Dare to Ask (Frankel)

[Tom]

Thinking Writing Says Hears Lyrics

Some days Mick wonders why he even does dares. This one was going to be extremely awkward and weird for him. Mick had been enjoying his morning until the group of guys that Mick used to see all the time for dares and bets and such found him. They all seemed to be dying for another dare and bet that they could do using Mick. Mick had been purposely avoiding this group because he was getting older and wanted to break free of the daredevil pattern, but secretly, he knew he wouldn't be able to ditch it. The daredevil always comes back, but Mick would be able to suppress it at times. He was now an adult. Mick needed to start thinking like one.

The sounds of whispers could be heard as Mick was now in the group of people. "Mick is here. Now we can start the bets and dares." The other guys started with simple things such as jumping off of stuff, pissing off passing people, and going into place they aren't allowed to go. Mick was making the most money like always. He was pretty great at predicting outcomes of most things. One guy had to go and see if he could steal some old woman's cat. Mick remembered the daring and betting being a lot more fun. His eyes seemed to glaze over in boredom. It was a boring day now.

The sun had been out all morning, burning the skin on the other boys, but Mick was smart enough to get out of the sun after certain amounts of time. The breeze that swept in felt like the fall wind that always seemed to come in after a while. Mick loved the cool days like this, the sun wasn't making the land too hot and it was just right for Mick. The group of boys that Mick was hanging out with suddenly got extremely quiet. "What do you guys want now?" Then there was an evil grin and a few whispers in a huddled group without Mick. Then the silence was broken, a hand pointed to a rather taller guy than Mick, probably six inches taller, and the one guy spoke, "i dare you to ask him out on a date. If the guy says yes you'll get all the money we have today which is about three hundred dollars. If he says no, you get 50 dollars. Does that sound good to you?"

Mick looked over to the guy taking in his appearance. The guy's hair was gelled back into some sort of style that seemed kind of old, but Mick couldn't judge, his hair was either a mess or standing up in the front. He was lanky and looked to have not a lot of muscle unlike Mick who was used to doing the heavy lifting around the place. The guy seemed to be minding his own business and Mick was studying him. Mick didn't know if the guy would say yes or no, but there was only one way yo to find out. Mick turned back towards the group of guys, "It's a deal and no backing out of the payment."

Mick smiled and left the group making his way to the guy that he was supposed to ask out on a date. Mick was going through what he should say in his head. Hey cutie, wanna go get some coffee with me? No that's dumb. Hey what's up hot stuff, wanna go hang out sometime? No no, too douchey. How about I just go in and say, hey let's go out somewhere? Mick shook his head of all the thoughts he had. He was there. The rather tall guy was standing in front of him. Mick taped him on the shoulder, hoping to get his attention.

Mick began to speak, "Sorry for bothering you, but I was wondering if you uh... uh..." The guy was turning around and all of a sudden, Mick got extremely nervous and began to stare. His stomach did a flip and his hands began to sweat a little bit. Mick saw how tall the guy was, but now Mick really could see what the guy was like. His eyes seemed to burn straight through Mick and it made him tense. Mick finally composed himself and a little more nervously he continued to speak, "Uhh... I was wondering if you'd go out on a date with me? W-We could go get... c-coffee or somethin?"

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Darak Dwarryhouse

Despite being filled with smog most of the time, the outdoors of District Nine is pleasant. Freedom away from the little bratty children that I have to live alongside; I am surprised I have coped this long with them. Having the share a house with multiple freaks, it’s shocking that I am alive. Peace is hard to find and when I get hold of it, one of them quickly tears it away from my grip. It’s like they all exist just to torment me, they’re all there to spit at me. I don’t put up with it, I never do; yet they’re able to manipulate me. It’s ridiculous.

