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Description
Watching the two humans go about their morning routine was fascinating. I'd gotten much better sleep that night, so I woke up on my own before their alarms even went off. Cameron was much more of a morning person, but they were still basically zombies as they fumbled around the house. I took great care staying out of their way, but that didn't stop me from remaining in plain sight.

They offered me sleepy goodbyes as they left, which I returned with a smile and a wave. Their departure took some of the stress off my mind, and I welcomed the calming familiarity of an empty house. Every shift of the building or faint buzz of a random electronic device was music to my ears. How I had missed the tranquility that came with the absence of humans.

'Then why are you still here?'

The accusation echoed loudly in the silence, instantly sobering me up. My thoughts wandered back to yesterday. 'Because they were nice enough to let me stay until I have a plan,' I reasoned.

'Vince was nice too, at first...'

Ice coursed through my veins and took my breath away, leaving me gasping for air and clutching a hand to my chest. Last night rushed back, overwhelming me all over again and sending me to my knees. Ben, inches away, boring into me with that intense look in his piercing pale eyes. That single, heart stopping moment when I thought maybe I wanted it too. How I'd tried to convince myself that maybe this time it would work out, only to have reality come crashing back down so hard that I shattered.

"Not again," I growled, forcing myself back onto my feet. "I've made too much progress to let this take me."

I needed something, anything, to distract me long enough to rebind the old wounds. Wherever I looked I saw a blur of faces, old and new, and shutting my eyes wasn't enough to drive them away. This was exactly why I tried not to get too comfortable anywhere. Familiarity always brought the ghosts back.

"Think of this like a normal house. Remove the humans, and focus on the building," I muttered. My breathing and heart rate slowed and I was able to think again. "Find something to fix, something big." For the first time ever I didn't have to worry about my work being noticed, so I could actually tackle something meaningful.

Solidifying my resolve, I took flight and began to wander the house. Knowing what I did about the layout I went downstairs first, since that's where their computers were. Not that I thought there was anything wrong with them, but it seemed like a good enough place to start.

It'd been a long time since I'd been around such sophisticated machines. Most houses only had middle of the road or older tech, but it was immediately clear that these were lovingly crafted. The raw power stored inside the towers sent sparks up and down my spine, and I rushed over to the closest desk to get a better look. Even without opening the case I could feel the finely tuned circuitry, but during my inspection I noticed something very concerning. Dust, and lots of it, specifically around the fans.

"Come on guys, really?" I sighed. "That's like the easiest thing to take care of." With a shake of my head I rolled up my sleeves and zipped over to the first screw. Once all four were off I removed the panel and fluttered inside the machine to take a look around.

The fans were centrally located, but to get there I had to navigate a nest of delicate wires. Retracting my wings, I literally climbed into the heart of the PC, and with a steady hand I cleared away layer after layer of built up dust. I lost count of how many times I sneezed before I could see the first blade, and instead of crawling back out I moved on to the next one. Once the whole thing was clean I stepped back and did a quick scan of the rest of the machine. There were a few loose connections that I easily tightened up before leaving the case.

I was so absorbed in my task that I completely lost track of time, and midway through cleaning the second computer's fan I heard the front door open. Footsteps shook the ceiling, and even from my spot I could hear the humans' worried voices. I was so close to finishing that I decided to call Ben instead of going up to greet them.

He picked up instantly. "Will! Are you ok? Where are you?"

What had started off as a laugh transformed into a cough as I drew in a lungful of dust. "Y-Yes Ben, I'm fine. Just in the basement."

Two pairs of footsteps rushed down the stairs, and I held still until they came to a stop. They hadn't quite figured out where I was yet. Ben's lowered voice echoed weirdly inside the case. "Willow? Is everything ok?"

"Just a minute!" I shouted, praying I was loud enough. "I'm almost done!"

Tremors rattled everything around me. "Are you in my computer?" Cameron asked incredulously, his voice much louder. "What the hell are you doing in there?"

