Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Three days ago I was abducted, taken from my apartment in New York City. My name is Atlas, my stage name to be exact. My real name is Vivienne Ross, not the most appealing name for a singer. That’s why I have a stage name, and to keep some sense of, privacy of course. For fun, I added a song called ‘V’ on the last album I made. I’m mentioning this since I feel it’s important to the rest of my story.

I was curled up in my living room, in my apartment that I couldn’t really afford. I sat there watching the news about a building that had been set on fire that night, with a fat black cat on my lap. Her name is Ruth, since it’s an odd name for a cat.  The building was a bakery if I remember correctly, some small place that I liked going to at times.  It was a bit sad, but I didn’t have much time to really feel bad. 

I got a knock on my door. I scratched Ruth behind the ears, whispering an apology as I slid her off my lap. She let out a low, annoyed huff, like I’d just committed a crime. I stifled a laugh, still half-lost in the news report — until the second, louder, knock came. 

Looking through the peephole, I see a man. He’s tall, dressed in black and a balaclava, so I can only see his eyes. He seems nervous for some reason, shifting on his feet and fiddling with the wristband of his gloves. He looked behind him before leaning in close to the door and speaking. “I know you're there, Vivienne.” He said with enough authority in his tone that I backed away from my door, picking up Ruth as I heard him bang on the door. “Open the door!” I don’t look back. I held my cat close to my chest as I hid in my bedroom closet. It locked, so I thought it would be a good idea.

I had no weapons other than a coat hanger, which maybe I could strangle him with it but I doubt it. He had muscles, and he was much bigger than me, and I’m sure he could easily overpower me. So I stayed there, scratching Ruth to keep her calm as I tried not to panic. I kept thinking: what would happen to Ruth? Would he kill her? Leave her to die? Or would he give her to a shelter? But I doubted he would do the latter, but I hoped he would. 

The banging continued until I heard a crash, presumably my door breaking . Tears continue to well up in my eyes, and I hold Ruth even closer to me as she tries to get out of my grip, but I don’t let her.

“Vivienne.. We can do this the easy way, all you need to do is tell me where you are.” he says, his voice calm and smooth a contrast to the nervous demeanor he showed outside my door.

Ruth lets out a soft meow and I try to cover her mouth to keep her quiet. I don’t want to ever hurt her but it was necessary. The foot steps get closer before I know hes in front of the closet door. Don’t open it please… Is what I thought as he went for the handle. It was locked but he broke it, fairly easily. That’s all I remember, well I remembering it went to black before he opened the door.

Chapter Text

Vivienne

I open my eyes, I’ve been here for three days no ones tried to find me and I have no clue where the hell I am. I haven’t seen my kidnappers face, he comes in gives me and Ruth food before he leaves.

The sight of Ruth across the room brought a wave of immense relief; she was safe. Shes allowed to roam around while I’m tied to a chair, still in my pajamas.

 He offered me new clothes that were a bit too big for me but I rejected it. Hes been helping me to the bathroom, somehow letting me have some privacy but every time I’m there I try to find a way out. I think he may have a camera in the bathroom but I’m not sure, everything seems normal.

The door opens, I sit there as I cant do anything else. As much as I want to scream at him to let me go I don’t. He’s brought a chair with him, why? I don’t know.

He moves the chair in front of mine and he takes a seat. Crossing his arms as he leans back, hes calm. Every time I see him, hes calm like he did nothing wrong. Yet when he was outside of my house he looked like a nervous wreck.

“Ask me anything,” he says, I just kind of stare at him. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard him speak but its still weird. It’s the question thats odd. Or is it a statement?

After a moment of staring at his balaclava, I speak “whats your name?” He chuckles, it’s a low almost dark but maybe that’s me dramatizing it. “Vale, my names vale”

“What kind of name is ‘Vale?’” I shoot back, forgetting that I’m talking to my kidnapper.

He—Vale— lets out a scoff looking at me in such a way I feel like hes grinning at me, “What kind of name is Atlas?” Fair point,. Okay, well, I can’t be too surprised that it isn’t his real name. I just move onto the next question.

“Why am I here? I mean why did you kidnap me and-” He puts his hand up signaling for me to stop. Which I do. “one question at a time, Vivienne.”   He says it like he’s in control. My skin crawls. And he’s reminding me he knows my real name.

“I like your music, that’s why you’re here.” Maybe its stupid of me to expect him to give me his real reason but that just feels like a lie. ‘hey there’s this singer I’d love to meet. Instead of just I don’t know, messaging her I’m going to kidnap her!’

