Isolated Interview

First: Declan Blake

The still permeated crisp air. Long legs shifted beneath cotton sheets, weighed down by a couple of heavy quilts. The room suited his aesthetic, a coat of basic paint, nice wood trim, no windows, a closet, dresser, and a queen sized bed all with custom woodwork. The room might have been nice if it were not so incorrect. This was not Declan's bedroom, and he was not familiar with the location. The strange surroundings were not what caused his shifting though.

The thumping of music was audible in the distance but the conversation taking place was all that he could really grasp. It looked surreal, smoky vision, someone smoking a cigarette, someone on the ground, someone else standing nearby. Red knuckles. Not his blood. Why were his knuckles covered in someone else's blood? Declan had only experienced bloodying his knuckles on objects, not other people. He'd hit people, but not so hard to draw blood.

He'd never cornered someone in an alley.
Why was he seeing this?

The yelling. "Why are you dressed like that?"

A scowl.

"You're just looking to get beaten up and hurt."

Hurt. That wasn't how the word was supposed to sound. It hit his ears differently. There were countless ways to "hurt" someone. He reached forward and grabbed the front of a dress, yanking the leggy blond up to his feet. A heel was snapped off somewhere. He wouldn't like that. The dress was torn down the front. The ripping hurt Declan's ears. He was slammed against the wall. More yelling. A sob.

He didn't cry. He didn't show weakness. He seemed more offended than hurt when things went wrong, but now he wasn't acting normally. Declan couldn't wrap his mind around the sight of his fiancé crying there. Normally he would have felt rage and tried to put his hands on the people causing the pain. He would have acted long before he had a coherent thought, but he was unmoving now. All he could do was watch the mess of blonde hair over a destroyed dress as the two men continued in.

Waking up offered very little peace. The sobs and tormenting visuals were gone, but absence was not a comfort. Declan moved his arm over, hoping to find the Scandinavian escort fully intact and peacefully sleeping in bed. Nothing. No one. An empty bed. He shifted around, opening his eyes and looking about. At least it was better than the bloody and bruised images staining his brain. It was not familiar.

This room wasn't overly decorated. At no point would the word "designer" or "posh" cross Declan's mind. It was weird. It was more like his old apartment. Sasha wouldn't like it, that was for sure. Where was Sasha? Declan got up quickly and went to open the door, not bothering to get his clothing first. A note was taped to the door.

Your compulsory participation is expected for a short interview. Upon honest completion of the interview you will be returned to your regular surroundings.
Thank you,
Management

Declan groaned, more of this ridiculous limbo shit? I'm so over this... He didn't stay put though. He would need to be dressed if he was supposed to dodge stupid questions. Was this why he had the dream? Was Sasha going to see the transcripts for the questions? He groaned again, clenching and unclenching his fists. No point delaying it... fuck. He went over to the dresser and riffled around. Jeans in his size, dark blue. A half-sleeve gray t-shirt that showed his toned forearms and rough hands. He wasn't feeling right today. He just wanted to get home, but apparently he needed to do some talking first. Fuck. Declan pulled on some plain black socks and sneakers. At least everything was in his size, but it still felt really weird.

Following the path outside seemed almost compulsory. It wasn't that Declan couldn't step away and go another direction, but he felt compelled. He wasn't sure if it was more of the awkward sleepaway camp setting or that he just wanted to get this over with so he could leave. Either way, he made it to the "Camp counselor's" office and didn't bother to knock. A sign outside read "Open" so why should he?

Inside was briskly air conditioned. Maybe a bit too chilly for his liking. The goosebumps on his arms certainly said as much. He didn't bother to rub his arms though. Maybe Sasha could... fuck, I miss him... he tried not to show it on his face. He wasn't worried, he wasn't concerned, he wasn't upset. He was fine, and he just wanted to get through this and get back in bed with his lover where he belonged. At home.

"Come in."

Declan looked over to the next room. The door was open and a man in a proper gray suit was standing there. Black tie. Does he know what color is? He was actually fairly tan, but he lacked any color in his wardrobe. Declan found it stuffy. He didn't bother to consider whether or not the man was attractive. He was already annoyed at him for being here and keeping Declan in a place that he did not want to be. Still, Declan walked in, and past the man. The door was closed.

