The night air of New York was cool, calm and collective with the streets noisy and busy as usual rather its morning or night. A young woman was walking through central park as a shortcut to get to where she was going. She was tall with long brown wavy hair, emerald blue eyes; she had on navy blue jeans a red t-shirt As she walked through she was unaware of the presence behind her until it was too late as her scream pierced through the night. The sun rose up as the birds came out to start their day as did people who came into view. A couple walked hand and hand down central park when they stumbled onto the body. The girl screamed out while the boy pulled his cell out calling 911 not long after the cops and SVU's came and closed that part of the park off.
Olivia crossed the crime scene tape as he spotted Finn and Amanda snapping pictures he approached them.
"Hey guys sorry I'm late! What do we have?" Olivia asked as Finn looked over to her.
"White, female I would say she was at least 38 to 44 years of age. " Finn said while he went back to examining the body. "I see blood underneath her fingernails maybe she scratched her attacker." Finn stated then scrapped under her nails gathering up the evidence
After they had gotten everything they could they headed back to the office.
Olivia smirk finding Carisi playing purposely a radio at station too loud making his husband groan in pain as Olivia and himself were laughing at him.
"Carisi , I sent the photos of the bsy to your brother."Olivia she says, tilting her head at him. Her lips quirk upward before settling back into a neutral line, and Dodds squints with unbridled suspicion.
"Good morning to, you to"Dodds retorts snidely. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You're testy this morning."
"Yeah, well, that's what happens when the people who supposedly care about you let you have too much to drink." He ignores Liv's very blatant and pointed eye roll. "I thought we were friends."
Olivia and Dodds walks in her office. "We are," Liv says, crossing her arms over her chest as she leans back in her chair, peering at him over the black frames of her glasses. She looks mildly entertained now, only serving to set off more intolerable warning bells for Doedw to stay on guard. "Do you not remember who put you in your Uber and got you home last night?"
The young man narrows his eyes, tracing a finger over the edge of one of his armrests. "It wasn't Sonny?"
"No." Liv smiles pleasantly, far too pleasantly for it to be actually pleasant. "No, friend , that was all me."
"I couldn't have been that drunk last night."
Except he absolutely had been, how can he even be actively denying that when he knows very well he doesn't remember his boss making sure he made it home? Beyond that, why hadn't Sonny been the one to do it? Mike tries to ward off the resentment that's already building within him, it's of no use to him when he doesn't have all the facts yet and not to mention, petty; but he remembers the amile of his father when had introduced Sonny to everyone as his , it's just a matter of puzzling together what the hell had happened after that.
"You were flirting with Carisi," Liv tells him, as if this is brand new information he couldn't have possibly extrapolated on his own.
Mike shakes his head and shrugs, not comprehending why Olivia would even bring it up now. He and Sonny had disclosed ages ago and while they don't flaunt their relationship, they don't take measures to hide it, either. When it comes to parties like last night's, for instance, Mike hadn't bothered sparing a thought for the people he'd caught staring when Sonny had found him for the countdown and wrapped strong arms around his waist to pull him in for the kiss.
"Yeah, so? He's my husband."
Benson lifts an eyebrow, inching forward in her chair to rest her elbows on her desk, fingers steepling. "You asked him if he was single—"
Dodds groans. Liv holds up a finger.
"—then cried when he said no."
The revelation—and it does feel that dramatic—renders Mike silent and slack-jawed for a long moment, the air thick with his humiliation intermingling with Liv's obvious amusement,
He blinks, then blinks again.
"I—"
That's all he can really force out, words escaping him, which is almost more frustrating than having heard about what he'd done in the first place.
"It's not that big a deal," Liv says, sensing his discomfort and embarrassment. It'd been funny at first, he's sure, but she looks a little guilty about thinking so now, which in turn makes Dodds feel guilty for making her feel that way at all.
"My father was there. My siblings-in-law were there. Bastiana was there. How did they reacted?"Dodds asks, fiddling with the end of his tie and sinking lower into his chair. He'd rather sink into the floor.
"Well," Liv starts, pausing to think, and Mike because that can't be a good sign if she has to spend actual time considering her answer. "Let's see. Your father couldn't stop laughing, Bastiana had rose an eyebrow and I am sure that I heard Dana something for blackmail material."
"Oh, god," he groans, scrubbing a hand over his face.
Hey, Lieu, we—" Sonny practically skids to a stop once he's entered the office, Amanda right on his tail. The eye contact she makes with Mike is short-lived, and it's a struggle not to say something when she bites down on her lip, presumably to keep from revealing a smirk he knows must just be waiting to show itself. "i spoke with my brother about our last victim."
"And"
"My dear brother of mine think that our unsub is angry with his object of obsession because she start date someone..."
"Of maybe finally talk to her and she rejected him."Rollins says making Dodds and Carisi roll their eyes.
"It is our guy."
"Rosemaker as the newspapers call him is the man who killes the woman. Miranda found a Aconitum in the mouth of the girl , Dr. Reid says that this pretty-looking flower actually means 'hatred' and 'be Rollins finishing. Mike looked over at Olivia and nodded as did she.
"The subject of his affection is doing what and our bad guy starts kill?"Olivia asked frustrated.
"Kissing or having sex with other men or women."
The sun rose as it's rays hit the buildings of this city as it wakes its inhabitants up for the morning. One in particular who didn't want to get up, but not only was the buzzing from the alarm clock sounding, but someone else was waking him up too. Mike groaned at both the sound and feeling he looked over at the clock then over to Logan who was smiling at him he couldn't help, but smile back.
"Good morning beautiful" Logan complemented he leaned over and kissed him as he kissed back.
"Mmm good morning to you too handsome" Mike replied happily they got up and got ready for the day.
As both Logan and Mike grabbed their cups of coffee they both made their way out of the building and down the hall. They reached the elevator that was about to close and got in they smiled at the people in the elevator then turned their attention back to the front. The ride was silent and they both could feel eyes baring into them and that caused Logan to sigh.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Logan asked in annoyance that startled the two that was staring at them.
"Um no n-nothing at all" The woman stuttered.
"Then may I ask why you are staring at us?" Logan asked the man just looked at him then to Mike he wrinkled his nose up shaking his head.
"Nothing! I just don't like sharing an elevator with a couple of fags is all" The man said.
Mike gasped and Logan turned and looked at him angrily, but Mike put his hand on his arm to stop him from doing something stupid. Logan looked at him and his pleading eyes then back to the man the woman was looking at them apologeticly and he sighed calming down.
"Sir what you have to say is your own opinion, but just so you know that no matter what you say or do it will not affect me! I'm sorry you feel that way, but what we do is none of your business" Mike stated then turned around and completely ignoring the man as he pulled Logan to his side.
