In the words of Obi-Wan Kenobi… 'Hello there'! Well people here's the next chapter and it's a long one, but don't worry there's more to come trust me! I have too many ideas for this story lol 😊
I amaze myself on how I fit all these little important details together that literally all connect! And I have so many more for the future too lol! I hope it's clear my story for all you lovely readers out there and I'm praying I don't have any spelling errors in this story UHH my OCD is a killer lol! . Hope your all enjoying this so far and I appreciate the lovely comments feel free to throw out any suggestions, feedback, or whatever lol! I'm trying to make this story as realistic as possible if this was The Boy 2 but hey, I'm doin my best here 😉 (go easy on me now LOL) I've always loved Brahms and Greta since 2016 seeing the movie on the first day in the movie theaters and I was crying like the fan-girl that I am and my mother was staring at me like I was insane LOL! MY HEART STILL HURTS TILL THIS DAY WATCHING THIS MOVIE! Brahms X Greta is definitely one of my favorite ships there no doubt about that! I can't get enough of them two cuties! 3 (The Boy 2 sucked no offense to whoever many have liked it *whispers*)
Anyways! Leave a comment let me know what you think and where we're goin and please enjoy this extra-long chapter and I'll catch ya later! 😊 ENJOY!
Greta was seated on the couch, with an anxious look on her face. She held a small item with the tip of her hands waiting for the results to appear. Her stomach twisted and turned at the unpleasant feeling she had created herself. She quickly placed it down on the wooden table as she abruptly shot up not having the strength to go near or look at it any longer.
Someone walked by swiftly past Greta as they reached over to the pregnancy test. They glanced over it with wide and surprised eyes.
"You're pregnant." The words where quick, as they passed through Greta's ears, but did not register. "This is wonderful news!" Her sister chimed.
Greta didn't have enough courage to face the test and see for herself that she was indeed pregnant. She was carrying Cole's baby, it was so small, and impossible to see, but there it laid within her.
"Greta look!" The sister walked to her side and showed her the results of the test. She glanced down to see, was she happy, or sad? She wasn't quite sure; it was impossible for her to deicide at the moment. Nor her sister or any of her family for that matter, did not know what Cole had been doing to her for these past couple of months now.
In the beginning, it was fine. She certainly didn't have much of a worry to drag her down. It was rather, nice, when she had first met Cole. The kindest guy she'd ever encountered, sure he didn't have much currency, but he worked hard as she saw Cole at his job a few times here and there. They had met a few years back at a bar in town, everyone spent their time there partying or just drinking up a storm. Perhaps it isn't the best of all places to meet someone, but it's just something that happened.
She had once saw a face that laid only of pleasantry and honesty, but the beguilers mask that cover his flaws of venomous lies had only held the infidelities of misuse.
"Greta!?" She sister beamed with excitement. Greta was snapped out of her wondering thoughts.
"Yes." She breathed out taking the test from her sister's hands.
"This is so exciting Greta! Aren't you thrilled?!"
Thrilled?
She questioned herself on that, a woman should be thrilled to hold the love of there life's unborn child. This should've been a superb moment, and a feeling of pure delight for being able to bring forth a new life. It did not ease her mind that she was incredulous.
"Sandy." She turned to her sister for a moment. "It is…, wonderful news." She paced away from her sisters smile.
"I-I just don't know if I can do this." She sounded defeated. Her sister puzzled but continued.
"What do you mean?! Hey, you said it yourself you've always wanted to have a child." She reasoned.
Did she really say that, she couldn't recall, it felt like it had been years now? Greta was still so young; she was only thirty, but she still felt like a child herself in a way. Now the wish she'd supposedly sought out, had now been granted.
"And now you've gotten your wish!" She laughed shortly.
"This is your chance to experience the joys of mother hood!"
"Sandy, I don't know if I can raise this child!" She unexpectedly blurted out. Her sister looked at her bewildered. She didn't understand Greta's sudden change of heart.
"What are you talking about Greta?" Her sister walked to her side once more. "What's wrong?" She placed a hand on Greta's slightly hunched over back as she held her arms together.
"I thought…, I may have wanted this, at one point in my life." She sighed with sadness. "But now, the novelty has worn off, things aren't the same anymore."
"Of course, 'things' never stay the same. Everyone and everything have to change at some point. You of all people should know this Greta." She tried reassuring. "And its ok, to be afraid at first, when something new comes along."
Greta closed her eyes as she breathed and let out a miserable sounding exhale. Sandy could see her sister's sorrow, even though she didn't quite understand fully what had been bothering her dear older sister so much. Usually, Greta was the one to cheer up the little sibling, but she thought she ought to return the favor.
"You know, I bet you the baby will look just like you." She chimed over she sister slump shoulders. "A buttface." She giggled as Greta did the same with a light breath as she couldn't hold it back. Sandy hugged her sister from behind.
"You know, you are still quite annoying after all these years." She sneered over her shoulder in a funny way.
"Its my job to bug you Greta!" She laughed. "It's the little sister's job to insult the older stuck-up sister."
"Would you shut it." She said annoyed in her still playful tone. There was silence for a second. Greta held onto her sister's resting hand.
"What happened to us, where did the time go?" Greta asked but didn't expect much of an answer.
"Who knows." Sandy shrugged her shoulders in all honesty as she released Greta from behind.
"Though I do remember the days of no worries." Sandy continued.
"Vaguely."
"Oh, come on now Greta don't be like that." Her sister walked towards her kitchen as Greta followed close behind.
"Hungry?" She asked.
"No, I'm fine, thanks." Greta seated herself at the small kitchen table.
"Really?! I thought you'd be craving one of my famous specialties." She turned with a jar in her hand. "PB&J!" Greta smiled at her.
"Yes well, it certainly is my favorite, but I'm not in the mood right now to eat."
"Suit yourself, but trust me, you'll soon be eating like a horse."
"HEY!" Greta looked at Sandy with an expression of what the hell written on her face.
"What?!" She chuckled. "I'm just saying, soon you'll be eating for two." She pointed to her flat belly with the butter knife. Greta took a sigh as she just watched her sister make a simple snack.
"So, how's your love life then?" Greta asked trying to redirected the original conversations of the unborn child within. She could hear her sister snort a funny sound.
"Boring, tedious." She said simply. "Men are jerks."
Greta could absolutely one hundred precent agree on that. Even though Cole was a bit more then just a 'jerk'. The word manipulator came to mind, aggressive, controlling was definitely a big one that's for sure, she thought.