Free time when it does come, I need to relish. But what do I do on the rare days I get? Nothing. I fight for freedom but when I win the battle, I remain seated in the ruins. I can never please myself; this District has nothing to offer me to keep entertained. I am trapped in a glass box filled with little monsters I call siblings, all of them latched at my heels. My only purpose in this world is to be runner up to them. These tasks our parents set, I never win them and I am born a true loser. Really, I am here to bulk up the numbers in my parents set of little games. I am the character that nobody wants to play. The athlete without a win to my name. Yet I never give up, I am not here to just give up.

Today’s free time I have decided to spend outside, rather than lounging about in the house. Despite there being nothing to do, a walk usually helps clear my head. Outside I can think, I can conspire with myself. Plan out how I am going to cause total destruction to my family. Even if it is all trapped inside my head, I’m going to enforce it out onto them one day. They deserve it, the troubles they’ve planted on me since birth. They need a taste of their own meat and I have it a low boil…for now.

Somewhat heating my face, the dying summer sun tries it’s best to fight on yet the autumn breeze blocks its attack. I enjoy this time of the year. No sticky clothes, the house always smells like sweaty little kids during the summer. Having stayed inside for the majority of it, it was still hard to grow immune to the aroma. Winter is worse however; even indoors it is hard to shelter from the freezing incursion that it parades around the District. But Autumn and Spring are the better seasons. It’s is neither warm nor cold, just in-between. They’re both the best times of the year to go for a walk, the air is fresher; not mild like in the deepness of Summer. The dying plants of Autumn help me relax while the reviving ones of Spring help me freshen up a little. I don’t care about the scenic side of things, as long as the air is right for my lunges; that is when I am happy.

I’ve been strolling around the District for some time now and I am unaware of where I am. I always seem to stumble into virgin grounds but I always pick up the scent trail home. There are a lot of people out at this time of the day, many near to my age. Leaning up against a red bricked wall of a building, I’d decided to take a little rest and people watch.

All these people with their own tales to tell, one of them will help me break the glass in the confine that I am stuck in. Forever I have been trying to hunt for a friend yet like every other task I undertake, I have failed. But I am not to give up, I never give up.

"Sorry for bothering you, but I was wondering if you uh... uh..." Turning my attention to the voice, I’d be met by the holder, a guy who looks much older than me. uh..uh..uh It’s hard not to follow his stutter in my mind as an aggravated expression begins to paint itself onto my face. "Uhh... I was wondering if you'd go out on a date with me? W-We could go get... c-coffee or somethin?" I’d raise my eyebrows as I believe him to not be serious. Seriously, is he playing with me?

”I am sorry but I do not go on dates.” My eyes running up and down him as my comment comes out in quite an aggressive tone. Especially with people like you.

774 Words

[Tom]

Thinking Writing Says Hears Lyrics

Rejection. Rejection was a part of every life. People faced Rejection on a daily basis. It was how the world worked. Rejection based on prejudice. Rejection based on fear. Rejection was a global term. Mick was facing this global term on his own, right in front of his face. ”I am sorry but I do not go on dates.” Mick's already tensed body felt like it was being pushed down from a weight that never even seemed to exist. Mick's heart dropped to the bottom of his chest. The broken feeling became apparent to him. He's been rejected plenty of times before, but for some reason this one hurt more than the rest and Mick couldn't put his finger on it. His mind felt like it was moving information miles and miles at a time.

Mick's tense state allowed Mick to hold in his reaction from the man in front of him. Mick hid the emotion under the surface as he smiled at the guy. His hands at his side slightly tensed up as he stared at the aggravating man - who also seems a little aggravated with him. Mick's insides were boiling up now, but he wasn't going to scream or yell at the guy. Most logical people would say no also. Mick finally stopped his tenseness. His arms finding it's comfortable place with it crossed. His palms hiding in his armpits where the guy wouldn't be able to see the little sweat that was left. Mick's smile turned into a smirk of amusement. Mick's confidence was on the rise as he finally became normal again rather than nervous. He spoke with confidence, "Oh well, I guess you're too scared to go on one date with me." Mick winked at him with a sly smile on his lips.