Once they left the building they got into his car and drove to work. The car ride was in an uncomfortable silence and Logan couldn't help, but look over he could see Mike's face and he could see the hurt plastered on there. He sighed and reached over taking his lover's hand he laced their fingers together as he gave it a squeeze Mike looked over and smiled weakly.
"Mike babe don't let what that man said get to you ok?" Logan said Mike sighed and nodded.
"I wont" Mike said Logan smiled and nodded.
"Good cause I don't care what anyone has to say! I love you and I'm happy with you" Logan stated Mike looked at him in aw and smiled big.
"I love you too Logan and I'm happy as well! Very happy" Mike replied Logan brought their linked hand up and kissed the back of it.
"Good! Where here lets go" Logan announced he pulled into the parking lot and got out as did Mile.
They made their way up to the elevator got in as Mike pressed the button for the 35th floor when the door was stopped he looked up just as Katrina ,Jessica and Donna came walking in they smiled big at them as they smiled back.
"Hey guys and good morning" Katrina greeted.
"Good morning Katrina." Mike greeted back.
"How was your night last night?" Donna asked seeing them at the gala laughing and dancing all night.
"It was excellent we had a great time didn't we Logan?" Mike said then asked Logan nodded.
"We sure did" Logan agreed they chuckled.
"I remember your brother -in-law crying."Jessica says. They nodded.
"To much of champagne."Logan muttered.
"And of course I remember you and Captain Benson have the best moments of your lives together at the gala."
Jessica blushes.
"That's Right."Jessica nodded with a smile.
After their chat with the three women, Logana d Mike walks to Mike's office while Logan sat in a chair in front of the office , Mike stops at the doorway staring at him.
Logan prefer to spend his morning with Mike at Pearson-Specter , reading some files or laughing woth katrina at the kitchen. Mike worried about Logan and the thing that happened at the elevator because pf Logan's mother.
Liliana Sanders was a strict woman who wasn't a big fan of wasn't comfortable that Logan choose to be with a man and threat to disown Logan of he continued his relationship with Mike but Dana and Bastiana has team up and tore Lucia apart. They gave Logan the reins of Sanders Industries and mama Sanders stayed home waiting to be grandma.
Mike's leg tingled as his phone vibrated in his pocket. She shake his head and pulled the phone out, looking at the screen.
Family meeting
-B
Mike choked on his drink when he read about the family meeting part from Bastiana.
"Logan!" he yelled.
"Yeah?" replied Logan.
"Pack your bags, we're going to the Bahamas or Hawaii or anywhere to hide from Bastiana.
"On it," said Logan in a sing-song voice. Mike sighed. Sometimes, he wonders if his fiance is sane or not. Who would not be serious when being threatened by Bastiana?
Reid reads an article for the gala, and almost has to fling his laptop out of a window. He calls his brothers, and actually does end up tossing his phone out the window. He almost goes to Hotch just to double check, but manages to stop himself because that's going a little too far, that's admitting that he's maybe a little too invested in Bastiana's love life, and that's not okay because-
His boss had a date with his sister.
Aaron Hotchner with his rediculous gaze and his even more suits and nearly divorced had a date with his sister.
The sunlight streamed in through the open window as Neal walked to the wardrobe to get dressed. He sipped the blood from the blood bag he'd gotten from the kitchen earlier. He was buttoning his jacket when Dana up and he looked over at her as she sat up, leaning her elbow on her knee.
"What time is it?" She asked.
"Six o'clock." He told her.
Everyone had their routine in the morning and Dana noticed his during her time living with him. He'd get up a five, get dressed and style his hair to the side then go have a drink of coffee to get him through the day. She didn't want him to change, but she did want to wake up next him some mornings. She didn't want to see him getting dressed like he was about to leave like he used to.
The brunette bit her lip as she wrapped the sheet around her body, walking to the bathroom. Neal watched her go with a puzzled look on his face, sensing she wasn't as chipper as she normally was.
"Are you all right?" He asked.
"I'm fine." She said snarkily.
She closed the door behind her and Neal put his hands in the pockets of his trousers, pursing his lips as he wondered what had upset her.
He looked at the bed then at the wardrobe, looking between them for a few moments. The door of the bathroom opened and Dana walked out dressed for the day. She crossed her arms as she leaned against the door frame.
"You are so clueless." She shook her head at him while heading to the bed, starting to make the sheets. She looked up at him as he raised an eyebrow. "Some mornings, I want to wake up not to see you getting dressed like you are about to leave."
Neal walked over to her and Dana her head when he wrapped his arms around her. "The time for hugs has passed." She mumbled when he kissed her forehead.
Dana let out a sigh as she laid her head on his shoulder. Neal smiled when her arms went around his waist, knowing she'd given in. He kissed her cheek while he played with her hair, looking down at her to see her eyes closed.
Neal took her hands and tugged her with him as he walked backwards, heading to the door. Dana smiled softly as she let him pull her. "Where are we going?" She asked.
"We're going for a walk down the street." He said. "See the lights, grab a cup of coffee somewhere..."
Dama took her jacket from the rack and put her scarf around her neck, following him down the staircase whilst she zipped up her jacket. Neal held out his arm and Dana smiled as she looped her arm with his. They walked out the house and headed to his car, Neal drove to the voodoo shop to park. ShecShe hear her boots crushing the snow beneath her feet as she got out the car, he closing the door for her.
As he looked around at the lights that people had draped along their balconies, she realised in that moment that this is what he wanted to do. She noticed the smile that formed on his lips as he looked around at the lights in the snowy street and it caused a smile of her own to form on her lips. She looped her arm with his and walked with him down the street.
"There was a time where we would host a party to celebrate with our family" He told her. "Now we are lucky to be able to walk the streets this very moment because Woodford or Pink Panthers could strike one of us down within seconds."
Dana rubbed his arm while she took his hand. "What matters is that we're here and we're together."
Neal leaned down and kissed her tenderly. Dana smiled as she put a hand on his chest, standing on her toes. The mancman her cheek as he deepened the kiss and Dana put her hands on his chest, feeling the cold nip her skin. Neal's cell phone rang and the lawyer groaned against his lips.
"Don't answer it." She pouted as he pulled away.
"It's Spencer." He told her, checking the name after taking it from his pocket. "Yes?"
"Where are you?" He asked.
"Out." Neal paused as he looked down the street. "Why?"
"Meet Lola and I in Rousseau's." He ended the call and Neal shook his head as he looked at Dana.
"Come on."
The brunette took his hands and tugged him down the sidewalk towards the bar. Neal laced their fingers together and turned her around, trapping her in his arms as he walked with her pressed against him. She smiled as she laid her head on his shoulder.
When they arrived a the bar, Lola was sitting at a table with Spencer and Dana noticed she had bought a white dress with laced sleeves. She shook her head as she took a seat in front of them.