"But not you!" She hollered making Greta jump in her seat slightly. "You, my lady, got yourself a good one I must say." Greta's heart sank to the button of her core. Had Greta really become this feeble in her life, what has happened to her. Has she really stooped this low, has she found herself in the slums within the grimy gutters at this point? It broke she heart not to tell her sister the truth, she was afraid if she did something might happen to her as well. She couldn't let this mad man hurt her family as well, if Greta ever tried to run a way. She couldn't put her family in that terrible position, she couldn't do it to her sister, or beloved mother. Greta did not exceed expectations for Cole to change, he had already shown his true colors. It came to a point to where Greta wished her father had stayed with them. She never met him nor knew his face or the dire situation, but she wished she had a good male role model in her household when she was growing up. Then she'd know the right type of guy to pick. It was a problem she had to deal with on her own, even if it meant a lifetime of unhappiness to save her loved ones.
"Yes, thank you Sandy." She pushed back the disturbing and sadden thoughts of memories and soon to be future. She could only hope things would work out, maybe just a little so she could get by. Perhaps, things wouldn't be so bad, she might've been carrying Coles child, but she was also carrying her family and their traits. The sweetness of her mother, the compassion of her sister, and the beauty of dear Greta.
.
Faint light was shined on Greta's bruised and cut face through the filthy glassed windows. She laid there on the dirty floors of the gloomy basement. She did not even move in her sleep; someone would think she had died there and left to rot as if she meant nothing to the world.
Greta's eyes had twitched slightly at the light blinding her vision. She scrunched her face up tight at the discomfort and cover her face with her hand. She felt a little pain rise from her arm a tad. She groaned as she suddenly realized where she was.
Greta huffed as she pushed herself up and grunted at the feeling of her head. She massaged her temples lightly. The ringing in her ears was staggering. She shook her hand but felt a quick rush of nausea and stopped immediately. Greta looked up at the closed door from above, seeing the stained glass glow a bright crimson rose. Noticing a few pieces of wood had been broken off the stairs and rested in a few spots. Most likely from her fall, or did he throw her, she couldn't remember or even think, it was all such a blur at the moment. She turned and sought out what rested behind her.
A lot of stuff, she thought. Just like in the attic, did no one ever organize anything in this place. Probably not of course, they were too busy watching over a crazy son. Greta tried to stand as she grabbed the old wooden railing. Pushing herself up and she stretched her back and rubbed her bottom. She'd definitely be sore in the morning, she thought feeling like an old fuddy-duddy.
She walked forward with no rush as she looked over the old items that laid in the many opened and closed boxes. Most of this stuff could probably be worth something, but the Heelshire's seemed to like to keep everything they owned even if they didn't use most of it.
Old chairs, antiques and giant mirrors rested against the walls, soon facing forward and seeing an odd fashion fire pit, one with coal that had to be inserted. This looks like it hasn't been touched in years, she thought. No fires, she guested either because of Brahms's fear of fire, or just a major hazard she'd remember Mr. Heelshire had once told her when they were outside together. The manor was always cold, and dark, nothing was ever light up with dancing fire of life.
Greta turned her sights to a table that had lots of clutter over it. Without hesitation Greta just decided to look through Brahms's stuff. Afterall, she bet Brahms certainly had a good time going through her stuff in her room, boy did that piss her off. Everything just seemed to be all fun and games in this house, she thought annoyed.
She pulled forth one of the boxes and looked inside it, maybe something in her could help in her future attempt to escape. More old books rested on the top as she put them aside. Picking up old paint brushes, a very ancient polaroid came into her hands, she examined it and put it to her eye but could see nothing. Rather dusty, who knows how long it'd been cooped up in this place.
Without thinking she blew on it and dusty scattered everywhere making Greta cough uncontrollably as she moved around frantically. In doing so she accidentally click a button on it making a loud flash sound irrupt. Amazing, she couldn't get her own phone to work up here but this old piece of junk still works just fine, how irritating.
"Oh my god." She coughed trying to catch her breath. "Disgusting." She muttered swatting away the few dark dustiest that remained.
Hearing it make unusual and brash noises in Greta's hands, she mused. Suddenly seeing a photo being ejected from the front. She turned the camera and took the old somewhat discolored white blank photo; the ink hasn't kicked in yet. Maybe it wouldn't though, who knows how old this film is, and this must've been the camera the Heelshire's used since Brahms was a baby. She couldn't even remember which way she had the camera facing, she hoped it wasn't of her, that's all she needed was for Brahms to see a retarded photo of her in a coughing fit. She mentally cursed at herself feeling dumb now at the thought.
"Damn it." She whispered, now eager to see the photo in hopes it wasn't her. Greta shook the photo hoping it'd do something to help get it going faster in development.
Unexpectedly, she could see an outline begin to take form into a few shapes. Oh, thank god it wasn't of her, she took a sigh in relief. The image began to transform. Seeing the staircase with boxes resting all next to it and then the large mirror began to reveal itself. She looked at it, or reveal someone? She looked at it closer now, was that, a person? Not her of course, rather an outline of a dark shaded figure.
Greta looked up at the same place the photo was taken, but nothing appeared. Only Greta remained in this basement. Perhaps it was something in the camera, it was extremely old. Who knows what was living in this thing she thought grossed out? Greta quickly set down the camera.
"Spooky." She murmured, taking one last look at the photo before placing it back down on the table.
Greta looked in a few more boxes like the curious cat she was she wish she knew the time right about now. She soon came across a medium sized black box. She went to open it but was stumped. She looked down at its front side seeing it had a lock on it, which needed a key. She snickered, what didn't need a key in this place. Reminiscing on yesterday's events with keys. She set the box down on the old wooden table and left it there. There was definitely something in it, but who knows what, she thought a bit disappointed as her curiosity peeked a great interest.
Greta's attention went back to the photo as she picked it up still confused on the abnormal shaped figure, a person it looked like, but no features being presented. Just a blob of darkness. Odd, she thought.
Suddenly a loud slam of a door could be heard, making Greta turn around in a fright. She had dropped the photo, as she now had completely forgotten of its very existence. She heart pounded against her rib cage. No one in sight to be seen though, just light entering and hitting the bottom of the staircase. She had her hand over heart as she was catching her breath. She walked over to the stairs carefully as she looked up seeing the door was now opened.
She was assuming Brahms was letting her out now, seeing she wasn't dead on the floor. Greta's brows knitted together tightly back to the realization of her current situation. She guessed that Brahms was summoning her presence to the main floor, she thought vexed.
