Chapter Text
I thought of asking, ‘Why?’ as my eyes watched you killing him. I couldn't speak— my voice had disappeared. All I could do was stare at the scene as it unfolded in front of me. A voice in the back of my head told me not to look anywhere else.
A deafening crack. And I saw my friend that Peter was levitating; drop to the floor. He took his time collecting himself, his back turned to me.
“I asked you to wait,” Peter then said severely, head cocking to the side, finally acknowledging my presence.
I wanted to run but I couldn't, my legs giving out from under me. My nails scraped on cold tile. My body jolting into a crawl. Away. Get away. I have to get away the bloody massacre of children sprawled out around me. My shoulders shock. Fading fast, sobs took it’s place. wracking my body till I could breathe no longer. I only crawled a few metres before my hands wrapped around shiny leather shoes.
Peter’s.
A shudder ran through my body and I scrambled back away from him, desperate to be anywhere else in a different direction. Any direction. I just had to get away from him. I distantly heard myself dry heaving as I neared a disfigured body, one of the many around me.
I managed to find myself in the center of the room. Peter following me in a slow stroll, I would've looked like a dog on a leash if he had one. It was like he was waiting for me to calm down from my tantrum. He was unhurried. he knew I wouldn’t get away.
I tried to get to my feet but my legs didn't want to hold me. I got up, stumbled and fell down all again. Frustrated at my bodies unwillingness to escape, another gurgle of sobs burst out my swollen red lips. I was a puddle of trembling limbs at his feet. I kept my eyes lowered, Tears ran down my face like acid and my shoulders shook with the weight of it all. My heart so heavy.
“Why?” I barely managed to breathe, so low he almost didn't catch it.
He didn't give me an answer, instead, he said very softly, “You weren't supposed to see this.”
I let my eyes drift up to his then, sparkling with fresh tears of sadness. His betrayal was reflected deeply in mine. How could he?
I had really liked Peter. He was nice to me.
He...
“Why do you cry for them Little Dove,” He asked softly, craning his head to the side, seeming sad himself. He knelt so fast his face was suddenly very close to mine. but he still towered over me like this. Cold fingertips tipped my chin up; tilting my face to better meet his eyes. He studied me for a moment, furrowing his brow.
“Hm?” he wanted an answer. My lips trembled and I made a pitiful sound. “Oh.." he drawled in mock pity, "but I know you’re just scared.” My breaths came out shaky, more tears spilling down my cheeks.
My eyes fluttered closed and I felt gentle fingertips swipe at the tears under my eyes and I tried to turn my face down, away from his touch. A sob ripped from my mouth. He was quick to adjust my eyes back up.
“You killed them” I seethed quietly.
“They’re not— No Honey, they’re still alive... in here” he gestured to his head, pleading with me to listen. No sadness in his eyes any longer. No regret. Just determination to get me to understand him.
“you think you need them but you don’t— you don’t.” He shook his head yes. coaxing me to shake mine back with mutual approval. But I did not. “Little dove I'm here, can't you see that." Cradling slippery cheeks in his monstrous hands.
“You will not meet the same fate.”
My vision swam, wobbly, black dots. Then Peter fell back. I was on top of him a moment later. My hands grasped his shoulders and I shook him. Blood rushed through my ears, his betrayal burning a pit into my stomach. "Why?"
"Why?"
He let himself lay sprawled, many beats went by. I felt a pressure on my body, forcing me closer to him but nothing was there. He was using his abilities on me. I closed the distance between us. Quivered against his body, nerve endings fraying at feel of him. He suddenly sat upright. my head fell back and I cried. A hand smoothing down my hair, easing me to tuck my head into his neck.
It was oddly comforting and his scent was calming. I hated myself for crying in the arms of a ruthless killer. I was disgusted with myself. Even so, I threw caution to the wind, wrapping my arms around him; He kept me grounded. sobs wracked me again, I wanted to find comfort before I met my bitter end.
“It’s ok, Shh— you’re ok” he muttered softly into my hair, his breath warm and I screwed my eyes shut tight as I was once again reminded of all the horrible things he’d done minutes ago. “I’ve got you, Little dove” guilt and shame wound itself deep in my belly. He could sense the effect he had on me and it hurt me deeply.
“Sweet little thing…” he said to himself, fingers carding through my tresses. “Shhh— I won't let you go until you calm down. Can you do that for me?” realizing I had started dry heaving again. We sat like this for a long time, him rocking me gently while I trembled and struggled to stay awake. He pressed his nose to the crown of my head, taking soft inhales while promises of freedom, safety, and security in low hushed whispers.
I was really angry headache pounded through my skull like a drum and all the hurt and grief from his betrayal sunk its icy claws through my heart, cold and unrelenting. He killed them... They’re dead. The only sense of a real family I ever had. they're gone. All of them.
In my anger-filled haze, I bit into the soft flesh of his neck, hard. He took a fistful of my hair in his hand but he didn't push me away, he kept me there; Like he's letting me ride out a tiny tantrum and all the while he grunts and hisses in my ear. Copper fills my mouth and I go weak in his grip, giving up. I want to be as far away from him as possible. I press my hands to his chest and start pushing only to find myself captive, caged in his arms; wrapping around me like a snake. “Let go!”
“Just take some deep breaths for me.” He demonstrates and holds me firmly but still gentle enough to not cause further discomfort.
The room spun around me in a blur, my stomach tightening harshly. I looked at my hands, tears splashing against them as I had an internal battle. I found it hard to focus on anything, the humming from the florescent lights grew louder and my head ached. all energy drained out of me.
I wanted to leave, I wanted this to be over.
I hadn’t even realized when my eyes fluttered closed, or when my head fell into his chest, and I hadn't felt when he caught me, pressing a rough kiss against my hair.
I didn’t stir when he lifted me into his arms, leaving whatever good was left of me and the laboratory behind.