"What's the dress for?" She asked.
Lola looked at Reid and he cleared his throat, sitting straighter in his chair.
"The wedding." Reid told her.
"What happened to the ballgown?" Dana asked. "You said it yourself you can't walk down the aisle wearing a harlot's dress."
"Here's the thing..." Reid scratched the back of his neck. "We're not getting married in a church."
"Or wearing suits and ballgowns." Dana added.
"You're still getting married though, right?" Dana raised an eyebrow as she looked between them.
"Yeah, we are." Lola took Reid's hand. "Just not the kind we wanted in the beginning."
"If this is about Pink Panther -" Neal started.
"It isn't." Reid shook his head. "Look, I was all for the big wedding, but -"
"I realised what was important." Lola took his hand. "I know what I said about a big wedding but we need just our family, we have been through a lot of things and we need each other without fancy flowers or a music band or a church
"Bastiana wouldn't be happy." Dana said.
"What Dana meansis," Neal put his arm around her shoulders, "what is the new plan?"
"Married in the woods. " She told him. "I want you to marry us."
"I'm not qualified to -" Neal shook his head.
Dana covered his mouth with her hand. "He'll do it." She smiled at the couple before glaring at Neal. "You're doing it."
Hotch hadn't expected Reid to skip out on the entire day of work. Actually he hadn't expected Reid to be that angry and hostile. Never in all his time working with the young agent had he ever seen him express that much hatred and anger at someone, especially a team mate. It was the next morning when Reid came marching through the bull pen did Hotch notice something was not just off about him, but also very disturbing.
"Reid!" Hotch shouted across the bullpen. Reid's eyes snapped up from the floor and into the angry eyes of his boss.
"My office, now." Hotch ordered. Reid's shoulders slumped; he really wasn't in the mood to apologize to anyone right now, especially people he didn't trust! He shuffled his way into Hotch's office dreading it every step.
"Sit." He commanded and Reid did as he was asked. They were now facing each other from across the wide expanse of Hotch's desk.
"This is the second time that you came late for work. I can understand that you are busy with the wedding plans but I wnat you focus on your work."Hotch began and Reid was about to defend himself but Hotch held his hand up, "I know that you don't trust any of us and I understand that but we are a team and for our job we must trust each other."Hotch told him. Reid however was busy looking at his hands, which were still shaking from the lack of caffeine, which he'd need soon to keep up appearances of him getting high."
"But if you have a problem you can tell I understood?" Reid had his head down still and hadn't answered, he was pretending to zone out of the conversation.
"Spencer Reid! Am I understood?" Hotch snapped.
"Yes sir." Reid said quietly.
"You may leave now." Ried quietly got up and made his way to the door but he stood there waiting.
Unknowning to the young doctor, Hotch he had finally relented and signed the divorce papers. He hadn't wanted to, had no desire whatsoever for this divorce, even the separation; but Haley was determined, she wanted a divorce and nothing Aaron did or said was going to change her mind. So Hotch had signed the papers, agreeing to the visitation schedule and child support, his heart smashing to smithereens as he did it. He had loved only Haley since high school, and knew he would never love anyone like that again, intended to never love anyone again. But that was lie because Hotch met Bastiana.
A split image of Bastiana Wolf, dark-haired, blue-eyed and stunning features. She was a very, very beautiful woman. But Seto knew how powerful she was. Beneath the domed headdress lay a cunning mind and within that perfect body lay a strong, brave heart that did not hesitate to do what was necessary to protect her family.
During the gala, Hotch had such a great evening. He and Bastiana had talked about anything and everything except work. He had to go to know the woman a lot better, and it made him love her even more. At times, he thought Bastiana might have shared those same feelings, but he was scared to do or say anything.
They danced and laughed and Hotch wanted to never end this dance but sirial killers doesn't take a day off, Hotch left Bastiana at the gala because of his work. He left a beautiful woman alone with all those men around her checking her out and undressing her with their eyes.
The kiss.
Hotch had never thought this would happen and he wanted nothing more than to touch, to wrap an arm around Bastiaa and pull her impossibly closer, to rest a hand on the back of her neck to keep her exactly where he wanted her, but his hands were frozen so he had settle for gripping the edge of the car hard enough to turn his knuckles white as he kissed back and did his best to memorise the way Bastiana's lips felt against his own instead. Softer than he'd been expecting but the kiss was authoritative and demanding as he guessed it would be.
He hadn't planned on kissing Bastiana it just happened. But he had should make his territory.
Hotch had hated to look at the pair during their fight because even to him they seemed to be a match and everyone seemed to approve they're possible relationship together.
The fight between Harvey Specter and Bastiana Wolf would have been almost comical to Hotch had he not felt an unpleasant burning in his gut.
Jealousy.
Sure, they fought but they got too close and Hotch wasn't sure what he had watch and if he found it infuriating or hot. The way that Bastiana's lip had quirks and was hot, but Harvey had caught it too, and Hotch remember that je had looks at Bastiana's lips, and that's frustrating.
Hotch had want to walk onto the balcony between them. He wanted to shout, "Hey, don't kill each other or get a room!"
The passion and sparkle in their eyes was enough.
Reid being oblivious to Hotch's jealousy said.''You fell for her trap just like every other one of those idiots around the world''
Hotch's eyes changed in shock.''What?''
''Look I get it''Reid He looked at Hotch.''My sister is beautiful and smart but she doesnt what the feelings is. The only feelings that my sister know is the feart because she seeks control by making them afraid but at the same time she tames her lovers with love and fear is a paralytic. But love... Love is a much more vicious motivator.''
''Stay the hell away from her.''Reid said trying to control his anger but this was impossible.
''If your sister wants to be with me ,she will be''Hotch says and Reid is not a violent man. He allows Bastiana to make hwe own decisions, to handle things herself with minimal suggestions and advice.
''She is mine!''Reid 's tone all childishly possessive as if Bastiana is a toy being taken away from him.'I used to think that after Bastiana arrives in our lives ,I will have the aportunity to spend time with the sister of mine who was there for me during nightmares, reading or singing to me. To re-bond with the woman who tought me how to drive a bike but..''
Reid walked to his boss, putting his hands on Hotch's shoulders as he took a seat at the desk ''But I was wrong. there's nothing human left in Bastiana. Bo good, no kidnness. No love. Only a monster who must be stopped.''
There was a long silence, one that seemed to fill the room, then the whole office, before Aaron Hotchner finally spoke.''Who dare you to speak about her like that?''
''You can't see your own sister.''Hotch said hesitantly, narrowing his eyes.''Once upob a time there was a very scared little girl but one day that little girl grew up and discovered the way to stop being scary.''