The world was full of opportunities and all Mick knew was that this opportunity wasn't going to be wasted. He wanted a memory that he could keep in his head that wasn't sad. One that didn't make him feel guilty about Jabber or Storm. A memory that he could say was a good and funny one. A memory that won't tear his insides up like they are nothing but the meat a butcher cuts up. His stomach twisted with the slight feeling of guilt, but Mick was strong and ignored it. His arms stayed crossed in front of his chest. His eyes focused on the rather handsome guy in front of him. He didn't even know his name, but he wanted to guy to say yes. It would mean he could provide for the family and be praised.

Money meant more than most people think. Mick was poor and so were most of the Jay family. They were a big family, but very poor. Mick had grown up with eight kids in the house. There wasn't much food for all of them, so Mick sacrificed his own food to feed the younger ones. Mick lived on the money that was gambled through out the district and it seemed to work for him. He'd get money that he could use to provide for the family and himself. Mick needed the money. It was a life line that Mick always saw dangling before him. This time though, it was dangling in front of the handsome guy. The handsome guy would decide if Mick eats for the next two days.

Mick's focus came back to Mr. Handsome, who seemed to be the same way he was before. Mick smirked. His thoughts just came up with an idea. Sarcasm and fear won't make this guy date Mick. Mick's smirk grew as he was about to speak for a third time to Mr. Handsome. "Or let me guess. You don't do dates because you'd rather just have sex, no strings attached?" It came out as a question even though Mick didn't mean it as a question. His smirk stayed stuck to his face like his face had froze from his attitude. Mick hated being told no and being controlled. Mick wasn't going to fail. Not yet. The group didn't ask if it had to be a date, just to go out. Mick could always tell them that he was going to hook up with the guy for a night. Mick smirked at the handsome guy, waiting to see if his attitude would change to his comment.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Darak Dwarryhouse

Burning inside of me, fury would begin to tackle through my veins. Who does this guy think he is? I am stood here, minding my own business and he starts to throw all these ridiculous questions at me. You’re over reacting Darak, he only asked one question. Something inside of me tells me to leave him right now but I am intrigued to know whatever comment he has to throw at me. Maybe he is trying to joke around, or pull some sort of pranks; I am all for playing along with it. Unless of course I come out much worse than expected. I’ll just have to wait and see, I doubt anyone is capable of tricking me into any sort of sticky situation.

I need a friend, being stuck in that abomination that I call a home all day, will not help me reach my goals. If I begin to mingle with other people, other people similar to me; I can be inspired. Everyone does things differently (except my family) and if I mingle with more crowds, I will learn more. Also I am sure doing nothing is not helping my health one bit. Fortunately I live in a well to do family, which is very rare in this District. I have no clue where my family got its wealth from and I don’t want to know otherwise. As long as I get everything that I want need , then I won’t question anything.

Examining the older guy in front of me, he seems a viable asset, although from what I am learning from his comments; he is just like the runts I share a home with. "Oh well, I guess you're too scared to go on one date with me." Ha, he believes I am scared, his comment isn’t worthy of a reply. I am not scared of going out with him; I am just clever enough to know that this is all a prank. He can’t be serious. What normal human being would go out and pick a random stranger out on a date? If so, then are they right in their mind to accept such thing? Gritting my teeth, I’d shake my head at his comment. Keeping my arms crossed, they’d somewhat protect me from the guy. I need to be ready for anything, I don’t know this guy. I doubt he is normal, for any normal person would not be doing what he is now.

I’ve never been on a date before, I don’t intend too. I have seen what love does to people’s brains, it is a poison. Who would want to have a family anyway? Children are all the same, bratty little monsters, who think they can do anything. Babies are ugly and messy too, young human life is a nuisance. Cuddling, kissing…having sex is all out of date. I have my own pleasure and that doesn’t involve touching myself. I entertain myself by people watching, training for my parent’s ridiculous tasks as well as studying my siblings; so that I can beat them.

Even though this guy is becoming very irritating, I am still curious on what else he has up his sleeve. What ridiculous comment has he got for me next?

