Harmless(ish) Harassment (Maddi)

[Deleted]

August was pissed. And since he didn’t really have a whole lot of friends, it wasn’t like he could just stroll out to that little rat hole they called a Roman camp and find someone to talk to. And for a change of pace, he didn’t feel like being mean to people to their face. Which wasn’t to say he wasn’t giving a few venomous looks to whoever seemed ripe for the terrorizing. Anyone who knew him, avoided him. And the few that didn’t, wished they had. He’s just finished teaching some big-shot older camper just what it meant to piss off August Mitchell and it had ended in the other kid having a lovely blossoming purple bruised eye. August might be short and somewhat wiry, but he was agile and quicker than the other camper was expecting him to be.

Which meant just one thing. It was time to visit with one of his only friends, Maddison Petroski. She was world – or at least camp – renowned as a class A bitch, which was why they got along so well. After all, wasn’t he one of the camp’s worst bullies as well. And proud of it. And Maddison was the only person who was just as much a jerk as he was that he didn’t absolutely hate. Sure, there were a few other complete buttwipes around this camp, but he hated them so they didn’t count. By some miracle, he and Maddi seemed to have been in agreement on who needed harassment – that was to say, everyone – for years now. And it was rather nice to join her in the ever so fun game of tormenting everyone. And, well, she was one of the very, very few who respected what he did at this worthless camp.

Which brought him to why he was pissed. What was it about telling the future and saving people’s stupid butts that people didn’t seem to get? He had more nasty nicknames from the lot of idiots around here than he was able to count. But hey, there were more idiots around him than he could count either. So the math worked out nicely. One nickname per idiot. Which much be somewhere over one hundred easily. He was pretty sure Maddison has similar issues, which made it so easy to spend special bonding time picking each camper down until they broke down in tears. How many times had he gotten people going for the same end result in him. But with his childhood, along with the butt ton of imbeciles here, he was hardened and angry. But today was one of those days that his tall resistance was full and the short fuse on his anger had been lit. And exploded somewhere about where he had knocked that guy’s lights out.

So to Maddi it was. It was an odd time of day, so he had a feeling checking her barrack would be the best first stop. Past that, he wasn’t sure, but he’d sort it out. So he dropped by his own barrack in cohort three and grabbed the bag that secretly carried his family-size bag of M&M’s he’d scored at an after-Halloween sale. The perfect Maddi offering. Not that he had to bring anything, but it really was true that gorging yourself on something sweet was surprisingly therapeutic. Not that he would admit that to anyone except maybe Maddi. And Maddi seemed to share the sentiment, so it worked.

He set out for the first cohort and the barrack that Maddi stayed in. There weren’t a lot of people around, which was both blessing and an ominous note. For one, he only had so many people to give the evil eye too. On the flip side, it was less likely a chance that Maddi would be around. So he did the only sensible thing. “You!” He turned on an unsuspecting twelve year old camper who got an expression like he’d just wet himself. Was it bad that August got a small triumph out of that look? “I’m looking for Maddison Petroski. Quick with it.” The kid seemed all the more unhappy at the idea of not just August, but Maddi as well. He pointed off to Maddi’s barrack and muttered something that August didn’t catch, but the point was clear enough. “Thanks,” he said shortly – yes he did know that word, and headed for her barrack. “Hey Maddi! You around? And have time for a lovely little chat?” which was basically August speak for ‘I think we need to pick on some poor helpless people and in general have a little fun, what do you say?’ Odd though it likely sounded, for them, it was common practice.

Tag: Maddison!
Word Count: 784
Notes: This promises to be fun.

