Lost and Found (BEN x FtM reader)

Ch. 14: Dinner

For days, Ben and I lived in uncertain tedium. He'd bring me things I needed-- and even occasionally, things I wanted.

There was definitely something missing, though. Something that almost made me prefer being stuck in his game. I sighed.

"... I wanna go outside." I muttered, Tatl perking up beside me. She'd been doing a bit better over the last few days, but she was still quieter than usual.

"He's not gonna let you. You know that, right? He doesn't let you out of his sight!"

"Yeah, I know, but..." I trailed off. I couldn't just leave on my own, right? Not with so many literal murderers around. But maybe if I could ask him- or get the attention of someone more lenient...

Fucking hell, we didn't have the time for that. I paced back and forth through the room, my eyes eventually landing on the door ahead of me.

"If... he finds out I want out, he might start locking the door." My voice trailed off as I reached for the handle, glancing back to Tatl. "He's probably already told everyone to back off, right?"

Tatl seemed uncertain, flying down to be by my side for a moment before finally nodding in agreement. "Yeah. Yeah! It's now or never, and you don't know how long he's gonna keep you around." She huffed, flying a bit closer to the door.

That was almost more of a de-motivator than encouragement, and I had to take a moment as I grasped the handle. I didn't want to die. I couldn't die now. So that was why I had to try to get a handle on the manor around me. Taking a deep breath, I finally opened the door, bracing myself.

Predictably, nothing happened. I was standing in the cold hallway, the air so deathly still it almost felt as though I was frozen in time. I carefully closed the door behind myself, then started on my way down the hall, Tatl close by my side.

"We should try to head to the doctor, [Y/N]. The um, woman knows you right? Maybe she'll be helpful."

I shrugged-- I couldn't even remember her speaking when we met, so her opinion on me was anyone's guess. "I don't know my way, anyway-- I'll just try to remember which way I go so we can find our way back."

It was then, after minutes of walking and a few twists in the passage, that I heard an almost silent step. I froze, taking a moment to collect myself before turning around. Nothing was there. Nothing to worry about.

I gave a soft sigh, turning back around only to come face to face with the belt of a tidy black suit. A jolt of fear ran through me as I realized just how massive the creature ahead of me was, and I stumbled back, Tatl chiming in alarm.

Did it not have a face, or was it just too tall for me to make it out from down so low? My questions were soon answered as it slowly bent down to my level, its long and spindly arms by its sides. Was it watching me, or doing something else? I didn't dare move.

"... You must belong to BEN." The creature soon spoke, giving the slightest tilt of its head... despite not having a mouth of any kind. "He didn't ask, but I guess if it's only one victim..."

I hated the way they talked about me here. I was just another meaningless death. Somehow, it seemed like Ben was the one who treated me the most human... but the thought of that alone was mortifying enough. To think, he was the best one here, as awful as he was...

"He shouldn't have left you alone. Walk with me."

Even as new to all of this as I was, I knew that that wasn't a request, but an order. The firm white hand set on my shoulder only confirmed it. The creature (the tall man, perhaps?) began steering me down the hall, disregarding entirely any plans I'd had of going my own way.