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slashyrogue · 1 year ago

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Stories You Can Only Read on My Patreon

Hannigram AU: Heat Partner - 2/?

tags: omegaverse, season one divergence, omega will, alpha hannibal, fake mating, friends to lovers, eventual mpreg, pining, friends with benefits, not a cannibal hannibal, jealousy, misunderstandings, heat sex

Will unexpectedly goes into heat when he's at Hannibal's house for dinner and exposes himself as a hidden omega who's been on blockers for as long as he can remember. When Hannibal offers to be Will's heat partner to help him regulate his heats to normal again, it's hard to resist his invitation even if he inadvertently told Jack they were courting.

Can they pretend to be fake mating while keeping their instincts at bay, even as each heating month grows more and more carnal?

Or will they finally admit what they both knew all along?

Hannigram AU: Plaisir - 1/?

tags: omegaverse, true mates, sex worker will, voyeurism, breeding bench, brothels, hypersexual will, doting alpha hannibal, eventual kidnapping but like in a nice way, best customer hannibal, knotting dildos, paddles, additional tags to be added

The moment he stepped into “Plaisir” Hannibal knew it was unlike other clubs of its kind.

You had to pay to play.

When "The Toy" is first revealed to the crowd he's desperate to be the first to pleasure the omega inside the box. He knows "The Toy" is his, and if this is the only way to please his omega, then so be it.

But soon he can't be satisfied with just watching.

He has to be the only one.

So he takes what he knows is his.

Can he get 'The Toy' to see he'll do anything for him?

Or will he be destined to pine for his true mate forever leaving him not satisfied enough?

Hannigram AU: A Pleasant Surprise - 3/?

tags: omegaverse, mpreg, surprise daddy, omega hannibal, alpha will, artificial insemination, surprise sperm donor will, friends to lovers, season one divergence

Hannibal unexpectedly announces he's pregnant at a dinner party, Will is at first jealous but then quickly realizes that Hannibal may have somehow gotten hold of the sample he was told wasn't viable when he lived in Louisiana. He vows to be there for Hannibal even if it's not his baby, but desperately thinks it is.

As their instincts make it hard to resist each other it's hard not to fall into each other's arms.

But....Will they last?

Hannigram AU: The Gift - 5/?

tags: omegaverse, season two divergence, kidnapping, mpreg, pregnant omega will, alpha hannibal, alive abigail, true mates, pining, eventual murder family

Hannibal kidnaps and takes him away after finding out his lies and Will refuses to kill Jack because Will is pregnant with his child. He tells Will he won't kill him but will not let him go. As Will fights against his deepest instincts he can't help but crave Hannibal more and more.

Soon it becomes hard not to want to give in.

Would it be so bad to be happy with his true mate even if it means becoming the monster he never wanted to be?

Spacedogs & Hannigram AU: If You'll Be My Star, I'll Be Your Sky - 4/?

tags: werewolf mage nigel, werewolf hannibal, temporary character death, literal star adam, former wendigo will, mage darko, angst, true mates, pining

Nigel's brother gives him a job to kill someone who's taken his former wendigo mate who every thought was dead, Will Graham. When Nigel comes upon the house in the North Woods he doesn't expect to find a literal fallen star named Adam with more power than he can handle that Nigel knows is his true mate, and a completely human Will who vows he doesn't want to return.

He vows to stay with them forever, and ignore Hannibal's needs but soon is thrust into a war and may lose Adam forever.

Fantastic Creatures Au-Gust Continuation - 2/?

Keeping this one under wraps till the day that the snippet comes out.

Spacedogs AU: Until the End of the World - 1/?

tags: omegaverse, omega antichrist adam, human alpha nigel, pining, true mates, murder, religious imagery, protective adam, powerful adam, additional tags to be added

Adam has spent his whole life waiting for Nigel.

When he finds him things don't go according to plan, but he's determined to make Nigel see they belong together.

But if he can't?

He'll let the world burn.

Spacedogs AU: Mine to Keep - 4/?

tags: kidnapping, forced sex work, submissive adam, attentive nigel, manipulation, gaslighting, forced public sex, dubious consent, nigel is a bad guy but he's nice about it, crying

Adam Raki is kidnapped and forced to work off his father's debt to Nigel, a mob boss his father gambled with. Nigel promises he'll let him go when his debt is paid, but in reality has no plans after seeing how pretty he is when he cries.

Hannigram AU: Eat, Prey, Love - 1/?

tags: serial killer hannibal, bartender will, eventual bottom hannibal, smitten kitten hannibal, will has secrets too, jealous hannibal, doting will, lots of sex

Hannibal stumbles into The Doghouse, a bar he normally would not be caught dead in, hoping to find someone to kill. He meets a very handsome bartender who seems interested but keeps pushing him away.

What is Will hiding?

And can he get him to give into their growing attraction without his own anger making him kill the man who makes him ache?

Hannigram AU: Instinct - 3/?

tags: omegaverse, cheating (together not on each other), true mates, omega will, alpha hannibal, angst, pining, heat sex, lots of sex, additional tags to be added

Will's father dies and his mother unexpectedly comes back into his life, and when he goes to meet her for the first time he's shocked to find out the alpha she's living with is his true mate.

He begs Hannibal not to tell her, and they decide to meet in hotels and other places to indulge in their growing want.

How long can he hold back his need?

And Will Hannibal be able to keep the secret as long as he wants him to?

Hannigram AU: Enceinte - 2/?

tags: omegaverse, season three divergence, angry pregnant omega Hannibal, desperately in love alpha Will, kidnapping, angst, mpreg, additonal tags to be added

Omega Hannibal finds himself pregnant after running away with Bedelia and leaving Will and Abigail bleeding out on his kitchen floor so he runs from her, hoping to ignore the ache in his chest begging for his alpha, but soon decides the best way to curb the pain is to kidnap Will and keep him until he's no longer necessary.

Will has other plans.

Spacedogs AU: OmegaYouHorny - 2/?

tags: omegaverse, omega nigel, alpha adam, surprise heat, surprise mpreg, cam boy nigel, some angst, mostly fluff, bottom nigel

Adam hears about an omega called 'OmegaYouHorny' and becomes fixated on the omega's live shows, quickly only being able to get off to him exclusively.

He's more than surprised to see him at an ATM and compliments him, sparking Nigel's anger, but soon they grow heated and have sex as they get trapped in the ATM vestibule when the power goes out.

A few months later OmegaYouHorny starts looking sickly online and when Adam meets Nigel again he gets the surprise of his life.

Nigel's pregnant, and Adam is the father.

Can these two strangers navigate their attraction while trying to do what's right for their child?

Spacedogs Untitled Reincarnation AU - 2/?

tags: reincarnation, immortal nigel, human adam, strangers to lovers, absentee father nigel, internalized homophobia, misunderstandings, pining, additional tags to be added

Additional characters: Nigel's elderly daughter Greta

Nigel has spent the last two hundred years watching the love of his life die after he finds her again and again. When twenty years pass without seeing her, he decides there's no reason left for him to live.

A beautiful blue-eyed man interrupts him, and unbeknownst to Nigel just might be the one time he gets to love without watching them die in his arms.

If his daughter will let him.

Hannigram AU: Nanny - 4/?

tags: age gap, eighteen year old will, older hannibal, kidfic, alive mischa, serial killer hannibal, emergency room doctor hannibal, slight sugar daddy, pining, strangers to lovers, live in nanny will, additional tags to be added

Will's father tells him he has to get a job the minute he turns eighteen or be thrown out of the house, so when he stumbles upon an ad looking for an experienced nanny he lies and gets an interview.

But little does he know that Dr. Hannibal Lecter is more than just the caring brother to his younger sister, and the plethora of nannies who 'quit' may have not been given a choice.

Hannigram AU: Stray - 10/?

tags: fluff, some angst, cat lover hannibal, dog lover will, serial killer hannibal, oblivious will, some murder, strangers to lovers, eventual murder husbands

Will is out hunting for stray dogs when he comes upon Hannibal, who does the same for stray cats. He's instantly smitten, as is Hannibal, and soon they're meeting on their hunts. Though Will has no idea Hannibal doesn't just hunt for strays, and sometimes he doesn't wait until they have no owners.

Hannigram AU: The Design of Desire - 8/?

tags: sci-fi, futuristic, robot hannibal, human will, fluff, some angst, violence, bottom Will, additional tags to be added

Will is a lonely mechanic who fixes things for a living: food systems, ports, but mostly robots. When he comes upon a robot with no standardized number and no model name, he brings it home with the intention of fixing and selling it.

The robot has other ideas.

Spacedogs AU: Starry Eyed - COMPLETE - 20 chapters

tags: kidnapping, love at first sight, fluff, angst, pining, strangers to lovers, violence, some blood

The first time Nigel met Adam was by accident.