She looked back once more at the basement but then back up the stairs. This couldn't go on much longer though, she had to think of something. She thought on and on about what she should do, and how to escape. She never felt this frustrated in her entire life, maybe that fall should've killed her.
Greta sat at the bottom of the staircase in defeat almost. What was she to do now, she thought desperately? She was constantly being watched over, being bugged by a huge masked man child, being thrown all over the place like some rag doll. She was not a doll damn it, she was person, a real flesh living person, and a nanny apparently too who certainly doesn't get paid enough to deal with something as excruciating as this. They must've forgot to put this part in the job description, she thought bitterly.
Greta paused for a moment. A nanny, a caretaker, a suitable person for the job. She huffed, was that it, was that what she really had to do. Just be a caretaker, take care of him….. gain trust.
Trust?
Get Brahms to trust her, she can only do some much as a nanny, but perhaps fool the child like man into thinking he can trust her once again. With those tasks of taking out the garage, and cleaning the rat traps, which lead to the outside world. Act as if nothing is wrong, that it's all normal, and everything will stay the same through his eyes, the way he wants it. She would need patience though and a lot of it that's for sure. He trusted her once before, why not convince him again.
She would have to play the game, and hopefully see through it until the end. This was it then this had to be her plan, she thought, she'd still continue to think though if another opportunity came along the way.
Follow the rules, and gain his trust. Which probably wouldn't be an easy task, especially after their fight with verbal and physical abuse, but she knew Brahms had always taken a great interest in her and certainly has strange feeling towards her as well. This had to be it then, she just had to succeed. Greta would have to play the part she so desperately did not want to give him, willingly.
She prayed he didn't see right through her lies. Greta was sure Brahms still thought of the night tried to kill him, and now threatening him again with the same tactic. This wasn't going to be a piece of cake.
Greta stood quickly as she looked back to the pile of books that laid on top of one another. With determination on her face, she walked over to the mound and read the covers of each book speedily. Seeing the names of each one she swiped away the old dust. Reading a cover of "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" memories had been brought back to this book when she was a child herself. Without any hesitation she scooped it up and walked back over to the stairs as she made her way to the top.
Greta looked around the corner but no one in sight, she closed the door behind her with a soft click. She walked to the main entrance but still no one in plain sight.
"Brahms?" She hollered but no one answered. She walked through the manor and into the kitchen area but paused and opened the fridge. Quickly thinking like a nanny would she grabbed a thing of sliced cheese and a day-old tomato and brought it over to the counter top. She looked for a knife but none to be found, so annoying she thought. But Brahms wasn't unwise of course.
She opened the box of whatever loaf of bread remained. It was almost turning into that stale texture. A few pieces remained she took one as well shoving it down her mouth with a piece of cheese. She quicky sliced the tomato with a butter knife she had found inside the fork drawer. Trying not to tear the entire tomato apart but she managed three medium sized slices. She swiftly ate the rest herself and poured a glass of tap water, Greta gulped it down in less than a second.
She had made an easy and simple tomato and cheese sandwich on the rest of the white bread. She quickly opened one of the draws and pulled out a cloth napkin as it covered the sandwich perfectly. Greta put the small plate of simple food on the book she was now holding again carefully.
She exited the kitchen and went upstairs. Greta wasn't sure where Brahms was at the moment, considering he did slam the door open before and scaring the shit out of her. Why wasn't he here then?
She went into the childhood room with one turn of the knob.
"Brahms I- "She was stumped to see no one once more; well, it wasn't a complete disbelief. Her face was confused as she went to her own room and closed the door from behind and set the food down at her desked table.
Greta took this opportunity to quickly change her own dirty clothing. Discarding her shirt and pants fast she changed into a black long sleeve and blue jeans. Still feeling a bit chilly in this house, she threw on a grey sweater too. Greta couldn't help but notice she was running out of clothes herself, she had to figure that out later.
Brahms wasn't up on the main floors, that she knew now for sure. Perhaps, he was in the lower levels of the manor, and by that she thought the depths of the darkest part.
Brahms's adult room. She quivered at the idea of going down by her own choice. Of course, sadly the fastest way to the devil's gates was through her own closest. What a story that would make, she thought.
Greta picked up the book with the plate of food resting on the top. She held it with care as she went into her closest and into the never-ending walls.
She must've been familiar or somewhat recollect the ways between these gloomy walls to his room by now. Greta had to go lower and lower within the manor, it was in the deepest part. It was never meant to be a room for someone to sleep in, she'd figure it was originally a wine cellar of some sorts.
It was very quiet, maybe a bit too quiet Greta worried now. What was Brahms up to something, she thought uneased now. She had now come into sight with the broken wall and thin door to Brahms's sanctuary. She hesitated to turn and looked inside as she opened the frail door, she put all fears aside for now. She looked slowly, and eased one foot over any rubble, careful not to make anything fall and clash together. She bent her body forward a little to see if Brahms was here. He wasn't anywhere in sight. Greta could only see his regular tasteful little knickknacks, books, crafts, and music sheets? How odd she glanced at them from a far, he'd stuck music sheets all over a rectangular pole. Greta didn't have the interest of exploring him ghastly room though. She ought to call out his name maybe.
Just as Greta was about to call for him, a shadow quickly went over her body from above, she held back a sharp painful gasp.
Brahms was in the upper area of his bed room; he was up there as he walked past fast. She didn't realize there was a blind spot around the corner, who knows what he was doing but now she could see he was moving to another part upstairs.
She was taken back from the frightening sights. His speedy walk made the chains and traps dangling above him clank softly together from his fast movement. The image was an unpleasant one indeed.
Surprisingly he did not see Greta as his back was turned to her. It looked like he was fumbling with something but it was impossible to see the task from her position. He looked a bit hunched over from afar, he must've been near another desk doing his strange crafts. Greta had to calm her nerves. She held the food and the book steadily as she took a few soft steps forward as she looked up at the busy man. She ceased moment and soundlessly cleared her throat with a hard gulp.
"Brahms." She called aloud softly; Brahms turned fast at the intruder with such stiffness. She shook out of place a bit as she back up a bit. Processing the familiar sounding voice. He was always on such high alerts, must've been hard being a complete secret and having to hide from the world. His body language seemed to of lessen now as he turned more to her from above. She felt so terrible small now, smaller than before.
Brahms strolled to the handmade railing near the top of the stairs as he stalked down at her small frame.
"Hi." She said simply almost in a whisper as she looked up at him. Brahms didn't return the favor though, but she honestly didn't expect much of a reaction.
