Short Stories

Cupid's Game

 Luke's POV:

"Ugh my back, I should really get some meds." I mumble to myself. This is my fifth night shift this week and everything hurts. It's tempting to call in sick to my second job. I watch the crowd as I bring drinks to their respective tables, the usual whistle and catcalls when I lean to set the beverages down. I can't help but wonder what would happen if I wasn't attacked or if someone hadn't saved me, would I still work at this dump? Would I be single or in a relationship? Would I even live in this town? I feel myself laughing a bit, gaining a few odd glances, I smile awkwardly and walk into the bathroom. I need to stop daydreaming, heroes only save the famous. I turn on the sink and splash some water onto my face, at least I'm alive and at least I get a break soon.

Spider POV:

HOW THE HELL AM I STILL ALIVE?! I laugh in my head as I slam my house door behind me. I hear police sirens in the distance and look at the bag of money in my hands, my adrenaline pumping through me. This is my fifth robbery this week and I'm feeling great! I set the bag down and remove my mask, my roommate, Oliver, glares at me from the couch.

"Again? Why do you have to cause so much trouble?" He asks, clearly annoyed.

"I have nothing better to do." I chirp back

"Why not get a date? Maybe you wouldn't do such stupid activities if someone else was stopping you." I laugh at his words.

"Date? How exactly do you expect me to get a date?" I say as I set my mask on the counter. He holds up a flyer for a reality TV show, a dating show.

"You already signed me up. Didn't you?" I give him a glare.

"Yes, you always wanted to be famous, and who knows, something good could come out of it," He says as he gets off the couch, "Also we need to go shopping, so go change and meet me at the store."

Third POV:

Luke sighs as he changes into a store uniform, "One more day, all I need is one more day." He hears the bell and goes to the register. Spider and Oliver walk into the store with a list of groceries.

"Hello welcome to Brook's Grocery Store, if you need help finding anything, feel free to ask." Luke says with his usual plastered smile.

Oliver nods at Luke and drags Spider to the back, "Alright, while I get our supplies, why not go practice flirting with that cashier, so you don't humiliate yourself on the show."

"Good to know you have faith in me," Spider responds sarcastically, "But if I don't have to deal with shopping, I'm down."

Oliver rolls his eyes as Spider walks over to Luke.

"Good day sir, how may I help you?" Luke says, almost robotically. Spider puts on a smile, "Yeah, there seems to be something wrong with my phone."

"My number isn't in it?" Luke rolls his eyes, "Nice try."

"I should have known you've heard it before. With your looks I'm surprised you don't have a bounty on you." Spider leans on the counter.

"Let me guess, it's a crime to be so cute?" Luke speaks sarcastically, but smiles, secretly enjoying the attention.

"I was going to say because your looks could make you a mass murderer, but saying that out loud sounds kind of like an insult." Spider rubs the back of his neck.

Luke laughs, "It kind of does. So what's the catch to this? Discounts? Robbery?"

Spider sighs, "My roommate signed me up for a dumb reality show about dating, he told me to practice with you.."

"Oh! You mean Cupid's Game, right? I applied a month ago, though I doubt they'll say yes. I just wanted to know how those couples are together, how does someone fall in love in under a week?" Luke says.

"You watch that stuff? You kinda seem like you'd be more into crime shows or cartoon mysteries." Spider tilts his head.

Luke shrugs, "There is a mystery to it, everyone who gets off that show is always paired with someone, as if they are specially picked for it, but I've known one of the past contestants since middle school and she never met her, now, wife, before the show. I say it's some sort of gas."

Spider laughs, "Skeptical, I like it. What are you doing later? I'll get you a coffee."

"That sounds like heaven, but I've got work." Luke sighs

Spider looks at the time then to his roommate who is busy comparing prices, "How do you like your coffee? I'll bring it to you."

"W-wait you were serious, I couldn't ask that of a stranger," Luke panics a bit frantically looking for his wallet, "At least let me pay fo-"

Spider gently grabs his hands, "My treat, besides, it's better than waiting for him, and if you don't answer me it'll be a coffee roulette."

Luke smiles softly, "Thanks..I'll just take it plain."

Spider nods and leaves the store, Luke just stands there staring after him.

Cupid grins and looks to the audience, "Spider and Luke, both skeptics, but this season's theme is surprises! Boy do we have a surprise for them! We have hired people they know to tempt them, and they have no clue that we are recording, of course if you are seeing this, they consented afterward! So let the games begin and the best couple win!"

Third POV/ Last Minute Thought:

As the curtain closes Reaper approaches Cupid, " I still can't believe Space let you do this."

"I was fairly persistent." Cupid smile innocently.

"Yeah, if persistent means tying him down and forcing him to watch Frozen continuously for several years." Reaper sighs and shakes his head.