"Numbers Change" - A Community fanfic

Chapter 3: You Wanted This

Matthew anxiously looked across the common area. One of the Fives was talking to Paul. She patted him on the back, and walked out.

"What was that about?" Matthew went up to Paul.

"I--" Paul's phone buzzed.

Matthew's heart dropped.

"What did that Five say to you? Paul?"

Paul hid his arm behind his back. "Matthew, listen, I didn't mean to--"

"Paul! Did that Five vote you down? What's going on??" Matthew took his arm. "Paul, say some--"

Four MeowMeowBeenz. Paul had a 4. Paul was a Four.

"Matthew, I swear, I didn't think she would vote me up so soon. Let me explain--"

Matthew backed away, eyes searching Paul's. "What did you do?"

"She wanted me to keep the Twos and Threes under control. She saw what had happened with the security guard and said she could use someone like me on the inside, I swear... Matt, I didn't want her to vote me up so soon, I don't think she knew how high my score was already... I can fix this. Matthew, please..." Paul stepped closer, reaching for Matthew's hand.

"You were gonna work for the Fives?" Matthew pulled away. "You said... you said you wouldn't leave. You said..."

"Matthew, listen." Paul turned Matthew's face toward him, fingers gently grazing his jaw. Matthew's heart skipped a beat. He could see Paul's eye makeup glinting slightly in the fluorescent cafeteria light. He was able to wear more now, because of his increasing rank.

"I'll find a way to see you. Maybe in the hallways. This doesn't have to be the end." Paul looked at him pleadingly.

"You know that wouldn't work. Twos and Fours are strictly separated. You would get sent down to a One." Matthew pulled away. "And we both know you wanted this. It's okay."

"Matthew, that's crazy, of course I didn't want this."

"Then don't become a Four. Have someone vote you down."

Paul said nothing.

"That's what I thought." Matthew stared at the ground. "I hope you're happy as a Four. Truly. Enjoy it."

"Matthew I'll find a way to see you, I promise." Paul's eyes bore into Matthew's. "Please."

And then the security guard was standing between them. "You a Four, now?" He checked Paul's arm. "This way, new Beenz. Now."

"Paul..." Matthew watched as the guard led Paul away, out of the common room. "I'm an idiot." Matthew shook his head in disbelief.