“Real convincing, Vale.” I say rolling my eyes at him. “Can you take your mask off?” He glares at me, just staring daggers at me for a whilebefore giving a quick simple answer, “No.”

Maybe I like fucking with my life, maybe that’s why I say “So you must be really ugly if  you wear a mask.” He rolls his eyes at me, huffing as he gets up. He seems to go to be going to the door. “N- no- don’t go yet-” He opens the door and slams it behind him.

Chapter Text

Vale

Why the fuck did I do this? I kidnapped a girl. Not just a girl, a singer. A singer that I love. Fuck I’m such a creep. I think to myself, pacing around my room. I need to let Vivienne go, but then shes going to tell the police. Then I’ll go to jail. I sigh, sitting on my bed. Taking the balaclava off as I look in the mirror. I look like shit, I haven’t slept in days maybe since I have a girl in my basement.

 I run my fingers through my brown hair, it’s long people say I look like a girl because of it. Is it one reason I don’t want to tale my mask off? Maybe but the main reason is that I kidnapped her in a dumb idea. Whatever, I’ve dug my grave I have to lay in it now. Getting off of my bed, putting the balaclava back on.

 I go back to the basement with a few things for her, hairbrush, toothbrush—unopened— and pads. I don’t know if shes going to get her period. I know she has a tracker on her phone but I’m not that crazy. I open the door, locking it behind me and I see Vivienne on the floor.

 She managed to get out of the chair but her hands and feet are still tied. She looks up at me like a dear in headlights. Putting the things down I brought for her I go to help her up. “I’m fine.” she says with a huff.

I cant blame her for not wanting help, especially from me. Helping her onto the chair again. “trying to escape now?’ she looks away from me.

Fair enough I wouldn't want to look at me either right now. I move to stand behind her, my hand on the chair, close to her shoulder. She doesn’t move away. “What do you want now?” She scoffs at me.

“I brought you some things.” She turns her head, looking at the basket for a moment. “how am I going to use them if my hands are tied?” moving to stand in front of he. She looks beautiful like this. Tied to a chair, I could theoretically do anything I wanted to her. But I’m not that fucked up.

I put my hand out, and she hesitatingly lifts her hands from her lap. Their soft as I hold them, carefully untying the rope. She takes one hand away from my grasp, and I let her. Looking at her hand then me, she goes to hit me, forcing me to grab her wrist to stop her. “Bad girl,” I immediately regret saying that since It can be taken as me hitting on her.

I let go of her hands, getting the basket giving it to her. A faint blush is on her cheeks but she doesn’t say anything. I sit down on the extra chair that I forgot to move away. Shes looking through the basket and whisper, “Thanks… Nicest kidnapper I’ve ever had.” she gives me a soft smile.

I just chuckle and sit back in the chair, in a full man spread. A part of me wants her to look but she doesn't. a full minute passes before she looks up at me, “why did you kidnap me? I know its not for music reasons.” I pause, should I tell her or would that be dumb? I sigh, shaking my head, “It was a stupid lie, hell I don’t know what I’m going to do with you here.” she laughs, actually laughs.

“You kidnapped a girl on impulse?” Hearing her it makes me smile. “I suppose that’s what you could say.’ I go quiet gathering my next words. “I could let you go if you wont tell anyone. “

“Really?” surprise echos in her voice, and I nod. “ what would I say to my friends or family?” she asks just as Ruth sits on her lap, Vivienne pulls her into a hug kissing her tummy. Making the fat cat purr in response. “Say you were with a friend.” I say, nearly a whisper before I move to kneel at her feet, untying the rope. She stays still and I swear I can almost feel her gaze on me as my hands caress her ankles.

Clearing my throat as I step away but she stays still not getting up at all. I put my hand out and she takes it as she gets up.

She stumbles for a moment, Ruth jumps out of her arms and she holds onto my forearm. My muscles flex under her touch, my hand goes to her waist to keep her up right. “Good?” She nods, letting out a soft hum before nearly falling again causing me to pull her closer.

Without realizing how close she is to me, I help her sit down, kneeling in front of her. “Im okay, just a bit dizzy.”

I pat her knee, trying to reassure her even if she doesn’t realize it. “That’s normal, some people feel dizzy after sitting for a long period of time.” My hand slowly drifts up and down her leg, gently rubbing the muscle. “Sore anywhere?” I say, looking at her ankles seeing rope burn, her ankles are red, bleeding a bit and I get up. “Just my wrists and ankles.”

