Saving Me [MxM]

Chapter 11

Work. Something he usually enjoyed, but ever since Jecklynn had kissed him, he'd been unable to immerse himself in normally. Sleep was out of the question. Every time he closed his eyes he was immediately plunged back into dark things he didn't want to revisit. It was bad enough he had to deal with them annually.

On top of the lack of sleep, it was boiling hot out, hotter than usual, and he really shouldn't be at work right now, but at least it was cooler inside than outside. Sweat beaded up on his brow, and he wiped it away, looking at the broom in his hand and setting the bristles back down on the floor.

"You know," Millie begin from her register, looking kind of bored, "I should invest in more workers. Human workers. Or Mortal, at least."

"Hm," he forced out, trying to concentrate on sweeping dirt into a pile. Normally he'd enlist the aid of his element, but he was far too drained for that today.

"Well aren't we sociable," she said, then paused and frowned a little. "I'm surprised you're here alone."

Varian looked up then, his vision spinning and he started for a moment, blinking to clear it and took a steadying breath. "Why?" he asked.

"Usually Nathan's with you. Or that other kid. The really gay one."

"Don't bring him up. You start talking about him and he shows up." Varian muttered. "That's all I need right now."

"Creepy." Millie mumbled.

"I thought you guys got along?"

"I don't mind him. He can be funny."

Snorting, Varian looked back at the floor and started sweeping again. The bristles blended in with the floor and he paused, watching them fade in and out of focus. Blinking, he sighed in defeat. He couldn't do this.

Shaking his head, he walked over and put the broom away. "I think it'd be a good idea to invest in other workers." Varian said, rubbing at his eyes. "I'm sorry, but I can't handle this right now."

Millie watched him for a second before narrowing her eyes. "What's up with you? Have you gone too long without blood or something?"

Blood? When was the last time he had that? Wracking his brain, he came up with nothing.

"Probably," he said. "And it's hot. And I can't sleep."

"Well if it's hot, you should be sleeping for some ridiculous hours."

He shook his head again, which had everything blurring once more, but it didn't last long and he was thankful about that. "Sleep hasn't been too kind to me lately."

Millie hummed at that, still watching Varian.