Or rather, it was because he was breaking into his apartment.

When he begins to grow obsessed with him, sending gifts and stalking his apartment, it draws the attention of his rival LeChiffre who threatens Adam so Nigel decides the best way to keep him safe is to kidnap him and take him into a remote cabin in the woods until LeChiffre's attention goes elsewhere.

Adam does NOT agree.

Hannigram AU: A Husband for Christmas - 39/?

tags: fluff, hallmark movie-ish, kidfic, billionaire Hannibal Lecter, single dad Will, pining, first kisses, pining, some angst

additional characters: Beverly Katz, Brian Zeller, Jimmy Price, Duncan Vizla, Will’s daughter

Will Graham is a high school teacher who is struggling with money to give his five year old daughter Emma a decent Christmas. He takes her to see Santa at the mall one busy Saturday and after standing in line way too long Emma needs to use the bathroom.

Which is when he meets Mr. Hannibal Lecter, billionaire CEO of Lord & Lecter stores, who lets them use his private bathroom and gives Emma a special private session with the mall Santa.

Will is extremely grateful, and very attracted to the man entirely too out of his league. He leaves expecting never to see him again.

And wakes up on Christmas morning to a mountain of presents outside his door. Soon he’s seeing much more of Hannibal than he ever thought possible, and desperately trying not to fall in love.

Hannigram AU: Bon Appetit - 2/?

tags: waiter will, serial killer hannibal, best customer hannibal, love at first sight, sugar daddy, age gap

Will is a struggling waiter who has been eager to see, Dr. Lecter, the "best" customer of Bon Appetit since he started working there but the man never seems to come in when he's working. He takes the Valentine's Day shift and is excited when his coworkers announce Dr. Lecter has arrived but is in his friend Bev's section. When an unexpected accident leaves him taking Dr. Lecter's table, he's suddenly asked to spend the evening with the man and soon learns that there's much more to the "best customer" than he ever expected.

Hannigram AU: Worth the Trouble -

Book 1 - 21/21 chapters - COMPLETE

Book 2- WIP - 6/? - WIP

tags: talk of abuse by parent, panic attacks, talk of past trauma by parent, pining, slow burn, younger man/older man, mafia type au, hannibal extended universe character appearances, alternate universe, animal injuries, other addtional tags to be added - WILL POV

additional characters: Nigel, Beverly Katz, LeChiffre, Duncan Vizla, Adam Raki

There was an unspoken rule no one talked about in Wolf Trap, yet everyone knew.

If you need help, go to Dr. Lecter.

Which is why a broken, bloody, nineteen year old Will Graham goes directly to him kills his abusive father. From that moment forward Will Graham pledged his allegiance to Dr. Lecter, even as he pined deeply to be closer to him and kept himself at a distance.

He had no idea that ten years later he’d be part of Hannibal’s inner circle, and in his bed.

The story of how he got there, well, that’s a very interesting indeed.

Hannigram AU: Emboite - 7/?

tags: omegaverse, omega hannibal, alpha will, age gap, ballerina hannibal, mechanic will, true mates, rut at first sight, slight angst, bonding, mpreg

Will Graham was thirty one years old, unmated, and shockingly…unpresented.

It made for a very bleak dating history, mostly people who wanted to trigger his presentation and ended up extremely disappointed or angry they didn’t.

So when he decided to just give it up for good and live his life alone he was a little sad but resigned to his fate. Then fate pushed him in another direction when in the midst of seeing the debut of prima ballerina Hannibal Lecter, the most gorgeous omega he’s ever seen - he goes into a rut and presents as alpha.

Will can’t stop thinking about Hannibal, aching to see him again, and knows it’s not possible he ever will.

Until he goes to get coffee and there with car trouble is Hannibal.

Is this fate?

Or is the universe just playing a cruel joke on him?

And....is Hannibal an omega way out of his league or...his true mate?

Hannigram AU: The Unexpected Donor - 3/?

tags: omegaverse, mpreg, omega hannibal, alpha will, fluff, murder fluff, smitten kittens, heat sex, courting, flustered hannibal, strong alpha will, manipulation gone wrong, enventual happy ending, change of plans, additional tags to be added

Hannibal chose the father of his child by three categories: intelligence, attractiveness, and family lineage. He had many men in mind, strong candidates of all kinds, and was quite ready to lure one of them, Cam Winston, into bed for what was to be little more than an insemination.

Then, of course, as he pulled into the gas station only mere miles from Cam Winston’s home at just after nine o’clock, he saw the most beautiful alpha he’d ever seen in his entire life.

Hannigram AU: I See You - 29/?

Tags: singer will graham, serial killer hannibal lecter, younger man/older man, additional tags to be added, love at first sight, phone calls, kisses, eventual murder husbands, gaslighting, murder

Like any good love story, this one starts out with a mistake.

Hannibal’s mistake is changing the radio station in his car on the way home from a hunt, and landing on a rock station. CNBL 201.3 is not his preferred listening genre, but the voice coming through the speakers is haunting.

Soon he’s listening to all “This is My Design” has ever recorded and falling in love with the voice of the singer, a beautiful young man named Will Graham. When they share a chance encounter it changes both their lives in more ways than one.

Spacedogs A/B/O AU: For Your Arms Only - 6/?

tags: omegaverse, possessive Nigel, forced sex work, forced breath play, non-con, talk of past abuse, spanking, domestic abuse, talk of forced abortion, talk of underage assault (not between mains), choking, trauma, consensual breath play, submissive adam raki, heat sex, crying, age gap, scars, eventual happy ending, additional tags to be added

The breeding house sends alpha Nigel Ibanescu, fresh out of losing his intended omega, an invitation to a viewing and he sets his eyes on omega Adam Raki and decides to put all his anger on using Adam in every way possible. But soon he finds himself torn between his instincts and his plans.

Hannigram AU: For Your Eyes Only - 11/?

tags: omegaverse, possessive Hannibal, forced sex work, forced breath play, non-con, domestic abuse, consensual breath play, crying, talk of underage assault (not between mains), choking, violence, traumatic pelvic exams, trauma, age gap, scars, talk of forced cutting, serial killer hannibal lecter, heat sex, eventual happy ending, additional tags to be added

The breeding house sends thoroughbred alpha Hannibal Lecter an invitation to a viewing and he sets his eyes on omega Will Graham and decides that the cure to his boredom might be breaking this omega apart. But soon he finds himself torn between his instincts and his plans.

Spacedogs AU: Marry You - 19/?

tags: strangers to lovers, surprise proposal, love at first sight, fluff, some angst, stalking (not my mains), additional tags to be added

Additional characters: Gabi, Darko

Adam Raki brings his girlfriend Beth to a fancy restaurant with the intention of proposing but gets there very early, sitting at the bar where he meets a very attractive bartender named Nigel. Nigel is very nice, nicer than Beth really, and when Beth drags him away Adam is sad when Nigel looks angry. He’s very nervous still and runs to the men’s room unable to get inside so he goes outside instead where he sees Nigel again smoking. Nigel questions his intentions with Beth, and Adam gets angry running inside to propose. He’s shocked when she leaves him there, and Nigel drags him to the bar where he suggests that Adam ask him.

So, he does.

And Nigel says yes.

Can two complete strangers find a happily ever after?

Hannigram AU: Marry Me - 18/?

tags: strangers to lovers, surprise proposal, love at first sight, not a cannibal Hannibal Lecter, fluff, so much fluff, literally the tiniest amount of angst, additional tags to be added

Will Graham brings his girlfriend Molly to a fancy restaurant with the intention of proposing when he first sees Hannibal Lecter. Hannibal is the best looking man he’s ever seen, and the most attractive person in the room, but he tries to focus on the task at hand, nervous enough that soon he runs into the “hot guy” in the men’s room dropping the ring and snapping at him when he questions if Will wants to marry Molly at all. When he returns to propose and Molly rejects him, Will is stunned and gets pulled to Hannibal’s table where to his shock Hannibal suggests that he propose to him, a complete stranger, instead.

So, he does.

And Hannibal says yes.

Can two complete strangers find a happily ever after?

Hannigram AU: His Father’s Eyes - COMPLETE - 47 chapters

tags: omegaverse, cheating (together not on each other), true mates, devil hannibal, human will, mpreg, omega will, alpha hannibal, murder, graphic depictions of violence, cults, rosemary’s baby au, antichrist, manipulation, gaslighting, trauma, child death but not theirs, eventual happy ending

Additional characters: Beverly Katz, Matthew Brown, Mrs. Komeda, Bedelia Du Maurier, Alana Bloom, Margot Verger, Mason Verger

A newly married couple gets an apartment in an exclusive building and the unstable omega meets the charismatic alpha doctor from the top floor who may be more than he seems.

