WARNING: This story contains domestic abuse, violence, blood, stabbing, and major character death. If uncomfortable with these themes, please do not read.
DISCLAIMER:This is only an AU. The characters are alive in canon.
It was a dark and windy night in the land of Whoville. And as cliché as that sounds, the Grinch was woken up from his slumber to loud, frantic knocking at his front cave door.
Grumbling, he reluctantly sat up from his bed, rubbing his green and hairy face as he looked around. His dog Max was asleep on the stone floor near his bed. He glanced over at his clock, '2 A.M.'Oh for Seuss' sake!"Go AWAY!" He growled out, but the knocking didn't cease not one bit. Completely irritated and enraged, the Grinch stormed from his cot and approached the banging door. "Someone better be in trouble!"
The door swung open and he stood there dumbfounded by what he saw. It was Martha! She had bruises up and down her arms and her lip looked like it was busted, judging by the line of dried blood. Her body shook violently from the harsh cold. She had on her blue robe but it was torn and ripped in multiple places, making it useless. Her eyes met his and Grinch could see the pure panic and fear ridden within them. Never in a million years would he have thought to see Martha in such a traumatic state.
"Martha?! What are you doing here?! Are you alright?!"
His yellow eyes widened and he had to brace himself as she practically threw herself into his arms, grasping onto his chest. She was so cold, and he felt so warm.
"N-no! You have to help me, he's after me!"
"Who's after you?" He brought her inside the cave, closing the door from the whipper winds. He kept her close to him, thinking she might collapse at any given time. He could see that she was in pain from her bruising, and his tiny heart wrenched at the thought of someone harming her. "Martha, who did this to you?!"
"A-August! He-" She paused for a bit, having to fight off tears. Her eyes grew watery and her voice trembled as she spoke. "He's been doing this to me for a while now. Every time I refuse his requests, he threatens me, and when I told him I wouldn't marry him he..." She couldn't finish that last part as she broke down in his arms.
Grinch's eyes narrowed at what he just heard. Augustus has taken it too far! That pompous jerk already acts as if he owns everything; but putting his hands on a woman, especially Martha-!
He held her tightly, but not enough to bruise her further, as she sobbed. It broke his heart, and his anger was replaced with pity. "How come you never called the police?" He asked quietly.
"Do you really think the people down there are going to believe me, that their trusted Mayor is a domestic pig?!" She has a point. Nobody down there in that happy-go town is gonna believe that the Mayor would have something to do with this. Not his beloved Martha May, he wouldn't lay a finger on her. Nothing but a bunch of bull!
His furry hands rubbed at her back, trying to soothe her down. Max had woken up from all the commotion and trotted towards the two, rubbing his fur up against one of Martha's leg. The Who tried her best to smile at the brown pup, appreciating his affection.
Even with her tear-streaked face and disheveled appearance, she still looked as beautiful as ever. Throughout the years, the Grinch's love for Martha has only gotten stronger. His thoughts largely filled with memories of her to keep him up at night, and to get him through the day of the pure isolation of this wretched mountain.
He felt the need to protect her, to take care of her. And that's exactly what he's going to do...because he loves her.
"C'mon, let's sit you down," And he brought her over towards his bed, carefully placing her down on the edge. She looked up at him, her sapphire eyes filled with sorrow, and he took his long fingers to wipe away her tears.
"Thank you." She whispered as he sat down next to her. Grinch took one of her arms, gently inspecting them, and he felt his anger arouse the more he looked at her bruises. Augustus better pray that he never gets his hands on him!
"I'm sorry I disturbed you, I just had to get away. I couldn't stay down there any longer..."
"You didn't disturb me," He responded quietly as he softly brushed back the few strands of hair in her face. "Stop crying, you're safe now. I'm not gonna let him hurt you anymore." She laid her head on his shoulder, and he in response wrapped his arms around her, his fur keeping her warm. He even placed a small kiss on her brow.
Martha smiled at the contact, and her heart thundered against her chest at the feel of his lips on her. But she couldn't help but to feel guilty about something that's been on her mind for the past two decades. "At first I thought you didn't want to see me, after what I did back in school." Her eyes faltered towards the floor, not being able to meet his gaze. "I'm so sorry for what took place...I never wanted you to hurt, Grinch!"
