Faela Grey

The fresh air breathes life back into your lungs, you never want to go back into that cafeteria, the air is so stuffy. 

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz.

 The boys are being polite, but you know they are curious why your phone is vibrating for take off in your pocket, you’re sure they can guess.

“No, I don’t want to read his texts.”

“You sure? You can..” Sol offers, looking at your bottoms where your phone buzzes, again.

With an exasperated sigh, you take your cell phone out of your pocket, watching ‘Crowe’ flash on your screen with 10 missed calls and 20+ text messages.

Your heart aches for a moment, he’s likely looking for you in the class you’re currently ditching..

You don’t acknowledge any of his text messages as you open his message thread, type out a text, 

'To Crowe: I’m fine , we can talk later.'

After pressing send, you don’t wait for his reply before you hold the power button, putting the device completely to sleep. You drop your phone back in your pocket and look back up, looking between Hyugo and Sol.

“There! That’s settled, the theater is just around the corner right?” 

“Right! Follow me.” Hyugo cheerily responds before taking the lead of the group to the theater.

Sol stays behind with you, waiting for your first steps. 

”Hm? Do you need something?”

You make eye contact with Sol, the tension in your shoulders from your phone eases, his eyes never carry pity, only curiosity and something else that makes your stomach do somersaults every time he makes such blatant eye contact with you, honestly you could drown in it. His lashes frame those orbs and you watch a smirk grow on his face as you realize you've been staring at him. Feeling a blush warm your cheeks, you pull your eyes away and look in Hyugo’s direction.

“Uh, no. I just .. got distracted”

“Is that so?” His teasing chuckle sends electricity through your limbs as he leans down, his breath tickles your cheek. He smells like mints and it’s completely overwhelming.

“Quit it!” you murmur, a breathless chuckle pulling at your lips as you gently elbow his side.  “Stop playing with me.” Your gaze finds him again, those eyes cast spells, you swear it.

“You play with me all the time, I’m just giving you a taste.” He’s so close, his lips are so close, you can almost feel the promise of the cool metal from his lip ring against your skin. Your eyes widen and your heart beats a wild, erratic rhythm of pure anticipation, your breath catching in your throat as you trace the sharp angle of his jaw.

You both jump at Hyugo’s voice booming back in your direction.

“Sunny! I swear to God! No making out on my time, get your ass over here!”

Sol rolls his eyes and pulls back.

“Right, let’s go.” You abruptly take off after Hyugo, Sol’s soft chuckle fills your ears as he follows you to his friend. 

Damnit, that man!

The rest of the walk in the fresh air to the theater is good for calming your thoughts and cooling off your cheeks. 

“Yes! There it is! Sherlock Holmes!” Hyugo zips over to the Holmes poster featured on the theater’s walls, clearly excited for this cinema.

Sol slides his hands in his pockets and shrugs, “ Eh, honestly I think we should hit up the arcade.”

Hyugo freezes, and slowly turns his head to his friend, jaw drops open, betrayal. 

“What?! How dare you! You promised to see this movie with me Sunny! I even got Faye to come with us!” 

Sol is unmoved by his friend’s plea, “I mean, I’m here. I don’t have to actually watch the movie with you. I can go to the arcade.”

“Sunny!” Hyugo pouts.

You know Sol is just baiting Hyugo, you can see the slight smirk Sol is trying to hold back, he’s finding amusement by tormenting his friend.

Reaching out for Sol’s hand, feeling amused when he jumps slightly at your sudden contact then accepts your embrace,  “Sol, let’s go see the movie with Hyugo. I promise to take you to the arcade this weekend? It’ll be a date.” Your smile is deviously sweet looking up at Sol, checkmate.

Hyugo’s eyes bounce from you to Sol, waiting.

“D-date?” Sol’s voice gets caught in his throat from shock, this is the exact reaction you were hoping for, a little teasing pay back. 

“Yes, a date. Unless, you don’t want to..” 

“No! I mean, yes. A date sounds great. I’ll go get our tickets.” You watch Sol retreat to the ticket booth, blazing red up his neck and cheeks. Making him blush may be one of your favorite hobbies at this point. 

“You Faye, are a dazzling ally to have.” Hyugo graces you with a smile, it’s genuine.

‘You know, I could say the same about you, Hyugo. Uh, thank you for earlier..” You trail off, not sure how to express your gratitude. 

Sol returns with three tickets in hand. Hyugo beams. “ Sunny! You sweetheart! You didn’t have to buy my ticket.”

Sol rolls his eyes. “I said I was going to go buy the tickets.”

“You sweetheart!”

“Quit.”

“I’ll go buy the popcorn, my treat!” Hyugo doesn’t wait for a response before practically skipping over to the concession stand. 

“So, he really likes detective movies?”

“You could say that he aspires to be one.”

“Really? I think it suits him!”

Sol shrugs, “yeah, I guess it does.”

“And you? Is this your favorite movie genre too?”

“No, I like horror and thriller, I know they aren’t as popular with people..”

“I enjoy them!”

Sol slowly blinks at you, then a smile grows on his face, radiant just for you. “Yeah? M-maybe we can watch one sometime?”

“Absolutely!” You return his smile, just then Hyugo returns with popcorn and a drink.

“Alright! Let’s head in!”

Hyugo leads the group to their seats with a little pep in his step, one arm wrapped around the popcorn bucket, his other hand carrying the lemonade. 

He scans the rows as he is walking up the aisle, choosing his destination, “ Here! This is perfect!” He swerves into his chosen lane, you step in after him and Sol closes up the group. 

Sitting between Hyugo and Sol, you relax. The previews begin playing on the cinema screen, illuminating the once dark room, you can see Sol is distracted by something on his phone. 

 Watching Hyugo’s excitement, you can’t help but imagine a tiny Hyugo, hyper with anticipation, unable to keep his bum in his seat as he watches his very first action packed detective film. You bite back a smile, tiny Hyugo walking around with a magnifying glass, solving mysteries. It suits him, his attention to detail is magnificent. 

“Hey Faye”. Hyugo’s voice cuts through the soft murmur of the scene playing on the screen, his tone is low, serious. 

Snapped back to reality, you had been staring at him, oops.

“Yeah?”

“Can I ask you something?” He leans his shoulder closer, this conversation is only for the two of you.

“Sure.” You shift in your seat, facing him. The two of you have successfully created a bubble for secrets. ”What’s up?”

Hyugo looks past you for a heart beat, you suspect that Sol is distracted by his phone. He must decide it’s fine to continue the private conversation in whispers.

“That day, in the library when you helped Sol, why did you do it?” 

“What are you asking me, Hyugo? Why would I stand there when a knife is pulled on someone? Especially out numbered?”

Hyugo’s eyes hold your gaze for one, two, three seconds before responding, “I’m asking you why did you put yourself into danger for Solivan? You’re intelligent, it would only take you seconds to evaluate that situation and know you would be overwhelmed. Why didn’t you immediately go get help? Why did you physically step in?” You can see in his eyes he is searching for something in your answer, reassurance? A motive? To him, your actions don’t make sense. 

“You’re right, I had seconds. As soon as I saw the knife, the stakes of my actions rose. Could Sol have been fine? Now that I know him better, maybe. In that moment, he was a stranger out numbered up against a blade. By stepping in, I at least added a body on his side to tip his odds. I knew I couldn’t win, I wasn’t trying to.” Hyugo’s eyes widen slightly at your words. 

“Why did you care?”

“Aw come on now Hyugo, have you seen that face?” You grin at him as he rolls his eyes. 

“Both of you are insufferable, I swear.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Of course, Faye.”

“You’ve been inseparable on campus since the other day, where were you?”

“I was coming, I was in complete shock when Sol called me after to tell me they were handled. The bastard left me in suspense, saying he ended up with only a bruise because he had a helper. Then hung up the phone, I had to interrogate the rest of the information out of him later, asshole.”

He pauses, gaze meeting yours, you watch them soften with vulnerability.

“Uh, thank you. For what you did for Sunny. He’s like my brother. He thinks he is invincible, but those guys were out for blood..thanks for being there when I couldn’t.”

Hyugo is an ally, he keeps those he cares about safe, he must carry that weight heavily. 

You gently nudge him with your elbow, “ Anytime, friend. I now know either of you would do the same for me.”

He chuckles at that, “You really have no idea.” 

You share a smile. Ah, the previews will be ending soon, you don’t want to miss any of the movie, this is the perfect time for a bathroom run. 

“I’ll be right back, restroom.” You tilt your head toward the doors exiting the theater.

“Oh, of course! Go, go,” He responds, waving his hand at you with a friendly smile on that handsome face. 

“Do hurry, the movie starts soon and I fear if you leave me with that moron, my brain will rot.” 

“I heard that, you miserable smurf.” Sol deadpans, his autumn eyes fixed straight ahead.

Hyugo’s teasing grin is dazzling in the dimly lit theater, “Do save me, dear Faye.”

You chuckle, shaking your head at both of them as you shift in your seat toward Sol.You notice his cell phone is completely out of sight, ah so he was listening to your conversation. Honestly, nothing you said was a secret, if you really didn’t want him to know your words, you wouldn’t have said them. He’s staring straight ahead, must be watching the preview, sure.

In the glow of the screen, you note how Sol’s body consumes the entire space. His tall frame with broad shoulders fill the seat, his long legs block the walkway. 

Instead of asking him to get up and let you out, you decide his cheeks are missing a red hue you’ve grown to adore. A devilish grin pulls on your lips, he is just so much fun.

Sol must have sensed your evaluation of him, he tilts his head in your direction, quirking a brow, waiting. Before he can ask you what you need, you stand up and slip your first leg past his left knee, the back of your thigh brushing against his knee. You hear a breathy gasp behind you as your other leg follows. Standing right between his knees, you twist your torso to face him, placing your right hand on his left knee for balance as you lean down into his space. 

“Excuse me,” a low, breathless whisper by his cheek before pulling back. You catch a rewarding glance at the beautiful red on his cheeks you desired. Your eyes catch on his hands, his knuckles white as he violently grips the armrests of his seat, oh, so fun. 

You twist back to continue your exit, but instead of using the seats in front of you for balance, your hand finds his other knee, giving a playful squeeze as you slip past.

Entering the aisle, you flash Sol the sweetest, most innocent smile you can muster. Basking in the success of your teasing, you continue down the aisle, positive his eyes are glued to your retreating backside as you push through the heavy doors and click them shut behind you. 

*******

The soft, distant click of the heavy door echoing through the theater is the exact moment Sol’s lungs remember how to draw oxygen. He lets out a ragged, trembling breath, his large frame slumping back into the plush seat as if the strings holding him together had just been cut. His skin is on fire. The denim over his knees feels agonizingly hot and far too tight on one incriminating spot. Still radiating the phantom weight of their hand, the intoxicating scent of their hair, and their voice, breathy and teasing the skin on his cheek. A promise of mischief dancing in those eyes. 

Oh Gods.

They did that on purpose.

They know he is wrapped around their finger.

They care about him. They told Hyugo they care. 

Sol sinks back into the plush fabric of the seat, leaning his head against the back of the seat as his eyes drift close, lost in his own thoughts. 

They care about him, but do they like him? Is it possible for Faye to feel this on the level he does? 

He used to be so content that they existed and he got to breathe the same air as them, and now he is getting greedy. It’s not enough, he needs them. He’s had a taste of their attention, their affection, he would rather suffocate on it than live without it ever again.

Fuck, he loves them so much..

Sharp pain cracks right against the center of his forehead.

Sol’s eyes snap wide, his daydream instantly shattering as the flickering light of the movie screen rushes back into his vision. His hand flies to his brow, his teeth gritting as his head whips to his left.

Hyugo is no longer sitting a seat over. He has slid right into Faye’s empty middle seat, leaning his elbow on the shared armrest with a look of pure annoyance on his face. 

Now what?!

“Earth to Sunny,” Hyugo mutters, his voice an irritated whisper. “I’ve been saying your name for two minutes, I even hit your cheek with popcorn.” His shit-eating grin is annoying as fuck. 

“Real mature.”

“You’re the one in a daze, what? A little knee touch got you all worked up?” He teases.

Sol groans, “Shut up you pest. Why are you even in their seat?” 

“Calm down, you’ll get to sit next to them and make kissy faces when they get back.” Before Sol can snap back at him for being annoying, Hyugo’s expression turns serious. “We need to talk.” 

Sighing in exasperation, Sol narrows his eyes. “Then talk.” 

“Crowe,” Hyugo states flatly.

“Care to elaborate?”

