Ben POV-------------------------------------------------

My eyes immersed themselves within Phobus'. The flames inside his dancing almost seductively, luring me in like a fish swimming towards its bait. Knowing not that it was either food to feed itself and be content or a trick from a hungry fisherman.

The tingling in my body began right after. It began as a small shaking of my hands but turned into a roaring heat that engulfed my entire body, breath hitching in my throat as neither Phobus nor I looked away. I couldn't bring myself to. Phobus was just too...stunning.

"Ahem!", I heard my Mistress clear her throat, and that seemed to break the spell. I suddenly realized that I had gotten much closer to Phobus, chests almost touching. I took a large step back, separating us. Just as I did, the heat I had been feeling before lifted and an icy embrace held me in place. I stared down at my feet, not daring to look up into Phobus's eyes entrancing eyes once again.

"I better go. Dinner won't make itself!", I heard Mistress chirp cheerfully. My eyes widened in response. Mistress rarely cooked, if only for special holidays. I turned to her and she gave me a wink before disappearing into the kitchen, leaving Phobus and me alone with an awkward atmosphere hanging above our heads.

I knew I had to try to explain myself, but for an unknown reason, my mouth would not open. I felt so embarrassed by my train of thought and the proximity we had been in. It was too much and what I wanted to say seemed to jumble inside my head so drastically that it didn't seem to fit into words.

Phobus then coughed and I raised my eyes to his.

"Um, listen. I-", Phobus began but three consecutive rings from my phone drowned out what he was beginning to say. I smiled meekly and quickly retrieved my phone from my pocket, reading the caller ID and nearly choking.

It was Lua!

I excused myself for a moment and flew up the stairs into my room in a rush to gain some privacy.

"Hello?" I answered the phone.

"Hello, is this Ben?" I could hear Lua's cautious voice, making me chuckle.

"Yes, this is Ben. Who do I have the pleasure of talking to?" I questioned, clearly knowing the answer but still wanting to tease her a bit.

"It's Lua, you big oaf. Stop trying to tease me. I know you have my number, but I just wanted to make sure yours was real."

I smiled. She was goofy. I liked that about her. "Sorry, Lu. I was just playing around. Also; how can you not have my number when I've texted you before?"

Lu laughed into the mic, causing me to cringe a bit due to my sensitive auditory senses. " You would be surprised how many people have changed their numbers when talking to me."

"I wouldn't do that Lu, I-"

"Yeah, I know. Just...had to make sure, y' know?" She interrupted me. I smiled sadly. The previous event with Phobus completely erased itself from my mind, thoughts about Lua quickly populating the empty area. I guess she had been through a lot.

"Yeah, I know, " I answered back, in an understanding tone.

"But anyway; that's not why I called. I called you because my birthday is in a week. So, I was wondering if we could hang out or something, you know? Since I was promised a gift if I recall correctly." Lu laughed, but I could feel the blood drain from my face.

I had forgotten I was supposed to give her gift to her!

"Uh, yeah! We can definitely hang out! In a week! Together! Um, where would you like to go?" I uttered nervously, my brain starting to malfunction.

"Oh, don't worry. My mom has been planning my 21st birthday since forever, so I'll give you the details later, ok?"

"Ok, I'll be sure to be there! With your gift! Damn, is that my Mistress calling? I had better check if she needs my assistance. Bye!" I sputtered and I could just hear her start to ask what I meant by Mistress when I smashed my finger at the screen, instantly denting it and sparks flying everywhere.

I sighed heavily once everything had calmed down and the bedsheets were no longer starting to smoke. That was terrible. I was terrible. I was a mess.

I could already imagine how the deliverance of the gift would lead to travesty and an awful night for Lu and me. I placed my hands on my face and moaned out of displeasure. I was so screwed!

A small knock at my door alerted me, startling me from my self-grievance and the gruff voice of Mourner, although muffled, notified me that dinner was ready.

I thanked Mourner and shot up from my bed as my stomach growled in hunger. I exited my room, my mind in an upset state, influencing the frown on my face and the scowl forming. Maybe the food would help ease my mind, and now that college was over, I could focus on some hobbies that I haven't done in a while.

Hell, I could probably create something for Lu to accompany the gift I grabbed for her from Athens. I was told I was very creative and talented in the Arts.

I decided then, as I was making my way into the kitchen, that I would create something romantic. Something to show Lu that I cared about her. After all, it would be a confession of love.

Unfortunately, my mind told me otherwise. As I stood in the doorway, openly staring at Phobus as he was standing next to my Mistress while she showed him what she was cooking, watching as he gaped at the food preparation in awe, I could feel the scowl dissipate and be replaced by a small, content smile.

His long hair, resting on his back, shone a strange glow and his fiery eyes were bright with excitement. I glanced to the side and caught my gaze with Mourner's as he gave me an approving smile.

I blushed furiously and took a seat at the table quickly, on the opposite side from Mourner.

I couldn't really tell if it had happened, but when I saw the look on Phobus' eyes, I could feel something in my heart begin to open once more. Something akin to the feelings I had with my caretaker. They were feelings I'd promised myself I wouldn't feel ever again towards anyone.

I knew part of it was trust, but an even more intense feeling had come to be. Something warm. It was an emotion that seemed to make my heart feel...alive.