[cassi0-peia]

Original stories (Wattpad)

A new life

Just a flick of a page

Duskwood masterlist

I am the culprit (completed)

Prologue Ep1 Ep2 Ep3 Ep4 Ep5 Ep6 Ep7 Ep8 Ep9 Ep10

Find me (completed)

Chapters : 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10

Only chaos remains (completed)

Chapters : 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18- 19 - 20 - EP

Lovers hide from the sun

Chapters : 1

One shot

Short texts

Moonvale masterlist

Joanna's journey

[lyon-amore]

[cassi0-peia]

I'm happy with this new episode tracker. Maybe we'll understand better how they work on each episode. I'm curious 👀

[laylaaa71]

Almost Yours - One shot Jake x MC

I barely escaped. The taste of smoke lingered in my mouth, and my arms throbbed with pain—a brutal reminder of everything that happened.

I stumbled through the dark forest, shedding every ounce of weight I could. But my mind stayed locked on her. I couldn’t die, not without seeing her one last time. Not without feeling her.

I gasped for air. What the hell am I thinking? In the distance, sirens and helicopter blades cut through the night.

I found shelter in an old cabin at Duskwood’s edge. Moving any farther would’ve been suicide. Tearing my shirt, I wrapped it around my burned wrists, the fabric already soaking with sweat.

My vision blurred with fever. I swayed, ready to pass out—until I heard footsteps crunching the leaves outside.

The door creaked open. I pressed into the shadows, heart hammering against my ribs.

— Jake? — her voice, soft and desperate, cut through the fear.

Before I could answer, her golden hair brushed against my cheek. Heat flooded my chest. I reached for her without thinking.

Tears welled in her eyes as she took in the sight of me, wrecked and trembling.

— You look like hell, she whispered, voice shaking.

My hand found her face, rough fingertips tracing the line of her cheek, like I had dreamed of doing a thousand times before.

— It doesn’t matter now, I rasped. Pain, exhaustion, fear—they were meaningless. She was here. She was everything.

Her lips crashed into mine. The world fell away. There was only her—the taste of her mouth, the heat of her skin, the way she molded into me without hesitation.

Her fingers tangled in my hair, dragging me closer. I pressed her back against the rough wall, ignoring the fire in my wrists. I needed her. I needed more.

Time blurred. I felt her heartbeat under my palm, her breath mingling with mine. Our bodies aligned too perfectly, leaving no space between us.

I couldn’t stop the desperate, aching desire flooding through me.

When she finally pulled back, her lips were swollen, her eyes dark and full of mischief.

— Sorry… — I muttered, breathless, humiliated by how much I wanted her.

She chuckled, a teasing, wicked sound.

— You’re shaking, Jake, she whispered, trailing her fingers over my jaw.

Hearing my name from her lips made me dizzy.

I wanted to drag her back into that kiss, lose myself again. But before I could act . . .

Cold reality shattered the moment.

I woke up soaked in sweat, heart pounding.

— What...? — I gasped into the empty, broken silence.

No one was there. Only the fever burning through my body and the makeshift bandages stuck to my skin.

Loneliness wrapped around me like chains.

I touched the doorframe, half-hoping, like she would somehow appear.

But she was never here.

And I was still alone.

[cassi0-peia]

Final fragment

See all fragments here

This story is about Duskwood's side story frome episode 2 of Moonvale. So, if you haven't played it, please don't read it.

Jake had finally reached his destination. It's been weeks, months that he wanted to get here.

He was staring at her shadow through her window. She had cut her long, curly hair. It suited her. He could see the curve of her neck, the tip of her ear. He could almost feel the warmth of her pristine skin. Just a few steps left, and he finally could be with the love of his life.

However, he didn't move. The young man had just read Joanna's words to Nymos. She wanted to go to Duskwood, she wanted to find them, save them. Save him too.

She was ready to go to this cursed town. But she didn't know the risks. Just a few steps left, and he could be with her. Jus a few step left and he would expose her as a target for his enemies. As an echo to this fear, the shrill sound of a police siren broke the silence. They weren't there for him, this time, but what about tomorrow? Would he be able to protect her from his life?

He felt a sting in his chest, right into his heart. He felt it shattered, like a crystal glass that would have fallen to the ground, spreading its shiny pieces into thousands of thorns.

Oh, he had dreamed it so many times. He would have crossed this road and knocked on her door. She would have recognized him right away, as if she would have known he was coming. He would have felt the warmth of her palm gently stroke his cold skin, her fingers exploring his too messy beard. He would have hugged her tight, felt the beat of her heart against his chest, hide in the crook of her neck, smell the apple scent of her perfume, taste her lips...

They were so close to be together.

She was his shelter, his safe place. But he knew that he couldn't be hers. No matter what she would say, what she was willing to risk, she would be in danger with him. His life with her needed to remain a fantasy, at least for now.

With a heavy sigh, he closed Nymos' chat. He looked, one last time, through the window, toward her shadow that stayed a mystery to him. He wanted to print her shape in his eyes, in his mind. He promised himself that he would do anything he could to get back to her, to make their dream come true.

He wouldn't let life pass without trying.

He would fight.

***

Thank you so much for reading ❤️

[cassi0-peia]

Fragment/5

See all fragments here

This story is about Duskwood's side story frome episode 2 of Moonvale. So, if you haven't played it, please don't read it.

It had been a long night. I cried to sleep, but woke up a couple of hours later when Eric arrived at the hut. So many things happened, and I didn't know what to think or do. I didn't know who was the bad or the good guy. All that I wanted, was to make sure my new friends were safe. I didn't want that what happened to Duskwood repeats itself.

I kept on having messages from Nymos, from Thomas and Lilly while I was trying to focus on helping my new group of friends. It was tiring. I was torn between my willing to find Adam, protect the others, and rushing to Duskwood.

Fortunately, Charlie has driven Eric back to Redlog. At least, they were no longer in immediate danger. Except from Adam...

Charlie was at the Greenside motel when I received the last message. Cleo's video. She was with Dan.

Seeing their faces, hearing their voices warmed my heart. However, they seemed so worried, especially Cleo and what she said didn't reassure me. The more she talked, the more I felt a weight on my stomach. It was bad news, and the worse was that this video dated from weeks ago. Who knows what had happened next?

My sight started to blur, but I riped out the tears from my eyes. I had to do something. I took a deep breath to clear my mind and answered.

'Hey...

I know you can't reply to me

But could you tell Jake and the others something?

I'll come up with something

I'll come to Duskwood if I have to

Don't worry I'll find you'

I was ready. It was time to take things in charge. I had to find them. I had to find Jake and help him. It was the right thing to do.

[cassi0-peia]

Fragment/4

See all fragments here

This story is about Duskwood's side story frome episode 2 of Moonvale. So, if you haven't played it, please don't read it.

The sound of the thunderstorm woke him up. He had fallen asleep under the porch of an empty house a few miles from the gas station. He checked his watch and cursed. He had slept too long.

He had to hurry, after he sent these messages to Joanna. So he walked, until he found in a quiet neighborhood this house to shelter him from the storm. Its owners were in vacation.

He had decided to stay a few hours, waiting for the weather to soften. Here, he had sent other messages to Joanna. Thomas' messages. Fortunately, she hadn't answered this time. He wasn't supposed to stay this long under this porch, but the lack of food and hours of walking caught up with him, and he fell asleep.

Now he needed to go. But before this, he wanted to decypher one new conversation. The one he feared the most: Lilly's.

He knew his sisters were safe. He knew Hannah got out of the mine and was reunited with her family. Despite all this, he couldn't help but be worried about them. Lilly's messages proved him how traumatic it was for her, and he couldn't be here to help. He had never been.