[maddison]

To the other campers' surprise, it wasn't often that Maddison skipped training. Unlike her many siblings, she found purpose and enjoyment in it. Her older brother used to tell her that it was only because of her relation to the goddess of revenge that she cared about training as much as she did. It made sense, yet she also knew now that she had other reasons for it. For example, it was an unbelievably satisfying release for all of that anger and sadness that constantly lingered about her. Nobody cared if during training she broke a kid's nose. Such a lovely thought in a camp full of children. Well children and then people like her who were just a sliver past being legal. Actually, a little more than a sliver, she mused as she remembered her 21st birthday was just around the corner...Perhaps she'd have to drag darling Amelia or Julia out of Camp for the day. After all it wasn't like it would be hard for her to get permission to leave-both Remus and Zidane would be more than happy to get rid of her for even just a day.

Though she supposed she'd still have to go to her class at the Academia that morning. One of the only real reasons she was sticking around. She was nearly done with her justice studies degree and once she was then she'd be out of here. A relief for the camp just as much as it would be for her. But until then, they were essentially stuck with each other. Unfortunate too because she was this close to slitting at least three throats with a nail file. That Jason kid certainly needed to go, but unfortunately that was now a no-no since he was dating Clare. How that poor girl got sucked into his idiocy she would never understand, but she was still one of the few that Maddi adored and as such, the Venus girl wouldn't do a thing to upset her. Then there was that Felicity girl...she didn't even want to elaborate on how much she hated that girl and her holier-than-thou attitude. At least Maddi didn't deny that she was a bitch. Felicity, on the other hand, clearly was one to at least half the camp but she still liked to pretend she wasn't one...Well at least Maddi knew otherwise; after all, it took one to know one.

Smirking to herself at that thought, the girl flipped another page in her latest issue of Vogue. Not a bad issue really, considering the last one had been nearly wretched. Enough so that it had even managed to make her more annoyed. A sad thing given that Vogue was usually saved as a pick-me-up for when she needed saving from a particularly bad day. Needless to say, that was what today was. A really bad day..Really. really bad if she was breaking out the Vogue and the Ben and Jerry ice cream and skipping training to do so.

Now why was it so bad? Besides the usual reasons of course. Since the holidays were in season again, Maddison had made an effort to go visit her parents again. A bad choice clearly, given that when she showed up, her father was already in a drunken stupor and he actually started to go on a rant about how her eldest brother had always been his favorite. Then there was her mother, or really, wasn't, since she was no where to be seen. How typical..Seeing as it only went further downhill from there, it obviously hasn't turned out to be a good way to start the day so Maddison had decided to retreat to her barracks without even turning out an excuse for Remus or Zidane.

Apparently that wasn't enough to get out of human interaction though, she realized as she heard footsteps approaching. Ugh, people, she internally snarled as she swallowed another spoonful of ice cream. Or not, she tilted her head to the side slightly as a grumpy, familiar voice touched her ears. August Mitchell, perhaps one of the few people that she was actually ever pleased to see. Rolling off her bed and onto her feet, ice cream still in hand, Maddison walked over to the barrack door which was still propped open. "For you, August? Always.

[/color]" She smirked, managing something besides anger for her friend.

Stepping to the side of the doorway, she gestured for him to enter. "It's funny, you look like you hate people today.[/color]" A joke for them, and not for others, because they only hated people every day. "Ice cream?" She tilted the container toward him slightly in offering. A real gesture of friendship given that Maddison Petroski had one rule when she was angry; don't touch her ice cream. "It's chocolate therapy. Literally.[/color]" She tapped the side of the container with her finger, indicating that 'Chocolate Therapy' actually was the name of the flavor. Quite accurate really, she figured.




tag ;; August
word count ;; 832
notes ;; happy easter..ironic given that this was a very hate-filled post..ah well.
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[Deleted]

Seeing Maddison come to the door was more of a relief than he’d likely admit to anyone. Mostly because he had a reputation to keep up at this place and letting people know that he had the ability to show any sort of emotion would sort of hinder that. But that aside, Maddison was probably the closest person to him here. They’d known each other for several years and could count on the other to be there for any sort of venting or the like. Which, for the two meanest people in the camp, that was a lot. For the first time all day, the hint of a smile came to the augur’s face. “Good to see you, Maddi.”