The edge to his words grated against my nerves. "Cleaning your fan because you're too lazy to do it!" I snapped, strangely confident despite my position. "Like I said, give me a second and I'll be right out."

Frustrated grumbling filled the air as I finished up, but I didn't let it shake me. My quicker pace made me kick up and inhale more dust, and after another connection check I crawled back out into the open. Waiting right outside were Cameron and Ben, both masking their agitation poorly. Instead of addressing them right away, I went to reattach the panel. Before I could even reach for a screw, a massive hand blocked my path.

"Why were you in there?" Cameron growled, his eyes narrowing. Ben placed a hand on his shoulder, but Cam bucked it off. "What did you do?"

Backing up against the computer tower, I tried not to look too pathetic, or guilty. "I was, I was just trying to help you guys out by uh, by lending a hand." My voice was trembling even more than my body, but I kept going. "It's something I always do at every house I stay in. A little something to give back to the people who helped me. I was just trying to help, I... I'm sorry."

Their faces fell in unison as aggression gave way to surprise. The hand that stopped me rotated and carefully scooped me up off the ground. Flat on my back, I was raised to eye level and had a front row seat to Cameron's distant stare. My blistering pulse fought against his powerfully steady one, sending my anxiety up a notch.

"C-Cam, I..." I sputtered. Not having a thought to follow it up, I closed my mouth and sat there shivering.

What little balance I had was stolen as he rose from a crouch and set me down on the desk. Cameron took a seat, leaving Ben hovering nervously at his shoulder. He propped his elbows on the table, setting his arms towering above me like pillars on either side. His gaze never left me, and as much as I tried I couldn't look away.

"Will, are you ok? Did I hurt you?" Cameron whispered. His low voice rumbled around me, bouncing off the claustrophobic space between his arms.

Finally summoning the strength to move, I scuttled back a few inches before I tripped over my hands. "N-No, I'm fine. Cam, I didn't mean to upset you. I just, I was trying to help you both..."

The arm to my left fell, arching around me to place a hand at my back. Fingers thicker than my arms brushed down my spine, electrifying the area of my body I guarded so fiercely. I sat rigidly as I resisted the urge to fly away, knowing that spreading my wings would only hurt Cameron, or worse. There was no escape, no chance to get away. He had the control, and I was completely at his mercy.

Powerful muscles twitched behind me as the hand dragged me forward, and my pitiful attempts to stop it were laughable. He didn't pick me up again though. With one arm still behind me, he folded the other on the desktop, using it to rest his head on.

He studied me with even greater scrutiny, and now that he was closer I felt the strength behind each of his words. "Please stop Will, you don't have to apologize. I overreacted, and I'm sorry I scared you." His fingers trailed down my back, sending another shudder through my entire body. "What I can't figure out is why you did it."

My voice was securely lodged in my throat, but I managed to force it out as a hoarse squeak. "Like I said, I was just trying to help. Normally the people I'm staying with don't know I'm there, and I like to pay them back by doing little repairs. I've never liked the idea of leeching off people, so I try to do what I can."

"No, I got that part," he replied flatly. "Why do you feel like you have to pay us back?"

My brow furrowed, and I let my shoulders relax. "Because you're letting me stay here?"

Cameron chuckled, shaking the table. "You're only here because Ben basically kidnapped you. I'm pretty sure that absolves you of any obligations you have to us."

"But, we're friends right?" I countered weakly. "Don't friends help each other?"

His eyes narrowed again, making me flinch back against his hand. "Sure, but only because they want to, not because they feel like they have to."

I couldn't tell if it was intentional or not, but his words carried a threatening tone. He kept catching me off guard, so when I saw an opening I dove for it. Pulling away from his hand, I scrambled just out of reach and took flight. There wasn't anything else to my plan aside from getting as far away as possible. I shot over to the desk on the opposite side of the room and clambered up between the monitor and the wall. No one moved for a few seconds, but eventually one pair of footsteps headed back upstairs while the other crept closer.

