#adrian graves

[dressedtoobsess]

It is entirely inconvenient that you work at the hospital. I would appreciate it if this encounter was minimal, I am not here to see you. So if you would kindly step out of my way, that would be ideal. - Rosalin

-For the briefest instant, Adrian didn’t recognize the woman speaking to him. Having spent time in… that office… had forced him to take a brief hiatus and recollect himself. He recovered instantly, however, as the memories came rushing back to him. Rose. The one who had taken his precious flower, his little dove, so quickly away from him, when he was just mere moments from reacquiring her.-

-Reaching across the counter, across Rose entirely, he picked a folder from the surface and flipped it open. Her file. Ahh… so that’s why she’d come. Without reacting, Adrian snapped the folder shut, bringing his aqua eyes to her green ones, staring down at the woman with faint amusement.-

Ah, Rosalin. So we meet again. Do tell me, how does your ‘son’ fare these days? I have been meaning to extend a greeting to my dear brother. 

To which I might add, how is my darling little dove, as well? Have her nightmares finally passed? Or are you still trying to be the mother you never could be, comfort her in ways you could never comfort your own flesh and blood?

[dressedtoobsess]

Letters 📃✒

A curious little flower has asked what was written in my letter to the little dove, as I'm sure a couple of you may also be. I have no qualms about revealing such a thing. She is my love, after all.

Darling,

The world without you is grey, catatonic. Every movement, every gesture, you leave me spellbound. You are truly breathtaking, my little dove. The constant ache I feel of not knowing your love drives me into madness, I'm inescapably in love with you. You've blessed me with knowing royalty among the common, a goddess among mortals. Say you'll be mine, darling. I'll give you the world.

Forever yours,

- A

[dressedtoobsess]

Entry XIX

So little time has gone by since the incident, and yet Liliana, though timid, remains benevolent as ever, there is still that flash of rebellion in her hazel eyes that she infrequently acts upon. Subtly, so she thinks I bear no notice, but I do not know if she realizes that I notice everything, especially when it comes to my darling flower. What’s the matter, love? Was your lesson ineffective?

I suppose it is time then, to truly demonstrate that I am not one to be undermined. As long as I’ve observed her, she thinks me unaware of her condition. Inability to gain or retain weight, difficulty with her respirations... My love, your condition is chronic, and should you misbehave one more time, I will not hesitate to exploit it. You will rely on me, and me alone.

You’ve kept it secret from everyone, only your parents knew. Well, your parents and physician. Diagnosed at age two, was it not? And to have your medical records transferred to this hospital was all too simple, my love. After all, you do need your medication and continued treatments, right? 

As she continues on her subtle tirade, I have indiscriminately taken her treatments away, one by one. At first, she remained unaware, as this was carefully done during her medication-induced slumbers, but now... you have to speak to me now, don’t you, darling? That’s it. Come closer. You’ll see that everything I do is for us, my dear. Everything. 

She’s rasping. I can hear the rattle in her chest as she tries to put on the guise that she is fine, even more so as I continue to push her around in the wheelchair. I’ve inquired several times if you’ve needed anything, but still, this period of silence continues. Would you like a quicker means of travel through the home, darling? I’m certain you could go downstairs a lot faster with a simple push. 

Speak to me, love. Open your mouth, use those delicate lips and tell me. Tell me you need me. Tell me that without me, you cannot breathe. For if this continues, and you insist on being stubborn and uncooperative, you won’t. 

[dressedtoobsess]

Entry XVII

I suppose it’s been some time, has it not? Where to begin. I’m assuming, if you’re reading this, that you’re informed of Liliana finally coming home to me. She hasn’t yet realized, but this is where she truly belongs. With me. I watched her sleep that night, mesmerized by the silken touch of her creamy skin, her raven hair waving as if she’d spent her life on a beach, the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest. She’s mine. Now and forever.

But when she woke, as I was seeing to it she had a decent breakfast, accusations began to fly from that beautiful mouth. Darling, I give you one warning, and you get no more from me. Do try to understand the things I have done are to benefit you, and you alone. The outcome, however, did not go as planned. My beautiful flower seems to wish to grow thorns, striking me in a way I didn’t find her capable. It matters little. All that is required is a simple lesson in reeducation. 

