Nella Fantasia

'Waylight'Benjamin Wainlight-Evans. A mighty king of the dreams A wise observer of the strings of fate, A jolly traveler of the unknown.

[hudson-faye]

Ho ho ho!

(Faye yells from behind Ben’s office door, trying to imitate a Santa voice and failing miserably. Under one arm a small bundle of presents  was tucked under, whilst the other was being used to bang as loudly as possible on the door. Not bothering to wait to be invited in, she opens the door of her own accord, grinning when she sees the man.) Benjamin Waylight, lucky you, turns out Santa put you on the nice list this year! That guy must be demented, too many mince pies, probably… but, here you go. (She smiles brightly as she dumps the three gifts onto his desk, the wrapping paper concealing the dream journal, “Daily Hapy Thoughts” book, and perhaps the most useful present - mince pies bought from the local bakery.) Although, could be tricking you. Maybe he just gave you coal. And no using your mind power thing! Presents are supposed to be a surprise.

[waylight-ben]

Benjamin fixes his tie in front of the mirror, then he checks his hair carefully. He does spend a lot of time on his hair. Representation is a part of the business. He is back to his old neat self, a less dishevelment than last few weeks. Shaved, too. You can say he was quite ready for Faye. when the door open. He turns around with a small smile, greeting her with a light nod. "Has good ol' Nicholas finally gone mad? Me on a good list? I wouldn't have dreamed of it." jokes him lightheartedly, taking the present. He pretends like he doesn't know what it is. "Aah, the anticipation is killing me... But, before I unwrap this mysterious present," He trails off, going over to his drawer and taking out the wrapped diary, the same as what is given to him. Of course he's seen it coming. You would think he wouldn't waste his ability on small things like this. Then you're wrong. "Exchanging gifts would be the polite thing to do." He hands it to her, smirking. "Flat and square coals, huh? I wouldn't blame him though. Naughty me."

[waylight-ben]

Because from the one who thinks he is the happiest man on the earth to the one who was never touched by love-- because everyone can dream, the world behind reality can exist... Except for Benjamin Wainwright. He had always been the reader of the story, stayed as the spectator of the show. Ironically, the dreamwalker never had a place in the world of dreams. He was always conscious, constantly awake. He had never had a dream of his own. It never brought him down-- he was special, one of a kind, no one like him in this world. Or as they say, no rest for the wicked.

But he saw himself with a woman he has never met but the one he could feel that he loves. It was the image played on the smooth surface on the air. Through that window, he saw himself wearing one of those goofy face, that stupid lovestruck kid's smile. He saw himself living the life of 'happily ever after'... or, is it really him? He wasn't sure exactly where he was at. This must be what it feels like to be dreaming, he thought quietly. He crossed his arms, studying the other him. He met one like this before. The one from the future. "Aha," He mused himself, This the in between of dreams, or maybe the gap of two facing mirrors-- the infinite reflection of the same shadow, dancing in different angles. That "happy" Benjamin, is just another reflection of him like a mirror image, same but different. But who is the real one? Is Benjamin a shadow of the other man, or the other his? Maybe both of them are not real-- but what's the point of asking it?

"No, seriously, what's the point of this?" asked him, spinning around. No one was there to listen him but himself. The silence was the answer. "You know, your whole mystery, reserved persona is getting real old." Grumbling, he turned to the mirror again. "You just want me to see, then? That's it? My God, you always do the stupidest things..." He rolled the eyes. Now they were walking together, the other Benjamin and the woman. They were talking about little things, how the weather is warm today, how they wish it could snow, what to do at this lovely Sunday afternoon. "Okay, I do admit," Benjamin let out a laugh, "I do look great in a relationship. She is a very lucky girl." He said that before snapping a finger. "But that's not me."

The dream shattered.

"Really? You're pitying me?" Snorted him, looking up. Widely he spread his arms, showing off. "You picked the wrong man, then! You made me this way! I wasn't split at the start like everyone else! A whole man on his own! There are no lost piece of me!" He laughed, laughed at the reflection of himself in the other side of the mirror. "So what's your game, huh? Why are you throwing this fantasy on me? Am I just a nightmare of that man on the other side? You want me to break down and fill myself up with regret? You expect remorse? Well, here's the news, sir-- I regret nothing." 

"Or is this supposed to be your consolation? Putting a flower in front of my grave? Because I'd wake up as a happy man on the other side? Ha, well, you can shove it up in your ass then. You want to console me? Then bring me the future where I don't die. You can't, can you? Because I've already rolled my dice. So what? Death, I've seen it enough, and I'm unafraid. You know why? Because I know they deserve some happiness. I've seen them suffer. Hell, I've seen their death-- did you really think I'd let the world take them down again if I'm given another chance? Don't play with me. Drop the act. You don't give a rat's ass about anyone's life. I don't need a lesson from a man on his high horse! You don't even play in this game. So just sit up there like you always do. I will do what I can from down here."

Benjamin glared at the empty sky. He expected no answer. It didn't come. Satisfied, he summoned a chair and sat down arrogantly. After all, he is the king in this side of the world. He didn't care what the other one thinks of his choice. "Damn my noble heart." He jeered, "Y'all better have a happily ever after."

[hudson-faye]

You.

