Castle In The Clouds (a Brendon Urie ff)

IV

I'm so done with university. Honestly, it's just temporary and what can I possibly do with a degree from some university on earth.

But mother insisted. It has something to do with 'tradition' and stuff. Apparently, we were all once human and those who had the guts to rebel came to the clouds. Or went down. Grandpa had just finished university when he decided to live on the clouds. He was the first person there.

That's why our family is 'royal'.

"Timothy! Where on earth are you?" I yell.

Trust Tim to go explore a place where he could potentially be killed or something.

I search everywhere in my small apartment and walk out into the landing. Pretty much the way I had expected, the landing is quite empty.

Except for one guy who's fumbling with his keys.

The lighting's poor and I can't see his face, so I decide to ignore him and take the stairs downstairs. The guy never looks up.

When I'm halfway down the building, I hear Tim's bark within my head. Is he upstairs?

I walk back up the stairs and stop when I see the man playing with Tim. He's talking softly to Tim, who just looks ecstatic at being anywhere near that guy. I loudly clear my throat to announce my arrival.

Am I becoming one of those people constantly who seek attention and can't stand if someone else's existence is acknowledged?

Yes, I totally am.

The guy looks up, his face still lit up with joy.

"Evelyn? I had no idea you lived here."

"Yeah whatever, Brendon. I can see you've met Timothy," I scoff.

"Oh yes! He's such an angel!"

"Yeah, no kidding. But running off isn't angelic, Tim!" I scold Tim.

Tim cowers away from me and gets closer to Brendon.

Now I'm pretty sure this guy is out to steal my life. I mean, he's already got the personality, looks and dog.

"Hey, it's ok boy. She's just concerned," Brendon comforts him.

See what I mean?!?

Tim yelps and takes small steps towards me. I walk to my apartment and hold the door open for him to enter while simultaneously giving him a death glare. He walks in with an air of confidence I've never seen before.

What I didn't realise was that without Tim, an awkward silence would settle down on us. I think I should probably thank Brendon...

Brendon stands up.

"So, um... thanks Brendon..."

"Anytime Evelyn. What breed is he? He seems so sweet..."

He's basically an angel.

"I... don't really know. My mother brought him for me."

"Oh cool! Is she here?"

"No...? Why?"

"Just asking."

"Oh, ok. So... when did you move here?" I'm actually curious now. I never saw him around here.

"Just last night. You?"

No way. I would've heard some noise...

"Since the beginning of semester, pal."

The awkward silence thing is back.

"I should get going, call mom and stuff," I lie.

"Yeah, ok. See you in school." Hopefully not.

He realises his keys are on the ground and goes down on his knees carefully. As he picks them up and turns back to the door, I take my time and assess him. He's fit and polite and charming and breathtakingly beautiful and...

Tim never gets along with humans, so something's definitely fishy.

Before I get caught creeping, I turn and walk back into my apartment.