Rue/Rachel - Seeing Ghosts

With all that's been going on for both of them, Rue finally thinks it's time to tell Rachel about the most recent addition to her ghostly entourage, and thanks to a recent trip  to the Century Holding Facility's armoury, they have just the method to do so, though they may not remain undisturbed for long.

Rue quietly opens the door so as to not disturb Rachel as they slip back into the apartment, kicking their shoes off at the entrance. They hang their keys from the little hook on the wall, rubbing their eyes wearily. They tiptoe through the hallway, still hearing some soft snores emanating from the bedroom, and make their way to the kitchen.

Pouring some water into the kettle, they switch it on, cursing under their breath when they open the cupboard to an array of herbal teas and hot chocolate powders. They forgot that with Rachel pregnant and Rue’s usually dislike of the beverage, there would be no coffee in the house.

Closing the cupboard again, they lean their forehead against it, heaving a sigh. They’ve managed to get a couple of hours of sleep last night, but had woken to the same nightmare as before, their arm reaching up to a fading image of Harmony.

Giving up on caffeine for the time being, their stomach starts making its emptiness known with a growl. Looking around the kitchen, they quickly find the ingredients for the one comfort food that’s always managed to help them feel a little bit better, and so they begin by weighing the flour, cracking a few eggs and giving the milk a quick sniff before adding it to the mixture.

As the first pancake sizzles in the pan, Rue sets two plates on the table, taking out a variety of toppings for them to choose from. It’s been a long time since they’ve had breakfast together, but with everything that’s been happening, Rue can’t help but long for a moment with a friend.

They peer down into the frying pan as the mix starts to solidify, moving a spatula around the outside edge to try and give the mass some mobility. As they do, they can hear a distinct clattering emerging from the bedroom. Rachel was never the most graceful, especially not in the mornings, but inevitably she shuffles around the corner and into the kitchen.

"I smell food," she grumbles, through matted hair and bleary eyes. Rue can't help but grin at the world-renowned superhero in her kitten pyjamas stretched over a pregnancy bump and fluffy slippers, her hair in ruins and face smeared with yesterday's makeup that she'd done a subpar job of removing. TrollRach, as she was sometimes referred, could sometimes be unruly, but luckily Rue knew just the solution.

“You smell pancakes,” Rue says just as they expertly flip the food in question, a manoeuvre that they’ve done hundreds of times over the years. “Have a seat, they’ll be ready in no time.”

A little while later, Rue places a stack of golden brown pancakes on the table, placing a fork and knife next to each empty plate.

“Do you want a drink? Tea?”

The offering is seemingly accepted as TrollRach takes a seat at the kitchen table, resting her head in her hands as she tries to adjust to the morning sunshine, "I don't get how you can be up so ea-" her questioning is halted by a big yawn that takes her a good few seconds before she's able to speak again, "Y'know what? Tea would be great. Thanks, Rue."

“Early mornings aren’t all that bad.” They say with a chuckle. Switching the kettle back on, Rue takes a large mug with purple spots on it out of the cupboard, finding what they know has been Rachel’s favorite tea lately and taking one of the last bags out of the packet. They quickly scribble a note on the whiteboard on the fridge to remind them to buy more.

Placing the hot tea in front of TrollRach, they take a seat opposite her, grabbing one of the pancakes from the slightly steaming stack and helping themself to a generous serving of maple syrup.

They suppress a yawn of their own before taking a bite, the sweetness soothing a small part of them the way only pancakes can.

"Thanks, Rue," Rachel mutters, taking a sip of tea and brushing the hair out of her face with the back of her hand. Rue can already see TrollRach disappearing as her eyes blink into focus and she smiles at them, "This is really nice."

The redhead takes up her fork and retrieves one of the pancakes for herself. She takes a bite and groans with satisfaction, "Damn kid, these are amazing. How'd you get so good at making pancakes? You're not secretly Dutch, are you?" She chuckles lightly before returning to her current mission; consume her bodyweight in pancakes before it's too late.

''Not Dutch, just had a very good teacher.'' Rue says in between mouthfuls. They watch as Rachel practically inhales another pancake, then another... They get up again to grab the carton of orange juice out of the fridge, taking two glasses back to the table and pouring them one each.They take a small sip, savouring the moment a while longer.

''How have you been feeling?'' They ask softly, glancing at the bump half-concealed under the table, then back up. ''I hope the little one hasn't been giving you too much trouble?''