[hudson-faye]

Because being blindly pessimistic is so much better. We’re not going to get anywhere if we always assume we’ll meet the worst case scenario. Things have to turn out right sometimes. They just have to. (She frowns right back at him, folding her arms at his mumblings.) No one baby sits me. (Faye rolls her eyes effortlessly at him, though she couldn’t help the slightly smug smile on her face.) You want me to shut up because you know I’m riiiiight. (She says in a sarcastic, sing-song voice, chuckling to herself. Once again, though, her eyes roll.) You don’t have to ask for help from me. You’re one of my best friends, Ben. Even if you are an arse hole and I really hate you sometimes and, God, you can be so bloody smug and maybe you can never admit when you’re wrong, but - I’d always help you. (She scowls at him.) Well, maybe using myself is a bit more dangerous, but there is no way I’ll ever let you brainwash a man to put himself in danger for us, if that’s what you’re implying. That is not how we work, Benjamin. We’re supposed to be the good side! (She says exasperatedly, though she soon lets out a sigh, blowing a piece of hair from her face. However, her anger begins to return at his sarcasm, her eyes narrowing on him as he speaks.) Benjamin Waylight, you listen to me. Don’t you dare. If you’re so adamant that there’s something odd going on with him, then I can find it out for myself. You can’t force information out of people like that! People aren’t puppets. And he’s my friend. I can’t just let you do that to my friend! That’s an invasion of privacy.

[waylight-ben]

Yes, when you can see future, it does make you blindly pessimistic and awfully realistic. Things don't always turn out okay, you know. Trying is always good, even if the end result is not great. [He pouts jokingly,] That's not really up to you. I babysit who I want. [Ben turns to her and give a half smile where only his lips are smiling, while his eyes are saying 'haha you should be a comedian'.] You're not getting anywhere by trying to find that side on me, Faye. [He laughs lightly. Best friend sounds surely weird when you use it to Benjamin Wainwright.] I know I'm the best. And I don't admit that I'm wrong because I'm never wrong. I appreciate your sentiment, but I've already taken care of it. [He raises a brow with a small smirk.] Aw, you're cute when you assume that you are on the good side. And that I'm playing by the same rule as you. But, if you're not happy with the plan, then fine. But you're not going in as a bait as well. We can just sneak in while he's asleep. [His expression is the same, nonchalant with a tiny smirk.] Um, actually, I can. That's exactly what I can do. Do you even know what psychic does? We read people. It's our nature. And it's not like I'm going to talk about his past to random people. [He crosses his arms, raising a brow.] I'm doing this because his your friend. What if he's a serial killer? What if he is married? You like 'what if', right? Well, he has a skeleton in his closet, probably one of his victim's. And I'm going to find out what it is one way or other.

[hudson-faye]

You.

[hudson-faye]

Sarcasm isn’t helping, Ben! (She retorts with a roll of her eyes in response to his fake smile, breathing out a rugged sigh.) Well, future events owe me one. Maybe they’ll decide to listen to me this time. (She shakes her head at him, biting her lip. Part of her wants to laugh at his next comments, though another part wants to just frown.) I think you do. But your ego will never allow you to admit it. Somewhere deep down in that brain of yours, you know you were in the wrong, though. I know it. (She raises an eyebrow.) What did you mean? You better not have murdered a doctor or so help me God, I will not be helping you bury that body. (She half jokes, a slight laugh escaping her, though she quickly stifles it. Yet, at his next comment, all humour leaves her face.) Oh, shut up, Ben. I don’t want revenge, I’m not that much of an idiot. I just don’t want that man to be able to do the same thing to anyone else. And, since we can now identify him, we may as well use that to our advantage. It’s called tactics. (She tilts her head at Ben.) Oh, yeah, we’ll get Fitzwilliams on the job. I’m sure he’ll just follow us around with no explanation. or, were you planning on informing him about the Genesis member we’re going to hunt down? If so, you can explain how we know so much to him.  (Her words hold a sarcasm that’s usually not there. However, her scowl is quick to return as he continues to talk about Gray.) Is that what this is? You’re annoyed because you can’t read his past, you can’t know everything about him, so you’re taking it out on him? Because for once someone has outsmarted your ability? (She shakes her head in disbelief, chuckling bitterly.) Look. Say what you like about my judgement. Don’t trust me if you don’t want to. That’s your choice. But don’t you dare go messing around in his head, Ben. I mean it. People aren’t games to be played. Perhaps there’s a reason you can’t ‘read’ him. Maybe it’s because it’s painful, whatever it is that’s been locked away. (She folds her arms, her frown becoming more prominent.) So. You leave him be. He’s not an experiment or a project or… whatever. Understand? For once, just leave someone be. Please. Just… please. Leave him be. For me? (Her expression turns from angry to earnest in a matter of moments, looking up at him desperately. She didn’t want Ben scaring Gray away, not after everything.)

[waylight-ben]