''Was to become scary''
"Fair enough. But Hotch, you have to trust me. She's manipulating you. That's what she does. She manipulates, she pulls strings, and the moment she gets what she wants she cuts you loose. I know what I'm talking about. Bastiana doesn't care about you. She doesn't care about anyone. She doesn't know how to or what it means to feel."Reid snapped, eyes flaring.
Hotch wasn't the least bit convinced. Instead, he was buoyed, more determined. "You think that your sister is a monster but every time you have a problem you run to her. ''You, and everyone else, see only the mask she wears, the walls she surrounded herself with, you only see the bad things she'd done. You don't see the real woman behind that. When I look at her, I see a woman. Not a lawyer or a robot. A woman who has been through so much that any of you would've given up, but not her. She kept going, she kept fighting herself and everything that life threw at her.''
''She is a different person when she lets herself out from that 'I don't give a damn' mask, when she is certain she can trust someone. You all hate her for telling the truth, for seeing things as they are. Yeah, she is cunning, but she is also honest with everything and everyone. You know why? Because she is not young as you, she doesn't see the world through pink glasses like you do. Her methods are sometimes questionable, I agree, but at the end, it always proves she had been right from the start.I'm sick and tired of how everyone keeps remembering the bad things she'd done and deliberately forgetting the good. How many times had she saved you and your love ones? How many times had she saved Neal? Or Carisi? Or Mike? Or her in-law? Did she ever got a thank you for that? No.''
By the end of his speech, Hotch was fuming and literally glowing with anger, and his voice grew louder, bringing even the people around the floor to glance at the door of his office. They didn't hear the beginning but They heard enough.
Reid who was listening was speechless. For one, he never saw Hotch that angry, so out of his calm element, and for two, everything he said was new to the doctor.
Reid chewed his lip, deliberating. "You feel for her."
"Not that it's any of your business, but I do."
"That's a mistake."
Hotch takes a deep breath clamming his nerves.
"My relationship with Bastiana isn't up for discussion with you or anyone else."
H didn't owe Reid an explanation on any subject; that he was talking was generous and a monumental lapse in judgment on his part
"Relationship?!."Reid scoffed."My sister doesn't do relationship ,in fact Bastiana is not able to fall in love. She doesn't feel anything for any of the people she take to her bed. It it what make her such a good lawyer. Getting involved without losing herself emotionally, when the time come to cut ties, there was nothing to hold her back."
Why are you telling me this.?!"Hotch demanded.
Reid eyes wandered around the room as he spoke. "I hope you don't believe you are her one and only. Many women and men have believed such in the past, it is a talent of her to draw a woman or man in and make him or her believe she/his is her forever. You are a name in a long list of such dalliances, Hotch. You are a smart man. You would do well to find your true other half."
Reid patted him lightly on the shoulder and walked away toward the door.
"I know," is all that Hotch has to say that and even on the back of his head Hotch can clearly see how Reid rolls his eyes. He staggers a little.
"Hotch. All these games-" Reid called over she shoulder. "I just wanted to say. Be careful."
Bastiana was rushing as she fled the Plaza. She was suppose to meet Amy in just over half an hour and that wasn't nearly enough time to get to her home , change clothes and run at her nevertheless she was now in a rush and she most likely looked like she had just rolled out of bed. As the elevator doors opened she moved hurriedly across the hotel lobby, not really looking where she was going; which led her straight into the arms of none other than Harvey Specter. Shit, thought Bastiana as she looked up into the face of a very confused man.
As Harvey caught Bastiana, he looked down at her puzzled by what she was doing at the Plaza this early in the morning. So he asked her inquisitively, "Bastiana, what are you doing here at nine thirty in the morning, looking like a hot mess no less?" But as he finished his question, realization dawned on him; the disordered appearance, the same dress she was wearing last night, the time of the morning, and the direction in which she was headed;Bastiana Wolf had spent the night in the Plaza Hotel and it hadn't been with him.
Bastiana watched as realization hit Harvey. His eyes narrowed and his jaw locked and she started to pull away. "Specter, I've got somewhere I need to be. We'll talk later."
"That's some dress you've got on, Bastiana. I can see damn near everything." Harvey didn't hide his leer.
She grinned at him. "It's all just wishful thinking, Specter."
He looked at her breasts and she felt a little warmth at his gaze.
"It clings very nicely," He looked at her for a very long moment, like he was trying to decide something. "Any chance of getting you out of it?"
Bastiana raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"
"Why are you so obsessed with me?" Bastiana asked. Harvey opened his mouth to argue with her, but her eyes flashed as if to say "I dare you to deny it".
"I don't know." Harveg replied finally. "When you qon against me I lost it. You became a bit of an enigma for me. Could I beat you in trial? What type of a lawyer would you be? What type of a leader would you be? What type of a person would you be?" Harvey ran his fingers through his hair nervously, belatedly realizing that the tie had long since fallen out. The brown curls were tangled and it was a little painful to even get his fingers through the mane. "I've been in battle every day for nearly a decade, honing my skills for the trial we were inevitably going to have. I respected you as a lawyer, I admired your fire."
An easy silence falling between the two lawyers.
As she looked at the floor more memories flashed threw her mind.
Gotham. Bruce.
Bastiana tried to focus on the present but she couldn't push the thoughts away.
"Why are you shaking?"
Bastiana looks at the man in shock. Was it that obvious?
"Don't worry about me", Bastiana told the man. "I'm okay."
She wasn't okay, she was anything but okay.
She was gasping for breath and her whole body was trembling. She felt the panic inside her building up as she gripped her armrests beside her as hard as humanly possible. It was no good. Nothing was working. All the techniques she had used in the past to avoid having a panic attack in front of the vampire were failing her. It was too late.
He had noticed.
"You're pathetic," the voice inside Bastiana's head whispered, again and again, making her dizzy.
Everything was suddenly so loud. The voices, the stress, the panic. It was too much.
Tears were now streaming down her face as she sobbed silently, trying to stop herself but it was impossible.
She runs. She bolts away from the room, away from Harvey and the others. Away from HIM.
She runs and runs and keeps running until she gets back to hotel's room.
She could hear someone saying her name repeatedly but she couldn't tell who it was over the voices in her head.
However when she felt someone gently touch her cheek her eyes slowly opened. Harvey has knelt on the floor in front of her brushing the tears off her face.
Before Harvey could comment on the tears burning in her eyes, she reached up, pulled his face down to hers, and kissed him.
Harvey responded immediately, without hesitation or question.
He was kissing the old bite wound again, tongue running along the puncture scar, and drawing pleasure from it or at least from the memory, she could tell, and then his mouth was travelling lower. She pulled at his shirt with one hand and pushed back the table with the other until her back was against the wall of his room.