Declan sat down, arms crossed, body language fully closed, on the plush green couch. It was an oddly comfortable couch, but he sat straight up and avoided relaxing at all. Why bother?

"Well, I must assume that you got the paperwork regarding your attendance. Are you ready to begin?"

Begin the "interview?" Is it pass-fail? Do I get a job if I get a glowing review? Fuck off.

"Yeah, whatever."

The man nodded. "Let's begin from the top, we don't have too terribly many questions today."

Green eyes narrowed, "Today? Is this a multiple day thing?"

"Well it certainly could be. If you are comfortable answering honestly and can get through them quickly and without a break we could be done... I don't know, maybe even within the hour."

That didn't sound terrible. "Maybe" wasn't ideal though. "And I go home after?"

"You are free to go home when we are through, yes." Not terrible. Declan's features softened slightly, but the man continued after that. "You must answer with honesty though. Otherwise we cannot continue."

"I don't owe you anything, I can answer however the fuck I please." He was definitely not in the mood for this. What, was he some kind of goddamn hostage?

The man shrugged nonchalantly, "Maybe not, but those are the conditions." Declan scowled. The man was unphased. None of this improved the situation at all. "Would you like to begin then?"

No I wouldn't like to begin, you fuckwit. I would like to leave. Declan looked around, not answering. It was a pretty swanky space if he was being honest. It did not suit the campy vibes from outside but it did suit the man sitting across from him. Sitting there all high and mighty. It felt like he was playing with a full house and Declan was trying to win at go fish. He didn't like this one bit. It made his arms tense and his pulse rate rocky. This was not fair. What happened if he just walked out? What happened if he hit the guy? No, no, Sasha wouldn't like that. He wasn't going to hit anyone but it felt so off. It felt wrong. Declan didn't want to sit there feeling his feelings though. He wanted to leave this posh psychiatrist office looking room with its tall bookshelves and its dark wood and its fancy day drinking set over near a window. An open window viewing a nice yard at least. He could see a tree and maybe a bench, but it wasn't ideal from his sitting height. He didn't dwell on that though. He looked back at this guy.

"Yeah, whatever."

"Perfect." The man looked at some fancy wristwatch. One of those with several dials on it for whatever reason. Declan didn't wear expensive watches. What was the point? He could get a perfectly fine one at Walmart for fifteen bucks and tell the time. He would wear one if Sasha wanted. Then again, Sasha didn't really take him to fancy gatherings. He tended to be working so... why would he want Declan there?

"The first question, what is your full name?"

Declan felt himself growl slightly. Were they really starting off here? Why? Whatever. "Declan."

"Full name."

He exhaled in a huff. "Declan Richard Blake. Is that what you were looking for?"

The man shrugged, "I'm just looking for the honest answers."

Declan was on honest answer, prick. You're just being particular. He remained just on this side of spouting off. It was better to keep his annoyance inside. This guy might be trying to give him a psych evaluation, and he didn't need to fuel that forest fire.

"What is your current age?"

Declan was quiet. He looked up thoughtfully. "What is today's date?"

"September 27."

Another moment considering the months. "Twenty-three years, eight months, and seven days." He saved fuckery by not trying to figure out the hours or minutes, but he had satisfied himself for now.

"Honesty," the man reminded him, "does not require extreme detail."

So what was wrong with "Declan?" Fuck off. Smug ass.

"But I appreciate your extra credit." He ignored Declan's sour look. "What is your sexuality?"

An exhale. "Bisexual."

"What is your relationship status?"

Could Declan actually frown more than he already was? He was trying to find out. Is this about Sasha? He's prettier than you... I hope he's okay... fuck. "I am engaged."

Some people gave congratulations, but apparently the one comment was stranger man's only quip. Hopefully. "Why do you like him?"

"Excuse me?" Declan looked as offended as he sounded.

"There is no need to get defensive, I assure you the question is not meant to imply anything. Please answer."

He's perfect? I guess not but it feels like it. Better than I am. He's attractive, but he is also sweet. He wants to act like he isn't but he is a caring person. He's sharp too, way more than I will ever be... "We get along."

A moment of pause. Yes, Declan was done. "I need more input than that." Apparently he was not done.

Declan groaned. "He's... just a good guy."

"Yet you are dating him, and not another good guy."

