Dying Revelation

Prompt: Write a story about the aftermath of someone's sacrifice

Title: Dying realization

“Stupid fucking bee…” He muttered annoyingly.

“Huh?” The woman treating him questioned weakly. She brought tweezers to the stinger and continued with a soft voice, “What happened?”

The man didn’t reply, cursing again under his breath. It was a beautiful day— no clouds in the sky, the temperature at a perfect heat, and here she was— spending time with the ‘love of her life’.

“Kallos?” She asked the man who shone radiantly.

He responded, “The little shit stung me trying to pick a flower for you.”

“I thought I told you, I don't like picked flowers. it kills them for pointless decor.”

He sighed and rolled his eyes, “Most other girls would love beautiful flowers as decoration— and besides, the house is too plain and my parents are coming over later for dinner.”

Just as she pulled the stinger out, she questioned, “What? I told you I couldn’t tonight because I’m seeing my friends.”

He lightly rubbed the spot the stinger was before getting up off of the couch, “We’re getting engaged soon. Can’t your friends wait?” He looked back to her, who was still sitting and looking at him in disbelief.

“I barely get to see them anymore because were always together-”

He cut her off abruptly, “So you want to go see your guy friends that badly? You guys always get so touchy-feely and when I try to tell you I don't like it, you brush me off. Stop seeing them. I don't want my girlfriend getting physical with another guy.”

She kept her calm, not raising her voice but trying to communicate her feelings, “You know what I've been though— they're practically family. What does it matter that they're guys?”

Kallos was getting angrier by the second, “You don't listen, or are you not hearing me? I don't like you talking to them- at least not until we’re engaged. I’ve told you this since the beginning!”

She tried to communicate, "I've known them for years. We've gone to hell and back— they're like brothers to me!”

Kallos scoffed, “Oh yeah? Well I bet they don't see it the same way. God, Domini- you're so naive sometimes.”

She stayed silent for a moment, starting to lightly shake with anger. Her voice held firm as she sat on the couch, her gaze unwavering as she looked up to him, “You know what happened. You know why we're so close. They were the only ones there for me when Selene didn’t make it. They’re the only ones that share my anger towards those bastards. What don't you understand?”

Anger overtook him, “You’re not listening! It feels like you're cheating on me when you go see them! I know that you wouldn’t, but it still doesn’t ease my worries! You can go see them another day when I’m with you. I get that you're close, but you don't know their feelings.”

Her voice started to raise, an unknown anger rising in her chest. “You don't either. I know a lot more-”

“Domini.” Kallos loomed over her.

She got up and off of the couch, taking the first aid kit with her. Before she left the room, she looked back to Kallos with regained composure, “I’m going to go see them tonight.”

“No. You arent.” a terrifying look overtook his eyes. He was clearly angry, but his voice held firm as he looked to Domini.

Domini didn't want to hear anything more from him. She wanted to love him unconditionally, but it sure got challenging when he refused to listen to her. She began to walk out of the room, but then he said calmly, “You never listen— not to me, not to my parents, hell— not even Selene.” He muttered the last words, slightly quieter but continued, “You didn’t listen. She died. You always talk about how you’ll kill those scientist bastards— but what about you? Don't make the same mistake— I'd jump in front of a bullet for you just like she did, but why don’t you listen for once so no one has to get hurt?”

She stopped hearing him halfway through his little speech. His words were a sham. How could he blame her so easily? They were the ones that killed Selene. Domini didn't. What kind of partner brings up something so sensitive in a baseless argument?

She didn't even have the words to yell at him. She left before she said anything she’d regret to him. At least she had some sort of decency to communicate— she even opened up about her deepest fears to him. All that did was give him fuel to use against her. Why hadn't she realized that earlier?

***

“Oh wow, fancy. Stir fry beef? When’d you learn to cook?” A blond man looked to another.

“I just followed the cook book.” The other replied.

“Hm.” The blond man smiled mischievously before a solemn smile overtook him, “Selene would’ve loved this.”

Slovene overcame before chatter took its place.

“Domini, what happened?” The blonde man spoke up, halting all other conversation within their group.

“Hm?” she looked at the man, giving a slight question.

“Youre out of it today. Did that nepo baby say something to you again?” he continued like regular, but an undertone of annoyance overcame his voice.

The man with a slightly deeper voice elbowed him with a muttered, “Conan.”

“What? I can't be the only one that noticed.” Conan shrugged.

Domini waved her hand slightly “Xander, It's fine— and he's right. But stop calling him nepo baby would you? His name is Kallos.”

“Sure, I'll start calling him that when he stops being a nepo baby.” Conan replied.

“What's a nepo baby?” the last man questioned innocently.

“Someone that leeches off their parents for success.” Xander replied.

“I was asking Domini.” the last man stated.