He went inside the barrack when she gestured in him and had to smirk at her comment. “An odd look on me, I know. You’re right though. It’s one of those lovely days when it seems people are absolute idiots. Well, minus you, of course.” He glanced at the offered container of ice cream. Usually he wasn’t one for ice cream, but since knowing Maddi, he’d learned that it could be an effective tool for getting through the rough spots. And even more than that, the fact that she was offering to anyone was a fairly new thing as well. If there was anything he knew she was protective over, it was ice cream on a bad day. There was rumor that she’d once gotten so ticked off at someone who stole some of her ice cream that she’s actually sent them running for the infirmary using only her fingernails. Whether it was true or not wasn’t really ever discussed, but it got the point across to young campers who considered bothering Maddison Petroski.

When she said that it was chocolate therapy, he figured it was another of those weird girl terms he never quite got the hang of translating. But sure enough, there on the container, in curly purple and white letters, was the very title she’d given. Well huh. Apparently it wasn’t just a girl term. Either that or Ben And Jerry’s, despite its name, was actually run by women, which honestly wouldn’t surprise him. “No thanks, I’m fine. Though I’m guessing from the chocolate ice cream that I’m not the only one hating people today. Oh, and I brought this.” He held up the bag of M&M’s, already opened from their last ‘chat’ and tied off with a twist-tie. “Just in case the ice cream isn’t enough.”

He glanced around the barrack and was glad to find it was deserted, though honestly he wouldn’t have cared much if there was anyone there. Then again, with Maddi apparently in a bad mood, it was probably better for the safety and sanity of the majority of campers to be far, far away. Add his own frustration to the mix and this building might need a hazard placard. “So, I’m looking for aid to help out little friend, Weingarten, visit her little ghost friends. You in?” Which was just a manner of speaking, despite his serious tone. Even though he was dedicated to the Roman ideas of conquering and taking no prisoners, he wasn’t one to take the life of another Roman legionnaire. Close to – such as in Felicity’s case – but not quite.

Tag: Maddi!
Word Count: 552
Notes: sorry it’s a bit short. My muse has been failing me lately.

[maddison]

To receive a smile from the camp's legendary augur wasn't exactly something that was usual. At least not for other campers. Fortunately for Maddison though, she was always entitled to that special treat from the blonde-haired boy. She wasn't entirely sure why they got along, but they did. Well, it made sense, what with the fact that the both hated the entire spectrum of people here at the camp, but then again so did Remus..and Maddison and him got along like fire and ice. Or worse. And as far as she knew, August and him weren't exactly buddy-buddy either. Though perhaps it was just all Remus' fault? Yes, that was probably it, she nodded absentmindedly to herself before returning August's smile with a dazzling one of her own. "Well of course it is,

[/color]" She winked, clearly joking-as hardly anyone considered it good to see her. Not even her own parents these days, though for once, that one couldn't be pinned on her shoulders. Everyone else though..yeah, they had their reasons for not being delighted when they saw her lovely little face.

"Very weird for you,[/color]" Maddi agreed, her voice laced with amusement and mutual sarcasm. As if either of them ever walked around ever doing much besides training and expressing this extreme disdain for people. Or at least that was all they did when there were other people around. Once or twice, Maddi could be seen enjoying herself around her siblings or around friends such as August (and she was sure the same could be said for him) but it wasn't too often. At least not when there were other people around to witness it. "Aren't they always absolute idiots though..[/color]" The girl trailed off, taking another bite of her chocolate ice cream as she pondered that. She supposed not everyone was..but the majority. Because honestly, she could count on her fingers how many people here weren't complete and total imbeciles. Herself. August. Amelia. Julia. Rowan. Zidane (most of the time, anyhow). Charlie. Clare. Ethan...And she believed that might have been it. Hm, maybe she was missing one or two, but she doubted it. She couldn't go giving these people too much credit after all.

