Nightmare Game chapter 5

[s3lfexpr3ssion]

Oyus, it's the long-awaited FAILthing. Read at your own risk, I believe the stoopid is contagious.

Nightmare Game
A D.Gray-Man Fanfiction
By SisterWicked
Chapter 5 - Darkness

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Lavi had never been one for nightmares.

In all the time he could remember, he found that the sight of things that frightened normal people seemed to affect him only vaguely, perhaps due to his training to observe without emotion. The same was true of night horrors, the warped sibling to things seen under the light of day. Even though he knew that the things he often saw in his dreams should be terrifying, he had always felt removed from the images, as if seeing into the sleeping mind of another person.

This dream was different.

At first, he seemed to be alone, standing in a field of unending proportions, the horizon so far from where he stood that the sunlight itself was faded by the distance. Turning in a slow circle, he noted that the ground was strangely even, without the usual outcroppings of rock that one would expect to find in such a place.

As he completed his visual examination of his surroundings, he faced forward again, nearly jumping out of his skin at the sight that met him.

In front of him stood a copy of himself, and behind that, another. Stepping back, he moved to the side, his eye widening in surprise as he saw a line of figures stretching far beyond the first, all of them wearing a familiar face. A long glance allowed him to count them, leaving him astonished.

48. No more, no less. Each one was plainly him, but their stances and clothing were varied, some standing straight and determined, others shrinking as if from a blow. The nearest one smiled, but the expression held a coldness that Lavi had never thought himself capable of.

"Are you comfortable, Exorcist?" It asked, stepping forward. "Do you feel safe and secure, here?" Lavi blinked at the maliciousness of the question, backing away again.

"Wh..What is this..?" He glanced down the line, seeing equally unfriendly expressions on the other faces that were his, yet distinctly not his.

The second in line stepped forward, standing alongside the first. "You know what it is!" It exclaimed, clenching it's hands. "Every one of us, lined up like idiots waiting to be executed!" It's voice rose, even as the third shifted slightly. "You already killed us though, didn't you? You just left us for dead so that you could make another, and then kill him too! Why is this you any different? You should be dead!"

The third figure shrank back from it's predecessor's volume, but stepped forward none the less. "Why did you leave me? I was always so good, I never wanted to hurt anyone! Why did you kill me for someone else? I wanted to be!"

There was an answering clamor from the other selves, some leaving their places to approach the stunned Exorcist.

"You aren't dead! None of you were ever alive, you're all me! All of you, I remember everything!" The first bounded forward, grabbing the redhead's shirt.

"How did I feel, when I died? When you set me aside, what was the last thing I felt, Exorcist?"

Lavi jerked away, shoving the other back. "Nothing! You didn't feel anything, none of you did! A Bookman has no heart!" The third form stepped up beside the glowering first.

"Yes I did! You wouldn't let me see it, but the feeling was there! You kept it inside you, with everything else that was mine! Give it back!" It reached for him, missing as he jumped back. "If I can't feel it, then neither can you! Murderer!"

Lavi shook his head, beginning to panic as several of the nearest figures advanced. "I didn't! You weren't real people, you were just like me!"

The second cried out in rage. "Liar! We're as real as you are, we had lives! Everytime you made a new you, it had a life! We had feelings! We needed, we wanted, but you ignored it! Why does Lavi get to have that? All you do is kill!" Again, an outcry of agreement followed the statement, sounding like an echo of one voice that rose until individual words blended into a single yowl of misery and defiance.

"Killer! Liar! I want my life! It's not yours to have, give it back!"

Lavi bolted, fleeing the ringing shouts as he covered his ears tightly to push out the deafening noise that pursued him across the flat ground. Gasping for breath, he closed his eye in terrified denial of what lay ahead.

A lone figure stood impaled on a cross of steel, it's surface glowing as if it had come straight from the forge in it's eagerness to crucify the final apparition.

The Exorcist stared up at his own face, knowing that this one was truly himself and not some twisted reflection of his past. It's eye glared down at him in disdain, a hate-filled smile crossing it's bleeding lips. "I'm dying," It laughed, ignoring the steady hiss of scorching flesh against white-hot metal. "I'm dying, and I feel it now! Why don't we share that with them? They want to feel a little too, so let them have their turn!"

For the first time in his lives, Lavi screamed.

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He came awake fighting, struggling frantically against the hands that held him. His heartbeat drowned out any words his assailant may have uttered, even as he gasped for breath. The hands tightened, a weight dropping against him as he bucked with a strangled yell of terror.

The darkness brightened abruptly, leaving him squinting at the figure above him. Unable to form words, he merely stared in hopeless anxiety. The older man blinked in alarmed confusion, relaxing his hold slightly. "Are you awake now, Lavi? I tried to rouse you, but you were rather more upset than I expected.. What was that, a nightmare?"

The redhead nodded slowly, ignoring the persistent shaking of his muscles. "I'm all right, it was just.." He trailed off, thinking. After several moments of nothing, he felt the renewed stirrings of panic. "I don't.. I can't remember," He whispered at last, his eye wide with startled fear. "I can't remember anything about it, not one damn thing!"

Tyki frowned, curious at his sudden fright. "Then it's probably nothing, Lovely. Just something small that doesn't matter." Lavi shook his head quickly, taking hold of his arms.

"No! It was something awful, but that isn't the problem! I never forget anything Tyki, I always remember what I see!" Taking in the man's skeptical expression, he continued. "It's what I do, damn it! A Bookman sees, and remembers! Then we write it down when we have time, that's why it's like that, because we can't always stop to record it! We don't forget anything we see, ever!"

The former Noah blinked at his vehemence, releasing his grip completely in favor of covering his mouth with a hand. "Shh, it's all right, Lavi. You might have needed more resting, and that's why you can't remember." He leaned on his elbow carefully, giving the boy room to shift. "Just relax, it's fine now. I'm going to get up, so wait just a moment.." He made to rise, pausing as the boy's hands caught his shoulders.

"Don't! Please, just.. Stay there, with me..?" Lavi flushed, closing his eye in embarrassment. "I want.. Please, just turn the lights out, and stay here..?"

Tyki nodded silently, allowing the room to darken as he settled closer against him. "Whatever you wish, Lovely.. I'm sorry that you're so frightened, is there anything I can do that would help you?" He felt the Exorcist's hands loosen, his arms rising to drape around his neck with an insistent grip.

"Just let me feel you, please? I've never done that and.. I won't make you stay for long, I promise." He bit his lip, taking a moment to collect himself. "I'm sorry," He mumbled, pulling the man down. "You really don't have to, if it bothers you.." Tyki shook his head firmly, leaning into his hold.