Hannigram A/B/O Regency AU: Mr. Lecter - 16/?

tags: omegaverse, mpreg, regency au, movie au, mistaken identity, pining, angst, lots of angst, age gap, true mates, additional tags to come

additional characters: Adam Raki, Lechiffre, Matthew Brown, eventual Nigel

Will Graham finds himself rejected from the alpha who bred him and is shown kindness by a newly mated couple of wealth, but after watching them both get murdered by highwaymen he wakes up in a fancy home where everyone is calling him by the dead pregnant omega’s name.

So, he tells a lie hoping to give his child a better life, but to his horror realizes that in order to keep his ruse he must reject his true mate.

Can he keep up his life?

Or will his instincts cause him to lose everything he’s worked so hard for?

Hannigram AU: A Bump in the Night - 12/?

tags: human/monster romance, gaslighting, murder, pining, codependency, monster under the bed hannibal, college student will

Will had, for as long as he could remember, always heard a voice.

It began quietly when he was young, almost a whisper.

Hello.

He answered the voice back, curious about why it was there, and that’s how his relationship with Hannibal began.

Just one word.

Hannigram AU: Grave Fate - 10?

tags: omegaverse, true mates, serial killer hannibal, omega will, alpha hannibal, mpreg, murder husbands, abusive relationship (not with mains), matthew brown, murder, hannibal lecter to the rescue, good alpha hannibal, trauma

Omega Will Graham crawls out of a shallow grave after one last meeting with his abusive ex-alpha Matthew Brown and falls at the feet of an alpha in a plastic suit covered in blood who tells him his name is Hannibal Lecter. Hannibal takes him home, vowing to kill the person who tried to kill him, and soon Will starts to realize that maybe, just maybe, the perfect alpha for him might be a serial killer.

Hannigram AU: Fresh Meat - 10/?

tags: serial killer hannibal, kidnapping, forced loss of body part, eventual murder husbands, pining, forced murder, chains, cannibalism, movie au

Will is driving home late when he realizes he needs dog food so he stops at a strangely open fancy supermarket and gets kidnapped by Hannibal Lecter, a serial killer who sells human body parts to the upper class. Hannibal tells him he’s next on the menu but soon he realizes the only way to survive is to endear himself to the man who wants to kill him. When playing at murder begins to blur Will wonders if he really wants to go, and if the ache he feels with Hannibal isn’t fear but possibly might be....love.

Hannigram AU: The Alpha Next Door 37/?

tags: physical and verbal abuse by parent, mentions of rape by parent but no actual rape by anyone, alpha beta omega, mpreg, younger man/older man, gaslighting, serial killer hannibal, emergency room surgeon Hannibal, sad younger will, praise, unhealthy attachment, consensual urderage relationship, murder

Additional characters: Beverly Katz

Seventeen year old Will has not yet presented but can feel it coming soon and knows that he’s going to be an omega. His abusive father hates omegas because of his mother who left them, so Will isolates himself away from any alpha influence hoping to stretch out his first heat until after he’s turned eighteen. It’s just his luck that a good looking, single alpha doctor moves in next door and he’s immediately drawn to this stranger even before meeting him. His urges and slick begin to worsen as he stays away from this alpha until a chance encounter throws everything into a tailspin.

Hannigram AU: The Baby Bargain - 28 chapters COMPLETE

tags: pining, age gap, omegaverse, mpreg, pining, murder husbands

Eighteen year old college student Will loses his scholarship on his first day of school and goes to his counselor who tells him there’s nothing she can do. He runs into another student by chance who tells him about “Omegas Wanted” where omegas offer themselves as surrogates to couples who can’t conceive for money. Will puts himself up there because he really doesn’t want kids and it seems an easy way to make the money he needs. He gets a reply from Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who is a single alpha that wants to have a child. The minute Will meets him he’s drawn to the older alpha and yet he says yes. As the months progress Will begins to realize he’s made a huge mistake and yet he knows he can’t say anything to Hannibal. He can get through this, right?

Hannigram AU: Donor 12 chapters COMPLETE

tags: pining, mpreg, season one au, mpreg, omegaverse, heat sex, surprise love confessions, crying

Season One AU

Omega Will mentions he’s had his monthly appointment where he’s been told his last fertile years are almost at an end. Alpha Hannibal offers to donate sperm so Will can have the child he desires. When he fails to get pregnant by insemination during his heat Will gives into the growing need and tells Hannibal he needs more. After Will realizes he’s finally pregnant his upset about the whole thing only grows because he’s pining for someone who doesn’t want him. Can he get through the next nine months without telling Hannibal how he truly feels or will he face possible rejection?

#masterposts #patreon exclusive #my handy dandy lists #yeah it's a LOT lol #also I have a new thing for kidnapping?#hannigram au #spacedogs au #long post #my fd up sons

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xzaddyzanakinx · 7 months ago

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Not That Kind of Guy

Part Nine: Stalker!Anakin Skywalker × femme reader series

Warnings: stalking, weirdo behavior, psychotic/delusional behavior, possessive/protective, sexism/misogyny, sexual content/fantasizing, pervy behavior, panty/scent kink, mask kink (Ghostface), gaslighting/manipulation, nude vids/pics, rape mentioned (somnophilia), gen. sexual content, Panic/Anxiety Attack, forced nudity [Be sure to pay attention to future warnings in the series]

Info: Anakin/Ghost having thoughts?? Unselfish ones?? Luke can’t stop roasting/sassing you [diary entries from Ani] [texting/letters/notes]extremely not proofread. MDNI 18+

Diary Entry: August 10th

I think enough time has passed. I think you’re ready to see Ghost again.

I thought it would take longer for you to recover, but as always, the little fawn in you is curious as ever. Quick to forget fear and ready for the newest challenge.

You’ve responded so well to everything. I’m very proud of you.

I’ve been keeping up with my visits, still cleaning, still watching, still following and protecting.

Now that you know of Ghost, I’ve started completing my tasks. I don’t have to leave anything halfway finished, the dishes are done everyday along with the vacuuming and dusting. I even mop twice a week.

And change the cat litter, which might I add, is disgusting. (Worth it though because I love that little menace.)

I thought for sure you’d run and tell me that you didn’t think the alarms I installed weren’t working, but you didn’t, you just repeatedly tested them yourself. It was very loud, very annoying and I know you could hear the woman down the hall banging her pots and pans together to fight back with her own noise. You didn’t care though, you just wanted to make sure the alarms worked.

They do work, I wouldn’t have installed fake ones, that would be stupid. I’m all for keeping you safe so… what’s one more safety measure?

I just know that they can also be very easily disarmed. Even through the inch and a half thick wooden door to your apartment. A piece of sheet metal (credit card sized) and my handy dandy super strength magnet works like a charm.

You’re such an odd bird. You haven’t told anyone, I don’t think it’s really even crossed your mind too much either. You’ve begun to pretend the cameras aren’t even there. You just go about your normal day to day life and occasionally squint and stare at random objects.

You never actually go check them out though. Is it all for show? I think it might be.

I think you like being watched. I bet it makes you feel safe doesn’t it? Knowing I’m always there for you?

——————————————————————————

You know what the best part of all this is?

Ghost will let me love you in the way that is natural and normal to me. I just hope that you’ll be willing to accept that we are one in the same.

Ghost can comfortably do all the things that I’ve been afraid to. I didn’t want to scare you, but it really was difficult not to leave you things. I’m so glad that you brought that up in your list of questions because it gave me the opportunity to act on it without you flipping out.

Do you like them? I love leaving things for you. Especially little notes.

Ghost has been kind enough to stay out of your way when I’m around, but I can resist making you squirm occasionally. Remember when I left you a note, KNOWING I’d be coming home with you later that day?

Oh babe. It was so oddly intoxicating to see the way you reacted when I got back home and pulled up the footage. You snatched up that slip of paper didn’t read it and didn’t toss it in the trash, didn’t put it in your pocket.

You shoved it in your mouth so I wouldn’t see it. Freak.

I saw it all chewed up and gross in the bathroom trash. You didn’t read it. I know you didn’t. So I’ll have to get alittle more creative.

Don’t ignore me.

DATE

August 13th

For the third morning in a row you woke up to a text from your own cellphone number.

‘Sleep well deer?’

Idiot. Can’t even spell. So finally on this third day, you sent a text back and corrected him.

‘Dear*’

Immediately a response buzzed through.

‘No.’

No? What does he mean no?

‘Little doe. My deer. 🦌’

Oh great, so stalkers use emojis and he’s given you a nickname. How cute.

You laid back in your bed and tossed your phone aside, hands covering your face as you rubbed the sleep away.

The longer this went on, the more insane you felt. This wasn’t normal, of course it’s not normal. So why are you allowing it?

You could ask yourself that a million times and you’d never find an answer.