“Use your brain Sunny! Were you listening to a word Faye said, or were you too busy thinking ab-”

Sol cuts him off, “Shut. Up. Of course I was listening, what about Faye’s words are you specifically referring to? Help this brain out genius because I am clearly not following.”

Hyugo sighs, true concern in his gaze, “ Crowe lashing out in the cafeteria today, the words he said to Faye. Think about it Solivan, first he was adamant about helping fix their window, knowing you it’s been broken for days, why is he suddenly pushing so hard that Faye let him fix it?” He continues.

“ Then after you responded to Faye, he snapped. He pulled on their clothes to forcefully check for new bruises. Why would he do that? Because he saw you leave Faye’s window, Solivan. Crowe is either tracking you, or Faye. Regardless, this is bad, you now have a Crowe shaped target on your back.” 

“I can handle Crowe, Hyugo.”

“Can Faye?!” He snaps at Sol. “ Because you’ve now put a target on them, Crowe is possessive of Faye. You knew this when you set your sights on them, and now Crowe thinks you are hurting them. You are the monster he has to strike down, in his head, it’s your fault Faye got hurt.”

“Okay okay, I get it.” Sol snaps, chewing on his cheek with anxiety. 

Well, shit, what does he do with this?!

The intro of the film pulls Hyugo’s attention, furrowing his brows. 

“Wait, how long have they been gone? They had plenty of time before the movie started..” 

His eyes snap to Sol’s. Heartbeat deafening in his ears, in seconds they are both out of their seats, rushing past the rows of seats in the theater, sprinting down the hallway as the heavy theater doors slam shut behind them.

*****

Washing your hands at the sink, checking over your appearance in the mirror. You were ready to return to the movie and reunite with the boys. Smiling to yourself, you actually have a lot of fun with them. Not just Sol, you hope the feeling of friendship is mutual with Hyugo. 

The forceful opening of the door startled you, cutting off your line of thought. You could hear grunts and the shuffling of feet, is there a struggle? 

You are absolutely silent, waiting.

A rough deep voice speaks up, “You better speak the fuck up or else.”

A shaky voice responds, “ I-I don’t know what you’re talking about! How many times do I have to tell you!”

“Bullshit.”

THWACK!

Your eyes widen in fear, your breathing stops. You quietly dash for the closest toilet stall, quietly closing the door.

Oh my god, what is happening?!

What is with this damned city?! A knife in a college library and now a fight in the cinema?! Are you cursed?!

The rough voice breaks the silence, “Just tell us who the traitor is you’re working with! And I’ll let you go.” 

“Again! I have no idea what you are talking about!”

“You’ve made your choice then..”

A sharp metallic click echoes through the tiles,followed by the sudden crash of shattered glass, the room plunges into near total darkness as the overhead bulb pops.

“P-please! I don’t know! I swear!” Cries the smaller voice.

“This is your last chance buddy.”

All you can hear is shuffling, the rough voice seems to be whispering something but you can’t make it out. 

Then you hear erratic breathing, as it gets shorter and heavier.

“H-he is here! I swear! Just look around, you will find him! Please, don’t kill me!”

One heart beat, two, before a response, "Maybe the gun is too merciful.”

A cry, then the sound of pierced flesh. 

Your breaths start coming in short, fast, you can’t get air in your lungs. A metallic, iron-like scent assaults your nose, tears sting at the corner of your eyes.

You lift your foot to step backwards, and the horror rises as you realize your shoes are wet, with blood. 

Oh fuck, oh fuck, someone was just murdered, and you’re trapped in this stall by the limp body.

Buzzing white noise fills your ears, panic.

No, it was a dream, it wasn’t real. It isn’t real!

Your voice croaks, trying to hold in a cry.

“Hm? Who’s here?” The rough voice cuts through the buzz in your mind. 

Oh no, oh no no no no.

 “Well, well, come out little lamb.” he chuckles, then you hear a stall near you slam open.

Your vision feels dark on the corners, panic is consuming you.

“Tsk, not here. Little lamb! Don’t hide from me.” His voice is sing-song, mocking. 

Snap out of it! Do something or you will DIE!

You pull out your phone, only to realize it is completely shut off, you can’t call for help. FUCK!

Help wouldn’t have time anyway, think!

Could you climb out that window?

Tick. Tick. Tick. 

You reach up for the window in the stall, you could fit through and you could even lift yourself up, but you can’t reach. Scratch that.

“I’m getting close to you, I can feel it.” The bastard is enjoying it, it’s a game to him. 

You hear his feet step into a liquid, the blood! He is right in front of your stall.

You snap your hand out and grip the handle of the stall door, putting all your strength into keeping it pulled closed as he starts trying to pull it open. 

“Oh so you’re feeling feisty huh?” He yanks the door, unable to match his strength he pulls you from the stall. 

You trip over the bloody body on the floor, bumping into the owner of the rough voice. 

You look up and you’re met with cold, green eyes. He is dressed in all black and black gloves to match. 

He violently grabs your hair at the base of your skull, forcing you to hiss from the pain. You swear, if you survive you may just chop your hair off after today, for fucks sake. 

“Enough games, little one. I can’t leave any loose ends.”

No! 

You try to stomp on his foot, kick his knees, pry his hand from your hair, anything! 

But it’s to no avail, your eyes squeeze shut as you’re clawing at his hand.

You don’t want to die.

A sickening, wet squelch cuts through the air, followed by a sharp grunt from the man gripping your hair. Suddenly the grip in your hair is gone and the pain eases. 

You feel a hand come towards you and you flinch, retreating from the presence. Refusing to open your eyes as you’re trying to suck air into your lungs, your legs tremble.

“Faye, it’s me, you’re okay now..” The voice is familiar.

“I’m here, you’re safe.” So much tenderness in the voice, you open your eyes.

Sol.

He is right in front of you, he made it. Hyugo right behind him, they both came. 

Worry fills their eyes as they both examine you. 

But, your eyes find the blood splattered on the wall, , it feels like someone has wrapped their hand around your lungs, refusing to release, you can’t take full breaths. 

Hyugo follows your gaze, and steps in front of the gruesome scene, blocking it from your line of sight. A wall of protection between you and the murder scene. 

Your attention is pulled back to Sol when he raises his hand, reaching for you. He seems to think better of it, snatching his hand back before making contact, as if he’s been burned. 

Desperate for comfort, his comfort. You quickly wrap your arms around Sol. Your shoulders shaking as you bury your face in his chest. Sol doesn’t hesitate to embrace you, caressing your hair trying to offer you the max amount of comfort he can.

“Can we leave please?”

Without a word, Sol swiftly escorts you away from the scene. His hold tight and secured around your shoulders, protected.

The boys share a look, and Hyugo sighs. Waving us away with the fanning of his hand, “I’ll take care of it.”

You meet Hyugo’s eyes, you don’t know why but you know you need to say,” Hyugo, thank you.”

He holds your gaze, fondness mixed with absolute certainty, “ Every single time, I promise.” 

You can’t explain it, but you believe his words. 

You and Sol have left, Hyugo is left behind. Looking down at the two bodies, he sighs. “God what a pain in the ass..”

Slipping on his white gloves, Hyugo crouches down and slides the man’s gun off his person. He opens the cylinder, confirming that the weapon is still fully loaded. Once the gun is secure, he violently grips the man by the hair and slaps him awake. Releasing his hair, shoving his head to hit the hard tile floor.

“Wake up, it’s time to chat.”

The bastard is groggy, slow to wake up. Hyugo’s patience is already short, he doesn’t want to spend much time here, his friends are waiting. 

Finally, the man’s eyes snap open, and the first thing he sees is Hyugo’s stone cold face, not a drop of friendliness to be found. 

“Now, why the hell would you be here? You better have a good answer, you’ve really caused me some trouble today.”

The man spits on the floor, “You fucker, it is you! You fucking traitor!” 

Hyugo tilts his head, then cocks the gun and lifts it to the man’s temple. 

“Kill a man with his own gun?!”

Hyugo shrugs, “I’m not in a particularly good mood, someone tried to kill one of mine today.”

“The little student? Ha, that’s rich, coming from a traitor like you. You don’t know what loyalty is! Who would’ve thought, our sweet doggy is biting their master’s hand. Not gonna lie, we should’ve seen this coming”

“You’re talking too much.”

“Heh! You haven’t even fired a gun in ages, who says you won’t mis-”

A sharp, deafening blast rings out in the cramped space. He didn’t miss. The man’s body falls with a heavy, final thud against the tile, adding to the pool of blood. Hyugo discards the gun, leaving it with the body, all bullet holes will trace back to that gun. Once he is certain there is not a trace of himself, Sol or Faye left behind, he takes off to find his friends. 

******

The timeline of the last half hour is nothing but a blur of ringing white noise and Sol’s occasional voice breaking through. Your mind can’t grasp the frantic rush out of the cinema lobby, or the silent walk through the streets, or Sol attempting to clean some of the blood off your sneakers with his handkerchief. Now, as the sun begins to set, the city park is completely empty except for you and Sol. Sitting on the weathered wood of a park bench side by side, you are desperately trying to calm your racing mind before Hyugo reappears. 

Your head is resting against Sol’s shoulder, the back of his hand is resting in your lap, he is humoring you in your tracing of the lines of his palm. 

“This curve here means you’re artistic and have a wild imagination.”

“Oh, does it now?”

“I have absolutely no idea.” Your laugh is fragile, and dies out quickly, leaving you in heavy silence staring down at his hand. 

“Faye, do you want to talk about it?” His voice is so tender, safe.

“No, not tonight. But when I’m ready, can I count on you to listen?” You don’t like feeling this vulnerable, but you need someone on your team today.

“Always, Faye, you can count on me for anything.” The devotion in his voice causes an emotional knot in your throat to form, certain your voice will break if you speak, you just nod in response.

The sound of footsteps against the pavement draws both your attention, Hyugo is jogging over to your bench. You are washed with relief, the trio is complete after the chaos.

“Hey there! I got your text. I came as soon as I could slip away. ”

“Nothing to worry about?” Sol and Hyugo hold eye contact for a few seconds before Hyugo responds, “Nothing tonight. After I take a look at Faye’s window that is.” He turns his attention to you, “I apologize, I promised to fix your window after the movie, it’s getting late and we don’t have the necessary hardware. How about I come over and whip up a makeshift lock for tonight? Tomorrow after classes I’ll get a latch and fix it properly, how does that sound?” 

“Are you sure? It’s getting late, I understand if you want to go home”

“Positively, I’ll sleep better knowing you have a locked window.”

You look up at Sol, “Will you come with?”

 “O-of course!”

“Great! Come on, let’s walk Faye home.”

You and Sol get up from the bench, and the boys walk with you to your apartment. Their presence is comforting after the insane day you've had.

It’s a short walk from the park, walking up the stairs to your apartment door, the boys trail behind and wait for you to unlock your door to enter. 

The cool air of your bedroom feels daunting, you let out a long, shuddering breath, your adrenaline completely crashing into a numbing fog of total exhaustion.

You invite the boys in, and direct Hyugo to your bedroom. You and Sol follow him, hanging back as he works.

Hyugo is now focused entirely on his mission as he steps up to your bedroom window, his aqua eyes narrowing as he evaluates the sheared metal of the landlord's broken latch. Leaving your perimeter wide open tonight is out of the question.

Scanning your desk, his sharp gaze instantly locks onto a thick, solid wooden dowel rod resting near your canvas supplies. He grabs it, dropping your window sash firmly down into the sill before wedging the heavy wooden rod vertically into the upper tracking rail right above the glass frame. It fits snugly, completely blocking the window from sliding upward.

“This will jam the mechanism for tonight,” Hyugo murmurs, his thumbs giving the wood a final, authoritative shove until it locks tight. “Nothing is lifting this glass from the outside. It’ll hold until we can come back with a proper latch tomorrow afternoon. You’re completely safe. ”

You nod numbly, too drained to notice his sudden intensity. Before they finally step out into the hallway, you grab Sol’s arm, stopping him in his tracks. Before he can say anything, you wrap your arms around his middle, resting your cheek on his chest. He hesitates, likely from surprise, before wrapping his arms around your back, trembling fingers rub vertical, soothing, short strokes on your spine. It makes your limbs feel warm and relaxed, exactly what you need before your safety nets leave for the night. It’s time for them to go, you pull away from Sol and step back as they step out, taking in the sight of both of them.

“Hey, I’m really glad I know you guys.”

They both look at you, Hyugo with mutual endearment and Sol with something that makes your cheeks warm, adoration? 

