Tags and warnings that will come into play as the story progresses:
Emotional/Psychological Abuse, Stockholm Syndrome, Rape/Non-con, Suicide Attempt, Drugs, Character Death, Threesome, Incest, Minor OC
Matthew sat at the table looking over the script that he'd pulled from his messenger bag, he mouthed the words and tried to imagine how he might react in the situation: the role of a victim of an abusive relationship. His theatre instructor Professor Bonnefoy had criticized Matthew's performance.
"Matthew" he had remarked, "you have to convey more emotion, more passion, more commitment to the role! If you cannot be believable, there is no way that you will be cast as the lead."
Matthew sighed as he rested his cheek in his palm and looked down into his tea, unconsciously mixing it with his spoon. He wanted nothing more than to be cast as the lead in this play, specifically because it was so outside of his comfort zone. Talent scouts and directors would be coming to see this, so it had to be him. After a year of hell primarily from the death of his brother and his parents' divorce, he deserved this little bit of happiness and satisfaction. He quickly looked around at all of the booths filled up with couples and friends chatting together and laughing, and then back to the empty chairs at his own table. Sure, he had some friends but they could never have been as close to him as he and Alfred were.
A Russian man in a dark suit walked it to the sound of a small, cheery bell and looked around for an empty seat and upon finding none he sighed and walked to the counter of the small café. He caught the cashier's attention and, after going through the overhead menu, he ordered a black tea and a slice of maple cake off of the list of specials to satisfy his sudden sweet tooth. The young women greeted him happily and rushed off to get his order. He glanced around and to his dismay no seats opened up but he did notice that there were a couple of seats next to a honey blond. He turned back around and paid at the prompting of the brunette and grabbed his things with a small "Thank you." He quickly found the blond again and headed towards him, stopping next to the table and speaking up when he noticed that the younger man was distracted "Excuse me…do you mind if I sit with you?" Ivan asked.
Matthew was quickly pulled out his own selfish thoughts when he heard a man's voice as smooth as silk that carried a Russian accent. He looked up from the table to see a tall, sharply dressed man towering above him, gesturing to an empty chair on the opposite side of the table. "Oh—um sure—go ahead!" Matthew cleared his throat nervously as he realized that he was practically falling all over himself with his speech, a problem that was often illuminated whenever he met strangers. He turned his glance anxiously, heart pounding in his small chest as he heard the man pull out the chair and take a seat. He could feel the Russian's mysterious gaze on him and that made a hot, red, warmth creep subtly over his cheeks.
Ivan chuckled, a deep sound accented by a light-hearted "Thank you" as Ivan sat down across from the flustered man. "My name is Ivan Braginsky" he said extending his hand for the other to take. He took in the other's appearance as he spoke and noticed the signs of an artist, much like himself. The casual style, mix of colours, and ease of self, 'Though…' Ivan thought 'this one seems to have a bit of trouble with new people…and…hm' Ivan glanced at the packet of papers 'either a small novel or…a script? I might have stumbled upon something interesting…' he cut the thought short as the lavender-eyed man started to respond.
"Matthew Williams," The blond replied, timidly shaking Ivan's hand, whose grip was incredibly firm and warm. Matthew smiled politely saying "Nice to meet you, Mr. Braginsky." He found himself in a small trance as he locked eyes with the Russian. The man had the most alluring irises, they were the most enchanting shade of lavender, and it was as if they were looking right through Matthew, which caused him to end the handshake and look away. "So, are you from around here?" He asked, hoping he didn't insult the man in regards to his thick accent.
Ivan smiled "I'm from Russian, and you?" he asked, following polite conversation but also noticing that when the other didn't hesitate or stutter, he too had a bit of an accent. He folded his hands in front of him and noticed that in relation to his other hand, the younger's hand was much smaller and smoother. 'Either just starting out as a writer or an actor…unless…no, clothes are too clean to work with paint…"
"Well, I was born in France and then we moved and I lived in Canada for most of my life…" Matthew trailed off, noting the man's emotionless expression; he hoped he wasn't boring the Russian. "I recently moved to New York after I left my parents" Matthew stopped, not wanting to give too many details of his personal life to a common stranger… although there was nothing particularly common about the other. From his dark suit to his speaking, he was quite distinguished "I guess I just wanted a new start, y'know?"
