We're all rotten, buried and forgotten,

Living it up underground

Harley knew all too well what it was like to be abandoned, so when the words left her friend's lips she felt for him, truly. "Shit. I can't say I've been exactly what you've been through but I've been there.." She uttered with feeling, going through something similar. She could only imagine how he was feeling. She wanted nothing more than to utter a slew of insults but she knew the man truly cared for the guy that left him. It would have probably only add insult to injury. She drew in a breath, rarely holding back her words. "Well you're stuck with me now. I know, I'm not a dude but I think I make a pretty damn good friend, when it matters. If you want to burn some clothing or photographs I'm right there with you." Despite her joking manner, she took no pleasure in her friend's pain. Love had a way to truly fuck you up from the inside out. It weaseled its way in your heart and then exploded right in the ticker when it went to shit. She let the topic dwindle unless he needed to talk more about it. However, the thought of destruction in an outburst often proved to be rather therapeutic despite what the therapists say.

Sterling went into work mode rather quickly, growing plant after plant from the soil filled pots. This was how he ended up with so many blood plants It was unlike anything she had seen before. She was always so used to seeing powers used in destruction or control, never something like this. Growing a plant from nothing was impressive, let alone an actual magical one he suddenly created. It surely looked full of something occult-ish to her, the other ones were just boring old typical green. This one was iridescent and very different than the other plants he grew in the soil. Sterling obviously agreed with her. The raven haired woman simply could not help the urge to touch it. It wasn't every day you saw a magical plant created right before your very eyes. Her fingers hesitated right before the leaves before actually touching it. A sharp static jumped up her arm. What kind of shit was this?

"Why did you have to make an asshole magical plant, Sterling?" She huffed, only half serious, yes she was aware of how ridiculous that it sounded, still feeling the after tingle of the plant. But seriously why? Of course she was going to play with the magical plant of unknown origins. "I'm not touching that shit again.." In all actuality she kind of wanted to. Only in the name of science, of course. She turned to the plant frowning. "I bite back, plant." She hissed.

Sterling mentioned a horrible thought that never quite crossed her mind until this moment. A were plant? Was it possible? In a world full of weres and magical beings, this seemed like a horrible possibility. Her mouth hung open in shock for a moment. "You better be joking. There is no fucking way I'm going to turn into a plant thing.. No way! Being a human is squishy enough." She shook her head as it she had the power to determine her own fate. "If I turn into a plant Sterling, I will be so pissed dude." She declared a frown finding her face.

Her eyes narrowed at the iridescent plant as if giving it a certifiable stare down of intimidation. I am not going to be some plant's bitch. She thought to herself. "Stupid, rude, uncontrollable houseplant. I'll eat you, then we will see who wins.." She muttered under her breath watching as Sterling moved to the next stage in his steak concoction. This had to be worth it. Those violet eyes peer up at Sterling, a true smile upon his once sad and tired features. For a moment, it made it all worth it. He needed a smile, even if it was at her expense.

She could see Sterling reach other to touch the plant, but she blurted out a warning. The man was a warlock, he had to know what he was doing. Her friend began speaking to the plant and if anyone could see them now, they probably looked bat shit crazy talking to plants. Sterling's eyes met her own as if looking for some kind of reassurance. Hell if she knew, regardless she nodded her head as if urging him on. This was Ace's last chance. If an asshole plant was going to help him, than this risk was worth it.

What she didn't expect was for the plant to suddenly respond to the warlock's question. Was it her eyes playing tricks on her? She swore she would remember if she tried some kind of drugs today. What she didn't expect was the plant actually offered him the leaf and didn't 'bite' him when he touched its dainty looking leaves. "Holy shit.. Did that plant understand English? This is some Harry Potter shit, that's for sure." A grin tugged at the corner of her lips, suddenly all too pleased with the idea that this could actually work. Never did she think she would see a plant that actually understood, not just a plant, a magical plant. How cool was that?

Harley had forgotten all about the steaks that were cooking behind them, her eyes never wanting to leave the magic plant. She put her forearms on that table, crouching over it so she loomed near the plant as if monitoring it for any kind of funny business. Of course Harley could not just simply leave the plant alone. She just had to touch it again. With her good poking finger, she hesitantly but surely touched it. Surprise, surprise another sharp zap crackled up her arm. "OW, Asshole!" She exclaimed. Yes, she was speaking to the plant. She crossed her arms, her unhurt hand rubbing her still tingling one. "Rude motherfucker." She pouted in a displeased fashion, turning to Sterling to see what he was doing behind her. Just in time to catch a glimpse of Sterling making MORE of those rude magical plants. Her frown turned into curiosity. Was that a good idea? To make more of them? Maybe one of them was nicer. Maybe they were kind of cute if she didn't know better.

Sterling made short work of those steaks, finishing them. His voice caught her attention, her stubborn gaze searching him. "This is his only hope. I know I can't stand by and do nothing while he gets old and dies.. Why can't we use magic to work for us, instead of against us for once in our damn lives?" Was that so wrong? "Plus, if anything goes weird, we can reverse it. It's only a magical plant, it's not like it's unicorn blood or the heart of a virgin. Am I right?" Of course she was.

Harlequin Ray Westward