Nightmare

Mind = Blown, Hotel = Trivago

Update: I reset my Insta password. It's going good so far. ALSO, 1K VIEWS??? SQUEEEEEEE

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"I like you," Rowan blurts out. "Like, like like you. So, once all of this mess is over, will you go out on a date with me?"

And I really don't know what to say. Do I like him too? asks a voice in my head, and I don't know the answer to the question, though my heart is leaning toward yes.

He keeps going, panicking. "And I'm sorry, I shouldn't have told you this right now, I should have told you later, and if you don't like me back, that's okay. I'm sorry for asking when there's all of this bullshit going on, and obviously it's up to you whether or not you want to say anything, because if you don't, then that's up to you--"

"Rowan," I smile. "You're rambling. And I don't know what to say... I'm not sure if I like you back or not; I need a little time to think about it. But... I think I do. I'm not sure, but I think I do."

I think of how he was actually concerned when I ran back to my cell after Loki invaded my memories and how he was the one that took the dagger out of my hand. I think of how he waited for me in the car instead of going to the hotel and leaving me there like everyone else did.

And, deep down, I think I might like him, too.

My ankle is starting to hurt again. So is my leg. I think that whatever was making it feel normal is disappearing.

We sit in awkward silence, each waiting for the other to say something, but nothing happens, so I ask, "Should I think about it right now?"

"That's up to you," Rowan says.

"Do you have anything else you want to talk about right now?"

Rowan shrugs in response.

"Thinking time it is." I sit, contemplating shit. Soulmate? Nope, he or she hates me automatically. Rowan? Nice, pure, kind, funny, caring... Can I trust him? Probably.

But am I good for him? I'd just be a burden on anyone and everyone.

I mean, this is just a date anyway. It's not permanent.

But if this goes well, then I won't have to be alone for the rest of my life.

"Yes," I say quietly to him, making sure not to attract people that just parked nearby. "I'm going to ask those people where we are, and then I can teleport us out of here."

Rowan turns to me, blue eyes suddenly filled with fear. "No. He'll come after us. If we go, he'll look for us and punish us in the worst ways."

I'm fucking stupid. Did I really forget Rowan was under the scepter's influence? Of course he won't come with me.

But then a realization hits me. What if the scepter doesn't influence anyone at all, except for changing someone's eye color and... fear? What if, instead of their will being changed, all that happens is that they feel incredible fear at disobeying whoever they 'serve' under the scepter, maybe because of fear of death? So they will do anything to stay alive and feel fear at the thought of disobeying?