𝐙𝐄𝐑𝐎 - 𝟎𝟎𝟏 𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐅𝐈𝐂 ✔️

026

[Double spacing honestly looks much easier to read, especially on a phone. And also the song might stop a little short, but it's absolutely perfect for this chapter]

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♫ Why can't you relax

I'm staring at your faded photographs

And asking why I've wasted all this time

On nothing but an empty fucking lie ♫

The music blasts in your ears as you near his bedroom. You hadn't heard the song in years and listening to it filled you with an emotion that couldn't be described as anything other than euphoria. Even now, the song gave you the most freeing high and when you find yourself mentally prepared, you pull down the headphones to knock on 001's door.

It's just a second of shuffling before he opens it with his famous grin. "You won't believe the stash of fruit snacks I found,' he chuckles. His eyes hit the walkman at your side. "Hey, where'd you find that?" he asks, curiously.

You look up into his eyes, parting your lips to maybe shout, cry, scream. Nothing escapes your throat. You wanted to ask him if it was true, but you couldn't muster up the words. All you can do is wrap your arms around the boy and hug him. His scent calms your breathing, it was comforting and familiar. All you wanted now, was him.

001 looks down at you with narrowed eyes. The male was beyond puzzled at your strange mood. He couldn't read it, he didn't know how to navigate it. It scared him.  "Zee?" he murmurs, stroking your head. "Hey, what happened?"

Where were you supposed to start? You wanted to tell him everything, you wanted him to find the practicality in it, most of all, you wanted him to make it go away. You hold him tighter, bury your face deeper into his embrace as if his scent would be an intoxicant strong enough to make your worries go away.

"Won't you tell me?" He asks, then winces at your tight grasp. "—Or just suffocate me, that's fine too."

The moment that passes is a sorry-excuse for calm. 001's still alarmed by your unusual state and your heartrate is still beating at a pace faster than light. He keeps you close, the reassurance in his hug was nostalgic. There was a timeless comfort in being held in his arms.

But, you two were still in the doorway and anyone who happened to pass by would see you two. He glances around the hallway awkwardly. "Speak or move or something," he says, "Please?"

"Can you hold me a little while longer?"

"I could throw you over my shoulder, if that's what you'd prefer."

"I—"

Footsteps sound from down the hallway, causing 001 to hurriedly pull you inside before you can respond. He shuts the door, swerving back to face you, his expression was serious. "Now you have exactly five seconds to tell me why you're acting like this."

You hoped he would believe you. "I don't even know how to explain this," you choke out, "It's Alex."

"Who's Alex?" He asks and a sense of deja vu washes over you.

"The orderly from earlier...?"

He tilts his head in a what-are-you-talking-about kind of way. You resist the urge to facepalm. This boy was truly a lost cause.