“That's rude, Phantalla.” Domini replied

“Sorry— acho!” Phantalla said, not truly meaning it before a sneeze overtook him.

“Is there pollen in here? You know I'm allergic.” Phantallia grumbled.

“I was outside in the forest earlier, must’ve gotten some on me.” Conan replied, checking his clothes for a moment as silence returned.

All Domini could muster was a weak sigh as she sank into her hands. She wanted to make up with Kallos, but he crossed a line that wasn’t his to walk. Then anger arose once more, but faded as fast as it came. She couldn't be mad at him— all he used were words. She tried to reason with her head, but her mind wouldn't forget. His words hurt her more than any needle or slap ever could.

The men all looked at Domini, unsure of what to say. Then Conan spoke up again, "It's about us again, isn't it?”

She nodded silently.

“I don't like him. He doesn't try to understand anything you went through but expects you to understand what he wants.” Conan continued.

“I know… but he’s trying. I still love him.” Domini still couldn't show her face.

Xander sighed heavily, then put his hand on Domini’s, “This is not your fault. You communicated what you needed, and he didn't listen. None of this is your fault.”

The words were reassuring, but Domini's heart dropped. “… he said it was my fault.” The words tumbled out her mouth before she could regret it as her head sunk further into her hands.

“About what?” Xander questioned softly, noticing Domini's restraint.

Domini paused. She bit her lower lip harshly. Even saying her name was too hard now, but she had to. Words came out, almost a whisper, “Selene…”

The whole table froze at Selene’s name. She was always a sensitive topic after what happened that day, but a matter of blame enraged them all. Phantalla stood up, the table food clattering as his hands slammed down. Each of them had met up to eat, but their appetites had all soured with rage.

“How dare that fucker.” Phantallia said with venom, not raising his voice, but his tone sending chills. His fists balled on the table with his anger, the thought of calming him passing none.

Phantallia heard enough. He didn’t speak as he moved towards the door, his intentions clear. However, before he could make it, Domini grasped his wrist, each standing silently in their emotions.

Domini hesitated. Was this the right choice? She still loved him— she had to. Domini kept her head slightly lowered as she said, “Tallia. Stop. don’t… just forget what I said earlier.”

That only enraged him further, but he didn't have the heart to shake Domini off. She meant too much to him for him to pursue his rage, but he couldn't let Kallos get away with this.

Xander arose from his chair next, moving across his house to them with a calmed rage. Then he spoke, “Phantallia. I get that you're angry, but if you go to fight Kallos, then you put all of us in jeopardy.”

Phantallia didn't have the words to respond, but he needed to vent his anger somewhere. He lightly removed Domini's hand from his wrist, and stormed out of the house. Xander sighed heavily and pinched his temple. Phantallia was smart enough to think about the group instead of himself, so none of them had to worry about him beating Kallos to a pulp.

Xander walked over to a stationary Domini, placing his hands on her shoulders gently, “He doesn’t know what he's talking about. He wasn’t there that day. Don’t take his words to heart.”

Domini let silence pass after his words, the house feeling too big as his words left a small echo. She didn’t know what to say— if she should say anything at all.

As the silence stretched on, a forgotten voice came back, “what… what exactly did he say?” Conan sat by himself, the last one at the table as his elbows perched on the wood, hands propping his forehead up.

“Conan.” Xander replied, a tone that should've stopped any more questions.

“I want to know—no. I need to know.” Conan looked directly to Xander, pushing back just as hard with a gaze that finished on Domini.

Domini bit her lip, a refusal sprouting in her mind, but they deserved to know. “He said I didn’t listen, and she died because of me.”

Another silence passed then Conan said, “...I despise him. He’s a no good, deadbeat lover that doesn't even deserve such a mediocre title… but… I can't find myself completely disagreeing.”

“What?” Both Domini and Xander looked at Conan, bewildered.

“Selene…” Conan squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, pursing his lips then continued, “Selene told us the plan. I don't agree with Kallos, but… If we followed that plan— then maybe, maybe she would still be here.”

Domini froze. She could choose not to hear Kallos’ words because he didn't know anything, but Conan… that was too much. Xander, who normally would've spoken for Domini, fell silent as well. None of them could refute his words.

“This isn’t going anywhere… I don't mean to hurt you Domini, but I mean what I say. I'll go now.”

The food was cold by now, untouched and destroyed from Phantalla’s rage. Conan got up and walked past Domini and Xander to the door. No one could stop him now, none had the strength to.

As he left, Domini and Xander stood in the silence, left behind in something that never felt so unfamiliar. Silence was all they had in the beginning, but who knew I’d hurt so much now? Xander looked to Domini, going to comfort her, but halting his hand, letting it fall back to his side.

