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Dean's eyes were focused on the night horizon ahead, a long, endless ribbon of black. But he barely noticed anything he was looking at. All he could think about was the cosmic event he'd just witnessed.
"You're a lot braver this time than last time we did this," Vera said with a giggle, snapping Dean out of it.
"Huh? I… oh, right…" Dean blushed and looked down, tightening his hold on her as she laughed.
Vera was carrying Dean back to the manor to get there as fast as possible, flying high enough so people wouldn't see them. Dean's arms were wrapped around her neck.
"It's just because I trust you," he said with a smile, the wind rustling his hair and causing it to flutter over his blue eyes.
Now Vera was sure she'd be blushing if she had normal cheeks. "Thinking about what happened back there?" she asked, changing the subject.
"Yeah…" he said softly. "It's hard to believe we just got a look at… well, the afterlife. What happens when you cross over. My mom has been theorizing about it for years, probably longer than I've been alive. I wish she could have seen it."
"That just means we're gonna have a lot to tell her," Vera encouraged.
"Yeah, true." He was lost in thought again.
"It's interesting that she sort of… felt it coming, you know?" Vera continued. "I've never felt that. I guess I just don't know what it means to have completed my business here on Earth because… well, I never knew what that was."
Dean chuckled. "Yeah, living people wonder what their business is on Earth all the damn time, and nobody in Heaven or whatever seems to care to drop by and tell us our purpose. It's unequal is what it is. And racist. And homophobic, for that matter!"
Vera couldn't stop laughing for a minute. "What're you even saying?"
"I'm just focusing on making you laugh so I don't notice how high we are right now," Dean admitted, laughing along with her.
"I thought you trusted me?" she teased.
"I do, but still... rollercoaster builders want us to trust them too, but those still freak me out."
Vera laughed. "Fair enough. Seriously, though, don't worry." Her grip got a bit tighter, comforting him somewhat. "I'll keep you safe."
Dean's cheeks were warm again. "You're always protecting me or saving me, huh? You really busted down the doors at Samantha's house."
Vera looked away from his face to avoid getting flustered. "Of course! No one kidnaps my best friend, even cute ghost girls who turn out to not be so bad after all."
He laughed. "She could have handled the first part better, but... yeah. She really was something. I hope she's happier now."
"I do, too."
"Wish she could still talk to us. Tell us about the beyond or whatever."
Vera smirked. "Sorry, but you just don't have death privilege."
He mock-gasped. "I'm gonna cancel you for this."
"What does that even mean?"
"Nevermind," he said, waving his hand. "I'll explain it to you later."
"Sounds like a... living thing." Vera shuddered in fake disgust and giggled.
"Oh, it's definitely a living thing…"
"Well, once I'm back to life, I'm gonna have to learn a lot more about the modern world… hadn't really thought much about that."
"Well, I'll definitely be there to explain everything to you."
"Really? All the time?"
"Every day." He smiled at her. "It's the least I can do, and I intend to do much more than the least."
"Least you can do… for what? I haven't done much..."
"Are you kidding?" Dean asked. "I just saw the most incredible thing I've ever seen not five minutes ago because I met you."
"Yeah, but that's not… I didn't… it wasn't because of me…"
"Okay, you didn't cause it, but I already told you, remember? My life has been so much more fun, interesting, and a little crazy ever since we met, and I wouldn't want it any other way. Discovering more about you, searching the house, it's all been a real experience. You're the most interesting person I know."
Vera laughed softly. "Thank you... that really means a lot."
Their eyes met in their mirth and they stared at each other for a while longer. Vera was mesmerized by Dean's blue eyes, and Dean was overcome with a single thought of how beautiful Vera's smile and her green eyes were.
Whack! "Ow!" Dean groaned, rubbing the side of his head as something broke the moment. "What the? You stupid bird!"
Vera couldn't stop laughing.
Katherine stepped out of her car in front of Dustin's house as he did the same. "I had a great time tonight," she said shyly.
Dustin smiled. "I did too, Katherine. I hope we can do it again sometime."
"You read my mind," she chirped. They stood there in silence for a few awkward seconds. "Ugh, what are we, teenagers?" She walked up to him and gently placed her hands on his cheeks and gave him a kiss.
Dustin was surprised, but he gave her a warm smile that made her stomach do flip-flops. "No, but I definitely feel like a teenage me with a crush."
"Ooh, that's a good line," she teased him.
"It's not a line," he said, leaning in to kiss her nose and making her giggle.
"Good," Katherine stated, pecking him on the lips again. "Next time, more kissing." She giggled and stepped away from him, headed back to her car.
"Sounds like fun," he called after her as she blushed and quickly entered her car, pulling out of the driveway.
Dustin was still smiling as he made his way inside, tossing his house keys aside to land on the dining table. He made his way towards the sofa chair in his living room when he heard a voice.
"You're the one she pines for? What a sad state of affairs for my family."