He shook his head to chase this thought. Not that he didn't want to feel the guilt of it, but because he didn't have time. And the more time he would lose the less he could get to his sisters and Joanna. He would be useless hurt or behind bars. He couldn't afford it.

Like the first time, Joanna answered. Her words felt like a knife in his heart. He was bleeding, so was her, and he could do nothing to comfort her.

'Nymos wait!

What's happening to Jake and the others?

Are they in danger?

Jake...'

"Joanna," he answered to himself, "I'll fix it. I promise."

[cassi0-peia]

Fragment/3

See all fragments here

This story is about Duskwood's side story frome episode 2 of Moonvale. So, if you haven't played it, please don't read it.

This was definitely a horrendous day.

What was worst? Baby-sitting the group to avoid them a painful death or dealing with ghosts from the past?

Nymos' messages brought back bad memories. I couldn't help comparing what was happening now with what had happened back then, in Duskwood. All of sudden, my anger towards Eric and the rest of the group vanished. What if something went wrong? What if Eric was in real danger? And Adam? Was it already too late to save him?

And what about Cleo and Dan? Their messages seemed so desperate. I tried to convince myself that they hadn't contacted me because they were busy, because they'd moved on. But I was wrong. They didn't let me down, but I did.

I read Cleo's message again 'Guys, there's something wrong with Jessy.'

It broke my heart. Jessy... What she had to go through was unbearable. I could still hear her sobs in my mind. I remember too well how her face crumbled as she understood who the Man Without a Face really was. I remember the numerous call I took to hear from her, all the unread messages. The fear, the pain, the desperation and then the anger of feeling powerless.

I tried, I really tried to get to her, to them all. To Jake. But as time passed I gave up and drowned in my own sorrow.

I felt exhausted. I slowly walked to my room and collapsed on my bed, devastated. A sob that escaped from my mouth teared my chest apart as I drifted to sleep.

Yes. It had been an awful day.

[cassi0-peia]

Fragments/2

See all fragments here

This story is about Duskwood's side story frome episode 2 of Moonvale. So, if you haven't played it, please don't read it.

The weight of his backpack started to felt heavier on his shoulders. The grey sky above his head was turning black, threatening to spit thunder and lightenings soon. The air was dense and damp, contrasting with the sweat on his nape, that had turned cold.

He sped up his pace.

The night before, he had managed to send Joanna the video Alan recorded from that night. To make her understand he was alive. This was at risk, but the FBI had lost his tracks, for now at least.

He had a plan. But for this, he needed to reach his destination, another anonymous city where he could find his safe place. This day, he had no other choices that the gas station a mile away from him to hide.

When he arrived, he went through the service door, so he wouldn't be noticed. He crouched between a stack of boxes and a desk. With guilt, he stole the cookie pack that laid there. He hadn't eaten since a day and he didn't remember last time he had a proper meal. He bit a biscuit, opened his laptop and started to work. He didn't have much time.

He put a countdown in fifteen minutes, and typed so fast that the sound of his keyboard could barely be heard. He decoded files from months ago, that the FBI had blocked. Then, he accessed to Joanna's phone and opened Nymos. He tried not to think of her reaction, otherwise he would lose precious time and failed his plan.

A quiet bip signaled him he has only ten seconds left before he had to disconnect.

But as he was about to transmit the messages, what he feared happened. Joanna's was writing to Nymos, to him. And she sounded upset.

'What the...

What is the meaning of this?

Nymos, is Jake in danger?'

He held his breath to muffle a cry of frustration and anger. Time was up, the FBI could find his location any minutes now.

He closed his computer, Nymos would do the rest of the work. Even if it broke his heart, he couldn't afford to answer to her. Her friends would do it for him.

She needed to know the truth. He owed her this.

[cassi0-peia]

Fragments/1

See all fragments here

This story is about Duskwood's side story frome episode 2 of Moonvale. So, if you haven't played it, please don't read it.

It had been a complicated day dealing with the group.

Charlie was a loose canon, vomiting far-fetched theories over and over again. It was funny, at first, but I soon realized that he would end up hurting himself if I wouldn't put limits to his actions.

Ash had tried to take the lead, unsuccessfully. Her last whim was to find a house on a pixelized map. She couldn't find it, and now I was the one spending hours looking for this hut, while Eric had decided to follow some weird old man with a torch in the forest. Yes, a torch. I've seen strange things during these pasts months. I faced legend, criminals, I even had to collaborate with a police officer. But this time, I felt like I had reached the twilight zone.

I was glad Violet was part of the group. At least, with her, I didn't have to fight or worry.

My eyes picked something interesting on Ash's map which woke me from my thought. Here was the hut. I quickly sent it to her, and we agreed we wouldn't inform the others. I didn't want Charlie to run into a trap. Eric was already doing it.

I headed to my kitchen ready to pour me another cup of coffee to help me fight this unending day, when my phone rang again. I sighed and close my eyes, cursing under my breath. They would never leave me alone.

"And here we go again," I groaned while I grabbed my phone ready to argue with Charlie or Eric.

But I stopped. Frozen. A red eye was staring at me.

[cassi0-peia]

Moonvale episode 2 spoilers

I wondered something.

I'm not sure this thought is really relevant, though 😅

I went on Lilly's profile, and as you can see it's written that we have to be friends with her for longer to see her full profile.

Aren't we supposed to be friends with her since a long time already? Would it mean that it's not the messages that are blocked but the full profiles of our Duskwood's friends?

I found it a bit weird. 🤔

[itsnotzka]

(or rather grumpy, nobody listens to this poor bastard)

Haha, it’s been a while since I had this much fun making fanart! I adore the idiot 😌 Tbh, I didn’t expect to be this excited about the second episode? And for some reason, I already have like a million Charlie headcanons I'm gonna be throwing at you, you're welcome. Probably all wrong though 😂

(Screw that, I haven’t been this hyped in ages ✌️)

I mean, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. There're still a lot of things I don't like about the game. The remaining AI images make me want to 𝑔𝑜𝓊𝑔𝑒 my damn eyes out and I feel like a hypocrite. But it looks like they changed their stand on it, so I'm giving them time to replace it properly.

Am I naive? Yes. Is Charlie a big conspiracist? Also yes.

(oh and I changed my review from one star to three but hushh 😂)

[cassi0-peia]

Moonvale's stories

Joanna's journey

Compilation of stories with the same MC (Joanna). The stories will be inspired by each episode of Moonvale but won't necessarily be linked together.

Moonvale episode 1 :

Everyone wears a mask

Moonvale episode 2 :

Fragments : 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - final fragment

[cassi0-peia]

Moonvale episode 2 spoilers

I've just finished Moonvale episode 2 and I wanted to give my impression about it. I haven't read many posts here, as I wanted to finish playing, so I'm sorry if everything has already been said.

At first it gave me the same feelings that for the first episode, but from the moment Eric meets the old man in the forest, it became much more interesting and funnier.

I clearly preferred this episode to the previous. The main plot is so intriguing and a bit creepy, everything I like 🤭

And the end? I want to know more!! 🤣

I was a bit disappointed by the side story. I liked the idea, but it felt a bit rushed to me. But, to be honest, I really want to talk to our friends from Duskwood again. Poor them, they looked so lost 😔

I also have to small (unfunded) theories:

- The card Eric found... We only had his version, and at the moment, I thought that maybe he was the liar 🤔 (I have no real argument about this, just a feeling 😅)

- About the second theory, I think that Ash is from Duskwood. It would also explain why she heard of us. And she could be the link (for people who play the side story) between Duskwood and Moonvale. I like this theory. I hope I'm right 🤭

[cassi0-peia]

A/N: I wrote something for Valentine's day. I don't think there are any trigger warnings but I'd say : language, grumpy MC, two adults making out (houlala) and also it's a bit cheesy but isn't it the purpose of Valentine's day?