"Willow?" Ben called out softly. "You ok?"

Hanging my head, I sighed. Of course I wouldn't be let off the hook that easily. "Ben, I'm sorry! I didn't break anything, I just wanted to show you guys how grateful I am! I should've asked, I get it, and it won't happen again, so please..." My rant had begun so strongly before petering off into a pathetic whimper. Now I was shaking harder than ever as I waited for his response.

Squeaky plastic wheels clattered as the desk chair was pushed aside, and a subtle quake rocked through the table. "Will, hey, it's ok. Just take a deep breath." I followed his instructions, but it didn't help in the slightest. After a few seconds he spoke again in the same soothing tone. "Could you come out? I want to see for myself that you're alright."

It was a trap, I just knew it. There's no telling what would happen when I was accessible again, even though I couldn't picture Ben hurting me. He'd been nothing but patient and understanding, but I'd reached a point where that didn't matter anymore. Putting on a face and acting a part was something anyone could do, rendering any acts of kindness meaningless. All he had to do was reach for me. That would show once and for all who was actually in charge.

A hand did come forward, but it stopped short. Hesitant fingertips tapped against the monitor, delicately trying to get my attention. "Willow, please," he begged. "You're safe. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise."

As hollow as my mind interpreted his words, deep down I desperately wanted to believe him. I craved someone, anyone, to run to, but my legs wouldn't move. The cold grip of the memories I'd tried to escape from clutched my heart again. Humans weren't safe, and could never be. Staying here would keep me in a constant state of danger, and it was only a matter of time before that danger turned lethal.

However, no matter how big of a threat he was, I knew I was hiding on borrowed time. I was dancing around Ben's patience, and eventually I'd set him off. Sliding back down to the desktop, I crawled out from behind the monitor and kept my eyes trained on my feet. No thunderous words shook the air, no hand came to snatch me up, just silence. Tilting my head to the side, I saw his arm still outstretched, but it too remained unmoving. In that instant I caved, rushing towards his hand and burying my face into his skin.

"I... I'm sorry," I chocked as tears flowed freely down my cheeks.

His fingers curled around me, wrapping me in a startlingly powerful but gentle embrace. "Will, it's ok. You haven't done anything wrong," he murmured. In a motion much too soft for something his size, he scooped me up and brought me closer for a proper hug. "It's alright, I've got you."

I had no idea what he meant by that, but I continued to cry.

Minutes dragged on as we held that position. When my sobbing and shivering finally stopped Ben pulled away, cradling me between his palms as he brought me back into view. Looking up at him with puffy eyes, I attempted a smile as I wiped my face. "Thanks," I mumbled, "and I'm sorry."

Ben smiled and shifted his thumb, brushing it lightly against my cheek. "You don't have anything to apologize for," he scolded with a laugh. His gaze held mine intently as he flattened out his hand. "How're you feeling?"

Flushing slightly, I crossed my arms. "Weak, but better. I've hardly eaten anything today, so that's probably part of it." I'd been so focused on my work that I hadn't spared a thought to food.

His eyes widened briefly when he realized what I was implying. Seconds later they regained their above average level of fondness. "Do you want me to bring something down for you? If you're not ready to go upstairs, you don't have to force yourself. It's ok if you need some space."

There it was again, that instant flexibility. Just like when he first brought me here. Why was he so willing to bend over backwards to make concessions for me?

Trying to crack that code now was impossible, so I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Going upstairs meant facing Cameron, and while I wasn't sure if I was ready to deal with that, there was one thing I knew for certain. "No, I'll go with you. I'd rather not be alone right now."

Lowering his hands and holding them open, Ben nodded. "You want to fly there yourself, or would you rather..." A jolt shot through his pulse and he swallowed. "Or I could carry you..."

'What are you waiting for? Take off!' my voice of reason cried out. 'This shouldn't even be a question!'

The voice was right, it wasn't a question. "You could carry me, if you wanted," I murmured. Warmth fluttered in my chest as his face lit up, which was topped off with a radiant smile.

