Chapter Text
"Is it just me, or... or do you feel like we're being watched?" Martyn asked as he glanced around the coffee shop.
"It's because we are." Owen replied casually.
"Wh-what?!"
"Quiet." Owen paid not much attention as he continued texting Louis.
Oh how he wished Louis wasn't busy working all Spring Break. Sure, he was coming back to New York for Summer, but being away from Louis at all felt as bad as him being dead. Owen was supportive of Louis wanting to go to a university in a different state, but God he missed him every day. Texting and calling him every day wasn't enough.
"Oi. What did you mean?" Martyn grabbed Owen's arm.
Owen debated biting Martyn's arm off before sighing and putting his phone in his pocket. Might as well deal with this now, anyway.
"For the past couple days, I've noticed someone watching us around campus. She just writes in her notepad and stares." Owen muttered before looking directly at the person.
She was trying to hide behind the obnoxiously giant potted plant by one of the booths, but he saw her eyes widen when they made eye contact. Owen saw her glance at the door like she was about to leave.
Owen and Martyn immediately ran after her, leaving half finished drinks and hastily grabbing their textbooks and laptops for class. (Owen didn't mind studying with Martyn. Ren and Legundo would tell him to get off his phone and finish the homework first, and Pyro tended to mutter loudly when reading. But Martyn was tolerable.)
The girl looked surpised as Martyn and Owen sat by her at the booth.
"Right... So why are you stalking us?" Martyn asked.
"Stalking? You got the wrong idea. I- Oh God, this is so awkward..." She looked away in embarrassment.
"Then explain." Owen frowned.
"I mean, it's confidential... Look, I apologise. My name is Drift. I'm a detective, and I'm working on a case right now. I didn't mean to scare you but- my friend mentioned something about a Pyro that was drunk and flirting with him at the bar? I just was worried for Scott, and thought my investigation of the campus was a good chance to check out what's going on." Drift explained.
Owen vividly remembered Pyro flirting with Scott, but that only happened once. They still go, but Pyro's too embarrassed to even look at the bartender now. Owen found this crush to be ludicrous and not anything worthy worrying about. After all he also noticed how Pyro seemed to be somewhat scared of the man, since the one time Scott tapped on Pyro's shoulder to get his attention they genuinely jumped and yelped in terror. Owen had to help Pyro try to breathe normally and not have a panic attack for the rest of the week.
"Oh... Is that why your hair is also white? Did you both dye your hair to match Scott?" Martyn inquired.
"Pretty much. Scott's got style and I've taken my fair share of his clothes from his wardrobe." Drift shrugged.
"I see... well, I would appreciate for you to focus on your detective work instead of stalking us. Pyro's harmless."
Drift's mouth twisted slightly at that, like she was going to disagree, but she gave Owen a nod.
"That's fair to ask. But, if you see me on campus, then know it's because I'm doing my job. Or seeing my girlfriend, if she decides she wants to go here." Drift smiled.
"I see... so what case are you working on anyways? I mean, how am I supposed to believe that you're a detective if you don't give any proof?" Martyn's brows furrowed.
"It's classified, so nope. You're not getting anything out from me." Drift chuckled as tap her pen against the table.
"I mean it's probably something do with that student that got attacked the other day. Remember the claw marks on the the Lab 1 door at the Science building?" Owen pointed out.
"Oh yeahhh. Elaina said it was a monster but I didn't think she was serious." Martyn shrugged.
Owen watched as Drift held her pen with a tense grip before sighing.
"Well, I need to get going. It was nice meeting you, Martyn and Owen. See ya."
They watched Drift leave before frowning at each other.
"That was really weird." Martyn crossed his arms.
"Perhaps it's good that we won't be here in New York next week with a 'Detective' around. Where is it are we going again?" Owen questioned.
"Oakhurst. The documentary for Ren's assignment is going to be so good if we get actual footage of the place where M got inspiration for his books post-Twilight." Martyn grinned.
Owen brushed off any unease he felt to roll his eyes.
"How thrilling." Owen remarked sarcastically.