Broken Paths

Nezumi

The sleek black sports car pulled into the underground garage. The man sat behind the wheel. He touched his chest, a thoughtful look on his handsome face. His eyes went to the faded picture hanging on the rear view mirror. He twisted it so he could see it.

Why? He wondered. Why am I thinking of you so much now? He sighed twisting the key as the sound of the engine died. The still air felt suffocating around him. He shoved his shoulder into the door as he opened it. Getting out, he glanced around. A bad habit, from an even worse time in his life.

But was it really? He pondered. He touched his chest. A smirk slipping over his thin lips. He turned locking the door. As the car beeped its goodbye, that tall lean man walked to the stairs. He hadn't taken an elevator in years, not since that day. He chuckled to himself.

"Oh God, the rat is laughing?" A squeaky voice sniveled out. The man turned at the sound of their name for him. He arched an eyebrow.

"Ever know the reason I don't take the elevator?" he asked. The two nerds huddled together clutching their briefcases to their chests. One was brave enough to shake their head.

"Come, walk with me." Nezumi held out his hand, an imploring look on his handsome face. The two scientists glanced at each other. The dark haired man gained wider.

"What is better, riding in a death trap, or walking with me? I can protect you." He stated a coldness creeping into his tone. The two scientists inched forward. They met him on the steps that lead to the first door. Nezumi smiled. He held it open for them.

Once inside they were on the interior staircase. "Now, why do you think I don't ride the elevator?" he asked.

"I, uh, I assumed you were afraid... uh of getting stuck in it!" One said rushing to finish as the dark look crossed those steel grey eyes.

"Hmm, in a sense I suppose." Nezumi stated. "You don't know much about my past." They shook their heads. Only on the second staircase and already their weak bodies were panting slightly.

"When I was in high-school, I had this friend." Nezumi began. "We got stuck in an elevator. He kissed me to help keep me calm." Nezumi smirked.

"You don't like elevators because a guy kissed you?" the female asked. Three flights down, two more to go.

"Mmm, no. I don't like elevators because after he kissed me, we dropped ten floors in three seconds. Stupid idiots who were fixing on getting us out, hit the wrong button." He chuckled. They had finally reached their floor. Nezumi waited, leaning his arms on the railing as he watched the scientists struggle up the last ten steps.

"Look at you, you did it. Coffee will be my treat." Nezumi grinned.

"You appear in an awfully good mood today, sir. Have you killed someone?" the man asked.

"Rude!" Nezumi scoffed. "No, today is my birthday. It's been sixteen years since I met the best man in my life." He frowned. "Just over twelve since I saw him last." He muttered.

"You only knew your best friend for four years?" the female asked. Nezumi sighed. He poured them all coffee.

"It's a slow day for me, so do you want to hear some stories?" he asked. The pair looked at each other.

It wasn't often that the head of security belittled himself to talk to people like them. They took the coffee, nodding. He sat the cream and sugar on the table. Seeing a tray of desserts he brought them over as well. He set them before the couple. He wasn't even sure if they were dating each other, but he didn't care.

"Happy valentines day." He said spinning the chair around so he could sit in it properly.

"I was fifteen when I met him. Just a kid, that did kid things, lived a kid life. Then, he stabbed me in the chest, on my birthday."