Cupping his hands more securely, Ben glanced around the room before looking back at me. "I'm going to stand up now, ok?"

With a curt nod, I braced myself for the slow upward movement. I was out of practice being carried like this, and unlike being in a pocket, I had next to no support. Before he took a step, Ben checked with me again, and I had to wave him on to get him to move. The stairs were a slow and laborious process, but the finger rubbing my side made up for it.

Waiting for us at the table was Cameron, seated in front of three place settings. His eyes never left us, shifting away guiltily when he finally noticed me. Ben set me down closer to him on purpose, but I made a point to walk over to where Cam had left my food. Mossy brown eyes trailed after me, only to look away when my gaze met them. They returned a few seconds later, drawn like magnets.

"Thanks for the food Cam," I said quietly, hoping to break the ice.

Surprise colored his expression before a timid smile peeked through. "You're welcome, Will. I hope you like it."

All conversation died there as we started eating, but that was fine with me. I was starving. Thanks to that, and my smaller portion in general, I was the first to finish, which is when the silence really got to me. Clearing my throat awkwardly, I lifted my eyes up to the humans. "So um, how was work today?" I offered lamely, waiting to see if either of the guys would take the bait.

"It was alright," Ben answered with a shrug. "Mondays tend to always be a little hectic, but it wasn't so bad. At least, for me anyway." He looked over to Cameron expectantly, attempting to draw him into the discussion with a single sharply raised eyebrow.

Tracing his fork absentmindedly around his plate, Cam sighed. "A few of the more annoying clients all randomly showed up today, making wild demands about projects they'd signed off on over a month ago. Now we've got a rush job we NEED to get finished by Thursday for them."

His admittance lightened the mood considerably, but it couldn't fully break up the gloom hanging over us. The rest of our evening was pleasant enough, but I was still locked behind the monitor in the basement. My darker musings were growing and festering on the edge of my thoughts, and no amount of idle banter could silence them.

'It's only a matter of time...'

Description
Watching the two humans go about their morning routine was fascinating. I'd gotten much better sleep that night, so I woke up on my own before their alarms even went off. Cameron was much more of a morning person, but they were still basically zombies as they fumbled around the house. I took great care staying out of their way, but that didn't stop me from remaining in plain sight.

They offered me sleepy goodbyes as they left, which I returned with a smile and a wave. Their departure took some of the stress off my mind, and I welcomed the calming familiarity of an empty house. Every shift of the building or faint buzz of a random electronic device was music to my ears. How I had missed the tranquility that came with the absence of humans.

'Then why are you still here?'

The accusation echoed loudly in the silence, instantly sobering me up. My thoughts wandered back to yesterday. 'Because they were nice enough to let me stay until I have a plan,' I reasoned.

'Vince was nice too, at first...'

Ice coursed through my veins and took my breath away, leaving me gasping for air and clutching a hand to my chest. Last night rushed back, overwhelming me all over again and sending me to my knees. Ben, inches away, boring into me with that intense look in his piercing pale eyes. That single, heart stopping moment when I thought maybe I wanted it too. How I'd tried to convince myself that maybe this time it would work out, only to have reality come crashing back down so hard that I shattered.

"Not again," I growled, forcing myself back onto my feet. "I've made too much progress to let this take me."

I needed something, anything, to distract me long enough to rebind the old wounds. Wherever I looked I saw a blur of faces, old and new, and shutting my eyes wasn't enough to drive them away. This was exactly why I tried not to get too comfortable anywhere. Familiarity always brought the ghosts back.

"Think of this like a normal house. Remove the humans, and focus on the building," I muttered. My breathing and heart rate slowed and I was able to think again. "Find something to fix, something big." For the first time ever I didn't have to worry about my work being noticed, so I could actually tackle something meaningful.

Solidifying my resolve, I took flight and began to wander the house. Knowing what I did about the layout I went downstairs first, since that's where their computers were. Not that I thought there was anything wrong with them, but it seemed like a good enough place to start.