He pulled at the hem of her shirt and she lifted her arms, and then his hands were running along her bare skin and she shivered, and some parts of her wondered at how she could be made so exposed in front of him, again, and yet enjoy it. She tugged on his shirt and he pulled it off in one motion and then they were flesh to flesh. He unbuttoned her zipper from her dress and she stood, and pulled them down and kicked them off with ease, and she looped her fingers into his belt loop and tugged and he laughed, discarded them, and then she was falling backwards. Her back hit the mattress and then he was above her, his hands braced around her but not pinning her in place.
He reached his hands behind her back and traced his finger under the clasp of her bra, a silent question, and she pulled her fingers through his hair and hummed, soft, encouraging. He undid the clasp with one hand, fast and with ease (something Bastiana had rarely experienced in from a partner in bed), and then his hands were at the waistband of her underwear, and she pulled them down with him, until he tossed them aside, and then his fingers were on her.
She moaned out, her voice dripping of lust. "I can't wait till you shove your cock into my wet cunt."
Harvey's ministrations on her breasts became rougher at hearing her words. "I plan to fuck you into oblivion until you can't remember your own fucking name." He growled sexily.
After having played with her breasts, Bastiana decided to give him a blow job. "I want to suck your cock, just like a slut." She whispered in his ear with a smirk.
He pushed her onto her knees and put his cock into her hot mouth. "You want it? Then, take it." Harvey grunted.
Bastiana began to suck his cock and she groaned when she felt a bit of his pre-cum. Harvey reached beneath her and inserted two fingers in her pussy and felt his fingers cover with her juices. Bastiana's sounds caused vibrations in his cock and he groaned out loudly.
"That's a good whore huh? Can't live without a cock can you slut?" Harvey growled. "Always wanting to get fucked."
Hearing his voice and those dirty words, she increased her pace. A few seconds later, he squirted all of his juice into her mouth, some landing in her face. She licked his cock clean and took it out with a pop.
Seeing that some of his cum was on her face, he began licking her cheeks. She moaned like a wanton slut and grabbed his cock and placed the tip at her entrance.
"Fuck me raw and hard," Bastiana said, moving her breasts across his chest.
Her wetness grew as she noticed his eyes darken with lust. He roughly grabbed her ass cheeks and inserted a finger. "I plan to do just that, bitch." He told her with a smirk. "I am going to shove my long and thick cock in your dripping cunt. After that, I am going fuck your ass."
Harvey plunged his cock into her pussy and Bastiana screamed in pleasure. He pounded in and out and didn't give her time to adjust to his size. He grabbed her hips and pushed her against him tightly. He felt her nipples harden and he increased his pace.
"Your pussy is so damn wet, whore," Harvey grunted. "Tell me how much you want my cock!"
"I want your cock in me!" Bastiana shouted. "I want to be fucked like a common slut... I love feeling your thick, hard cock getting shoved in my pussy."
He grabbed her hair and crashed his lips to hers. Her mouth parted for his tongue and she moaned as she felt close to her orgasm. His hands trailed her back and squeezed her ass cheeks. And with that, she came with a scream.
"Bend over the desk," He ordered, his cock getting hard again at the thought of fucking her tight ass hole.
She could feel her wetness drip down her thighs at his authoritative tone. She placed her hands on the cold surface and stuck her ass in the air. She started to play with her tits and could hear Harvey's harsh breathing. With a knowing smirk, she inserted a finger into her wet folds and twisted it around until her finger was covered in her juices.
Finally, he couldn't take it. He took her finger and sucked it clean. "Now, this is going to be raw and hard...just like my little whore likes it." He said in a husky voice.
Before she could reply, he plunged his hard cock into her asshole. He pounded his cock into her ass relentlessly and she moaned in pure lust. "That feels so good," He heard her say.
"I know, whores like you love to be fucked anally." He growled sexily. "You are so naughty Bastiana, always thinking of cocks being shoved up your ass."
He just groaned at his crude remark. "I love your dirty talking ..."
"Yeah, and you love my cock as well, don't you?." He grunted.
He could feel that she was close and increased his pace. She screamed out his name as she came high from her second orgasm that night. He took out his cock and it was covered with her cum. She growled at the sight and bent down to lick his cock. She moaned like a bitch as she tasted herself on his thick cock.
Once she finished licking him off, he carried her to the couch and she sat on his lap.
"That was..." Bastiana breathed.
"Intense? Crazy? Absolutely amazing?" suggested Harvey and she chuckled.
"All the options are right?" suggested Bastiana.
He laughed. "Good choice," he said and she joined his laugh of joy.
A few moments later, both of them found themselves full dressed
"Yeah?" She was still grinning.
"Two hours ago," Harvey began.
"It never happens." Bastiana finished for him.
''The man is angry''It was the first thing Morgan said after he take a look at the photo of their last victim.
They have been informed by Captain Benson for the new body and the changed's technique of unsub. But this was to far from their first profile of the killer , the man was in love with someone and the team could not find any of sight of love and care in the photo.
Her hands were bound behind her back with metal wire, another wire running from around her ankles to around her neck so she's unable to move. Even with every muscle in her body relaxed, her body doesn't lay flat on her stomach. Her knees are bent behind her and her head is slightly off the floor. The wire had cut through skin and drops of blood lay on the floor underneath.
Her eyes are open and the once blue irises are now white. There's no color, no detail. Her brown hair is matted, like it had been twisted, pulled, ripped at the roots. Cuts and bruises covered her body, her once porcelain skin is now unrecognizable.
''The unsub is angry at her and he can not hurt the woman who loves , soo he hurts the copies''Rossi says.''But why?''
Prentiss looked at Rossi, "Maybe he found out that she had a date.""
''And why he did had not target the man.?" Hotch walked to Garcia and he sighed as he stood up. "He want her to feel the pain which he felt when he found out about the other man"
''They found a paralytic medical in her systerm''Morgan paused to look over at Reid and Prentiss.''The paralytic agent used was Pipecuronium,"
"The drug would have had her paralyzed for..." Prentiss sighed before she spoke again "...over 3 hours,"
"And she felt every single moment of it," Garcia said.
"She also found a choke mark around their necks," Rossi continued "He must've made her pass out beforehand, explains how he could get the needle in between her toes,"
"Where would you find a drug like that? I've never even heard of it before," Garcia asked, folding her arms over her chest.
FLASHBACK
Reid had his arm draped around Lola's shoulders, the eight wines he had made him care-free, but not drunk. Lola laughed as Neal chased Dana down the street, her brother-in-law was drunk from the beers he'd had, but not enough to fall over.
"What do you think your siblings's will say when she tells them that's their plan?" She asked.
"Bastiana will object and Sonny will relentlessly attempt to point out flaws in changing the name." He told her.
Lola shook her head as she got in his car; Dana and Neal getting in the backseat together. Reid looked around the street before getting inside beside Lola and she looked up and down the street like Reid had done.