Didn't exactly intend to help. [He shrugs lightly, pursing his lips.] Time owes nothing to people. But sure, let's become blindly hopeful and optimistic. What could possibly go wrong? Oh, wait, I know-- everything. [With a shake of his head, he lets out an exaggerated sigh, adds a mutter.] Guess I should be doing babysitting you, then. [He squints at Faye in a half-irritated, half-'oh, great, now she's gloating' way.] Nothing is good enough for you, isn't it? I'm helping out, "out of my guilty conscious". Give it a rest already. Beside, I've been in my brain. I couldn't find any of those down there. [He nonchalantly shrugs.] I wouldn't say a murder. Didn't ask for help either. [Ben raises a brow at her choice of word.] Yeah, sending yourself as a bait to a madman sounds like a plan of a master. And no, we don't have to explain Fitzwilliams anything. I just need to persuade him. [Ben contemplates how far he's going to let her talk in her own misunderstanding. It is not because Grayson is hiding something. That implies that the Beast Boy is aware of what lies beneath. He believes that what happened in his memory actually happened. But some parts of those don't make sense. It seems dubious. What happened between Grayson and the Genesis guy is also concerning. Do I want to drag Faye down this road? Ben asks himself. Probably not.] I didn't know your Grayson had the telepathic capability to block me out. Then I must hand it to him. He's the most subtle telepath in the world. [He rolls the eyes, sarcasm oozing out of his tone.] People can't just hide their past in subconscious because it was traumatizing, Faye. It just doesn't work that way. [He takes a pause with a sip of water. He is well aware of his situation. He has already lost her trust. On the other hand, Grayson obviously formed some kind of bond with Faye. In this context, of course Ben is the bad guy, although his intention is far from his own gain. If something is wrong with Grayson, Faye is most likely to be hurt. Ben is ensuring that wouldn't happen. For that, he can gladly assume the role of obstacle.] I can't make that promise. But I can promise that it won't harm him. Honestly, it is more likely that he would harm me. Either way, I'm just going to go deeper in his dream. I do that to everyone, so you don't have to worry about it.

[he-is-a-maneater-blog]

“Oh, Wade. When will you learn?”

[he-is-a-maneater-blog]

“Don’t bullshit me, Wainwright. We both know that you’re one of the many idiots in this damn school who really believe I was raised by the animal kingdom.” Grayson stated insolently. He would have believed the man’s ‘illiteracy is common’ excuse if a stupid little sticky note wasn’t what Gray had read.  “And Tarzan was raised by a fictional species of apes called Mangani.” He corrected. Illiteracy is common, my ass. The dislike for the professor enhanced the more the man spoke, especially when Wainwright spoke about Gray’s ‘character’. Gray held resentment for many things – a lot of things, but what he resented the most was being known for his boohoo childhood. He wasn’t a fucking charity case. He didn’t need the pity. That wasn’t HIS character. “That doesn’t make me.” Grayson stated again but with more intensity. He only loosened up when Wainwright brought up Faye next. There was a quick flash of realization then. Ben Wainwright; so this was the guy Faye had wound up with after the attacks. Gray had assumed it was a boyfriend. There was a relief somewhere in there —- Unless Faye was into older men. Eyebrows knitted as Gray questioned the place that his thought process had unexpectedly went to before he shook it off and focused back on Professor Asshole. Surprisingly, Gray actually did calm down on Wainwright’s request. Just a little bit, though. “Faye knows first-hand of what I’m capable of. I even warned her, or at least tried to through all that yapping she does. Yet, she still insists in finding me. So, winding up in the healer’s wing again is on her.” He said firmly. “But for the record, Ben, I don’t care what you deem me as or what you think about me. If I want to keep seeing Faye, then I will keep seeing her. You don’t have a say in it.” His tone dripped with insolence again and he returned the scrutinizing stare. The disgruntled look returned as Wainwright spoke about Gray’s control over his ability. If the conversation didn’t led up to it, Gray would have been amused by the Hulk reference; however, he didn’t comment or made an expression that didn’t involve a displeased frown. Instead, eyebrows furrowed and his upper lip curled. “If I was just me.” What the fuck was that supposed to mean. “I already told you. I don’t give a fu—,“ Confusion struck him hard when Wainwright cut him off for the next question. Do you know where we are, Grayson? What kind of question was that? They were in the kit – chen… He caught the room shift at the corners of his eyes. The wooden cupboards, the fridge, and the marbled tiles broke off into tiny pieces until it was nothing but the dust of a basement that longed to be swept and cleaned. The walls darkened with the warm paint rapidly peeling off to reveal a cold and mucky grey. Within the flickers of a single crappy light bulb that replaced the fancy chandelier, resemblance punched and Grayson stumbled back into his childhood with shock written in large letters on his face. “Wh—What the fuck!?” He managed to say as he looked around with wide eyes. Everything was there; the dirty mattress on the floor, the pile of oxidized chains next to it, the books scattered everywhere, the freezer chest at the far corner, and the smell of rot. Nostalgia tasted like vomit. Wainwright’s request for Grayson to be calm had expired. He lunged toward the man without much of a warning. A hand shot to his neck and gripped tightly as Ben was pushed harshly back against the wall. “What are you playing at, asshat?” Grayson questioned through clenched teeth. "What the fuck are we doing here? Get me out or I will do to you what I did to that corpse in the alley; making you the next meal.”

[waylight-ben]