"Or let me guess. You don't do dates because you'd rather just have sex, no strings attached?" Gritting my teeth, my growing hatred for this guy begins to enlarge. Fighting the urge to send a fist square into his face, I’d fire a comment at him instead. ”What the fuck no! Who do you even think you are? Just get lost.” Keeping my fists tight down beside me, I’d prepare myself for a fight, not wanting to be made a fool of.

[Tom]

Thinking Writing Says Hears Lyrics

Mick was being irritating and he knew it. The cool air stinging his skin. The guy in front of him was done with Mick. Mick knew it and stayed calm. The other guy's voice rang with a tone of anger, ”What the fuck no! Who do you even think you are? Just get lost.” Mick frowned at the statement. Mick was reading the other guy's body language like he was actually smart. The other guy had his fists clenched like he was preparing for a fight. Mick sighed in frustration. His voice rang out calmly, "I think I'm a part of the Jay family. You know, the ones who lost Stormy Jay in the 65th Hunger Games." Mick felt his hands tighten in anger. It was his fault. He shouldn't have been safe from the 65th games. He should have been able to volunteer. The one regret he has is not saving Storm from the capitol.

Mick finally calmed himself down enough to stop clenching his hands. The boy held the tears inside. He couldn't care here. That would show weakness in himself and he doesn't want to be broken. Mick knew he had to tell this guy. He had to tell him why he was asking him. He had to tell him. Mick quietly backed away and spoke softly, "I-I'm sorry for bothering you. I was dared to ask you out by the dumbasses who pay me money if I do stupid things. Money is... well it's hard for me to get since I'm poor. Though, you're really intriguing and all. I know I'm stupid for following what those idiots are asking me to do, but I could really use the money... And fuck. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry. I just... I'm sorry, but I really do think you're attractive and intriguing... and I-I'll just go.. now..." Mick was backing away. His mind was lost. He stopped about a few feet away and his thoughts took over.

Mick's thoughts went back to his family members. The money was going to go towards getting Wess and Flowwy something nice. He wanted to get them something that's really nice. He also wanted to get something for Fawn and Mist. Mick was missing an opportunity to get some nice things for his family. His breath went out in a form of a sigh. Mick was screwed. He was so screwed that the stupid group probably wouldn't even keep their promise. They always wanted Mick to succeed rather than fail. If Mick had gotten a yes, he could have gotten a nice sum of money to help out the best that he could have. Mick didn't even get a name from the guy. Mick was ready to face his consequence.

Mick turned around and began to walk away from the attractive, but intriguing man. He dared to turn around, but his gut told him no. The other guy was probably mad at him and he wanted to escape getting punched by the guy. Mick was dealing with enough already. Mick didn't need a bruised jaw to add onto his problems. Mick was struggling to even feed himself. Food was something that Mick had lost money for. The daring needed to come back, but Mick was honestly growing up and finding it more childish as the days went. Money was the reasoning for it now, not for fun anymore. Mick was being taken over by maturity. It was coming in every day. He began to get strange cravings to get an actual job, to have actual kids and to actually do things by himself. Mick felt himself grow closer to the group. It was time for Mick to go another week without food. Another week without food for himself. Another week of torture from this group of idiots. Another week of pain. Another week of regrets.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Darak Dwarryhouse

Continuing to grit my teeth, I couldn’t quite condole the events unfolding in front of me; this guy has some nerve. Never have I ever been treat so ridiculously, this guy will be lucky if he doesn’t get a fist planted into his jaw. "I think I'm a part of the Jay family. You know, the ones who lost Stormy Jay in the 65th Hunger Games." Following his words, I couldn’t quite grasp them. Does this guy want sympathy? Well he is asking it from the wrong person. I couldn’t give a damn if someone has lost a friend in the games, plenty of people have. Fortunatelyunfortunately, none of my siblings have been lost to the games and well, I’ve been anticipating the day that one of their names got pulled out of that glass ball. I would never volunteer for them of course; they wouldn’t step in for me anyway. I wouldn’t need their help; I don’t want them taking the glory if they’re miraculously victorious.