"I told you it's all right, Lavi. I don't understand what's happened, but I'm more concerned that it troubles you." He slipped an arm beneath the boy's neck, lifting his head to rest against his shoulder. "I can stay for as long as you need me too, don't worry about that." Lavi shivered, turning his face into the side of his throat.

"I don't know what's wrong with me, I'm pathetic! It feels like I'm five years old, afraid of a fucking monster under the bed!" Tyki laughed softly, the sound vibrating against the other's lips.

"More like in the bed, Lovely. I find that the floor doesn't agree with me.. too drafty, I think."

Lavi pulled back indignantly. "Don't say that! You aren't a monster, Tyki."

The older man raised an eyebrow at his seeming anger, shaking his head. "I was only teasing, Lavi. You shouldn't take it seriously, even if there's some bit of truth in it." The Exorcist growled in irritation, his arms tightening.

"There isn't! You're just as human as I am, or you wouldn't have bothered with this!" He shifted pointedly, ignoring the man's quick breath. "Why are you letting me hold you, if you aren't getting anything from it? You didn't even have to wake me! You could have just smacked me upside the head, it would have made me get up!"

Tyki leaned back slightly, preparing to make a retort, but Lavi cut him off with a shake. "Don't even try it. You can say any damn thing you want, but I already know better! What did we just finish doing? You let me do that to you, even though you didn't want it! And you were worried that it would hurt me! You could have done anything at all to me, Tyki, and I would have let you. I wanted you that bad."

He released the man's shoulders abruptly, catching his face instead. "A monster wouldn't have cared, Tyki. You're closer to human than me, I'm the one that doesn't have any feelings, remember?"

His own words made him tense suddenly, an unnamed sensation bringing him to a halt. "Oh, God.." He shuddered, closing his eye tightly. "Why can't I remember? It's right there, but I can't.. Damn it!" Tyki hummed confusedly, able to see his distress in the darkness.

"What's the matter, Lovely? Just forget about that for now, it won't be so bad when you've rested." Leaning closer, he nuzzled briefly at his jaw, smiling wickedly. "And besides that, I wouldn't say you have no feelings.. If you didn't, you wouldn't have wanted me so badly, would you? I think you have plenty of feelings, Lavi."

The Exorcist shivered faintly, his breath catching in a quiet gasp. "Don't do that.." Tyki laughed softly, repeating his teasing movement.

"Whyever not, Lovely? You said you didn't feel things, so that shouldn't bother you.."

Lavi shrank back quickly, pulling away from the contact. "I didn't mean it like that! Please don't do that, Tyki, it's.. Aah!" He bucked involuntarily, clutching at the older man's shoulders. "I.. I think.." He bit his lip for a moment, fighting to speak clearly. "You can get up, now. I'm sorry that I made you stay here, you shouldn't have even needed to.."

Tyki hummed quietly, shaking his head. "I don't mind at all, Lovely.. In fact.." He settled even closer, sighing at the boy's choked breathing. "I wouldn't mind staying a bit longer, unless you mind it?" Lavi mumbled something indecipherable, allowing himself to be held. "I didn't quite catch that, Lavi. Would you like me to move?"

The redhead whined softly, still holding on to his shoulders. "Tyki..! Please, you..! Dammit, why am I like this? You aren't even.. oh, God..!" He arched into the man's body, his knees shaking as they lifted to grip his sides. "Please! I.. I want..! " His companion nodded eagerly, licking at the side of his throat.

"I know you do, Lovely.. Do you still not admit your 'feelings'? You want so much that I can taste it.."

Lavi cried out sharply, blinking back desperate tears. "Yes! I need..!" He moaned brokenly at the man's quick nips to the skin of his shoulder. "I don't even care if you bite me again! Just.. please, Tyki.." The older man ground teasingly against him, hissing at his answering cries.

"So impatient, Lavi.. Are you still less than satisfied? I wonder what's come over you, to make you act this way.." He lowered a hand to the boy's hip, lifting him higher as he moved. "I don't know what to make of it, Lovely.. But I do know that you need more time."

Lavi panted urgently, shaking his head. "I need this more than time! Please, Tyki, I need you.. It's worse than it was the last time, something has to be wrong with me! I feel like I'm going to die if I can't..!" He tightened his hold perceptibly, gasping at the man's obvious arousal. "Anything, Tyki! On my back, on my knees.. anything! I don't care how you do it, please!"

Tyki growled softly, intensifying his movements. "Lovely, you make controlling myself difficult, when you say such things.. Can't you feel how much I want you? It's enough to drive me insane, just hearing you!"

The redhead whimpered plaintively, his cheeks burning red with shame. "I'm sorry! I don't know why it's like this, it's.. I want you, and I need it.. Now! I'll do anything you want me to, Tyki! Just tell me what you need, and I'll do it!" He lowered his hands to the other man's waist, urging him back to his knees.

"It felt so good when you licked me.. Do you want me to do that to you? I swear that I'll do it right, Tyki.. Would you let me try?" He ignored the man's surprised hum, pushing himself up to face him. Leaning close, he caught the older man's face in his hands, kissing him hesitantly. Feeling his way down to the other's hips, he pulled away for air, shivering at the man's rapid breath against his cheek. "Please, Tyki? I have to do something, it feels like I'm losing my mind.. Let me try?"

Tyki nodded slowly, allowing the boy to push him backwards. "If that's what you need, Lovely.. Do whatever you like, I told you." He sighed at the Exorcist's careful touches, noting the tremor in his hands. "Don't be so nervous, Lavi.. There's nothing to be.. afraid.. oh, yes.." He closed his eyes in pleasure, enjoying the sensation of a hand sliding down to cup him gently. The redhead still trembled slightly, but his touch grew bolder at the other's wordless encouragement.

"Is.. Is it right? Tell me if it isn't, please?" He relaxed as the older man pressed up into his palm, ignoring the desperate need that consumed him. Moving further down in the bed, he leaned close enough to feel the warmth of the other's skin against his lips, taking a breath before pressing his mouth to the slight dip of his waist. Hearing a soft gasp in response, he moved lower, pausing to nibble along his hipbone.

Tyki shuddered at the feeling, resisting the urge to move. The Exorcist's cautious decent was maddening, driving the older man's arousal to near-dizzying heights. "Lovely, please.. What you're doing is wonderful, but.. Gods!" He moaned at the boy's first careful lick, reaching down to bury his fingers in his hair.