Oh, you think I was making an excuse. I'm not. It's true that there are still illterate people. And considering how you were raised you, I didn't expect you to know how to read. Obviously I was wrong. Oh, and yeah, I know the story. [Alleged one, though. He thinks as he rolls the eyes. As the least courtesy-- if such a thing exists within Benjamin Wainwright's mind-- he doesn't mention that the story is hardly impressive.] I thought your eyesight was good, Mr. Wilder. If you detect any sign of pity in my expression, I assure you, you're seeing thing--- and ew. Where the hell did that idea come from? That is, hands down, the stupidest thing you have ever spewed out. [He raises a brow with a small smirk which is the first expression that could be counted as positive reaction.] Yeah, well, she can be pretty reckless. Stupid, too. But who isn't? I wouldn't say it'd be 100% her fault though. Maybe 50/50. [His smirk widens.] First off, this conversation is totally off the record. Secondly, if she ends up in the hospital bed again, I can and will make your life a living nightmare, quite literally. Finally, I do have a say in it. The only reason I'm not directly meddling is because Faye doesn't want me to. So you better not give me the reason to double cross her. [Ben smiles brightly, well-made and fake, but his words carry the genuine weight in them. The shift of the kitchen is quick, as if the basement is painted over the kitchen or the kitchen was erased out of the world. Sneaking into one's subconscious after putting them into slumber is one of many tricks Ben has up his sleeve. The room holds some kind of morbid gloominess air, which he didn't find very favorable. The charge was quite predictable. He didn't even bother to dodge, and he can't react fast enough anyway. The pain on the back is not pleasant. But it doesn't exactly injure him like it does in physical world. Groaning lowly, he speaks out with a small chuckle.] I specifically remember saying that this is a test. A psychic evaluation, may I say. [Grayson's threat only buys him a cold sneer. Ben simply summon the image of the corpse from that alley in Grayson's memory, and switches it with his "body" as he reappears behind the Beastly Hulk. He even creates a pair of comfy chairs, takes a seat with his legs crossed. He laughs softly as the other turns around.] You mean like that corpse in your hands? How scary. I'd like to avoid that kind of pain. You need to calm your mind, Grayson. This is a simple examination. So sit, relax and let's talk about your life. Take a trip down to memory lane. [He pulls out a pair of glasses from thin air, puts it on just for a dramatic effect.] Do you care for some refreshment, Mr. Wilder? 'cause this might take a while.

[he-is-a-maneater-blog]

“Oh, Wade. When will you learn?”

[he-is-a-maneater-blog]

The furrow on his brows deepened when the professor repeated himself ever so nonchalantly. “Do I look like Mowgli?” Grayson questioned sardonically before he retorted with a bite in his tone, “Of course I can read, asshat! I wasn’t raised by wolves.” No, that life would have been better than being kept in a damn basement for as long as he was able to remember. But even then, Gray still had books to fucking read. Fuck this guy, he instantly thought whilst the professor opened his patronizing mouth again. Gray did not know much about Wainwright, yet that didn’t stop the obvious and intense dislike to be as clear as day on his face. It wasn’t hard to get on his bad side. Grayson was able to have a lot of hate within seconds, but no one had ever landed on the blacklist so quick like Professor Asshole over here. The wishes for tranquility and peace were long gone. Even the slice of cake was no longer desirable. Gray didn’t tense when Wainwright began to poke him about his hunger. Everyone in this damn school poked about it as if it was to be the best conversation starter. However, he did tense when the man brought up Bernard – but not because Gray, like an omega to his alpha, was protective of him, but because Wainwright referred to him as ‘Rover’, which was a nickname that only Gray used when Bernie and only Bernie was around. Was this guy stalking him? The glare he wore intensified at Wainwright’s question and he was a little more belligerent than he was before. “It’s important for you? Why the fuck is it even your business?” Gray questioned in the same tone as he had before. However, he went ahead and answered the professor’s question anyway. “Am I hungry or am I not? Well Mister Wainwright, I hate to disappoint you, but I can’t admit to anything because, I don’t know.” He replied sullenly. “I don’t feel hungry, and that could be because I had a healthy meal not too long ago. So, I would say no, but that would be a lie because it doesn’t matter if I have eaten or not. It’s not a fucking fix!” There was a snarl when his voice raised, but he maintained control of his temper. “The next meal could be in another month or two – or next week – or even tonight. It doesn’t matter. The horror hunger isn’t my ability, Mister Wainwright, it’s the beastly Hulk living inside me.”

[waylight-ben]

Illiteracy is surprisingly common even these days. And you don't wish to be raised by wolves. Or Orangutans, if you're thinking about Tarzan. Feral children have totally different speech pattern and suffer orthograde degeneration. Teeth coming out when you change and crippling childhood are enough character, don't you think? [Ben keeps his scrutinizing stare fixed on Grayson, taking mental notes of his action and speech pattern. Sure, it's better than a feral child. I guess that counts for something, he thinks idly. Keeping his eye contact with Grayson, Ben taps his fingers rhythmically on the kitchen counter he is leaning on, in steady tempo, repeatedly.] I have better things to do than stalk you, Mr. Wilder. The reason why it's my business, is because you have befriended with Faye Hudson, who I prone to care about. I guess we both can agree on that she tends to get into troubles. I deem you as one of the troubles. Consider this, as a process to correct my view if I'm wrong. So calm down, relax and try not to get so rabid. It's nothing personal. [His tone, candid and seemingly polite, contrasts to Grayson's. He finally turns his eyes from the other, looking up as he is thinking. The answer was nothing but a confirmation of what Ben has been reading on the Beastly Hulk.] That's how you perceive yourself? Hulk? You're always ang-- wait, that's a spoiler. Anyway, at least Bruce Banner has a control of himself. Do you consider yourself to be manageable? No, scratch that. You're really not. It's not the matter of your will or strength. Honestly, if you're just you I wouldn't have come here and test you... [He contemplates if he wants to push forward... "Grayson" is obviously blocking him out. He needs to dig deeper. Push forward it is, decides Ben as he snaps his fingers and reveals the scenery. The old basement that is imprinted in Grayson's mind.] Do you know where we are, Grayson? I suppose you would.

[he-is-a-maneater-blog]

“Oh, Wade. When will you learn?”