“Yeah, so are we,” Hyugo responds, before leaving your doorway and walking down the stairs in the hallway of your apartment complex.

“Lock the door behind us, Faye,” Sol whispers, his voice a soft whisper, endearing. “Sweet dreams. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Drip. Drip. Drip

Your eyes snap open, but your vision is blurred, clouded by darkness. 

The wood flooring is hard against your spine, slick and unnaturally sticky as you slowly lift your torso to examine your surroundings.The air smells..thick, with the sharp tang of rust and iron.  You are no longer in the safety of your bedroom, the walls are gone. 

You drag yourself into a crouch, slowly bringing yourself to your full height as your vision is cleared through the blur of waking up in this place, but It’s nearly impossible to see through the fog, the darkness obstructing the shadows. You flinch as the floor groans underneath your bare foot as you try to take a step forward. 

Drip. Drip. Drip

A wet gurgling sound cuts into the silence from your right. Your breath hitches, saliva drying up in your throat, you keep your head straight forward, biting down on your bottom lip refusing to make even the slightest whimper, you have no idea if you are alone. Heart beating violently against your rib cage, your mind is screaming, “DON’T LOOK! DON’T LOOK!”, but the warning is drowning in the roar of your own pulse. 

Click.

A single, bare lightbulb violently sparks to life overhead. Before you can stop yourself, your head whips toward the glare. 

A gleaming heavy axe , buried deep into a wooden table. Blood dripping from the weapon onto the floor, pooling crimson next to-

Your hand flies to your mouth to stifle a scream- a body lies in the pool of crimson, its throat has been mercilessly hacked open, a brutal execution. When your frantic eyes trail up to identify the face, praying it's not your father, there are no features. Just a smooth, terrifying, faceless black void, and a build that looks damningly familiar, reaching a hand towards you, choking on their own blood.

You take a shaky step back from the gory scene, unable to take your horrified eyes off the body.

Suddenly, a presence materializes in the shadows behind you. Time stops, an immovable gloved hand wraps around your throat, squeezing the air from your lungs. 

You bolt up into a sitting position in your bed, hand flying to your throat and desperately trying to take a deep breath. Panicked eyes take in your surroundings, sunlight is shining into.. your bedroom.

It was just a nightmare, it’s fine..You’re fine..

You’re just stressed.. You haven’t heard from Dad in awhile. This situation with your step mother must be getting to you, that’s all. 

Examining your room as your heart rate starts calming, the hairs on your arm rise as your eyes snag on your window. 

What is that?..

Slowly, like a skittish cat, you move your covers and climb out of your bed, cautiously planting your feet on your carpet floor, feeling relief at the familiar softness and not wood, then approach your window. 

Nestled on your broken window lock, is a post-it note with large scratchy writing that reads STILL BROKEN?

You gasp, dropping the note and stepping away from the window. Oh my god, oh my god. Someone was in your room?! 

You immediately examine yourself, you are still in your pajamas you went to sleep in, other than being sweaty likely from your panicked state of that nightmare, nothing is out of place on you..

You start looking around your room, truly searching for anything missing or anything out of place and you can’t find a thing other than this post-it on your window. What did they want? 

Biting your lip, contemplating your options. You know Crowe lives near a hardware store, maybe he will stop by on the way to school and grab you a new window lock so you can fix this after school. You completely forgot yesterday.. 

You are still at odds with Crowe after yesterday, but you promised him you would join his friends for lunch today..

Pulling out your phone, you quickly type out a text to Crowe.

To Crowe: Morning Crowe! Could you do me a huge favor? You live by that hardware store right? Could you grab a heavy- duty sash lock for my bedroom window pretty please? The latch is completely busted. Don't want a breeze getting in :P. I'll pay you back at school. Oh, looking forward to lunch today :)”

Placing your phone on your dresser with a sigh, you look up at your reflection in the mirror. You're a total wreck. That nightmare had a heavier toll than you thought, stark, bruising bags shadow your eyes, your face looks drained and pale, and your gaze look empty. Yikes. You decided to add some extra concealer and brighten up your face, you don’t need worrywart Crowe up your ass. You’re just stressed, it gets to everyone eventually, everything is fine. Finishing your makeup, you examine your work in the mirror, you’ve definitely brightened up your face. Practicing your smile in the glass.. It's a little strained. Oh well. Good enough, it’s time to leave.

*****

The cafeteria is noisy, crowded and smells like sweaty socks. Okay, the sweaty socks might just be Deryl, he just had practice according to Brittney. 

“You know they have showers in the locker room right?”

“I took a shower!”

“With soap?”

The bickering fades into the background as you pick at your plate. Who could have been in your room, are they the ones that broke your lock.. Did they break your lock last time too?... Do you have a stalker?!

Taking a bite of your food, you jump when you see a hand from the periphery of your vision by your cheek and pull back, looking at the offender with knitted eyebrows. 

“Ha, I couldn’t see your face and your hair was going to end up in your food, I was just moving it out of the way.” Crowe smiles at you, finishing what he began, tucking your hair behind your ear.

“Right.” you turn back to your plate, not returning his smile, feeling his eyes on the side of your head. You appreciate the errand he ran for you, he must not be that upset with you… but aren’t things still a little tense? Maybe it’s just you, the air has felt heavy in your lungs all day, suffocating. That nightmare has been lingering in your subconscious, it felt so real. 

You rub your arms, trying to make the goose bumps calm. 

“Faye?”

“Huh?”

Your face snaps in Crowe’s direction, why is he SO close?! 

“ I said I would come over after school to install the new window lock, are you okay?” his eyes are ‘full of concern’ , of course.

“Oh, no it’s okay Crowe, I can install the lock myself, but thank you” you give him a tired smile, you can tell he doesn’t buy it, oh boy. 

“ Ace, I don’t mind. I will just walk home with you and fix the window for you.” 

“No, I got it.” you snap.

He pauses, blue eyes darken as he examines your face.

“Why? Don’t want me over?”

Rolling your eyes, “That’s not it-”

“What? Is Solivan ‘helping’ with your window?” the disgust in his voice, it's exhausting.

“ Why do you keep bringing up Sol!? What is actually your problem?!”

“HE is my problem!”

“ Leave him alone! He has nothing to do with this conversation!” You feel suffocated, you rub the back of your neck, unable to keep the exasperation out of your voice.

“Ace.”

“Drop it, I don’t want you to come over.” You need to get out of here, you can’t do this, not today. 

You pick up your phone, go to Sol’s contact and hastily send him a text. Closing your screen, you set your phone on the table next to your food tray in front of you, screen facing up.

Little to your knowledge, nosy blue eyes were glued to that glass.

 And when ‘HouseHusband Material ;D: ?’ flashes on the screen, you watch the blood completely drain from Crowe’s face. His jaw goes entirely slack, his cobalt eyes turn cold and unrecognizable as he stares at the glowing text. The silence between you and Crowe is suffocating, his eyes dart between the phone and you as if his entire world has fallen apart, and he is desperately trying to solve the puzzle.

Contemplating eyes examine your face for what feels like an eternity before he speaks again,

“What happened?”

“What are you talking about?” you snap, turning away, closing your eyes to rub your temples wishing this day would end already.

“Ace.” Your nickname has never been so sharp from his mouth, you open your eyes to look up at your friend.

 In that exact moment, whatever he has been holding back inside himself, snaps.

The storm in his eyes is the only warning before you suddenly feel the air on your neck, startled you try to retreat but your table is against the wall.

Crowe abruptly wraps his fist around your curls, exposing your throat and pulls your uniform collar towards him. Your ears are buzzing in panic, you can’t make out the noise around you.

“CROWE! What are you doing?!” Brittney screeches

“I’m just making sure they don’t have new bruises. Calm down Brit.” He cuts, his eyes are manic, scanning every inch of your exposed skin, he knows those bruises are healed, why would he do this to you? Did he say new bruises? You can’t hold onto your own thoughts.

You grip the wrist in your hair, digging your nails in. 

“Crowe it hurts! Stop!”

“Who is that?!” He yanks on your collar, his eyes are deranged as he glares down at you. Alarm bells are ringing in your skull, you are no longer safe, get out, but you can’t shake his grip on your hair and you’re trapped by Crowe and the wall at your back.

 The voice coming from your friend’s face is unrecognizably harsh as the words leave his mouth, “Is it him?! The freak from your art class?! Did he touch you?!” 

 He releases your fabric only to ram his palm flat against your chest, pinning you brutally against the wall. 

“Answer me Faye!”

“Stop!” Your voice is hoarse, he isn’t making sense, he’s scaring you. You try tightening your grip on his wrist, your fingers begin to ache, desperate for an escape.

“Crowe, let go.” A warning cuts through your bubble of chaos as someone stands up, Geo. 

“Stay out of this, Geo” Crowe takes his eyes off you for a split second to glare at Geo, you take the opportunity, your free hand gleaming with your signature skull ring raises and with all your might, you slap him across the face.

*******

Walking with Hyugo, discussing our plans for the day which of course involve seeking out Faye. Maybe Faye would play hookie with us and go catch a movie?

“ The new Sherlock Holmes is out! Do you think Faye would be interested?”

Shrugging, the buzz of his cellphone in his pocket cutting him off. He pulls out his phone, realizing he has a text from Faye. His heart skips a beat, no way, they are that excited to see him today?

How precious, remembering how angelic they looked in their sleep last night.

As soon as he opens the text message, his eyes widen and his heart plummets to his stomach. 

“Sunny? What’s wrong?”

Not saying a word, Sol shoves his phone into Hyugo’s hands, turns on his heels and takes off for the cafeteria. He overheard Faye and Crowe in the park yesterday, he knows Faye is having lunch with Crowe’s friend group. 

Hyugo quickly reads the text message on Sol’s screen,

‘Pumpkin <3: SOS, Get me out of here.’

“Oh shit”

 Hyugo is on Sol’s heels as they enter the cafeteria. 

The chaos of the cafeteria is a dull hum in Sol’s ears as he scans, searching for dark curls and honey eyes. 

A sound does break through the hum though. 

SMACK!

Sol’s head snaps to the sound, and on instinct he sprints in the direction, Hyugo right behind him. He knew it was Faye, and to his horror he was correct. 

Time slows as Sol processes the scene in front of him.

As expected, Crowe’s friend group is at a lunch table, not so expected is his soulmate quite literally cornered against a wall.

A man’s hand in their curls, curls only for HIS hands.

Sol’s eyes move from the hand in Faye’s hair down to their exposed throat and collarbone, realizing the reason is because their uniform collar is disheveled. Sol can feel his grip on sanity begin to snap as he tries to piece together what is happening. Eyes moving up, he takes in Faye’s eyes, the fiery defiance directed at this man. He doesn’t see a sign that Faye was the receiver of the slap he heard, which means Faye must have struck him , good pumpkin. 

He finally looks to who Faye is in this entanglement with and his rage boils to explosion, Crowe. The hand in Faye’s hair, and Faye gripping his wrist clearly digging in, his other hand covering cheek a look of shock on his face, ah that must be where Faye hit him, so proud. Why is no one stopping this bastard?!

It’s okay love, I’m here now.

Oh, there are voices.

“Crowe, that’s enough!” That woman’s high pitch screech snaps Sol out of his evaluation and the room rushes back in. 

Brittney is yelling, the table is a blur of chaotic sound, his eyes snap to Geo as he steps away from his seat, his glare a warning to not approach. That bastard shouldn’t have let this happen in the first place, Sol doesn't need his help now. 

Crowe’s jaw is clenched as he glares at Brittney and Geo, Sol notes the veins on his forearm, his grip has only tightened on Faye’s hair, not loosened. Faye winces at the grip on their hair, their chest rising and falling erratically from the adrenaline but they are trying to remain calm, the violent contrast to the slow peaceful breaths in their bed last night makes his head spin, how dare- no, focus.

Seconds, he has seconds while Crowe is in shock and distracted by the chaos of his friends. 

As a hunter striking his prey, he closes the distance between him and Faye. His hand shoots out, strong black polished fingers wrapping like an iron vise directly over the wrist gripping Faye’s hair, layering his grip over their trembling fingers, giving them his strength. 

Making unblinking eye contact with Crowe, he squeezes hard, pinpointing the pressure points until Pumpkin’s fingers violently dig into those points grinding his bones together and his fingers are forced to pathetically snap open, releasing his hold on Faye’s lovely curls, how dare he. 

