Heart Pangs

Chapter 30 - An Old Feeling

The drive back into town is... arduous. The Facility had purposely been built far from civilization. It takes the better part of an hour to get back. All the while, the quiet of the car, the dark of the night, and the exhaustion creeping over Lux prods at him.

Even with the neutralizers, his stomach begs for digestion. Lux is glad he thought to take them. He doesn't remember the last time he's waited so long to start, and he catches himself nearly slipping subconsciously into digestion several times. He mulls over simply letting Camille out, but he knows she wouldn't be cooperative. And besides that, he doesn't dare release her until he knows it's absolutely safe.

Camille, for her part, has gone oddly quiet. Despite a few panicked instances of doubt, he knows she's alive. He can feel her breathing if he concentrates long enough, but aside from a few shifts in positions, she doesn't move or fight anymore. Perhaps she's exhausted herself and has fallen asleep or unconscious. Perhaps, with the effects of the neutralizers and apparent lack of intent to kill, she's realized something unusual is happening. Or maybe she's simply given up.

Finally Lux reaches town. He feels as though he's been driving all night, but he reminds himself, he's nearly there. His involvement in the plan is almost at an end.

There's a 24-hour convenience store just outside Benji's neighborhood. Lux parks in the darkest corner of the lot. This is a part of the plan that Lux had been reluctant to agree upon, though he realizes it's a necessary precaution. If any nosy neighbors happened to wake up and glance outside only to see his car at Camille's house, that night of all nights, it would spell trouble all around.

Before exiting the vehicle, he ditches his Facility uniform jacket, tucking it carefully out of sight in the back. He's not allowed to been seen wearing it by outsiders. Civilians aren't supposed to know the identity of any of the Facility workers. Then he makes sure the car is locked before starting the tedious journey to Camille's home.

His stomach begins cramping after just the first few minutes of walking. He's sure it's not much more comfortable for Camille as he's squeezing her as tight and small as he can. It's technically illegal for preds to be out in public with a full belly. It's especially illegal for Lux to be out in public with this specific prey in his belly. He needs to keep Camille as unnoticeable as possible. Besides, holding her tight keeps her still as he walks.

It's well past three in the morning when Camille's home finally comes into view. Lux doesn't think he's ever felt so happy to see a prey's house. He climbs the porch stairs and raises a hand to ring the doorbell, but the door is wrenched open before he has the chance.

"Felix!" Benji is looking up at him, breathless. His gaze falls on Lux's middle. "Get in."

Benji widens the door as he backs out of the way. Lux wordlessly obeys, ducking through the low doorway. A moment later and the door is locked tight behind him.

The two stand in silence, looking at one another for a long moment. Lux shifts uncomfortably at the way Benji keeps glancing at his belly.

"That's her, right?" Benji asks, face pale, voice barely more than a whisper.

"It is," Lux confirms.

"And she's— she's—"

"She's alive."

Lux watches as some of the tension leaves Benji's body. He looks like he's about to cry with relief.

"So then, what are you waiting for?" Benji questions. "Let— let her out." Then, after seemingly considering his words, he adds, "Please."

Lux frowns.

Benji's eyes widen. "What's wrong?" His voice rises as he speaks. "You're going to let her out, right? You're going to let me see her?"