You could throw away every flower he brought you and they’d still keep coming. You could burn every piece of paper in the city and chew every pen until it’s broken beyond repair and he would still find a way to write you a note.

You could swallow every word he writes, throw it up, flush it, whatever. It’s just going to pop back up. Gross and soggy with an amendment attached and in your panty drawer.

You thought maybe it was an important one. So you read it. Quickly discovered it was semi-important, Ghost just wanted to remind you that he loved you and he was proud of you for continuing to drink your tea even though you knew it was drugged. Once you’re out of it, he’s going to set the pills out next to your birth control. So he ‘doesn’t have to fool with measurements anymore’.

The addendum to the note was tucked inside the original:

‘Good girls swallow.’

You could ignore the trinkets, the jewelry or the pretty stones and shells. But he would just move them to a different spot and force you to eventually set it in your jewelry box along with all the others.

He’s not been bold enough to come around with Anakin in your home. The nights that Anakin sleeps over, there are no gifts, no cleaning done. No disturbances.

But Anakin doesn’t deter him completely.

He’s left you one note at Anakin’s apartment, the first time you’d slept away from your own home in ages. Ghost had the audacity to slip a note into the pocket of your shorts while you slept in the same bed as Anakin in his apartment.

It didn’t say anything, no words, just a heart in red ink. Like he just wanted to remind you that he was there and you were his whether you wanted to be or not. Anakin or no Anakin, Ghost didn’t care.

It’s been horrible lying… omitting the truth to Anakin. Sometimes you feel like blurting it out, but something always stops you. Morbid curiosity maybe. Or maybe you just like the thrill of it, that little shiver of adrenaline you get every time he makes himself known.

It would all stop if you told Anakin. Neither would quit until he’d hunted the other man down and gotten rid of him.

They’d kill each other.

——————————————————————————

Anakin worked tonight, so you had plans to meet up with Luke (sans his pet leech) for a late evening dinner. As much as you loved Han and appreciated everything he did for Luke, how happy he made him, you really just wanted some time alone with your best friend.

So you were thrilled to receive a text around 1:00pm from Luke:

‘Don’t be late. I’m dying to catch up babe.’

You quickly opened the message but before you finished typing, a voice message popped up in your notifications, sent from your number.

You abandoned the chat with Luke and opted to open the voice message instead.

‘I’m coming home.’ then a long pause, ‘have fun with Lukey.’

That scratchy filtered voice; you’d yet to hear it over the phone and this being the first time… it sent you right back to the very first time you watched Scream. That icy chill that snuck up the back of your neck, the tightening of your chest… you felt it now, just not because of fear.

You felt it because you were excited.

——————————————————————————

“Okay, seriously what do you keep looking at?” Luke prodded, snatching your phone and sliding it into his jacket pocket.

“Nothing it’s just-“

“My phone is on ‘do no disturb’, because I have missed my buddy, my pal, my best friend.” He paused, his pointer finger jabbing the table between your plate and his.

“I’m sorry,” you sighed. “I haven’t even unlocked it! It’s just sitting there.”

“True, but the obnoxious tapping to check whatever it is you’re hoping for is getting annoying.” Honesty, brutal or not, was Luke’s love language.

“Fine. I’m sorry, I’ll put it in my pocket.” You agreed, holding your hand out palm up.

“No ma’am. This is mine until the check comes.” His answer was definitive, no room for argument there. “What’s so important anyway? I know Anakin is at work.”

“It’s just work stuff.” You huffed.

“Oh? What’s so pressing at the diner?” He scoffed, “got a big shipment of ketchup coming in? Are you ‘on call’?”

“Luke.” You rolled your eyes at his jab. “No and yes. I am ‘on call’ actually. Sara’s son has been sick.’

Not a total lie, he has been sick. Poor guy. But her husband was home with him and he was being well looked after.

“Okay? That’s your problem how?”

“God you’re so negative sometimes.” You sighed. “Her babysitter hates vomit. If he throws up Sara will have to go home.”

“Ew.” He scrunched up his nose. “I’m eating.”

“Okay? That’s my problem how?” You said mockingly.

“Really? Like for real that’s why you keep checking your phone?”

“Yes really.” Giving him a look that screamed duh’. “Her baby sitter is the 14 year old girl that lives next door to her. Do you really suggest leaving a 14 year old in charge of a vomiting 2 year old? When that 14 year old is disgusted by puke? That’s a recipe for disaster.”

It would be a disaster, her sitter is 14. She just happens to be on vacation with her mother right now. Hence the temporary stay at home husband.

“Okay, first of all, 14? Isn’t that alittle young?”

“No? I started babysitting when I was 12.” You shrugged.

“Fine.” Luke sighed. “Here.”

He slid your phone back to you and propped his chin up on his fist. Watching you check it one last time before turning on the sound and putting it in your back pocket.

——————————————————————————

‘I’m walking home now!’

You shot off the text to Anakin after saying your goodbye to Luke at the restaurant. You’d refused his offer to walk you home, you didn’t want him anywhere near your apartment building knowing that Ghost would be there.

Six minutes later he replied:

‘Good girl.🥰 let me know when you get there safe.’

‘Will do💕’

And you did, the moment you stood outside your apartment door.

‘Made it! See you tomorrow💕’

You waited in the hall to receive his response. You didn’t know what would be waiting for you on the other side of this door, and you didn’t want to chance it.

‘Perfect. Sweet dreams doll!’

Your hand poised at the door knob, you inserted your key to discover your door was already unlocked. You very slowly opened the door, but saw no one in your kitchen or living room.

But your bedroom door was closed, boogie hadn’t meowed as loudly as possible and sprinted to you, demanding to be fed. He did say that they were good friends. So they both must be in your room.

Would it be wise to lock your door? The few precious seconds leaving it unlocked would save if you needed to run… no, no. Just lock it. Doorknob. Deadbolt. Chain.

‘Just stay calm’

You kicked off your shoes and tossed your bag to the floor, walking quietly across the carpeted living room to pause in front of your bedroom. A soft yellow glow shone beneath the door, your lamp must be on. You could hear your tv playing something, not quite sure what it was, but it had the all too familiar cadence of a horror flick.

The audacity of this man astounded you.

When you pushed open the door, he was laying in your bed, shoes off, legs crossed at the ankles, propped against the headboard, arms behind his head. He looked like he belonged there. As big a contrast as it was… your soft, pink, feminine room and him. All black, the mask. He just looked so comfortable.

Your cat, the little traitor, was curled up on his chest. It was kind of sweet. How could such an inherently terrifying scenario seem so normal?

Ever so casually he tilted his head toward you, his right hand raising from its relaxed position to lazily give you gloved finger waggle for a wave.

“Have fun?” The filtered voice drifted over to you.

“Yes.” You answered quietly, glued to the spot.

“Are you just going to stand there?” He laughed. “I would come pick you up, but it’s illegal to move a sleeping cat.” He gestured to boogie who had still not moved from her human pillow.

You couldn’t help but laugh, eyebrows raised in an expression of awe filled shock. This was too weird. Too normal. Too scarily alluring.

Yet you found yourself at the edge of the bed, not really knowing how you got there to begin with.

“Sat you some pajamas out.” He said dismissively, the mask fixed onto the tv screen. “Figured you’d wanna change.”

“Huh.” You snorted, seeing that he had.

You expected to see one of your lacy lingerie sets. But he’d chosen something much more modest that you would’ve ever imagined. Loose, thin, stretchy fabric pajama pants, the matching cropped tank top, and fuzzy socks.

“Um. Thanks?” You said awkwardly, picking them up and turning on your heels to change in the bathroom.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He chuckled.

“To the bathroom?” You scoffed, looking over your shoulder at him.

“You can change in here.” He wasn’t offering. He was telling you.

“No way.” You shook your head. “No I’m not-“

“C’mon little doe.” The filtered voice left little room for change in tone, but you could tell from his body language that it was a challenge.

“Ghost. No! I have Anakin I don’t-.”

He laughed. “I don’t care.”

“Well I do.”

“Mmm… not enough. You’re letting me be here. You didn’t tell him. You didn’t mention me to anyone at all actually.” He pointed out.

“Well that’s not-“

“Hush.” He snapped, making you stall. “I’ve seen that pretty little body of yours plenty of times. What’s one more?”

“But-“ your face was so red hot that you could feel the heat spreading down your neck.

“What? I’m not gonna get up.” He said plainly. “I’m comfy right here where I can watch you.”

“I don’t… this isn’t right.”

“Don’t pull that bullshit with me.” He scoffed. “Nothing about this is ‘right’. But you’re letting it happen, yeah?” He said and got just a nod from you in response.

“That’s it.” He moved his arm to point two fingers at you, “get on with it sweetheart. I wanna see my girl.”