In the same breath, that hand of Faye grips Sol’s hand like a life line, his eyes snap to them realizing the confrontation brought their faces inches apart.  Under the harsh cafeteria lights he analyzes his beloved’s lovely face, something is off. Sol knows this face like he knows his soul, he just traced it last night. He clocks the heavy concealer caked their tired honey eyes, their usually sharp eyeliner is dull, and their soulful bright demeanor is replaced by exhaustion. What happened between the hours he saw you sleeping beautifully in your bed to now? 

What did he do to you?

********

Warm eyes of autumn ground you, he came. Your heart skips a beat at the realization of his presence, when did he get here? Why was he here?

The stinging pressure against your scalp from Crowe’s grip on your curls is gone, Sol did that. Your back is still against the biting cafeteria wall, you don’t have room to shift yet. Wait, you were gripping Crowe’s wrist before he let go of your hair, you went to inspect your hand, but it's cradled in Sol’s long elegant fingers. A gentle thumb starts rubbing calming circles on your enclosed palm, it helps quiet the buzzing noise in your mind. 

A pained gasp drags your attention away from Sol, your eyes snap to the figure in front of you on the cafeteria bench. Pulling his wounded arm back to himself, you finally really look at him. His wrist has red crescents from your nails cutting into the skin, your aching hand is enveloped in the safety of Sol’s hand, a moment ago was squeezing with a force promising pain to his target, is now firm but gentle with yours, no more discomfort will come to this hand. 

Your eyes zero in on the angry mark on Crowe’s cheek, your other hand stings, the evidence that you actually slapped your best friend. Your mind was in a buzzing panic at that moment, your memory may fail you. 

“Ace..” a hoarse voice calls out to you.

You look into blue eyes, they are no longer harsh or cold, they are..desperate. You quietly wait, watching him as panic rises in his features while he examines you. The horror of his actions is evident, you just confided in him yesterday of the reality of your assault and now he is responsible for your current state, what is going on with your friend? 

His eyes trace your hand connected to Sol’s, up your arm to your collarbone until you hear his breath hitch.

“Ace, no.. I’m so sorry, I would never hurt-” he reaches a shaky hand towards your cheek ignoring Sol’s towering presence, but Sol isn’t ignoring anything. A strike of lightning, Sol’s free hand swats Crowe’s hand back down, away from your face.

Crowe doesn’t acknowledge the interception, his eyes never leave you. 

“I am so s-sorry, please-” He is cut off by a friendly voice.

“Hey Faye! There you are! We have been looking for you. Teach needs us in the studio right now to prep the art supplies before the next class blocks it out.” Hyugo’s cheerful voice is an anchor, he steps forward, his signature radiant smile just for you in your line of sight.

 You accept the rescue with a nod. He reaches for you cautiously, his touch is light but firm as he grips your elbow, he will be your balance.

 Sol remains an immovable shield between you and Crowe as Hyugo extracts you from the wall and away from the table, not allowing you to so much as stumble, as you retreat out of the chaos.  

“Let’s get out of here dear.” 

Another legendary smile from Sol’s best friend, you watch as Hyugo taps Sol’s shoulder blade three times, immediately Sol turns to both of you. Hyugo begins leading you out of the cafeteria, your elbow in Hyugo’s grip and your other hand still firm in Sol’s grip as he brings up the rear. Someone stops directly in Hyugo’s path, you can feel the irritation radiating off of him for a split second.

“Tighten your leash on your little friends Geo, or I will.” The whispered warning was full of venom you’ve never heard from Hyugo. Geo looks at Hyugo then locks eyes with you for a heart beat before stepping out of the path. Before you have time to process the bump in with Geo, you’re being pulled through a double door that slams shut behind you. 

All three of you seem to let out a collective breath you were holding together. 

It’s finally quiet, you lean your back against the wall, trying to let your mind process what just happened.

Aqua eyes are in your line of sight, “are you okay?”

“I mean, there wasn’t a knife this time so I’ll take that as a win.” your weak chuckle dies out with your attempt to shrug off the situation, the boy's kind eyes never leave you.

“Listen, that was pretty intense in there Faye.. would you like to talk about what happened?” Hyugo’s smile carries zero pity, you believe he wants to understand.

“I-I don’t know, I don’t understand..he just lost it..”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, I just told him I didn’t need him to fix my window.” you start fidgeting with your skull ring.

“Your window?”

Oh fuck

“Oh this blasted window! My landlord is a lazy piece of shit. The latch was broken a week ago, he swears he fixed it but the next day it was still broken! I keep forgetting to grab a new latch to fix it, but.. After this morning..” You look up to see a promise of death in Hyugo’s eyes, directed at Sol.

“You fucking kidding me Solivan?”

He flinches at the cutting tone, peeking over at his friend, Hyugo’s stealthy whisper is only for Sol as Faye speaks, wrapped up in their story. 

Ah shit, he didn’t plan on Hyugo ever learning about this, he knew he would react this way.

“Hyugo?” In the blink of an eye, the aqua eyes are back on you full of kindness, it’s almost as if you imagined the shift in his eyes before. 

“Yes dear, that is concerning, about your window, please continue, what happened this morning?”

You pause, trying to decide how much you want to share with them. You haven’t told a soul about the nightmare.

“Well, there was a post-it note left on my window..it made me realize someone was in my room the night before and I needed to take the broken window more seriously.”

“What did this note say?”

“STILL BROKEN? in creepy scratchy hand writing in all caps, it felt like a warning.” You look up at Hyugo with vulnerability in your eyes. “Could I have a stalker? Am I in danger?”

Wait, no. 

No no.

You’re safe.

He never meant to scare you.

 Why are you looking at Hyugo like that? Why are you asking if you’re in danger? What is happening?

“It was probably some stupid campus prank, right Sunny?’ Hyugo doesn’t look at Sol, he keeps his reassuring eyes on you. When you don’t lighten up or respond, his eyebrows crease with concern.

“Faye? Is there something else?”

“It’s rather unpleasant, I don’t want to burden you.”

Gods no.

Did something happen because of that window?

He would rather die.

Watching Faye close their eyes and take a deep breath at Hyugo’s reassurance that we are here, we are listening feels like a blade to the gut, he would rather take a blade to the gut than this.

What.happened.

Sol listens desperately to every word leaving Faye’s lips as they recall the horrifying details of this nightmare. It must have plagued his beloved after he left their presence. What if he stayed? Could he have helped them? Keep them calm in reality? Wait, no, stop.. Listen.

He feels the grip on his hand tighten, a slight tremble. Faye is genuinely terrified by this nightmare. Shifting his fingers, he begins tracing gentle circles on their palm again, praying it has a calming effect.

They’re not alone.

“As I stepped back, retreating from the bloody body on the ground. A presence appeared behind me, and with a gloved hand silently wrapped their hand around my throat…” Faye trails off.

His friend’s eyes snap to him in alarm, no words are needed to convey how alarming this is. How well is Faye paying attention?

“That is absolutely terrifying Faye, then to find a note on your window..” 

“Yeah.. so I asked Crowe to grab me a new latch. I guess he took it as an invitation to come over and fix the window. I told him no.”

Sol can’t help the smile he tries to bite back at hearing this, his friend’s eyes find him, this is not the time. 

“So you told him no?”

“He kept pushing, and got really upset and we started fighting. That’s when I texted Sol.” You finally look up at Sol, you never forgot his presence, he never let go of your hand the entire time. It’s been grounding, you offer him a smile.

Ah shit, feeling a slight blush on his cheeks from Faye’s attention, they’ll bring him to his knees.

Sol can feel the eye roll from Hyugo.

Turning your attention back to Hyugo, “I heard my phone buzz on the table, I’m assuming it was Sol responding? I never got a chance to check. That’s when he..snapped.”

“What happened when he snapped?”

“He grabbed my hair and yanked my uniform collar open. The yelling started, he asked me “who is that” and I think he said something about checking for bruises? It doesn’t make sense. Then, I slapped him, and you guys showed up.”

At the mention of your uniform, Sol takes in the sight of your lovely curls a mess and the exposed skin of your collarbone, he longs to sink his teeth into. Heat rising up his neck, his cheeks and all the way to the tips of his ears, he starts fidgeting with his choker trying to distract himself from his lewd thoughts. It’s a losing battle. 

“Why would you have bruises?” Hyugo side eyes a fidgeting Sol, but keeps his attention on Faye.

“Well.. I just told him yesterday about what really happened in the library when I first met Sol, and he didn’t react well. But I told him they were healed, I don’t understand why he would check for new ones today?”

“Ah, yes I heard about that from Sol. I’m sorry that happened.”

Sol rubs the back of his neck again next to you, “ are you okay?”

“Huh? Yeah I’m f-fine.”

Hyugo rolls his eyes, “It’s skin you fucking simp, have you even been listening?”

“Shut up! Of course I have!”

Skin? In that moment you remember your uniform is still completely in disarray. You quickly examine yourself, only to realize it's just that your collarbone and shoulder are exposed, nothing risque. 

Smiling to yourself, he’s flustered over that? Cute. Sol’s flustered demeanor honestly helps bring back some normalcy to your day.

Sighing in exasperation at Sol, Hyugo then turns his attention to you, “we were actually looking for you. We were going to skip and catch a movie, want to join us?”

“Really? Yeah, honestly that sounds great!” 

“Great, would you like a minute to freshen up? You’ve been through an ordeal. We will head out once you return.”

“Oh, right. I’ll be right back.” feeling grateful for so much gentle consideration, you walk into the bathroom to freshen up your hair and straighten your uniform.

“Take your time dear! We will be waiting!” Hyugo beams, waving you off.

As soon as the bathroom door slams shut, Hyugo drops his mask. Sol is no longer with his college friend, the smile is gone from Hyugo’s face.

Hyugo reaches out and with a vice grip grabs the front of Sol’s top, slamming him into the lockers. His voice is quiet, this is strictly between Sol and Hyugo, but Sol hears him loud and clear, the venom in his voice sends a chill down Sol’s spine.

“What the fuck did you do?”

“Listen, Go-go-”

“No Solivan. This is serious, you are going to get Faye killed.”

All playful banter is gone from both their voices.

“I would never, you know that.”

“You broke their window lock! You know the dangers.”

“I keep them safe, safer than that lock ever could.’

“Do they look safe?! They certainly don’t feel safe.”

Sol flinches at that, Hyugo knows that it would cut deep.

“Get in line Solivan, this isn’t a game.” Hyugo releases his shirt and steps back, ready to pleasantly greet Faye as they exit the bathroom. 

“Faye! After the movie, I would happily fix that window for you. It will be more secure than a bank” he beams at them.

“Oh! Thank you Hyugo.”

Slamming lockers, the background chatter of countless conversations surrounding you, you fall into the mindless abyss of just..noise. 

You can’t believe your bedroom window lock is broken AGAIN, piece of shit landlord is useless. You should just attempt to fix it yourself this time, he clearly didn’t take the repair of your window latch seriously. 

So that means after school you’ll have to stop by the hardware sto-

SLAM

Shocked right back into your body, your thoughts cut short. Looking at the hand that made impact with the locker, the cause of such an offensive draw for attention, trailing the arm up to its owner’s face, trying to hide any signs of irritation on your face as you make eye contact.

“Earth to Faye” green eyes, charming smile, Deryl.

“You better give them some space Deryl, before Crowe throws an absolute fit.” croons Brittney

Deryl chuckles, rolling his shoulders back, adjusting his bag strap on his shoulder and completely unbothered by the threat of Crowe's “ire”. Standing against the locker behind him with a bored expression is Geo. As soon as your eyes land on him, you’re greeted with a harsh glare making it clear he is not interested in any conversation, why does he even hang around then?

A soft airy laugh from beside you, ever the loyal.. to Brittney, Jess. With her orange v cut sweater and brown square rimmed glasses, she is always trying to not take but too much space but the space must be by Brittney’s side. 

“What are we talking about?” Crowe appears by your side, shoulders brushing. It’s natural to have Crowe in your space at this point.

Deryl shrugs at Crowe’s question, earning a quirked eyebrow from Crowe, and Brittney rolls her eyes at Deryl before speaking 

“Nothing of importance, Crowe. How was the student council meeting?”

And now, you have nothing to add. You’re glad Crowe does an extracurricular that he enjoys, he is always just so vague about it with you, you don’t even understand his actual duties.

Zoning out of the conversation your eyes begin scanning the crowd of nameless students, searching for a reasonable distraction from the feeling of your presence just simply being..awkward. As if the heavens actually answered prayers, your eyes snagged on leaves of autumn.. Sol. 

