FAKE

twenty one

After a while I begin to grow restless.
I don't know how long it's been, at least a day or two, but it's been long enough that I need out of here.

I start fidgeting in my chair, then lift my shoulders to try to shrug off the rope tied around me.

It takes a few attempts, but finally the rope slips up so I can stand. Judas hadn't thought of tying the rope to the chair. I get up and stumble to the door, then grasp the handle and try to open it.

Locked.

I huff and look around the room. 

No windows, a locked door, and nothing besides the chair and debris littering the floor. 

I sit back down and glance up at the air vents in the ceiling.

Maybe...

My thoughts are interrupted by footsteps echoing outside the door. I sit down quickly then do my best to look like I haven't been up and put on a bored face.

The door swings open and Judas trudges in.

"Just thought you should know we finally got a hold of him." He says nonchalantly.

"You did?"

"We did. A friend cornered him in a back alley," he laughs at that. "He's willing to strike up a deal."

"He- what?"

"He knows that you're here. As soon as your name was mentioned he agreed, and he's on his way as we speak."

"How long will it be?"

"About another day or so." He crosses his arms and shrugs.

"What kind of deal are you making?" I ask curiously. He shakes his head.

"None of your business. See you later." He leaves abruptly without another word. I frown at the door.

Why the sudden rush?

***

I slouch in the chair for a while.

Why is he still willing to sacrifice things for me?

Then I pace around the room for a while more.

How is he still holding on after the way I left him?

I decide to lie on the floor after too much pacing. After a long time of staring at the concrete ceiling, my eyelids grow heavy.

I struggle to keep them open, just in case someone barges in again.

But at least it doesn't look like I'm trying to escape, so I stop fighting sleep and let it wash over me all too quickly.

***

Three Years Ago

Ross is sprawled across the couch, his head rested on my lap. Sunlight streams in through half-closed blinds, making the room warm and golden colored.

He's been so tired lately. There are prominent dark circles under his eyes now. He sleeps the nights that I am with him, but I don't believe him when he claims that he also sleeps the nights that I'm gone.

I don't know if something is bothering him, but he's always talked to me about it before.

Sooner or later, he'll open up. I know it.

I run my fingers through his soft hair as he watches the final scene of a movie we had put on.

The credits finally roll, and I look down at him.

"Hey Ross?"

"Hm?"

"Will you always love me?" I ask casually. It's such a juvenile question, but he smiles at it.

"Of course I will. I'd chase you to the ends of the Earth."

"There is no end of the Earth. It's round," I remind him.

"Exactly," he shrugs, the sleepy smile still beaming on his face.

His contagious smile spreads to my own lips.

"I love you," I tell him softly, for no reason in particular. It's just good to say it sometimes, and to hear it.

"I love you more," He grins and sits up, then kisses me and everything melts away.

One small thing like that, and I knew there was nothing to worry about.

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seems like a filler, I'm sorry, but hey, stay tuned for the next chapter 😉