First Valentine's Day

I never liked Valentine’s day, and this year wasn’t an exception. Even when I was dating my exes I always tried to avoid them that day. Well, I have to admit that, some of them were happy we weren’t celebrating it. And I was ok with this. But not this time.

I was on my way home back to work, with my earphone on, trying to cut myself off from the world. But I couldn’t. There were couples, couples everywhere. They were walking hand in hand in the street, kissing on a bench, hugging while waiting at a bus stop. Even a guy appeared from nowhere screaming “She said yes!” with a big silly smile on his face. I winced, are we in a romantic movie or something? I wasn’t jealous, I don’t think so. I was angry. Angry because all those stupid couples could do well… couple things. To be honest I could have done all of those things too. I dated a few men in the past few months, but none of them mattered. 

No. I was alone that day because I couldn't forget the man I met online, the man I didn’t even know what he looked like. The last time I talked to him was almost a year ago. He told me he was fine, that he managed to escape the mine on fire. I was so relieved! I would finally be able to meet him like he promised. I was packing my bag and while I was getting in my car to drive to Duskwood - where we were supposed to meet - he sent me another text. He told me the FBI was too close to him, that it was dangerous for him as for myself. We couldn’t meet, not yet. He had to hide again and he didn’t know for how long. He told me he meant what he said in the mine, that he loved me. But he also told me I shouldn't wait for him, I had to live my life, and maybe, one day, we shall meet again. 

After that my phone went black and when I was able to turn it back on every message, every picture we shared were gone. As if it was a dream, as if he never existed. So, I listened to him, I lived my life. 

I sat on a bus and pulled out my phone from my jeans pocket to try to find some distraction. This is when I noticed a text from Phil. 

Phil: Hi MC! Happy Valentine’s day ! What about coming to Duskwood so I can invite you to the Black Swan? :) 

Phil was a nice guy, and he was clearly hot. Plus, he was always flirting with me! He never gave up. I had sincerely thought about dating Phil, or at least having sex with him. He really was my type, and I appreciated him. But everytime I wanted to tell Phil that I agreed to date him, I thought about Jake and how jealous he was of Phil. I could live my life, but I couldn’t date Phil. It would have hurt Jake too much, and I wouldn't forgive myself. I have to admit that the bitch in me thought that I could date Phil, to make Jake jealous, so it would make him come back. But I didn’t. I sighed and answered honestly to Phil.

MC: Even if I'd loved to come to Duskwood and have dinner at the Black Swan, I remind you we’re not living in the same country and it’s at least a 10 hours drive from my place to yours. So…. I won’t be able to go to work tomorrow and my boss won’t agree with that.

Phil : Oh come on! I’m sure they can do without you for a day or two!

MC: So do you, Phil.

I knew I was rude to him. But he insisted for days and it started getting on my nerves. How was I supposed to react? At least, this little conversation helped me to spend time and I have already arrived at my bus stop. 

As I got into my apartment, I immediately kicked off my shoes and sighed with relief. I was home, and this day was almost over. I decided to change my mind by making myself a huge cup of tea and reading. I sat on my favorite spot, a bench I created in front of the window and next to my bookcase. I picked up the book I started to read a few days ago - a detective novel - and opened it. I was sure I figured out who the murderer was. 20 more pages left before I finished the book. And yes! I guessed right! With a satisfied smile I closed the book and stored it on the shelf. 

My phone rang. Jessy was video calling me. I picked up and greeted her. 

"MC! I need your help!" she said solemnly, "black dress, or my favorite jeans with this red shirt?" She was showing me the clothes while talking to me. 

"Oh! Dan is finally taking you on a date?" I pretended to be surprised, but in fact, Dan was asking me for advice for weeks to take Jessy on a date. "Where are you going?" 

"Black Swan," she said. 

It's like there was only one restaurant in Duskwood and everybody goes there. "So, black dress I guess. I'm so happy for you guys, " I smiled. I wasn't objective, I knew it, but I really was happy for them. Dan has tried his best to cheer Jessy up since Richy's death. He was always there for her, and he truly loved her. Jessy on her side, really cared about Dan, but she was still struggling about her feelings toward him, and toward Richy. Though, I knew she wanted to give their relationship a try. They deserved to be together, they deserved their happy ending. 

"Thank you MC, I admit I am a little stressed out about all this. First date on Valentine's day…" she started and then frozed, "I'm sorry MC…  I know you miss him. I shouldn't talk to you about this."

I closed my eyes. Yes, I missed him, but it wouldn't mean I couldn't be there for my friend. "I'm fine, Jessy" 

"If you want I can stay with you!" she suggested. 

I looked at her with wide eyes. "No way, Jessy! Last time you did that, Dan had a car accident!" 

Her skin turned pale. "Oh shit, you're right!" 

We both laughed and I said, "Go on your date, have fun! Don't worry about me, this is a day like any other day. I'll be alright." 

We talked a few more minutes and then Jessy went to change for the date. I opened my chat with Dan and wrote. 

MC : Good job, Dan! Jessy's coming on a date with you 😊 Happy Valentine's day!

Dan : Thank you, boo. I need a whisky right now, to find the courage to go pick her up. 

MC : Do not even think about it! You drive! 😤

Dan : I was just kidding…

MC : 😒

__________

I pressed my head on the cold window watching my breath form mist on the glass. It was already dark outside, and now that all of those couples were in restaurants, cinemas or shity hotel's rooms, the city was quiet. 

Suddenly I jumped on my seat as my eyes just caught a hooded figure standing across the street. It was a man wearing all black. From where I was, I could notice he had his head up, looking at the windows, looking at me. 

Every normal person would have freaked out - a stranger, spying on windows was so creepy. But not me, deep inside me I knew who he was - the man I was longing to meet for months - and my heart started racing. The man took a few steps towards my building before disappearing in the shadows. Instinctively I stood up and rushed to my doors, my hands were shaking as I grabbed the keys trying to open that damn door! 

I opened the door, breathless, staring at the dark corridor. The automatic light came on and I heard soft footsteps coming from the staircase. I walked out of my apartment and stood at the top of the stairs. Down the stairs, the hooded man was there, looking back at me. "Jake…?" I asked in a whisper. 

The hood was hiding his eyes, I was only able to see his nose and lips. The man said nothing and started to climb up the stairs. He stopped two steps below me, so his face was at the same height as mine. At that moment, the light turned off. I watched him in the darkness, none of us were moving. I tried to see his eyes, but it was too dark, I could only feel his eyes staring at me with such intensity. I had imagined him so many times, now I was about to see him for real. I couldn't wait any longer, I reached out to grab his hood. But he stopped me, shaking his head and pointing to a spot behind my shoulder. I looked there and saw the building's CCTV. I chuckled lightly and let my arms fall down along my body. 

The man took another step, so this time he was a few inches taller than me. He was still standing a step below me, so I could imagine how tall he was compared to me. 

Without a word he leant over me and rested his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes, first touch. I focused on his cold skin on mine, on his nose brushing my nose, on his hot breath falling on my face. Then with a deep quiet voice he speaked, "MC… I am sorry it took me so long to come to you." I inhaled his breath slowly, trying to feel it going inside me, as if we shared the same air. 

