Touch Starved

10

Being stuck in bed was always a drag. Had been and always will be, no matter what universe you may be stuck in. One where I didn't have my phone or people to distract me?

I craved the creamy void of death.

I was bored like you would not believe. I had taken to counting in my head. I was all the way up to two-thousand and thirty-three when I heard a bell chime. I shifted, trying to lift myself up.

My ribs screamed at me that I was a dummy, but I ignored them and continued to sit up. I opened the window, throwing the two panes out of the way as I stuck my head out. It really hurt and breathing was a job, but I was on a mission.

I was really trying my hardest to get a glimpse. At anything. I heard silence, not even a slight chatter greeted my ears. I had been feeling a little anxious about the trip... because, y'know, titans, but seriously, this was freaking me out.

I couldn't see anything, I couldn't hear anything. I didn't like it.

I hoped they were okay.

I pulled my head back in, shutting the window nimbly. I turned around, swinging my legs off the bed. I stood up, walking slowly to the main room. My abdomen groaned, but I walked on. I was curious.

I made it to the door and opened it, peering down at the stairs.The office was dark, no lanterns or candles lit since nobody was down here. I descended the stairs, doing my best not to make my body hate me too much.

I stopped to breath at the bottom of the stairs. After I caught my breath, I made my way to the kerosene lamps, turning one on. Light flooded the room, although it was just a soft wash. It was enough for me.

I made my way to the door. I took a breath. This might land me in big doodoo.

I turned the knob, forgetting it was locked. I tutted, and unlocked the door.

Take two.

I turned the knob, creaking the door open. I poked my head outside. Deserted hallways, but I heard feet. They seemed to be coming closer... from...

I turned to look in both directions.

That way.

I kept my head poked out as the feet got closer. I wanted to get a glimpse of the faces, to see the mood. Was it a costly victory, or a gruelling defeat?

Neither were good, but I knew which one I preferred.

A person rounded the corner, they looked unbelievably grim. I swallowed, unable to judge as I slipped the door shut.

I backed away, locking the door once more. I hold my ribs gently as I go to sit at Levi's desk. I promised them I would eat in the caf with them. It would be counterintuitive for me to hobble back upstairs and down again, just for the sake of appearances to boot.

I heard the knob jiggle before the door creaked open. Levi stepped in, shutting the door. I sat quietly in my seat, waiting for him to turn around so I could see how it went, based on his face. He would show interesting faces every-now-and-again - if he thought he was invisible.

When he turned around, I froze. He looked so pained, like someone had stabbed him where it would hurt most. Whatever body part that would be. He looked really bad, like he was going to break down.

I shifted in my seat, going to stand up. His face snapped towards me. I could see his eyes dancing as he gazed at me, the lamp's flames dancing in his eyes.

He suddenly stood in front of me while I was still sat on the edge of his seat. He brought himself down, hugging the life out of me. He pulled me up towards him as he curled over my shoulder. It hurt, but I stayed quiet.