“I’ll be back” she nods as a response to my words, with that I go to kitchen. I have a first aid kit in here, I don’t know why people put theirs in the bathroom.Either way I go back and I see Vivienne trying to stand. Shes such a gorgeous idiot.

 “No, sit down.” I say, my voice firm although I try not to be rude. She sits with little hesitation, softly sighing as she does. I sit in front of her again, Taking her hand on mine assessing how bad it is. “You need to rest for a bit, get a good sleep.”

She  looks like she wants to pull away but she doesn’t. “Where would I sleep? Actually why would I sleep here,” She has a good point honestly. I don’t know what to say but I go to bandage up her wrists, the one that’s worse gets gauze the other just needs a plaster.

“Do you want me to take you to your apartment?” She looks at me, a bit surprised before realizing something. “Please...” she whispers, almost like shes afraid. I finish cleaning her ankles and I stand giving her my hand

She takes it, holding onto me so she can stand. “Want me to pick you up?” I say, my hand behind her waist in case she falls. Shes slow as she walks, like a newborn deer on shaky legs.

We get to the stairs that lead up stairs. She looks at them as tries to take the first step. I want to help her but I let her try first. She fails, nearly falling flat on her face but I catch her, pulling her close to my chest. I pick her up, she looks at me,I cant tell what shes thinking. She keeps her hands to herself  but I wish she wouldn’t.

I take her to my car, putting her in the passenger seat before going to get Ruth. “Where are you going?” Vivienne says, her voice trembling softly and I don’t think she realizes it. “I’m going to get Ruth, and your shoes.” She breathes a sigh of relief relaxing in the seat as I get the cat. She wriggles in my arms, hissing at me but I try and fail to calm her down.

Ruth scratches my balaclava making a small tear in it, as much as I want to be upset I cant be.  I put her in the car with Vivienne, passing her shoes as well as I get in myself.

The fat cat curls up in her mothers lap, purring until the car starts to move and then shes singing the songs of her people. Vivienne tries to calm her down. It doesn’t help that much but anything is better than nothing.

The drive to her house is quite, awkward actually. “How old are you anyway?” I pause, wondering if I should even tell her. “Too old to be kidnapping a girl.” Is all I give her wondering what she thinks that means. “So, your like 60?” I nearly scoff at her, “You really think I’m in my sixties?” She nods, far too quickly for my liking. “Yeah you do old man.” I’m torn between being offended or laughing, I let out a chuckle. “Fuck off, I’m not that old, I didn’t fight in the Vietnam war.”

That seemed to peak her curiosity, “You fought in war?” fuck I shouldn’t have said that. I hated war, still do but I was good, really good in fact. Nearly became a general before some fucker broke my leg.

“Vale?” Vivienne’s voice breaks me out of  my thoughts and I let out something between a huff and a groan. “I’m fine.” She seems to hesitate but she wants to talk, she doesn’t like silence, I put the radio on for a second before some  song about sex comes on. I immediately turn it off making her giggle.

“What was wrong with it?” She asks, her tone light and airy like I’m a friend of hers. “Not something I like.” I say hoping she doesn’t ask more, but a part of me wants her to talk more.

“You don’t like songs about sex?” I shake my head, pulling into her driveway. “I don’t mind them, I just don’t like pop songs.” I open her door for her, Ruth runs for the door and I just pick Vivienne up once more and this time one hand is on my shirt. Her hands are smaller than mine, my mind starts to go to places it shouldn’t but it does. I clear my throat trying to push those thoughts away I go to open her door with her keys.

“You have keys to my apartment?” She asks clearly worried. “No, these are your keys.” I say as I put her on her couch, passing her the keys with a pink fluffy ball on them. “Really,” She says, sounding a amused “because this is exactly like you!” she says, laying on the couch and she goes to pick at the plaster. “Stop that.” I turn to her kitchen, getting some coffee.

I hear the noise of her completely ignoring me and I sigh, “Don’t complain to me when your rope burn gets worse.” she whispers under her breathing mocking my words. I simply roll my eyes at her childish behaviour. Starting her kettle. “do you want coffee?”

Her eyes light up like I just said the most amazing thing in the world. “Yes! I havent had in days.” I smile at her turning around and leaning on her kitchen counter. “I offered you coffee you just didn’t take it.”