Lavi repeated the motion, drawing a line along the surprisingly silken skin. Feeling the man's quick shiver, he shifted his hand for room, continuing his exploration raptly. The taste was strange, but not unpleasant, and he found himself delighting in the other's response, his quiet murmurs reassuring him as he moved.

Recalling the unbelievably intense feelings that the man had provoked in him, he opened his mouth, sucking carefully at the tip in imitation. Tyki gasped, his fingers tightening slightly as he forced himself to keep still.

"Please, Lavi.. It feels..Yes!" He cried out in surprise as the Exorcist sucked harder, taking him in as far as he could manage. Shaking off his suddenly urgent arousal, he carefully removed his fingers from the other's hair, wary of pulling too hard. "Please don't stop, that's perfect.."

The redhead hummed an affirmative, stroking along the inside of the man's thighs. Reaching his hips, he held on gently, lifting his head with a sigh. "Is it, really? You don't have to say that, if it isn't true.." He leaned down to kiss the bend of the other's leg, lingering there when he moaned. "I think I like doing this, it isn't bad at all.. I wish I knew how to be better, though."

Tyki panted quietly, lifting himself to his elbows. "There isn't anything better, Lovely.. What you were doing was completely right." He laughed breathlessly, shaking his head. "You shouldn't be so self conscious.. I wish you hadn't stopped, it feels incredible." Lavi nodded slowly, minutely tightening his grip.

"Then.. I won't." He moved lower, returning to his former position. Feeling the older man shiver, he lapped eagerly at his skin, his own arousal heightened by the increasingly unsteady noises that met his efforts. Taking him into his mouth, he drew careful circles with his tongue, surprised when the man bucked in reply. Whining softly, he increased his pace, his hands still firm on the other's hips as he arched with a broken cry.

"Please! Don't.. Oh, Gods! Lavi!"

Gasping at his urgency, the boy repeated his movements steadily, ignoring the building ache of his own need as he strove to give the man as much pleasure as possible. He could sense that the other man was close, despite his inexperience, and the knowledge only served to heighten his determination. Feeling the tenseness of his muscles, he loosened his grip slightly, stroking the damp skin with his palms.

Tyki choked back a moan, catching his hands roughly. "Lovely, wait..." He urged the boy up, releasing his hands as he rose to meet him. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you do this. Not like this, not yet." Lavi shook his head in protest, but the older man ignored his unspoken retort.

"I'm not the one who needs it, Lavi. You're still shaking like mad, I can feel it." He leaned forward, sliding an arm around the redhead's back, pressing him down to the mattress. "Tell me what you need, Lovely. I can do this and more, if you wish it."

Lavi gasped as the older man's weight covered him, his legs rising to wrap tightly around his waist. "I..Please, God.." His voice failed him, breaking off into a desperate whimper. Lifting his hips, he pleaded with word and action. "Tyki, please just fuck me! I want it so much that it hurts! I don't care if you think I should wait, I need it!"

Tyki shuddered at his urgency, his fingers trembling minutely as he stroked the sweat-dampened skin of the boy's hip and thigh. "If that's what you want, Lavi.. Like this?" The redhead nodded rapidly, pressing close.

"However you want me! I told you I don't care how, do anything you want!" He loosened his hold, allowing the man to retrieve the container of oil from the bedside table. "Don't take too long," He panted, raising his hips at the other's gentle urging. "I want you too much for that, if you aren't careful..Tyki!" His voice broke in surprise as the older man's slickened fingers pressed into him, his eye watering at the sting that accompanied the movement. Forcing himself to relax, he moaned breathlessly as the man licked at the skin of his inner thigh.

"You said anything I want, Lovely.. Do you mean that?" Lavi gasped a soft affirmative, his hands aching from their hold on the damp sheets as he pushed back against the other man's slow movements. Tyki hummed in pleasure at his response, tugging his caught hand from beneath his body. "The first time.. You loved that, didn't you? That's what I want, Lavi. I want you on your knees, begging for me to make you come.."

He hissed at the boy's sudden tightness, his free hand catching his weight as he leaned in. "Gods, Lovely.. Does it excite you so much, just to hear it? You're so close already, can you not wait that long?" He curled his fingers insistently, smiling as the Exorcist bucked. "You need it, don't you? Even if it's only this?" Lavi cried out raggedly, struggling to form coherent words.

"You can't.! I don't want.. Not like this! Tyki, please, I want you! Just like you said, I want..!" He gasped desperately, releasing the sheets. "I want you to fuck me..! Please don't make me come like this!" The older man blinked at his vehemence, stunned by his blatant declaration.

"I could do that for you too, Lavi.. If you weren't so new to this, I could do anything you wished, for hours if you needed it." He caught the boy's lips hungrily, growling at his instant response. "Would you like that, Lovely? Would it please you, to have me take you again and again, until you wanted me to stop?" Lavi nodded rapidly, his fingers tangling carefully into the man's hair as he leaned up to lick at his throat.

"I wish we could do that now.. I want you so damned bad.." He lifted his face for a kiss, pulling away only when the need to breathe became stifling. "Do anything you want, now. I promised you the last time that the next would be up to you, so have me the way you want me, Tyki."

The former Noah hummed in agreement, ignoring his unease at the boy's sudden submissiveness. "Will you let me do that, Lovely? Like this, and then again, as you want it? If we do that now, it would be over far too quickly for my taste.. I want to take much more time with you, to satisfy your need as well as my own." Feeling the redhead's pulse spike at his quiet words, he smiled slightly. "You want it like that, don't you? Not just once, you want to feel like this for as long as you can stand it.. That's perfect, because I want to do that to you. I want you to come so hard that it frightens you, Lavi."

He moved lower against the boy's body, following the line of his ribs with his mouth. Nipping gently at the redhead's skin, he licked slowly across his lower chest with a murmur of appreciation. "It's going to be wonderful, isn't it? You want this so much that it makes you crazy, it's immensely gratifying, Lovely.." Adding more oil to his hand, he shivered with his own arousal as the Exorcist gasped his name repeatedly. "Did you know that I can see you, Lavi? Right now, you've got the strangest expression on your face.. Are you afraid?"

Lavi shook his head quickly, unable to explain. "You.. Please, I think.. Tyki! Oh, God! Don't stop, I'm going to-" He broke off with a rasping cry, arching desperately away from the sheets. Tyki gasped at his response, pressing against his prostate firmly.

"Yes. Come for me, Lovely." Feeling the boy's muscles lock around his fingers, he moaned softly in anticipation. "Gods, I want you.. Please, Lavi?"