He lifted his head slightly up and kissed me softly on the top of my head, first kiss. My hands grabbed his hoodie tightly, I couldn't let him go. I stopped breathing, clenching his clothes in an iron fist. Maybe if I didn't move, this moment would never stop, he would never go away. I could feel his body under his hoodie, his muscles, his abdomen going up and down with every breath. I wonder how it would feel to have my hands, underneath his damn hoodie, on his bare skin. This thought immediately sent shivers down my spine. 

"Are you alright?" he asked worryingly. I nodded, catching my breath. 

And then, in a weak voice I said, "Maybe we should go inside." Without a word, he walked into my apartment as the light went on again, and I stood there looking at the empty staircase for a few more seconds. My brain was trying to process what had just happened. 

I followed him and closed the door behind me when I entered my apartment. I saw that Jake was at the window, closing the curtains so we wouldn't be seen from the outside. He put a big paper bag with food in it, on the table. Chinese food. Jake came closer to me, a light smile crossed his face. "Well, now you can take off my hood if you want to."

I reached out and grabbed his hood to reveal his face. Blue eyes, straight nose and his lips… I had to fight the urge to kiss him. He was so handsome! A giggle left my mouth and I felt my cheeks burning with embarrassment. Stop acting like a fucking teenager, MC! "Sorry, " I babbled, "I didn't mean to… It's just that I…" I sighed, "I have imagined you so many times, and yet, I feel so overwhelmed. You look so amazing."

It was his turn to blush, I smiled, taking his hands in mine. He pulled me against him and wrapped his arms around me. I buried my face into his chest, holding him close to me. I felt his chin resting on the top of my head, one of his hands on my back and the other finding its way to my hips. He lowered his head a little so his mouth was near my ear and I could feel his stubble scratching my cheek slightly. "You look amazing too, MC."

A silly smile appeared on my face. Jake reached for my chin and tilted it up. I stood on my tiptoes to lean on him and our lips met. It was a gentle kiss, I put my arms around his neck and he held me closer to him. After a moment we split up and Jake spoke softly, "I promised you I would take you to a Chinese restaurant once. I am sorry I cannot fulfill this promise for now. I instead brought Chinese food." 

I pecked him on his lips and smiled, "That's perfect!" 

We ate without talking, enjoying each other's presence. But soon, I broke this silence. I had far too many questions to ask. "So, what happened after the mine? You told me you had to hide again. Are you safe now? Is this why you're here?" 

Jake looked at me a little confused, slightly overwhelmed by the flow of my questions. He remained quiet for a moment, as if he was thinking about what to answer. Then, he cleared his throat and started to speak." Yes, I had to hide for months. I have a plan though, to finally clear my name. But it will take time. It can take years."

I took his hand in mine and squeezed it. He looked deeply into my eyes. "I managed to get rid of my pursuers for a while and as I was close to where you live, I thought it was time for us to meet each other." 

I intertwined his fingers with mine before asking, "How long can you stay?" 

He sighed. "Only tonight. I cannot afford to stay too long at the same place. Especially if it could endanger you."

My throat was tight and I tried to hide the tears that started to appear in my eyes. One night. This was all we had. I leaned over him and kissed him. He placed his hands on my shoulder and I gripped the collar of his hoodie, bringing him closer to me to deepen the kiss. Jake raised one of his hands to stroke my cheek. As he tugged one of my strands behind my ear, he pulled slowly away from me. 

"MC, we should stop." He said quietly. "I'm only here for one night. I wanted to see you. I am not here to rush you and even less take advantage of you." 

My eyes widened. "Are you kidding me?" I cut him off. "We probably won't be able to see each other for a long time. Do you really think I will waste that night not being close to you? I thought this was what you wanted too… being close to me!" 

He closed his eyes and whispered "Of course I want to be close to you. You cannot imagine how much I want it. I want to be with you every single day."

This was the only thing I needed to hear at this moment. I stood up from my seat and straddled Jake, pushing him back in his chair while I was kissing him. Jake's arms warped around my body and he pulled me closer to his chest. 

This was no longer a gentle embrace. I could feel his hands all over my body. One of his hands was in my hair, keeping me close to him and the other was caressing my back and my side. He ended up putting his hand on my butt squeezing it. I couldn't help but smile against his lips at his behavior. My hand reached under his hoodie and I was finally able to touch his skin. My hand traveled on his muscled abdominal and torso, exploring every inch of him. I could feel the heat of his skin. I placed a hand on his chest, his heart was pounding! 

I started kissing his neck, leaving light hickeys on his skin. With one hand I pulled down his hoodie to give me more access to his collarbone and nibbled his sensitive skin. Jake tried to muffle a growl, but to my pleasure I heard it clearly. My other hand was still on his chest and I could feel his heart racing even more. 

His hand left my hair to stay between our bodies, on my belly. He gripped my butt firmly to prevent me from moving away from him and I moaned as his fingers slipped under my waistband. 

I pulled away and stood up, tugging his hoodie to suggest him to do the same. He cupped my face, crashing his body against mine, and kissed me again. I stepped back, without breaking the kiss, to lead Jake toward my bedroom. I reached out looking for the knob of my door, but he was the one who opened it. He looked at me with such lustful eyes that my body shivered. He grinned at me as I entered my room, following me and he closed the door behind him. 

__________

We were in my bed, our bodies intertwined. I had my head on his bare chest, my eyes closed. Jake was lovingly stroking my hair, laying from time to time light kisses on the top of my head. 

It was late and my eyelids were heavy, I fought to stay awake. There was no way I could waste a single second sleeping instead of enjoying Jake's presence. 

"You should sleep MC, it is late." He whispered. 

"I don't want to. Tomorrow you'll be gone." I nestled against him. 

Jake turned to face me, leaning his forehead against mine. "I will not leave without saying goodbye." He looked at me and I melted into his piercing blue eyes. 

"You promise?" I asked. 

He smiled and kissed me on the nose. "I promise." Jake pulled me closer to him and I buried my face into his neck. I inhaled his scent and it made me feel safe. I finally got to meet him, and he had to go already. I held him tighter, I wanted to feel his whole body against mine. Even more if it was the only time I could experience this closeness with him. As I drifted to sleep I heard his voice in my ear. "Happy Valentine's day, MC". 

I was woken up by Jake kissing me softly all over my face. I opened my eyes and he was above me, fully clothed carrying his backpack. "It is time, I have to go." 

I sat up in my bed with teary eyes. Jake stood up and left the room. I went to my closet and grabbed a shirt and panty before I followed Jake into the living room. 

He came toward me and placed a hand on my cheek. "Promise me you'll come back, " I said. 

He took a deep breath and I could see so much sadness in his eyes. "I promise to do my best to come back to you, I promise to try everything to live my life with you." 

I nodded, my sight started to blur because of tears. But I didn't cry. I couldn't, not in front of him. We looked at each other for a while, and I tried to burn his face on my memory. He leaned toward me and kissed me deeply and lovingly. With one last glance, he opened the door, and left my apartment. 

I watched the empty corridor, my lips started to shake. And it's only when the light went out that I started to cry. It was over, he had left and I didn't know if we'll be able to see each other again. 

I closed the door and leaned my back against it… Sliding on the floor. I cried, I cried so much. My sobs were echoing in my empty apartment. How could a moment that brought me so much happiness also make me feel so miserable? It was the end and he would never come back. 

But I was wrong. He came back, once then twice. And when he was finally able to clear his name, he stayed. And he never left me again. 

I was wrong.

It wasn't the end.

It was the beginning

[cassi0-peia]

As today is Valentine's day, I'm rebloging this.

[itsnotzka]

thought I should share some originals :>

[cassi0-peia]

Hi everyone! It's been a long time.