The Grinch winced from the memory, something he hasn't been able to get out of his head ever since. He still heard the mocking, the teasing, the laughing as it grated at his ears. Then he remembered seeing her face as she stood in front of him. The pity she had felt as they all humiliated and tortured him.
"Martha, none of that was your fault. I never once blamed you for that incident. Never have and never will...I love you."
Her eyes fluttered wide open as she stared at him. Bewilderment evident in her face as she heard those three words ring throughout her ears and into her soul.
"Y-you...you what?"
She had looked so beautiful just then. The way her eyes shone with surprise, and the soft yet desperate tone in her voice. The Grinch couldn't help but fall deeper in love with her.
He couldn't stop looking at her lips, and how greatly he wanted to feel them. She was so captivating to him, by far the only Who who he had strong feelings for. She made his small heart pound and beat unevenly in his chest; but he subsided the pain, because she was worth every bit of it.
Then he did something that neither of them will forget for as long as they live: He gently pulled her close to him and kissed her on her lips. Martha was stunned, and her eyes watered at the sheer affection that came from the kiss. Never in her life has she felt such love before, raw love, unconditional love and passion, and she couldn't help but repay the gesture. Her fingers entangled in his green hair, pulling him closer to her.
He didn't want to let go. He wanted to savor this moment for as long as he possibly could. His eyes began to water themselves, his loneliness and heartbreak slowly dissolving away the longer he kissed her. It was therapeutic to the both of them.
Her lips were soft, and she tasted sweet, giving off a distinct flavor of vanilla. His arms embraced her as close as he could get her, space not existing between the two of them. The slightest stroke of tongues was shared and they felt a surge of electricity rush throughout their bodies. It was the best feeling either of them had ever felt.
But the need for air soon deprived them of their eden, and they had to pull away. The both of them panting as they gazed at each other with looks words cannot describe.
"I said 'I love you', Martha." And Martha practically shivered at the sound of passion in his deep voice.
Just as she was about to respond, there was a loud pound at the cave door, loud enough to make the walls of the cave shake. And another, followed by another.
Martha gripped his arm tightly, Grinch winced a bit at the feel of her nails digging into his flesh. "It's him!"
And fear momentarily gripped him as well, but then he got ahold of himself. Now was not the time to panic, he had to protect Martha ASAP!
They quickly ran to a part of the cave far away from the entrance as possible. Grinch hid her in a corner behind one of the stone walls.
"Stay here,"
Martha protested, "No! What if he hurts you?"
"Who cares?"
"I care!" She urged him, placing her small hand inside his furry palm. "I don't want to lose you when I just gained you!"
He walked back over to her. "Martha, look at me...I am not about to let anything happen to you, you hear me?!" His fingers wiped away a tear that fell down her cheek as he kissed her softly. "I love you."
"I love you too."
Cautiously he approached the cave door, Max following at his heels. He had instructed Max to stay behind and look after Martha, but he followed after his master anyways. The banging was so loud and harsh that it sounded as if it might break down the hinges.
"Go away!"
"Not until you give me what I'm looking for!"
The Grinch grimaced at that, giving off an unheard growl. "Nobody's here...now go. AWAY!"
Suddenly, the pounding stops, and moments of silence pass by. Thinking Augustus has gone away, he begins to make his way back. That is, until a mighty bang rung through, knocking the door completely off, causing Max to bark uncontrollably. Standing on the other side was the notorious Augustus Maywho. His fists were clenched and his eyes were almost deranged as he stared intensely at the Grinch. He was breathing heavily, as if he had been pounding at the door for hours.
Martha covered her mouth with her hand to hold back her scream at the loud impact. Her heart turning into ice in her chest at the sight of Augustus, and she scooted further into the corner, not wanting to be seen.
Startled and completely caught off guard, Grinch whipped around at the sound of the intruder and he bellowed, "GET OUT OF HERE, YOU POMPOUS PRICK!"
"I'm not leaving without my Martha!"
"I already told you," He gritted out. "There's nobody here! I haven't even seen Martha in years!"
"LIAR!" Augustus retaliated. "Cause I can smell her on you!"
Max then began to growl, standing in a position ready to attack as he suddenly charged at the overweighted villain.
But Augustus sensed this and kicked the poor dog, sending him backwards and knocking him unconscious.
"MAX!" Grinch exclaimed. His eyes narrowed, the look in them becoming dangerous as he started to growl himself, his animalistic instincts taking over. It's time to take care of this abuser, this bully once and for all!