The redhead stiffened abruptly, clawing at the blankets as he shrieked the man's name hoarsely, his eye wide in shock at the force of his release. Collapsing bonelessly, he blinked dazedly at the invisible ceiling, noting absently that his need was only slightly abated. Panting for breath, he forced himself to his elbows, yanking the startled Noah up to cover him. "I want you, too.. Give me.. just a minute. Not long, I promise."

Tyki shuddered at the feeling of the boy's breath against his throat. "Are you sure, Lovely? You're shaking like a leaf, is something the matter?" Lavi nuzzled against his skin briefly, nodding.

"This feels so fucking good, Tyki.. You really wouldn't understand.. I don't even understand." He sighed quietly, stroking the man's back hesitantly. "I'm sorry you had to wait.. Now?" Urging the older man to rise, he slid back carefully, pausing at the feeling of the headboard's cool surface against his back. "Did you.. Do you want me here, or did you want to use the floor..? That's how-" Tyki cut him off sharply, moving close enough to cover his mouth with a hand.

"Here is more than fine, Lavi. It doesn't need to be exactly the same, this isn't like that at all." He closed his eyes tightly, pushing away a pang of remembered guilt. "I didn't mean for you to think that, I should have said it differently.." Removing his hand, he leaned closer. "You don't have to do this, Lovely. Is there anything that you would prefer, in place of that?"

Lavi shook his head, feeling blindly for the man's hand. Tugging him forward, he shivered at the warmth surrounding him. "I want to. I know it isn't the same, I don't care about that anymore.. Please, Tyki? It was good, but this time will be so much better.." Rising to his knees, he shifted to face the wall, taking a firm grip on the headboard. He pressed back against the other's chest, hissing at the feeling of the older man's hands on his hips.

"It might.. be better for you, too.. If I let you?" His breath caught slightly as he leaned back, making him aware of the former Noah's still-present arousal. "That's what you wanted, wasn't it? You wanted me to beg for it then, too.." Feeling the other's quick gasp, he nudged against him firmly. "Please, Tyki.. I need it! What you just did was amazing, but I still want you to fuck me.. That feels better than anything."

Tyki jerked him upright, biting down on the back of his neck. "You're saying too much, Lovely.. If you don't stop, I won't be able to be careful with you." Pressing a hand against the boy's front, he urged his knees apart. "You're going to get exactly what you want, Lavi.. Hearing you say that makes it impossible not to take you!"

Whimpering urgently, Lavi spread his legs wider, pushing backward into the man's body. "Then do it! You said you wanted to, so..!" He faltered, shuddering as he felt the older man's tongue against his skin. "Please! You know how much I want it, don't make me wait.." Tyki nodded, nipping the boy's shoulder as he slicked himself hurriedly.

"It was never my intention to, Lovely.. Tell me if this hurts you, please?" Pressing against the Exorcist's back, he hissed approvingly at his soft moan. Guiding the younger boy's eager movements, he tightened his hold on his hips with a low growl, sliding carefully into the heat of his body. Lavi cried out haltingly, rocking back to meet his shallow thrusts.

"Tyki! No teasing, I need..!" Gripping the headboard tightly, he arched into the man's touch, pleading wordlessly for more. The older man hummed in acknowledgement, intensifying his steady motions.

"Harder, Lavi? You should tell me these things, I told you that I want to learn what pleases you.." Smiling at the boy's panting affirmative, he tugged him upright, leaning in to lick at his throat. "You were right, about your willingness.. Feeling you move..Gods!" Closing his eyes, he moaned. "Tell me what you need, Lovely. Is this enough?"

Lavi shook his head jerkily, lowering one hand from it's place. Reaching awkwardly behind himself, he pressed against the man's skin. "More! Please don't hold back, I want it!"

The older man gasped at his touch, moving to comply. "I know you do, Lavi.. But why should you rush yourself?" He sucked briefly at the boy's sweat-dampened skin, relishing his sudden cry of desperation. "I told you, didn't I? You'll get the thing that you crave, but why should it be less than pleasant for you?" He held the Exorcist tightly, keeping his movements constant. "This... It's as much for you as it is for me."

Lavi bucked into the man's body, unable to sort out the feelings that swamped him. "You.. I... Please! It isn't that, I want you to..!" His breath caught, choking off his words. "It's.. I thought I'd die when you bit me..You never made a sound like that before..Knowing that you want..Tyki! Oh my God! There! Don't..!" Whatever he may have said was lost, drowned out by the frantic pounding of his heart. Tyki clung to him all the more, eyes wide with understanding.

"You think ...I don't want this? Lovely, you can't possibly be so naive.." He moaned airily, intensifying his thrusts. "I don't think I could stop now if you begged me to.. I meant it, that I love the way you feel when you lose yourself.. Will you do that for me?"

The Exorcist nodded swiftly, choking back an embarrassingly needy sound. "Yes..! Please take what you need! It's so good when.. When you.. Aah!" He arched backward, releasing the headboard in favor of pressing back against the man's body. "I'm.. I want..!" Shaking off the weight of his pleasure, he stroked the other's skin heatedly. Closing his eye, he whimpered pleadingly. "Please, Tyki! I'm too close to wait!"

The former Noah hummed in breathless confusion. "Then don't, Lovely.. What are you waiting for?" Lavi shuddered, shaking his head blearily.

"You! We.. I need it so bad.. and..!" Arching backward, he urged the older man on with a sobbing moan. "I want you to come like that, hard enough to make you scream! Do what you need to do, dammit! Stop holding back and fuck me!" The older man growled in response, jerking roughly on the boy's hips.

"I'm not holding back anything! I'm so fucking close right now that just hearing you drives me mad!" Molding himself to the Exorcist's back, he dropped a hand to his aching arousal. "I love it when you come, Lavi..It feels so goddamned good.. Give me that, please? I'll come with you, I swear.."

The younger boy nodded rapidly, clutching desperately at the other's skin. "Yes! Now! Please let me.. Tyki!" He cried out sharply, his blunted fingernails digging into the man's forearm. Sensing his meaning, the older man shuddered in anticipation, moving against him relentlessly.

"Gods Lovely.. You really do need this, don't you?" Feeling the redhead's shaking muscles, he tightened his hold, pulling the boy backward against him with a satisfied smile. "Let go, if you need it so much.. I don't want to wait either, Lavi."

Gasping brokenly, the Exorcist released the other's arm, fearful of causing him an injury in his passion. Pressing as close as he could manage, he choked out the man's name, the sound rising into a stifled shout as he heard the older man's breathless moan against his skin. The almost-silent noise was enough to send him over the edge, his spine cracking loudly as he arched into the man's touch.

