Disclaimer: I only own the creepy characters.
A/N: OK, so this chapter is REALLY intense (I'm sorry, it's not very funny), and if you get confused, I apologize. Oh, and remember, A) Nancy still doesn't know about Frank and Callie, whatever it is and B) While there is some focus on Frank/Nancy in this chapter, I also wanted to work a little bit on Joe and Nancy's relationship, because I think it's something I haven't been focusing on enough in the past.
Thanks to thedisneygirl, ndhbfan, Katrina Seeder, Lazy Panther, saphiretwin369,amethyst noir and Diamond and Stars for reviewing!!
Nancy lay completely still in her bed, the covers up to her chin. If she was completely, totally silent she could hear the faintest cry, only a whisper of a sound.
It was Amy, she knew, having another nightmare. She didn't have them as often as she used to, but when she did they were brutal.
Nancy glanced at the alarm clock on her nightstand. The glowing red numbers read 2:20 am. She sighed and rolled over.
Nancy replayed the day's events in her mind. She felt much better now that Frank and Joe were here, helping her. Speaking of Frank…
Nancy rolled over again, fighting to get the eldest Hardy brother out of her mind. Every time she finally relaxed again, her mind gave her another memory of his easy smile, of the feeling of his arms around her. Her heart pounded out a quick rhythm and she groaned, realizing that sleep wasn't going to come easily tonight, not if she kept thinking of him.
Nancy loved Ned, she really did. He was so sweet and considerate…but he wasn't the one that was keeping her up at night, full of love and longing. And even though Nancy knew that Frank was with Callie she had ended things with Ned, because it wasn't fair to be with him while she loved someone else.
Nancy rolled over for a third time.
Just as she felt her eyelids start to get heavy, and her breathing slowed an earth-shattering, heart-stopping scream rose from downstairs. Nancy's eyes flew open, and she raced out of her bedroom, tripping down the stairs and running down the hall until she reached Amy's room. She threw the door open and ran into the room, looking around. When she saw no immediate danger, she spun around, her eyes locking with Amy's. The older girl was backed into a corner near her bed, tears streaming down her face. The bedroom window was open.
"He's here!" Amy cried, sliding to the floor. "He was in here!"
"Amy, are you sure?" Nancy asked urgently.
"Yes, yes!" Amy screeched, covering her face with her hands. "He came in through the window! He grabbed me…h-he's here, Nancy! Please, don't let him hurt me!"
"Where did he go?" Nancy asked quickly. A small voice at the back of her head told her that Amy was imagining this, and that she had opened the window herself, but with a psycho like Seth out there, she really couldn't afford to take chances.
"He…he…" Amy's voice broke off into hysterical sobs, but she lifted her hand to point towards the family room.
"Stay here," Nancy instructed. "And scream if he comes back." Amy nodded.
Nancy tip-toed her way into the family room, cautiously looking around. She heard a muffled thump from behind her, and spun around.
In the dark, Nancy could see a dark figure holding something above her head, about to crash it down. She grabbed the intruder's wrist just in time, stopping whatever it was from knocking her out, but he turned his wrist quickly, throwing Nancy forwards. She groaned when his knee jerked up into her stomach. The intruder dropped whatever he was holding, and it shattered on impact. He used Nancy's position to his advantage and swung her over his shoulder. Nancy kicked her legs against his back uselessly. Time slowed and gave Nancy time to think and be rational, although every part of was telling her fight or flight.
Why wasn't Hannah coming down? What had he done to her? Carson was out of town on a business trip, but Hannah should have been down right away.
Nancy's train of thought broke off when she was thrown down onto the couch. She felt a jab of fear in her stomach as he got closer. As quick as she could manage, she raised a fist and punched him in the face, causing him to fall backwards with shock. Nancy rose quickly off the couch, and he was up off the floor just as fast. He made a grab at her waist, and she raised her foot to kick him in the stomach. When he doubled over in pain, Nancy punched him right between the eyes.
She looked around for something to restrain him with, but he was either faster then she had realized or she was still sluggish with sleep because he was up again. Nancy felt fear shudder through her once more as he used all his strength to slam her into a wall. Nancy let out a cry as her head whipped forwards and then back, crashing into the wall. He kept her secured to the wall with one hand on her shoulder, the other on her chest and his hips pressed tightly to hers. Nancy struggled to get her arms out from behind her back. Her eyes were still adjusting to the dim light, and her head throbbed from smashing into the wall.
"Bitch," Seth whispered in her ear. "You made all the wrong moves..."
Nancy let out another cry as he pressed even closer to her, his breath hot on her neck.
"Get…away from me!" Nancy spat, moving her leg around his and pulling, almost making him fall back. Seth's face retracted for a second, but he regained composure in an instant. He took his hand off of Nancy's chest and slapped her across the face so hard that Nancy could taste blood in her mouth.