“Yeah well..” She pauses reaching for her phone which is on the coffee table. “I don’t take food or drinks from strangers.” Vivienne opens her phone, reading the messages and calls she missed.

I think on her words, before speaking. “So I’m not a stranger?” I reply as I try to find the sugar for her coffee. I put two spoons in which I know she likes and one for myself. I bring the cup too her and she smiles “Thank you.. And to answer your question we’re just really weird friends.”

Chapter Text

Vivienne

Vale left later that night after our coffee. Hes interesting, I mean more interesting that I expected. He also gave me his number, although he had no idea how to. I had to take his phone and see what it was myself.

I can still walk thankfully, I do stumble a bit and Ruth is sitting on my lap as I try to sleep. It’s been a week since I last saw him.Most of my time I spend doom-scrolling on my phone at night. I get the sudden urge to message Vale.

I go to his chat, hesitating, should I even message him? He could be asleep. I say to myself, putting my phone down on my chest as I sigh. I close my eyes just as I get a message from someone. Needing to pull myself of this slump, I look who it’s from.

“Why are you still awake?” It’s from Vale, I cant help but smile at the message. He cares about me. No, I shouldn’t be thinking like that he kidnapped me. I stare at the message for far to long and a typing bubble appears.

“How’s your rope burns?” he says and I pause thinking about how to respond without being weird. It’s awkward talking about how I am. To him specifically, I don’t know if I should give him a description on them or not?

 “Better thanks, where did you learn that?” Is what I settle on sending to him.

It’s a whole minute before he replies, “The military makes everyone take a course on first aid, enough to keep you alive.” Huh, so he is in the military, that makes sense condescending the war  comment. I wonder which war. I look at my phone, thinking of what to say now. “what about you?”

“what about me?” he texts back almost instantly.

“why are you up so late?” The typing bubble pops up, before going away then reappearing. I can almost feel how nervous he is, I wonder why. Maybe he was divorced? Or he has PTSD? Most likely PTSD.

“insomnia.” Is all I get, he spend five minutes trying to think of what to say, and all he says is ‘Insomnia?’  Men, I swear. I feel bad for him, it must suck. “Shame, man. Do you have medicine for it?”

Somehow I can feel how nervous he is at that message, I don’t know how I do. But I just have a feeling. There’s no typing bubble, no anything for a few minutes and I get nervous. Did I mess up by saying that? My stomach starts to turn into knots, I pull my legs closer to my chest causing Ruth to get off of my lap. She sits next to me trying to calm me down,

I breathe a sigh of relief as I hear he sent a message and I quickly go to check it. “I don’t, I don’t feel like I need them.”

“And yet, here you are at 2 am awake.” I smile at my message, trying to just breathe through the anxiety as I wait for him. “Well you haven’t told me why your up.”

Dammit I was hoping he wouldn’t ask that. I sigh, turning onto my side as I try to think of a suitable answer. “Can’t sleep.” Nearly immediately he starts typing and I message back trying to ignore the subject.

“Do you want to go out tomorow?” He stops typing, he goes quiet for what feels like forever and I wait. My eyes start to get heavy and I let them close as I continue to wait.

I wake up with Ruth, sitting on my chest, patting at my breast. I rub my eyes before staring at her, she meows in response. Like shes saying not to worry since shes here to irritate me.

I scratch her before moving her off of my chest and onto the bed. I then check my phone, 5 massages from Vale and some shit news article saying I’m legal in a month.

“I’m free.” — 2:31 am

“I mean I’m free if you want me to be.” — 2:32 am.

Deleted message  —3:00 am

Deleted message — 3;01 am

“Im going to assume your asleep, goodnight Vivienne” —3:05 am.

I cant help but smile at the good night message it feels like he cars, and clearly he was nervous as hell. Although I do wonder what those deleted messages were.I send him a good morning message before asking where and when he wants to go out.

I put my phone down, getting out of bed to go shower. I wash my hair, my face and then I just stand there. The water running over me as I hope Vale responds. I get out of the shower, drying myself off before checking my phone.

“I can come over at 10, then we can decide?”

“Sounds perfect!” I reply, putting my phone down as I get dressed, I put on a cropped hoodie, denim skirt and black tights.

I hear someone pull into my driveway as I’m doing my makeup. Vale doesn’t knock but he messages me, “I’m here.”

“be there in a second” I text back quickly as I rush my make-up, mascara, foundation and some lipstick. I would have done more but I don’t want to keep him waiting.