Liliana, however, was not agreeable to such measures. My deepest apologies, my love, but I cannot and I will not allow you to assume things are safe for you outside. You’re staying here and that’s final. Am I understood? With a broken nose, fingers, and now two broken legs, she is unconscious. I couldn’t have her leaving. If she truly wishes to ‘go out’, as it were, my gardens are large enough to accommodate some sort of relaxation and fresh air. 

Monitoring her was easy enough, repairing her nose as she lay unconscious and resetting her fingers before bracing her legs. Those screams, however delightful, did not mean I could not see to it that she was properly healed. I wonder, however, what else can I do to elicit those screams once more? Symphonic, melodic, even if she did try escaping, the sounds were hypnotic in their own right and I would be amiss to not hear them once more.

She needs to rise soon. Those sounds have become etched in my memory and I find myself craving more, even after only one interaction. Rise, my sweet Liliana. Open those glittering eyes and drink in your one true home, know that I will never leave you. But if you so much as try to flee again, my love... I will break every bone in that marvelous frame of yours. Until then, rest well, darling.

[dressedtoobsess]

Entry XVIII

My darling, you were in such a state. I’m pleased to see you’ve come to your senses now. Just how long did you refuse to look at me, love? You understand that won’t do. Not at all. In fact, if I have to peel your eyelids to ensure your gaze never leaves me, then I shall. I think, however, that you’ve learned your lesson, darling. The broken bones serving as a reminder that you would only be given one warning, and you’ve had it.

Liliana woke hours later, much to my delight, and although I could spend eternity gazing onto her peaceful, sleeping form, staring into those magnetic eyes would suit me so much better. Her expression is one of fear, but I also detect hope. Do not fret, my love, I am still the man you desire, and so much more. I cautiously approach her, showing her my hands, and that she has nothing to fear from me. She doesn’t speak. That simply will not do.

I sit beside her on the bed, taking her unbroken hand into my own when she flinches, trying to pull away. I see you still have some of your mother’s spark, darling. No matter, I intend to visit them in a few months. This problem will be rectified. Of that, I have no doubt. Once Liliana’s accepted that I will not leave her presence, she begins to weep, asking why I hurt her. 

The sheer agony in her words weakens me. My love, it was never my intention, and I will do everything in my power to ensure that you see my love will never leave you. All I can do at this moment is comfort her, laying with her and taking her into my arms, stroking her hair lovingly, as I’ve been meaning to do for some time. Such a shame this could not be a happier moment for her. For me, though, it took much more force of will to not explode with joy, to not smile broadly and kiss her senselessly. Liliana, my darling flower, you truly do not see the power you hold over me.

At some point, she began to relax, clinging to me in a way that made my heart soar. My will is breaking. I tilt her face to mine, stroking her reddened, tear-stained cheek and brush my lips against her forehead. I do not apologize. No, the injuries sustained are proof of her punishment, but I can make it more tolerable to bear. 

I never leave her side, watching her in rapt fascination as she sits in bed, bringing her around the home in the wheelchair acquired from the hospital. Her eyes light up to not only the gardens, but the library as well. I caught the faintest glimmer of a smile. Oh my love, my heart sings for you. 

She has been more than content to reside anywhere in the house, but avoids the reparation room like the plague. One always tends to avoid a place of punishment, yes? It was understandable. Yet I do not leave her side. She slowly begins to converse with me more, first asking about her family, then school. Darling, why do you need those? I’m all you’ll ever truly need.

However, I indulge her, offering to continue her education in the home, promising her family will be well. They will, but by who’s standards? 

Soon, she’s smiling at me again. Such a breathtaking view. Finer than the sight at the top of a mountain, and much more exhilarating. I’ll give you everything you could possibly desire, my dear, but you will never leave.

[dressedtoobsess]

- walks hurriedly in the hallway and accidentally bumps into you as you turn away from your locker; falls back on her behind, books scattered around her - Ahhh... uhhmm... I’m so sorry... I didn’t see you there. *keeps head down as she pulls her hair back, sitting up on her knees to gather her books* - 🌸

[Adrian staggers slightly, then catches himself, kneeling to collect the scattered books, the corners of his mouth twitching upward.] Not at all, little flower. It was my mistake. I do hope you’re not hurt. Could I take you for coffee or tea to apologize? My treat.