"I uh- just thought you might be hungry." She gestured at the food she held. Brahms glanced at it for just a moment but went right back to her. She hated the silence, he held it so strongly.
"I'll just put it over here." She said as nonchalantly as possible. She looked away from his intense gaze as she walked to his desk near his bed chambers. The doll still rested there with her pink dress on. She shuddered at the thing and shook her head with a sickening feeling.
Brahms suddenly began to walk down the old wooden stairs as she came into Brahms's view again. She turned away from the table and walked back over to the original standing point meeting Brahms in the middle.
"It's um- tomato and cheese, thought you might like something other then a PB&J." She scratcher her head feeling a bit awkward. Brahms titled his masked face at her sudden amiability. His eyes went over to the book in her tighten grip. She followed his wondering eyes.
"Oh, yeah, I found this book in the your uh- basement." She showed it to him carefully. "I hope you don't mind." She almost whispered seeing how he was now looking at her again. She swallowed down her nervousness. He'd know by now that she obviously had went through some of his things down there. Hopefully they could call it even.
Brahms turned his body away from her as its surprised Greta tremendously. Noticing he was going over to the food on his crafts desk. He didn't bother moving the cloth resting over it, he picked it up gently and put it into his own fridge carefully before closing the door. He wouldn't of course eat it now, not in front of her. He turned his masked face back to her astounded one.
Greta looked at the book in her hand now gawking at it. Not knowing what to do next.
"Do you need anything else, Brahms?" She asked quietly his way. It took him a moment to answer as he pondered. He slowly shook his head indicating a no. Who knows what this man was thinking right now and every time he stared at her? Perhaps she was making amends at the wrong time.
"Well." She huffed a soft sigh. "I'll leave you alone to your food then." She turned to make her leave but was abruptly stopped from a grip on her arm. It wasn't harsh, maybe because she wasn't resisting a fit yet. Greta turned to him but didn't say anything as she waited for him. If Brahms had something to say then he better damn well say it because Greta wasn't.
His breathing had increased slightly as he looked down on her motionless face. He wished she'd smile at him, just once. He didn't want her to leave, the fact that she even came down here at all and not by the force of his hand was exhilarating. Greta had willingly come to him and his bed chambering. He felt excitement rise inside once more at the sight of her, but he could never say the right words even if he wanted to.
His hand slide from her arm and down to her bent elbow as he caressed it softly. Greta was glad his touch was softened but she'd prefer if all hands were put away. He was in a daze until she wakes him from his wondering.
"Brahms." She looked at him. "Would you like to go up to the library and I can read this to you?" She asked gesturing to go up with her free hand. She knew what he enjoyed, but why must she say it whenever I'm near, he thought.
He nodded in agreement as he suddenly released her arm. To her astonishment she didn't know Brahms could have the capability of being so gentle when he wanted to be. He took a step back as he waited for her to lead the way to the lands above.
Greta cleared her throat as she turned to the cracked door and opened it. With a towering Brahms not far behind.
.
She had sat in a chair as Brahms sat on the couch with his hands resting on his lap listening to her read to him. He'd always analyze every word that dripped off her lips, even if it was a children's tale it didn't matter much to him. He was always enchanted by her sweet voice. What made her have a change of heart he did not know, but he was still watching her, always.
She told him she hated him; she loathed his presence and it did not still well with him. The words could not be taken back now, they were there to stay. He'd be more vigilant and observant with her now more than ever. His Greta was different, but to his eyes its what he always wants from her. She couldn't had changed so suddenly without a reason, but he already knew the real reason deep down inside.
Greta was now closing the book seeing she stopped for now. Multitasking as she read the story, she was also thinking on ways to get him to trust her, it'd undoubtedly be a difficult challenge. She did know how to talk to him and speak his silent language.
"Hey, Brahms." Getting his full undivided action on her now. "I noticed…, I've been running out of clothes." She paused glancing up at him from her seat. Suddenly she perked up.
"If I'm going to be, staying here. I need clean clothes; do you have a washer?" She asked coolly. Brahms just looked at her before nodding his head.
"Great, and we could also you know wash-" She stopped looking at his own garments. "Wash your…, shirt." She signaled nicely. Seeing Brahms glance down at his own clothes for a second but shot right back at her. She hoped she didn't insult him, god, what a great start she'd be off to, she thought sarcastically.
"I mean!" She blurted out accidentally. "It's up to you, really." Reassuring him but trying to relieve her own anxiety. Brahms just seemed to be thinking and maybe even considering, but who knows.
Suddenly Brahms stood tall catching Greta off guard. She stayed seated and waited for something to happen. Brahms made his way to the closed doors and opened one of them. He only turned his masked face to her a tad before walking into the halls slowly.
Greta could only assume he'd want her follow him. She quickly put the book on the chair she was sitting in and rushed to the door seeing Brahms was waiting in the dark hall. She felt a sharp pain in her heart seeing him stand there all creepy like but then he continued his walk. Brahms didn't have to speak knowing she'd follow. She wasn't going to protest now if she'd want to gain some type of trust with the mad man.
Brahms was walking up the stairs rather swiftly considering he had long spider legs to help him. Reaching the top, Brahms took a glance every chance he got to see his Greta behind him.
He opened the door to his childhood room and walked in quickly. Greta paused though, seeing the room he'd entered. She waited cautiously by the old door frame as she just observed what he was doing with a questioning look.
Suddenly Brahms got on his one knee near the side of his bed. She took a step to the side to see why he was on the floor. She didn't question it though, so she just waited. She quickly turned her head to see a familiar looking black box on top of his high dresser. That couldn't have been the same box she saw in the basement, it must've been slightly different, it just had the same design, she thought.
Turning back to a Brahms she heard him grunted in a low tone as he lifted the bed slightly and yanked out a large suitcase like it was magic. Greta's eyes widen being now fully aware of what he had hidden away.
"My suitcase." She breathed in a slightly panicked way. She'd thought the suitcase was still at Malcom's and in hopes that he'd see it and notice that something went wrong. Turns out Brahms had cleaned out the room the night he kidnapped her. Not leaving a stitch of evidence behind. This only settled that Malcom surely thought that she did leave, along with all her belongings. Her last hope for Malcom had vanished, gone without a trace. She was truly on her own now.
"How did you?" She asked seeing he now picked it up and placed it on the massive children's treasure chest at the foot of the bed. The question remained how on Earth Brahms managed to carry her and the case was beyond her. Or how he even knew where she was from the very beginning.
Brahms just stared at her and she stared at her suitcase.