Grabbing my prescription sunglasses, I put them in my bag getting my everyday ones as well. There thin, black rimed glassed, cute and they go with everything.

When I leave my room, I have a shadow following me. Ruth follows me, making sure I’m safe. I pick her up while unlocking the front door.  

She hisses as Vale comes into view, I scratch underneath her little chin which helps her to calm down. Vale still has the balaclava on, and a white sweater. This is the  first time I’ve seen him wear anything other than just black.

He clears his throat, looking a bit nervous although I can tell hers trying to hide it. “Hey.”He says, nearly a whisper.  I smile at him while opening the door more. “Come in,”

He looks at me, I see his mask lift a bit as he smiles at me. I hope it’s a smile at least .He doesn’t say anything as he sits on my couch, Ruth glaring at him. Vale puts his hand out, and she hesitates to sniff it. I can see her relax as she sits next to him but she tenses when he tries to pet her.

I sit across from him, unsure what to say or do. I busy myself with the hem of my skirt before speaking. “There’s this party going on later, at some rich guys house..” I feel like an idiot, he’s kidnapped me and im inviting him out? Again.

I must be a special kind of idiot, and so is Vale. “Sure.” I don’t know what I was expecting but it wasn’t that. “Oh so you don’t mind going to a party with people in their twenties?”

“And your seventeen, someone needs to watch you.” He retorts. Hes got a good point.

Chapter Text

The house is dark, even though its day time. Kai, the one throwing the party, must have blackout curtains or something.Kai Rivers, is a DJ we met when I was working on my second album. He’s good at his work and a total fuck-boy.

I'm surprised he hasn’t tried to sleep with me yet, maybe he just doesn’t want to get caught. There’s already people here, drunk on couches, I guess its true that his parties don’t stop.

I spot Kai on a couch and he puts his hand up, presumably to signal me. “Atlas, you made it! And whose your sexy friend?” I feel bad for Vale hes just standing there, he doesn’t know anyone other than me here.

“Uhh.. Vale wanted to come along!” I say smiling at him, practically shouting over the loud music. My eyes flick to him—he’s still standing awkwardly in the middle of the room, looking like a lost scary puppy.

Vale makes a noise of mild disappointment as he looks around, he still has his balaclava on. “Cool, cool,” He gives me this dumb smile and leans in to whisper but clearly he doesn’t know how to or the music has made him deaf. “Is he gay?”

I cant tell if I’m mortified for Vale or not. I go to answer before I’m interrupted, “No, but thanks for the offer.” His tone is gruff but he doesn’t seem upset at the question.

“That’s a shame.” Kai replies, before he goes to pull me in to whisper but I pull away. “Your going deaf from the music you cant whisper.” He just rolls his eyes in response, running his fingers through his blond hair

“Fine! The closets are used for things, if you know what I mean.” He winks at me, I just nod to him as I try to leave the conversation. I don’t know what’s in the closets, I’ve never gone in one of them at his parties.

It’s either people doing drugs or having sex but I don’t know which one it is. Maybe its both. I see Vale in the kitchen looking for alcohol, presumably. “Eager to get drunk?” I say, smiling at him.

He scoffs at me, getting out some kind of wine and rolling his eyes before popping the cork of the wine, his expression unreadable.

"Eager? No... just here for the 'cultured' atmosphere." He shrugs and takes a swig. "Besides, it's the only thing stronger than that guy’s... charm." He gestures toward Kai in the other room.

Holding back a laugh, I shrug moving to sit on the kitchen counter. He gets the hint and passes the bottle to me and I take a sip. It tastes like blackberries, but not in a good way. Just as im started to get used to the taste I get hit with vanilla, extremely artificial vanilla. Kai’s rich I have no clue why he would even buy this.

I clear my throat after swallowing it and Vale’s smiling at me. I finally notice that he lifted his balaclava up so his mouth is showing. He’s got nice lips, and jawline, he has stubble as well. I stare at his lips for far too long before looking back at his eyes.

“You make it seem like its horrible.” He says, taking another gulp of the wine. I watch his throat as he swallows it. I have a problem, I really do. I need to go back to my therapist.

“You like it?” I manage to say without sounding like an idiot. Vale shakes his head, putting the bottle down and he leans on the counter. Which coincidentally lets him be closer to me. “I don’t, but you make do with what you have.”

I let myself pause for a moment before taking the bottle and letting myself have another drink. It”s not better this time, but its not worse. I place the bottle down clearing my throat once more. “Still not easy, huh?”