What's that supposed to mean? Sasha's... just awesome. He is independent and intelligent, has a thick skin but a soft heart. He is stupid forgiving... and patient. Like fuck, who else would wait for me? No one. He's funny. I don't like being away from him, I just want him close. I am happier and better around him. Isn't that enough? "I just like being with him."

"Hm... would you like a break? You seem to be getting frustrated."

Declan shrugged at the question.

"You are free to make yourself a drink. I will be out for a few minutes. We can resume at that time."

"Hey, I don't want to make this drag on any longer. I just want to get it done." If this guy took breaks every few questions that hour was looking like an impossibility. The man rose up anyway.

"I am happy to expedite the process, but you need to give full answers."

"That's so fucking vague." He stopped, not wanting to be biting. Declan crossed his arms.

"That may be true, but there is no standard across the board. It will simply depend on each question." He adjusted his suit. "So I will return shortly. Try to relax."

Declan was ready to bark out some more annoyance, but he didn't want to lose his cool. It felt like some kind of hostage situation, so he needed to play it cool. The alcohol did look tempting. A joint would be so much more tempting. Was it really so bad? Declan got up after a solid minute and approached the day drinking station. He has some high quality shit... what's this one? The label was solid black except for a wispy silver font. He lifted the bottle and tried to read it. Vial. Huh, weird. The label did not include proper percentages so he wondered if it was a personal bottle. Whatever it was, he would find out.

The cork was popped on the fancy black glass lid, and a small taste was poured into a tumbler. It looked as innocuously amber as anyone could expect. It smelled like vanilla. Is this vanilla? That tastes so gross... Still Declan tried a sip. Well it has a vanilla taste... but... sugary and... rich. Not strong at all. Is this even alcohol? He decided not to care, poured himself a larger helping and went to sit down again with his glass.

The strange drink that tasted more like a sugar cookie than hard liquor went down easy, and Declan had finished it all by the time that the man came back.

"Are you feeling better able to answer the questions?" he asked as he adjusted his suit again and sat down across from Declan.

"Your questions are stupid."

"They are not my questions, I simply ask them."

"That doesn't help," Declan told him. He was talking too much. He shook his head for a moment, clearing it.

"So, what would you say is the reason, or reasons, that you like your fiancé?"

"He's awesome. Unlike you. He's... patient and considerate and his bravado," Robin had used that word recently, "is pretty hot. Like... I know he's got stuff going on in his head, and I'm used to taking care of people... Mom, Galen, Masie, and especially Shae... for a guy who... messed some stuff up, he's really cool. He forgives me more than anyone else, and I feel at ease around him. I'm so glad when he is happy its relaxing. He's probably out of my league, but I'm inspired to make things better for us so..." I should have shut up earlier. "That good?"

The man nodded. "What does he not know that you don't want him to find out?"

"Like... any of my flaws... the bad shit I'm capable of. How much of a fucking coward I can be... or maybe I'm not... I don't know, he's seen me get upset, I just..." he closed and unclosed his fists. "I know I used to scare him, I don't want him to see any of that part of me. I'm working on it though."

"What is your greatest fear regarding your fiancé?"

Declan exhaled through a thin frown. "That he'll agree with everyone else... not... everyone else... Maddie, and some people. That he will deem me legitimately dangerous and not want to be with me. Or... I don't fit his image. Maybe he'll move away without me. I don't think that will happen though... more likely I'll lose my cool and he'll just be done with it. 'A break.' But it won't be a break, it'll be a severance." How heavy was that stuff? Shit...

"What is your greatest fear unrelated to your significant other?"

"Unrelated... Shae getting sick. I mean, she's fragile. I guess that wrapped up with not being able to take care of my family..." It was pretty shitty to think that he was helpless. He made a good living, he had good standing in the community. He shouldn't have any problems there, but sometimes things were out of your hands.

"What is a negative memory that you think impacts you to this day?"

"Think impacts me? Like... maybe it doesn't?"

The man shrugged.

"You're annoyingly calm." Declan got no verbal response so he rolled his eyes and continued. "Seeing Mom so upset about Dad impacts me. Feeling like everything I wanted in life for my future was just... a fucking lie. No, but like Dad didn't value it. Fuck him. Fuck him so much..." He had the passing memory that technically Sasha and his dad had fucked, but he didn't bother to get angry about it. Sasha might have teased him about that in the past, but it wasn't part of their present.

"What is a vice or bad habit that you have?"