"Is everything- "She gestured with a finger to the unopened case. "In here?" She asked. Brahms looked at it for a moment not answering, she started to question it but had a feeling he'd already went through it like an animal. Greta got the answer herself.
"It's fine." She walked around it and pick it up remembering how heavy it was. She dropped it on the floor with a thud.
"Ok, well, I'm going to put this in my room." She lifted the long handle to the very top and began to drag it on its small wheels. She went out the door seeing Brahms was now following her to her room. She rolled her eyes slightly as she opened her own door and entered. She didn't bother closing it knowing Brahms would enter as well if he'd so like.
Greta wheeled it to the side of her bed, there wasn't any point in unpacking as he stood near the door watching her. She didn't need him to watch over every little thing she did when taking out her undergarments.
"Ok." She sighed. "Well, thank you Brahms." She paused. "That was, very nice of you to bring my belongings." She knew he'd been already planning on her staying here for a very long time. She mentally cursed the bastard. There was silence for a moment. Brahms then suddenly went to the door and made an exit back to his room. Greta huffed a sigh as she didn't want to follow him. She sucked it up and followed him back the way they came. She turned a corner and looked inside the child's room. Brahms was back on the floor as he fixed the position of the bed's legs. It must've been out of place to his eyes, Greta didn't see much of a difference. She put her hands together as she was about to say something, but Brahms was already beginning to stand once again. She shut her mouth and sighed.
Suddenly her attention went to the lifeless black box again.
"Brahms, what is that?" She pointed trying to seemed somewhat interested to avoid the inevitable of pure silence. "The black box. Up here." She took a hold of it bring it to her level.
Brahms hadn't touched that thing in years for many reasons. She looked at it seeing its lock. Brahms took a sigh himself as he took the box from her grasp. Not seeing the top of the drawers fully he took a small key that would open the box. Greta felt slightly stupid but it was good she was keeping him occupied and away from his insane thoughts.
Brahms inserted the old brass key into the tarnished keyhole, easily turning it. To hear a soft click, echo the room. Greta watched with interest herself at the silent yet antagonizing suspense. He lifted the box with ease as he showed it to her carefully.
Small sounds of innocence emerged from the small thing.
"A music box." She whispered at the familiar soft sounds. Seeing two little people inside rise as it was lifted fully. Brahms offered it to her unexpectedly.
"Oh." She breathed taking the box from him as their fingers grazed over one another's quickly. She looked down on it as he looked down at her.
Two little people dancing with one another in a never-ending twirling circle. A man and woman no less of course, she in a dress and he in a tuxedo. Brahms had seemed to inch a bit closer to Greta as she felt his shadow.
He was like a little kid again, showing his trinkets to guests. But to him Greta was more, then just a guest in this mansion. In all honesty he'd never did much of anything to anyone since technically he was only alive for eight years. Nor did he enjoy much of different company.
Greta took a step back though from the slight discomfort. She cleared her throat as she pushed her hair behind her ear.
"It's very nice Brahms." She said sincerely as possible to please him. Noticing it more with the two characters dancing on an endless circle. She didn't want to see the male and female dance any longer with Brahms standing so close her. Greta closed the box slowly hoping Brahms wouldn't get any ideas on this little show. Thinking that might be them made she shudder at the closeness. Greta wanted the image of Brahms holding her to leave her head immediately.
Greta handed him the box carefully as he took it into his own strong grasp. Without another word he placed it back into its original resting place.
Surprising to her eyes Brahms was actually calmer than he usually was, which was rather peculiar. He wasn't breathing heavy nor was there a tense sense of anger frolicking in his veins. Amazing how the denseness of the house seemed to lessen all from his content. A man so calm, and yet could switch in the blink of an eye back to his old hazardous ways.
His eyes looked so lonely and desperate at the same time. Under the mask hid the scars he learned to except. Hidden away from others, and the ones he missed.
"Brahms, we should continue on our schedule." Her smoothing voice made him shiver himself. He nodded in agreement, even if he wished to do other things. He must follow the rules, he reminded himself over and over like it was a ritual to him. Something that stuck by him for years now, it was embedded deep within his brain.
She walked past him cautiously as he didn't move a muscle. He did not follow though and he just stared down at the floor behind him and he turned. Greta noticed he didn't follow her and pondered over where his gaze had laid. She followed seeing the spot he was observing.
Brahms stood next to his bed where they both fought, vigorously.
Kiss.
No kiss tonight Brahms, its your punishment I'm sorry.
A hand squeezed around her wrist, as she turned in fear.
Kiss.
She leaned forward to his masked face.
Quickly taking ahold on the side of her arms in one swift motion. He moved his porcelain lips to her descending motion.
Life and death connected with a single touch.
Desire, desperation, a yearning for lust, was cut short.
Pain.
Betrayal.
Sorrow.
Fallen.
Agony.
The Broken.
He tried to kill her, just as she tried to kill him.
She fled.
Brahms clenched his fists in and out roughly. Greta took notice. Just as she thought Brahms was at some type of peace, it was quickly destroyed in a fiery rage of his alarming memories.
"Brahms?" She called to him but he seemed too not be here with her. As if Brahms was somewhere else. His back to her as his back heaved a heavy inhale and exhale.
Greta hoped she wouldn't regret this as she approached him from behind with caution. His broad shoulders raised and fell, his head tilted down not moving in the slightest. Greta braced herself as went to touch his back. She was just inches away from his cardigan not realizing how close she was to him now. She was about to touch him.
She halted.
She looked at the back of his curly head. She'd need something more, then just a touch to get him to see she'd changed. She needed a trickery over him if she were to succeed and carry out her true intentions.
Greta closed her eyes as she readied herself. She opened her nervous optics and brought out two hands slowly.
Carefully putting her hands and arms between his own sides. She hugged him softly from behind as her delicate head rested on his hard back. Her hands rested below his chest but didn't touch one another. She could feel his strained muscle move uncontrollably due to his heavy breathes. It was like he didn't know she was there actually hugging him.
Greta closed her eyes as she squeezed just a bit more in hopes it'd work. Her hand went a bit lower to his stomach area, as she caught a hard gasp break out beneath the mask.
He was there, he was awake and out of his trance. He felt stuck and taken over. Brahms looked down slowly to a pair of small ladies like hands holding him. A body connected to his back and he felt someone else's weight. Was he seeing things again, or was this really happening to him?
The pain in his stomach hit hard as she held him there, but didn't want her to move away. He expelled the discomfort away and inhaled the comfort he so craved from her. His heart began to beat with hers feeling it for a spilt second. His breathing had calmed as he looked down at her susceptible hands.