[dressedtoobsess]

Entry IX

[Days later ~]

No changes. In fact, the quarrels between them seem to have escalated. I cannot get her out of my mind. All attempts have been fruitless. I've even avoided the little dove, only to be met with an ache I'm left unable to describe. Every look, every smile from her send the palpitations in my heart on a frenzy, as if it was meant to exist only for her.

This time, the quarrels escalated. She wasn't in attendance again. Out of curiosity, I ask the Dean and Admissions Department of her address. They were momentarily perplexed, but didn't question my motives. I found myself leaving campus shortly after. I suppose this is the kind of thing friends are supposed to do? Friends... friends... I do not know of I ever had what people call a friend. I've had the few acquaintances, but I cannot recall really anyone ever wanting much more than my money.

I'm at her apartment. She lives just off campus on the first floor. She answers when I knock, and I'm appalled at what I see. Small bruises on either side of her willowy neck, ones that match the bruises on her arms. Black splotches, and some of them were in the shape of hand prints. She looks terrified, while I've gone past irritation and immediately feel enraged.

Of course I ask what happened. She, however, is too petrified to answer, and keeps her head down. She does invite me in, though. My hands are shaking. This simply will not do. I'm not a man who gets into brawls, so I have to settle this tactfully.

I could treat her better. She could be mine, saving her smiles and laughter and her everything for me and me alone. I have to show her this, that I could treat her as the earth bound goddess she's becoming to me. It's going to take time. Nothing is overnight.

Before I left, instead of our usual wave of goodbye, I embrace her. The little dove must have been restraining herself for some time, because in the briefest instant, she was clutching my shirt and sobbing against my chest. Something is breaking inside me. I stayed longer, unsure of what to do or say for comfort, and kept my arms around her small frame. She was quaking with tremors as she sobbed, so I hesitantly brushed my fingers through her raven hair.

The scent of honey and peaches was instantaneous, and I wanted more. It was wrong.. on so many planes, I knew it would only be my taking advantage of her grief. I cannot and I will not be like that child. I want her... I want her to want me, without thinking of that parasite, without being tethered to him. Hahh... I've finally realized it now. The source of my spiraling emotions that I can barely control, the thoughts of her filling my every waking moment.. I know what it is now. Wholly, entirely, I want her everything. Then, an idea occurs to me.

I will make her mine.

[dressedtoobsess]

Entry X

[3 Weeks Later]

I'm not avoiding her again. This was my mistake. I made no interference and she was hurt because of my negligence. The bruises haunt me still, her sobs are still echoing in my ears. Never again, little dove.

Yet, for reasons I cannot fathom, the two are still a couple. To state that I'm not confused would be a lie. He's more doting toward her, avoiding everyone else save for her. When I approached her one day after those weeks, she seemed to be the one avoiding me. This is inexcusable. You're mine, little dove, you just can't see it yet.

It should just take a little time, that's all. Just a little more time. I'm not going anywhere, darling. I'll always be here. Even if I have to sit and watch you on the sidelines... I can't... I'll protect you. You've given me something no one else has... compassion. You looked at me like I was a person, not a name or a bank.

Did you like the flowers in your locker? White hyacinths... I'm sure you did, I watched you inhale the scent deeply with the softest smile. A smile that I put there. Your reaction to the letter was a little disconcerting, but no matter. I still meant every syllable. Your unobtrusive loveliness will outshine any of those pink birds from now until the end of my days.

Your job at the café seems more manageable. Did you appreciate that? No one will ever talk to you the way Michael did ever again. Not while I draw breath. Yet I'm not pleased with the way other men now seem to see you. Or anyone else, in that case. Your beauty should be for only me.

Yet I know I'm not in the position to making such statements. Not yet, not until you realize that with me is where you belong. Leave the parasite. Be with me instead. His days will grow considerably more difficult, my love. Do be a smart girl and make the right decision, will you?

Until then, my sweet dove, practice your days with care and caution. I'll be your guiding light, urging you toward the right path until you see your rightful place with me. I've stated devils like to visit in the dark, but this one, my love... this one would like a dance. All you need to do is take my hand.