Breaking the Code

For Hacker

Guyysssss! This is 50 parts!! Ok yes a few of those are announcements from me but still!! Real question. Should I turn this into multiple books? I mean we're over 60000 words in with no foreseeable end in sight. I'd love to read your thoughts on this. Enjoy please! Loves!!

Sang

I woke up slowly to the smell of coffee. With a deep breath I started to climb out of bed when I remembered where I was. Looking around I found I was alone in Corey's room. Well if they were going to leave me alone then there's no reason I can't have a look around. Right?

His walls looked like a chalkboard and that idea was reinforced by the equations lining the room in different areas. I was running through the math on one of his walls when the door opened. Picking up the chalk piece closest to me I made an alteration to one of the equations.

"Whatcha doin'?" I'm focused on fixing this equation and just keep writing. He'll figure it out. "You know he's been working on that for months." I hum in acknowledgment noting that my throat already feels better. The tea last night helped more than I thought. After a few more strokes I go through and alter the new information. Stepping back I smile slightly. There, much better.

"He was missing the last line of the summation at the beginning and had a five in the exponent instead of a two here." My voice comes out in a harsh whisper but it still comes out! I start to look at the other walls when someone hands me a mug. Mmm coffee! I take a small sip and audibly moan. Best coffee ever! I look up to see who the amazingness was that came bearing heaven in a cup.

A set of heterochromic, mismatched eyes look back at me slightly glazed. "Best. Coffee. Ever." Marc's ears flame red and he avoids my eyes with a shrug. With an eye roll I look at the clock. Damn, I have to get ready for school. Shit! How am I getting to school?

"If it's okay with you, I'll drive you to the school. We don't want to cause problems by you getting there with Corey." Not gonna lie, that thing he does is getting a bit creepy. Can you hear my thoughts? I focus those words in my mind in his direction but Marc doesn't even blink so it must not be the case.

"Works for me. As long as I can take more of this delight."

His ears flame to life again and leaks slightly to his cheeks. Adorable. "Sure, it's really not that great though." With a silent scoff I down the rest of my cup and go to walk past him. Pausing I grab Marc's arm. He looks me in the eye with a small amount of concern.

"Thank you. For yesterday and for right now." Marc mumbles out a response that sounds vaguely like 'It's fine' but I can't be sure. My bag is still sitting on the couch so I'm able to grab my clothes and change easily. The bandages make moving more difficult than it would otherwise be but I don't want to take them off yet. Thankfully, Marc grabbed a long sleeve tee and jeans so I don't have to worry about any questions.

When I exit the bathroom after getting ready Marc is standing in the living room with a breakfast sandwich and a travel mug of coffee. "I was told you have to take a tea bag with you to school for later. Doctor's orders." I scrunch my nose up at that before nodding in defeat. It better be good tea. I follow Marc back to the kitchen munching on the sandwich he gave me to look at the tea selection.

Tears sting the back of my eyes as I look at the enormous section of tea. Chamomile, Herbal, Ginger, Green, English Breakfast, Sleepytime, Lavender and so many more. I'm just glad to not see Earl Grey. That stuff is just plain gross and I will die on this hill. I was thrilled when Crawler agreed with me so many years ago. The sight that triggered the burning in my eyes though is the small box on the side. It's in a plain box with just a few words written across. 'For Hacker, when I find her.'

I hesitantly grab the box and open it. With a deep breath I smell the overwhelming scent of Chamomile. The two bags are labeled 'Wild Chamomile'. I can't believe he remembered. I only mentioned it once and it was only in passing.

*Six Years Ago*

CRAWLERRRRRRRR. I'm bored! I'm out of projects help please. I got to try a bunch of teas at school today and can I just say WOW! I really wanted to try the wild chamomile but they ran out before I could. I can't seem to find it within a decent distance from my house either. Either way the tea is amazing. Best part of the day (well, except talking to you of course). We got to bring a few different ones home so I've been trying them slowly. I just have to be careful so no one finds them. What's your favorite way to start the morning? Oh! I almost forgot. I figured out how you can finish that program you're working on. Try moving the ALPHA command into the BETA position and then take your first three lines to the inverted position. This should work but who knows. In all seriousness though how are you and B holding up? I know it's been hard ever since May. I'm here for you DC.

Signing off for now,

DyingHacker

I shake my head to clear the memories before placing the box back and grabbing one of the lavender teas. I've read it's good for your throat. I stick the tea in my bag before turning and facing Marc. He has a slightly worried look on his face and I have to wonder how long I was spaced out.

Marc doesn't ask anything about my moment. When we pull up to the school I hand him the now empty travel mug. "Thank you." Reaching over I grasp his hand for a moment before getting out of the vehicle. As I shut the door he mumbles out a 'welcome' with his ears flaming red. Seriously adorable.

As soon as I can I make a dash to Wil's and my meeting spot. After being gone yesterday I know I'll have a full day dealing with idiots and assholes. Wil is standing there waiting for me as I rush up. He hands me a folder full of different reports he wrote up. Great. Flipping through them I feel my anger rise exponentially. He couldn't have taken care of anything for me?!

"We need to talk."

"Yeah, I think we do. What the fuck is this?! You couldn't have taken care of any of it? I mean some of these are things I always have you deal with!" My voice gives out on the last word and I know I pushed it too far too soon. Damnit! I fucking hate this!

"We need to talk."

With a glare I force my throat to choke out a few words. "Not right now. I have shit to deal with." Before he can respond I spin on my heel and march off. I can deal with the easy shit this morning and take care of the rest during last period. Hendricks placed me in a study hall instead of coding so it doesn't affect me in the slightest to miss it.