Brahms went to reach for her hand wanting to place it into his. He touched her smooth skin over her slim finger and knuckles.
Greta eyes shot opened seeing now he'd awaken from his darkness. She slid her hands out and away from his sides, returning back to her own sides. She took a few steps back from him as he turned to look at her with wide eyes. She hoped this wouldn't back fire on her as though he might've taken this the wrong way, and something more.
Trust was all she needed.
Brahms was speechless, to say he didn't say much at all. Only when it was to his liking. His Greta, had touched him, he thought he could fly off these very floors he stood on and take her away. He might've gotten through to her, just a little and see that she truly does belong here with him. He went to take a step towards but she quickly retreated to the door frame. She turned back and looked at him.
"I'm gonna go unpack." She could see he looked a bit anxious now. She hoped this would all work out to her benefit and very soon.
"I won't be long Brahms." She offered a meek smile as she left and returned to her room. Brahms looked outside the door and saw Greta enter her room and close the door from behind.
Had he been a fool for loving her so, he'd known her forever. To stay by his side at last, with no one standing in his way. The betrayal was still there though, he felt it radiating in his gut. Brahms held his wound as it hurt, he felt sweat rain from beneath his cracked mask. His heart was alive but at the same time it felt as if it ceased a long time ago. If it wasn't for her Brahms wouldn't have to will to life anymore.
He loved and cared for her dearly, but he was still so anger inside as he tried to hide it, but it always found its way back up the depths devouring his light. It was a sickness he could not control, not even for her.
.
After some time, Brahms went over to her door, he hesitated to open it, but why?
He wasn't sure why himself; he just knew he wanted to be near her again. Brahms was about to raise his hand to the door knob and open it, but it was already being opened with a wide swing.
"Oh!" Greta said aloud looking up at his towering stance. "I said I wouldn't take long." She gestured him to move back as he did slightly. Greta closed her door from behind momentarily.
She looked at him as she was starting to feel her neck strain a bit. She breathed.
"I don't want to alarm you Brahms but…" Noticing his eyes suddenly becoming sharp. "I saw a rat when I was walking in your… walls." She lied, hoping he'd take the bait. She began to walk past him but continued to talk.
"Of course, you have to you know… have it taken care of." She said casually. Greta was stopped suddenly with a sharp grip over the shoulder as she was being turned to a cracked face. Greta didn't wince as she looked at him pretending to be confused but then came to a conclusion.
"Oh no, I don't mean me, Brahms." She merely just stated a fact. "Since you know… under the circumstances I'm not permitted outside so…" She paused thinking carefully.
"I thought I might address it to you." His bloody eye looked over her carefully. "Just tryin to help."
Brahms had to think on this if there were indeed rats now finding their way through his walls, he'd need to figure out something and fast. He couldn't stand the putrefying scent of a rotting carcass. Brahms was the first to bury anything that gave off a foul odor. But he also couldn't stand to touch the pests, he'd touched one once for Greta's sake.
The blood on the walls.
.
Brahms watched his Greta eat her dinner with the disease-ridden man, he did not want to know this man nor would he like to have the pleasure. A guest nonetheless who had invaded his home and confronted his Greta as his own. This did not sit well with Brahms not one bit. The fury he felt watching the man eat with his silver and sit in his chairs and eat their food with his disgusting mouth.
He could do nothing but only watch and hope the man would take his leave sooner rather than later. He'd hate for things to get ugly now when Greta had finally returned to him.
This man spoke of nothing that would peek anyone's interest. A big man with a small mind he was. Brahms was irritated to the highest belief.
"I understand why you left." The man spoke. "I do." Brahms listened now as he looked through the tiny spy hole. Brahms could see the large man reach for something in his back pocket area. It appeared to be papers of some kind, as he pasted it along the table to Greta.
"Our flight leaves tomorrow afternoon."
What is this fool talking about?
"I'm taking you home."
She is home!
"Greta!" A call being made as everyone turned to the incoming voice.
Malcom. Brahms even knew and he didn't even have to look to know the next intruder. Will that man ever go away, Brahms thought annoyed?
"Oh.., Sorry I-I-uh… let myself in."
"That's ok, this uh- this is Malcom, he brings our groceries and stuff." Greta stood from the table, as the large man did the same.
"Malcom." The man greeted as he extended his hand. Malcom took it into his with a firm shake.
"Hey nice to you-"
"Nice to meet you man." Malcom felt a bit uneasy at the massive man. An awkward silence approached.
"So, what'd you make of all this." He paused. "Doll stuff?" He gestured to the seated doll at the head of the table.
"Ah you know, I try not get involved with other peoples busy." Malcom shook his head slightly looking smugly at the man.
The large man just snickered at the grocery boy. Brahms need this man to leave, in fact he wanted both of these men to leave his manor immediately. But what was he to do, Brahms was stuck between two surfaces? Brahms was wedged in the middle of all this insanity.
"Smart man."
"I uh- have that delivery if you'd like to go over it?" Malcom looked at Greta now.
"Yeah, sure. Be right back." Brahms saw Greta walk off with bloody Malcom. He was left with seeing the big man look at his doll. Brahms gave the man a sneer one last time as he went off to follow his Greta to the next room.
"The hell is he doing here." Malcom whispered, as Brahms tried to listen.
"He just showed up."
"Well, he has to leave. You can't actually let him stay here." He told Greta as he turned to her. Brahms didn't like Malcom in the least but maybe Greta would listen to his words if Brahms couldn't come out.
"No, I don't, I'm not letting him do anything." Greta said. "He wants me to go home with him." Brahms felt the fire within begin to raise fast at this man. He was going to take away his Greta, this could not happen. Brahms won't allow it, even if he had to do anything to keep her here.
"Well, that isn't gonna happen."
Your damn right!
"And what if he attacks you-"
"He won't." She tried to convince him.
"Trust me."
I do trust you Greta.
"I have a plan." She whispered, before seeing the man enter the room with them.
"Sounds good though." Nodding her head in a fake agreement at Malcom to trick the big man into thinking they'd actually be discussing business. Malcom nodded as well as he took his leave.
"A pleasure meeting you." Malcom shook the abuser's hand one more time.
"You too."
Malcom left, leaving her alone with the dangerous man she once loved.
"Should I be worried?" He gestured to the man who just took exit.
"Hm-bout Malcom? No."
Greta walked past the man and back into the original room.