Dustin turned around and a force suddenly knocked him back, hitting the wall hard. He gasped out for air as the impact knocked the wind out of him. Before his blurry eyes, he saw a figure materialize out of thin air.
Desmond smirked, outstretching his hand to wrap his fingers around Dustin's throat. Dustin choked, clutching the hand desperately to try and break his iron grip.
"P-please…" Dustin begged in a rasp, his vision going cloudy.
After a few seconds, the ghost released him, letting him cough and gasp.
"I only needed to let you know that I mean business."
"W-what do you… who are you…?" Dustin rasped out, tears of exertion running down his face.
"Kress. Desmond Kress. The family name should mean something to you."
"You…" Dustin whispered in horror. Katherine had told him a bit about this man and his history with her house and her ghostly housemates. She had said that they feared he might still be around, but had no real proof of it just yet. Now it was staring him in the face. "It's you..."
"Ah, the bitch must have told you about me." Desmond chuckled. "Good. Then let's get to business."
Katherine had just pulled into her usual parking spot in front of the manor, still smiling as she did so. As she was about to leave the car, her phone suddenly rang. She picked it up and looked at the screen, seeing Dustin's name on it. She giggled. They were already calling each other like lovestruck teens too.
She answered it, putting it up to her ear. "Hey, gorgeous. What is it?"
"Katherine… I… I need to tell you something."
"Go ahead," she said, still with a smile. "You sound so serious."
"I decided… I changed my mind. About this. About us."
"W-what do you mean?"
"I don't want us to continue this. Our relationship or… whatever it is. Was."
Katherine chuckled. "Dustin, what… what are you even saying? Is this a joke?"
"I don't want to see you again, Katherine. I need you to understand that."
Her smile faded. "Dustin… why are you… why are you saying this?"
"You were a distraction. Just a fun distraction I needed. I shouldn't have let it get this far. But I did, and I'm sorry for that. But I stand by what I said. I don't want to see you again. Never again."
"What…?!" Katherine choked out, tears rolling down her cheeks. None of this made any sense. "Why? What did I do?!"
"Nothing…" She could hear a tremor in his voice. "My heart's just not in this. It's my fault, not yours."
"Your heart isn't in this?!" She asked incredulously, letting out a humorless laugh as she wiped tears from her eyes. "When I said we were like teenagers, that was a fucking joke, Dustin."
"I'm sorry, Katherine. This is how it is."
"Oh, bullshit. After what you tried to do for me, I don't buy this. What, does Kathleen have something over you? Is that what's going on?"
"You were right the first time, Katherine. You said it yourself. I have only known you for a very, very short time. I don't know what I was saying when I tried to make that deal for you. I was just… swept up. I didn't think clearly. Now I am."
"Nice story, Dustin. Now tell me the actual reason you're being a complete moron."
"Goodbye, Katherine. Don't come see me again."
"Dustin!" The connection was lost. Katherine called him five more times before she threw her phone aside into the passenger seat, rubbing the bridge of her nose. More tears threatened to escape her eyes, but she fought them back. She wouldn't cry over this. Such a stupid little thing.
A hand suddenly squeezed her should, and she looked up to see a sad looking Bertha next to her, having just appeared and not saying anything.
Katherine let her tears fall as Bertha pulled her into a hug, feeling Stella hug her from behind as well.
Dustin threw his phone into the couch with a sob, furiously wiping his tears away. "There, I did it, you son of a bitch."
"And a good performance it was," Desmond replied with a smile. "Almost too good. Was there a hint of truth in those words?"
"Fuck you. Just leave me alone."
"We're not done yet. There's more you will do for me."
"You can't..."
"Can't what? Be serious? Can't do this? Wrong on both counts. Now that Robison is out of the way, you will go to Kathleen. Apologize for your stupidity. Beg for her forgiveness. And when she takes you back, you will... learn to live with the arrangement." He grinned.
"You sick fu-" Dustin gasped as a heavy punch landed in his stomach, making him drop to his knees.
"The things we do for family," Desmond mused, rubbing his hand as if it hurt. "If you would prefer I drop you into the ocean a thousand miles from land, keep talking. Keep saying anything other than 'I obey', or something to that effect."
Dustin said nothing, gritting his teeth so hard it hurt.
"Now… what are you going to do?"
Kathleen was awakened from her couch by a knock on the door. With a groan, she stood up and walked over to it, pulling it open, ready to snap at whoever interrupted her nap. Her words died in her throat as she saw Dustin.
"Dustin? What? What is it?"
He looked… haunted for a moment. But his face broke into a casual smile. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said. And… you were right. I was stupid to say no to you. I want to give us another chance."
Kathleen wasn't sure what to say. This seemed wildly out of character for Dustin, even she knew that. "Is this a trick or something?"
Dustin smiled, and leaned in suddenly, kissing her on the lips and making her gasp. "Does this seem like a trick?"
Kathleen's face broke into a happy smile and she threw her arms around his neck, kissing him full on the lips. He reciprocated, making her giggle into his lips. She pulled him inside, shutting the door behind her and pressing him against it.