I simply nod to his words as he takes the bottle again. “You know,” He looks at me, we’re almost the same height from where I’m sitting so I don’t need to crane my neck to look at him. He licks his lips instead of wiping his mouth.

“What even are in Kai’s closets?” Vale asks, I just shrug. “I don’t know, I’ve never gone in one of them.” I don’t mention the fact that I’m scared of what I would do if I did go in one.

“Do you want to find out?” I ask him in an intrusive thought, I’m going to regret this later but that’s tomorrow Vivienne’s problem I can see the wheels turning in his head before he nods, pushing himself off of the counter with  a low groan. “Sure.”

I'm shocked, extremely shocked  I wasn’t expecting him to just agree. I slowly climb off of the counter. “I’m not going to take drugs with you, Atlas.” He called me Atlas, there's something about the tone that he says it.

He’s reminding me he knows something others done, and I feel like he’s hiding even more from me that I don’t know. This was a bad idea. This has been a bad idea.

“I wasn’t expecting you too.” I whisper too him, feeling a bit nervous now. He nods as I lead him to one of the closets, I stand in front of it just unsure on what to do.

Vale gently moves me to the side before knocking on the door. No response. “Anyone in there?” No response again. He opens the door slowly, in case someone didn’t hear him. It’s empty, other than a few shelves, marijuana and a few blunts. I laugh, this isnt what I expected. At all.

I step in the room, picking up on of the really well rolled blunts. “I thought they would have coke in here or some pills not-” Vale interrupts my sentence as he watches me from the door way.

“-Weed.” He says simply. “I expected more myself.” I pocket the blunt, stepping out of the closet.  “Let’s go.” I say, patting his shoulder as I walk past him. He follows me out.

Chapter Text

Vale

I was talking to some guy when a table broke. I wasn’t too worried but then I saw Vivienne get off of the broken wood. Abandoning the conversation I was having, I went to check if she was okay.

She was just giggling, she seemed fine at first. No scratches or marks on her, other than the rope burn from earlier. I don’t make a move to touch her but she places her hand on my forearm. “I thought the table would hold mee!” She’s slurring her words.

I’ve seen many people drunk, but there’s something about the way shes looking at me. Her eyes are unfocused, their darting around like shes making sure everything’s still the same.

I wrap my arm around her waist pulling her closer so she doesn’t fall, which apparently makes her laugh more. “Did you take anything?” She Smiles and shakes her head, hiding her face in my chest. “Noo…” She whispers, she sounds extremely guilty.

Letting out a groan as I pick her up, “We need to go home.’ Shes high, I just know it.She whines, holding tightly onto me. “Noo! I'm having so much fun here.” I'm surprised she isn't trying to kick me or get out of my grasp.

“We’ll talk in the car.” I say taking her out to the car. I don’t pay attention to the stares we get on the way out.  It’s dark out, how long have we been here? That doesn’t matter right now. I place the pouting Vivienne in the passenger seat of her car.

I have to move the driver seat back, or else I won’t fit in it. Making a mental note to move it back when I leave. The whole ride home she sits there, looking like an upset child.

She huffs and I simply sigh, “Your high, I cant let you be around people that could be dangerous to you.” I can tell she rolls her eyes at me even though I cant see it.

“That’s rich coming from you.” She angrily whispers. I know hat she means, I understand immeditally. And I cant blame her at all. “I’m sorry about kidnapping you.” I say blandly, fuck it sounds like I don’t care.

The car comes to a stop by her driveway and she tries to unlock her door but it doesn’t open. She doesn’t respond. I get out first, before helping her out. She doesn’t try to lean on me and just stumbles her way inside.

Locking the door behind me, I”m quick to follow her. “Vivinne, what did you take?” She scoffs at me, closing her bedroom door. I don’t go in but I stand outside of it. Placing my hand on the door. “Nothing.” She says but then I hear a small thud and I open the door.

She’s on the bed, taking her shoes off. Maybe I overreacted, expecting her to pass out or worse.

She doesn’t stop undressing, I cover my eyes with my hand as I see her hands go to her hoodie. “Was it the blunt you took? I”m not angry.” That’s a lie, I’m extremely angry and worried. I feel like I’m dealing with a child and it frustrates the hell out of me.

She doesn’t answer, but I hear the bed creak underneath her. She whispers, “Everything feels fake, like I feel invincible and I want to do everything.” I hesitate before looking at her, shes in her bra but she has the blanket over her. I move to sit next to her, yet not too close.