Your smile reaches your eyes as you raise your hand for a wave.

You watch , a smile plastered on your face, as a blush creeps up his cheeks, all you get is a shy smile before the person he is clearly in conversation with demands his attention again. 

This person is much shorter than Sol, just above his shoulder height, aqua blue hair tied back with a white scrunchie wearing a green sweater vest over his uniform, his back to you. You were rather certain you’ve never seen him before, a friend of Sol’s?

You’re itching to unravel the mystery that is Solivan, you find yourself more and more curious about him, his likes and dislikes, how he spends his time, who he spends his time with. It’s a little pathetic really, you haven’t known the guy that long and just learned his name yesterday. You can’t help it, he's fascinating.

You notice Sol rolling his eyes and as if sensing your gaze, Aqua Blue turns his head and zeroes in on you in the crowd immediately, sharp eyes as blue as the summer sky accompanied by a wide grin greets you. Sol must have said something to grip his attention back to him, his head whips back around to Sol.

Nudging Crowe gently with your elbow, gaining his attention as he looks down at you. 

“I’m gonna go, I’ll see you later?”

“You aren't going to join us for lunch today?” Crowe playfully pouts.

Hesitantly, you look over at Sol and his friend, then back at Crowe. His eyes follow yours before making eye contact with you again, all playful mannerisms gone from his face.

“What business do you have with Solivan?”

“He’s in my art class.”

“Solivan is your partner for the project?”

Huh? I don’t remember mentioning this project to Crowe, we just started yesterday…thoughts abruptly cut off, realizing something Crowe said..

“Wait, you know Sol?”

Cobalt blue eyes flash…something for a split second, then it’s gone, did you imagine that? You start fidgeting with your skull ring.

“Something like that..” Crowe pauses, watching your fingers twirl the ring, then looks back to your face, “ Sol? A nickname? I didn’t realize YOU even knew he existed.”

“..what is that supposed to mean?!” feeling irritation, what? Because Crowe doesn’t know, it isn’t invalid?!

Crowe pauses, searching your face before responding.

“Are you two friends?”

“I mean, I would like to be. That’s what you asked me to do, make more friends, right?”

Looking in Sol’s direction, then back at you, his eyes appearing.. frustrated, he responds “Right, Ace.”

Grabbing his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze accompanied by a friendly smile, “I’ll see you in class after lunch? Walk me home?

His eyes soften looking at you, “Yeah, looking forward to it.”

He gives your hand a squeeze before you let go, headed to your new destination, giving your friend a little wave before all he can see is your retreating back..

“Off they go, again.” Brittney teases.

“You are NOT helpful, Britt.”

“Who said I was trying to be?” popping a bubble in her mouth, smirking at Crowe.

“Come on Romeo, Let’s go get lunch” 

She hooks Crowe’s arm, he doesn’t need to stand there glaring holes into the side of Solivan’s head.The group follows Brittney and Crowe toward the lunch room.

Approaching Sol and his friend, Sol is clearly deep in conversation with his companion and startles slightly when he notices you, halting his conversation.

Confusion, and interest piqued by whatever is happening with his friend, Aqua Blue whips his head around, just to be face to face with you. His grin is so big it might break his face.

“Oh gods” 

Sol mumbles to himself, looking over to the lockers, his face a slight pink blush. He is so easily flustered, it’s honestly adorable. You wonder just how red and flustered you could truly make him and what methods that would require, but your thoughts are cut short when your attention is pulled back to Aqua Blue.

“Well, Hi there! Are you friends with Sunny?” 

“Sunny?”

“Sunny! Our ray of sunshine Sol.”

“Sol is Latin for sun, cute.” smirking over at ‘Sunny” hiding his blushing face behind his hands, refusing to return your gaze before returning your attention to his friend.

Aqua Blue tilts his head, focused eyes are examining your face, deep in thought for a few heart beats, then a teasing smile appears.

“Smart and attractive just like you said, you sure have taste, Sunny.” elbowing Sol in the side as Sol gives him a dark threatening look then groans, wishing the earth would open wide and swallow him and his embarrassment whole.

You can’t hide your own blush, Sol mentioned you?!

Completely unbothered by his friend’s threatened glare, Aqua Blue reaches a hand out to you

“Anyway, nice to meet you! I'm Hyugo! I’m Sol’s best friend.”

“Faye! Nice to meet you.”

He smiles kindly at you while shaking your hand.

“So, we are having lunch on the rooftop today, will you join us?”

“Oh? Not the cafeteria?”

“Sunny isn’t a huge fan of the noise in there.”

“I heard there was a food fight that happened yesterday,” Sol added.

“Ha! Right?! Although a food fight sounds fun!”

“What are you, in high school?” Sol deadpans.

“Hmph! Have a little bit of fun, Sunny!”

You can’t fight the smile on your cheeks watching these two interact.

“Ah whatever. Want to go to the rooftop now Faye?” Hyugo looks at you.

“Yes, let’s go”

Following the boys up the stairway to the rooftop, they’ve clearly been this way a hundred times before. 

Hyugo walked over to a bench, sitting down. 

Sol sat next to Hyugo, holding a wrapped box.

You chose to sit between Sol and Hyugo, your side and thigh touching Sol from the close proximity to him. You notice him looking at you from the corner of his eye, a small smile on his lips. 

You tilted your head to the wrapped box in Sol’s lap. 

“Is that your lunch?” 

“You could say that” Sol unwraps the box to reveal three bento boxes. He takes the top one then reaches over you to hand the middle one to Hyugo. 

Hyugo’s face beams as he says his thanks to Sol, and grabs his chop sticks. He lifts the lid of the container and lets out an awed sound, eyes sparkling, drool slowly drips down the corner of his lips. 

“You actually listened! And… did you cut the tiny sausages into octopuses?!”

“Keep your voice down, it’s ringing in my ear” 

“Wait!! I need to take a picture of it.”

With the bento box securely on his lap, Hyugo gets out his phone to take a picture. Once he seems pleased with the photo, he returns his phone to his pocket and returns to his bento box. But before digging in, he looks at you, lifting the box to show you the contents he’s been gushing about. 

“Isn’t it adorable Faye?!”

You see various kinds of delicious, fresh, homemade food, accompanied by rice in the shape of a moth with seaweed to design a little face and cabbage to make the wings, at the bottom of the moth were sausages cut up to look like octopuses. It truly is the most adorable lunch you’ve even laid eyes on. 

“I almost feel bad eating it.. almost.” 

And with that, Hyugo begins to dig into his feast. 

“Wow, Sol, did you make this?”

“Yeah I did.” Sol answers you then lifts the lid of his own container, just a ham and cheese sandwich. Interesting. 

“Faye, have you eaten yet?” 

“Oh! No , that’s okay though!

Sol’s eyes went wide and Hyugo looked over at you from the corner of his eye. 

Not giving your brushing off any attention, Sol picks up the third bento box and places it in your lap. 

“Here eat this, it’s extra.”

“I’m not eating your lunch, seriously I’m fine!”

“It’s going to waste anyway, just eat it Faye.”

“This really isn’t necessary, eat the food you prepared, Sol!” 

“No, I insist” 

Rolling his eyes, Hyugo interrupts” Oh for fucks sake, just share the same box!”

Clearly over your banter, Hyugo returns to his box. 

Sol hesitates, then retrieves the fork and spoon, holding them out to you to choose. 

You shake your head, declining his offered utensils and he just looks at you, puzzled. 

“Do you prefer chopsticks?”

Softly smiling at him, the prey took the bait again. 

“Nah, I want you to feed me” 

You hear his breath hitch, that nearly took Sol out, if the deep red of his cheeks were a clue.

Hyugo gave you side eye, a judgemental look on his face as he stopped eating as if to say

 “Really? In front of my bento box?” 

Hovering over his food he scoots away from you two before resuming eating. 

Sol however.. well you may have broken Sol. 

He’s just staring at you, hesitating , not sure what to do?

“ Are you going to just keep staring at them or what?”

“S-shut up! I’ll..I’ll feed them.”

Preparing the spoon with food from the bento box for you, he softly lifts it to your mouth, eyes averted from your face. You didn’t realize he could blush and even DEEPER shade of red. 

You take the bite from the fork in Sol’s shaky hand and chew. 

“ Wow! Sol, this is delicious!”

Hyugo nodded along with you “ I know right!” 

“ Sol, you’d make the perfect househusband!”

Red orange eyes go wide, the blush may permanently stain his cheeks at this point. 

“ You think so?” Refusing to meet your gaze.

“Absolutely!”

..”do you want to get married?”

Abruptly Hyugo interjects, cutting you off from hearing Sol. 

“Sol is definitely househusband material Faye!”

Hyugo makes eye contact with Sol..

Sol looks from Hyugo to you.

“Do you want get ma-“

“Sol is definitely househusband material Faye. He can cook, he can clean, he can do anything!”

 Hyugo cuts Sol off again, behind him Sol just..closes his eyes and sighs. You are now.. very confused on the inside joke you are not a part of with these two. 

“I’m not your butler though.”

“It was meant as a compliment!”

Watching these friends banter, your eyes are drawn to Sol, you could swear his eyes had a sparkle in them. 

“So.. what inspired the bento box art?” 

There is a gleam in Hyugo’s eyes, “oh, you don’t know?”

“Shut it, Go-go”

“Go-go? Ah using the nicknames now Sunny! How sweet of you!”

“Now, see here Faye. My friend here just named typical food art like the artist that he is. But he never bothers to finish it, much less eat it. Aaand he really loves cute things.. like..”

Hyugo looks back at Sol, Sol just stares at him, eyebrow raised and his arms crossed. 

“What was the name of that plush horse again?”

“Like hell I am answering that.”

“Sol has a plush horse?” 

Hyugo grins.

“That's really cute, you keep surprising me Sol.”

Sol fidgets with his choker, the beet red blush going all the way up from his neck to his ears at your compliment. 

“Looks can be deceiving.” Hyugo adds

How precious. 

Why do people never bother with him? They never get to know him? And he’s so terribly bullied on campus, you don’t understand how people aren’t just magnetically drawn to him. 

After cleaning up the bento boxes, Hyugo leans against the rooftop railing, you join him and start asking him some questions about the campus, the elite and the hierarchy system. 

Watching Faye’s curls cascade down their back, he can’t get the angelic image out of his head of those same curls messy on their bed while their chest softly rises up and down with their deep sleep breathing. 

Arms tightly crossed over his chest, it was all he could do to keep his hands to himself, to not reach over and feel the soft kink of those curls against the pads of his fingertips, a sensation his hands were rewriting into his fingerprints with each visit. Staring at Faye, his mind drifts back to their uniform top neatly folded and safely tucked under his mattress. Scarlet red taints the pure white of the top, the blood that bastard dared to draw from their cheek that day. The memory of another’s hands on Faye’s skin makes his blood boil, but the faint, lingering scent of their shampoo clinging to the collar of the top, grounds him. That will never happen again, indifferent to himself being bullied, he would usually let it be and lay low, try and get hurt as little as possible, not worth his aggression. Now that this campus’ ugly perspective of him has caused his Faye’s blood to spill. That.Will.Not.Happen.Again.

The top is safe, they are safe. No doors, windows, bullies, or friends could keep them from me,

Nothing, no one

Sharp as a knife, “ Sol”

His eyes snap out of his dazed state, and dart to the voice of his friend. He is met with a dark expression, a warning. Shit, Hyugo must’ve seen him staring.

Turning back to Faye, his voice back to his friendly tune.

“Sorry, I said lunch is about over, let's get Sol and return to class.”

Faye’s eyes meet his now, a sweet smile accompanying them.

His chest feels like it is going to explode as they approach him on the bench, a delicate hand reaching out.

“Right, let's go Sol.”

Eyes wide, cheeks warm, he accepts Faye’s hand standing up, and jolts when Faye intertwines their fingers instead of letting go, his eyes locked on their hands.

“Sunny, it’s just a hand. What are you, in high school?” smirks Hyugo

“Shut up.”

Fucking gods, they must know at this point, right?

Faye is mine.

Feeling light after lunch with Hyugo and Sol, worries forgotten, you’re headed to class, hand in hand with Sol. He might burst on the spot from how red his neck and cheeks are, but he never loosens his grip. Lunch was simply fun. Pleased that you met Hyugo, a polar opposite to Sol yet their friendship feels sacred, you look forward to more time in Sol’s presence.

Feigning a dramatic sigh as you approach your open classroom door, “Well, this is me. Thanks for having lunch with me!”