"Ah, she's a fighter, just like her mummy," Rachel replies, casting a half smile downwards as she places a hand on her baby bump, "Kicks the shit out of me when I'm trying to sleep," she chuckles before yawning once again, "What about you? Have you been able to take your mind off of... what happened?"

''Not exactly,'' Rue admits, idly pushing the last bite of their pancake across the plate with their fork. ''I'm not sure I can take my mind off of it until we've got her back."

They watch a drop of syrup lazily rolling down the side of their plate, hesitating a moment before they suddenly get up, ''Speaking of getting people back...'' They start, briefly disappearing around the corner as they grab their coat from the hallway. ''I've got something to show you.''

"If it's tickets to the My Chemical Romance reunion tour, I'm afraid you're too late," she says, raising her voice slightly to compensate for the distance between them, "I already told Kelly I'd go with her."

''Oh yes, cause you know how I love crowded places and loud music.'' Rue deadpans, coming back with a small object in their hands.

''Okay, so you know how I recently told you about Jasmine?'' They start, carefully looking for the right words. ''And how I went to speak with Ghost after I royally fucked up telling you I'd seen her down there?''

Rachel shrugs to herself as Rue returns, her expression faltering somewhat at the mention of her Hellbound friend, "Yeah, I... I remember," she grumbles, "Jeremy's good for that sort of thing, I suppose..."

''Yeah, he is...'' Rue sits back down, fidgeting with the glasses in their hands as they consider their approach. ''I told you that I went to him because I was working on a way to get Jazz out of there, but there was more to our conversation...'' They purse their lips, their discomfort evident as they awkwardly shift on the chair. ''I didn't want to tell you this before because I frankly don't know what to make of it myself, and please don't freak out, but... Well, apparently I sort-of-somehow-accidentally brought part of Jasmine's spirit back with me.''

"You... What?" She says, an eyebrow raised as she tries to take in what she's just been told, "What do you mean 'a part' of her spirit?"

''I don't really know,'' Rue admits wearily. ''Like I said, I don't really know what to make of it all, but Jeremy said that apparently there's something about me that draws them in...'' They turn the glasses over in their hands.

''She, umm... She looks... Different. But it's her. Part of her, at least. And I do still intend to go back there and get her out fully, but in the meantime...''

Rue takes a deep breath, their eyes meeting Rachel's. There's an uncertainty there that makes them look younger, almost child-like.

''Do you want to see her?''

"See her?" Rachel says, her mind reeling at the concepts she's being presented with, "You mean she's... here?"

''Yeah...'' Rue places the glasses on the table between them, their fingers lingering on the frame.

''Just - her appearance is... influenced, I guess, by the Hellscape. I just want you to be prepared for that...'' They let out a shaky breath, the tension weighing on them, ''There's also something else you should know... There are others. Other spirits, I mean.''

"What are you, a spirit collector?" She asks, chuckling mirthlessly, "So, what, I put these on and suddenly I'll see what Jazz has become while trapped in Hell?" For her part, Jasmine finally makes an appearance to Rue, sitting on the kitchen counter with a look on her face that says 'I hope you know what you're doing.'

There’s a flicker of hurt in Rue’s eyes, and despite their height, they suddenly look very small, “Not intentionally, no…

They pick up their plate and glass, throwing the forgotten bite in the bin before placing the dishes in the sink, “If you don’t want to see her like this, I understand…” They begin. “But I wanted to give you the choice. I don’t know what will happen when I get her out of that place, and I will… but I don’t know if I’d be able to keep her around. I have no clue how any of this works yet, I have no control over it. But I thought you might want to see her… it’s up to you.”

Rachel sighs, rubbing her still-tired eyes as she looks over at the glasses facing her on the table, "I appreciate it, Rue. I do. It's just..." her head slumps to the table and she growls with frustration before taking up the glasses with a resounding "Ah, fuck it!" before placing them on her face.

Rue watches as Rachel's eyes adjust to the unusual lenses, and her eyes dart around the room, brows raised, taking in each member of Rue's spectral accompaniment before inevitably landing on the counter behind her.

"Heya, Champ," Jasmine says, giving the redhead a small wave as the pair make eye-contact.

Rachel is clearly speechless, her mouth hanging agape as she takes in the form of her demonically-influenced best friend. She stands up from her seat at the table and takes a few tentative steps towards her.

"J-Jazz, is that really you?" She stutters, her eyes welling up again as she tries to fathom what she sees.

"It's really me, Rach," Jasmine replies, electing to save Rachel the the details of her situation. She places a hand on her friend's shoulder, causing the redhead to flinch.

"I-I can feel you..." Rachel says, her eyes darting from Jasmine's to her shoulder and back.