It'd been a long time since I'd been around such sophisticated machines. Most houses only had middle of the road or older tech, but it was immediately clear that these were lovingly crafted. The raw power stored inside the towers sent sparks up and down my spine, and I rushed over to the closest desk to get a better look. Even without opening the case I could feel the finely tuned circuitry, but during my inspection I noticed something very concerning. Dust, and lots of it, specifically around the fans.

"Come on guys, really?" I sighed. "That's like the easiest thing to take care of." With a shake of my head I rolled up my sleeves and zipped over to the first screw. Once all four were off I removed the panel and fluttered inside the machine to take a look around.

The fans were centrally located, but to get there I had to navigate a nest of delicate wires. Retracting my wings, I literally climbed into the heart of the PC, and with a steady hand I cleared away layer after layer of built up dust. I lost count of how many times I sneezed before I could see the first blade, and instead of crawling back out I moved on to the next one. Once the whole thing was clean I stepped back and did a quick scan of the rest of the machine. There were a few loose connections that I easily tightened up before leaving the case.

I was so absorbed in my task that I completely lost track of time, and midway through cleaning the second computer's fan I heard the front door open. Footsteps shook the ceiling, and even from my spot I could hear the humans' worried voices. I was so close to finishing that I decided to call Ben instead of going up to greet them.

He picked up instantly. "Will! Are you ok? Where are you?"

What had started off as a laugh transformed into a cough as I drew in a lungful of dust. "Y-Yes Ben, I'm fine. Just in the basement."

Two pairs of footsteps rushed down the stairs, and I held still until they came to a stop. They hadn't quite figured out where I was yet. Ben's lowered voice echoed weirdly inside the case. "Willow? Is everything ok?"

"Just a minute!" I shouted, praying I was loud enough. "I'm almost done!"

Tremors rattled everything around me. "Are you in my computer?" Cameron asked incredulously, his voice much louder. "What the hell are you doing in there?"

The edge to his words grated against my nerves. "Cleaning your fan because you're too lazy to do it!" I snapped, strangely confident despite my position. "Like I said, give me a second and I'll be right out."

Frustrated grumbling filled the air as I finished up, but I didn't let it shake me. My quicker pace made me kick up and inhale more dust, and after another connection check I crawled back out into the open. Waiting right outside were Cameron and Ben, both masking their agitation poorly. Instead of addressing them right away, I went to reattach the panel. Before I could even reach for a screw, a massive hand blocked my path.

"Why were you in there?" Cameron growled, his eyes narrowing. Ben placed a hand on his shoulder, but Cam bucked it off. "What did you do?"

Backing up against the computer tower, I tried not to look too pathetic, or guilty. "I was, I was just trying to help you guys out by uh, by lending a hand." My voice was trembling even more than my body, but I kept going. "It's something I always do at every house I stay in. A little something to give back to the people who helped me. I was just trying to help, I... I'm sorry."

Their faces fell in unison as aggression gave way to surprise. The hand that stopped me rotated and carefully scooped me up off the ground. Flat on my back, I was raised to eye level and had a front row seat to Cameron's distant stare. My blistering pulse fought against his powerfully steady one, sending my anxiety up a notch.

"C-Cam, I..." I sputtered. Not having a thought to follow it up, I closed my mouth and sat there shivering.

What little balance I had was stolen as he rose from a crouch and set me down on the desk. Cameron took a seat, leaving Ben hovering nervously at his shoulder. He propped his elbows on the table, setting his arms towering above me like pillars on either side. His gaze never left me, and as much as I tried I couldn't look away.

"Will, are you ok? Did I hurt you?" Cameron whispered. His low voice rumbled around me, bouncing off the claustrophobic space between his arms.

Finally summoning the strength to move, I scuttled back a few inches before I tripped over my hands. "N-No, I'm fine. Cam, I didn't mean to upset you. I just, I was trying to help you both..."