Ivan nodded "I understand that feeling…" he responded and took a bite of the cake he had temporarily forgotten about in lieu of learning more about the bright-eyed man. He waited a minute and drank some of the dark, cooling liquid from the monochrome-patterned cup before speaking again. "If you don't mind me asking, why did you leave your parents?" he smiled "and if you do mind then what kind of occupation do you have to leave you sighing in a corner with a stack of papers?" Ivan asked with a clever smile that held the slightest hint of a smirk.
"Um…" Matthew started quietly, struggling with which question he should answer "…It's a script that I'm trying to learn for my theatre major at University... and my parents are divorced. My mother has gone back to France and my father is in Canada. I felt bad that I had to leave because they are paying my tuition, but I just couldn't take the fighting anymore." Matthew looked up at the Russian, realizing what he had just said and if it had been too much. It was just that no one had ever taken such an interest in him…or was Ivan interested? It was hard to read his expression.
Ivan's eyebrows raised a bit in surprise at the story but was pleased that the other was willing to share such information "That's an unfortunately common story but it means that you are a strong person to be able go through that and still continue with schooling." Ivan saw the look he was getting and sat back a bit to give him a bit more space "I'm sorry if I'm prying but you are not the kind of person I typically see here."
"Oh, no not all! I—you come here often?" Matthew asked, surprised. This shop was a usual hang out spot for him but he had never seen Ivan here before. 'Perhaps I am just inattentive?' he thought to himself.
Ivan nodded "I stop by from time-to-time though it is usually much later in the day but I had a craving for something sweet. I usually sit near the back…it's a bit quieter but it still offers a good view so that I can people watch…a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine" Ivan finished with a light chuckle before finishing the small slice cake.
"Oh, okay. That would explain why I haven't seen you before." An awkward silence then passed between the two, and Matthew began looking over his script again. "What do I do now?" he wondered to himself anxiously.
"Hm?" Ivan inquired softly, smiling when he realized that Matthew hadn't meant to speak out loud. "What are you working on?" he asked seeing a bit of the frustration he must have been feeling through the expression the younger was wearing.
Matthew looked up, startled by the sudden realization that he had in fact been speaking out loud, and Ivan had heard him "I'm just going over some lines for this play. It sounds good in my head, but it's kind of difficult to critique myself." He sighed "I really want this role."
"I'm not familiar with acting but if you would like I might be able to help" Ivan offered "what is the part you are trying to get?"
Matthew hesitantly slid the stack of stapled pages across the table to the Russian, who picked up the packet and flip through the pages curiously. "If I get the role it will be as the victim of an abusive relationship" he replied, and then took a sip of his tea.
Ivan flipped through and read some of the lines on a few of the pages "That's a very interesting role…if you don't mind me asking, is there a particular reason for the choice?" he asked cautiously, knowing that he could be treading into delicate territory with someone he had never met.
"Well, it's…not really something that I'm used to, and, I was told that the only way to get anywhere in the acting world is to take risks and get away from roles that you are comfortable with. I couldn't be more uncomfortable with domestic abuse" Matthew explained, trying to make light of the situation. He found himself working incredibly hard not to insult the man, although something told him that Ivan was not so easily shaken.
"It's certainly a challenging role to write, let alone convincingly perform but one of my books might be able to help if you can visualize actions. I have written such a relationship once before and the book seems to be doing fairly well so I seem to have done well with it" Ivan said with a chuckle. "I can bring it here tomorrow unless you would rather have it sooner."
"Really? That would be great!" Matthew's eyes brightened at Ivan's words. He jumped at the chance, without even looking over the edge to see how deep or how cold the water was. "I would like to have it as soon as I can—or whenever it's convenient for you" he responded quickly. "Are you sure you wouldn't mind me borrowing it?"
Ivan laughed "I don't mind at all, especially with that enthusiasm. If you don't mind riding in my car to my house, it's about an hour away from here. I would understand if that bothers you, it's like something out of a horror novel" he said knowingly. 'Especially considering I'm a writer in the middle of the woods with a taste for the unusual' he thought to himself.
Matthew shrugged a bit and shook his head, "No, no, I'm fine with that" he said; a hint of hesitation in his voice, but only a hint. At this point it didn't matter how trustworthy Ivan seemed; this was the perfect tool to hone his acting abilities and he wasn't going to let anything get in the way of that; he wasn't going to disappoint anyone else ever again. With that thought, he finished his tea and put the script back into his bag "I really appreciate this, Mr. Braginsky."
"Please, feel free to call me Ivan" he replied as he finished his own tea, not commenting on the noticeable hesitation. Once they were both done they left their dishes for the waitress and exited together, heading towards the street where a sleek, black car was parked. As they got closer a noticeable red tint shown from the black paint and Ivan unlocked it "It's open" he said simply.