The feeling of the boy's body locked around him in release was almost painfully exquisite, driving the astonished man on to his own climax with a surprised cry that seemed to mock him with it's noticeably pleading tone. He ignored the fading echoes in favor of burying his face into the Exorcist's sweat-dampened hair, the sound of his soft whimpers sending a chill through his insides.

"Lovely..?" He murmured, loosening his grip. "Are you.. Did I hurt you?"

Lavi sighed, leaning against him tiredly. "You didn't. It's.. Thank you, Tyki." Hearing the man's questioning hum, he pulled away with a quiet hiss, half-turning to face him. "I'm sorry that I can't.." He shivered, closing his eye. "I feel like I'm not.. myself. You shouldn't have to deal with my problems, and I shouldn't let you-"

Tyki cut him off with a laugh, the sound lacking any malice. "If that is what you mean by your problems, I seriously doubt that you'll find me unwilling, Lovely. Didn't I tell you not to be sorry?" He stroked the boy's skin carefully, wincing at his quickly drawn breath. "If anyone's at fault, it's me. I imagine you'll be bruised, here.." He laid his palms gently on the Exorcist's hips, closing his eyes guiltily at the thought. "And most likely you'll be sore from this. I knew it was too soon, but you needed so much.. It was wrong of me to allow it, Lavi."

He urged the boy away from the headboard, blinking in surprise when the redhead shifted, his arms draping over the man's shoulders in a shaky embrace. "Lavi..?" The boy sighed tremulously, nodding.

"M' all right.. just.. I'm sorry for asking." He leaned back, releasing the other's body. "I shouldn't sleep here, not anymore. If I can't trust myself not to.." Tyki shook his head, pulling him further down into the bed.

"That doesn't matter, Lovely. I won't let you push me into hurting you, but you can at least trust me to give you what you need." He urged the redhead down, smiling at his grumbling protest. "I'll be back in a moment," He murmured, sliding to the edge. "Other than the obvious, do you need anything?" Hearing the boy's soft negative, he strode to the bathroom, not bothering with the lights as he took a clean cloth from the stack and dampened it.

Making quick work of himself, he rinsed the cloth well before returning to the room. Taking much more time with the disturbingly quiet Exorcist's cleaning, he wiped the headboard carefully, satisfied with the results until later in the morning. Seeing that the other was almost asleep, he tossed the cloth into the hamper, moving back to his side of the bed. Pausing for only a moment, he tugged the boy toward him, wincing at his anxious shiver.

"Would you rather I didn't touch you, Lovely?" He asked, strangely disconcerted at his reluctance. "I wouldn't be offended, if you wanted to keep your distance."

Lavi shook his head, sliding closer. "I'm afraid that I might.. If I dream like that again, I might kick or something." He sighed, closing his eye in embarrassment. "I might hurt you.. Or I could.." Trailing off, he shuddered, shaking his head. "I want to stay. Really. I just don't want to make it any worse than it already is." Hearing his breath catch, Tyki frowned.

"You haven't done anything wrong, Lavi! You act as if you've forced me, but you haven't!" Ignoring his attempt to reply, he jerked the boy fully against himself with a growl. "If you want to be here, then stay! Don't tell me that you're afraid of yourself, I'm the one you should fear! Whatever is wrong with you, I caused it! Bringing you here, that was the only wrongdoing, Lavi!" He pressed close, holding the startled boy tightly to his chest. "Just sleep, please? I would rather have you here, in case you do dream something that frightens you.. You didn't wake on your own, remember? At the very least, I could do that for you.."

Relaxing into his grip, Lavi nodded tiredly. "All right, I get it.. Just don't be mad if you get kneed in your crotch, On Fearsome One.." Yawning, he snorted to himself. "I think you're the least of my worries, Tyki. Whatever I saw, it wasn't you, that much I do know.." Closing his eye sleepily, he nuzzled briefly at the man's bare skin, sighing at the steady thrum of a pulse against his lips. Humming quietly, he frowned. "I don't think you're supposed to.. but.." He trailed off again, murmuring nonsensically against the older man's chest.

"Supposed to what, Lovely?" Tyki urged softly, his brow furrowed in confusion. Tipping his head, he could only just hear the boy's answer, but the words were unclear with half-sleep.

"S'posed to care.. We hurt you a lot, 'n can't fix it." He sighed, dozing off before the man could question him further. For a long while, Tyki mulled over his hazy words, confused at his own unease. He realized with a start that he still held the other far too tightly to be comfortable, and loosened his grip hurriedly.

When he finally did sleep, his own dreams were vague and troubled, everything shadowed with a sense of foreboding that kept him from relaxing as he normally would. Even the presence of his not-quite-captive was unsettling in his vision, there was a sense of wrongness to the boy's expression, as if his smile no longer had depth. It was like seeing a stranger with a familiar face, someone he knew and yet..

Once, he jerked awake, his eyes opening as his arms tightened automatically around the Exorcist, as if to reassure himself that the boy was, in fact, still there. Snorting at his own paranoia, he settled back into a resting state of mind, ignoring the feeling that something truly unpleasant was approaching. 'His nightmare must have been terrible,' He thought, frowning. 'Even when I brought him here, he was never so.. upset. And why is he suddenly so in need of me?'

He cast the thought away, deciding that he would do better to ask the boy himself when he awakened. Drawing the blankets higher, he stiffened when the redhead shivered at the barely-there touch of his hand against his shoulder, a soft whine going almost unheard as he pressed closer in his sleep. Shifting his hand carefully, Tyki stroked the Exorcist's upper back with his fingers, frowning at the tenseness of his muscles. The boy seemed to be resting peacefully, and he was loathe to rouse him from his much-needed sleep, but the unconscious intensity of his reactions perturbed the man.

'Perhaps he knows that it's only me,' He thought, pushing his disquiet away. 'Surely he's had enough of this, after so much in such a short time..' His last thought before he slept again was that he needed to be careful. With the boy obviously more than willing to allow him free reign, there was a distinct possibility that he could injure the redhead badly, and the thought of bringing him pain was sickening to the man in a way that surprised him.

It had been less than a year since he'd decided upon this course of action, to take his revenge on the people he thought of as murderers. He wondered if taking this Exorcist had made the difference, would it have been the same if he'd caught another?

Somehow, he didn't think so.