“I’m not your-“

“You were mine first.” He snapped.

“Well, that’s not very fair.” Your voice shaking. “I didn’t even know you were…. I didn’t know about you!”

“That might be true.” He growled, “but it’s your fault for being so ignorant.”

“I-I don’t…” you felt like you were on the verge of a tantrum. This man was outrageous, coming into your home uninvited, being a fucking perv, acting like he owns the place, and now he’s calling you ignorant?

“Do you realize how stupid it is for you to argue with me about the morality of all this?” He asked, going back to his former relaxed state.

“You. Are allowing me to be here. You had all day to call the cops if you wanted to. But you didn’t.” That smug little bastard laughed. “I’ve been here for over two hours. You knew I’d be here when you got back.”

“That’s not-“

“I’m not finished.” He held up a finger and silenced you. “You’re mine. You’ve been mine and you will continue to be mine.”

“I don’t care that you are pretending to be appalled by the situation you are in.” His voice was even and unyielding, he was so confident in his statements.

“You know why I don’t care?” He asked, tilting his head toward you condescension oozing from every pore.

“Why?” You squeaked.

“Because I know, without a doubt, that if I were to stick my hand down your pretty pink panties; you’d be wet right now.”

How did he know what color your underwear is? Better question: why is that the first thing you thought of when there were much more pressing matters at hand?

“That’s not true.” Your voice sounded hollow.

“It’s not?” He laughed. “Show me then.”

“What?” You whispered, eyes bugging out of your head.

“Do it. Prove to me that you’re not soaked.” He snickered.

“That’s not fair you can’t just-“

“You’re not running are you? You haven’t said no, you haven’t come over here and smacked me.” He interrupted.

You stood there with your jaw dropped, you needed a dustpan and broom to sweep up your shattered facade of denial. How could you dispute that?

“Fine!” You shouted. “Fine. I’ll just change in here.”

“Don’t raise your voice at me.” He growled. “You’re awfully bold for a spoiled brat.”

“I am not a-“

“When will you stop disagreeing with me?” He laughed. “You know it’s true. I’ve spoiled you so much that you’ve rotted to your core. You weren’t always a brat, but you are now. You like being spoiled don’t you? Being taken care of, being treated like a princess?”

“Your little boyfriend does the same thing doesn’t he?” He snickered. “Spoiled. Brat.”

“You’re just a little girl who needs a man to hold her hand.”

“You’re being mean.” You whispered, your voice breaking.

“The truth is hard to hear isn’t it little doe?” He said, his voice going back to its nonchalant, flat tone.

You couldn’t argue. He’d been right about everything and it’s difficult to argue with someone who throws fact after fact at you like he’s doing. So you took a deep breath and closed your bedroom door.

“Atta girl.” He nodded. “Show me.”

So you did, you turned around and began undressing, you could feel his eyes on you, soaking up the display you were crafting for him.

“Turn around.” His voice alittle quieter, the voice box crackling.

Slowly you complied, swallowing your fear and embarrassment. You kept your eyes closed, it made you feel the slightest bit better, I’m the way a kid would think ‘I can’t see you so you can’t see me’.

“Gorgeous.” He breathed out.

Behind your eyelids you swear you noticed a change in lighting, briefly, but enough to take note of. Your eyes snapped open and saw him holding up his phone.

He’d taken a picture of you.

“Ghost, no! Delete that right now!” You squealed, quickly getting dressed in your fresh pajamas.

“Cool it.” He waved you off. “Just gonna add it to my special folder just for you. See?” He turned his screen toward you and you inched forward.

He wasn’t lying. He scrolled through over one hundred images and videos, some of you in public, some nude, some of you sleeping. All in a folder titled ‘little doe’.

“These are for me.” He said simply. “They’re not going anywhere so don’t worry about that.”

“But these…” he turned the screen back to himself and tapped twice, scrolled and then tapped again before flipping it around.

The images in front of you made you nauseous.

You, spread legs and wet cunt, up close.

You with your hand being held up by Ghost, your fingers buried deeply between your folds.

A short video of your pussy being lovingly stroking by a leather glove. Another of one long digit pumping into you slowly.

A picture of your lips wrapped around his cock.

“S-so you did… you did touch me?” You recoiled.

“No.” He said flatly, before you could protest he laughed.

“You loved it.” He snickered. “Never let you cum. I wanted you to be needy for me.”

“Until… until I saw you.” You whispered.

“Mhm, that’s right.” He nodded. “Took care of your poor swollen pussy properly that time.” He cooed, shoving his phone back into his pocket.

“You’re sick.” You breathed out. “That’s disgusting… you-“

“Call the cops.” He said gesturing to your phone laying on the bed.

“What?”

“You heard me. Call ‘em.” He snorted. “If I’m so sick and disgusting and you’re soooo horrified by my actions; call the cops. I’ll wait right here.”

“Are you gonna send those to Anakin?” Your voice wobbled as you ignored his challenge. You both knew you wouldn’t call.

“Not if you’re good.”

“Are you gonna hurt him?” You asked quietly.

“Now why would I do a thing like that?” He scoffed. “I want you all to myself, but I want you to choose me. I’m not gonna go all Dexter on your boyfriend.”

“You promise?” You sniffled. “Swear it?”

“Pinky swear.” He said confidently, holding out his hand with his little finger raised.

For some reason you took it. You believed him. He hadn’t gotten up and forced you to do anything, he stayed right there the whole time. He had yet to share those pictures with Anakin. A million other twisted reasons you’d started to accept that this was becoming a new normal. A thousand other things that pushed you to believe him.

He’d only bruised your self image with his cold, hard truths about you. That’s not a crime. That’s a reality check.

“Good choice little doe!” You could practically hear the beaming smile on his face behind the plastic mask.

“Now come up here.” He patted the spot next to him. “I don’t like seeing you upset, I’m sorry.”

He was apologizing? He was apologizing.

“You’re sorry?” You repeated in shock.

“Of course I’m sorry. You’re on the verge of tears and I’ve caused it.” He said, holding out his hand palm up for you to take.

“I’m not a monster.”

You hesitated before accepting his hand and climbing into bed beside him. You sat a safe distance from him at first but he lolled his head to the side in what you assumed was a dramatic eye roll and tugged you to his side in a one armed swoop.

The action had you frozen. This was it. He was gonna hurt you. You’d been naive and stupid and he was going to violate you, this time while you were conscious, you’d remember it this time.

“Relax.” He soothed, tucking you comfortably against his side, his bicep behind your head as a pillow and his gloved hand on your side in a way that was almost comforting. “I mean it. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” You whispered, what the fuck is happening?

“No, it’s not okay. I could’ve been more gentle with my words.” His opposite hand rubbing his knuckles across your cheek lovingly.

You were quiet for a moment, debating on the course of action you should take. You were in fact very much allowing this to occur. Would it be so horrible to try and enjoy it? He was warm. He smelled nice and familiar, the cologne… you must have a subtle memory of it from all the times he’d been here while you slept. He was comfortable. He was surprisingly kind.

What’s the worst that could happen?

“Before you get comfy.” He spoke quietly, the voice box crackling from his low voice, “you didn’t take your pill.”

“Oh yeah you’re right.” You moved to get up, pink cheeked because once again he proved that you were in fact helpless without him.

“Don’t get up, I have it right here.” He chuckled, reaching over to the nightstand and handing you the pill packet and a thermos. “Tea.”

“Huh.” You stared at him. Gods this was so fucking weird. “Well… wow okay.” You huffed out a laugh and took your medicine with a sip of your tea.

“Tastes different.” You said, handing the packet back to him.

“Mhm. Yeah I poisoned it.” He said nonchalantly, making you almost choked on your second sip.

“You what?” You shrieked, waking up the cat who bolted from his lap.

“Aw look what you did,” he groaned gesturing to the empty space with a few stray cat hairs.

“You- are you serious?” You started to almost hyperventilate. “Should I make myself throw up?”

Why are you asked the man who poisoned you that? Like he’d tell you.

“No, that would be a waste of good tea.” He snorted. “I put cinnamon in it you idiot.”

“What?”

“Cinnamon.” He repeated. “It’s just cinnamon. It was a joke.”

“That’s not fucking funny!” You shouted, smacking his shoulder.

“Ive already told you once.” His hand shot out and grabbed your jaw firmly. “Do not. Raise. Your voice. At me.” He growled.

“I believe you meant to say ‘ha-ha, ghost that was funny. you got me!’” He snickered and released your jaw, soothing you with his hand now gently raking through your hair.

You were stunned. Absolutely shook by his quick turnaround, this should be terrifying. This man can be so gentle one moment and the next he’s speaking to you like he’s ordering you to lay down at the guillotine. It wasn’t terrifying in the right way. Not the type of fear you should be feeling at his unpredictable actions.