Matthew wondered if it was too late to just decline the offer and leave but, by the time he thought about this, the two were already driving away and the coffee shop disappeared from sight as Ivan's car cruised down the street. Matthew blinked, a bit shocked at himself. They were just outside of the car a few seconds ago it seemed. But it was far too late to turn back now. He tried to relax; easing himself down into the passenger's seat and adjusting his seat belt every now and again. He felt a bit calmer from the classical orchestral music playing on the radio; a soothing violin quartet.
"It's about an hour away so if you want me to change the music just ask" Ivan said, not taking his eyes off the narrow street lined with small shops and little restaurants. He didn't look over at Matthew but he could feel some of the tension radiating from him. 'The kid is a little absent-minded but he has some sense' Ivan mused 'he might actually benefit from a little more guidance despite the difficulty of the role…'
Matthew shook his head "No, it's fine; I like this type of music. Mr. Br—uh, Ivan, what kind of music do you like?"
Ivan thought for a moment "Well…I'm not adverse to any particular music but obviously I enjoy this" he said with a chuckle. "What about you?" he asked "what kind do you prefer?"
Matthew smiled "Actually I like rock music but my favorite kind is indie." He checked his phone for a text, although he was certain there wouldn't be one. It gave him something to do while he thought of what else to say to fill the silence. Suddenly, he heard a pitter of raindrops against the window, soft for a few minutes, and then a bit harder.
'Hm' Ivan thought absently 'I thought it wasn't supposed to storm until tonight…oh well.' Ivan glanced at Matthew before righting his gaze "Hopefully it will stop soon" he said casually, noting that the other seemed a bit uncomfortable with the silence.
"Heh, yeah…" Matthew replied quietly. He found himself getting very heavy-eyed at the steady rhythm of rain and the quiet music on the radio. He yawned softly before closing his eyes and resting his head against the window.
Ivan smiled as he heard the other yawn "Go ahead, there's still a ways left to drive…I'll wake you when we arrive…" he said, hearing the other mumble a response before he drifted off to sleep. He chuckled quietly thinking that it was unusually refreshing to find someone so innocent that they would trust someone they had known less than a couple of hours.
Matthew's quiet breathing added to the sounds inside the car as he slept, little strands of honey blond hair floating gingerly on the breeze of the air conditioning vent. The young man jumped suddenly as his phone lit up and buzzed noisily in the pocket of his jeans. "Hello? Hey, Gil. Yeah, I'm fine, I just left. I'm fine; I'm just working on the play. Haha, yeah I'll be there...don't be nervous, you'll do great! Ok, I'll see you soon. Bye." Click. Matthew put the phone back into his pocket and tried to reposition himself. Perhaps he should have told Gilbert about the Russian?
"Fellow actor?" Ivan asked as the edge of the forest came into view "Ah; only a few minutes longer…" he said lightly as he listened to the other shift to get comfortable again.
"No, a family friend" Matthew explained. "He used to go to NYU last semester but he is going to transfer to Julliard. He has an audition tomorrow to get into the music department and I want to be there to support him" he smiled genuinely.
"That's very kind of you" Ivan said with a smile "I wish him luck, it's not easy to get into that school but it will benefit him more if he is able to."
"Thank you" Matthew replied as Ivan pulled up to the iron gate. For the first time he noticed the strong change in scenery; the woods were dark and silhouettes of tall, gnarled trees with their hunched branches twisted together surrounded Ivan's house. The sun was beginning to set, hues of pink and orange bled through the blue of the sky. The young man noticed a cobblestone path littered with fallen autumn leaves. He waited until Ivan had opened his door to open the passenger's side. Even the air smelled different. Damp and crisp. No cigarette smoke or smog in his lungs, no loud sirens, or honking horns, or fluorescent street lights and shop signs. Just silence. Peace. It was beautiful.
"Welcome to my home…" Ivan said gesturing to the large house behind him and the accompanying cleared land around it "feel free to make yourself comfortable, it might take me a little while to find the book I mentioned earlier."
Matthew nodded and stood there for a moment looking around at Ivan's home. The walls were painted a dark candy apple red and a crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling in the hallway and in the dining room. "...You have a lovely home" he appreciated the Russian's grandiose, Victorian style. There were contemporary cityscape and landscape paintings on the walls, and a stack of books on every visible table and shelf.