“That’s the weed.” I say to her. She looks up at me, the same look I’ve seen so many times before. “I know..“but I want to be like this forever.” Her eyes are filled with something I can only describe as innocence. Those green, puppy eyes, begging me to keep her like this. Like she’s a child.

“I’m sorry but you can’t.. But you can enjoy it while it lasts.” She looks down, placing her head against me. I wrap my arm around her so her head is on my chest.  Running my fingers through her hair, I feel something wet land on my shirt.

It’s tears. She’s crying, and I don’t know how to handle it. I hesitate before speaking to her. “Tell me what your thinking, being high will just make keeping it in harder.”

She sniffles, wiping her eyes with her hand. “I just, can’t believe I have this career, house and I”m still seventeen..” She moves up, crawling to cuddle me more, and I let her.

“It feels like yesterday I was writing songs, thinking nothing would come of it but nope..” She mumbles into my chest fully on top of me at this point. I feel weird touching her.

Am I taking advantage of her like this? If  I touched her at all would that be bad even if its not sexual? It feels wrong. Vivienne’s voice is the thing that breaks me from my thoughts. “I feel like my face is melting.” She says so causally and I cant help but chuckle slightly.

“I'm sorry, really.” I say as I rub her back, her skin Is warm.  “I just wasn’t expecting that. Do you want a cold towel or something?” She looks up at me, before taking my free hand and placing it on her face. I feel my face getting hot and I’m glad I’m still in my mask.

“Your hands are cold.” She says as she proceeds to use it as a pillow, I just let her. She’s in no state for me to be an asshole. I let her fall asleep on top of me.

I stare at the ceiling, unable to sleep as she snores. I wouldn’t even be able to sleep her snoring is that loud. It sounds like a bear.

Although by some miracle I do get some sleep.

Chapter Text

Vivienne

I don’t remember much about last night. When I woke up I had a headache and I felt drowsy. I remember having the blunt in the bathroom, praying no one smelt it. I broke a table I think, nothing else other than a dream of Vale and I cuddling.

But he’s not here, I woke up alone so clearly it was a dream. Still I grab my gown, I sleep naked sometimes, clearly this was one of those nights I guess.

Tying a knot in front of the gown as I step out of the room. I finally notice someone in the kitchen. Did I have sex with someone last night? Oh fuck now I need to get them out. Slowly, maybe too slowly I go to see who’s looking through my cabinets.

It’s… Vale? Oh I fucked Vale, I never thought I would go so low. I had sex with my kidnapper. Why is he even in my house still? I thought he would be the type to leave after sex, not cook for people. He’s in the same clothes as last night. Honestly I was expecting to see him shirtless. I’m almost disappointed, almost.

Unsure of what to say I just clear my throat, which seems to get his attention. He looks at me, he still has that damn balaclava on. “Morning.” is all that he says.

“Morning,” I reply trying not to sound awkward or nervous even though I am. He takes the cup of coffee he had sitting on the counter passing it to me. I hesitate before taking it, it’s warm in my hands and it smells amazing.

“Thank you…” My words are nearly a whisper, I’m not sure if I should just ask if we had sex or not. “What do you want for breakfast?” He asks and a part of me enjoys him taking care of me even though I know I shouldn’t.

“What are you having?” I ask as he gets a loaf of bread from the pantry. “I was going to make some toast for myself.” I move to sit behind the kitchen counter, sipping on my coffee. It’s sweet, sweeter than I usally have it but its good. “I’ll have some too.”

He just nods, putting four slices in the toaster, and turning it on. “So um… What happened last night?” I ask him, nervous if he says we had sex but im nervous even if he doesn’t. If we didn’t, then what did we do?

He seems to hesitate before answering, “You got high, I took you home and forced me to cuddle with you.’ Hw pauses, looking at the toaster. I let out a sigh of relief, “Oh good I thought we had sex.”

“I would never take advantage of you.” He pauses for a moment, “You’re not ready.” The fuck does that mean? Is he talking about my age or is he just insulting me?

“Not ready for what?” I snap back at him, and Vale has the audacity to just shrug at me. Like he just told me the weather. I know I’m seventeen so theoretically I’m not ready for sex but damnnit what does he mean ‘I’m not ready’? “You know what I mean.” I know I shouldn’t be angry but I am.