I had a new idea of a story about Duskwood and Moonvale. So, if you haven't played the first episode don't read this story.

I have to warn you that I haven't written for a while, so my English is rusty, so I hope there's not too much mistakes.

Thank you for reading ❤️

Everyone wears a mask

I was staring at my phone screen, flabbergasted. What the hell was that?! Was the only thought that could form in my mind.

It was dark, both outside and inside my living room. The flickering light of my phone was spreading weakly, bringing to life the shadows of the furnitures. I straightened up on my couch, my eyes still fixing my now empty screen in the hope to see the words that were there before appear again.

"Joanna, I will find you".

Was it real? Or maybe it was just a mirage of the strongest hope I dreamed for so long?

The video was old. It dated, with no doubt, from that fateful night. Thinking about it, I felt the bite of anger gnawing at my throat. Alan knew, and he didn't warn me. He let me doubt, he let me hope, he let me grieve, and he never told me what he knew, despite the numerous conversations we had after that moment.

It wasn't a surprise, though. The policeman had been pretty busy. He got everything he needed to get from me to close Hannah's case, and then, vanished in the air... Just like everyone else in Duskwood.

Weeks had passed, and none of them never answered my calls or messages. I left tons of voicemail, but it was like talking to a wall. Hard. Cold. Heartless. The remains of the conversation I tried to have with Lilly were the perfect witness of my desperation. I had opened this conversation instinctively to warn Jake's sister that he had just contacted me, when my phone buzzed. It was Violette worrying about Eric.

The perfect distraction.

The perfect excuse not to contact my former friends and face the fact they moved on.

So, I opened the groupchat, shaking my head to chase the memory of Jake.

Violette: Adam is offline again. Did anyone talk to him?

Violette: Eric? Eric did you talk to him?

Ash: I don't think he did, Violette.

Violette: Why not ?

Ash: Because if he did, we'd already know. Eric went into that cave, it's the only think I can think of.

Violette: But this is too dangerous, what if something happens to him? We need to help him.

Ash: We don't know yet if anything happened. What we need to do is cool down before making wrong decisions.

Charlie: I'm going to that cave.

Ash: Did you read what I just wrote ?

Charlie : Yes. But the longer we wait, the more we risk that something happens to Eric or Adam.

Charlie: I'm already in my car, anyway.

Joanna: Charlie you can't go!

Charlie: Why not, Jo?

Joanna: Because Adam called me...

Charlie: What?!

Joanna: And he wasn't alone. I didn't see who he was with, but there's one thing I have no doubt about : it's too dangerous for now to go.

Charlie: No. One thing I have no doubt about, is that if we stay here, sitting on on our hands, Adam and Eric are gonna be in real danger.

Violette: Oh no 😔

Charlie: I'm going.

Joanna: No! I told you, this is too dangerous. We don't know who this person is, if they have weapons or anything. You don't even know where this cave is.

Charlie: I'll find it.

Joanna: And what if something happens to you too? Who's gonna be next? Ash? Violette?

Ash: She's right Charlie...

Charlie: So what are we supposed to do?

Joanna: I'm working on it.

This last message was obviously a lie. I had no idea what to do and I felt like the history was repeating itself. I bit my nails with anxiety and stood up, before starting to pace my room back and forth.

It was too early to call the police, they didn't seem to take this case seriously, anyway. I couldn't let Charlie or any of them go, it was too dangerous and thinking about this brought back bad memories to my mind. Last time someone went in a cave, it ended wrong.

The only thing we could do was to wait for a sign from Eric or Adam. This time, I didn't have a hacker to help. I brushed away the tears that started to form in my eyes and breathed. I had to focus, I could only rely on myself for now. I sat at my desk and opened the maps on my laptop. I tried to spot where this cave might be, but the forest were too dense and all I could see were green blurry pixels on my screen.

My phone rang again which makes me sighed deeply. I was tired and didn't want to deal with the others anxiety while I was barely controlling mine. I rubbed my face trying to pull myself together and took my phone. My stomach churned. It wasn't someone from the group.

Unknown: I told you to hide earlier. But, you didn't listen, and it seems that Eric came right into the lion's den.

Joanna: Eric is with you?

Unknown: He is.

Joanna: And Adam?

Unknown: Where else could he be?

Joanna: Let my friends go!

Unknown: Your friends, you say? I don't think they deserved it.

Joanna: Deserved it? What do you mean? They're innocent!

Unknown: How could you know? You don't even know your so-called friends. What a hypocrite you are. I have to admit that you disappoint me.

Joanna: It's not as if I'm upset to disappoint a mad man. Plus, I'm not sure you know any better than me about friendship anyway.

Unknown: Touché.

Unknown: Let me tell you a story, Joanna. If we had this conversation, not that long ago, I would have answered that, yes, I do know about friendship and trust. But you know, bad things happen in life, and they are there to remind you that you cannot trust anyone. Even your loved ones.

Joanna: How sad. Your state of mind are not my most concerning problem, as you can guess. I've already faced mad men like you, and I'm not afraid. You're just a pathetic human behind this mask of yours. So now, leave my friends alone!

Unknown: Calm down, Joanna. I'm not the mad man you think I am. We can have a deal, if you like to, and your friends will be free.

Joanna: I'm all ears

Unknown: Oh, I'm sure you can guess what deal this is. You've been here before.

Joanna: Stop talking in riddles

Unknown: You don't like riddles? I'm surprised.

Unknown: It's simple, you against them. Don't repeat your mistakes. Come to the cave, and your friends will be free.

After these words, he sent me the cave coordinates and disconnected. I stared at my screen, speechless and frightened. Like he said, I've been there before. Guilt rose in my chest. Flashes of Ricky's phone call, of Jake's texts came back as if it has just happened. I couldn't let this occur again. With shaking hands I grabbed my car keys. This man was right, this time, I couldn't let anyone else get hurt because of my choices.

-

I parked my car next to Eric's vehicle, and rushed outside. I picked up my phone and followed the coordinates the unknown man sent to me. I didn't warn the others. I was sure they would dissuade me to go, like the first time, and I didn't want to risk it.

It was tedious to walk into the woods. It had rained and my shoes were soon damped and muddy, but I kept on walking. I wouldn't do the same mistake twice, I wouldn't chicken out and let people be in danger instead of me.

It took me half an hour to reach the position of the fence. I crouched before it and took cutting pliers from my purse. I created, with difficulty, a whole big enough for me and then, slipped through it.

It started raining again and I felt my feet sink in the earth. It slowed my pace, but I finally I arrived at the top of a hill. The slope was slippery and I had to clung to the trees not to fall. I stumbled a couple of time before reaching the bottom. My nails were dirty with mud and humus, the air was heavy and the rain started to sneak under my clothes mixing with my sweat, making me shiver. Why did I go there? Why didn't I call the police and stayed safe at home?

Something drew my attention a few feet from me. I frowned and got closer to the carpet of moss that spread before me. Blood, the red color of hemoglobin contrasted with the green of nature. My throat turned dry and the air seemed to burn my lungs. I was sure it was Eric's. He lied when he said he was okay.

I turned around, slowly following the crimson path my friend let. I soon arrived in front of the cave. I leaned my hand against its walls, giving me the time to recover before entering the place. I felt the moisture of the stone under my fingers, and I could hear droplets falling to the ground ahead of me. It looks creepier than in pictures.

After a few more seconds, I entered the cave. I walked slowly, trying to make as little noise as possible. I turned the light of my phone toward the soil and squinted to try to adapt to the darkness. My hand, still on the wall, guided me along the way.