The brunette shed her winter coat as she entered the warmth of her house, reid doing the same as he headed to the living room. He noticed his brother's sitting on the couches drinking his scotch and pursed his lips, placing his jacket on the back of the armchair.
"Why are you here?" He asked.
"We needed a drink of scotch." Mike said.
"There's scotch at your house." Reid pointed out.
''Yes, but yours tastes better." Sonny stated.
Reid turned to the door shouting, "Lola!"
The blonde walked in with Lola, Dana and Neal moved his wife to the armchair, pushing her into the seat gently.
"Tell them, then get them out my house." Lola shook her head as she watched him clear the bottles from the coffee table.
"Tell us what?" Logan walked in with a tray of tea and placed it on the coffee table. Neal looked over at Dana and she rubbed his arm, biting back a smile.
"Why don't we go to the kitchen?" Lola took the tray and carried it through, the others following a seat at the table, Lola took Reid's hand and he squeezed hers gently, assuring her she wasn't alone. Bastiana crossed her arms as he refused to sit down and Neal held up a cup of tea for him to take."Gave me some alcohol, you know tea make me sick"
Neal looked over at Dana who was suppressing a giggle. "Of course."
What's this about, sister?" Mike asked.
"We aren't having a big wedding." She told him. "I decided-" She looked at Reid, "Well we decided that it wasn't the wedding that was important it was that fact we would be together was important. We'll have a simple wedding in the woods."
"Have you lost your mind?" Sonny asked.
"First its the name change, now it's -" He shook his head."Not happening."
Logan slapped him on the back of the head and Lola hid her grin whilst sipping her tea. Reid put his arm around her shoulders and kissed her cheek, smiling against her skin. Sonny glared at his future brother-in-law as he rubbed his head and Dana smiled against Beal's shoulder as she fought the urge to giggle.
"If you get married, you can do what you like, but for now Lola has chosen and you will be respectful of her decision." Bastiana looked between Sonny and the others, daring them to object.
"What will your dress be like?" Bastiana asked.
"Its in the car, I'll show you." Lola walked out with Bastiana
END FLASHBACK
Just as Reid was about to answer Garcia cut him off with a snort," Hey doc, you have a call going thru the main switch board. It got routed to me because you aren't answering your phone." Garcia giggled as Reid took his phone from his pocket seeing that it was on silent and he had missed several calls.
"Okay Garcia just tell them to call my cell now or take a message, " Reid said wondering who it was without looking at the Display to see, Garcia listened to her Bluetooth for a moment then started to laugh. Looking up she saw she had the entire rooms attention and wondered if what she was about to do was a good thing or a very bad thing. 'UM Spence the person on the phone says she's not calling you back because you aren't answering the damn phone and she needs you right now." Garcia paused listening some more then continued. "I have been instructed to place the call on speaker so you can't run away."
Reid had no idea who could be calling him with that kind of message so after glancing around at his team and seeing that they had no idea who it was either he told Garcia" Put the call on Speaker please Garcia."
Garcia shrugged her shoulders with a drawn out "Okay here goes."
After a small burst of static an angry feminine voice filled the room.
"SPENCER WILLIAM REID , GET YOUR ASS AT OFFICE IN THREE HOURS OR I WILL SKIN YOU ALIVE ,BOY. WE HAVE FAMILY MEETING. UNDERSTAND?!"
Reid's entire body froze at the sound of Bastiana's voice filling the room. At the same time his face turned a shade of red not many people ever get to see.
"Hey Bastiana, you are kinda on speakerphone with all of my team listening in." Reid said looking embarrassed as he saw everyone worried in wonder at what they had just heard. After a moment of trying to get Garcia to take the phone off speaker and her laughingly refusing Reid commented on Bastiana's questions. "Understand sis but we you want a family meeting?"Reid broke off as Bastiana's tinkling laugh filled the room.
"How dare you to questioning my actions!"Bastiana said and the entire room broke out into worried glances as they watched Reid react to the voice on the phone.
"See you later ,brother"Before Reid could say anything else Bastiana was gone.
"I am going to die.." Reid shouted scared then turned to face the million questions he knew he was about to be asked.
The lightning flashing across the sky that momentarily blanketed New York City in a blinding sheet of -colored orbs didn't once tear away from the view of the transparent windows, the harsh rain pelting against the glass like bullets.
Is the kind of angst that builds from a tickling anxiety, building and building, until it results in shattered molars and frustration bubbling beneath skin, a human body turning into a boiling furnace, volcanic with irritation. It is scowls and snarling words, jagged movements and harsh breaths. It is profanities hissed between clenched teeth, blame passed on to others. It is impatience, exasperation, infuriation, scrunched up together, a round ball of fury tossed into the corner of a bedroom to crease, crinkle and stew.
Bastiana walks toward her office only to see her brothers with their spouses laughing, waiting for her. Her eyes softened at the sight, thinking about all those time Sonny, Neal, Mike and Spencer stay at the office while waiting for her to finish her work, until they finally gave up on her a few years ago. How long at it been since she last saw her brothers look so relaxed and carefree around her?
As their eyes fall at her, all traces of kindness disappeared from Bastiana's face and she straightened herself up, her defensive walls raising instantly. No one pf the siblings didn't miss that, though they tried not to show it, they was used to their sister shinning them out like that now, but it didn't mean it didn't hurt them to know their own sister didn't trust them anymore.
"Brothers." Bastiana greeted mechanically as she went to her desk.
They flinches back at how Bastiana says "brothers"
Bastiana sat in the chair; one leg crossing the other as she watched the display in front her.
Sonny, Mike, Neal and Spencer feared for their lives at the wrath of their darling sister while her in-law is hovering around her like a pack of gargoyles, gaping at her with worry carved into their faces.
"I hope guys know why we are all here today."
Silence.
They all glance at each other, nodding in encouragement, daring each other like they're penguins about to leap into the sea, all unwilling to be the first in the water.
Silence, from which she gathers: no
Bastiana's jaw clenches
"Let me help you then."
She smiled. It wasn't charming at all.
It was dangerous.
"You fucking lied to me. All of you."Bastiana roared, slamming her hand on the top of her desk, unleashing her wrath.
A hairpin could have been dropped in that room and it would sound like a megaphone. An explosion could have happened and it would not have shattered the moment.
''All of you had stood before me and lied to my face''Bastiana spat.''I want to know why''
While her face gave nothing away, her posture was tight.
The woman was not angry at them. She was worried.
" What. Has. Happened?" The woman prompted again, this time leaving nor room for them to ignore her.
''We believed that was for your own good.''Neal sprang from his seat.
The other siblings snarled at the older brother to sit back down, to no avail.
''I wanted to protect you from the stress because I know about the two heart attack you had last month.''
What?" Soony, Mike and Spnecer at the same time causing the nearby siblings-in-law to hide. It was frightening enough when one or the other was angry at someone but three of them? I think even Bastiana would have been fearful.