“No, I don’t know what you mean so tell me.” The toast pops up, he takes it out, placing it onto the plates. Two for me two for him. He butters the toast, cutting mine in half before passing it to me and he goes to his own plate.

I sit there, angry before taking a bite of it. It’s just how I make it, its buttery, crunchy and it makes me upset since he hasn’t answered my question. Reluctantly I eat the toast, this damn perfect toast. It’s the stupidest thing to be upset about.

He takes a sip of his coffee, he’s peacefully eating and ignoring my question. So, I ask again “What am I not ready for?” my voice shows how irritated I am with him. I want to smack him, he’d deserve it too.

Vale just looks up at me, still eating. He seems to pause as he swallows, putting his cup down. The way he looks at me, it seems like pity but its not there's something he’s hiding from me and its annoying me.

“Sometimes being blissfully unaware is the best thing for you.” He says as he places his now empty place in my sink, he finishes his coffee. Ruth is now awake, she foes to his feet nuzzling at him before walking away.

He must be  hiding something from me, I just know it. Ruth follows Vale as he gets something, only coming back after he closes a door. She then comes to me and I sigh giving her scratches. “Well thank you for checking up on me.” she purrs almost as a response.

Vale comes out of the room he was in, and I see down the passage. He was in the bathroom. I don’t know how he took the quickest shit known to man-kind but I’ll ignore it.

“I didn’t plan for this, you remind me of someone.” He barely whispers, okay well that has my attention. I just stare at him, confused.

“Who?” He shakes his head in response, “I’m not telling you yet.” I roll my eyes, he probably has a good reason but I don’t want him too.

“Fine.” He’ll tell me eventually, I think to myself, he gives Ruth some scratches before speaking. “Well I need to get going” Vale says, he clears his throat going to my front door. I get up to help him with the door, mainly to be polite.

“bye.” I say, damn I feel like a bitch for some reason. He probably has work to do and besides I’m angry at him I’m allowed to be a little bitchy. “Goodbye, Atlas.” and with that he leaves.

Chapter Text

Vivienne

I groaned softly,I turned to the side to see that my alarm clock read 08:37.I thought it was at least ten in the morning but whatever. I got up to go use the bathroom when something caught my eye, I thought I saw a glimpse of something, Someone, but I shrugged it off  "I'm probably seeing things" I grumbled to myself before getting ready. After I finished getting ready I checked my phone to see if I had gotten any messages from him.

A wave of disappointment washed over me when I saw the only message there was a message from my mother asking when I'd visit again.I sighed and replied to her before going to the kitchen and attempting to make a quick snack-which turned into an hour of making pancakes which I thought wouldn't take long.

I was very wrong. I grabbed my keys and made my way downstairs to the Apartment building lobby and walked out the doors.

I breathed in a breath of fresh air before taking a glance around.I started to walk down first Avenue but I had this weird feeling. Was someone watching me? The hairs on the back of my neck stood up as I looked around to see if I saw anything out of the ordinary.

Theres was an old couple sitting at a table eating, There was a street performer, a man taking pictures of me,also a woman-Wait what? I froze as I saw the man start to take off once he noticed that I'd seen him. I attempted to run after him but I lost him in the crowd.

I cursed to myself and a by passer stared at me with concern and I smiled at them before walking into a café to try calm my nerves.

It was probably Vale right? he's doing this to shit on me. I unlock my phone to message him when a woman accidentally knocked my phone out my hand and she apologized before walking away.

That bitch, my precious phone, I mumbled to myself before messaging Vale

Me:HAHAHAAH very funny,stop sending your minions to take photos of me,   you could always just ask you know?   creep

I waited for a reply while I gave the waiter my order

Creep(Vale):  ?

I scoffed to myself "playing dumb are we?” I mumbled to myself and realized I probably looked like a mad person. I left Vale on read before attending to my amazing hot chocolate.I finished my drink before heading back home

.Weird… I thought as I opened my front door, "Didn't I lock this?" I said softly before peering into the apartment, Everything looked normal? I closed the door behind me before switching on the lights and heading to the kitchen. Pouring  myself a glass of wine before starting on dinner.

I sipped at my wine as I waited for the pasta to cook fully.While waiting I thought I saw someone in the corner of my eyes."I really need to go see a doctor" I mumbled to myself  before going to take a shower to wash off all the dirt from the day, After my shower I tended to my pasta and ate while I watched some movie. 

I cleaned the kitchen up a bit before heading to my bedroom when all of a sudden everything turned black. And the darkness quickly overtook me.