[he-is-a-maneater-blog]

Grayson kept a clean expression when he looked over to Mister Wainwright, despite the professor’s sudden appearance catching him off guard. His hunger must have ignored all other senses and focused on the slice of cake for the professor to walk in without acknowledgement until he spoke. Gray didn’t show much interest in engaging into a conversation with the man for many reasons such as Mister W not being his professor to begin with and because, cake; however, it was the man’s second remark that won Gray over. “What did you just say to me?” He heard him for sure, but Gray was caught in mild disbelief that a professor would say that. Unless the comments were coming from Tillstrom or Blackwood, he didn’t approve of being talked to that way from someone he hardly knew and wasn’t a student to. The chocolate strawberry cake was instantly forgotten about as Gray glared toward the professor. He studied the man in return, watching Wainwright’s expressions before opening his mouth to speak. “What do you want?” He asked brusquely, ignoring the man’s attempt at small talk.

[waylight-ben]

I'm glad that you can read, is what I said. [He shrugs nonchalantly with his lips pressed together.] I don't need your approval to speak up my mind. I wouldn't say I hardly know you, either. You can read a lot of things on people in few seconds. Not that I'd need to that to learn you. [He doesn't bother to put up a fake smile or a nice manner for this guy. After all, Grayson didn't get close to Faye by well-educated courtesy. He doubts this one would need one anyway... Although in the corner of his mind, he feels like Faye is going to give him one of those lectures again. The glare doesn't make much difference. People glare at him all the time.] Nothing you can give me, so don't worry about it. And we both know this is not a small talk. It's an important question. Dinner, is important. Meals are important. So I hope you're getting the healthy meal. Sure, I get that you've been clean for years now. But really, that doesn't cure your hunger, does it? It's like with the drug addicts. You can never tell when they'd fall off the wagon. Some nature never really change. For example, your friend Rover. So let me ask you again-- are you, "Grayson", hungry or not? It's important for me that you admit it.

[he-is-a-maneater-blog]

“Oh, Wade. When will you learn?”

Grayson humored himself after he pulled away from the fridge. With a light kick of his boot, he closed the fridge door before he turned around to face his stolen slice of cake. A blue note stuck to the end of the plate with the same handwriting and warning as the rest of the notes he had seen before; PROPERTY OF WADE WALKER. DO NOT EAT. But just like those notes Grayson had seen, he peeled it off and proceeded to enjoy the slice of chocolate cake. “What a loser.” 

[waylight-ben]

Well, there goes the common ground. [comments Ben from the doorway, observing the Beast Boy with his arms crossed. So the guy takes other's belonging rather than their life. That's a quite good policy.] At least you can read. That's a relief. [He presses his lips together, does not bother to lower his voice. The guy could hear him anyway. He just continues on his read on "Grayson" with a dubious look.] So, Mr. Wilder. You look very hungry. Did you skip your dinner?

[hudson-faye]

You.

[hudson-faye]

Well, planning is not exactly my forte, is it? I don’t plan. I never plan. Maybe that’s where I’ve been going wrong! (She stops talking abruptly as he mentions New Orleans. Pursing her lips, she eventually breathes out a sigh.) Nothing will go wrong, Benjamin. I mean it this time. (She bites her lip.) I was hoping it wouldn’t be on my own. I mean, it’s your choice and I’m not going to pressure you. And, of course, I won’t mention the fact I’m maybe still a bit pissed off with you after the emotional trauma you put me through, and that this could totally help speed up the forgiveness process. Because that would be black mail. Black mail is wrong. (For the first time in a while around Ben there is the hint of a smile on her face, but it soon fades away as she frowns.) Fine, then. Not bait, exactly. I mean, I could use my S Gene to confuse him. I’d have a few more defences than a piece of bait. Asleep? Okay, we can do that. (She pauses, brows furrowing.) …Does this place own tasers? Because God how I’d love to taser that guy. (Faye folds her arms, raising an eyebrow.) A bodyguard? Where on earth are we going to find a bodyguard from? (She’s about to breathe out another dramatic sigh, when her face suddenly turns more serious.) His name is Grayson. And he saved my life. Even if you don’t trust him, you should trust my judgement enough to know he’s a good guy.

[waylight-ben]

There you go. That's exactly where you've been doing wrong. [He comments with a fake smile.] Just because you mean it doesn't mean the future events would follow through. [Raising a brow, Ben crosses his arms lazily. In his posture there's a bit of an annoyance. He soon covers that up with a scoff though.] If you think I'd look for forgiveness then you might wanna check your brain, Ms. Hudson. Do you need a doctor, perhaps? I know a good one-- well, knew. [He shrugs lightly. One of the doctors worked on Zoe is now dead. Who knows what had happened to him.] Because you walking up on that man is gonna work out just fine. You just want to take your revenge. [He rolls the eyes.] You forget that we have tons of self-righteous idiots in this asylum. For instance, Fitzwillaims could be a good sandbag. [Grumbling something under the breath, he gets up from his comfy chair. He walks to the mini fridge and takes out a bottle of water.] Is it really? Because I can't read on his past quite well and I don't trust anyone with that kind of big secret. And honestly, Faye, you don't have the best judgement on people. Exhibit A. [He points at his face, twirls his finger then drinks his water.] You believe who you want. I'd prefer to read them. And if I can't read them, I don't believe them.

[hudson-faye]

You.

