is over 2K words and has some major plot, and second, I made a Spotify playlist for Betrayal! Here's the link. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6cRWrMNKe05TLt10ScdXZg?si=5661f5e555ba460e             Enjoy the chapter, it's a DOOZY. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
    As Bill and I climb the staircase back into the main house, Jackie's pathetic sobbing is just barely audible. I have no idea if it's relief, fear, hopelessness, or a combination of them. Either way, it's annoying. She always was a spoiled crybaby, even when we were little. I honestly shouldn't be surprised at her.
"Why is she like that? You'd think she would be a teeny bit more grateful to you. You're the one who wanted to give her a new hand."
"Nah, I didn't expect any better. She's always been like that. Daddy bought her the newest Porsche? It's the wrong color, and now she wanted a Tesla. Daddy even bought all her grades, so I'm not even sure she can read."
"That's pathetic. Well, soon money won't buy anything anymore, so hopefully, there won't be any more brats like her to ruin lives."
The smallest smile pulls on my face, as I glance at Bill.
"Soon we'll be the ones ruining lives!"
Bill splits one of his g̶o̶r̶g̶e̶o̶u̶s̶ sharp-toothed smiles. We reach the door, and he strides in front of me, opening it, gesturing for me to go first. I nod to him in thanks as I pass through the threshold, and turn to wait for him.
"You should go home soon, Pinetree. We did a lot tonight, and despite us being in the mindscape, it's still been like four hours."
"Fair. Can we at least have a drink together first?"
"Yeah, sure." He turned towards the kitchen and makes a "follow me" sign with his hand. I walk closely behind him, hoping I'm not at an uncomfortable distance.

    "Do you want the same drink you had earlier, or something new?"
"Something new. Maybe a bit lighter?"
Bill nods with a gentle hum, turning into the bar.
"So what flavor are we wanting here? Fruity, earthy, umami?"
"Earthy-slash-fruity. Not as fruity as those drinks at bars, but I don't like beer or anything like that."
Another hum and he starts shuffling bottles around, setting a few on the counter, and putting others back into place. He pours several amber liquids into a metal shaker, and then two very bright red ones, before mixing, and pouring the beverage into an iced glass.
"Here ya go, Pinetree. A blood-cherry cognac. I hope you like it!
I take a small sip, and the flavor washes into my mouth. It's exactly what I wanted, subtly sweet cherry, and mellow cognac, but with a special Bill twist. I can taste the blood, and it's perfect with the rest of the drink. I pull the glass away and sigh happily.
"I take it you like it?"
"Absolutely. It's perfect, Bill, thank you. What are you going to drink?"
"Probably another martini. They are my favorite, after all!" Bill waves his hand, and there's the same swirling purple concoction, with the same delicious eyeball garnish. Bill walks back to the stools and takes a seat next to me. He glances at the eye and picks up the toothpick, offering it to me.
"But I thought that was your favorite?"
"The whole drink is my favorite, Pinetree. Now take the damn eye."
Looking at him, then the eye, I lean forward and bite it off. I lean back once it's in my mouth, and start slowly chewing, trying to savor it. Eyes taste so good! I look up, about to thank Bill, when I notice the look on his face. Still holding the toothpick, his face is all red, and his jaw is practically on the floor.
"Bill? Are you okay?"
"Oh! I- um, yeah. Yeah, I'm fine!"
I look at him one more time, and then swallow and grab my drink.
"If you're sure," I say, taking a sip.
"Anyway!", he said, tossing the toothpick. "Get any ideas for some new tricks while we were combing through all those books?"
"A few. Mostly combat ideas, however, I've got a few less aggressive ones. It seems like I should learn some basic alchemy with plant magic, though."
"That's a good idea, but maybe after the takeover. Alchemy is incredibly complex, and I don't use it enough to be able to teach you on my own. I can probably get a master alchemist on the horn once we solidify our rule."
"That's probably the best course of action. In the meantime, I can learn more general magic."
"Speaking of, I was thinking of teaching you some lighting magic. You have the matching personality, and it could prove helpful."
"Hmm, sounds interesting. We'll figure it out tomorrow night, okay? Right now I just wanna relax."
"Oh, trust me, I get it. I don't think I've ever read that much on plant magic. Ever."
I snort while I lift my glass again.
"I don't know if that makes tonight sad or impressive."
"Honestly? Both."