[COMPLETE/EDITING]Be My Hero

Four

I faintly felt my bed sink with the weight of something, but I didn't feel like opening my eyes. I was in a state between awake and asleep, too groggy to wake myself up entirely. I wanted to stay here, warm and comfortable, but I guess Steve had other ideas. He was the one who shook me awake and mumbled an apology, sitting at the end of my bed with a worried expression. I groggily looked at him and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. "What's wrong?" I asked as I sat up, the covers slipping off of me like water and landing in a crumpled pile on the floor. Steve shook his head and sighed. "I just don't want to do this. I feel like something is wrong. There has to be so much more to this. To what we're doing here. I'm just .. worried I guess," he said.

I stared at him, his words still registering in my brain. I shook my head and rubbed the back of my neck. "I think you're just stressing, Steve. Everything is okay. We've been through much worse. We're going to be fine here." I tried to smile but only managed a sad smirk at best. I didn't blame him for feeling worried, and perhaps he even felt homesick. I know I did. I would rather be in my own room, reading a book by the light of a candle. Steve nodded and stood up, offering me a smile I knew was very forced. "Alright. Get some sleep. It's late." I nodded and wished him the same. Troubled, I laid back down. Of course, there was a large part of the story missing to what we were told and that was worrisome. I wondered how much Steve knew. Perhaps I knew things that he didn't or vice versa. I would have to find out tomorrow.

Slowly, I closed my eyes and drifted back off to sleep.

•••

The next morning, I got up feeling refreshed and awake. I didn't know what time it was since there wasn't a clock in this room. I had to get one, or I would constantly be annoyed, not knowing the time. I figured it was early. I glanced over to my closet and walked to it before sliding it open. Inside was a massive space. Bigger than I ever thought this area could allow. To the left of me were button up shirts of all colors with the addition of cotton v-necks and blazers and long sleeved shirts. Ahead of me, I saw dozens of ties, scarves, cufflinks, and collar clips. And finally, to the right were pants and shoes and socks of varying lengths. I realized that I was smiling, but that smile began to fade when I noticed a tiny button on the wall next to a pair of black trousers. The button matched the color and texture of the wall, and I had not a clue what it was for. I pressed it anyway. Silently, a door-sized section sunk inward and slid off to the side, revealing another small room. The entire area was made of a hard carbon fiber and one lightbulb was situated in the ceiling. In front of me.

Holy hell.

There was a new suit, hanging on the wall. It was black and red and of course, the left sleeve was left off. I approached the suit and picked up the right sleeve. The material was soft and flexible but also felt durable and strong. It wasn't reflective at all and seemed to absorb all light. The red color appeared similar to veins, stretching through the suit and branching off to different areas. There was an attached hood and mask, something I particularly enjoyed. It had extra padding like I expected, but the padding was thin and tried to be as discreet as possible. Besides the suit hung a vest, much like my old one. And below that stood a pair of black boots with the same design as the suit.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed another button. I walked over and pressed it, and the wall in front of me slid over about four feet. I gasped and stepped back as two trays slid out of a compartment and nearly hit me, displaying rows of knives and assorted blades. Behind the trays rested guns ranging from automatic to bolt-action. I felt giddy and ready to try them out, but I didn't think now was a great time. I needed to get dressed appropriately and explore the facility I was being kept in.

It took me almost an hour to make myself appear decent. I had so many apparel options to choose from, and after a while, I discovered a bathroom that was also hidden in the walls of my bedroom. I showered and shaved, pulled my hair up, dressed in a black suit with collar clips that resembled antlers. I happened to like red ties, and they had many different shades to choose from. I went with a darker shade. I adjusted the tie and inhaled deeply. I wanted some coffee and breakfast, but I was unsure where to go. As I left my room, my heart jumped into my throat. Standing beside my door was a man in tailcoats. "Good morning, Mr. Barnes," he said cheerfully, looking at me and bowing slightly. "I trust you slept well?"
I nodded and stared at him, unsure of what to say. "Do you know where I can get coffee?" I asked. I felt stupid for asking, but the man nodded and began walking down the hallway. "This way."

As I followed the servant, I couldn't help but wonder where Steve was. "Do you know where my friend is? He's blonde, buff, looks too shy sometimes," I mumbled. The man laughed and nodded. "Yes, he is also getting coffee."
"Right, thanks," I said, offering a grin even though the man couldn't see it. We came to a dead end, where he pressed his hand against a panel. In seconds, the wall in front of us split into four sections and retreated back into the neighboring walls.

The area that opened up seemed peaceful and unlike the rest of the place. As I walked inside, I noticed that there were giant fish tanks and windows that stretched to the ceiling, mahogany floors, and a sitting area where splashes of yellow and gray and white decorated the furniture. It smelled of coffee and wood, things that reminded me of home. I saw Steve on a sofa, sipping coffee and reading a novel on physics. "You've always been a nerd," I mumbled with a smirk as I approached him. He looked up and grinned. "I just think physics are interesting," he said in a matter-of-fact tone. I shrugged and sat down across from him, leaning back against the plush chair.

"You look sharp," Steve commented. I slightly smiled and nodded. "You do too." And holy hell, he really did. He wore a dark blue suit with a gray patterned pocket square and gray tie with a white undershirt. His hair was slicked back and he looked much more refined than usual. I guess we both did. "Thank you," Steve replied, winking. I was startled when the servant that led me down the halls pushed a cup of creme colored coffee into my hands. It smelled of caramel and chocolate. "Do enjoy," the servant said as I took a sip. It was warm and went down very smoothly. I nodded and looked up at the man. "Thank you, it's very nice." With a bow, he left. I stood up after realizing that Steve was once again absorbed in his book.

     I walked over to one of the massive windows and looked out. We weren't that high up. The view was of the ocean, and I thought it was absolutely beautiful since the sun was rising, spilling golden light over the great sea. It felt peaceful here. At least, until I thought of why I was here.

I thought about what Steve had said last night. There was a lot we didn't know about this organization. I could see why he was so anxious. In fact, now that I think back on it, the people who were holding me.. They were so strong. I should have easily thrown them off of me. I sighed and sipped my coffee again. I didn't know what my plans were for today, and I was eager to start finding others like me. Old friends. I was nervous and excited. In the distance, I saw a plane flying in my direction. It was solid black and wasn't very loud at all. As it drew closer, dread started to knot in my stomach.

It wasn't flying overhead for a reason.

It was headed straight for the building.

85 days until the accident