Shrugging as he denied her offer of delicious ice cream, Maddison couldn't say that she wasn't delighted by the idea of having more of it to herself. She wasn't exactly the sharing type when it came to her ice cream so it was relief to hear that it was all hers. It was kind of her go-to when she was in a poor mood..basically the process was, cram all of her problems and feelings down her throat, and bury it in ice cream. Or cake, if the rare opportunity presented itself to her. Snorting in amusement, Maddi settled herself back comfortably on one half of her bed, patting the other side as a gesture for August to go ahead and take a seat. It seemed like this was one of those days in which they would be ranting and raving for quite some time, so why not go ahead and get comfortable? "Oh, August, you will never be alone in hating people.[/color]" She smirked, her eyes lighting up slightly as he presented a bag of M&Ms for their mutual enjoyment. "You know me too well, darling.[/color]"

Crossing one leg over the other, and leaning back against the wall, Maddi was careful not to mess up her hair in doing so. Some wrinkles on her shirt could be ignored for the moment seeing as no one but August was going to see them (and he was unlikely to even notice). "Oh gods, yes..you know, I've been watching a lot of Cold Case Files..I think we could pull this off.[/color]" She commented thoughtfully, her eyes already narrowed in irritation at the mention of the Felicity girl. "Any particular reason you need an accomplice though? Or are we just feeling excessively homicidal today?[/color]"



tag ;; August
word count ;; 663
notes ;; oh the angry friendship pairing<3
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[Deleted]

August had to smile. Which for him, usually looked more like an evil smirk. Which was also fitting given his intention for coming here today. “Isn’t it always?” he asked with a slight joking tone. Well, not that joking. It really was always good to see Maddison. They had this strange mutual hate for nearly everyone and ability to express it quite openly and vehemently. That was what they did best. Which was what also made them such a good team. Take this conversation so far for instance. They both had the same sense of sarcasm and bitterness towards the world at large. They were the perfect duo of terror. At least, terror for anyone else. Personally, he found talking with Maddi to be very enriching. Or at least, it made him feel less crazy when there was someone agreeing with him.

He smirked at her comments. “Yes, you do have a point there. How this camp gets along with so many complete morons is beyond me. And I think the only thing with a bigger concentration of no brains might be a Justin Beiber concert.” He was more than happy to take the offered seat, as he had a feeling this was going to be a very in-depth conversation about the aforementioned idiots. That usually seemed to be the norm. They would bounce rants off each other regularly. Which was only confirmed by her statement. “Why am I not that surprised? We do make a rather hateful team. Which is just how it ought to be I think.” The M&Ms had the expected affect. After all, who didn’t like chocolate? And who liked it better than Maddi? The answer to both questions being no one, of course.

He sat back as well when she did. After all it was considerably more comfortable that way. A smirk came to his face at her words. “Cold Case Files, huh? Then I think you might be right on that one. This should be most interesting.” He had to think about her question for a moment though. Why did he need an accomplice? In the truth of it, he didn’t need one, but wasn’t it more fun to have company. The more the merrier as they said. Especially if that ‘more’ happened to be on the same side as yourself. “Oh, you know it’s always more fun to include you, Maddi. Besides, I didn’t want to send Weingarten back to her dad or something without your help. Since I know how much you adore her as well.” Well, not that he was planning on killing anyone. He wasn’t that sort. But scaring the life out of her would be nice. Or perhaps using some of the camp’s more fun punishment methods, sans praetor authorization. After all, Felicity had earned it in his book. She did so just by existing. “Possibly the second part as well, but don’t they say it’s best to get your feelings out rather than bundle them up? So there you go, just doing what’s psychologically healthy. Unless there was anyone else you wanted to take some pent up frustration out on?”

Tag: Maddi
Word Count: 522
Notes: gah short, sorry. Muse started dying in the middle