Nightmares (Enorace Fluff)

Chapter 5

When the peculiars were finally released from their lessons, most ran out into the sunshine, glad for their freedom. Horace, however, sat on the porch again, leaning against a wooden pillar. Enoch was going to walk past him, but then he stopped and sat next to him instead.

"Do ever feel like everyone around you is an absolute pinhead?" Enoch muttered.

"What?" Horace laughed tiredly.

"I mean, look at them all." Enoch rolled his eyes, pointing at each playing peculiar in turn. "Pinhead. Pinhead. Pinhead." He pointed at Bronwyn rolling in the grass as Claire and Olive tickled her. "Absolute pinhead," he grumbled.

"Is that because she made you apologise in front of everyone yesterday?" Horace raised an eyebrow. Enoch muttered something under his breath. "Because you kind of deserved it, you know," Horace shrugged. Enoch scowled at him, but then he saw the grin on Horace's face.

"Hey, it's not my fault that Olive can't take constructive criticism," Enoch said with feigned innocence.

"Right," Horace scoffed.

"I'm glad you see it my way," Enoch said, standing. "Well, I'm off to the basement. I've got some cows hearts to pickle. Bye." 

He turned to go, but Horace scrambled to his feet.

"Wait, don't go!" he said too quickly, before realising himself and shutting his mouth. Enoch raised an eyebrow

"Huh. That's the second time in two days you've asked me to stay with you." He rubbed his chin in mock-thoughtfulness. "Now, I'm no detective, but it almost seems like you're lonely," Enoch said.

"I'm not lonely," Horace said defensively.

"Pathetic?"

"No!"

"Desperate for human interaction?"

"No!" Horace scowled. Enoch smirked.

"Come on, I'll show you the wonders of the basement. But I warn you- it ain't pretty. So no complaining about blood on your clothes."

Horace followed him wordlessly with his arms crossed.

...

The basement was cold and filthy, and despite Enoch's nonchalant warning earlier, he suddenly felt embarrassed to have Horace see it. He shoved some jars back in their cupboards and tried to clean up without him noticing. Horace himself stood in the very centre of the room, arms pinned to his sides to avoid getting his suit bloodied. He watched Enoch with curiosity.

"You know, I don't think I've ever actually been down here before," Horace said, looking around him. "It's-"

"Disgusting?" Enoch scowled.

"I was going to say peaceful. You can hardly hear anything from above."

Enoch smiled at him. Then he raised an eyebrow.

"I'm surprised you're not panicking about the germs. Or the smell."

"Oh I am," Horace insisted. "On the inside. I'm just too tough to show it."

"Well, I admire your stoicism," Enoch smirked. "You're an inspiration to us all, Horace."

Horace just shook his head, rolling his eyes.

"What do you do down here all day, anyway?" Horace said, stifling a yawn and rubbing his eyes tiredly. It was nice and dark in the basement, and Horace was right, it was peaceful. Enoch could feel his own eyes drooping. He shook away exhaustion.