Her hands roamed his back as his own held her waist. She kissed him more passionately, her hands squeezing his butt. His hands remained at her waist. She pulled back and kissed at his neck, nibbling his skin a few times. His hands remained at her waist.
Kathleen pulled back, giving him a confused look. "What's wrong?"
"Huh?"
"You're... it's like you're a thousand miles away right now."
"W- what do you mean?"
"I remember what it was like to do this with you," Kathleen said. "You're not... doing anything. You're just standing there. Nothing like you used to and I feel like a weirdo. What's going on?"
"Nothing, I just... sorry, you know me, I'm not used to moving this fast suddenly. I know I did before but... it's been a while. And..."
Kathleen sighed. That was certainly true. It had taken some time for him to open up a bit more when they were together. "So you want to take things slower?"
"...y-yes. I'm sorry, I..."
She nodded. "Okay..." She gave him a softer kiss and smiled. "I can do slower. Anything for you."
He smiled, though it seemed a bit uncertain. "Really?"
"Of course," she said, trying to hide the disappointment. She was just glad he was back with her, and she didn't want to do anything to ruin it now. "I know I've been... difficult. But things have recently started to turn around for me. And I want to make the most of them. Start over, I guess."
"That's good..." His voice still sounded distant.
"Do you want to stay over, or... shall we meet up tomorrow somewhere?"
"I'd like that... the-the second one, that is..."
She smiled. "You're too cute. I've missed you." She kissed him again and moved away. "Okay, sweetie. I'll see you tomorrow."
Dustin walked out of the house and into his car, breathing heavily.
"You had better just get used to it," Desmond said, appearing in the passenger seat and startling Dustin. "No sense in fighting it. You belong to her now. You belong to us now."
"Why?" Dustin asked pleadingly, desperately. "Why me?"
"Because she's already taken with you. I do not much give a damn who she picks. You were just the most convenient person around. But when I return to life, I'm going to start rebuilding my family name. And it'll begin with a new generation for the Kress family."
"A new... generation?" Dustin gasped out.
"Yes." Desmond gave him a cruel smile. "Congratulations... you're going to be a father. Whether you like it or not." He looked ahead through the window into the horizon. At the future. "A new beginning, to fix the mess my pathetic grandson and his brainless daughter have wrought. The damage to our good name. The Kress family will be among the world's finest, as we were always meant to be. As we would have been... if not for..." He hissed suddenly, his eyes glowing red. "Eckland. You know who he is, don't you?"
"Only what Katherine told me."
"Gossiping whore. Well, all you need to know is that I have dedicated my existence to make all of his nightmares come true for what he did to me. You're but a piece of that plan. But you are a part of it, whether you like it or not. So get used to it. And be a man about it, for god's sake. I won't have a sniveling weakling fathering my great-great grandchildren." He chuckled and disappeared, and Dustin could sense he was gone. But he didn't dare do what his heart was telling him and hurry to Katherine. He knew Desmond would be watching him. And so he made for home.
Once he arrived home, he rushed to the bathroom and splashed water over his face, as if to wash off dirt. He remembered how he'd felt kissing Kathleen and Desmond's words and slowly began to feel his defenses weakening. He burst into tears over the sink, crying openly.
Kathleen woke up in her bed in the morning, feeling much more relaxed than she had been in a while. She made her way into her living room where Desmond was floating absentmindedly reading one of her books while his telekinetic abilities were making breakfast for her in the kitchen as pans and spatulas worked on eggs.
"Morning!" She chirped.
He smiled pleasantly. "Good morning, dear."
Kathleen sat down, picking up the remote and turning the TV on to the morning news as she usually did most mornings. The faces of her former coworkers filled the screen as a newscaster spoke...
"Several former employees of the fashion designing company Kress Beyond were recently all found dead in their homes as of last night. The only connection between the three of them appears to be their former place of employment. An investigation is being launched to..."
Kathleen shivered suddenly, as if everything had gotten very cold suddenly. She suddenly realized Desmond was very close to her, looking at the TV screen, but clearly aware he had made his presence known to her.
"Did you...?" She choked out. "Did you do this?!"
"Of course," he said, his face breaking into a casual smile.
"You didn't say you... that you..."
"Killed them? Of course not. I hadn't done anything just yet. But it's best to clean up all the loose ends. Now no one can reveal my existence. Just keep a cool head. The investigation will come and go, no evidence of any sort will be found. All you need to do is tell the truth. You never had any idea what happened to them."
"But you can't just... you can't..." She stuttered.
He rounded on her. "What was that? Are you giving me orders?"
The uncomfortable feeling she had had when she first made her deal with her great-grandfather was back, followed by an icy stab of fear as his eyes flashed red.
"No?" Desmond smiled and looked back at the television, the smile fading. "Good. This isn't about you and me, or a few dead nobodies. This is about the family. You'll understand when you're facing death's door. Just be grateful you didn't have to spend a century all alone in the dark." He smirked and gave her a pat on the cheek. "Kids these days..."