Whether it was the dark, or exhaustion, Sebastian couldn't tell. It had been days-hell, probably even weeks, since he'd last slept; but something had kept him going. He had convinced himself it was adrenalin, or perhaps the need to find his partners; but deep down inside he knew. The reason he couldn't spare even a second, was because of.."Ruvik".

The psycho's name put a bad taste in the detective's mouth. Every encounter with him had been...exerting, to say the least; so why was the detective in the mad-man's home? Right-because he had followed Leslie, had to protect the fragile minded boy; even if that meant losing himself. "Dammit, why couldn't he just stick by me?" This was a question Sebastian had asked himself numerous times; the answer never became any clearer. The only clarity he received, was knowing that Ruvik hadn't found him yet;he was still safe. However, there was that constant pulse-the one that signaled his arrival. Perhaps he should give up-allow himself to be destroyed; it was certainly better then this endless hell.

"That is..the weak way out, I had thought your mind was capable of less..trivial thoughts". That horrifying voice sounded from above where Sebastian stood. How had he missed the signal? Right-he was to lost in his own dismal thoughts. "If that is what you want, I could pop you like a water balloon". Before there was time to react, the presence was in-front of him; ice cold eyes piercing his own. "It would be easy to dismantle you, Seb". The once fond nick-name, now held no warmth behind it. It wasn't the same, unless his partner was the one saying it. "My partner is the only one with privilege to call me that". He knew it wasn't wise to upset this monster, but sounding defiant and hateful, was a habit.

"Yes...your partner, Joseph-how is he by the way?" There was a scornful smirk on his charred lips, it made Sebastian want to vomit. "I'm not offering you the satisfaction of getting under my skin". Silence fell between them; cold dead eyes, searching living ones for something. Then, as if light had shown through the foyer, something sparked in Ruvik's eyes. "I know not only how to get under your skin; but also how to wear it, like a coat". The last word was said with such malice, that Sebastian hadn't registered what happened next.

Barbed wire had wormed its way through the tile, and snaked itself around Sebastian's legs. Each struggle rose it higher, every breath wound it tighter. Crimson was quickly becoming his new clothes color. "You forget, Seb- I know how to work the brain in my favor". Ruvik raised his hand and extended two fingers toward Sebastian's forehead. The detectives struggles were in vain, so he went ridged and stared his doom in the face. However, his death suddenly wasn't staring at him anymore. Ruvik had done something to his brain, for now, Joseph was standing before him. "Jo..seph?" He stared in disbelief, not sure if he had finally gone crazy, or this was some fucked up mind game. "Can you feel it? I'm already squirming through your veins." A gloved hand gripped Sebastian's jaw and cold eyes stared back at him. This wasn't-"Let's see how long your mind can hold out".