"They're some really good glasses. I bet we can- oof!" Jasmine is interrupted as Rachel's arms clamp around her with a lot more strength than is comfortable. She smiles and places her free arm around the other woman, "I've missed you too, Rach."

"I'm so sorry, Jazz," Rachel groans into her shoulder, tears full of mixed emotions starting to form in her eyes, "I should've been there for you. I should've-"

"It's okay, Rach," Jasmine responds, trying to soothe her, "You couldn't have known. No-one knew. You only ever did your best."

Not wanting to impose on the moment between the two best friends, Rue quietly slips out of the kitchen, settling on the sofa. Uncertain about exactly how far Jasmine’s spirit can roam freely from them, Rue doesn’t dare venture much further away.

They pick up a book that they had started reading before everything went down, but upon opening it they find themself unable to focus on the words on the page. Heaving a sigh, they lean their head against the back of the sofa, rubbing their eyes as they feel a headache developing gradually.

As if summoned by their desire for rest, Rue's sensitive ears are once again disturbed by the sound of light but insistent knocking at the flat's front door. With a frown, Rue gets up from the sofa and walks towards the front door, using their powers to look through the door rather than make use of the peephole, and is surprised to see the familiar ruffled red hair of Jacob Green stood sheepishly on the doorstep.

Within a second, the door is wide open, Rue's heart skipping a beat at the sight of him, ''Jacob,'' They say, their senses on high alert. ''Are you okay? Does your mum know you're here?''

Jacob jumps at the sudden absence of the door and immediate interrogation. He looks shell-shocked for a moment before running and gripping Rue around the waist.

For the second time that week, Rue finds themself fighting the instinct to pull away, their body flinching involuntarily as Jacob's arms wrap around them. Taking a deep breath, they push the anxiety that bubbles up within them back down, urging themself to remain calm for the kid's sake. Nervously, they place one hand on his back and the other on the boy's head, soothingly stroking his hair.

Jacob's shoulders shudder with stifled hiccups and runny nose sniffles. Between dramatic intakes of breath and sharp sniffs he finally manages to expell a full sentence.

"I thought... they got... you... too" he wails through the folds in Rue's t-shirt.

''Hey, easy there, bud,'' They say softly, giving Jacob a small squeeze. ''It's alright, take a deep breath.''

Gently closing the door with their telekinesis, Rue waits patiently as Jacob continues to sob, their throat closing up a little at the sound of it. Eventually Jacob composes himself enough to wipe his sleeve across his face and look up at Rue again.

"You're gonna get her back right? From the bad guys?"

Rue crouches down in front of Jacob, a tissue floating out of the box on a nearby shelf and towards the boy. They keep their hands on his shoulders, giving them another reassuring squeeze.

“I promise that I will try everything I can to get her back.” They say with a nod, meeting Jacob’s teary gaze.

Jacob looks at Rue and slowly nods, "Okay" their voice stifled by emotion and snot.

“Now, Jacob, does your mum know you’re here?” They ask calmly, guiding the boy towards the sofa they just vacated. From the corner of their eye, they can see Rachel peeking around the wall from the kitchen, still wearing the glasses.

They get Jacob to sit down, taking a seat opposite him on the coffee table, “How about something to drink? Juice? Hot chocolate?”

Jacob returns to looking sheepish, "She told me I had to stay away from all of you."

“Okay,” Rue says, giving Jacob a small smile. “I’m going to keep my promise to you, but can you promise that you’ll listen to your mum? She’s doing what she can to keep you safe.”

"But... Who's keeping you safe?"

Rue looks at Jacob with their mouth slightly agape. At this point, there’s no trace of the boisterous Chaos Lord, and Rue wants to do nothing more than to keep this kid safe and happy, “Me and the team, we’re going to keep each other safe,” They say warmly. “Just like you and your mum and Millie.”

Jacobs face turns to frustration, "They aren't good enough!" He shouts, stamping his foot, once again reminding Rue of how young he is, "They couldn't keep Allyson safe, they definitely can't keep you safe without her!"

Rue looks at Jacob guiltily, their chest constricting, “You’re right…” They start softly. “We failed to keep your sister safe, and for that I’m really sorry, but we’re working hard to get stronger, to get Allyson back.” They take a deep breath as they search for the right words. “I’m also looking into getting us a bit of help.”

Jacob's face changes again, to a mixture of shock and remembrance, "Oh yeah! I can help with that!"