Lowering my hands, I’d unclench the tight lock on my fists, the boiling blood in my body simmering down as I do. With all the sympathetic words that fall from the guy’s mouth, it would all be blank to me as my eyes do a three hundred and sixty globe trot around my skull. I am not a charitable person nor am I caring. Never have I ever helped those less fortunate than myself. I only do things that favour me and well, helping someone does not do that. I know a lot of people do it because they feel better. But no matter what I do in my life, I will never feel better about it. Many of my siblings have lectured me on doing good things; they usually just get a door slammed in their face. Nobody can tell me what to do, this is my own life and if I want to do nothing…I will do nothing.

Watching as the guy walked solemnly away, a sigh of relief would hit me. Thank ripred that nuisance is gone. Now back to doing nothing. Glancing to the group of other boys lingering about on the street, I could see their eyes flash at me and the other guy. Are they a bunch of childish creeps? They remind me very much of my siblings and their ridiculed dares and tricks of their own. All my life I have been involved in their shenanigans and all my life I have finished last or worse off than the rest. I have never been able to be on top, I have always been the loser and I have just coped with it. However lately, I have been trying to turn around that norm of mine; I don’t want to be the bottom of the Dwarryhouse pack and will do just about anything to rise up the ranks. I don’t just want to go up one step, I want to be above them all and well I need contacts, plans and help to do that.

And I am just letting one maybe appropriate contact walk away.

Despite this guy’s stupidity to play along with this group of guys dares, he reminds me of myself. Always being doubted, forced to do ridiculous things to get some prize in return. Although the only thing I get is respect and not a lump sum of cash which I guess this guy would get if he succeeded in these dares. Fortunately I am a part of one of the very few ten percent of wealthy people in the District and a small loss of cash won’t burn my pockets.

Hurrying after the guy, I’d quickly grab him by the back of the shoulder, trying to hault him in his getaway. ”Hey man… here I’ll buy you food at a café somewhere and that is all. Don’t think it is some kind of date though…just an apology for being a dick.”

I only help people when it favours me.

speech #80887f | thoughts/other's speech | action #c7d689 

[Tom]

Thinking Writing Says Hears Lyrics

Dares. Mick was growing tired of the pathetic dares that seemed to haunt his life. The people he's lost haunt him too. Jabber and Storm. Always watching Mick, just waiting for the day he joins them. A day that will allow Mick to embrace his death and push his way to his sibling's arms. Death would be embraced when Mick died, but right then, death needed to not be anywhere close to him. The souls haunt him every night through the terrors of his dreams, but those were only dreams. Mick sighed as he was close to his group, only to be halted by the rather attractive male. The words that came out of the guy's mouth was the best news Mick had heard all day, ”Hey man… here I’ll buy you food at a café somewhere and that is all. Don’t think it is some kind of date though…just an apology for being a dick.”

Mick wanted to fist pump for some reason. It wasn't normal for Mick to get someone to buy him something at a café. It wasn't a date, but it was good enough for Mick. Friendship was something that Mick was always up for. Mick would accept the apology and be happy with it. He could always see how things went at the café. A smile made it's way onto Mick's face. A smile that was real and genuine. Mick let the sweet words fall from his lips, "Thanks. That's really nice of you." Mick crossed his arms, waiting for them to head off to feed Mick for once.

Names. Names were important. It allowed acquaintances to have an actual name. It was the next step to meeting someone. Mick had no clue what the guy's name was. They didn't even have any way of calling each other by a name. Mick smiled as he spoke, "Oh, I don't even know your name? I'm Mocking Jay, but I'd prefer to go by Mick. Mocking is too much of a mouthful for my taste." His name came off of his lips like a poison. His name was poison to some people, especially to families of tributes in the 65th. People from other districts didn't like Stormy. Mick knew this. Storm wasn't a favorite of all the districts, only some of them. Mick felt himself tense for a second, before going back to his normal self.