You weren’t scared of him at all. But yourself? Yes. Who is this girl? Why is she… why do you like this? It’s scary because you’re not scared. It’s horrifying because you want more. It’s terrifying because you’re morbidly curious about what he’d do if you acted out again.

You shook your head and picked your jaw off the floor, deciding the best course of action was to just tuck yourself back under his arm and watch whatever movie he had paused when you entered the room.

Might as well. You’ve already come this far.

Date

August 14th

When you woke up the next morning Ghost was gone. Your home was devoid of any trace of him, no note, no gift, no messages. Nothing.

He had hardly moved while you sat with him, the only consistent movement was the gentle twist and twirl of one long lock of your hair around his finger. It was repetitive and soothing, just like the calming rise and fall of his chest.

How could he be so calm? So off guard?

You could’ve turned on him at any moment. Ripped off his mask and saw who he was, grabbed your lamp and wacked him with it. Punched him in the nuts and ran.

But, to be fair, he could’ve done the same to you. Yet you stayed there, albeit anxious and on high alert for majority of the time spent with him. Despite the fact that you knew he carried a weapon, even though you were well aware of what he’d been doing to you all this time, even after he’d manhandled your face when you smarted off to him.

It must be a twisted form of mutual trust.

Or you might just be delusional.

Either way, it was wrong and you knew that. You intentionally got naked in front of another man, while he laid on the bed your boyfriend so sweetly makes love to you in. You fell asleep in the arms of this man. Not just *any* other man, the one who has been stalking you relentlessly for months.

You’ve cheated on Anakin. If he knew, it would crush him. It would break apart his big, soft, velveteen heart. Your betrayal would rip a hole right through the middle and slice up the fabric so badly it couldn’t be sewn back up without ending up smaller, weaker, and deformed.

What could you do? Was there anything to do? Telling him to his face… the thought of it soured your stomach so badly you thought you might form an ulcer.

Telling Ghost to fuck off and leave you alone wasn’t an option either. No matter what you did, the precautions you put in place; he would find you. Not only would he find you, but he wouldn’t allow Anakin the privilege of breathing anymore.

You couldn’t tell Luke. He’d lecture you until your ears bled while he dragged you to the nearest police station. Then Luke would be in danger, Anakin would know, and Ghost would still be your problem. And if Luke didn’t believe you, he’d ship you off to the long term care loony bin.

Your sister? Of course you couldn’t tell her either. She has her own family. Ghost already knows where she lives, he’s told you so.

He knows everything about you. Your family tree, your friends list, your schedule, your medical information, banking account, he has complete access to your home, your phone…

You are a canary in a cage and he is a cat pawing at you through the metal bars.

It’s only a matter of time before one of those claws nicks you. A feather or two might come loose, open up a weak spot on your frail body. The next swipe might draw blood, maybe it won’t. Or maybe he’ll be lucky enough to bat you to the bottom of the cage.

It’s hard enough to escape when there’s someone always watching. When there’s a lock on the door. But to attempt to flee with broken wings? You couldn’t hobble your way to safety anyway. Bird cages don’t have doors at the bottom, they’re halfway up. They don’t have horizontal bars. You can’t climb.

You are stuck.

It’s up to you if you want to be trapped there intact, or if you’d rather wallow at the bottom in pain.

——————————————————————————

Maybe you should just break up with Anakin.

Ghost said he wouldn’t hurt him, but how long will that last? How long until he gets tired of waiting? Should you ask Ghost again? Just to make sure? Make him sign a fucking contract?

Maybe it would be best if-

“Sweetheart?” Anakin whispered softly, waving his hand in front of your face. “What’s going on? I’ve been standing here for almost a minute.”

Anakin was here.

“What?” You whispered back, suddenly overwhelmingly aware of your surroundings.

The diner. You were at The Bluebird. You were working. A glance to the clock told you that you’d been here for over two hours, a quick scan of the tables and the counter proved that you hadn’t neglected any customers. Your notepad and pen were in your hand, there was money in the tip jar.

Anakin was here.

“Hey, c’mere.” His voice soft and concerned.

He gently took the pad and pen from your hands, put an arm around your shoulder and held your hand as he led you through the kitchen. Not an uncommon occurrence, Anakin was well known to everyone at the Bluebird due to his frequent visits to see you. He often walked with you out through the kitchen to sit on the curb with you while you took a break and he smoked a cigarette.

“Vigo, I’m taking her out back.” He said quietly, speaking to the dishwasher.

“I was about to call you man.” He spoke back in a hushed voice. “She’s been actin’ like that since she got here.”

“Yeah? Well next time don’t wait to call.” Anakin grumbled, scowling at your coworker.

The heat of the afternoon sun soothed over your skin, making you painfully aware of the cold sweat lacing the back of your neck. You blinked and it felt like it was the first time you’d closed your eyes in hours. Your mouth was dry, your teeth felt cold and your brain might’ve been better described as soup.

Anakin sat down on the curb and pulled you down with him. Placing you sideways between his legs, your arms immediately threw themselves around his neck and you curled up into him.

“Jesus baby.” He whispered, the wind getting knocked out of him at your aggressive tackle.

“An-” You started to sob before you even finished his name.

“W-what’s wrong?” You could feel his heart beat quicken beneath you, hear it pounding in his chest. He was feeling real, true panic.

“Hey, hey talk to me. Breathe.” He tried to soothe you by petting your hair, rocking you gently, kissing your forehead… anything, anything he could think of and nothing was working.

You were sobbing so loudly that Anakin was glad there wasn’t a back parking lot. If someone wanted to see where this horrible wailing was coming from they’d have to walk all the way around back, thankfully most people didn’t care enough to do such a thing.

Unfortunately though, your coworkers did care.

The back door creaked open and you could hardly hear the conversation over your own tears.

“Anakin!” Vigo whisper shouted. “What the fuck did you do to her?”

“What do you mean? I didn’t do this!” His voice angrily gritting through his teeth. “What happened today?”

“Nothin’ man! I dunno!” Vigo squeaked raising up his hands in surrender. “She just clocked in like that, no cryin’ though. She’s hardly said a word.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t call me!” Anakin grunted, “I’m her emergency contact for a reason you idiot.”

“Hey? Don’t get mad at me!” Vigo scoffed. “I figured she was in a funk because of you, why would I call if I thought it was boyfriend troubles?”

“Jesus- did you even ask her?”

“What?”

“Oh my fuckin’-“ Anakin took a breath to regulate himself, one arm firmly holding you while the other was wildly gesturing as he spoke. “Did you ask her what was wrong?”

“No?”

“Are you stupid? God just fuck- go back inside before you end up crying on the ground too.” He snapped at him, huffing as the back door shut behind a quickly retreating Vigo.

“Sorry baby, I’m sorry,” He whispered, petting your head and squeezing you tightly. “I’m sorry, that probably didn’t help did it?”

“N-not really.” You hiccuped out a laugh.

“She speaks.” He gasped, “want me to yell at him some more? I’ll do it just say the word-“

“Anakin-“ you snorted, wiping your eyes and nose on his shirt. “Aw shit sorry.”

“You think I’m worried about alittle snot?” He scoffed, “Sweetheart, I’d lick it out of your nose like a cow if you’d let me. C’mere I’ll prove it.”

He stuck out his tongue and flicked it at you, chasing your face as you squirmed away from him. Despite to horrible ache in your lungs and the scratchy feeling in your throat, Anakin had a way of making everything better. Even if it was accomplished by making a fool of himself.

You laughed in spite of trying to catch your breath, fighting those awkward stalled inhales with a the goofy little giggle only he could force out of you. He relented finally when you gave up struggling, opting for a kiss on the tip of your nose rather than his tongue up your nostril.

“Wanna talk to me now?” He asked quietly, his playful attitude tucked away and replaced with seriousness.

“I don’t know Ani.” You sighed, feeling horribly conflicted. “I just want to go home.”

“Then I’ll take you home.” He said, not leaving room for argument. “But I’m not letting you get up until you tell me what’s going on.”

“Please? Please I don’t wanna talk about it.” Your eyes already filling back up with tears.

“It’s nothing really! It’s okay.” You pleaded with him, “I’m just… I’ve been thinking about a lot of stuff and it’s all overwhelming.”

“That’s not okay, don’t say it’s okay. You just wailed like a banshee.” He said sternly. “Talk, let me help.”

“I just feel like I’m losing my mind.” You scoffed, “Im going nuts. I don’t… I don’t know. I don’t know how to explain it without you thinking I’m insane.”

“Princess.” He said, his voice cracking with pain. “You can tell me anything. You know that.”

“W-what if hypothetically…” you whispered. “It’s only hypothetical okay?”

“Okay. Imaginary scenario, let’s hear it.” He nodded solemnly.