The arm to my left fell, arching around me to place a hand at my back. Fingers thicker than my arms brushed down my spine, electrifying the area of my body I guarded so fiercely. I sat rigidly as I resisted the urge to fly away, knowing that spreading my wings would only hurt Cameron, or worse. There was no escape, no chance to get away. He had the control, and I was completely at his mercy.

Powerful muscles twitched behind me as the hand dragged me forward, and my pitiful attempts to stop it were laughable. He didn't pick me up again though. With one arm still behind me, he folded the other on the desktop, using it to rest his head on.

He studied me with even greater scrutiny, and now that he was closer I felt the strength behind each of his words. "Please stop Will, you don't have to apologize. I overreacted, and I'm sorry I scared you." His fingers trailed down my back, sending another shudder through my entire body. "What I can't figure out is why you did it."

My voice was securely lodged in my throat, but I managed to force it out as a hoarse squeak. "Like I said, I was just trying to help. Normally the people I'm staying with don't know I'm there, and I like to pay them back by doing little repairs. I've never liked the idea of leeching off people, so I try to do what I can."

"No, I got that part," he replied flatly. "Why do you feel like you have to pay us back?"

My brow furrowed, and I let my shoulders relax. "Because you're letting me stay here?"

Cameron chuckled, shaking the table. "You're only here because Ben basically kidnapped you. I'm pretty sure that absolves you of any obligations you have to us."

"But, we're friends right?" I countered weakly. "Don't friends help each other?"

His eyes narrowed again, making me flinch back against his hand. "Sure, but only because they want to, not because they feel like they have to."

I couldn't tell if it was intentional or not, but his words carried a threatening tone. He kept catching me off guard, so when I saw an opening I dove for it. Pulling away from his hand, I scrambled just out of reach and took flight. There wasn't anything else to my plan aside from getting as far away as possible. I shot over to the desk on the opposite side of the room and clambered up between the monitor and the wall. No one moved for a few seconds, but eventually one pair of footsteps headed back upstairs while the other crept closer.

"Willow?" Ben called out softly. "You ok?"

Hanging my head, I sighed. Of course I wouldn't be let off the hook that easily. "Ben, I'm sorry! I didn't break anything, I just wanted to show you guys how grateful I am! I should've asked, I get it, and it won't happen again, so please..." My rant had begun so strongly before petering off into a pathetic whimper. Now I was shaking harder than ever as I waited for his response.

Squeaky plastic wheels clattered as the desk chair was pushed aside, and a subtle quake rocked through the table. "Will, hey, it's ok. Just take a deep breath." I followed his instructions, but it didn't help in the slightest. After a few seconds he spoke again in the same soothing tone. "Could you come out? I want to see for myself that you're alright."

It was a trap, I just knew it. There's no telling what would happen when I was accessible again, even though I couldn't picture Ben hurting me. He'd been nothing but patient and understanding, but I'd reached a point where that didn't matter anymore. Putting on a face and acting a part was something anyone could do, rendering any acts of kindness meaningless. All he had to do was reach for me. That would show once and for all who was actually in charge.

A hand did come forward, but it stopped short. Hesitant fingertips tapped against the monitor, delicately trying to get my attention. "Willow, please," he begged. "You're safe. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise."

As hollow as my mind interpreted his words, deep down I desperately wanted to believe him. I craved someone, anyone, to run to, but my legs wouldn't move. The cold grip of the memories I'd tried to escape from clutched my heart again. Humans weren't safe, and could never be. Staying here would keep me in a constant state of danger, and it was only a matter of time before that danger turned lethal.

However, no matter how big of a threat he was, I knew I was hiding on borrowed time. I was dancing around Ben's patience, and eventually I'd set him off. Sliding back down to the desktop, I crawled out from behind the monitor and kept my eyes trained on my feet. No thunderous words shook the air, no hand came to snatch me up, just silence. Tilting my head to the side, I saw his arm still outstretched, but it too remained unmoving. In that instant I caved, rushing towards his hand and burying my face into his skin.