"Going off the rails. Boiling over like a kettle. Just... hitting people. Hitting walls. Things. Breaking stuff. I guess we call it an anger problem. People call it that. I will call it what people want. So that. And also... second guessing my fiance's job... that's not a good habit. Walking away from shit. That's not helping either, I'm sure."

A pause. Or was Declan imagining that? Shit, I over-answered...

"Use your imagination with this one... if you received $10,000 in a contest with the condition of spending it in the next month, and time off, what would you do with the money?"

"Why would I need time off?" He asked, considering if he had any debt. No, he didn't. Maybe that was not the intended purpose of the money though.

"To use it actively instead of passively."

"Huh... I mean... I think Shae is taken care of, so..." he looked at the ceiling, his head back. He felt his auburn hair shift away from his neck as it fell over his back. How to spend money? "I guess... well I built him this house, but it isn't really decorated. Oh, and the wedding... yeah, I would use the money for house decorations and wedding planning. Plus I'd have time off, so he could tell me what he wanted. I'm sure he cares more about it, but I think he wants me to like the things he likes too. He doesn't really get my vibe... maybe get some clothes I can be more presentable when we go out. Just see what he wants."

"What if you could not ask him before assigning the funds?"

A heavy exhale. "I guess... a lot like three hundred to a date night, and split the rest between wedding and house renovations." That sounded like the safest bet to him.

"What are three things on your bucket list?"

"I don't have a bucket list."Next.

"Imagine if you were to make a bucket list, what are three things that you would put on it."

"Is that a separate question?"

"No... it is a clarification to help with the unanswered question."

"That's dumb... and why the fuck am I so relaxed? What is in your alcohol?"

The man blinked, frowning a moment, and looking over to his drinks. "Different things depending on the bottle."

"The weird Vial one."

"Hm... well, that isn't alcohol. You should be fine."

I don't believe you... but whatever. "Bucket list... Get married." The man held up one finger. "Build a cabin." A second finger. He didn't find the visual aid annoying for once. "And... Help set up a youth center." He could feel the look, and he didn't like it. So what? He liked kids. He had three younger siblings that looked up to him and he liked being able to help. He wasn't sure if he would ever have kids, or if that was a problem, but he still wanted to be helpful. He finally managed to keep his mouth shut though.

"Good answers. What do you think that you are worst at in your relationship and how would you like to improve that?"

"... why do you want to know so much about my relationship? You aren't going to talk to my fiancé, right?"

"I will not be in contact with him."

Declan tried to decide if there was trickery in that wording, but he couldn't find something specific. He accepted it and tried to answer the question. Gut response, "Communication. I'm shitty at it. You'd think my temper would be it... but no. I mean, this... miscommunication. Like I think things are worse than they are. I read it wrong and I don't know what to say until I'm trying to fix what I already broke."

"And an improvement?"

"If I knew how I would do it... Just like... say more shit... but... think about it more. Expect the best. Don't walk away from things unresolved... I guess. Ask him what I need to do. I think, maybe that is the best I can do."

"What is a kink or sexual preference in your relationship that is new or unexpected?"

"Uh... well I... mean... any of it." He paused, feeling his cheeks pinken. Why was he even admitting this? Definitely alcohol. Or something. "I... just... yeah, all of it. Having sex... being... uh... ever not in charge. Okay, whatever, that is enough, next."

Graciously the man had no reaction to Declan's blushing and looking around the room. He was restless, but managed to remain on the couch because he really wanted to get this done.

"There are only a few questions left," he said. Well good! "What do you think of your fiance's family?"

"Uh..." Declan stared at him. Sasha's family? Sasha didn't have family. Or... he sure didn't mention any. "I don't think he has any. He hasn't said. I haven't... asked I guess. I just figured he'd mention them if they were around... I should ask."

"What does your family think of your fiancé?"

Now that the guilt was settling Declan faced a more complicated question. Well I think Dad might still think he's attractive, but since I'm shunning him, I haven't asked. I don't think Dad even resents Sasha... he'd probably just be embarrassed to be around him... or would he be mad that I nearly attacked him? If he made dumb comments that won't help anyone... fuck, and Mom just... wants to be polite and have people get along. Fuck. Fuck. No, its fine. Its fine. They think that Sasha is nice. He's nice and they are happy for me. "He's nice and they are happy for me." That was the best way he could summarize his emotions. The man clearly knew that a lot was bubbling under the surface. "What?" he asked with an edge. "Its true. There is drama but its none of your business and I don't honestly think they hold it against him. Which is good cause they shouldn't."