“Oh, such a pleasure, right Sunny?” Hyugo teases.

Silence.

Simultaneously, you and Hyugo look up to Sol’s silent face. He isn’t acknowledging either of you. In sync, the two of you trail Sol’s eyes and meet a chilling blue gaze. 

“For fucks sake, who is that guy?”

“Oh, um.. That would be Crowe, my friend.” 

Sol flinches at you using the word ‘friend’ for Crowe.

“Guys, please ignore him,  he is just annoyingly over protective. He will come around!”

A chuckle escapes Hyugo, “Right.”

You squeeze Sol’s hand to get his attention, his eyes instantly soften as he looks at your face. 

“I’ve got to get to class. You will see me tomorrow, right?” you ask with a soft smile, when did you start smiling so much?

“O-of course, I’ll see you tomorrow, Faye.”

“It’s fine, I’m just ..here” Hyugo rolls his eyes.

You let go of Sol’s hand, give both boys a smile and a wave, and turn to walk into class, positive of the autumn eyes watching you retreat. Unfortunately, cobalt blue eyes are watching you approach.

You sit at your desk next to Crowe, “If you don’t relax, your face will get stuck like that”

You will not start the afternoon with bickering, he will get over lunch in a few minutes when he defrosts. 

His eyes linger on the doorway, which is now empty, and shift to you, a slow blink and his eyes soften.

“I’m just glad to see you at class on time and in one piece.”

Rolling your eyes, “Now you’re spewing nonsense, of course I’m in one piece, quit being dramatic.”

A chuckle, “ Right..”

The professor walks in, cutting your conversation short, and class begins.

*********

“So, what did you think of the group?”

Kicking a pebble along the paved path, the usual route home from school with your usual companion by your side.

“They seem fine.”

“Fine?’

“I met them for like.. 5 whole minutes, Crowe.” 

“Yeah before YOU ran off..”

Halting your steps, looking up at your friend searching his face.

“Right..I’m sorry about that. How about I join your friends for lunch tomorrow?”

“Ace, I don’t want you to be sorry, I just want you to be okay..”

“And hanging out with your friends will suddenly make me okay?” You snap.

“No, and you know that.” He sighs, “Lunch tomorrow would mean a lot to me, thanks Ace.” He gently grabs your arm by the elbow, rubbing comforting circles on the sensitive skin of your inner elbow before continuing.

“Look, I know your situation, I know this won’t solve your problems, I just want you to know there are people there for you…..and selfishly I want to see you more, spend more time with you.”

Giving him a kind, sideways smile. “Crowe, I see you every day.”

“You also see him every day..”

“Seriously? What does the time I spend with Sol have to do with the time I spend with you?” 

“Ah, well, it doesn’t.. It’s just..”

“It’s just what Crowe? How is this suddenly about Sol?!”

“ How are YOU suddenly so chummy with ‘Sol’?!” Irritation apparent in his eyes.

“Gah! It’s none of your business!”

“Oh, come on Faye. I’m your best friend, not some random pest. You are suddenly spending so much time with this guy I didn’t even realize you knew existed, what is going on?!”

“He’s the one that saved me!” You snap.

The world went silent, wide blue eyes searching your face, trailing the tiny scar on your cheek.

“Save you from what, exactly?”

You take a deep breath, this won’t be fun.

“I wasn’t just cut, I-i..there were two assaults, one cut my cheek, the other was trying to crush my windpipe.”

“You were strangled?! What?! How did I not know?”

“I covered the bruises with my collar and hair..They’ve healed now”

“Bruises?!!”

You stare at him, waiting..

“Faye, how did this happen? What have you kept from me?”

“I didn’t keep anything from you! Sol was in trouble-- it was two on one AND there was a knife! I had to he-”

“IT WAS SOLIVAN?!” You flinch at his booming voice and take a step back.

“Does it matter who it was?!”

“Of course it does!” He reaches out to grab your arm, but you take a step back.

“Crowe, I am fine and none of this is Sol’s fault, he protected me. Now drop it”

He stares at you with a storm in his eyes, clearly does NOT want to drop it, but appears to think better of it?

“Fine.. just.. Be careful around him, Ace.”

Rolling your eyes, “Stop worrying so much. Let’s go, I’m ready to be home..”

“Okay.. let’s go.”

*****

Creeeek,

Red- orange eyes examine the room, before silently stepping down into the bedroom from the window.

Tch, still haven’t fixed the window Pumpkin? That is just reckless..

Checking that everything is in place, their desk is cluttered with class assignments, poetry, and their sketchpad. His hands itch to open that sketchpad and view their portrait of him, but he restrains himself. It will be so much sweeter when his soulmate shows it to him themself…If they take too long though, he may have to take a peek.. But not tonight. He isn’t here to see that tonight.

The laundry basket sits by the closet, a smirk graces his lips thinking about how easily he snatched that top from the pile just the other night, and then his eyes land on the bed, where Faye lay, peacefully asleep.

He needed to lay eyes on them, it was crucial. Now that he has, he can let out a shaky breath he was holding, the masterpiece before him was as beautiful as ever.

Standing at the foot of Faye’s bed, his hand reaches down, twirling his fingers with the fabric of their bed sheets. Soft, just like their hand earlier today in the hallway. 

Hearts in his eyes as he thinks back on Faye intertwining their fingers, making their palms one.

His hand finds the outline of their leg under the covers and hovers, not touching, not tonight. His love sick eyes follow his hovering hand tracing their body up to their crown of curls. He twirls a soft curl between his finger tips, intoxicated. Okay, so he was slightly touching..

“Sweet dreams, Pumpkin.” a lover's whisper.

Memorizing the strokes of their face, committing the memory to his soul. They didn’t stir once, what a deep sleeper, so cute.

He turns and approaches the window..

Still broken..

He crosses the room swiftly, finds a post- it note from their desk, and with feigned scratchy writing, the note reads “ STILL BROKEN?”

He returns to the window, leaves the note for Faye to find. 

“Ahhh.. ha.”

“F..fuck”

Occupying a dingy bathroom stall, unbuckled jeans and boxers pulled down past his thighs planted on the toilet seat, pulsing cock in his hand.

Free hand muffling the whimpers of his pleasure.. his agony. Eyes squeezed shut, tears of pleasure threatening his lashes.

“ I c-can’t.. Why-why did they have to sit on my lap?”

The image of their body planted on his lap invades his eyelids, long curls he’s dying to wrap around his fist draping down their back, innocently sensual smile peering back at him over their shoulder with those thick lashes making promises to his racing heart only he can decipher, the feeling of their plump ass against his jeans, ahh having no idea the torture they was causing.

fuck.. the top button of their uniform blouse undone, exposing their delicate collarbone. The battle within him to not sink his teeth in and leave his mark.

“What a tease”

 Taking in the evidence her little stunt caused, the precum glistening his angry cock, sliding the pad of his thumb over the slit of his tip, back and forth, imaging their finger instead of his, a chill traveling down his spine forcing him to muffle a gasp with his hand.

Removing his thumb from his tip, he slowly begins to stroke his cock, eyes shut and whimpers escape from behind the fingers of his other hand.

Envisioning Faye’s delicate, painted fingers with that dainty gold skull ring on their middle finger wrapped nicely around his dick.

He sees honey brown eyes, half lidded, sickly sweet as honey dripping with lust looking up at him, biting their bottom lip ahh.. that innocent habit they haave when concentrating that drives him wild, tension at the base of his spine builds as they pump his aching cock faster and faster.

“Oh dear, was this my fault sweetie? I'm sooo sorry”

“Let me make it up to you, Sol”

Faye leans forward, wrapping their full lips around his cock, in complete surprise, a gasp escaping his lips, the hand around his mouth tightening to muffle his moans, leaving crescents on his cheek, lest he reveal his hiding spot.

All he can see is them, taking his full length in their mouth, his thighs start to shake.

Then they peered up at him, mouth full of his cock before going faster, slurping up every bit of leaking precum.

“I’m so close.. Please..please.. let me …cum”

Breathing ragged. Sweat rolling down his cheek, pumping his cock faster.

“Please…Pumpkin..will you let me cum?”

The envision of his soulmate wrapped around his cock in his mind, his beloved Faye..

With one last stroke, he came.

Pleased honey eyes look from his cock, up to his flushed face and panting chest, they gulp then slowly open their mouth to him sticking thei tongue out, he observes the evidence of his cum on her tongue left behind after their swallow.

Faye leans forward to the shell of his ear, his vision blurry and high from release, as they leave a titillating slow kiss to the sensitive skin before whispering

“Good boy.”

Holy shit…Faye…you're driving me to insanity…..

***

Running late to your next class, you slide through the open classroom door, to be greeted by an empty podium, thank the heavens your professor is late! 

Scanning the room as you walk the path to your seat, you nearly trip over your feet when green hair catches your attention. 

No way, has he always been in this class? How have you never noticed him? 

How strange….

Reaching your seat, you peer over at him trying to get a better look at his hunched over figure, looking like instead of a book, he seems to be drawing on a sketchpad, how curious.

Watching him.. You take note the desk in front of him is empty..catching your lip in a small smile to yourself, you swiftly occupy THAT desk, putting your stuff down and sitting in the chair backwards fully facing him.

He still hasn’t noticed your presence, resting your elbow on the tiny corner of his desk and chin in palm,endearingly just watching him sketch. 

You observe the way he draws, the way he creates each stroke with such care, entranced by the motions, in his own world.

Enraptured by him, his sketching, you see a person in peasant clothes who seems to be dancing and there seems to be something larger next to them that you can’t make out..

You lean in closer, desperate to understand his art, maybe understand him..

SLAM!

Startled, the book is slammed shut..looking up, you’re met with those wide reddish eyes you're growing to become familiar with, attempting an innocent smile and little wave to say “I come in peace” …

Even though you were just caught red handed in grade-A snooping right under his nose….

Silent wide eyes just…stare.

“Um.. Hi! Look umm.. I’m sorry about the library!”

Silence…stare.

“Uhm…We have a class together! Who knew?! Looks like we will be seeing each other!”

A blush creeps up his cheeks, and he looks down staring a hole into his desk.. Still silent…

Alright.. Well.. quickly turning around facing the front of the classroom.

Face palming, what the hell Faye… Earlier confidence has vanished after your stunt in the library.

Ignoring the eyes burning a hole into the back of your skull, you grab your things and retreat back to your proper seat. Fidgeting with your skull ring while waiting for your professor, refusing to look back at the green haired cutie you’ve made a fool of yourself with what…three times now? 

Sigh..

***

Now that the lecture is over, it’s time to start on the project, shit..the project requiring a PARTNER which you weren’t here last week for partners because of skipping class after the ..incident..

Not that you have any friends in this class to call your partner anyway.

Gah…how badly do you need this college again?? Oh. right.. badly.

Looking around the classroom to see if maybe the gods are going to bless you with any luck that another student is also in need of a partner…

Your eyes catch on a student in the back of the room, their seatmate gone, off with their partner leaving their seat empty..Observing who that student is……What are the odds?

“Hi! Me again” giving a tiny wave as you approach Green’s desk.

“It’s you”

“”You lost?”

'Do you have a partner?’

“...no”

“Well, your lucky day! Me neither!”

The whole conversation he seems way more fascinated with something over your shoulder..instead of making eye contact.. Jeez, guess it’s your own fault.

“Well, want to be partners?”

“Sure”

Taking the seat next to him, getting settled with the necessary supplies.

“Oh, I’m Faye Hecate by the way.”

“I know” mumbling to himself..

“Sorry, didn’t catch that?”

“Solivan Brugmansia..”

“..Pardon?

“My name..but just call me Sol.” Glancing over at you.

Observing him, chin in palm, a shining smile growing on your face directed right at him.

“Sol huh? So much better than Green Hair Guy!” A giggle escapes you.

You hear a breathy chuckle from him as he shakes his head at your makeshift nickname. 

You see a small smile on his lips as he looks back to the front of the classroom to listen to the professor give instructions on the project.

Three artworks, it has to be a form of expression, finishing his instructions the professor leaves the class to get to work.

“A portrait” 

Blinking, completely lost..you slowly turn your head to Sol, waiting for clarification.

He peers over at you with a smirk “ it’s about expression right? Like the cute one you’re making right now, we capture it in a portrait.” 

Oh, Sol the charmer huh? 

“I actually really enjoy sketching portraits.. could I draw you?” 

“Oh really now? Who am I to deny you?”

Taking that as a yes, you reach for your sketchpad and pencil. Moving your body to fully face him and prop your sketchpad up, ready. 