"You're just one of them," Seth bit out, pressing even closer to Nancy. Her head pounded fiercely in time with her heart as she struggled to get the upper hand. "You don't respect the love Amy and I have for each other. I had to get rid of the others…looks like I'm going to have to get rid of you, too…"
For a brief instant, Seth's hands vanished, only to reappear around her neck. Nancy gasped, clawing at her neck. She kicked her legs, but Seth only laughed darkly.
And then, suddenly, the front door slammed open and she heard a dim voice call out, "Nancy!"
Seth swore and released Nancy, dropping her to the ground and going around the corner and out the back door.
"Hey!" the voice called out, running after him. The door slammed again, and Nancy could barely make out the sound of thumping footsteps over her panting. She squeezed her eyes closed, and heard a car start, zooming away.
"F*ck!" the voice yelled, coming back towards the house. The door slammed again and footsteps grew closer and closer until they were right next to Nancy. She opened her eyes, the world still fuzzy around the edges and realized she was slumped on the floor of her living room with Frank and Joe Hardy knelt beside her.
"Nancy, are you OK?" Frank asked urgently. "Nancy, talk!"
"I'm…fine," Nancy croaked, her throat sore. "Did he get away?"
"I don't want to talk about it," Joe grumbled. "Nancy, did he hurt you? Did he…?"
Rape you, the voice in her head finished. Nancy realized for the first time that he very well could have raped her. He was much, much taller than her, and had overpowered her easily.
Nancy shook her head. "No! God, no…"
Both brothers let out a shaky sigh of relief and Frank grabbed her hand tightly.
"You have no idea how scared we were, Nan," Joe said quietly, running a hand through his hair.
"How…" Nancy's voice cracked a little. "Why are you here?"
"Amy called us," Frank explained. "She was completely hysterical, but she managed to tell us that Seth was here, and you were in trouble."
"And you got here from the hotel that fast?" Nancy asked in disbelief.
"You would be amazed at what ten years of football does for your track skills," Joe commented.
Nancy let out an exhausted, shaky sigh and let her head fall onto Joe's shoulder.
"That was scary," she whispered. She felt Joe nod.
"I agree," Frank replied, squeezing her hand. "Now, how about we call good old Chief McGinnis?"
"Sounds like a plan," Nancy said hoarsely, letting Frank pull her to her feet.
--
Forty minutes later, Amy, Nancy and Hannah were seated around the kitchen table, staring down into steaming mugs of tea with almost identical expressions.
While Frank had called the police, Nancy and Joe had gone in search of Hannah and Amy. Amy was still huddled into the corner of her room, the phone pressed to her chest. Hannah was found in her room, still asleep, the commotion downstairs deafened by ear plugs.
"I'm so sorry," Hannah sobbed. "I can't believe…you could've been hurt-or worse! - and I wouldn't have made a sound!"
"But the point is that neither of us is hurt," Nancy said, squeezing Hannah's shoulder.
"But…" Hannah faltered, fresh tears streaming down her face.
"Hannah!" Nancy cried, taking a sip of her tea. "We're alright. We're fine. Please, don't beat yourself up about this."
Hannah barely nodded, looking down into her cup again.
"Amy," Nancy spoke up again. "Are you alright?"
Amy turned her eyes, which were wide with fear, onto Nancy.
"Amy," Nancy asked again. "Are you OK?"
Amy took a deep, shuddering breath and looked back down at her cup.
"I'm fine," she whispered, laying a hand on her stomach.
"Are you sure?" Nancy said slowly. Amy nodded.
"I'm fine," Amy said louder, looking up. "I will be fine. Because…because you guys are going to catch him, right?"
"We'll do our best," Nancy replied sincerely. Both of them knew what that meant. They'd try…but that didn't mean they'd succeed.
--
"Is Amy asleep?" Joe asked Nancy quietly, coming up behind her and putting a hand on her shoulder. Nancy jumped and slid away.
"I'm sorry," Joe apologized, furrowing his brow. "I'm…"
"She fell asleep a little while ago," Nancy pretended she hadn't heard. "She's really freaked out, Joe."
Joe eyed Nancy carefully. "You are, too."
"What, me?" Nancy asked, a little shocked. "I'm fine. Just a little spooked, that's all."
"That's understandable," Joe nodded, shoving his hands into his pockets. Behind Nancy, he could see the numbers on the hall clock, reading 4:07. It had been a little over an hour and a half since the police had left empty handed, with more questions then they had had when they started.
A soft snore from the living room caused them both to smile softly. Frank had fallen asleep on the couch long before the police had even left. Nancy hadn't really thought much of it, but Joe knew that Frank had been plagued with thoughts of their red-haired friend even in his dreams. When the phone rang, Frank had burst up in bed, calling Nancy's name. Joe had merely given him a look before answering the phone…and then the rest is history.