“Hypothetically, if I was having… nightmares of someone being in my house. What would you say.” You whispered.

“Hypothetical nightmares?” He asked, one eyebrow raised. “Well… I’d suggest that maybe you… go to therapy? See if you can find the root of the problem.”

Therapy? To find the root of the problem? That would work if you didn’t already know where to find the problem: in your apartment at any given moment. Hell, he was probably there right now.

“Are you having these dreams because of that night at the bar?” He asked softly, tucking loose hairs behind your ear. “You know we didn’t see anyone put anything in your drink. No one left at the same time as you but your friends.”

“Now like I said before, just because we didn’t see it on camera… it doesn’t mean that no one slipped something in your drink. Stuff like that unfortunately happens all the time.” He sighed.

“I know.” You nodded, your eyes wet and sad, you knew you weren’t drugged there. You were drugged in the security of your own home. “I know, I think maybe I was just alittle more tipsy than I thought I don’t-“

“Hey, no… it’s okay.” He soothed you. “I believe you.”

“But there was no one who followed you home from the bar. I can say that with 100% certainty okay?” He said sternly.

“Ani but-“

“Look at me.” He said sharply, his voice turning soft again immediately after. “No one followed you home. I watched that video a hundred times over from every angle possible. No one else left the bar until about 17 minutes after you and your friends left.”

“Now don’t get upset baby okay? Listen I know, I know that it scared you shitless.” He said in a pained way, his face not quite matching his tone of voice like he was having a hard time trying to decide how to respond.

“Which is perfectly valid. It’s totally okay to be terrified if you saw something like that.” He soothed you, squeezing your upper arms. “I’m not saying it didn’t happen, I would never say that. If you say that you saw something, I believe you.”

“But, just because you saw it… doesn’t mean that it was truly there. Those kind of drugs can really fuck with your head baby.” He said gently.

“I know.” You sniffled, wiping your eyes and hiding against his chest again.

Gods… this man. He really was one of a kind, not just any man or person in general for that matter, would respond so well to such a strange temporary delusion. Your past boyfriends would’ve run for the hills. But not Anakin. It was clear he wasn’t deterred easily, he was your personal emotional support pet leech.

It was strange, feeling so comfortable like this with someone you hadn’t known for very long. After this conversation you thought maybe it would be okay to tell Anakin the truth about it all. He’d handle it perfectly well wouldn’t he?

But, you can’t risk putting him in harms way. You wouldn’t know if Anakin would be safe without first speaking to Ghost. If Anakin was your pet leech… Ghost was the the neighborhood street dog who’d decided your porch was the safest place to sleep. Who would be heartless enough to kick the poor thing out without a proper meal first?

That’s the problem with strays. Give them a scrap and they’ll love you for life.

Diary Entry: August 14th

Jesus baby I’m sorry. I thought things went well last night, I didn’t mean to make you so upset. I really didn’t. I guess you weren’t ready to see Ghost after all.

That’s my fault, I apologize. I should have known better.

It’s just… you seemed kind of excited for it you know? I thought we had a good time. Was the stripping down in front of me what freaked you out so much? Or seeing the pictures? I shouldn’t have done that. I really shouldn’t have, that was too far, too fast.

I see now that I made a mistake and I plan to rectify it as soon as possible. I’m going to give you a choice, one that I really don’t want to give you. But I will for the sake of your sanity.

I’ve been selfish for too long.

I’ve not truly considered your feelings on the situation, I’ve taken your response at face value and never attempted to dig farther than that. It won’t happen again I can assure you of that. Ghost will still be Ghost, but perhaps just a bit more considerate of your opinions and boundaries.

You must understand though, it’s hard to deal with this for me too. I know it’s not fair to compare our separate sides of the situation like this, but it’s true. It’s painful to watch you get so upset over something I’ve done, knowing I can’t really resolve the issue. I don’t know how to help, or fix this.

I’ve dug myself into a hole. A Pit if you will.

How could you ever forgive me now? After all this time that I have been so stupidly self-centered… I imagine it would be unlikely that you could find it in your immensely kind soul to forgive and forget my transgressions.

Maybe not though? I do see you as a godly entity, my own personal deity. If I leave enough at the altar, bow at your feet for long enough, serve you unconditionally… maybe then you would see that I have discovered the error of my ways. You could see that I am truthful in my pursuit of repentance.

Date

August 15th

Anakin drove to the opposite side of the city to purchase your apology gifts from Ghost. He knew well enough that Luke never had a set schedule, Han was always at the gym and you were at book club. There was limited space in time and even smaller proximity of location for him to safely collect the supplies he needed.

If someone saw him buying a dozen red roses and told you about it without his knowledge… well there goes Ghost. It’d be real hard to explain that away.

So he went to the florist, chose the most beautiful bouquet he could find and tucked it away in a large brown bag with tissue paper over the top so he wouldn’t accidentally bruise the petals.

He strolled down the side walk to another small mom and pop store, just to browse through stationary and cards. Ghost needs to be alittle more classy in his opinion. Maybe if his notes are on nice paper and written in plain black ink… that could ease the discomfort of it. It’s probably not super welcoming to find a ripped scrap of paper with red ink scrawled on it now that he’s come to think of it.

It was amusing to him before, but after your display of emotion, he’s feeling guilty. Very, very guilty. There was no reason to go the extra mile on stupid little things like that.

So, pretty grey paper and matching envelopes join the bouquet.

Now he just has to find something else. It can’t be chocolate or something generic. It has to be something meaningful. Something thoughtful to solidify the sentiment behind his offer for you. Something that will push you to make the right decision.

——————————————————————————

Anakin walked into your apartment, and went straight to your bedroom, it was time for Ghost to set up his apology present.

The big red bouquet was carefully placed in the center of your bed along with the pretty stationary propped against it. Your name carefully and neatly written in **black ink** on the envelope.

Your other gift, had turned into two. A small black box accompanying a short and squat black gift bag with grey tissue paper.

He was proud of his staged display, so proud that he couldn’t wait for you to see it. He was itching for you to get home, he needed to know what you’d choose. He was dying to see your pretty face light up with joy at his thoughtfulness.

So against his better judgement, he snapped a picture of himself standing at your bedside. The photo taken from a high angle to capture just the corner of your red rose bouquet, with himself taking up majority of the frame. His mask tilted to the side and his free hand held up a gloved peace sign.

He’d wait to send it.

He wanted to see your face when the message came through.

Anakin was prepared to be patient, but he didn’t have to be patient for long. He got the notification that there was movement out front of the building, he pulled up the live feed from the stairwell camera on his laptop and excitedly jolted up out of his seat before sitting back down quickly to scoot his seat back up to the table.

He rubbed his hands together and practically combusted from the inside when he confirmed it was you. His fingers moved quickly to send the text message and just as he thought you would, you paused and pulled your phone from your hoodie pocket.

Your eyebrows furrowed in confusion, a bit of panic and maybe a bit of excitement. But mostly, Anakin was saddened to see fear. You were scared, but so brave as he watched you sprint up the steps. He shook his head and let out a deep breath, pulling up the split screen of all the cameras in your home.

You burst through the front door and slammed it shut, tossing your bag aside. Anakin turned up the volume just a bit and immediately realized that was a mistake because you yelled directly underneath the kitchen camera. The audio crackled as you shouted out for Ghost, Anakin realized then that you must think he’s still inside your home.

‘Just missed me.’ He texted quickly, watching you check your phone quickly and let out a sigh of relief as you muttered under your breath.

He thought you might text back, but why would you when you knew he was watching at that very moment?

“Hey!” You said, spinning in place, your eyes darting around to scan the room. “Where did you go? I didn’t see you!”

You rushed over to the living room window and down to the alley below, then up the fire escape, your gaze traveling over to the next building’s roof.

‘You won’t see me unless I want you to.’ He texted back.

“Jesus.” You muttered, rubbing your wrist anxiously. “I guess you want me to go to my room huh?”

‘Yes please.’

“Fine.” You sighed, kicking off your shoes as you walked over to the bedroom door, flinging it open quickly just incase he was still hiding out.

Your eyes drew to the center of your bed, the roses, the bag and box, the envelope. If the situation weren’t so strange you might consider this a romantic gesture. But it’s not, it’s not romantic and you shouldn’t want to open the gifts and sniff the pretty, sweet smelling flowers. You should want to call the police and have them haul the shit off for evidence.

“What’s all this for?” You asked alittle quieter than before, holding up your phone to read the text as it came through almost instantly as you knew that it would.

‘Letter.’

“Letter? That’s all?” You scoffed, “you did all this for a letter?”

‘It’s important.’ The response came quickly, followed by a second in rapid succession. ‘Gifts first.’

“Okay… alright. Gifts first.” You sighed, pulling your hand back from where it was inches away from the grey envelope.