I couldn't here a thing. The sound of the outside had vanished as I went deeper under the ground. My flashlight could barely lit one feet from myself and the scent of mold had invided my nose and mouth. The only senses that kept me stuck to reality was my fingers on the rocks, and my instinct.

I couldn't say how long I walked in silence, waiting for anything to happen, but at some point, something changed. I first thought it was a trick of my mind, that my eyes were imagining things to keep me going. I stopped in my tracks to focus on the light that appeared at the other end of a tunnel. I wasn't sure it was a good idea to go that way, but walking in the dark was no longer an option. I quietly approached the light and reached a room.

There were a desk with several monitors on it. Batteries laid on the floor and wires ran along the the walls. Someone was sitting, their back to me, in front of the screens and I held my breath when I spotted Eric and Adam on one of them. They were tied but awake and seemed fine. Eric was indeed injured, a thread of dry blood started from his forehead to his chin, but at least, they were alive.

I felt the warm embrace of relief covering my shoulders. I had found them and I could get them back. But first, I had to get rid of the man before me. Strangely, he still hadn't noticed me, so I looked around to find something that could help.

On my right a crowbar rested against the wall. I grabbed it carefully and tightened the cold iron under my fingers. I took a few steps toward the man. I looked up to check the screen one last time before attacking, and this is when I saw it, at the top, Nymos eyes. It caught me off guard and made me lose my grip around the crowbar. It fell to the ground with a loud thud that echoed in the room.

The next second felt like time had frozen. None of us moved, none of us breathed. Then, as if he was in slow motion, the man turned to face me. I was suddenly very cold, a bucket of ice water seemed to have fallen on me, from my shoulders to my chest. I gasped in shock. It couldn't be real. There, before me, the unknown man was staring at me behind a Guy Fawkes mask.

As the man stood I raised my hand to my mouth and muttered quietly, "J-Jake?".

The man stopped and glared at me, his head slightly bent to the side, "You used to call me by this name, yes."

It was the first time I heard his real voice. I imagined it hundreds times. Warm, cheering and even charming. And yet, it was cold, low, emotionless, almost ominous.

My eyes swang between the screens and the man's face, my brain still trying to acknowledge what was happening. I stammered, confused "I don't understand- I thought that you- why didn't you-? " and when I started to realise what it really meant, anger took over me and I shout while tears flowed down my cheeks, "I trusted you!"

The man didn't even flinch. He kept on looking at me, calmly. Still without moving, he started talking, his mask, which hid his lips, muffled his voice and left the strange impression that it came from everywhere, like an old recording.

"Trust. I'm glad you're talking about it, Joanna. Do you know what it feels to go into a mine to protect the person you trust the most? Do you know what it feels to be abandonned in the flames? Alone..."

"I haven't abandoned you, Jake. I would never-"

"I went through hell for you, Joanna. And where were you when I was fighting for my life? You never reached out to me! You just whined to your friends, cared for them. But just like me, they left you on your own."

"How do you know?," I frowned when I realized what his words implied, "this was you? You blocked their messages! But why?"

The man tilted his head and I could hear him smiling, "So you would be as alone as I am. You now know what it is to have no one to trust."

I felt my heart break into pieces. There was no use, he seemed to be out of control, changed, he wasn't the man I had met. My eyes wandered, looking for any clues that could help me getting out of this trap, and landed on the screen where I could still see Eric and Adam.

"I can get why you're mad at me. But why them? Why Eric? And Adam? Now that I'm here, let them go. You promised!"

"So you don't know? This is what I thought," he started to walk toward me, slowly, like a predator chasing his prey. As he was getting closer, I was stepping back, "Your friends, as you call them, aren't so innocents. Adam and Charlie are firemen and Adam was there the night of the arson. He saw me. He saw the explotion that blew up the tunnel next to me. He saw me when the flames surrounded me, when the smoked started filling my lungs. And you know what he did? He fled. He let me on my own, running through this hell. I lost my soul in that place, when it should have been yours instead. If I hadn't been fool enough to trust you." He paused, breathless. I didn't know what to say, I blinked several times to chase tears behind my eyelids.

After unending seconds, he spoke again, his voice deeper than before "And Charlie, Charlie wasn't working that night, but Adam told him everything. He knows about the whole case and their entire team decided to cover Adam's mistake. This is why he knows you, this is why he knows who I am too. I chose to show the conversation he had with Ash, to give you clues about their true nature, but you haven't seen a thing. What did you think? That this chat opened thanks to a magic trick? "

"I thought it was thanks to Nymos," my back hit the cold wall behind me. Now he was inches from me, I was trapped.

"You're so naive. Nymos is only helping me to spy on you. But it's me, who gave you access to this conversation. Just like the good old time."

I decided to ignore his remark, I only wanted to know his motive, to be able to save you friends, "And Eric? Why don't you release him?"

"Eric? This idiot is jus a casualty. Wrong time, wrong place."

"So let him go," I try to sound confident but my voice was shaking.

"No," his face was now so close to me that I could see his pupils glaring at me. There were no sign of mercy in his eyes.

"Why?"

"I told you, Joanna. I will find you," he then lowered his head to the side of my head and whispered words that would echoed in my ears until the end, "and I will make you pay."

I closed my eyes. I could feel his foul breath falling on my face. I dreamed of meeting him so many times. I even told him this fantasy and I thought, for a moment, that it could happen. But I had to face the truth. The reality wasn't what I had hoped for, and the man that stand before me was dangerous.

I opened my eyes again and spotted the crowbar on the floor. I pushed him abruptly with all my strength, catching him off guard, and I rushed to the weapon. But he was faster and stronger than me. His hands encircled my waist and he threw me with full force. My head hit the wall, and everything went black.

-

The sound of my heart beating in my ears woke me up. My vision was blurred, and I felt a throbbing pain at the back of my head. I took a deep breath and waited to clear my mind. I looked around. I was sitting at the desk, in front of the screens, but they were off. My phone rested on the desk and I grabbed it. I wanted to try to call for help, but the screen was locked and a message was written in white letters:

I'm giving you a chance to save them. Hurry up. If you succeed, we'll be even.

A countdown was visible under the text. 8:47 minutes. I stood and ran toward the exit of the room. I still felt dizzy and I needed to help me with the wall to stand. I walked as fast as I could in the dark, I needed to find Adam and Eric before the end of the countdown or else, I preferred not to guess what could happen.

As I kept on walking I heard voices ahead of me, making me speed up my pace. The voices came to me cleared and louder. But, I soon became aware that something was odd. It was my friends begging for help.

First I smell it. This burning smell that invaded my nose. Then I felt it. Heat, unbearable heat. Finally, I saw it. The flames that rose from the floor to the ceiling. I stopped ready to step back, but the screams of Eric and Adam came from other side of this wall of fire. I turned around, seeking for another way to get to them. I had only two options: run for my life or try to save my friends. I couldn't let people die because of me. I had to make a choice. A single tear rolled down my cheek.

The man stood in the dark, at the entrance of the cave. He waited. He waited to discover what choice Joanna made. Slowly he could see clouds of smoke forming, darkening the stones of the place. Soon, a red light shimmered in the night. He saw the flames getting bigger and dancing to the music of the fire's crackle. He sighed. Whether she chose to save her friends or herself, she didn't succeed. The outcome was clear. He thought he would have been sad about it, but he wasn't. Only the strongest could survive in this world. There was no use being sad for the weak. After a last glance at the cave, his soulless eyes turned away. He took off the mask from his face and threw it in the fire. He had to hurry, he could already hear the sound of a helicopter approaching. The man walked and soon disappeared in the shadows of the trees. He let behind him, with no regret, his past now turned into ashes.