He quickly shrugs off his backpack and starts rummaging through it, spilling some of its contents onto the floor. Some felt tips, a ping pong ball and a small knotted tree branch all emerge from the bag.

Rue watches the boy as he frantically searches through the backpack, a little bewildered by the quick change in moods. After a few seconds Jacob produces a familiar squashed plush beaver. He presents it proudly to Rue, a determined smile on his face, only slightly offput by his running nose.

“Aww, bud…” Rue smiles at him. “That’s really sweet of you, but are you sure? What will you do without your Chaos minion?”

"Minion is better at mischief than safety." A familiar and welcome grin returning to Jacobs face.

Rue mirrors the smile, hesitantly taking the plushie from Jacob, ''Well we can certainly use a bit more mischief,'' They say. ''Thanks, bud. Now how about I walk you back home?''

"Umm... That's probably gonna get me in trouble..."

''Because you came to see me?'' Rue asks, their smile faltering faintly. ''I don't have to walk you to the front door, just to the building. Deal?''

"I'm supposed to be going to see the school counselor..."

''Ah...'' Rue rubs the back of their neck awkwardly. ''Well, I'll walk you there, then.''

"I'm pretty late already, I don't wanna go."

“Did your mum ask you to go?”

"Yeah, she said I should talk to someone else but I don't want to, they didn't know Allyson so they won't care... That's why I came here..."

“That might be true,” Rue starts patiently, “And I’m really glad that you came here, but maybe give them a chance, they might be able to help you even if they don’t know Allyson.”

"I don't need help though... I just want her to be home..."

“I know, bud, and I promise I will try everything within my power to get her home, but it might take a little time…” Rue starts to pick up some of the items that had fallen to the floor, handing them back to Jacob to put in his backpack. “So until then, it would really help to know that you and Millie and your mum are safe and looking after each other. That includes listening to your mum, okay?”

"Okay, as long as you promise..."

''Of course,'' Rue says, holding up their pinky. ''I promise.''

Jacob excitedly wraps his pinky round hers and bounces his hand.

''Right, lets get you to the counselor, shall we?'' They say, ruffling Jacob's hair before standing up from the coffee table and walking over to the kitchen.

''Rach, can you do me a favour and give the school a call? Let them know we're on the way,'' They say lightly. Rue lowers their voice to ensure Jacob doesn't hear the rest, their eyes flashing dangerously. ''And maybe order a better protection detail, one that doesn't lose sight of a child.''

"Who's Rach?" Jacob says, looking confused.

"Hey, those guys are professionals," Rachel says half-heartedly as she meanders out of the kitchen still wearing her kitten pyjamas the spectral spectacles from before. As she spots the young boy, the pregnant superhero's face lights up with a big grin, "Well hello there, little man," she cooes, "I didn't realise we were having guests today. What's your name?"

Jacob turns, suprised, towards the sudden appearance of the newcomer. A moment of confusion and distrust quickly turns to awe as his eyes widen and his mouth drops open.

"But... You're Suplex!!" He looks down and adds; "You don't look that fat on the tv..."

"Well, I haven't been on TV for a while," she says, chuckling at the innocent insult, "I've been taking a break so that I can focus on... well, mostly eating ice cream. Maybe that explains the belly, eh Rue?" She says, grinning as she glances up at her roommate.

“Hmmm, maybe,” Rue smirks, turning towards Jacob. “Maybe I should make her fewer pancakes as well? What do you think?”

Jacobs eyes widen in horror. "Pancakes make you fat?!? But I love pancakes!..."

"You'd better not," Rachel says, standing upright, her eyes wide with what could be fear or rage, Rue not entirely sure which.

“Pancakes are fine in moderation, I like them too.” Rue chuckles, moving towards the hallway and grabbing their keys. “Now, let’s go, shall we?” They look expectantly at Jacob, their hand on the door handle.

"Okay, but can I have pancakes too next time you make them?"

“Sure, you can have pancakes too.” Rue nods, taking a moment to look back at Rachel as they open the door.

“I’ll be back soon,” They say, sounding somewhat apologetic as they glance between the superhero and what to Jacob would only be thin air. “Talk then?”

Jasmine shrugs, "Well, I'm stuck to you anyway," she says, turning to Rachel, "You gonna be okay, Champ?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine," she replies, smiling with a touch of sadness as she takes off the spectacles and heads back towards her room, "I'll see you two later then."

"I like her, she's funny" Jacob states, adjusting chaos minion's seating position on the sofa before donning his backpack and walking out the front door.

''You think so?'' Rue asks, their conversation fading further away from the apartment as they close the door behind them.