“Everyones running on their emotions. You can stay the night if you want to stay away from Kallos… We’ll talk about this seriously tomorrow, but it’s not your fault Domini. You didn’t kill Selene.”

Domini stood, frozen, and beyond pale, but all she mustered was a, “Thank you Xander, but I have to head home. See you tomorrow.” before walking out the door.

She never meant for this to happen. She never wanted to fight with them. Kallos she could handle. Conan she couldn't. He had been there. He knew Selene— better than anyone. Why would Selene give her life to save one like Domini’s? All Domini could do was ponder a dead thought. It was a cruel end, but Domini only watched.

***

“I’m glad you finally came around and this didn't turn into something bigger than it had to be. My parents will be here in an hour, so make whatever you can.” Kallos sighed softly in front of Domini before moving closer and kissing her forehead, saying, “Love you.” as he walked out of the room.

She was left alone in the kitchen, her body moving to the larder and grabbing whatever they had to make an attempt at a meal. She loved cooking, especially before sunset. The kitchen was perfectly placed, overlooking each and every sunset. She noticed one of the flowers Kallos plucked for her, withering away in a pot, all alone. Nothing could pollinate it, nothing could keep it alive. She blinked and forced her body to move through the kitchen, grabbing vegetables and washing them quickly.

Disgust clawed at her.

She had to focus, her inlaws would be here soon and she had nothing to show. The light shone beautifully on her, a golden hour passing though. Grabbing a knife, she began to cut precisely into each one. Did the others eat? She hoped Phantallia didn't get into too much trouble. Was Conan alright? He didn't eat any of his food—ah. Her knife slipped, leaving a slight cut on her finger.

She looked to the finger, too much blood gushing out of something so small with only a small wound. Blood began to drip off the finger, signalling her to wash it off in the sink. It didn't sting much— the cut was too small, just a quick rinse and she'd get back to work. the facet turned and water gushed out, calling for her hands. The stream was so slender, so delicate yet free— she felt the urge to squeeze it off and stop the water, but she had to wash her hands off the blood— so she put her hands beneath the water.

The blood washed off slowly as she scrubbed it away, for it nuisanced her. So the water kept running, the birds could be heard chirping outside, a slight chatter from the neighbors— but the blood wouldn't stop. She scrubbed— harder— harder— why wouldn't it leave her hands? The wound she held seemed to grow bigger by the minute, but it wasn't her pain. The neighbors grew louder, more birds hymned to the breeze, Kallos was heard in the bacround— but she needed the blood gone. A voice grew closer to her, sounding passive but distant. He couldn't disrupt her— she wouldn't let him. not again. no one would take her away this time. She had to scrub the blood clean. The wound had to be gone.

“...ni? Domini?” Kallos called softly before coming to her side. “Hey hey hey— your hair’s getting wet, its in the water— did you cut yourself? I'll get you a bandaid in a minute.” Kallos said, slightly concerned as he peacefully moved her hair aside and out of her face. His hands were gentle. Too gentle.

“I’ll put your hair up for you-”

“Don’t touch me!” she screamed, swatting his hands away. It was disgusting. She felt disgusting.

She heaved up and down. When did she start breathing so hard? The hair kallos tried removing from her face stuck like glue to her sweat. She looked at him, akin to a rabid animal for a moment— what was she doing? She should be finishing dinner. His parents would be here in no time.

Her vision grew dizzy. The dying sunlight poisoned her. Her body turned away from Kallos and out the backdoor, stopping for no one. The forest greeted her softly, joyful at her return as she ran further within. After some time, her running turned slow— leading to a slow drag of her feet.

The plants, the trees, they were all so beautiful. Domini tainted something so free with sin. The light was finally dying, a darkness coming in too fast, but before all light dispersed, a flower caught her eye. Singular and all alone, it stood in the clearing. She approached slowly, her mind too tired to think where she was.

As she crouched down to the flower, a small, fuzzy thing caught her eye. Domini gently picked it up. It was a bee, long gone.

Its wings were gone— presumably torn off after losing its stinger. But it was only a bee— there were many others where it came from. No one would miss it. None would remember it. Yet it still gave its life for one that left it for dead.

Domini could only mutter a silent word painfully, “…Selene.”

What a pitiful end. Domini felt her knees sink into the grass, each blade piercing another layer she protected herself from the world with. Like the faucet, the stream wouldn't stop as it stained down her face onto her clothes. Only crickets were heard— an occasional owl asking who she was. The sun had long since set below the horizon— the day was already finished, it had been for awhile, but Domini didn't want to face that fact.

She wanted the day back, to cook dinner, to enjoy her time with those she held close. But they all had fallen asleep already— she was the last one left, still awake— unable to accept a new day. Even the bee had closed its eyes before she ever could. She knew sleep was best, though, she wasn't sure if she'd be asleep by tomorrow. Or the day after that. What a cruel night it was.