Brahms watch his Greta walk to the next room but stared daggers at the uninvited guest. How this man even got past Brahms's sight was beyond him. How did he even get into his home, and he dared touch Brahms's things- his parent's things!? He raged at the rat.
Greta told the man to wait in the pool room. She left the doll on the chair as she made her leave. Brahms quickly followed her as he had gone through his own his quick passage ways.
Greta made it to the top of the staircase in a room closet in one of the halls. Brahms already knew the correct way as he met her there. She turned on the light and went inside as she searched around for any simple bedding.
"I can't believe this." She muttered, but she was heard by an unknown presence. She held back her own anger and tears as she threw something to the side frustrated.
Brahms watched her silently. She was indeed mad as he observed, not as mad as him though. Brahms had to hold it in with every strength he had left in him at this point. His Greta was not happy like before, he needed his pretty Greta by his side, even if there was a wall between them.
She had found what she needed and left quickly as she turned the light off and shut the door swiftly.
Seeing as he followed her every movement, they reached the pool room once more.
"So, I guess I'm not sleepin in your bed tonight huh?"
Brahms squeezed the wood next to him as it made a cracking noise. His eyes were on fire with jealously.
"I can bring you more blankets-"
"Nah this is good." He interrupted.
Greta walked over to the doll.
"What'd are ya gonna do with that thing?"
"Well, I was gonna get him out of your way. I figured; you wouldn't want him sitting in here with you."
"He is a creepy little guy."
"Yeah." She breathed. Greta was about to walk past him but was stopped by a hand.
"Look." The man pulled her over to him. "Greta." Brahms eyes widened at this.
"I'm sorry for what happened." He paused. "I just need to know, that you forgive me."
Brahms pondered at this; he wanted her forgiveness. He did something bad, he thought, really bad to his Greta.
"I'd like to hear you say that." He whispered.
"I can't." She sounded like she was about to crack. Brahms didn't know what this man had done to his Greta but he'd find out, he'd swear it.
"Greta." His voice raised slightly as she looked away.
"Fine, but I want you to realize something." He shot up from his seat as he pushed Greta back against the pool table with total aggression.
Remove your filthy hands from her.
"Right now." His sounded venomous in her hears.
Brahms wanted to bang on the walls to get him to stop. This man was so close to her, too close to her.
"You're not leaving me Greta. And I'm not letting you go." He was right in her face. "No matter where you run off to." He paused. "You understand." The man lifted her face to him as he tries to steal a kiss. Greta jerked her head back from him.
She'd never touch you; Brahms watched the whole dramatic seen. He'd thought it was only in his story books, but it was happening for real right before his very eyes. This was real and his Greta was in deep trouble.
"Make sure your packed and ready by morning."
She not going anywhere. Not again.
Greta was now taking her leave as she exited to room slowly. Brahms could see she was holding back tears and soon he could see her no more. His pretty Greta, was hurt. Brahms cursed the man who'd now be sleeping in his home.
Brahms left the room and follow his Greta. She walked up the stairs in defeat and sadness as it ran through her whole being. She'd thought she had escaped, that she was free of him. Apparently, she had fooled herself into thinking she could run away and start a new life. That this was her chance, it was now being taken away. The letter she had received in the mail to her home town about taking up this job had now all been for nothing.
She held Brahms close to her, the spirit she believed who wasn't at rest laid in this doll. What will become of Brahms, she could take him with her, though he belonged to the Heelshire's. They'd be back and she wouldn't be here to gave them Brahms. He'd have to stay, alone. She felt bad about that, having to leave the soul of a lost child here in this lonely cold mansion. He'd just have to wait for his parents return that's all, she tried to convince herself. But it still hurt knowing he'd be here alone with no one but the rats.
"I'm sorry for this." She whispered in the dolls little ear. Greta made it to the top of the stairs and walked towards Brahms's room. She was so sad. She opened and closed the door to his room. She didn't even remove the dolls clothes for pajamas nor the covers of the child's small bed. She set him down gentle hearing the porcelain clink lightly together. She touched the dolls smooth cheek, she felt so guilty. So terribly guilty for letting this man into there home. Her worst fear as she brought her mess everywhere, she went. She brought it to her family and now another innocent family.
Tears began to form, soon coming down like rain. She lost her child; she couldn't lose this one too.
Greta walked around the bed as she clings to it for dear life. She laid herself next to Brahms like a lost child herself as she cried. She rested her weary self-close to him as her heart sank deeply. She looked at the side of the dolls face almost wishing it would turn to her and forgive her for what she had done. Tears fell to the kiddy sheets. Greta placed a hand on Brahms suited shoulder as she caressed it smoothly with her thumb. She couldn't leave him behind, she just couldn't.
"Don't worry Brahms I'm not gonna leave you." She whispered to him sadly. Just beyond the wooden floors behind the walls sat a Brahms near his small secret door. It was cracked opened just so very small, so he could hear his Greta's cries and whispers. He leaned against the wall feeling terrible himself. He would not sleep knowing there was an intruder just a couple of levels below them. He had to protect his Greta.
Greta stayed with Brahms on the bed and the real one would stay with her anonymously. He put his hand on the dusty wall wishing to return her touch. She was so tired, and weak at this point.
"But I need your help."
With those five magic words, he'd do anything for her, anything for his Greta. But for now, he'd need patience and he needed to wait just a little while for his Greta to rest and hopefully soon fall asleep.
.
It had been an been hour and a half now reading the time of 1:45, Greta was well passed out by now. Brahms took action. His stealthiness always worked for his benefit, he pushed open the secret door without a peep. His long arms came out like a tarantula with the rest of his long skinny body. He stood tall carefully, he looked down at his peaceful little Greta. So precious, so delicate, so utterly divine as she laid in his once small bed. He looked over her but walked with steady feet over onto the dolls side of the bed.
She was still holding the doll, but not as tight anymore as her muscles relaxed in her slumber. She didn't need to tell him what to do at this point, she had faith in him to get the job done. Brahms would do it without questioning.
He knelt down next to the bed as he looked at the doll of himself and then back to Greta. Her lashes dark as night and her skin so pale in the moon light. What a sight for sore eyes, he'd been up close to her before but not like this, he wasn't in a rush to get away this time. So, he gazed over her with equal eye level as he knelt close to the bed.
His eye trailed over to her hand that now rested loosely on the doll's chest. Would he dare?
Brahms taking another look at her well shut eyes, then back to her delicate hand. Hesitant but eager Brahms placed his big hand over her small one gently. He caressed her sleek skin with his thumb lightly. He felt so much for her, even he could not comprehend these emotions. It scared him to say the least, he could not lose her again, he couldn't bear the thought of being alone.
