Pedestal


I had this little baby written up a hell of a long time ago but I kept sitting on it until today. I figured I might as well stop hording and share this already! Thanks to HachimansKitsune for the beta!


Julian Priest is putting on a blue surgeon's gown and knots the accompanying belt by his hip. "We put what we admire on a pedestal," he announces. "It's normal to see what we want to see when we are infatuated with something unobtainable. Because of such inaccessibility, it is that much more amazing; the further away it is, the more transcendent it becomes. Since we put what we adore in such high regard, that which is worshiped will have very large shoes to fill."

He snaps on a pair of latex gloves as he walks towards an instrument table. The table is neatly lined with a varying array of surgical tools. "Sometimes, if we are ever so bold, we will pursue what we idolize. We may fight to get at it, push others out of our way; step on anyone we can to get us there. When what we desire is within reach, we may lavish all adulation upon it, spewing flattery and tears and proclamations of love to possess it."

Priest places a small steel tray in front of him and begins picking up tools and inspecting them. "The most likely outcome is that which we wish to acquire remains conveniently out of range." He places a scalpel onto the tray. "However, if we are lucky, we may just get what we've been longing for...and be disappointed." He picks up a pair of forceps, pauses, and puts it back, deciding against it. "Oftentimes our beliefs are extinguished when what we admire is not how we envisioned it." He places a few sponges onto the tray and a pair of scissors.

"And what then?" He picks up a manual bone saw, lips twitching into a small smile of approval, and sets it onto the tray.

"What will you do?" He adds a few bulldog clamps into his collection for good measure.

"You have the very object of your affections within your grasp, and yet…you no longer want it." Priest scoffs, "It doesn't really matter anymore whether or not you want it, you are stuck with it, so what will you do?"

"Now, some people would try to bend said object until it resembles what they seek." He picks up the tray and begins walking. "Others may solider on and take responsibility, coldly react to it and put on the guise of accepting it as they silently judge and wish for a different outcome. Most people would run away."

He places the tray onto an instrument stand and directs his gaze to a girl planted onto a hydraulic chair like a rag doll. "Kind of like what you tried to do."

Priest reaches up and turns on an examination light, bathing the girl in brightness. She only manages to blink at its intensity. He leans over until he is eye level with the girl. "I'm not everything you hope me to be, am I?"

The girl sobs through the duct tape over her mouth. Sweat rolls down her neck and down the cleavage of her exposed breasts. The only piece of clothing she wears is a pair of dirty socks. There are dark trails of mascara running down her cheeks and her eyes are bloodshot. She isn't tied down, it seems like she is unable to move.

"No," Priest says, shaking his head patronizingly as if he is answering his question for the girl. He straightens. "That's too bad; you're stuck with me. Don't worry, it won't be forever just–" He checks the IV tube connected into her arm and then looks at the clock on the wall. "A few more hours."


I'd just like to point out that each chapter in this fanfic is a standalone oneshot. Whenever I come up with new oneshots I will update this series, so check back whenever you can!

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