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When he woke the following morning, the first thing he noticed was his companion. Lying on his stomach, the boy had managed to cocoon himself in the sheets, one arm flung carelessly over the edge of the bed, the other wrapped firmly around the older man's waist from the side. Raising an amused eyebrow, Tyki extricated himself carefully, still reluctant to disturb the boy's sleep if it could be avoided.

Dressing quietly, he frowned as the Exorcist whined in his sleep, the arm that had been draped over his bedmate curling inward as he drew up his knees beneath the covers in a slightly defensive gesture. The movement was oddly troubling, as if he were seeking contact with the man who now stood beside the bed watching. After a moment, Tyki reached across him, sliding his unoccupied pillow closer to the fidgeting redhead, who immediately latched onto it with a sigh.

Confused at himself, the older man turned abruptly, crossing the room to retrieve a small stack of letters that needed to be sent. Taking a final look at the sleeping boy, he donned his tophat with an annoyed sigh. Dressing formally never failed to remind him of the past, of memories both pleasant and terrible beyond belief, adding yet another thing to his already-long list of things he wished to avoid at all costs. Shaking off his inexplicable unease at leaving the redhead alone, he concentrated on a spot close by the post office he preferred, ignoring the sharp twinge that accompanied the translocation.

After a brief look around to insure that his arrival had gone unnoticed, he stepped into the street, making his way toward the familiar building that housed the town's postmaster. Climbing the steps, he saw a slightly familiar form approaching the door, and nodded politely as they made to pass him by. After only a few steps, the woman turned, her eyes wide in sudden recognition.

"Mr. Michaels? I'm so sorry, I didn't know it was you at first! You look.." The woman faltered, grasping for a polite way finish her hasty apology. "..Different. Goodness, that sounds horrible, doesn't it?" She laughed, more at herself than the man's nonplussed expression. "Besides my poor choice of words, how have you been?" He frowned thoughtfully, attempting to place her.

"My apologies, miss..?" Blinking, she laughed again.

"I suppose I look different too! I'm Sarah Porter, from the hospital. I don't think I introduced myself when you came in.. I was on duty when you brought Michaela there." Remembering the woman's friendly chatter, he smiled.

"Yes, I'm sorry that I didn't notice right away. She's been well, I presume?" Sarah's expression hardened somewhat, surprising him.

"She's still with us.. The orphan's home refuses to take on a child so young. They already have nearly a dozen that aren't quite a year old, and they say they haven't the staff to care for another." She sighed, shaking her head. "Being a bit smaller than normal, they wanted to be sure that she didn't turn sickly. She's put on a bit of size, but it may be several months before there's a place for her.. We've been asking the parents we see, hoping that someone will foster her."

He nodded in understanding. "It would be better for her to have a long term home, really. Too many moves from place to place wouldn't be good for a child so young."

Sarah agreed, gesturing at his hands. "I didn't mean to keep you, but if I may.." She paused, biting her lip before continuing. "Would you like to see her..? I probably shouldn't ask, but there really hasn't been anyone with her besides myself and a few of the other girls.. I'll understand if you'd rather not be involved, but.."

Tyki shook his head, waving off her anxiety. "It's no problem, Miss Porter. Is there a time that would be convenient..? I rarely have plans, so anything you prefer would be fine." The woman's smile was blinding, and for a moment he was truly pleased to have caused it.

"Anytime at all, even this afternoon, if you like! She usually eats around one, and then she's not nearly so fussy.." Still smiling broadly, she bounded forward, wrapping him in a gleeful hug before turning to leave. "I'll be on duty, just ask for me if I'm not at the desk. Thank you so much, you have no idea how wonderful it is!" With a final grin and a wave, she was gone, leaving a him standing dumbstruck in front of the wood and glass doorway of the post office.

Shaking his head, he turned to the door, still confused by the woman's exuberant response to such a small thing. Giving a perfunctory nod to smiling desk clerk, he handed him the letters, accepting his receipt with a quiet thanks before making his way back to the street.

Checking his pocketwatch, he was surprised to find that it was nearly noon. 'I can't believe that I slept so long.' He mused, leaning casually against the building's side with a sigh. Retrieving his cigarettes, he lit one, drawing the smoke in halfheartedly as he thought. 'I wonder how much longer Lavi will sleep.. I should return before he wakes.'

Frowning at his uncharacteristic worry over the boy, he shook his head. 'He was right, about his reaction..' He thought, 'It truly is far too soon for such desperation, with or without his acceptance of me. Perhaps it's as he said, a need for something to erase the memories of what I've done..' The recollection of his actions made him shudder, even as the presence in his mind stirred fitfully. 'I should never have allowed him to stay, there's nothing but misery in that place..'

Closing his eyes, he sighed. 'He knows nothing of me, yet he would gamble his life on my continued sanity..' Forcing back his unease, he stepped away from the wall, crushing his forgotten cigarette beneath his foot as he straightened. Remembering the conversation with Sarah Porter, he started in the direction of the hospital. As the building came into view, he paused, unsure of his decision to visit the child he'd saved.

'Can any good come of my seeing her? I'll most likely be gone from here long before she is of an age to appreciate such a gesture..' Laughing at his suddenly fatalistic musings, he mounted the steps, pushing open the door with a smirk. Glancing toward the nurse's station, he was met with a repetition of the earlier bright smile as the woman there rose swiftly to her feet.

"Mr. Michaels! I didn't think you'd be here so soon, I hope it isn't too much of a bother!" She exclaimed, rounding the desk. "I'm glad you're here, though. We're almost ready to start taking the patients their lunches, so I can take you back to the nursery now, if you like!" Nodding dazedly in the face of her enthusiasm, he allowed himself to be ushered quickly through the halls, reaching up to remove his hat as their destination came into view.

Showing him to a comfortable-looking chair, the woman urged him to sit, motioning another white clad woman over with a wave. The second nurse eyed him openly, raising a falsely arched brow at Sarah's hurried explanation. "I'll bring her out, but I don't know why in the world you'd bother with holding her." She said, speaking more to the object of her scrutiny than to the visibly annoyed Sarah. "She'll probably be screaming, that's pretty much all she does."

Mildly irritated at her caustic statement, Tyki met her gaze cooly. "Indeed. As I understand it, that's the nature of children."

The woman's eyes narrowed at his tone, but she turned toward the younger nurse with a curt nod before stalking away. Snorting faintly at her departing back, Sarah looked down at the seated man. "I'm sorry about her, but she's the only person here that has anything bad to say about Michaela. Their first meeting was.. Less than stellar." She said, smiling mischievously at his curious expression. "I think it was hate at first sight. Or maybe first smell." She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "Bethany wears a lot of perfume, and I think it irritates Michaela's nose. She starts screaming as soon as she smells her now." Tyki nodded in understanding, having gotten a rather strong whiff of the woman's lingering odor.