Her breathing increased as she was in a deep sleep, he was glad of that. He knows she didn't mean for this to happen, any of it, she said she wasn't leaving him and that's all he needed to hear from her. He would do as she ask of him, get rid of the problem, eliminate the beast if he must do his dirty work one last time. For her.
Brahms hand moved to her face as he lightly rubbed away a dry tear on her cheek leaving faded stains. He breathed softly.
"I forgive you, my lovely Greta."
His deep tone was as quiet as a mouse. She did not flint or move as he himself removed both his hands as he stood tall once again. Gently picking up her hand from the dolls chest and placed it comfortably next to her own body. He knew what he was going to do now.
Brahms leaned his arms and back down enough to take the doll in a secure position making sure it wouldn't clink or clank the porcelain together. He held it like a real child, with complete care. Once the doll was with him, he took one last look down at the sleepy Greta.
She wouldn't leave him.
He now had to take care of a rat infestation just below them. He exited through his secret door, not knowing he left the tiny door ajar causing him major problems and would suffer the consequences in the very near future.
.
He'd remember the words he wrote in rat blood 'Get Out'. He laid the rats in that gross mans clothing case just to get rid of him. He did that only a hand full of times, he didn't want to touch any rats unless he absolutely had to.
Now Greta had confessed to seeing one of the pesty things in his walls.
7. Clean The Traps
He hated that part of the rules but that's why the nanny always did it so he didn't have to. This frustrated him, or was it her tell him and making him aware of it frustrating. Didn't matter though, he'd still never left her go out, alone. She'd most likely do something very stupid now.
Brahms just simply shook his head at her. She already knew he'd say no and that was ok for now, she was going to work up to it slowly. Her goal was to reach a certain level of trust and gain something to help get out of here.
"Alright then, suit yourself." She shrugged like it didn't bother her in the slightly. She rather not dwindle on that topic any longer anyways. She knew sooner or later a real rat would show its self. Wasn't her problem, she thought.
"So, Brahms, what's on the agenda?" She asked.
Brahms only looked down on her as he always did, he seemed to be thinking again. The rules of course, he thought. Seeing how he didn't answer make Greta kind of figure it out in the end.
"The ten commandments, got it." She muttered turning away from him. Brahms titled his head slightly at what she called it, but technically the same thing.
Greta began to walk down stairs but was hurled back up slightly by an arm wrapped around her waist. She heard a soft giggle come from behind. With a raising brow she was being lighted up from behind with her back to him.
"Brahms- wait hey!" She shouted. "Put me down now!" Brahms didn't listen as he suddenly twirled around with her in his tight grasp.
"Silly Greta." He laughed like an innocent child holding her tight with excitement. He was holding her too tight she felt like she couldn't breathe.
"Brahms take it easy!" She howled over her shoulder. "Your too rough!" She managed to push away with a heavy breath. Brahms sudden playfulness turn to confusion as she was backed away from him. Greta mentally rolled her eyes.
"It's fine, I'm fine." She looked up at him. "You just… caught me off guard there." She rubbed her rib cage. Brahms suddenly put his hands behind his back and lowered his head. Greta had to say something now, she still wanted him on her side. She paced a few steps in front of him.
"Hey it's ok, I'm fine see?" She gestured to herself. "Nothing's broken." She looked at his crack face seeing how that was kind of broken.
Brahms kept his head bowed slightly. Greta couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for shoving him pretty hard. On the other hand, Brahms was a brat and rather nasty to her. Giving her his spite these past couple of days now.
Suddenly Brahms head peered up a bit as he thought deviously reminiscing on last nights events.
"You lost." He spoke rather quietly. Greta raised a brow in questioning on what he was going on about now.
"What?"
Brahms took a step towards her appearing to be darker under the eyes and more invading in her personal space.
"You… lost your little bet." He struggled to get out the child's voice. Suddenly Greta had remembered, she did lose, why'd she even make that stupid bet with him. She'd promised she do whatever he wants. A million things rushed through Greta's mind at the scary scenes. There were too many to choose from and none were good. Most people who bet dumbs things don't take it to heart, but Brahms was ready to pounce. Unexpectedly he heard a child's huff which she could only assume was a quiet chuckle.
"You haven't been the most." He paused for a moment. "Cooperative." He sneered down at her. "Or… the nicest." Greta felt anger grow within her as she heard him say those words. Was he trying to hurt her, modify her, did he want to see how far he go with her before she lost her mind? She had to get out of here. Greta swallowed her own pride and detest the words she was about to say to him.
"I'm… sorry, Brahms. I don't mean… to be, a pain." She said trying to hold back the sarcasm with ever fiber in her being. Brahms eyed her harshly, the Greta he knew wouldn't just apologize. She could see Brahms was studying her to a point where she knew she failed. She took a tired sigh.
"Brahms listen, I-" She was suddenly hurled to the side against the railing of the staircase. She squeaked a bit as she looked back seeing the high fall. It'd kill anyone who'd fell down instantly. Her feet weren't connected to the floors anymore.
"Brahms." She breathed looking back at his deathly glare. "Put me down. That's enough."
"Don't say things… you don't mean, Greta." He sounded infuriated with her in his cryptic voice.
"I-I do I do mean it Brahms, honest." She looked into his eyes with fear. He was so close she could feel his hot breath through the porcelain nostrils. She glanced back to the fall that awaited her, she had to be good, just be good this once so it just may save her life.
"Where's my Brahms?!" She blurted out suddenly discombobulating him. "What happened to the sweet Brahmsy? W-who use to bring me my favorite sandwich when I was feeling down." She leaned forward towards him.
"You did! Where's the… caring Brahms who'd always protected me from harm." She paused listening to her own words. "Even when… I didn't even know it." Her voice became a bit quiet now. Brahms hold on her loosened but never took his eyes off her. Her feet were fully connected with the ground once more.
"Where's the boy…. who'd always promise, he'd be good?" She asked honestly this time, no remarks or sarcasms had escaped her voice this time. As she genuinely had asked him a fair question. He released his hold on her. Brahms hands suddenly went to hers face unexpectedly, she wished he could stop touching her already but couldn't back away now in fear of being throw over the railing. His hand lower to her jaw as he picked up her face to meet his glossy eyes. He rubbed her jawline softly. Had her words really stuck him, she was in a panic she had to come up with something to save her own tale.
"Greta." He spoke quietly as he was hard to hear from the mask.
"Yes Brahms?" She answered.
"Sleep with me."