Day 3, September 18
"Rain"
*Crying / Nightmares

C/W: Mentions of hanging.

-

Outside, the rain poured heavy. The force abused the ground, the roof, and those foolish enough to remain in it. Of course, it's a force of nature so strong it can wipe out civilizations. A petrifying world it is.

Benjamin sat on the corner of his bed, trying to block any thought from his mind- any fragment of a nightmare. It felt appropriate to use the rain as some cover-up. Yet, over and over, the terror of his mind played what he didn't wish to see.

-

He stood there, staring at a wooden structure, eyes so concentrated on the hanging rope that it hurt. The gallows whispered the name of who it desired, but Benjamin couldn't find the words.

Who could it possibly be?

He took a step forward, legs devoured by the mud. He grunted, fighting to free himself from the murky mess. And once he had, he stumbled forward, catching himself against the steps. His eyes traced them with caution, knowing where they led.

They led to what was undoubtedly a call to death.

He took a step up, then moved to the next and the final. He rested atop, now in full view of the noose. There was a heavy silence from all around, and he turned to face the crowd.

All figures were faceless but dressed in military slack. Ben's breath hitched as each figure talked amongst themselves. He couldn't make out a single word amongst the reds and blues, but a feeling from deep inside told him something was going to happen.

The executioner stepped onto the wooden deck, phasing seemingly right through Benjamin. The young brunette held his breath as he observed.

"Today, we bring you a criminal. Facing trial and judgment, we found unyielding proof that the man, Nathan Hale, has participated- and most certainly obliged to spy work. It is underneath the order of our king that we gather this execution. Nathan Hale is condemned to spying, treason, and undoubtedly a victim of war. His sentence is death."

Benjamin's breath hitched as he stared at a familiar man stepping from the wooded area. It was Nate. His beloved Nathan.

The man stepped with little remorse and unquestionably a lot less fear.

Ben's expression shifted to distraught as the man approached closer, and he could vividly see the bag around Nate's head. This form of punishment is unjust. Nate hadn't done anything wrong!

-

A rumble of thunder cut Benjamin's thoughts off. Of course, it was a good thing. Ben had already started crying again.

He reached slowly to wipe the tears away and glanced helplessly to the door. Nathan was in the room over. Alive and well. Yet, Benjamin sat here, pondering a nightmare that meant nothing.

He took a deep breath, hurriedly wiping the tears away.

-

Nathan had been dropped, kicking his legs, struggling in his restraints; all actions were in vain. He couldn't find footing, and he was suffocating.

Benjamin screamed, covering his mouth. It was petrifying seeing the way he fought for life. He wanted to reach forward and find some way to help, yet he remained glued to his position. The nightmare coerced him to stare helplessly at his dying lover.

"Nate..."

-

Another loud crash, and this time, Benjamin yelped. He looked towards the window, seeing nothing but rain pounding against it.

So, he got up slowly, brushing past the doorway. He moved to the other end of the hall, knocking softly. '

A sleepy-headed Nate came stumbling out, glancing up at his lover. "Benny...?"

Benjamin embraced the man tightly. "I had one of the worst nightmares of my time. I lost you, Nate."

Nathan's eyes widened, and he wrapped his arms around Benjamin's shoulders. He could feel the shakes wracking through the man's body; and the soft sobs that managed past his lips. He honestly was petrified.

"Oh, Ben... my love, you won't lose me."

"I know, but those dreams make it seem so clear that I may."

Nathan sighed, pulling back from the hug, holding Ben's hands tightly. "Come lay down with me. Maybe that'll help you calm down."

Ben nodded slowly, allowing Nathan to lead him towards the bed. He sat down, folding his hands over his lap. Yet, he only found the strength to stare at the floor, his eyes burning. "I don't understand why I'd ever dream something so vile."

Nathan sat nearby, rubbing the man's shoulder. "What did you see?"

Ben looked up slowly, meeting Nathan's eyes. "An execution."

The blond fell into silence as he stared at Benjamin. Nathan has had similar dreams of himself, and with rising tensions, he wasn't sure if it was prophecy or nothing. 

No matter, he brushed some hair from Ben's face, pressing a kiss to his forehead. "You won't lose me in such a manner."

"And if I do?"

"Well, I suppose only fate can answer that question, Benny."

Ben's shoulders dropped, and he slowly snaked his arms around Nathan's waist, burying his face into the blond's chest. "I don't want to lose you."

Nathan sighed, running his fingers through Benjamin's messy locks. "And you won't. Not yet."

Benjamin calmed a bit, looking up at Nathan. He offered a weak smile, pressing a soft kiss to his chin. "If I can, I'd like to keep you in my arms forever."

"Well, you can keep me in your arms for tonight," Nathan chirped, "we have work to do tomorrow." 

Ben sighed, moving to lie down. Nate joined him, wrapping his arms around the man's chest. He pressed butterfly kisses around Ben's face, smiling warmly. 

Ben couldn't help to return the expression. His lover is much too kind. "I defy the stars," he remarked off-handedly.

"Romeo and Juliet?"

Ben nodded, kissing Nate's cheek. "Would you like to go over the script?"

"Let's see if I can recall how it goes." Nathan cleared his throat, turning to stare at the ceiling. "From forth the fatal loins of these two foes- A pair of star-cross'd lovers take their life... Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Do with their death bury their parents' strife."

"What must be shall be."

"If he be married my grave is like to be my wedding bed."

"O, I am Fortune's fool!"

"Go wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast."

"I must be gone and live, or stay and die."

"For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo."

The two chuckled softly, shaking their heads. Frequently they would quote the tragedy, but they had fun doing so. That was no more than the opening prologue. 

Benjamin brushed a hand through Nathan's hair, running it over his jaw. "Thank you."

"For?"

"Everything, my dear."

Nathan smiled, pressing a kiss to Benjamin's nose. "I would do it a million times more if I must."

"I know, and that is why I love you so much."

"I love you too, my dearest, more than you'd imagine."