"That's her name? I'm sure she's absolutely charming." His sarcasm did not go unnoticed, much to the laughing woman's delight.

"She likes to think that everyone worships her, but we really just try to stay as far away from her as we can.. She thinks it's awe, I guess."

Tyki waved a hand dismissively. "I've always heard that ignorance is bliss.. I suppose she's very happy." A sharp yowl of anger drew their attention to the nursery doorway, where a harried Bethany appeared, a wailing bundle held slightly away from her body as she all but dashed toward the pair.

"Here you are, I hope you have a wonderful visit." She snarled, thrusting the shrieking child at the suddenly anxious man. Sarah glared after her as she left, then turned to the other with a wince.

"She's wrapped her too tight, let me just.." She tugged gently at the corner of the blanket, pulling it carefully away from the child's face. "That's better, she could barely move!" Tyki blinked at the suddenly exposed head, taking in the baby's thick hair and angrily mottled skin.

Tightening his hold, he moved the squirming body higher into his arm, fumbling for a moment before finding the best position for her head. Seeing her avert her face after a deep sniff, he stood, offering her to the anxious woman. "Could you take her, just for a moment?" When Sarah nodded, he passed the crying child to her, shrugging off his heavy coat and placing it several seats away, along with his hat. Sighing, he returned to his seat, laughing softly at the young woman's nervous wince. "I smoke, the smell may be not quite to her liking." He explained, retrieving the slightly quieter bundle.

Settling her into the crook of his arm, he rocked her carefully, murmuring. "All right, Little One.. Let's have a look at you, hm?" Folding back the blanket, he nudged at one clenched fist. "There, now.. None of that, there's nothing to cry about anymore." The child blinked up at him, stilling abruptly. Meeting her curiously grave expression, he smiled. "Much better, pretty girls shouldn't cry."

For a moment, Michaela stared at him, wide eyed. Then she huffed softly, relaxing against his body with a contented wiggle. Sarah gaped at the pair dumbly, shaking her head.

"Goodness, you're very good with children, it usually takes forever to calm her down after a fit like that!" She laughed in gleeful astonishment at his bewildered face. "You don't have any of your own? Younger sisters or brothers, then?" Seeing his pained wince, she paused. "I'm sorry, that's really none of my business! I didn't mean to pry, I just assumed.." He cut her off with a slight shake of his head.

"No, it's not a problem. I had both, actually, but none of them were nearly this young when we met." Seeing her confusion, he smiled ruefully. "We were all adopted, so to speak. I never knew my own family."

She covered her mouth, embarrassed. "I'm so sorry! i can never seem to be still when I should.." Biting her lip, she fidgeted nervously. "I'll leave you two alone for a bit, but I'll be back as soon as I finish the lunch rounds.. Bethany can get you anything you need until then." Still flushed with guilty anxiety, she made to go, pausing by the door. "If she fusses, you can have Bethany take her, she might want to eat soon." Smiling faintly at his nod, she left, closing the door behind her.

Turning his attention back to the child, Tyki sighed. "You're much luckier than I, Little One. Perhaps it's for the best that you don't have your mother. Anyone who would do such a thing is unworthy of parenthood." Studying him owlishly, Michaela gurgled agreeably.

"I must say, you look much cleaner." He said, smirking at the memory of his ruined shirt. "And you still don't know what's good for you.. You should be screaming your head off, don't you know that I'm a dangerous man?" She squirmed faintly, gripping the fabric of his shirtfront in her fist. Shaking his head resolutely, he nudged her hand with a finger. "Go on then, have at it."

Abandoning the cloth in favor of a new 'toy', she latched doggedly onto the proffered digit with a squeal. Glancing toward the nurse's desk, he snorted at the annoyed expression on his audience's face. Noticing his look, the woman raised an eyebrow in question.

"Did you need something? She'll be yowling for her bottle soon." Levelling an irritated stare at the woman, he reminded himself that pubic killings were no longer part of his responsibilities.

"Actually, I think she may want it now. If you would be so kind as to fetch it, I'd be more than happy to see to her feeding."

Glaring at him in disbelief, the woman stormed toward a low shelf, muttering waspishly under her breath about 'uppity bastards with no regard for manners.' Seeing her frustration, Tyki smiled.

"Not too warm now, we wouldn't want her yowling, would we?"

Her shoulders stiffened momentarily, but she continued, her vituperations expanding to include 'smug uppity bastards'.

Smirking down at the happily squirming child, he leaned close, ignoring the obviously listening woman. "She's wrong, you know..I'm not uppity at all." Michaela mumbled unconcernedly around her mouthful of finger, prompting the man to wince at the strength of her enthusiasm. "Ferocious little thing, aren't you? It must be the hair.."

Hearing the woman's approaching steps, he looked up just in time to see a flash of vindictive animosity cross her face before it was wiped away by a carefully held smile.

Stiffening slightly, he looked at the glass bottle held all too loosely in her hand, a jolt of unease warning him an instant before she seemed to stumble, the container leaving her hand in a direct path for the wall just beyond his face. Concentrating swiftly, he drew his fingers through the child's grip, catching the warm glass in his palm before it could reach it's mark.

Meeting her round-eyed gaze, he shook his head scornfully. "You should be more careful.. Clumsiness has brought a great many of my peers to grief." She paled, backing away with a faint shiver of disbelief. Turning on her heel, she nearly trampled the astonished Sarah as she entered, intent on her escape.

Staring after the fleeing woman, she spun quickly to question the calmly seated man, pausing at the sight of his fixed smile. Shaking off a chill, she hurried over. "What on Earth was that? She looked as if she'd seen the Devil himself!"

Tyki shook his head, his smile widening in genuine amusement. "A very close call. Perhaps she went in search of new shoes, those seem rather slick." Laughing at her confusion, he showed her the bottle. "She was bringing this to me, and she slipped. Thankfully, we avoided any unpleasantness."

Gesturing to the seat beside him, he waited for the other to sit. "I'll give her this, before I go.. Unless there's some rule against that?" Sarah shook her head, eyeing the man's still-calm companion.

"Do as you like, there's no rule about it.. I'm surprised that she's so quiet, it's a bit late, actually." Tyki raised an eyebrow, glancing down at the child's soft noise of discontent.

"I think the quiet is nearly at an end.. But we can fix that, can't we, Little One?" He laughed at her eager squirm as the bottle entered her range of clear sight. "At least that.. woman didn't overheat the milk, hm? Good to know that she isn't a complete incompetent.."