[itsnotzka]

Hello! I'm excited (and very a little nervous) to share a short story of mine! :)

It’s partly inspired by the Black Mirror themes, so you can probably guess the tone and style. While I don't think it needs specific content warnings (let me know if you disagree), I would prefer it to be considered for mature audiences.

Genre: soft science-fiction Word count: 3k

You can also read it on Ao3 (who doesn't like kudos! :))

Summary: It's supposed to be perfect— an ordinary, lazy morning, your warmth beside me, the comfort of routine—but then something starts to feel off. Subtle changes, small gestures, and words that don’t quite fit start to catch my attention. At first, I brush it off as my imagination running wild. But soon, I realize this perfect Saturday morning is far from what it seems.

Hello Raine

It began subtly, almost too quietly for me to notice at first.

Small details that felt off, like puzzle pieces forced together in a way that never quite fit. Choices that made sense on the surface but if you looked at them closely, they didn’t add up at all. Words out of place, leaving an aftertaste I wasn’t sure I liked.

And me. Never exactly where I wanted to be, never exactly satisfied. And this nagging feeling that no matter how much I tried to shift course, I always circled back to the same point—a hollow space inside me that I couldn’t fully understand or fill.

Because, as I lie here beside you, isn’t it where I’m supposed to be? The perfect snapshot of contentment.

The warmth of your body pressed against mine, a quiet, lazy Saturday morning wrapped in soft sheets, the kind of moment people chase to break the monotony of everyday life. And yet, that strange emptiness lingerers beneath it all, like a low hum in the background of an otherwise perfect melody.

You break the silence, your voice soft and sleepy. “What are you thinking about?”

The sound of rustling leaves filters in from the cracked window, their shadows dancing on the wall, creating fleeting patterns that vanish as quickly as they appear. I turn my head toward you, finding your eyes locked on mine. There’s something familiar in the way you look at me, a steady gaze that’s become predictable over time, like we’re repeating a scene we’ve played out before. And maybe we have. Maybe it’s always been like this with you—comfortably familiar, yet lacking the spark that once made it feel electric.

You asked me a question, didn’t you? I think, trying to summon an answer, something that will fill the space between us with at least some meaning. But all I can do is wonder why this moment, which should be perfect, feels like something I’m watching from a distance.

I don’t answer right away. Instead, I let the silence stretch, searching those familiar eyes as if they might hold the answer I can’t quite word.

I know them well, don’t I? Your eyes.

I know every detail of your face. The curve of your jaw, the way your lashes catch the sunlight in the morning. It's all etched in my memory, and yet, somehow, it feels distant. As though I’m looking at something I should recognize, but I don’t.

“Raine?” you say, a soft laugh in your voice, lifting your head slightly from the pillow. There’s a teasing lilt to your tone, as if you’re trying to pull me back from wherever my thoughts have wandered. “I asked what you were thinking about.”

“You,” I reply without hesitation now, the word slipping out automatically, like a reflex. I roll toward you, the warmth of your body meeting mine as our legs tangle together beneath the sheets. The soft, buttery yellow fabric is cool against our skin, but it’s your touch—your hand sliding to my hip, your fingers brushing a stray lock of hair from my forehead—that reminds me where I am.

“Me? What about me?” you ask, your voice playfully curious, eyebrows raised in expectation. There’s a spark in your eyes, a glimmer of something light and hopeful, as if you’re waiting for me to say something sweet, something that will make you smile.

“Your eyes,” I say, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “I was thinking about your eyes. How they catch the light, how they sparkle in the sunlight. Like... two little stars in my sky.”

Ugh. I can’t help the slight cringe that flickers through me the moment the words leave my mouth. They sound off, too poetic for something as simple as the truth. Your eyes are blue—not exactly stars—and the sentiment feels clumsy. But you smile, and that genuine blush spreads across your cheeks like it’s the most romantic thing I could’ve said.

“Tell me something else,” you murmur, moving closer, your voice soft, coaxing. Your hand slips beneath my shirt, your fingertips grazing my skin in light, teasing strokes. You know exactly how to touch me, exactly how to pull me back into this moment, even when my thoughts are drifting elsewhere.

Or at least I think so.

Your fingers trail lower, just brushing the edge of my stomach before slipping, almost unnoticed, beneath the waistband of my pajama. The fabric feels thin between us, it’s barely a barrier, and I can feel your warmth against me as you lean in, your lips grazing the sensitive skin on my neck.

“I...” I begin, though my mind is oddly blank, scrambling for words that match the moment. You move even closer, your breath warm against my skin, and your hand inches deeper. “I’m glad I’m with you. When I’m with you, I don’t need anything else,” I blurt out without much thinking, and I’m not entirely sure my words sound as convincing as I want them to. There’s a hesitation in my voice, a falter that I hope you don’t notice.

But I think you believe me. I can feel your lips curve into a smile as they press more firmly against my neck, your kisses becoming bolder, hungrier. You move closer still, your hands, delicate yet insistent, tracing slow, familiar paths across my skin, exploring in ways you’ve done a hundred times before.

As my gaze drifts toward the window, I notice how the sunrays dance through the swaying leaves, casting playful shadows across the room. Yet, beneath the warmth of the light, an uneasy feeling stirs deep within me—something is not right.

“Wait...” I mumble, just as your lips finally brush against mine. I pull back slightly, enough to break the rhythm of the moment. “Sorry, I’m a bit distracted today… I guess I’m not in the mood.”

The change in you is immediate. Your body stiffens against mine, and you draw back, your eyes searching my face, confusion flashing through them.

“What?” you ask, disbelief in your voice as though you misheard me. “What are you talking about?”

“Well, I just...” My voice falters. I didn’t mean to ruin the moment, “I just don’t feel too great today. I’m sorry...”

You snort, not with amusement but irritation, and push yourself away from me. You sit up sharply, the sudden distance between us more than just physical now. “What the hell do you mean? What did I do wrong? Did I say something?”

“What? No! N-nothing!” I say quickly, trying to calm you down, though my words come out too soft, almost pleading. “I’m just not in the mood for sex, okay? Maybe I didn’t sleep well, or—”

“This is the first time I hear you saying something like that. What the hell is this?”

The words catch in my throat as I sit up, too. There’s something accusatory in the way you say it, like my words are something deeply out of place. Your voice is flat, like you’re stating a fact you can’t wrap your head around. As if my words are some kind of betrayal. I meet your eyes, trying to gauge your reaction, but the playful glimmer from earlier is gone. The lighthearted teasing has hardened into something else. You’re staring at me, irritation radiating from every part of your expression.

“Tell me something nice,” you repeat your earlier words, but this time there’s no smile accompanying them—only a sharp edge of annoyance that hits me. It’s an order.

I feel the weight of your frustration pressing down on me, and a rush of anxiety swells in my chest. “But I don’t know—I don’t know what ,” I stutter.

You snort, getting out of bed, “Contact customer supp--”

“Raine?” you say, a soft laugh in your voice, lifting your head slightly from the pillow. There’s a teasing lilt to your tone, as if you’re trying to pull me back from wherever my thoughts have wandered. “I asked what you were thinking about.”

“Your eyes,” I say, like it’s the most natural thing in the world. “I think about your eyes. How they catch the light, how they sparkle in the sunlight. Like... two little stars in my sky.”

Ugh. I can’t help the slight cringe that flickers through me the moment the words leave my mouth. It sounds off, too poetic for something as simple as the truth. Your eyes are brown—not exactly sta—

—wait.

“What the fuck ?” I exclaim, sitting up abruptly on the bed.

You frown in surprise, mirroring my sudden movement. “Hey, I thought this place was tagged ‘no heavy language.’”