''Do not change the subjet''Bastiana bit out.''
Dana took a step in front of Bastiana ,making Lola and Logan grap her by her arm to stop her knowing that Dana had never held back on her opinions, especially if she thought someone was acting like an idiot. Dana's talks were not polite in any way just factual and honest."For the love of God Bastiana , from the moment you came back you treat them like they still are chil-.."
Bastiana swung around and with her opened hand smacked Dana across the face. The younger lawyer reeled back in shock and put a hand up to her face
Bastiana bristled and closed her eyes. When she opened them again, they were dark, and filled with an anger that made everyone flinch.
"Don't you ever come between me and my brother"Bastiana roared out as Dana flinched.
"Forgive me, Bastiana."Dana bowed.
Logan, Lola and Dodds shuddered remembering something, keeping their gazes away from Bastiana.
Neal shot Bastiana a glare radiating rage and anger, not liking her for making such a move towards his wife.
"You ever consider the possibility that perhaps you don't even want me back? I mean, it seems to me that I make you all incredibly miserable."Bastiana said in her usual blunt manner.
"We all make each other miserable."
"You came back."Carisi said softly."Because you may have a wealth of knowledge at your disposal... Facts, figures, names, and dates... But you lack all the feelings. The love and the loyalty. Years of family!"
"Loyalty and love?"Bastiana said with a laugh."I spent every day of my wretched life trying to save you all from yourself. I mean, I can't even imagine a more miserable existence."
"You still have us."Mike said softly, tears falling from his eyes.
"You" Bastiana says pointing at the little brother." "You ruined my life."Mike took a step back, Bastiana's words having the same effect as a punch. Bastiana still glared down at him. "All my life I've been stuck taking care of you, making sure that you had everything you needed, I gave everything away for you. And for what? So that you could be happy. And in the end, what did I get? Nothing. I lost everything."
"You are drunk."Spencer said, tears falling down his cheeks as he grabbed his sister's arm.
"Of course I am"The sound Bastiana made was so painful Spencer was sure his heart broke as he watched his sister curl up on herself hands coming to cover her eyes but not before Spencer saw the tears in them.
She suddenly glared at him.
"Doctor Spencer Reid."
Reid 's eyes widened slightly.
"The other gold boy"
All eyes turned to the doctor, who looked ready for the earth to swallow him whole.
Flashing her angry eyes back at Reid, she raised her voice and said. "The boy who is always be a smug know-it-all. Always believe yourself to be better and smarter than the rest of us. It was almost always about you and your books , daddy dearest was kinda disappointed that you´d chose books over the thing he loved. You belive that you are perfect and never had make a mistake but what happened when a child had been shot infront of you because you decided to use your mouth instead of your gun or ...''
''I was doing my job''Reid said, , talking at the speed of light.
''Your job?''She asked in an icy tone.''Your job is to got the bad guys not to kill yourself. I prefer to have 5 or 14 or 999 bodies around the world instead of to carry my own brother coffin and I got give a shit if people call me a heartless bitch..''
"Well maybe if you didn't act so cold and heartless all the time people wouldn't say that about you,"Carisi shot back.
The office was silent after those words. You could hear a pin drop from anywhere in the room; nobody dared to even breath in fear for what would happen to them.
Bastiana laughed menacingly,"So this is it? The evil bastard Bastiana has gone too far, must be punished. And by her own sibling, nonetheless. How positively biblical.''
Bastiana saw Neal's hands approaching her and instantly without thought, her hand shot out and smacked Neal across the face.
The twins were standing face to face in the middle of the room staring at each other with coldness in each of their eyes that no one knew was possible for the two siblings.
Bastiana snorted coldly before glaring even more at Neal. " I have you around everyday as a constant reminder of all the pain and suffering you made me go through. Each time you smile, each time you laugh, each time I even look at you I am reminded of everything I gave away for you, everything that you took from me. You made me lose my childhood, my dreams, my happiness, my freedom, everything. You knew what was going on!" Bastiana accused. "You knew what he was doing to me, how he was treating me, you never told me I didn't have to go through that, you never told me you wanted this to stop, you never said you didn't want me to suffer like that, you never asked me to leave this place, you were happy stayed there, knowing just how much I was suffering for your happiness. And after all that, even now I'm still supposed to take care of you? You completely destroyed my life and I hate you for it"
Neal whimpers low in his throat.
All of the family whined some more, some flinching at her words. Even Mike and Neal ,Sonny and Spencer looked at her like she wounded them. Bastiana was angry. She was pissed. Sh felt like she wanted to give each member of the family a thrashing.
"What about you?"Neal said calmly, venomously, bringing Bastiana's gaze to meet his. Bastiana seemed to freeze in the seat, his blue eyes slightly wide.
"What do you mean brother?!"Bastiana asked, trying her best to keep a calm voice.
"You forgot"Neal snapped.
"Forgot what?"Bastiana demanded, shoving her brother hard enough to force her back a step.
"Family is power." Neal grabbed her by her shoulder to shake him roughly. "Love, loyalty…That's power. You used to understand that; you were once the most loyal of us all." He shook his head, releasing her. "This is what we swore to one another a thousand years ago," he added. A deep tiredness saturated his entire being. "Before ego—anger—before paranoia created in this person before me someone…someone I can barely recognize as my sister. My big sister, who asked me to run away with her from our father's wrath; the one that loved to sing, the one who cared so much about everything and everyone, who saw beauty in the world to the point that it caused us all great pain at times."
"Neal…" Her tone was warning.
He cut her off with a glare. "This is us," he said, harsh but soft. "The Ross family. We remain together, always and forever, all of us. We cannot let the rest fall out." He sighed. "We may have had our issues, but we cannot give up on the ideals we once held."
The younger twin put a hand on her shoulder, looking at her earnestly. It was the most heartfelt she had seen him in years, decades. Through the ages, until only recently for them, Neal was the only one in her family that she trusted completely. She trusted him enough to leave him near her, unlike their other siblings, and there were so few times she had broken that trust. But that didn't mean she would do as she wished; not in this instance.
"I am asking you," Neal pleaded, "to bring my sister back" He swallowed. "Please, Bastiana. If you still feel any of the familial loyalty we once shared—please bring my sister back"
Bastiana reached a hand up to the back of her brother's neck, tugging him forward until their foreheads were leaning against each other. It was a gesture they had shared since they were very little, and one that had come to mean something more to them. She closed his eyes for a moment.
Then she backed away, her expression hardening once more. "No," she said softly. "No, Neal."
"Bastiana.."Spencer tried, but as soon as he spoke, all Bastiana's anger turned toward him.
