𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐔𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍, benj nielsen x reader

12 | "don't trust anyone" -said by anyone

Y/N

-

"It's almost Halloween, bitches!" Katrina shouted, sticking out her tongue as she posed for her story. Her costume—a glittery version of Harley Quinn—made her stand out, and it was clear from her chaotic energy that she'd been drinking for a while.

I chuckled, shaking my head at her antics while watching the video. She was one of those people who thrived at parties like this. I couldn't help but wonder if I looked just as out of place in my work uniform costume.

Benj finally decided to go to the party, which made me feel better knowing I'd have at least one friend to lean on. I was dressed as a McDonald's worker, while Benj, hilariously enough, was a Taco Bell employee. It was supposed to be a funny, last-minute duo costume.

"Low effort, but iconic," I'd told him, and he'd just laughed, shaking his head.

Now, I was sitting in the passenger seat of Michael's car, trying not to feel too distracted. Michael glanced at me, reaching over to squeeze my thigh, pulling me out of my scrolling.

I clicked my phone off and shoved it into my small side bag as we pulled up in front of the house. Music blared from inside, and the lights flickered through the windows like some Halloween rave. The decorations outside were pretty intense—plastic skeletons hanging from the trees, cobwebs stretching across the front porch, and a fog machine spilling out smoke into the front yard.

Michael put the car in park, and before I could even unbuckle my seatbelt, he was already out, walking around to open my door. I stumbled out, the slight buzz from the drinks we'd had earlier already settling into my bones. I wasn't drunk yet, but it was enough to make the world feel warmer, lighter.

"Come on," Michael urged, pulling me inside by my hand. His grip was firm, his excitement obvious as we passed through the entrance.

The house was packed. People were spilling out into the backyard, voices loud and overlapping, everyone buzzing with pre-Halloween energy.

The decorations inside were even more over the top—black lights, glowing pumpkins, and strobe lights that made everything look disjointed and surreal. A few people were dancing in the living room, a couple making out on the couch, and someone was sprawled across the floor, laughing hysterically.

I was distracted—too distracted. Every second, there was something else to look at, something else pulling my attention. The drinks. The music. The people. I wanted to have fun, but there was an uneasy feeling in my chest that I couldn't quite shake. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was just the way Michael's hand felt too tight around mine.

I had fun anyway—at least I tried. After a few more drinks, I was leaning into the party atmosphere more. My head was buzzing, and I'd definitely crossed that threshold into being a little drunk. I wasn't wasted, but I could feel my thoughts swirling, my body moving without too much input from my brain.

And then, I saw Benj.

He must have arrived late because I hadn't seen him earlier. His Taco Bell uniform made me laugh—he looked ridiculous in it, but in a funny way, not a bad way. I made my way over to him, weaving through the crowd, a grin plastered across my face.

"Finally, you're here!" I yelled, having to raise my voice to be heard over the blaring music.

Benj looked at me, raising an eyebrow. "Damn, you're wasted already?" he questioned, crossing his arms.

I shook my head, still grinning. "No... What makes you say that?" I swayed a little on my feet, almost like my body was moving to the beat of the music without me realizing it.