"Thank you, that's very kind" Ivan said as he walked to his office where he usually kept the books he had written, if it wasn't in there, it would be in the library but the library was huge so he would rather wait to search that. "Is there anything you would like to eat or drink?"
"No, thank you" Matthew said modestly. His stomach groaned loudly just as he finished his sentence. He turned around as he heard Ivan's soft laughter behind him at the situation.
Ivan stifled his chuckle "Let me get you a snack at least, would you like a sandwich or something?"
"Um, a sandwich is fine. Thank you" Matthew replied, a bit embarrassed "so, did you buy this house or did you built it or…"
Ivan walked back towards Matthew and passed him to go to the kitchen "I bought the majority of it but there was a lot that needed to be rebuilt and since then I have added onto it." Ivan gathered what he needed, Matthew picking out what he wanted from the well-stocked fridge and started to prepare a simple sandwich.
"Oh" Matthew nodded, half of a tomato in his hand. He turned to Ivan "Ah… could you show me where you keep the knives?"
"Ah, they're in the drawer to your left and if you want something to drink, the cups are in the cabinet it." He explained as he finished though, seeing Matthew with the tomato, he left the sandwich in two parts so that the blond could do whatever he liked to finish it.
"Thank you" Matthew looked at the sharp, neatly placed kitchen utensils in the drawer. They were all organized according to size and, while admiring the Russian's order, he questioned why one man would need so many knives and cleavers? He chose a small knife and closed the drawer. "You must cook quite a bit for yourself? Everything's so… well kept" He said politely, cutting two thin slices of tomato and placing them on the turkey-covered bread. He retrieved a glass from the cabinet and filled it with milk from a carton that Ivan had placed on the counter top.
Ivan shot him a smile "Thank you, I do, I find it's much easier to work with if everything is organized and kept in good condition. I don't go out very often for food unless it's after a meeting. What about you? Do you cook for yourself or does the school provide?"
"Actually, that's one thing I really like about Julliard; the cafeteria is filled different types of food from various countries to compliment the wide range of students. They really do come from everywhere—Japan, Germany, Austria, Greece, Sweden, Finland—and man, you should see these people, they are so talented! …It's great to have such a diversity. I cook "French cuisine" Matthew stated, quite proud of his Parisian heritage and culture, "but Gilbert insists on cooking most of the time and always invites me over. Have you ever had Prussian food? It's pretty good, similar in flavor to a lot of German meals."
Ivan raised his brows a bit as he leaned again the counter "That's very impressive. I haven't had the pleasure of trying it but I have enjoyed a couple of German restaurants in town so I will take your word on the taste of Prussian food."
Matthew smiled and took a sip of milk from his glass before putting all of the kitchen supplies back. He felt a bit of sympathy for Ivan that he lived alone, but it didn't seem to bother the other. "Thank you so much for your hospitality. You must have a wonderful heart to invite a stranger into your home like this."
"Thank you but I could say the same, only a pure heart would trust a stranger as much as you trust me right now… not that I'm untrustworthy" he amended with a soft laugh. He glanced at Matthew with a calm smile when he remembered again about the book "You can leave the dishes on the counter if you like and I'll go back and try to find that book." Ivan walked off back to his study and picked up where he left off, moving stacks of books and searching through the small shelves of his works.
Matthew left the dishes there and stood conflicted for a moment, wondering whether he should help the man look or find a place to sit and wait. He decided on the latter. He walked into the living room and sat down on the couch gently, back erect and hands folded in his lap. He twiddled his thumbs anxiously as he heard shuffling from the study room "Would you like some help?" he asked.
"You are free to help if you would like" Ivan spoke back "I'm looking for the one titled Wilted Rose." He lifted another stack of books and flipped through it looking, he may have a clean house but that didn't mean his work was organized. He knew where most things were, especially those dealing with whatever his current project was but for older things it was rather difficult to place where what novel or reference would be.
"Ok, I'll see if I can help" Matthew stood up and walked into the study, wondering where such a book would be. "Wilted Rose, Wilted Rose..." he murmured as he thumbed through a full bookshelf in the corner. He knelt down when he found a small paperback book on the last shelf that was halfway out of the neat line of hardback books. He picked it up and immediately the cover caught his eye. At the top were the words "Wilted Rose" typed in white, monotype corsiva lettering. The illustration on the front of the novel was very different. It showed a woman with blond hair a few shades lighter than Matthew's, her blue eyes and red lips were wide with terror as a tall shadow loomed over her with a shape that looked like a vase in hand. There was a stain on the floor of water from the vase and a few morbid, withered, dark red roses under the figure's foot. Matthew could see that her legs were quite terribly bruised. "Ivan Braginsky" was printed at the bottom of the page in red cursive letters "I… found it." In his pursuit of the role, Matthew had forgotten how off putting domestic abuse was to him.