The small box seemed like a good first thing to open, easy enough to snap shut if you didn’t like what you saw inside. Tentatively shifting the lid back and forth you wiggled it free and lifted the small square of padding to reveal a very nice, very ornate, obviously hand crafted hair-pin with a silver rod for the pin.

You gingerly lifted it from the box and held it in your hand to examine it, walking over to the window to open the curtains and see it more clearly. Smooth, black ceramic, gorgeously curved and curled silver fittings. But the most intriguing, the most breathtaking part of it, was the delicate lines and the daintily carved cameo in the center of the ceramic oval.

A woman standing under a willow, with a fawn at her feet.

You wanted to hate it, but how could you hate something so beautiful? How could you pretend to be unappreciative of something that clearly took time and effort to find, it wasn’t just vintage, it was antique. The fact that he’d searched for and seized the jewelry was a feat in itself.

You gingerly laid it back in its box, almost too afraid to hold it. Afraid of its fragility, afraid of what it stood for, how it made you feel. The tiny claws of emotion ripping at your throat stole your voice, you could only hope that Ghost couldn’t see your face from where you were standing or he would clearly see what he’d stirred up inside you.

You picked up the small bag and lifted the tissue paper gently, hoping it wasn’t another emotionally draining surprise.

It wasn’t draining, but it sure as hell was a surprise.

“What’s this?” You snorted, turning the bag over and dumping out a few cat toys.

You waited, checking your phone periodically but got no response. You knew he was still watching, so why wasn’t he answering? Sighing you shook your head and opted to take a look at the toys.

A felt kicker toy shaped as a bloody knife. A couple of fluffy spiders, eyeballs with bells inside, and a little vampire bat that was almost too cute to be a cat toy.

“Thanks.” You said quietly.

It was infuriating how well he knew you, he knew how to crawl into your brain and make you want more. How could you not when he did things like this? Thoughtful, well planned gifts, including your pet too. He knew that your cat was your baby and he’d taken the time to befriend her, cared about her enough to buy her things.

It made it all the more irritating that his choice of toys was just alittle funny. But you’d die before you admit that seeing the knife made you crack a grin.

Finally you decided it was time to open the envelope, as soon as you did, you understood why he’d asked you to open the gifts first.

LETTER

Little Doe,

I’m sorry for the pain I’ve caused you. The hurt I saw, the words heard… I felt it in my soul when I watched you crumble.

My purpose is to love you, my job is to keep you safe, my goal is to make you happy. I’m only doing one of those things, it’s selfish of me to love you the way that I do. I know that.

What I’ve done is wrong, I’m aware. I can’t justify or explain it to you. Just know that the long and short of it is love, it’s not a normal love, but it’s mine and I’m giving it all to you.

There’s no way you’d understand the lengths I’d go to, the things I would do for you. You’d never comprehend how deeply I adore you. That’s okay. It’s hard for me to understand myself too.

The hairpin, it’s the goddess of the hunt and her fawn. I thought considering it all, it would be more than suitable for our situation.

You’re a saint, a deity, someone worth the labors of worship.

Goddesses aren’t meant to be touched, held, loved corporally. They’re meant to be imagined, a comforting presence that you feel all around you, bowed to in hopes of receiving grace. I’ve tried to go beyond the altar to reach you and for that I’m truly sorry.

Please, please take my offerings.

I love you, I need you, but I don’t deserve you. No one deserves attention from the heavens, especially not me. But if you are listening, if you’re willing, I’ll try my best to be the perfect follower.

So I’ll ask for a boon from my goddess:

Grant me passage on the road to repentance, or take my hand to walk through the valley.

You sat on your bed in silence for a long while, your cat coming to join you and accept the gifts left for her excitedly. It brought you a moment of peace to watch her waller around and smack the eyeballs across the floor.

So the overwhelming weight of the thin grey sheet of paper in your hand felt even heavier when she scampered off with her brand new bag toy hanging from her mouth like a fresh kill. She’d left you alone and undistracted again. Just you, your thoughts, and the suffocating silence surrounding you, the creeping tingle on your neck that told you he was still watching the cameras.

He was waiting.

So you sighed and crawled off the bed with your bouquet in tow, cutting the stems into the kitchen trash can and filling a glass vase with water to display them on the counter.

The grey paper followed you from room to room, seat to seat, from one hand to the other as you read it over and over. You could recite it by memory, it was burned into your retinas, you could still feel the indents of his pen on the paper long after you’d sat it aside, the smell of the paper dye singed your nostrils and didn’t leave even after your shower.

You thought you could clean yourself, wash your hands of the problem both literally and metaphorically.

No amount of scrubbing could rinse your brain well enough to wash away the thousands of jumbled words swirling around. You’d been trying to formulate one, just one, coherent sentence for a response. But each time you made progress, you changed your mind on the decision, you scrapped the idea, sent it to the shredder and recycled it into a slightly different, just as illegible mess.

He’s giving you an out. Take it.

Who cares if he still watches you? He won’t interfere. He won’t show up for visits, he won’t leave you gifts or notes.

He’d left you with an offering. A little piece of himself in exchange for your so called ‘divine intervention’. He was asking for the hand of god to stir the pot and serve it too. At least, that’s how he saw it.

For you it was just an awkward toss up of a bunch of jumbled pros and cons.

On one hand he was offering you freedom. Opening the bird cage and giving you the option to escape but clipping your wings, ensuring you can’t go too far.

He’d still watch, just not make an appearance… keep himself hidden like before.

This would also solidify Anakin’s safety, which you valued highly. You’d be free to have your beautiful blossoming relationship, without the worry and stress from the Ghost that haunts your apartment.

On the other hand he gave you the choice to join him in some capacity. To walk through the valley with him; would he walk two steps behind? Two in front? Or side-by-side?

It’d give you the opportunity to explore this stranger you’ve discovered living inside your mind and body. That weird itch that only Ghost can scratch, the thought of him alone just doesn’t do it for you anymore.

You’d have the chance to see who is under that mask and that was more intriguing than anything. You felt like the more you spoke to him, the more you watched him in person… maybe you’d be able to narrow it down to a few people. That might be worth the risks that come with allowing him to continue visiting.

So, you swallowed your fear and closed your eyes. A few silent moments later you spoke aloud, assuming Ghost was still listening.

“I’ll walk with you.” You said slowly, tasting the words as they left your lips. “On two conditions.”

‘What are they, deer?’ His response came instantaneously.

“You leave my friends and family alone. You swear on your life they’re safe and that includes Anakin. I mean it, I’m not fucking around about it okay?” You said confidently. “I already feel guilty enough, don’t make it worse for me.”

‘Guilty?’

“Yes guilty! I have a boyfriend, who I really, really like.” You said, feeling exhausted from the complexity of your choice. “This isn’t fair to him!”

“But it’s… it’s not fair to me either!” You said frustratedly as you blew out a long breath of air through pursed lips. “I deserve to know who you are! You’ve been watching me for god knows how long and I haven’t even heard your real voice.”

“And… and it’s not fair for you either.” You admitted quietly.

‘Why?’

“You’ve been… mostly harmless. Kind.” You confessed, considering saying more, much more. “You’ve been helpful. Despite everything you’ve done, you obviously care about me. I can’t ignore that especially now.”

‘Mostly harmless??’

‘Why ‘especially’ now?’

“You’re joking right?” You snorted in disbelief, shaking your head and trying to stifle a laugh of indignation. “You… well I mean it feels wrong to call it what it is. But- you.. you know what you did!” You crossed your arms frustratedly.

‘Ah… the extracurriculars.’

“Sure if that’s what you want to call it.” An expression of, strangely enough, amusement, crossed over your features. “What it is… well you know what it is.” You sighed.

“But for some reason… I don’t want to call it that.” You said quietly.

‘Hm. I’ll remember that.’

“I’m sure you will.” You huffed in spite of yourself, because if you were honest you’d be telling him you liked it. Your body liked it, your brain liked it, asleep or not, he’d affected you in ways you were unsure you could get with anyone else. Including your sweet and precious boyfriend, he’s too tender and loving.

“Second condition: you promise me that you’ll eventually tell me who you are.” You said firmly. “I deserve to know.”

‘I accept.’

“Okay then.” You sighed with relief and a bit of resignation. “You still have to warn me if you’re gonna be coming to visit though!”

‘Yes ma’am.’

“Ew. Add that to the list. Never call me ma’am again.” You snorted and it rolled into a full laugh when you finally looked up and caught your own gaze in your bedroom mirror. You were sitting in your room alone, speaking aloud, having a fully fleshed, seemingly one-sided conversation.

If anyone were to walk in on this scene playing out, they’d think you’ve lost your mind.

Maybe you already have.

Part Ten

The pendant that inspired the hairpin! I forgot to add it in sorryyyyyy

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