Sarah snorted rudely, glaring in the direction of the other nurse's desk. "Oh, she's useful all right.. The popular opinion is that most of the senior doctors are positively overjoyed to have her here.. And I must admit, there's some truth to it. I wish they would promote her, or transfer her to one of the private practices, she's simply horrid with the children."

Feigning disinterest, Tyki hummed. "What shift is it that she works, just the afternoons?" The woman nodded, looking relieved.

"She usually leaves by five.. I stay until seven or so, that's my turn to be here." She smiled brightly, watching the baby drink. "I like it when I can work with the younger ones, they need it much more than the grown patients. Michaela's done so well in the past day or so, it makes me feel like I've done a good thing by staying even later to be with her.. I want to have children of my own, so that I can feel like that more often." She flushed slightly, shaking her head. "I'm sorry, my mouth has a mind of it's own.. Besides that, would you like to come again? If it's not a bother, that is."

Tyki looked at the dozing child, pulling the almost empty container away carefully. "It's no trouble at all." He said, not meeting the woman's eyes. Standing, he offered her the bottle, waiting for her to place it in the rack on the desk for materials that needed washing. Tucking the baby's blanket snugly around her body, he slipped his finger gently out of her sleep-loosened grasp, indicating that the other should take her with a nod. "I believe I will, though I'm not completely sure that I should.. Are there rules about visiting times, or some such?"

Sarah shook her head with a grin. "No, nothing. You're free to come anytime during the day or evening, as many times as you like." Smiling faintly at her glee, Tyki retrieved his coat and hat, taking a last look at the small bundle she held.

"Very well then. Thank you for inviting me, Miss Porter, and I hope your.. associate moves onward and upward at a more seemly pace." Hesitantly, he smoothed a hand over the child's wispy hair, lowering his voice so as not to wake her. "And thank you as well, Little One. I've enjoyed your company, despite the presence of less amiable individuals." Smirking at himself, he nodded to the happily smiling nurse, leaving the room and softly closing the door.

Straightening, he glanced at the nearby wallclock on his way out of the building's door, noting the time with a sigh. 'Lavi should certainly have awakened by now.. But he'll have a bit longer to wait, there's something that needs tending..'

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Bethany Rogers was significantly lacking in patience.

Glaring at a slower-moving hospital resident, she shoved abruptly past him to reach her coat and handbag, pointedly ignoring the yelp of indignant surprise as he stumbled against his walker. Tossing her timesheet carelessly at the front desk basket, she made for the door, sighing in relief as the antiseptic odor faded into blessedly fresh air.

Digging quickly for her mirror, she frowned at her faded lipstick, fishing out the small tube with a mutter before reapplying it. Smiling at her improved reflection, she dropped both items into her already-full bag, closing it with a satisfying snap as she descended the stairs. Reaching the street, she turned in the direction of her flat, planning her evening as she walked briskly toward the trolley stop. As she passed a singularly dark and narrow alley, a slight noise made her turn. Spotting a semi-familiar figure, she glared, her mouth opening to speak.

Before the harsh words could leave her painted mouth, a hand closed tightly over her wrist, yanking her forward with a brief cry of shock that was quickly smothered by a gloved hand. Struggling against the painful grip, she attempted to bite the offending object as the man laughed softly.

"Calm yourself, woman. I didn't spend the afternoon lurking in shadows to prey upon such a delightful person such as yourself." Leaning close, Tyki smiled widely at her indignant growl. "I thought that you could do with a bit of advice.. I believe that your interests would be best served elsewhere, away from people who need the care of a less vindictive person."

Removing his hand, he allowed her to speak. She wrenched away from his loosened hold, glaring up at him pugnaciously.

"I'd thank you to mind your own affairs, sir. My work suits me as well as I please, I see no reason to concern myself with the opinions of some trumped up nobody." Shaking her head, she smiled viciously. "It's yours, isn't it? That awful, screaming thing? Perhaps you should have drowned her, if you didn't see fit to raise your whelp yourself. It would have been better than bringing her to us, there's more than enough useless people and children there already."

Ignoring the man's sharp breath, she waved a hand toward the alley's end. "This sort of place suits you.. Did you meet her mother like this, when you spawned her? That would explain her disposition, coming from filth."

Tyki hissed angrily, shoving her flat against the wall with his hand. Aware of his rapidly shifting eyecolor, he bent close enough for her to see, smiling at her panicked expression. "As much as I would like to remove the lump of useless skin that you call a heart, I think it would be best if I didn't. Listen to me very closely, woman. I'll say this only once." He studied her closely, ignoring the yowl of murderous rage from his other sides. "You will leave this place. Your kind are unworthy of such things as mercy, but I assure you that there will be one instance of it for you here. I'll be returning soon, and for your life, never let me see you again. The next time I set eyes on you, you die. I'm no more human than you are, and I would love to see exactly how long you could live without lungs."

The woman's eyes rounded in terror as his fingers slid briefly into her flesh, flexing purposefully against the rapid thud of her aorta as he spoke. "Do we understand each other, Miss? Don't speak, just nod your empty head." Smiling at her frantic nod, he withdrew, stepping back with a cheerful grin. "Very good! I knew you couldn't be as stupid as all that. Farewell then, and remember, only once."

She staggered backward, still watching him as he stepped casually through the dank stone of the wall with a laugh. Fleeing toward the street, she returned to the hospital stairs, entering the door with a crash that brought Sarah Porter to her feet in alarm.

Ignoring the woman's questions, she took a pen and paper, scribbling out a swift notice of resignation with shaking hands before brandishing it at the startled woman. "I'm done! Take this and give it to any damn one who wants it! You people can have your demons and their wretched spawn, I don't want any part of you!" Whirling on her heel, she stalked back out the door, leaving a very confused and grateful Sarah staring at her retreating back as the door slammed firmly behind her.

Sinking into her chair, she was struck by the recollection of Mr. Micheal's bleak smile, shivering as she recalled the gleam of joyous murder in his dark eyes. 'I wonder if... No. He wouldn't have, not like that. He couldn't be so kind if he were truly a bad man..' She forced away her uneasiness, sighing at the knowledge that whatever the reason, Bethany Rogers had indeed moved onward and upward, hopefully far from anyplace populated by decent people.

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Hmm, isn't that just an interesting turn of events.. I wonder if anyone can see a pattern here. Besides that, stay tuned for chapter six, hopefully soon to follow!

Review people, or I won't be so quick next time XD