“B-Blood…!” Theo gasped and suddenly fell into a coughing fit, the dryness in his throat taking its toll. The image of a blood-matted hair and a floor drenched in black stains flashed within his mind. He swallowed as his eyes flickered to the discarded t-shirts and jackets scattered around thin carpet, to the barren shelves that hung on the walls. The only source of light was the digital clock flashing a red 7:30 AM across the screen, and the morning light edging its way at the gaps in the blinds. Hesitantly, the young man tugged at the scarf around his neck, loosening the fabric tangled with sweat.

There was no smiling man dressed in a robe or a rigged boy with brown hair within his sight. No frantic rage filling the silence or the smell of old blood stuffing the room. 

Nothing was out of place. 

[i]That dream… Too weird.[/i] Theo sighed and plopped back into bed. It was way too weird. He had dreams. Dreams he could not remember, those that was forgotten as soon as they appeared. However, this vision – this fantasy – was something he could clearly recall for the first time. Never before could he stare at the people inside his dreams, taking note of the emotions twisting the boy’s face or the pale complexion of a corpse. That man… That man was smiling; it was a smile no matter how small. Just what was that whole thing about anyway? The girl was dead, but the boy was still willing to play. [i]The endgame must've been worth something.[/i]

Theo stared at the ceiling, pulling the pillow over his head and the covers over his body. He was going back to sleep. He would be damned if he couldn’t after a rough night like that. Not only did he have practice today, but a two mid-term tests and a try-out at the end of the week. It didn’t help that he had to stay up for his brothers’ football game last night. Slowly, he closed his eyes.

“THEOOOOOOOOO!”

[i]Dammit…[/i] At the sound of his name, Theo groaned as he turned to his side, the blankets forming a protective shell, as a pair of heavy footsteps approached his door. 

 “Theo! Get up!” There was someone at his door already. A deep feminine voice pounded through the wood like a massive jackhammer. “We’re late!”

“…Five more minutes…” Theo grumbled softly, burying himself further into the comfort of his bed. 
 
“No, we got to go!”

“Go away…” 

“We’re going [i]now[/i]!”

As the person at his door quickly walked away, Theo let out a breath of relief. However, just as he was about to sleep once again, the alarm suddenly blared alive. It was nothing more than a muffle beneath his pillow, but it was still enough to wreck him wide awake once again. He peered at the clock. It was eight in the morning. There was only ten minutes before the first bell.

As much as he wanted to tear the clock’s batteries out, there was an enemy with a bucket of cold water coming its way. Mustering his strength, he pushed himself up and shoved the mass of blankets to the side before stumbling his way to the door. Along the way, he almost tripped on the clothes hazardously tossed around on the carpet. A vest, a shirt, and a pair of jeans were picked up as he stuffed his bag with textbooks, wrinkled essays, and worn notebooks. With a quick glance at the clock once more, he cursed beneath his breath as he saw it was fifteen minutes pass eight. He quickly grabbed the rest of his things and tossed his gymnastic grips into the back pockets.

“I’m up already!” He called out calmly as he left his bedroom, passing by the twins who were each holding a bucket of ice water. They groaned in frustration. He shot them a look, briefly wondering what would've happen if he didn't get up in time. With a disgruntled shrug, Theo shut the bathroom door.

After one quick shower later, Theo entered the kitchen; his hair was too messy to be dealt with so it was left alone. The shower made him considerably better at a long night of perspiration and... well... blood. The kitchen was nearly empty except for the disgruntled sister at the table. Both of his parents were already out at work while the twins still had time before their afternoon class. The counters looked empty as well but, luckily, some coffee remained in the pot as plates of sandwiches were placed next to it.

“Good, you’re here. It’s about time,” his sister huffed, standing from her seat and grabbing the back of his shirt just as he was in reach of the sandwiches. 

“Wait!" Theo held up his hands in defense. He glanced at the food forlornly. "The plate--”

“Eat when we get there!” A cup of coffee and a sandwich were shoved into his hands. Before Theo could so much as utter a word, he grabbed the entire plate of sandwiches and was already dragged out the door.