"I... I'm sorry," I chocked as tears flowed freely down my cheeks.

His fingers curled around me, wrapping me in a startlingly powerful but gentle embrace. "Will, it's ok. You haven't done anything wrong," he murmured. In a motion much too soft for something his size, he scooped me up and brought me closer for a proper hug. "It's alright, I've got you."

I had no idea what he meant by that, but I continued to cry.

Minutes dragged on as we held that position. When my sobbing and shivering finally stopped Ben pulled away, cradling me between his palms as he brought me back into view. Looking up at him with puffy eyes, I attempted a smile as I wiped my face. "Thanks," I mumbled, "and I'm sorry."

Ben smiled and shifted his thumb, brushing it lightly against my cheek. "You don't have anything to apologize for," he scolded with a laugh. His gaze held mine intently as he flattened out his hand. "How're you feeling?"

Flushing slightly, I crossed my arms. "Weak, but better. I've hardly eaten anything today, so that's probably part of it." I'd been so focused on my work that I hadn't spared a thought to food.

His eyes widened briefly when he realized what I was implying. Seconds later they regained their above average level of fondness. "Do you want me to bring something down for you? If you're not ready to go upstairs, you don't have to force yourself. It's ok if you need some space."

There it was again, that instant flexibility. Just like when he first brought me here. Why was he so willing to bend over backwards to make concessions for me?

Trying to crack that code now was impossible, so I shook my head to clear my thoughts. Going upstairs meant facing Cameron, and while I wasn't sure if I was ready to deal with that, there was one thing I knew for certain. "No, I'll go with you. I'd rather not be alone right now."

Lowering his hands and holding them open, Ben nodded. "You want to fly there yourself, or would you rather..." A jolt shot through his pulse and he swallowed. "Or I could carry you..."

'What are you waiting for? Take off!' my voice of reason cried out. 'This shouldn't even be a question!'

The voice was right, it wasn't a question. "You could carry me, if you wanted," I murmured. Warmth fluttered in my chest as his face lit up, which was topped off with a radiant smile.

Cupping his hands more securely, Ben glanced around the room before looking back at me. "I'm going to stand up now, ok?"

With a curt nod, I braced myself for the slow upward movement. I was out of practice being carried like this, and unlike being in a pocket, I had next to no support. Before he took a step, Ben checked with me again, and I had to wave him on to get him to move. The stairs were a slow and laborious process, but the finger rubbing my side made up for it.

Waiting for us at the table was Cameron, seated in front of three place settings. His eyes never left us, shifting away guiltily when he finally noticed me. Ben set me down closer to him on purpose, but I made a point to walk over to where Cam had left my food. Mossy brown eyes trailed after me, only to look away when my gaze met them. They returned a few seconds later, drawn like magnets.

"Thanks for the food Cam," I said quietly, hoping to break the ice.

Surprise colored his expression before a timid smile peeked through. "You're welcome, Will. I hope you like it."

All conversation died there as we started eating, but that was fine with me. I was starving. Thanks to that, and my smaller portion in general, I was the first to finish, which is when the silence really got to me. Clearing my throat awkwardly, I lifted my eyes up to the humans. "So um, how was work today?" I offered lamely, waiting to see if either of the guys would take the bait.

"It was alright," Ben answered with a shrug. "Mondays tend to always be a little hectic, but it wasn't so bad. At least, for me anyway." He looked over to Cameron expectantly, attempting to draw him into the discussion with a single sharply raised eyebrow.

Tracing his fork absentmindedly around his plate, Cam sighed. "A few of the more annoying clients all randomly showed up today, making wild demands about projects they'd signed off on over a month ago. Now we've got a rush job we NEED to get finished by Thursday for them."

His admittance lightened the mood considerably, but it couldn't fully break up the gloom hanging over us. The rest of our evening was pleasant enough, but I was still locked behind the monitor in the basement. My darker musings were growing and festering on the edge of my thoughts, and no amount of idle banter could silence them.

'It's only a matter of time...'