Ivan set down the books he was looking through and smiled at Matthew until he realized the uncomfortable look the other wore on his face "Are you alright?" he asked, unsure of what the problem was. It was one of his earlier works and not his greatest piece but…it wasn't that bad.
"Yeah! Sorry, I just—I guess I wasn't expecting the cover. It's very dark, but then again the subject is dark too" Matthew said apologetically.
"Ah. It's perfectly alright, I assure you but…" Ivan hesitated, wondering if he was speaking out when he shouldn't be "…if it bothers you that much perhaps the book…and the role…are not for you…"
"No, you don't understand—I have to have this role!" Matthew cried out, feeling flustered. "I'm not going to be some starving actor on the street! I might not like violence but I have to put myself out there so I can develop my skills… I didn't mean to get so squeamish over the cover, it was just surprising…" he explained passionately. "I will not give this up—especially not for something like a dark image! So I promise to respect your literary style. It really does mean a lot to me." He thought it was crucial that Ivan knew he was absolutely serious about this. It was no joke.
Ivan put his hands up to stop the flustered man "I understand. This means more to you than I thought it did, I apologize" he said gently "So for now, you can take the book and I hope you can benefit from it."
"Thank you so much" Matthew said gratefully. "When would you like me to bring it back?"
"You can return it whenever you are done unless you would like to keep it; I have plenty of copies" Ivan said helpfully.
After they talked for a little while, Matthew decided to return to campus and Ivan brought him back late in the night before returning to his own home. He ate a small dinner and went to sleep after cleaning up his study a bit. He thought of the cute blond that, despite his young age, had incredible dreams and ambitions. Ivan smirked; it made him want to step back and let the young man blossom but…at the same time…he wanted to keep him to himself. He chuckled to himself, 'I have sown the seeds of trust and if he wants to return he can.' He soon fell asleep and lost himself to the darkness of unconsciousness.
Matthew walked down the steps and into the theatre auditorium where productions were always held.
"Hey, Mattie!" called his Prussian friend from the stage, his guitar in hand.
Matthew waved subtly at the other, smiling encouragingly. The entire music department occupied the first few hundred rows so Matthew walked quickly to the front as the lights dimmed and the audience gave a courtesy clap to the future student.
The panel of judges asked Gilbert the song he would be performing. "Tonight, I'll be performing a cover of 'Hallelujah' in hopes of being accepted into Julliard University of Fine Arts."
There were quite a few snickers and judgmental glares from the audience, which made Matthew promptly whip his head around to stare daggers at them so that they would be quiet. The prestigiously dressed students and judges stuck up their noses at the Prussian's tattered jeans and alternative attire.
By the first verse, the entire theatre was silent, by the chorus, every single person in the audience was teary eyed and sniffling. By the ending, the students erupted into a round of sincere applause and even a standing ovation. The judges stayed composed and calm although the emotion and the satisfaction shone on their faces as they clapped. "Thank you, Mr. Beilschmidt" the music chairman replied, smiling. He almost never smiled at auditions, not like this at least. "We will send you a letter within a week to let you know the results."
Gilbert was grinning ear to ear as he scanned the crowd for Matthew. As the audience began to rise and exit, he jumped off of the stage and ran to the honey blond excitedly. "Mattie, Mattie! You came!" he hugged the young man tightly in gratitude.
"Of course!" Matthew replied happily. "You were awesome!"
Gilbert laughed "I am, aren't I?" he flexed his muscles jokingly as he wiggled his eye brows at Matthew.
"Haha, you dork" he giggled and teasingly punched his friend's arm.
"We should go out and celebrate, y'know? You and me" Gilbert threw his arm around the French-Canadian teen and they walked out to the parking lot.
"Sounds like fun" Matthew replied.
Gilbert opened the passenger door for him and Matthew climbed in, setting his bag on the floor.
Gilbert drove to a new restaurant that had just opened up down the street. There were big golden chandeliers with suspended crystals, silk table cloths, and a vase of fresh violet carsons on every table. The atmosphere was similar to diners and high end clubs in America and England in the 1950s "Welcome to Amelia's & Kirkland's. How many are in your party?"
"Two" Gilbert said to the hostess.
"Okay, would you like seats at the counter or would you prefer a booth or table?"
"A table is fine, thank you."
