Rafflesia's Lament

Chapter 11

It was getting dark; Fred gave up hope. They thought about calling and texting Beta but the pit in their stomach only spread while considering it. They had to figure out something else. At least for tonight. Before meeting Beta, it wasn't unusual for Fred to sleep outside or in an abandoned building. But Fred found the idea repulsive now. They weren't some animal or monster.

Fred didn't have many options, as they had no friends. The only people he considered close to being friends were Beta and Beta's family. It wasn't ideal to stay with his family, but Fred could not think of anyone else.

Beta's oldest brother Alpha was dealing with his relationship issues. Fred wasn't in the mood to get involved with that. Fred knew that Alpha was very protective over Beta. If he sensed that Fred did something to hurt him, it would cause dangerous tension. That was completely against Fred's interest to cause more tension.

Alpha's husband Charlie was off on a trip currently. Fred wouldn't mind staying with him, Charlie was always kind and nonjudgmental to Fred. But staying with him would be impossible because of the distance.

Fred felt bad about involving Beta's mother. She didn't deserve to be involved in their drama. And Fred would feel guilty lying to her. They did bring her husband back after all.

The only person that kept coming to mind was Senpai.

Senpai.

Fred groaned internally. Senpai's personality wasn't the easiest to deal with. It was going to be difficult to explain why Fred was there because they had never stayed over at his place without Beta. But at least Senpai was less protective about Beta.

It was still guaranteed that Senpai was going to do anything in his power to find out what was going on. But at least his stupidity made it easy to manipulate the situation.

That was harsh... But Senpai was Senpai.

At least he lived alone.

Fred debated on if they should use a spell to freeze Senpai in his place. It was a simple spell. After doing it they could force him to lose a part of his memory to forget that encounter. Though Fred felt guilty as soon as they thought about that. Using magic got them in this position in the first place and it would cause more of a disaster if they did it again.

Getting to Senpai's apartment took a while. Senpai lived in a complex about ten miles away from Beta. Originally, long ago they talked about being roommates but decided against it as it was best for them to live on their own to find themselves. Fred was thankful for that decision right now.

Fred looked at the door regretting every choice that led them to this. Senpai has always been the most peculiar sibling of Beta between the two that he had. Every day he seemed to have a different face. Fred couldn't exactly place if Senpai liked them. Maybe they should just find someplace outside to sleep for the night.

Fred itched at the thought causing them to forcibly lift a fist and knock.

Nothing.

Was he home? That could be a possibility. Senpai was a social person.

They knocked again before the door swung open violently.

"I don't GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOU DONKEY worshiping RELIGION!" A red-faced Senpai wailed. His eyes widened when he saw that it was Fred. "...F-fred?"

"Salutations..." Fred greeted back uncomfortably. Senpai was dressed in a robe with his hair pushed back with a headband.

"Hello?" Senpai's eyes narrowed. "Sorry, I thought you were somebody else."

"I assume so," Fred said. They were lost for words. "Let me inside?"

"Huh? Are you ok?" Senpai peaked his head out looking around. "Is Beta with you?"