[april, 2002]
RYAN SAT down and flicked open his lighter. He watched the flame flip around, one hand rubbing against the black plastic. He didn't really like how much he enjoyed holding the little Bic Lighter in his hand, but he knew that he wouldn't let go. He needed it, because Park, one of the only people that had ever treated him nicely, had asked him to.
"How are you today, Ryan?" The Handler asked. "Feeling any better? I see you got your lighter out again."
"No," Ryan said, his brown eyes darting around the room. "It still hurts."
"Ah. Should we talk to a doctor? Or have Dot come and stay with you for a while?"
"No, I don't wanna bother her anymore," said Ryan as he flicked the flame on and off. "I just want a break."
"Well, we can't give you that," are Handler smiled kindly. "You'll simply have to try harder."
Ryan pressed his lips together. He started to click the lighter faster. A small, shimmery butterfly hit the outside window and a small smile graced his lips.
"Ryan? Are you listening to your mother?" The Handler pressed her lips together as well.
Ryan threw the lighter down, and flames erupted on the carpet. He ran out as the fire alarms went off, and The Handler screamed. From one hallway was a flash of blue light, but he ignored it; he had better things to do.
"Ryan?" Dot said as he ran past, his green hair flying out behind him. "Ryan!"
He didn't stop. He wouldn't. Flames had engulfed The Handlers office, and she was coughing in the hallway as sprinklers started to rain. The water was icy cold, sizzling on his skin. Ryan bit his tongue as he dodged Troy, the janitor-turned-assassin, Mindy the Lunch Lady, and Kiya, the office worker. People where throwing themselves at him, trying to stop him. It wouldn't work.
Ryan jumped over a desk, stumbling when he hit the ground, and sprinted into the briefcase room. Slamming the door behind him, he grabbed one and—
"What do you think you're doing?" The Handler screeched. Her fingers curled into the collar of his shirt, nails scraping his skin. Ryan let out a shout when she ripped the briefcase from his hands. Her hands where practically frying on the heat of his skin; guilt flashed through him and he immediately closed his eyes, bringing his temperature back to normal.
"Ryan, you just can't keep doing this," she snarled, dragging him out of the room. Ryan's eyes opened, and he began thrashing wildly in her grip, screaming wordlessly. All the employees watched with calculating eyes, gazes cold.
"Put him back. Until he learns his lesson."
Ryan screamed again, but Kiya simply held his arms down while Troy shot him with a tranquilizer. The world started to spin and turn black.
The Handler poked his nose lightly. "See you later, Ryan."
The world went quiet.
[the hargreeves house, may sixth, 2002]
Five watched Diego. "And you're sure thats all they said?"
"Yes!" Diego threw his arms up into the air, his long sleeves falling down before he adjusted them. "They mentioned someone named Ryan a few times, and the first time Billie slapped Park and said not to discuss him in front of prisoners."
"I don't know who Ryan is," Five said. He groaned down the hallway, towards the warmth of the living room; Jordans laugh echoed down the hall. "But we have to keep it between us, okay? With any luck, he'll fade away. Won't ever show up."
"When have we ever been lucky?" Diego snorted, and Five's green eyes trailed back towards the living room, where Jordie's voice could be heard talking to Luther. A thick feeling rose in Number Two's throat, clenching in his chest. Five had gotten lucky; he'd found Jordan. Kept Jordan.
Eudora flashed through Diego's mind, and then the strange kiss from Park.
"We've already established that the Phrankie woman means us no harm and won't reappear. Ryan is the only one of any worry, and we won't worry. We won, Diego." Five's arms lifted like he was going for a hug, but he stopped himself. "Just forget about Ryan, yeah?"
"Yeah." Diego muttered bitterly, and Five sighed before walking away. Diego watched him go, and for the first time in a while, he felt alone.
It wasn't the last time.
YOU ARE READING
Dreary Skies (Discontinued!)
FanfictionDiego Hargreeves is lonely. Two of his brothers have boyfriends, all his siblings are close, and one of his sisters has a boyfriend too. It's lonely. Thankfully, though, he's lonely and safe. They've defeated the Commission and saved the world, and...