"Okay, if you will follow me this way please, we'll get you seated."
"We'll have two classic cheeseburgers, with everything on them, and two root beer floats please" Gilbert said.
"Alright, sir, your order will be ready soon."
"Mein Gott… this has to be the best cheeseburger I have ever had." Gilbert chomped down on the delicious meal hungrily and Matthew nodded as he munched his burger and took a sip of the root beer float.
"Well, thank you, sir!" said an older English gentleman as he came up to Gilbert and Matthew's table.
"Are you the owner?" Matthew asked.
"Quite right, sir, my name is Arthur Kirkland, co-owner of this restaurant. I'm glad to hear that everything is good" he smiled proudly. He gestured to the blond hostess at the front of the restaurant. "That is my wife Amelia, the other co-owner" the man explained. The blond woman walked over to the table upon noticing. "Ah, did you want me, dear?" she asked sweetly, her blue eyes were cheery and bright. "I was just showing you off to our customers, love," he replied. Amelia kissed his cheek lovingly. "Aww, what a doll you are" she said playfully. Amelia gasped as she looked at the two students at the table finishing off their burgers. "Look at that, just like a photograph of you and me, eh, Arthur? Are the two of you on a date?"
Matthew and Gilbert both blushed, surprised at the question. "N-no ma'am, we are ah—"
"—Oh, you don't have to explain to me! I think it is wonderful to know that a nice gentleman still exists. Hold onto him tight, hun. Guys like that are pretty rare; you and I got lucky" Amelia winked at Matthew. She turned to Gilbert "And he seems like a sweet little lamb. Treat him right, huh?" she gave him a thumbs up.
"Haha yes ma'am" Gilbert grinned as she walked away.
After they finished their dinner, Gilbert drove Matthew back to his apartment. "I had fun tonight," he said as he opened the passenger door and walked him up to his front door.
"Me too," Matthew admitted, embracing Gilbert tightly before he walked into his apartment and waved from the window as the Prussian drove away.
He smiled warmly, remembering the firm, protective embrace of his friend. 'He was so warm… and he smelled so good', Matthew thought to himself. As he walked into his room, he looked at the book Ivan had given him that was resting on his night stand. His smile faded as he picked it up and opened it to the first page. There was a description of the scenery and of the main character seen on the cover page. He skimmed the lines of the first few chapters until he got to a chapter titled 'Til Death'.
"I've decided that you should meet a good friend of mine today" the man smirked darkly. I followed him out to the car. He drove to an open field filled with head stones. He pulled me out of the car. "Where are you taking me? Let go!" I cried as I was dragged along the grass. He stopped when he came to a deep hole in the earth that had begun to swallow an open casket lined with blue velvet and satin, filled with red roses. "Do you like them? They are the bouquet, from the reaper to you. And the ring box is the coffin. The hole is your chapel." I looked up at him in horror as he pointed to the casket. "Don't ever try to leave me. This is the only way you will ever leave me. In matrimony till death. Do you understand?" he said harshly. I felt my eyes welling up with tears of fear and despair. "I will never leave you… I promise! Please take me away from here! I love you, I love you!" I embraced him and I felt his arms tighten around me painfully. "And I love you. I will always be here to protect you, but you cannot fight me" he kissed my head and led me to the car. "…From yourself?" I muttered cautiously beneath my breath, gingerly caressing the tender bruise on my arm. How was it that this person had kept me shut away from the world for so long that I didn't even know what I was anymore or what I was becoming. I shook my head as I remembered my own words at the cemetery. 'I love you, I love you!' That was a lie. I HATED him. I hated that he made my stomach churn with terror, and at the same time he made me feel wanted and accepted and loved. Love? What did it even mean to me anymore? It meant being bought expensive jewelry and clothes to cover up the beatings and the bruises. How was it that the bliss-filled sweet nothings in my ear had melted into menacing monstrosities and cruelty? I wish I could have caught myself before I fell into this trap. I wish I had listened. ~END CHAPTER~
Matthew murmured the words before closing the book. "…I love you, I love you…" he said attempting to sound tearful and miserable. He wondered if he would be able to pull it off, before slipping into his pajamas and going to sleep.
This was my first little story and one of my earliest rps so constructive criticism and comments in general are greatly appreciated. This is especially true for tips on the best way to tweak the standard roleplay format to a story format. This was incredibly fun to do and I hope anyone who gives this the chance will find some enjoyment in it too! And, hey, if you have any particularly memorable points then share them, I'd love to hear your opinions.
~Poison