[hudson-faye]

(Faye rolls her eyes at his sarcasm, closing her eyes and pinching the bridge of her nose. She should have mentally prepared herself for this a bit better. But, she’s resigned to it now, so she breathes out a sigh as her arms drop to her side.) Nothing will go wrong. Not if we plan this properly. (She folds her arms, watching him carefully.) Look. We have to do something, Ben. Maybe this war thing is coming sooner than we thought, maybe we’ve messed the whole time sequence up. If we don’t act now, we may not have a chance to before they get as strong as they were in New Orleans. This could be our last opportunity to get some information, while we still can. If we can find that guy, then we can learn what’s going on. (She nods her head, firmly. Of course, there was a small part of her that she was deciding to ignore, a part that wanted this for reasons other than the noble ones she’d just stated. That maybe, just maybe, for once wanted the bad guys to take a hit. He’d killed a girl, then almost added her to the dead body pile. Didn’t he deserve to lose? To pay for it? Of course he did.) You wont even need to get close to him! Just hide in a dark corner and mess around in his head. It’ll be fine. I just… I can’t stand this waiting anymore. Maybe we never have the upper hand, because we never plan a way to get back at them. We just wait for them to hit us and all hell breaks loose. This way, maybe we could just find out something. Anything. 

[waylight-ben]

Since when did "planning properly" work out well for you? Something always goes wrong. The last time you said "nothing's gonna go wrong" you were wrong. Future-me and I both don't like that scenario, you know. That doesn't seem to stop you, though. [He sighs lightly, shaking his head as he rolls his eyes upward.] You've already made your mind, haven't you? You're going to go after that psycho on your own. Great. [He narrows his eyes on her, reading her further. At this point, he can't read what's going to happen exactly. It's still in the gray area which has increased after the time jump. And letting Faye march into there alone, well, he'd probably get killed by the Beast Boy.] Is that supposed to make me want to join? 'cause if it was, it's not working. You being a bait is out of the question. Know what bait is? You use something dispensable to get what you want, and throw the bait away. Beside, if I want to get inside his head fully, I need him asleep. While he's awake my ability is very limited. [He contemplates if he wants to mention that Quinn Taylor and her merry bands of misfits are planning something. He doubts that they would ever get into an actual motion anytime soon, though. So with a sigh, Ben raises his palms up in the air as in surrender.] I-- present me-- am not fully on the plan or anything. Future version used the time jump to change your fate, but, anyway, you win. I'll help you. But we're bringing a bodyguard, possibly use them as a bait. And no, we're not taking Beast Boy with us. He cannot know about this. I don't trust him.

[hudson-faye]

You.

(Faye announces as she strides into Benjamin’s office, closing the door shut behind her. It’d been a while now since her little drama, and the bruises had almost healed, but that didn’t mean she’d learnt to forget. Quite the contrary, in fact, instead she’d been thinking. Maybe it was reckless, but she felt she had to do something. Anything.) You’re going to help me. (She says as she nears his desk, placing her palms on the edge of it as she leant against the furniture.) With a plan. Sort of a plan. I mean, perhaps it’s just a signature on my death certificate. But… (She bites her lip, thinking for a moment, but then she nods her head more firmly.) …I need to do something. And I need your help, Ben.

[waylight-ben]

[Ben contemplates if he wants to lock the door before Faye intrudes his office. He decides against it since she's just gonna pick or destroy the lock anyway. Sighing, he wakes up from his light sleep.] You have a very odd way of saying 'help' in imperative. [He comments as he rubs his eyes, still couldn't be bothered to gets himself up from the chair he buried himself into. It doesn't take long for him to read her thoughts, though. Ben simply raises a brow at her way.] Why, how thoughtful of you! You remembered my favorite hobby is to track down maniacs. What could possibly go wrong? [He drawls with a deadpan, obviously not excited by her ideas.] Should I get my coat? Prepare my will on the way?

[billieviperarchive]

[arianna-carrington-blog]

Letting out a long breath, she closed her eyes and tried to focus on just one thing, but her mind was racing at a million miles per hour. She could feel the lag and freezing in her brain, and for a moment Anna thought about how strange it was to have a computer brain and she wondered what it would look like to crack open her head. “I don’t ask just to fill in the gaps of silence,” she snapped rather quietly - in fact, one might not even think it was her being rude if they weren’t close to her. As he talks, however, she feels herself sort of melt away into the Arianna Carrington that everyone seem to knew - how could she not when he was speaking the way he was? Despite the hum of her brain that was ringing in her ears and the idea of sleep sounding so great right now, she pulled herself up and moved towards Mister Waylight and placed her hand on his shoulder. “You’re not wicked, despite how much you perceive yourself as it, you are not. I have seen wicked people, been at their hands and although I am sure you can be vicious when you need to… you are not wicked.” Holding her other hand out to him, she shook her head. “No matter how much you try to tell me you are, I won’t listen. I’m stubborn, you know.” A weak smile made its way to her lips - not because she didn’t believe her words but because she was so incredibly tired. “Ah, that makes sense… I’m sorry that your dreams are nothing, I know exactly how much of a burden it is to sleep every night with the notion of emptiness surrounding you in your sleep.” Pulling her hand from his shoulder, she takes in a breath and moves her body quite slowly to where she was before, sitting herself down. At his next string of words, her head tilts and she bites down on her lips as her eyes meet his. “Why care for people?” She asks aloud, her eyes darting away from him for a moment. Silence passes before her gaze returns with her brows slightly furrowed, a wrinkle on her forehead and her lips pressed together. “In this life we’re given the notion that you can do big things that will change the world. The world is a big place and when you get older, you realize that it’s entirely improbable and impossible that such a thing could happen,” she starts, unsure of where she was going with this. Her brain was quite frazzled. “But then you realize people are like… little worlds themselves and where you can’t change the entire world, you can change their world. Caring stems from that - you build yourself into somebody’s world and part of them become part of you. Their whole world is your whole world and you do what you can to protect it, to build it up for the better. You make a difference that way. Why bother…?” Humming with her lips, she let out a light laugh. “Question is, Mister Waylight, why not? The world is a different place when you have people to care about, when you have people who will stand by you no matter what happens. When you have people who worry about you when you’re in harm’s way — so much that the person can’t sleep.” Rolling her eyes slightly, she let out another light laugh.  ”Caring is a human emotion. Sooner or later you’re going to come across it. Much like guilt, anger, pain. It happens, no matter who you are. Good, evil, wicked, honorable. It’s just… who we are.” Looking over at him, she gave him a light smile. “I make no sense because my brain is working on overdrive and I can hear the fans buzzing in my ear. But you know what caring does, Mister Waylight? It opens your eyes to a whole new world. It’s humbling. It’s warmth. And it’s a good thing.”