He launched himself forward, attacking the Who at once. They brawled throughout the cave floor. One a vicious monster, and the other a misunderstood creature protecting the one he loves.
His claws scratched at August's flesh and tearing his sleeve, causing him to hiss in pain, blood draining down his arm. The man punched the What in the stomach to ward him off, but his attack almost seemed pointless as the Grinch was back on him like a roaring beast. His teeth dangerously sharp, his yellow eyes aglow with a fury of a burning inferno.
He sunk his fangs into one of Augustus's shoulders, initially aiming for the jugular but the other man's hand shoved him before it was too late. The villain bellowed at the puncturing feel of his razor-like teeth in his arm. More red liquid began to pour and he took his free fist to pound him in his face; finally releasing his bite.
Grinch retracted in account to his throbbing snout, a stream of blood leaked from his nostrils and he took his arm to wipe his nose, wincing at the pain. The green hair on his arm now stained with red. But no matter the amount of pain...he wasn't going to give up.
More punches and blows were thrown between them. Grinch's sharp nails took at Augustus's face, leaving deep claw marks on his cheek for him to keep as reminder the next time he ever dared to come back here.
Martha watched from afar in horror, fearing for the safety of her love. She wanted to help, but there was nothing she could do without making the situation worse. She needed to get a closer look, but accidentally tripped on a jagged stone, cutting her foot, causing her to fall in pain.
The fighting continued between the two, until a thud from afar captured their attention, seeing the woman on the floor. Grinch's eyes widened in concern, catching him off guard. "Martha!"
Unfortunately, this gave Augustus the perfect opportunity to dominate the Grinch, pulling out a knife and stabbing him in his abdomen.
Martha gave a blood-curdling scream, seeing everything unfold before her very eyes. Her heart nearly stopped and her blood ran cold through her veins. No! This can't be!
The Grinch was stunned by the cold, sharp metal piercing through his side. He felt an unbelievable amount of pain and his vision started to go spotty. Blood began to leak as the knife was drawn from his body. Everything went silent as the last thing he saw were her eyes, her beautiful eyes that he loved so much, before hitting the ground.
She limped her way towards him, screaming out his name, desperate for a reply. Augustus watched in disgust as she fell to his side, weeping as she held him in her arms. He grimaced at her. "You're pathetic!"
Her hand placed upon his wound, trying to stop the bleeding, his blood staining her skin. Martha suddenly felt a burn of hatred towards the man standing before her, whom she swore she'd never learn to forgive.
"You're a monster!"
Augustus sneered, snorting in laughter. "No, no, dear...I killed the monster!" He then placed the bloody knife back into his pocket. Seeing that his work here was done, he sniffed, dusting off his hands and turned around, heading for the entrance as if nothing happened at all. He had no interest in the woman anymore, she could have her disgusting Grinch all she wanted. She was beneath him now.
The Grinch was still breathing, but barely. He glanced up to see his beloved sobbing as she held him tightly. "Martha,"
"Shhh, you're okay! Everything's going to be alright!" She brushed back his green fur from his face while her tears fell down onto him.
He winced at the overwhelming pain throughout his body. He could tell he didn't have long. "We both know that's not true."
She could feel her heart breaking and she shook her head. "No! No you can't leave me, not like this! Not now when I just found you! I waited so long, Grinch..." And he managed a weak smile.
"Y-you were always better off without me-"
"DON'T TALK LIKE THAT!"
The Grinch couldn't stand to see her cry like this. He didn't want her to continue to live in sadness and he prayed that she would eventually move on and start a new life without him. For his time here was up.
He shakily lifted his arm and took a green finger to wipe her tears, smiling at her once more before he whispered to her for the very last time, "I love you, Martha May Whovier."
He died in her arms. The Grinch was dead.
And like a breaking dam, her heart shattered completely as she held his lifeless body in her arms. Something inside Martha died along with him, he took a part of her with him when he departed. Her heart. Something she'd never be able to regain again.
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
So... that was dark.
I apologize if I just ruined anyone's childhood (trust me, it hurt me too) but I just wanted to see what it would be like to kill off one of the characters. But don't worry, this is only an AU, so no one is actually hurt in canon.
I got my inspiration from the story 'Misunderstandings' by xxBTGXX. Highly recommend it.
Feel free to leave a review.