“O-oh.. do you want me to pose or?” He suddenly seems a little shy, cute. 

“ Not necessarily, just be relaxed, comfortable.”

Nodding, he leans back in his chair, back straight and arms crossed. 

You start a few basic strokes for outline, then really observe his facial features, feeling butterflies in your stomach taking in his alluring features you noted back in the library earlier that day.. only this time , he’s watching you. You’re transfixed with his reddish eyes as his pupils start to dilate, taking you in. 

Cheeks turns red from a fresh blush, letting out a shaky breath he was apparently holding, he turns his face away from you, breaking eye contact. 

“So, I kind of need your face for a portrait”

“Ah, I’m just not used to being stared at like this.” 

“Well, eyes over here. You will get to stare at my boring face when it’s your turn for a portrait”

“… I could never get bored of your face..”

“ Huh?” 

“It’s actually really beautiful.” He turns back to you, searching your face for.. something. 

But now.. you’re blushing. Ducking behind your sketchpad to hide the evidence of the effect his words have on you, flicking his arm with your pencil. 

“ Stop saying stupid shit! I’ve got to concentrate..”

A laugh, before be obliges and settles back, behaving so you may continue. 

You work in a pleasant silence, till the bell rings and class is over. 

“Can I see?” 

“No way, it’s not finished.” You drop your closed sketchpad into your bag before his hands can grab it, looking over to see his lip pouting, so cute. 

Walking out the classroom door together. 

“Oh! We should exchange numbers, so we can chat about the next two projects.”

“Sure” pulling out his phone and typing in your number as you recite it. 

“ I’ve sent you a text”

Pulling out your own black smart phone, sure enough you have a text from an unknown number 

“Sup’ “

“Got it! .. hey Sol?” You start fidgeting with your ring. 

“Hmm?” You have his complete attention.

“ I know your first impression of me.. or first few first impressions of me have been less than ideal… let’s be honest.. they’ve been a disaster. I’m baffled you’re even talking to me now! You must think I’m a lunatic” omg why word vomit now!? 

Sighing “ the point is, I’m really glad I met you. I have a good feeling about this friendship..” and now you’ve made it awkward.. gah you gotta stop. 

“Anyway uhm I’ll see you tomorrow!” Not waiting for a response, waving with a smile before spinning on your heels and retreating down the hallway, 

Dammit Faye.. 

“Ha… hahaha”

…..” my darling”…

……

Watching Faye retreat. 

……..

…..

“ my beloved Faye…”

……

…..

“So cute, so pretty.”

…..

“…you were made for me, Pumpkin “…

…..

“You’re mine.”

Crowe was a worry wart the whole weekend over the ..events of last week.

“Why would you get involved, Faye?!”

“He had a knife!”

“EXACTLY!”.......closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, then you’re swimming in his ocean blue eyes, so much adoration for you in those eyes… and fear.

“I’m sorry Ace, it’s not my place.. I’m relieved you’re alright, will you let me take a look at the cut?”

Legs swinging on the park bench, you look at a tree ahead of you to expose your bandaged cheek to him with a meek nod.

Flinching when the bandage pulls on your skin despite Crowe being painfully slow and gentle with the lift of the bandage. His evaluation of the cut makes you squirm, feeling awkward wishing he would be done with his dramatic medical inspection of this shallow cut that is already healing!

Lost in your own silent rant, you jolt when you feel wet warmth against your cheek. Eyes wide, words stuck in your throat, you whip your head to your friend and his face is a breath away from yours..

Did he just..kiss your cheek?!

He is close..

Too close..

“C-crowe..I”

You're frozen, time and space is frozen.

Crowe looks at your lips and leans forward to close the distance..

CRACK!

What? What was that?

“Ouch!”

Crowe stands up, holding the right side of his head.

“What the hell was that?”

You examine the area, trying to find the cause of the sound and Crowe’s apparent pain.

Your eyes snag on a sharp rock on the paved park ground by your feet, about the size of your palm.

Did someone throw a rock at you and Crowe?!

Frazzled, you start looking at the trees and bushes from behind the bench, the direction you think the rock came from.

Your eyes snag on a particularly thick tree surrounded by bushes, you start walking towards the park’s low chain fence separating you and the forest, it’s more for decoration.

Buzzing in your ears..all you can see is that tree.

As if hypnotized you continued forward, something in your gut is telling you someone is there, likely the offender that threw the rock.

Both hands gripping the fence, one booted foot braced one the top, ready to swing the other over and continue forward.

But before you lift your second foot..

Strong arms wrap around your middle and yank you backwards, startling you out of your trance.

“Faye?”

Blinking blankly at the tree, then grabbing Crowe’s arms signaling to him you’re fine, let go. He hesitantly, slowly pulls his arms back, like he is watching a calf walk on wobbly legs for the first time.

I swear, this man thinks you are made of glass.

“I’m fine Crowe, I just…. I just thought someone was there.. “

He shrugs “It was probably just some child thinking he was funny, throwing a rock at a stranger passerby.”

“At dark?”

“I mean, remember the city we live in Ace…”

Finally tearing your eyes away from the direction of the tree, you look up at Crowe..

Ah!

“You’re bleeding!” A thin trail of blood running from the right side of his head down his neck.

You dive into your school bag for a leftover gauze from the nurse’s office, you wish you had a proper mini first aid kit.. Shit after today you just might get one!

“Oh! I hadn’t realized, it really didn’t even hurt much.”

He rubs the back of his neck, embarrassed.. Clearly feeling the warm liquid, pulls his hand face to face with the evidence.

“Ha.. guess it was a sharp rock afterall..”

“Crowe, let me-” pressing the gauze to where you think the wound is, his hair must be covering it, thank god must not be a big one.

“No, it’s fine, I’m fine..let’s just get you home.”

Taking over adding pressure to his wound, he spins on his heels walking towards your apartment..

The hair on the back of your neck rises, holds your breath, someone is watching you.. Peering over your shoulder back at the tree, scanning for a sign of life.

“Ace”

Startled, catching on the air in your throat, you look forward to Crowe, who is waiting for you with a soft smile.

“You’ve had a long day, I’ll walk you home Ace.”

Warmth, safety, friendship.. Crowe.

Smiling, you reach for his arm as you approach him, settling into his company.. Trying your damndest to not think about the eyes you KNOW are watching your every step.. ……You just can’t find them….

....

....

“W-why.”

...

..”do you like him?”

….

....

”oh Pumpkin”

....

…

…

“You’re mine”

***

Monday came, back to classes and back to the library and this time you really had assignments to work on and needed to concentrate.

Your cheek is healed, any evidence is easily covered with light concealer, the scar will be small if any is left behind.

The bruising on your neck from that loser trying to strangle you… well.. They have mostly healed. The collar of your uniform and your long thick curls do the job covering them for the most part..You have to be in your personal space to really see them now..

Walking into the library you beeline for your favorite table and chair, many hours were studied in that chair and you needed all the study aura you can get to get this assignment done today.

Walking to your table, you are stopped in your tracks.. There is a figure with green locks sitting in your chair. Oh jeez, you haven’t spoken since the incident last week..

You examine him, he looks okay, the bruise on his face appears to have healed, you let out a sigh of relief. You’ve wondered about him for days, but haven’t seen him, your paths just really do not cross at school .. or he is actively avoiding you..

“You’re in my seat” You notice him flinch, then his eyes slowly leave his book and look up at you.

“ I don’t see your name anywhere.” He makes a show of lifting his book to check the desk, then his under the desk, then scooching forward to look at the seat before settling back against the chair, looking up at you with a smirk.

Oh, he is just SO funny. Not hiding your irritation in your voice, arms crossed over your chest and popping a hip.

“Obviously my name isn’t ON the seat! I just always sit there, I sit there more than anyone, it's my focus seat, hence my seat.”

Hmph Much to your surprise, you just hear him chuckle.

“SO cute” He’s mumbling something behind his hand to himself in his amusement.

“Hmmm? Want to repeat that?”

He clears his throat, composing himself clearly still amused, “No no, I apologize. What will you give me for ‘your’ seat?”

..Really? This guy.

“What do you want for my seat?”

Gesturing his head to the coffee station, where a barista was working.

“How about a coffee? And maaaybe I will consider giving back ‘your’ seat.” a sly smirk, fire dancing in his orbs as he waits for your response, he is amused.

What am I? An errand bitch?

Rolling your eyes, contemplating…then an idea pops into your head..

Coyly tapping my finger to my chin feigning deliberation..

“Hmm, no.” giving him a sweet smile, waiting for your prey to take the bait.

“Tch, too bad”

He turns forward in the chair, back to his book.

Poor unsuspecting soul, he doesn’t know your stubborn ass and was not in the slightest prepared for what came next.

You grip the back of the chair and yank

Screech!

“Woah!”

You pull the chair some space from the table, he must be expecting you to be trying to throw him from the chair and turns to give you a piece of his mind..

“Wha-”

What he did not expect though, is for you to royally plop your ass right on his lap.

“Fucking gods, take me now” cursing under his breath. His face turned a deep, furious red, his heart racing and his entire body rigid. Eyes boring into your back in disbelief.

“Hmm?” peering over your shoulder at him through your lashes with a teasing smirk. Continuing on with your assignment, basking in his misery so proud of your little stunt.

Desperately trying to keep his composure, looking around and noting a few glances from passing students. Face turning an even deeper shade of red, looking back to you, completely unbothered by those around you. In your world, there are just you two.. Well and this blasted assignment.

Following your lead, he relaxes. Lifting his book back to his face to continue reading while experimentally resting his free hand on your waist, waiting for a reaction from you that doesn’t come. He basks in the touch, leaving his hand there, his heart skipping a beat as he returns to his novel.

Completely focused on your assignment, adjusting your hips slightly to reach for an eraser from your school bag, a sharp inhale in your ear.

You bite your lip, grinning to yourself, teasing him is a LOT of fun.

About two minutes later and you feel him sigh before closing his book. He must not be able to concentrate.. Hmm curious.. Wonder why that could be..

Out of the corner of your eye, you note him leaning slightly forward peering over your shoulder at your papers, you try ignoring him and continue on with your work.

His arm comes around, reaching forward, “Edgar Allan Poe, again?”

“What do you mean ‘again’? Pretty sure you’re not my professor grading my assignments”. You snide, not looking up from your work.

“The Raven, isn’t that what you had last week.” His voice is quiet, soft, not a question. Now this makes you pause, you turn to look at him and note him looking at your throat..the bruises. Suddenly you were self -conscious. “How did you know which book I had?”

Searching your eyes, suddenly not sure of himself.. “Do you not recogni-”

“Don’t be stupid, I wouldn’t forget a handsome face like yours. It’s not like we had time to chit chat about the novels we were reading.”

Blushing at your compliment, looking down at your papers, “R-right. I just saw it with your things and assumed..” his voice was quiet.

Examining his side profile, his bone structure, curve of his nose, the double piercing on his bottom lip, dark lashes framing those eyes that make you think of autumn leaves, even the dark circles under his eyes just make his other charming features pop and bring together his whole aesthetic, he really is beautiful.

“Is he your favorite poet?” the question is drowned out in your ears, you were too wrapped up in your own train of thought while inspecting your talking chair’s features.

Suddenly he turns to face you, your noses nearly touching and startling you.

You scoot back in a start trying to put some space between your faces, back against his chest and feeling the fabric of his jeans on your bare legs, forgetting you were in his lap!

“AH!”

Strong hands grip your waist and a gravelly voice behind you speaks, “p-please..stop.moving.”

You try to twist to face him, but his grip tightens on your waist at the movement of your hips.

“I’m begging you. Stop.” his breath on your neck as he speaks sends a shiver down your spine.

Trying to swing your legs out from under the table to the side of his thighs, so you can stand up and get off his lap, his grip fails to hinder this movement.

A deep groan, you look to your left to take in his face, red-orange snap shut not making eye contact with you, shaky breathing, face all the way down his neck behind his choker flushed a deep red, truly you are entranced by how truly enigmatic this man is to you, you’re dying to unravel his mysteries.

“Are you alright?” reaching your hand out to cup his cheek

As soon as your skin makes contact, he jolts upright out of the chair, taking you with him the grip he has on you to keep you from falling.

You’re met with wide eyes of fire, desire? Quickly looking down to grab his novel off the table, swiftly spins on his heel towards the door, a slight limp in his step as he flees.

Not a look back, not a goodbye, gone.

Jesus Faye! What was that?!

You AGAIN did not get his name, but you sat in his lap?!

