Unmasking

4. Break

"So... that's my friend James. Don't worry he might look like it but he doesn't eat innocent infants for breakfast" Smiled awkwardly Michael when his eyes finally detached for the man standing in the hallway his mask still on. Nina could still feel her heart jumping in her chest, she had worse thought and somehow she felt safer with Michael being between the two of them.

"Can you explain THIS" He pointed at Nina "to me?" The man almost growled. Nina looked up at Michael and so him smiling and that was the moment she realized she should never get on his bad side.

"Hey Nina, could you please excuse us for a moment?" He looked at her with soft eyes and all she could do is nod. "You know that bat is still at the entrance if you want to grab it" He winked before standing up.

"DO NOT IGNORE ME YO-" With a swift motion Michael grabbed James by the neck and dragged him to his bedroom uncaring for his roommate threats toward him. In a way Nina did understand why he was so mad. And she'd rather not be there when he learns she'll be sleeping in his bedroom. She decided to occupy herself though ignoring the eerie silence coming to the room both man were. She grabbed her phone and finally texted her relatives she would stay with a friend. After a quick exchange of messages it was all done. She was just putting her phone back when the door opened and somehow Nina jumped to her feet.

"Don't worry he's not dead" Smiled Michael as his face emerged. Nina let out a small sight of relief. She was kinda worried someone would end up dead in this room.

"I still don't understand why you're staying in my room" Sighted James as he walked out after the blond. He still had his masque on. Nina wondered why. It was because of her for sure, but why? All she could see were a pair of deep green eyes. It was almost as if an old forest was trapped in it.

"She needs a proper night or rest" Cut through the silence Michael "I am committed to my relationship with my bed and I'm not going to start cheating on her with the sofa. And you have the ability to soundly sleep while standing so what is it to you? Already went inside I didn't saw you had anything to hide. Did I miss something?" He teased.

James groaned and looked back at Nina taking a few step closer. "Careful she bites" Joked Michael and you could swear those green eyes did smile for a moment.

"Well with those bruises I don't think she will." He replied. "And just how far can this little mouse bite?" He laughed softly. "Go to sleep, you don't look so good and don't worry you're safe here." He added with a small wink. These guys were strange, but... you like them. Even James with his horrible first impression.

"I know a legend where a king was eaten by mice so..." Trailed Nina with a tired smirk. "It's true kings are smaller than trees like you, but I'm sure it wouldn't that much of a bother." She giggled along with Michael. James just sighted.

"Don't touch anything-"Started James

"except for the floor and bed. Please do touch those. Levitation is prohibited in this household" interrupted him Michael.

"And don't look at me when the mask is off" huffed James.

"That's a cardinal sin. All those who did turned into stone. You have no idea how hard it is to try and convince your neighbors that you're just really into making statues." Nodded Michael. "You know sometimes you're so serious it scares me more than the idea of her levitating above your bed" He snickered which made both him and Nina into laugh. Nina did caught a few times and hesitantly moved toward the bedroom but stopped.

"James don't you need to take anything?" Her voice covered Michael who asked the same.

"Yeah but I need to bring something there first." And with that he lifted Nina from the ground making her give a small yell.

"Goodnight Nina! And remember no dying, no levitating and if you don't feel good just call me." Waved Michael.

There was silence as Nina was carefully placed on the bed. James huffed lightly. "I thought you'd never get a move on and I would have to sleep in the kitchen" He smirked lightly turning around to look through his drawers. In the dim light his hood slid down and Nina could finally see a bit more of him. Dark but still rich in color brown hair and olive skin. He had lean muscles that she could tell without having to see him shirtless. Maybe he could use a bit more food thought.

He was... Well... He was handsome, but then again everyone to her was either handsome or beautiful. Everyone was "drawable" for sure. But she'd get it if he was a model. Like watches or something like that because she liked his hands. If she wasn't so scared to ask people to model for her she'd ask him for sure.

"Take a photo it will last longer" James voice was what made her snap out of it. "Get under the cover and go to sleep or you'll be the one of the sofa" He groaned lightly, but didn't comment when Nina got under the covers and started wondering just how was she supposed to sleep tonight. She already knew that no matter what she'd put pressure on the bruise. "Want some pain killer?" James was already at the door as she stopped shuffling to look at him.

"No thanks" Replied the woman. She was already putting too much trust into these men. She sighted lightly. "James?" "Hmm?" "Thank you. I promise I won't touch anything" She smiled lightly and James nodded.

"You better. By the way I don't sleep that heavily. Anything happens bang the wall I'll come to help" He almost whispered as he closed the door.

Nina did shift in bed a bit more so tired she didn't even care what was around her. For all she cared there could be decapitated head decorating the wall and she wouldn't mind that as long as there wouldn't be any blood dripping on her pillow during her sleep. The moment she found herself a good spot she was gone. She fell asleep immediately her body and mind exhausted. But at least she felt safe(ish)...

______________________

"What the actual hell were you thinking?"

"I just wanted to pay her back. If she didn't try to help me she wouldn't be heaving that bruise!"

"Then you should've taken her to a hospital! You know the situation we're in right now!"

"Well she said no hospitals. She said she can't afford it!"

"And that's why you brought her here? Do you know what you might have just pulled her into?"

"Just tomorrow. We'll soon be on the move either way right? I will take responsibility"

"Yeah. I never knew you'd be the type to marry so early."

"I will kill you one day you know that...

Alec"