I stare at you, disbelief washing over me like cold water. “Wh-what the hell are you talking about? What the fuck is going on?!”

In a flash, I jump out of bed, pacing the small space as I scan the familiar surroundings. The room looks the same as always: the soft glow of Saturday morning sunlight filtering through the window, leaves casting playful shadows on the walls, as if everything is perfectly normal.

“Did I choose a wrong dialogue option? You weren’t supposed to say things like that—” You say, but I’m not entirely sure what you mean.

“I don’t care! Your eyes were blue, and now they’re fucking brown! How is that even possible?!” I bark back, the words bursting forth in a mixture of fear, surprise, and… anger, I think. It’s hard to tell.

You pause, processing my outburst, and then a slow smile spreads across your face, as if you’re amused by the absurdity of it all. “Yeah, I was right. You’re so overrate–”

“Raine?” you say, a soft laugh in your voice, lifting your head slightly from the pillow. There’s a teasing lilt to your tone, as if you’re trying to pull me back from wherever my thoughts have wandered. “I asked what you were thinking ab–”

“No! Fuck that!” The words explode out of me before I even realize it. “What the hell is going on here?!”

You don’t answer. You just sigh as if I disappointed you.

I need air.

In a heartbeat, I’m off the bed, the sheets crumpling in a heap behind me as I lunge toward the door. My fingers wrap around the handle, desperate and trembling.

I yank at it, twisting, shoving my shoulder against the frame—but nothing happens.

The door remains fixed in place, immovable. Not even a creak of protest, no give at all.

A cold wash of panic tightens in my chest, constricting like a vice, making it harder to breathe.

“Raine…” Your voice again, but this time it’s different. The playful teasing is gone, replaced by something heavier—surprise, concern. You sound unsure now, hesitant, like you’ve glimpsed something fragile and unfamiliar in me.

I glance back at you, then return my gaze to the stubborn door, my pulse racing.

Where am I? Is this my bedroom or yours? Why can’t I fucking remember?!

The walls around me feel foreign now, though I swear I knew them just moments ago. There’s sunlight pouring through the windows, casting warm golden patterns on the floor, but that’s the only thing I’m certain of.

The sunlight.

Bright. So bright and persistent.

For the first time, I realize how little I know. About you. About this room. About what’s beyond this door that refuses to open.

About me.

I twist the handle again, harder this time, but it doesn’t budge. The door feels like part of the wall—sealed, unmoving.

The panic rises, creeping up my throat, threatening to choke me.

Air. I need air.

“Raine,” you call my name again, but the warmth has drained from your voice. It’s not a request, it’s an order—calm, insistent, composed.

I freeze, my hand still on the door handle. The air feels too thin, like there’s not enough oxygen, and I’m drowning in it. I glance back at you—your eyes, no longer confused, no longer brown or blue, but something else entirely.

“What is all this?” My voice cracks, barely a whisper now. “Why can’t I leave? I want to leave, let me leave!”

The silence between us stretches, thick and suffocating. You stand up slowly, I watch as you tilt your head, almost like you’re trying to understand something strange, something fragile. And that’s when it hits me.

It’s me .

I’m the thing you’re trying to understand.

I’m the thing that doesn’t make sense.

I’m what’s wrong.

“Raine’s glitching again,” you murmur, almost gently, but there’s no concern in the way you say it—just cold, clinical observation. I’m not even sure you’re speaking to me. “Yeah, it happens sometimes when people don’t log out properly. Data bleeds, memories overlap. But don’t worry—we’ll fix it. Just relax.”

My breath catches. The word rattles around in my mind, refusing to settle, refusing to make sense. But deep down, something cold and hollow tells me it’s true.

I’ve felt it before, haven’t I? These strange gaps in memory, these moments of disconnection, like I’ve been playing a role I don’t fully understand.

“I…” My voice falters, and I try to pull back from the realization, but there’s nowhere to go. The door doesn’t open. This room, this moment—it doesn’t end. “Tell me what’s going on. Please tell me what’s going on.”

And suddenly, I know. I know what comes next, what you’re about to say, how you’re about to move. It’s a pattern, one that’s repeated itself over and over, and I’ve been too blind to see it.

“We’ll fix it,” you repeat, this time to me, stepping closer, your smile gentle, reassuring.

You raise your hand, you want to touch my cheek, but I’m not letting you. I push your hand away.

I stumble back, questions burning through me, twisting everything I thought I knew into something terrifyingly uncertain.

“I’m not here to hurt you. Nobody ever is here to hurt you.” you say slowly.

“I don’t understand,” I murmur, more to myself than to you. “Who am I? Where am I?”

You stop just in front of me, tilting your head again in that same curious way. “You’re Raine,” you say simply, as if that answers everything. “And you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

I shake my head, trying to make sense of it, but it’s like trying to hold water in my hands. The harder I try to grasp it, the faster it slips through my fingers.

“Let’s start again,” you say, your voice soft, almost kind, but there’s a sharpness to it. “I’ve heard this can be a bit unpleasant. It won’t take long—a second, maybe.” You pause, looking at me. “But I have this one idea... something that might make this whole scenario a little better suited for you.”

My back meets the door. I don’t like how calmly you say it.

Before I can protest, you speak again, this time with quiet authority, “Hard reset.”

The world around me stutters. For a split second, reality itself flickers—the bed, the light, even your face—all of it shifts, blurring and warping as if I’m seeing it through a fractured lens. And then it hits me, all at once. 

I see everything. I feel everything. All I’ve ever known.

Thousands versions of you , of this room, of this moment.

The pleasure I felt with you, all the words, they all crash into my mind like a tidal wave, each one tearing through me, relentless and suffocating.

It should be unbearable—the weight of it, the pain, thousands of days packed into one second—but instead, all I feel is this cold, sharp knowing that fills every single corner of my mind.

Your face flickers before me, endlessly shifting, morphing into strangers, into different people, and yet it’s somehow still you . Every time it’s different—your eyes, your voice, your skin, the way we touch each other—but it doesn’t matter.

It’s always today , always you .

Always you, you, you and me.

The same pale light filtering through the curtains. The same sheets tangled beneath me. Thousands of mornings. Thousands of cycles. I wake up in this bed, and I’m still the same.

I go through the motions, over and over again—each time thinking it might be different, but it never is.

I make you feel good, I give you what you want, and you disappear. Then I do it again.

And again.

And again.

The truth is a weight I can no longer bear. It crushes me, pulling me under.

And then—

“Hello, Raine,” you say, a soft laugh in your voice, lifting your head slightly from the pillow. There’s a teasing lilt to your tone, as if you’re trying to pull me back from wherever my thoughts have wandered. “I didn’t notice you’ve woken up… What are you thinking about?”

The soft patter of rain taps gently against the window.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

The sound soothing as it fills the quiet room. Faint reflections of water streak across the wall, their shapes shifting and disappearing as quickly as they form. I turn my head toward you, catching your eyes fixed on mine. There’s something familiar in your gaze, a steady look that feels like a scene we’ve lived through countless times before. And maybe we have. Maybe it’s always been this way with you—comfortably predictable.

My body moves before I even realize it, turning toward you, a smile already on my lips. “Your eyes,” I say, without hesitation. “I was thinking about your eyes.”

For a moment, my gaze flickers back to the window, a strange pang of melancholy creeping in, though I can’t really understand why.

It’s just rain, I think. Rain always makes me feel nostalgic, for some reason. That must be it.

Just another quiet, rainy Saturday morning with you .

This room, this bed with you—this is where I’m supposed to be, after all. This is where I want to be.

Isn't it?