You want to rip your own hair out from embarrassment, looking to the sky cursing the gods for your muddy critical thinking when it comes to your interactions with this guy.

Gah! No doubt about it, if he wasn’t avoiding you before, he will be turning tail and running the opposite direction from now on…. … A little flutter in you hoped that wasn’t the case, biting your lip, smiling to yourself, contemplating.

He is incredibly intriguing and entertaining, yeah.. You really hoped he didn’t think of you as a total freak and was scared off…

You WILL get his name.

***

Ahhh…. Ha.

F…fuck this shit…

"There's this guy, pretty tall guy, often times people don't even realize he's there but he is. Usually sits at the back, wears nothing but black. His eyes however, were bright, red as the autumn leaves, and they for sure aren't leaving your eyes once you lock with his." - The Kid at The Back Are you cursed? Is life cruel? Or is fate just having it's fun with you before you finally get your big break and can move on from this nightmare.. A deal, a college, a blasted city,a stalker, a great love, a…murder?

Chapter One

Fresh start my ass Twirling a raven curl between your manicured black polished fingers, your mind wandering off as your gaze is frozen out the window. What a joke, this god forsaken city. “Think of it as a fresh start Faye” your bastard step mother’s words echo in your mind. Easy for her to say, when she can just pawn-

Smack!

Screech!

The hell?!

“Brittney! You can’t just hit someone’s desk!” someone scolded, you weren’t sure.

Upon the smack against your desk trying to get your attention, your head being abruptly ripped from the clouds, your chair flipping over from the momentum of you jumping from the impact and your heart rate rising. With large eyes evaluating the situation, you look over and see a beautiful blonde with pink and blue highlights, bold makeup, and a tight uniform straining against her breasts. Must be ‘Brittney’, looking over you make eye contact with cobalt blue eyes, Crowe.

“A simple ‘Hello, my name is Brittney’, is more what I had in mind when I asked you to invite Faye to lunch!” oh, Crowe is the one scolding this Brittney, and Crowe is the one that wanted this.. Interaction?

“ I called their name like..6 times! They were so dazed out I started to get concerned they were even conscious” snarked Brittney back to Crowe, not even looking at you.

Not really appreciating the call out of your day dreaming, especially so loudly, your nose scrunches disapprovingly as your cheeks feels a little warm from embarrassment. You lean down to start backing up your back, completely uninterested in this interaction and not even sure why it is happening.

Pinching the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes and letting out a long sigh, then looking over to you, noticing you seem to be getting ready to go.

“Faye, I’m so sorry about this, I just wanted Brittney to try and invite you to lu-”

“Why?” you cut him off, not looking up from your bag.

“Ace..”

The use of his nickname for you makes you pause and look up, immediately seeing the plea in his eyes to understand and forgive his lapse in judgement.. He’s always “just trying to help”.

Sighing, you lift the strap of your bag onto your shoulder and look over to Brittney, “Hi, I’m Faye, sorry about earlier and not hearing you.”

Brittney looks to Crowe then back to you “ Your hair is insane, no wonder Crowe goes on ab-”

“OK! How about lunch?” Crowe, with bright red cheeks, glares at Brittney while she just chuckles and rolls her eyes, shutting up.

Quirking an eyebrow at the two of them then shrugging, taking her comment as a compliment. You prided yourself in your crown of healthy curls.

“Not this time Crowe, I’m headed to the library. I’ll text you?” You gave him a playful soft punch to his shoulder before walking out the door not waiting for a response. You adore Crowe, you just… weren’t up for this today. ..

…..Giggling to herself “You are so down bad Crowe!” “Shut it Brit.” Eyes trail you out the door..

***

Scanning the library as you walk in, taking a calming breath and smiling to yourself, happy with yourself making this decision you can already feel your mood improving.

Noticing the table by the windows, you beeline to the seat and place your stuff down and take a seat, closing your eyes, leaning back and letting out a sigh.

Stretching your back, lifting your hands to your scalp to rustle your curls trying to not think about the interaction earlier or allow any irritation, Brittney seems really cool and Crowe just wants to help, you just can’t help feeling like a project to him half the time instead of a friend. No, Crowe is an amazing friend, your best friend, he just doesn’t always understand.. … maybe making an effort with his friends isn’t the worst idea..

Leaning forward sitting up straight in your chair, dropping your hands and opening your eyes, you notice a head of green hair and orange eyes..

Staring at you.

Tilting your head and smirking at him, you give him a little wave and he jolts, orange eyes wide and quickly looks away, back down to the book in his hands. Chuckling to yourself “he’s cute, that was cute.” What was his name again? He looks familiar.. I just can’t place it..

Shrugging, you get out of your chair to peruse the books, do you have assignments to work on? Of course, this is college. Are you going to?.... Meh.

Pulling down a copy of The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe and pulling it down to your chest, yeah a little comfort poetry reading is just what you’re in the mood for and Poe is your favorite poet. Scanning the shelves to see if anything else enraptures your attention..

THUD

The shelves to your back shake, two books even falling off and landing on the floor by you, making you jump.

You whip around to the shelf that was the source of the offense, what the hell? Peeking through the hole the heavier of the fallen books left, you could make out three figures.

A spikey red headed guy in a denim dazzled jacket accompanied by a just as tall brunette with his hair tied back wearing a white tank top and blue gym shorts, they appear to be jocks, more like jokes.

“You freak! I dare you to say that again” seethed out of what you think was Spikey, it was directed toward the third figure, who you realized was on the ground back against the book shelf you were peeking through. All you could make out of this figure was… green hair? Wait..

“Fuck…off..”

Thwack!

Slapping your hand against your mouth desperately trying to be quiet, you hold back a gasp as you watch Spikey's fist land on Green’s face.

Oh my god, two against one?! What is with the bullies at this school?

Thwack!

Lost in your thoughts you weren’t watching, but after hearing flesh hit flesh, and a groan from the closest figure, Green took another hit.

“Haha those dumbass guards, you got a knife in?”

Eyes wide, you look through the peek hole again and sure enough, Spikey is holding a knife.. What..the..fuck?!

“Hell yeah I did, I’ve been looking forward to teaching this bastard a lesson all day. Now let’s cut that smile and show everyone the creep you really are.”

Okay, focus Faye, you have to do something. Looking at the ground you notice the rather large and heavy dictionary, perfect.

Picking it up, you brace it in both your hands.

You slowly walk from the side of the shelf praying no one can hear the deafening thumping of your heart beat, bringing you into the same aisle as the assault taking place.

You see Brunette’s eyes take you in wide with shock.

“Who the f-”

But Spikey is too focused on his prey to sense your presence or register what his buddy was trying to say before it's too late, you swiftly raise the book and swing your makeshift book-bat into Spikey’s head!

Thwack!

You made contact! Holy shit!

Spikey clutches his head, losing his balance a little stumbling back making space between him and Green..

Unfortunately for you.. Your little stunt was not a KO.. not even close.

“F-f a y e?!” Who said that? Who here even knew your name?

Looking down to the figure with green hair on the floor, now facing him instead of seeing the back of his head through the shelf.

He has a punishing bruise on the left side of his face, he definitely took a punch there, and he had his right arm wrapped around his core, likely taking a hit.

You were stunned by the wide orange eyes looking at you in disbelief, reaching your hand out to help him leaning forward, you realize his eyes were actually red-orange, they reminded you of a warm crackling fire within the fireplace back at the farm as he looked from your hand back up to your own honey brown eyes, hesitating.

Woah, he’s beautiful..

A painful large grip grabs hold of your outstretched hand. Yanking it away from Green and shoving your back to the opposing shelf.

“Ha! gonna take that from a little bitch?” Brunette mocks his bud.

Glaring at the hand on your wrist then up to the offender's owner, you try to yank it out of his grip to no avail.

“Enough! Let go, you asshole!” You spat the words.

A wicked smile slowly grows on Spikey’s face as he looks at your face and scans down your body taking in your uniform, pausing at your legs then slowly going back to your face. Oh..shit.

“Fiesty huh? This will be fun”

Too fast he grabs a hold of your jaw pulling your face close to his, experimentally moving your face side to side, examining his new prey. In a desperate attempt at self defense you throw a punch with your free hand to the side of his head but he quickly releases your wrist to easily catch your fist twisting your wrist.

“AH!” You hiss from the sharp pain

“Leave her alone! Oof” Green took a kick to the ribs by Brunette.

“Haha, is this her? Not gonna lie, little freak, she’s a pretty one, I’m sure you won’t mind if I have a taste.”

Spikey pins your arms above your head to the bookshelf across the aisle from Green, pointing his knife at you.

“No! I will fucking kill you!”

Thud!

Looking over, Brunette has Green pinned with his knee in his back, he can’t move but his eyes are crazed, desperate, horrifying.

You feel cold, then a stinging pain against your cheek, something warm dripping down..blood, suddenly wet saliva licking up the warm, a shiver of disgust down your spine. You will not cry, you will not give this bastard the satisfaction.

“Mmm fuck!”

The sick bastard looks in ecstasy, leans his head back with a wicked grin and laughs. The hand with the knife moves from your face after leaving its mark, trailing down your uniform top and stopping at the band of your bottoms.

Panic rising in your throat and you thrash, trying to kick at him, get an arm free, anything, but he's got you pinned, he is too heavy.

“Don’t fucking touch me!”

“Ha. Hey creep, have you had them yet?” turning his head to the side to grin directly at Green.

Red-orange eyes turn explosive as they widen, panic.. You can see the pure panic and hatred in his eyes.

While Spikey is distracted by Green, you knee him in his erection with all the strength you can.

He doubles over with a pained gasp “You bitch!”

You kick him away from you with enough force he slams into the bookshelf, head directly hitting the wood of the shelf and THAT was a KO!

Ha! Sick bastard!

Your victory was short lived, you hear a broken cry

“RUN!”

You’ll go get help, you will not leave him, turning on your heel to go get the librarian, someone.

Suddenly you're yanked back by your hair and thrown to the floor.

Thud

Gasping, the wind knocked out of you from the impact against your spine..your head feels a little dazed, you must have hit it on the floor.

A hand.. two..Around your throat and a weight across your middle.

“Tch, naughty one, guess I’ll have to teach you a lesson.”

“Let ..me ..go!”

Brunette was on you now, you feel warm drips of blood against your fingers from clawing at his wrist. Desperate, panicked.

You’re losing oxygen ..tearing stinging at your eyes.. You need help.. Someone.. Help..

Your vision is going dark..

Suddenly you are gasping, panickedly taking in as much air as you can and the weight is off you, blurry green is suddenly in your vision, still disoriented.

Long strong painted black fingers are stretched out before you, offering you help up.

You accept it looking up at your savior.

The eyes of fire are no longer taking you in, they are looking at something on the floor beside you.. Anywhere but you.

Standing up, you groan, rubbing the back of your skull, fuck those bastards!

You start, remembering the beating he had been taking,

“Hey! You need to go to the nu-”

“I’m fine” he cuts you off, not even looking over at you, fidgeting with the sleeves of his green and black striped undershirt.

Hmmm, you lean forward on the tips of your toes a little, taking in his face. Reaching a hand up to graze very soft fingers over the offensive bruise on his handsome face. It should be criminal to mark a face like his, truly.

He whips his face forward toward you, noticing how close your face is to his you hear the nerves gulp in his throat, the click of his jaw snapping shut, anxious eyes glued to yours.

Your breathy chuckle at his reaction seems to embarrass him, if the blush on his cheeks were a tell-tale.

Eyes snapping down, fingers gripping the sleeves of his shirt, he finally seems to work out the words he wants.. “B-but .. you.”

..”Me?” tilting your head, watching the downcast fire orbs apparently fascinated with the library carpeting.

“Y-you need to go to the nurse..your, umm.”

He steps back, just one to give himself breathing room and to examine the cut on your cheek, a hand starts reaching for you .. and suddenly stops, he must have thought it best not to touch the cut?

Abruptly tucking that hand behind his back as if to stay in better control of its movements.

“Go to the nurse.”

Before you can respond to the.. Demand? Request?

He looks you in the eyes, and all you see is ..warmth? Before he hurriedly walks past you..

Your eyes trail after him as he gathers his things off the library table you saw him reading from earlier, then retreating from the library, not once looking back at you.

You stare at the doorway you just watched him leave from.

Huh..

What a hell of a day Faye, stay out of trouble, that’s all you need to do..

Biting your lip with a small smile in thought, all you know for sure is..

You hope to run into him again soon.. You didn’t even catch his name...