Requested: @that-choir-girl
Note: Pediophobia is the fear of dolls
After wrapping up an interview, it was easy to tell that Harold the doll really spooked him.
Which wasnât at all surprising as you know of his phobia of dolls as well as snakes. As you were on your way back to the car after the interview, you begin to feel a mysterious pain in your left arm.
Looking at your arm, you start to see three little bruises that werenât there before. You donât remember running into anything or someone grabbing you by the arm at all, but as you are about to mention this discovery to Zak and the crew, Zak brings up the fact that heâs feeling the same mysterious pain. Once you were back at the car, Zak examines his arm and you can clearly see three identical small bruises forming on the same spot. Seeing that, Zak begins to freak out and you can tell heâs more uneasy about going through this investigation
âDoesnât that look like a childâs hand grabbing my arm?â
You didnât have anything to say, you were stunned about this coincidence.
The more you thought about it, the more you remember things from the interview about when it comes to Harold the doll, you must watch your hand and arm.
âI forgot about that.â Zak says.
After being reminded of that important detail, you begin to remember that the doll is being possessed by five different spirits, and that you should always be careful because if you guys did the wrong thing, and pissed off Harold the doll, you could get broken hands.
That was Zakâs breaking point, and yours as well. Thinking back when the doll was first presented to you in a case, you picked it up first before handing it over to Zak. Now that you begin to remember being told to be careful of his left arm as it was about to break, it quickly clicked within you that you made the fatal mistake of picking up Harold the doll by his left arm, and now you were being affected by that mistake. Once you realized this, you show Zak that it was happening to you, too. However, you almost wish you hadnât said anything as Zak instantly started becoming the protective, overprotective boyfriend.
âThis has just gotten more sinister.â Zak states, looking back up at you.
âIt has, but it was my mistake since I touched the doll first-â
âNo, (Y/n). Iâm not letting you take responsibility for this. Iâm the one who brought you here when I shouldâve had you stay home.â
âItâs not your fault, Zak. I wanted to come, that one is on me if anything. It was my mistake picking up Harold out of that case by the left arm before handing it to you.â
Zak still wasnât having it.
âBe that as it may, (Y/n), I donât think you should become part of this investigation. Had I known if you were going to get hurt, I wouldnât have let you come along on this.â
You knew he meant well, but it was not what you wanted to hear. Itâs not like you didnât appreciate Zakâs concern for you, because you did.
âZak, you have nothing to worry about. I promise Iâm just fine and I will be fine. Please donât pull me out of this investigation . Just as long as Iâm with you, Iâll be fine. Iâll stay safe.â
Now you were trying to comfort him, pleasing him to allow you to come.
Zak only continues to follow the thought of the possibility of something happening to you either way. As he tries to talk you into staying behind, you donât let him. Instead, you take that moment to remind Zak of a promise he made to you several months back.
âRemember you promised me that youâd let me experience an investigation as a birthday present? You canât back down now.â
The look on Zakâs face told you he was reconsidering about pulling you out. Then, the look changes into a more serious one, one that was easy for you to read before he even says a word.
The look told you he was caving in and his defeated sigh is let out, telling you he was still a bit unsure.
âOkay, youâre absolutely right. You can still come but on one condition; do t try to wander off and explore on your own. Youâre to stay right by my side, and if I find you missing, Iâm sending you back to nerve center.â
Just whatever it takes, you didnât care just as long as it meant youâd still be going on long waited adventure.
Knowing that Zak is still not entirely onboard with the idea of you going with him, you comfort him in anyway you could. During the boat ride, Zak was quieter than usual, you knew why and itâs because his fear of losing you or having something happening to you is much greater fear than his Pediophobia. Once you reach the island, itâs just you, Zak, and Aaron until the others make their arrival. Since they didnât take the motorboat, it will take them a little longer to make it. As soon as the boat parked, you, Zak, and Aaron remain on the boat waiting for the rest of the crew to arrive. While in the meantime, you continue to be by Zakâs side.
As you wait, Zak is getting more spooked just by looking ahead of what awaits, whatâs in store the island will have for everyone tonight?
âI donât know if I want to step off this boat.â Zak admits.
âYeah man, this creepy.â Aaron says.
âDo you want to turn the boat around?â you tease.
âNot funny, (Y/n).â Zak says.
You begin to scratch Zakâs back in a soothing way, an attempt to comfort him. You could tell he was nervous, and you were certain that bringing Harold the doll along doesnât make it any easier.
By the time everyone had arrived, your comfort, comforting touches seemed to have done the job you wanted on Zak. It built up his confidence as he was more than ready to start the investigation.
âMore than Iâll ever be.â
It was one heck of an investigation, and you got more than you bargained for. But you were glad to be a part of it, glad to get to experience this at last.
That was honestly nothing more than truest statement, and you meant it.
Oh, and you left the island without a scratch, much to Zakâs relief.