Spy School: Royal Flush (Fan-Made)

Chapter 11

Murray's Hideout
May 16th
200 Hours

It won't stop...
It won't stop...
It won't stop...!
For the third time that night, I woke up trembling with tears in my eyes.
Why can't I sleep?
I don't even remember what happened in my nightmare...
All I know is that I was scared...
Of what? I had no idea.
Not wanting to go back to sleep, I stumbled out of my room.
I referenced my inner clock.
"Aw man... Its 2 in the morning right now... Lucky me..."
I eventually found my way to the kitchen. I turned on the lamp.
I might as well stay awake, so I decided to make myself some coffee.
As the coffee maker poured a steaming cup of coffee, I rummaged around in the fridge for some milk and creamer.
"You know, you shouldn't be drinking coffee this late."
I let out a scream and fell down on the ground.
"Ben... Are you okay?"
Murray was leaning on the counter beside me, holding the mug of freshly made coffee. With no shirt on.
I picked myself back up.
"Yeah...I'm fine... you just scared me..." I stammered.
"But that's not all that's scaring you, is it?" Murray asked.
I was at a loss for words.
Am I really that transparent?
"Come on, lets make you some hot chocolate instead." Murray put the coffee in the fridge.
I sat at the table as Murray made us both hot chocolate.
Of course, his had a pile of whipped cream while mine had two big marshmallows.
"So what's got you so worked up this late?" He sat down beside me, pulling my chair closer.
"Not sleeping well..." I mumbled.
"Oh come on, there's more to it than that... Your eyes are red and I can see those tear stains from a mile away."
"Give me the truth. Are you having nightmares?"
Sometimes, I swear he could be psychic!
I nodded.
"I don't even remember what they are... I don't know why they scare me so much... I just want them to go away..."
I buried my head in my hands.
I felt his fingers run through my hair, gently ruffling and combing through it.
I felt his arms wrap around me as he planted a kiss on my head.
"You don't have to deal with this alone. We care about you... I care about you."
To be honest before yesterday, I would have bet my soul that Murray would never say that.
Now, I don't know, it just seems...right...?
"Now drink your hot chocolate. Before it gets cold..." He let go.
For the rest of the night, the both of us just drank hot chocolate and talked.
I think I'm finally getting to know who he really is.
The next morning, I woke up on the couch, Murray snoring beside me.
I'm surprised his snores didn't wake me up! He sounds like a lawn mower!
I smiled and laid him down on the couch. I stood up and walked to the kitchen. I grabbed my now cold coffee and added milk and ice.
I sat back down on the couch and sipped my iced coffee.
Rem walked out of her room.
"Morning, Ripley." She greeted.
I waved at her.
"Any idea what is going to happen today?" She asked.
I shook my head and gestured to Murray sleeping.
"Let me..."
Rem approached him and flicked his forehead until he woke up.
"Ow... Rem...! That hurt!" He whined.
"Get your ass up. What are we doing today?" Rem asked, slightly annoyed.
"I don't know, plan a heist I guess..." He shrugged.
Rem rolled her eyes.
"I'm sorry! I just woke up!" He huffed.
"And for God's sake, put a damn shirt on." Rem left to go make some coffee.
Murray looked down at his bare chest.
"Huh. Didn't even notice."
He shrugged and got up, walking to his room.
He walked back out wearing actual clothes and went to the kitchen.
"Move over, I have to make breakfast." He shoved Rem aside.
Rem quietly growled and walked off.
"You can cook?" I raised my eyebrow at him.
"Yep! I took some classes! That's also how I learned the dance moves you love so much..." He smirked.
I growled, face red. "I hate you..."
"Love you too, Ben!" He laughed.
I sat down at the table with my arms crossed.
"What's he talking about?" Rem asked.
"Long story. I'll tell you later." I said.
As soon as breakfast was finished, Tess came out of her room.
"Do I smell waffles?" She sat down next to us.
"Yep! Here you guys go!" Murray gave us each a plate of a waffle and two eggs.
While his own plate had a pile.
"Murray..." I gave him a look.
"Fine..." He sighed over-dramatically and gave us all one more waffle.
I took a bite from my waffle.
"These are...really good...!" I kept eating.
"Thanks! I put a little...secret ingredient...in yours..." He chuckled.
"Is it laxative?" I sighed.
"Oh come on, I would never! No, it's actually pretty normal for a waffle." He said.
"Well, what is it?"
"It's called a secret ingredient for a reason!" He rolled his eyes.
I decided to give up, opting to finish my breakfast.
"I got some clothes for ya in your room." He said, not looking up from his mound of waffles.
"Thanks!"
I walked into my room and looked through the closet.
I picked out a set of clothes and got ready for my first day of (actually) working in a criminal organization.