"He's out," Nancy grinned at Joe. Joe nodded, starting towards his brother.
"Oh, no, don't bother waking him," Nancy said to Joe, grabbing his arm so he wouldn't go any closer to Frank. "You guys can spend the night. You can crash on the couch."
"Are you sure?" Joe asked hesitantly. "The hotel is not that far, and once Frank starts snoring…well, let's just say that he has caused some minor earthquakes in the past."
"I'd…" Nancy looked sheepishly down at her bare feet. "I'd just rather not have you two walking home in the dark with that psycho out there."
"Awww," Joe said softly with a teasing grin. "Look who is all concerned."
Nancy gave a weak smile before saying, "After tonight, I guess I have a legitimate reason."
"That's true," Joe replied quietly. "Nancy, are you sure he didn't hurt you…"
"Yes!" Nancy cried, exasperated. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes! I've told you, the paramedics have told you…Joe, believe me, I'm fine!"
Joe shushed her, looking into Amy's room and behind him at Frank, making sure they were both still asleep before leading Nancy up to her room and closing the door behind them.
"Nancy," Joe started, holding her at arm's length. "I'm just worried about you, OK? You were attacked by a raging psycho/rapist tonight. Please understand that that concerned me just a little."
Nancy hung her head. "I'm sorry, Joe. I know…it's just that it doesn't feel right…having people being concerned over me when there is Amy to help."
"The circumstances involving Amy are semi-connected to yours, so I'm technically doing both at once," Joe told her.
"That's quite impressive," Nancy grinned. "Making all those connections."
"Well," Joe shrugged, letting his hands fall to his sides. "I'm not just good looks."
"I know, I know," Nancy teased. Suddenly the detective let out a massive yawn, collapsing back onto her bed.
"I'll let you go to sleep now," Joe smiled softly. "'Night, Nance."
"Joe?" Nancy asked softly, pulling up her covers. "Would you…could you check the window before you leave?"
Joe crossed the room, making sure the lock on the window was shut tightly.
"All clear," Joe said, rubbing his tired eyes.
"And Joe?" Nancy inquired sleepily. "Would you mind staying with me until I fall asleep?"
Joe paused, looking towards the door. "Of course, Nan."
Joe took a seat at her desk, but when Nancy patted the spot next to her on the bed, he crossed the room again and sat down next to her.
It wasn't long before both were dead asleep.
--
The next morning, Joe opened his eyes to bright light, confused by his surroundings. He nearly fell off the bed in shock when he looked down and saw Nancy lying beside him.
The blond detective slowly edged off the bed, but stopped dead in his tracks when Nancy suddenly reached for his hand.
"Frank…" she sighed, still asleep. Joe paused again, his eyes wide. When he was sure Nancy was still asleep, he pulled his hand from her grip and tip-toed out the door.
He stumbled down the stairs, bleary eyed. He ran a hand through his hair tiredly and looked around. The clock on the wall told him it was 11:57 in the morning.
"Joe?!" Frank's voice came from the couch. Joe felt a sudden stab of guilt.
"Morning, bro," Joe said softly. "Quiet, Nancy is still asleep." The look on Frank's face told him that was the wrong thing to say.
"Whatever," Frank mumbled. "We should head back to the hotel."
Joe nodded, walking towards the front door. When they were outside, Frank finally spoke up.
"You…you just fell asleep, right?" Frank asked quietly. Joe rolled his eyes.
"No, Frank," Joe said sarcastically. "The idea of a rapist in the house just made us both so hot that we had to…"
"Stop!" Frank cried, covering his ears. "OK, I get it! Stupid question!"
"No shit," Joe muttered.
"Sorry," Frank grouched, running a hand through his messy hair. Joe sighed and shook his head.
"You know, you should get a move on, big brother. I mean, you're the one in love with her, but me? I've already slept with her."
--
Amy opened her eyes slowly, blinking so they could adjust to the harsh morning light. She relaxed for a moment, her breathing slow and even. She sat up slowly, last night's (or rather, this morning's) events flooded back to her.
Amy woke up with a start, but kept her eyes closed. She kept her fists clenched, her jaw set. She wasn't focusing on the fact that it was the middle of the night. She wasn't paying attention to her sore ankles or her swollen stomach for the first time in months. Right now, three things held her concentration:
One, there was a breeze in the room and Amy knew that she had shut the window before she went to bed. She always did.
Two, she could feel a hand around her wrist, holding it loosely. But Amy knew that could change in a second.
Three, she could hear shallow breathing beside her ear, a low, rasping sound.
"I need you, Amelia. I want you. I love you," a too familiar voice rasped.
And so Amy screamed.
Amy bit back another scream, forcing her teeth down over her lip. She forced her breathing to stay steady, even when she saw a piece of white paper taped to her window.
'She's not YOU, A. But I could pretend.'
A/N: Not my best work, but I think it's OK.
Reviews?