''Don't you Bastiana me, Spencer!'' Bastiana hissed, barely holding herself together. You want to bring that girl back , that stupid and weak and naive little girl. I am strong, because I've been weak. I am fearless, because I've been afraid. I am wise, because I've been foolish"
''I can't think why you will that girl back."Bastiana spat, venom clear in her tone.
"Because she is our sister"Spencer was yelling and his eyes burned through Bastiana's side."I want the girl who use to read me Nietzsche, Camus, Kafka and many other books, the girl who use to chase us around the house because we stole her bra, I wnat the gilr who loves us. I want my sister back. The sister who I love"
"LOVE ME?!" Bastiana screamed, anger washing over her."No one of you love me."
'Bastiana!'' Everyone yelled at her in shock, but she paid them no mind.
"You use me."Bastiana hissed, anger sipping through her."You come to me only whn you have a problem. You wnat my money ,my power because all off you are stupid to get in trouble"
"That is not true. We care about you."A calm voice said behind her and she turned around, narrowing her eyes at the blonde sibling.
"Care about me."Bastiana spat." If you care about me you would not work as a lawyer without a fucking degree."The last part was almost a yell.
"Have you ever think what will happen if they find out you are fake."Bastiana asked, narrowing her eyes at Mike."Jessica will lose everything ,her firm, her money, that thing can destroy her reputation. You thing about me or your family that will happned if you go to jail, alone in a fucking cell surrounded by people who can hurt your because of me. What about Logan. What about your family?!
"You all call me selfish but Mike, look at a mirror."
She noticed the way Logan stood protectively beside the blonde man, but she didn't care.
"Bastiana we try to protect you."Sonny said, looking around then his eyes locked with Bastiana's.
"Don't make me start with you."She stopped for a moment. You have a law degree amd still you decide to be a cop, you could be safe at an office and make me worried less but no, all of you decide that Pick on Bastiana day be every day. I try to protect you because it's my job but you never understand."
"You killed him."Neal's voice was cold and measured. It was a feat he was proud of after the frustration he had allowed to leak through during the rest of the conversation. "I asked you for help and you killed him."
"Killed him"Bastiana wondered, amused."You think soo low for your own sister."
"I don't even recognize."Νeal said as he stepped forward towards Bastiana.
"I didn't killed him."she added through clenched teeth.
"Then who did it?"His expression turned exasperated.
" I did that I had to do to keep you safe."
"You change"Sonny said in disbelief.
''Maybe sometimes people did not actually change''Bastiana stated.''Maybe you just never knew who they really were''
"What?" Carisi looked at her sister with a frown.''You are telling me that my real sister is a cold and a master in the art of manipulation, you want me to believe that you are selfish, calculative and psychotic.?''
Logan's heart quaked in his chest as his mouth dried. Fear slowly and gradually creeped through his veins. Dana stood behind her Lola as she watched Bastiana fend of the brothers while Dodds casually sipped his whiskey.
''Why should I apologize for the monster I have become!?''Bastiana she said like it was nothing and his face changed in a split of a second. ''No one ever apologized for making me this way.''
The brothers looked like they wanted to protest, but their mouth snapped closed before she said anything, and they simply nodded.
''I cannot do this anymore.''Neal steps in front of his sister, ready for murder.''I alone have always stood by you. i have carried you for years, Bastiana. No more.''
Bastiana is silent for a moment, not finding any words for a confession like that.
"Bastiana Ross was my greatest ally. She was the only one who could give me a chance of being worthy of Hope. And she was my best friend. " Neal said quietly, "."And you,Bastiana Wolf, you killed her.".
Bastiana felt her heart drop.
Neal turned to Bastiana, "And I hate you for that."
Those words broke something in Bastiana.
The door clicked open.
Bastiana was taken utterly by surprise. Everything slipped from her fingers, clattering loudly, an awkward string of curses toppling from her lips as he tried to find his thin strip of metal again, hide it, aware that there was absolutely no point. "Bastiana?"
Travis was very still, glancing over she as he grappled, carefully picked the thin razor again, placing it on the side. There was blood, creased in her elbow, and Bastiana rolled her eyes slightly at it; she hooked the towel around her forearm, pressing it carefully over the series of thin but notable indents. "I'm fine," she mumbled, wondering how in the hell she was going to talk his way out of it.
"Oh, God" Travia murmured, reaching out to Bastiana's arm, helping daub away the blood carefully. "I never did understand why somebody would want to," he continued, before glancing up at Bastiana, studying him carefully. "Explain, for me?"
Bastiana continued to stare at his arm almost blankly, crying without conscious intention, trying not to meet Travia's eyes. "They hate me," she said softly, biting the inside of her cheek, hard. It hurt, everything hurt, an ache under her skin that refused to go.
Travis's heart hurt for his friend, knew that Bastiana had a family meeting at her office and hard words must exchanged between the siblings.
He lifted the towel, heading to their bathroom cabinet to find plasters, disinfectant. None were deep enough to need stitches but nevertheless would need to be taken care of well. "Let me help you." he mused, fingers tripping over the littler scars, the dying scabs of before.
"No one can help me!"She said flatly. Oddly, it was easy to say. Cornered, words came more easily, fell away from her like so many stories. "The thing about me was never quite knowing if, or when, it would end. Life in suspension, taking a perfect, beautiful moment and holding it eternally, terrified that it would be their last. I am not broken, not in the slightest. I am perfectly whole and terribly wonderful; weathered, bruised, but for all my faults and pains and unhappy endings, I am a long way from being broken."
Travis stayed silent, Bastiana grappling for any words she could find. "I'm a monster," she continued, more quietly. "They hate me, tbey think that I am a monster, they use me, they hate me my own brothers hate me ... "
"Don't," Travis interrupted, looking rather horrified by the whole situation, in that quiet way he had when he didn't want to be drawn on a subject. "I... good, that you're not going to get an infection, but the fact that we're having to discuss the possibility of you accidentally bleeding out in your bathroom is less than good."
She's shoulders tensed in instinctive irritation. "I'm not going to 'accidentally' do anything..."
"They're accidents, it's in the word," Travis parried dryly. "Maybe you won't do something deliberately, but maybe one day you'll get too angry or whatever, or the 'diversion', as you call it, doesn't work, and then I'll find you dead. I'm not prepared to do that."
She did, at least, have the decency to look very ashamed of herself. "It isn't something selfish," she tried.
"It is," Travis contradicted, without hesitation. "This is not something internalized. You're potentially going to kill yourself, and that is selfish. I don't blame you, Bastiana, please don't think that – but I need you to know this isn't okay. You can't keep doing this."
To the surprise of both of them, she burst into tears."They hate me."
There was nothing more to be said, or done. Travis just pulled his fluid partner into his arms, and held him until the tears had dammed, until the shaking stilled until the bleeding stopped.
Poor Bastiana
She finally fed up with her siblings and everyone treating her like the bad guy of their fairytale.