"Do you think their feelings are fair?"

"... Yeah, I guess. I mean, Dad might have some fucked feelings but its his own fault. Shae is a bit intimidated, but that is just her. Masie... and Galen are probably a bit harder on him, but they want me to be happy. They think he's nice. They think I am happier with him, which is fucking true. So yeah... its fair. I wish they had more time to get to know him but... its fine. I should encourage them to hang out... if Sasha wants."

The man nodded. "This is another creative question... describe a hypothetical road trip with only you and your fiancé. Travelling from the west coast to the east coast of the united states. Your preparations, and three designated stops along the way."

Declan stared. "... Are... you kidding me?"

"No, I am not kidding."

"But that's so many steps... why can't you just ask my favorite color or something? Actually, nevermind. Fine... ugh..." It didn't sound like a personal question so he would take it. "Uh... wow that is lengthy. I guess... we just start at either end?"

"Whichever you prefer."

"Okay... Start in California, at a beach. No, wait, we have beaches here. But... yeah, actually. One of the secluded ones. That isn't a stop, I just want to start there. Sasha looks hot it anything, and I think he'd enjoy a chance to relax in the sun. Hopefully I don't get burned. Okay, so buy supplies there. Sunscreen. I would say camping gear but I don't think Sasha wants to do that... so book hotels along the way, fill up on gas. Rent a car. I can drive, that's cool. Plot the course, find some laundromats where the hotels are if the hotels don't have laundry. I guess a lot do, but I usually stay in cheaper ones. I imagine middle of the road for that."

He was mentally splitting the difference between his own cheap lifestyle and Sasha's quality taste. He didn't mind the extra budget so long as Sasha was happy and they were together. It didn't sound bad, overall. "We could stop where he's from but I am not actually sure where that is, so with that in mind... I'd like to see the Grand Canyon. I wouldn't make us hike anywhere, but hopefully Sasha will like it too... then Niagara Falls. I think it would be kind of romantic, but also its just cool. And yes I'm picking things I think we'd both like and I need to shut up." He took a deep breath and looked at the man hard.

No response.

Fine.

The man pulled out a tablet with maps and set it down in front of Declan. "Oh... thanks." The next ten minutes or more were spent scrolling around until he was satisfied with all the locations. "So start in Big Sur, California... there is a beach there. Grand Canyon is next. Then the other stop I wanted which would be Riverbend Hot Springs in New Mexico. I really want to go to a hot spring and it sounded like one we'd like best. Mostly Sasha because no kids. I wouldn't mind the hiking ones, but... this sounds best, especially on a long trip. I'd put it at the end but... middle of the country. So yeah, uh... Niagara Falls, and then end at a bed and breakfast or something in Maine."

"That sounds like a very rounded trip."

Declan wasn't sure if he meant it. Maybe it was too much of "I think we'd like it." Mostly Declan wanted to take Sasha to Ireland, but that was not a road trip in the US. He sat, waiting. "... and?"

"That is all. You breezed through the questions without incident."

There were totally incidents, but whatever dude.

"So I can go?"

"You are free to go. If you head back to your room you should be able to get home."

"Should be" did not comfort Declan, but he suddenly remembered how anxious he was to find Sasha and he didn't stick around to ask. He was out in the softening sunshine in a minute and heading back to his room. Maybe he would have a map?

Instead of stepping into the dimming light, he stepped into darkness. Darkness with a strange familiar stillness to it. The quiet sound of breathing, or maybe it was his imagination. It felt like the peace he'd been craving had come to find him. His next stop found wood against bare feet. He hurried the next few steps, forgetting to even close the bedroom door behind him.

Bare legs except his boxers felt the familiar silky sheets but Declan's heart did not calm at all. Soon there was blond hair against his chest, and a solid form between his arms. He realized that he was breathing erratically when the form shifted, asking him if he was alright.

"Mhm. Great. I'm fine. Good, I just missed you." The sentiment was apparently strange, since he'd been gone a minute if even at all. He didn't know, but he knew he felt safe now. He hadn't realized just how unsafe he felt until he finally relaxed.