[waylight-ben]

[Ben couldn't help but scoff lightly when she tries to console him or something. Did he have a tone of self-deprecating or something?] Yeah, you do that a lot, telling people they are better than they think. But you see, that's not an issue for me. That's for those who is too nice for their own good. That's not me. And most of the time, if someone is truly evil, you don't see it even if they shove it right beneath your nose. [For instance, he just has been torturing a man, who has a life and a family, because that man touched someone dear to him. And it would be a lie if he wasn't enjoying how every single victim of his broke down in front of him, begging for him to end the pain. It was an absolute dominance, and a part of him loves it.] I appreciate you sympathy. [He drawls sarcastically, snorting again. Then he just listens-- which doesn't happen a lot. It was a nice sentiment, almost ideal like how Zoe sees the world. Yeah, sure, he is well-aware of how people have a whole world inside of them. But that doesn't mean every one of these microcosms are interesting. In his traveling and dreamwalking, he has seen more people than he can remember, and read their countless dreams. Not many of them interested him, and he can't find a reason to care for those boring lots.] Well, from what I've seen, some people are easily impressed, mostly because they have deficiencies. They find something to fill their gaps or holes or whatever you wanna put it, from outside. But I don't have a deficiency, if not a lack of deficiency. I guess that's my problem. I'm complete on my own. I don't need people. Others around me are just complementary.  [He sinks into the thoughts for a moment, rubbing his face slowly.] But caring can be a fun hobby, I guess. 

[hudson-faye]

Jesus Christ.

[hudson-faye]

Shut up. (She repeats, though there is the subtle hint of humour in her voice returning again. She has to laugh when he says the same thing to her, shaking her head with an attempt at a tired laugh.) You’re never going to live that down. (She says with a small smile, though her speech is still more filled with surprise than actually joking. ) Yes. But what if we’ve done nothing but make this all worse? What if we’ve screwed it all up even more. What have we even done to stop any of this? We.. we just watched it repeat. (At his words of comfort, she tilts her head.) Do you actually believe that? (She asks, just the one question, watching him as he answers. Though when he mentions they’re heading towards Gray, she makes more of an effort to pick up her pace, trying to hide the worry from her expression.) What do you mean he’s not? Oh no. He hasn’t… No, he’s okay. He has to be okay. (She quickly shakes her head to stop her own trail of thought, refusing to accept what Ben may have been insinuating. She’d seen how guilty he’d been just for injuring her. What if something worse had happened?)

[waylight-ben]

[When she remarks, Ben scoffs out a small smile, not a definite one but not a sneer either.] You're asking a lot of stupid questions today. The 'what if's and 'could have been's haunt you no matter what. And you don't wanna know the answer. No one does. It's not constructive doubt, it's just an insecurity. You're smart enough to know that. So don't be stupid. It could have been a lot worse. [He raises a brow, crooking the end of his lip.] Would you believe if I say yes? [It is a shame that some, who hadn't been killed the first time around, are dead because some of them could have turned out to be interesting. And people who live an interesting life is a rare breed.] You know what I mean. He's more danger to the others than to himself. At least it wasn't an innocent victim, so to speak.

[hudson-faye]

Jesus Christ.

[hudson-faye]

Shut up. (She murmurs with a tired voice, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear as she watches the pavement. She doesn’t interrupt him as he speaks, just listens blankly until one of her eyebrows raises. ‘We can’t choose who we love.’ Were it not for the pain in her wrist she’d think she was in a dream right now, for she never believed she’d hear those words leave Benjamin’s mouth. She has to laugh, even if it’s strained and unwilling, a thin smirk appearing on her face.) I never thought I’d see the day. (She says, more to herself, shaking her head as she looks back up at him.) I was always the best at getting myself in places I shouldn’t. (This time, when he leans down to help her, she doesn’t resist. Though, she watches him warily, half scared this was all some sort of trick or something. That he was going to drop her and run at any given moment. Thus far, however, that didn’t appear to be so.) I know they do. But they weren’t supposed to, this time. This time we were supposed to do better. That was the whole point. (The fear is there, but she continues to focus on walking, the evenness of her steps. It was simpler.) I don’t want to run. Running gets you nowhere. I just… I want this over with. (She bites her lip, looking up at Ben slowly before she glances away.) I need to find Gray. He was there and then I got hit and… I don’t remember everything else. I don’t know what happened to him.