Mick wasn't one to introduce himself, but in that moment, it was needed. Mick wanted the rather intriguing man's name. Something that he could say when he was thinking about the man. The smile wasn't there anymore. A rather normal face sat in place. An expression that was relaxed and didn't hurt his cheeks after awhile. Mick wasn't one to complain about smiling too much, but sometimes he did it too often to be considered normal.

Mick's head felt like it was spinning with memories of Storm. The days when Mick would see Storm sitting somewhere with a book in his hands. Mick had read one of Storm's precious books. A book about the body. Bones with names of all sorts. Mick knew them all by memory now. A memory of trying to get Storm to do something dangerous with Mick flashed in his head, before disappearing. Mick was proud of Storm, even if Storm had passed away. Storm did something dangerous and amazing at the same time. Mick never imagined Storm would climb the beanstalk, but yet he did. Mick smiled at the precious memories he had. His eyes focusing back onto reality. The boy in front of him was attractive and Mick would love this little meal at the café. Even if it meant more problems in the future. Mick was ready though, ready for something great or something horrible. Life moved on and so did Mick.

[d6a georgie cham 🍓🐢 frankel]

Darak Dwarryhouse

Despite relishing my hermit life I still crave some attention, a friend, somebody to at least care for me. My family think that I love my closed up life, when really I don’t. Never will I get the love from them that I deserve, I doubt I even got it from them when I was a toddler, otherwise I wouldn’t be like what I am now. However I do owe it to them for making me who I am, at least I ended up more intelligent than them. All of their other children are obvious full on failures, while I may have my lonesome perks; I am nothing of a downgrade like them.

Maybe I am slightly jealous of their friends, of their achievements but obviously I am needed for great things. These tasks they set up, we only get decorations from my family not the whole District. I want my name to be heard from everyone, not all the people that live under the same roof as me. I am yet to plan how I will be noticed but I am sure an idea will crop up one day, when the opportunity is granted to me. For I never let go of things that can help me, especially this guy that is in front of me now. Never have I thought about having romances with anyone before, especially a man however this guy most definitely suits the criteria…for now. I see romance as a waste of time, unless the person is useful. Cuddling and kissing, there is nothing productive about it. And when things are produced after romancing together, they’re annoying. Whaling babies that poop all day, never do I want to endure such a thing in my life. Although I will need some heirs in the future…I’ll just have to hire a nanny for them.

My big plan for the future, if I were to explain it to anyone, they would laugh…because I don’t have won. I have small plans, such as taking down my family and scrapping these ridiculous tasks forever but that won’t be such a great impact. The games have crossed my mind many times, coming home victorious in that would be the ultimate goal but as many say…the odds are not in my favour. I am not a betting man myself but when statistics have such a risk, I’d rather not put my precious life in jeopardy.

"Oh, I don't even know your name? I'm Mocking Jay, but I'd prefer to go by Mick. Mocking is too much of a mouthful for my taste." Oh so no we’ve gotten to the introduction part, I hadn’t realised that I didn’t know his name, I didn’t realised I’d even care about it… Mocking Jay? Like the bird? His parents were really mocking him since birth. Covering my face slightly, I’d wipe it, hiding back my laugh due to my inner joke. ”Oh I’m Darak, Darak Dwarryhouse.”

I was named the most ridiculous thing, Darak, forever mistaken as Derek. However my older brother got the short straw, being named Dick. All my sibling’s names begin with the same letter …my parents must have something for the letter D.

After vaguely introducing myself, I’d be eager to get this café date thing over and done with. Thankfully the place that I always visit was not far around the corner, so it would be a quick meal, over in minutes. “…well..um..the café is not far from here, we should go over now, they’ll be serving up lunch and they do really good lunch meals…” It’s no wonder I have no friends, I can’t speak a word properly. That will be one thing I will have to brush up on before I commence with my big plan. ”Yeah lets go now.” Moving awkwardly, I’d somewhat point my body into the direction of the café, waiting for Mick to follow me. This is not a date, this is just the rare sight of Darak being kind.