[waylight-ben]

[Ben narrows his eyes on her, still couldn't be bothered to put up a nice guy facade.] I have a feeling that I will make a mistake and drop you on the street if you keep talking. [He snorts loudly, turning his head to the front, focusing on the walking. Obviously he's not much of an athletic person.] Shut up. [He sighs through his nose, with his lips pressed.] Please. You don't think this was pointless. Sure, it was stupid to run away from the future, but you lots did change it. This is one of the change, as much as it's a shame. [He takes a turn at the corner, not looking back at her as she does.] It will before you even know it. [He comments simply. As always, he is few steps forward than her. He is already tracking the trail of Grayson-- or whatever his real name is. He still doesn't trust that guy. Actually, he should have a talk with Beast Boy later...-- heading toward that general direction. That's where she wants to be, then she will get there.] He's alright, kinda. He's not injured or anything. He's just... disoriented. Don't worry about him. You're gonna see him soon, anyway.

[hudson-faye]

Jesus Christ.

[hudson-faye]

(Faye doesn’t look up at first, until he crouches down in front of her and she slowly raises her head.) I’m not a stubborn idiot. You made this decision, remember? You don’t want to be around to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of my irrational behaviour from my constant need of excitement due to my fairy tale deprived childhood. (She says practically word for word the conversation that had been on her mind more than she’d ever admit, the phrases which had set seeds of doubt about herself in her head. But she doesn’t push him away this time, just watches him with wide eyes. After a while, she shakes her head at him.) No… I don’t have a home, Ben. And I can’t go back. I don’t want to go back anymore. I don’t think I can take it. Things are going bad again. Worse than before. Genesis are getting stronger and we haven’t done anything to stop them. People are getting hurt. (She bites her lip, looking up at him sadly.) A- And I know it’s selfish, but… I don’t want to die again, Ben. I’m scared. I’m so scared but I don’t want to be. I don’t want to be weak when everyone else is fighting. But what if something happens to you? Or Gray? Or Jules? What if there’s another war and everyone gets hurt again? I’m trying to be brave, but I don’t know if I can be. (She closes her eyes again, breathing out a sigh) You were right, I’m just a thief. And I’m way out of my depth.

[waylight-ben]

Well, that's both impressive and resentful. [He scoffs with not much sneering attitude in it. He did mean it what he said. To him, having someone around is a big risk. He is bound to see how their lives end whether he likes it or not. Especially with someone like Faye who goes after dangers. But then again, relationships, connections are one of few things that he can't control. It comes and goes regardless of one's intention.] I'm not gonna take back what I've said. I just don't do that. Nor am I going to apologize. And you're wrong, as always. It wasn't my decision. Well, more precisely, it wasn't my place to make that decision. We can't choose who we love. And for some weird reason, you have fallen inside my boundary. So I'm going to get you home, wherever it chose to be yours. [He raises a brow as he moves her arm to sling it around his shoulder. He takes the weight, helps her up to her feet again. Listening to her, Ben is, rare as it is, quiet for a while.] If the answer you're hoping for is that everything's gonna be okay, I can't give you that. It won't. Not everything. Things always happen, Faye, and you know that. I'm sorry but I'm a psychic. I can't lie. [He rolls the eyes in a joking way.] Well, you can always run. But you won't because you care. We both know that as well.

[arianna-carrington-blog]

Biting down on her lip, Anna’s head moves over to the side and she lets out a light sigh. With her brain running on overdrive, she was becoming more of the computer than the ‘human’ in her. She was sure that it would take a lot of work for Mister Waylight to even try to dig through her daydreams to see what she was thinking right now. “Suggestion is appreciated.” Closing her eyes, she nodded her head and let out another sigh. “I’m sorry I have the dire need to make friends, Mister Waylight. I don’t know how you do it - being alone is too lonely.” Shaking her head, she presses her lips together and gives him a steady look. Her tone is also flat and she releases her knees from the bench and places them on the floor. “Why don’t you rest, then?”

[waylight-ben]

Appreciation accepted. [He replies in same tone as hers, taking a seat next to her, fingers laced and placed between the legs, back leaned forward. He takes some time to answer, and lets out a wry chuckle.] You really don't wanna know... [He doesn't look at her even though she is kind of staring at him. In every way, Ben is on his edge just like her. His mistake and regret catching up with him, finding Zoe alive, gave him a lot to think about. He even doubted himself, which he rarely does. Along with that, he has been torturing people in their endless nightmares, which required a lot of energy. No wonder why he is how he is.] Because I can't. No rest for the wicked. You asked me about my dreams, once, Ms. Carrington. Well, I lied back then. I don't have one. The irony of the dreamwalkers. Full control over my dream means I get a sandbox, not a real town. Because my dream can be anything, it can only be nothing. [He speaks in the calm way as if he is speaking about someone else but himself. It's most of everything he talks about, himself. But the truth is that Benjamin Wainwright does not have himself except his ego. He has always known that. He just didn't want to admit it.] I'm usually the one with the answers, not the questions, but I'm going to make an exception and ask you. Because you care. And apparently, at some point of future I become like that. Caring. But I'm not there yet and I wonder, how do you care, and why? Why bother? The meaning of life we seek is just what we give arbitrarily to ourselves so that we won't end our insignificant life right away. And people, we are just animals who are better at controlling their urges and desires than the others with relatively advanced intelligence. It is surely entertaining to watch them, but I find it hard to care about them. So, how the hell do you care for them?