Run Rabbit Run RUN R̶̨̘͓͍͉̬̈́̾̀̕͠U̴̬̱̭̭̼̫̩͔̠̇N̸̝̳̦͎̎
Dark!Alma Peregrine X Reader
Summary: You started to stir awake but you can't see anything. You tried to scream but nothing came out of your mouth. You wriggled around..and alas your legs were free from restraint. Taking the chance you started running...Running where? You don't know, all you knew was you had to Run Run Run.
Warning: Drugs, kidnapping, manipulating, a chase, swear, blood(?)
Tag List: @athenodora-sulpicia-writer @saithussss
A/n: Hehe secret part 2 to "Forever Mine". Sorry if this isn't really that well written, I didn't proofread it :') If there are any questions, comments, or suggestions, please do tell me. Thank you and please enjoy :D
(not my gif)*I stole your gif buddy >:)
Part 1
"Tsssk..." The needle settled in place as the gramophone stuttered to life. The disk started to spin but no noise came out at first...then a song started to play as the sun slowly started rising.
On the farm, ev'ry Friday
On the farm, it's rabbit pie day
Alma yawned as she slowly sat up, looking at the clock above her vanity she realized she woke up an hour earlier.
She smiled to herself and then laughed. She was in such a good mood she decided to let the childrens sleep an extra thirty minutes while she went downstairs to take care of her little bunny.
Going to her vanity she started to brush her hair and put it into her usual hairdo while humming a little tune.
So ev'ry Friday that ever comes along
I get up early and sing this little song
Alma sighed in satisfaction as she finished applying her makeup. She got up and started making her way to the door when she paused and stood there for a while.
Deciding on it, she went back to her vanity and opened a drawer. Inside it was several of her feathers that she keeps for "emergencies".
Taking out a feather she put it into her dress pocket and went to leave her room this time with an unsettling expression.
Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run
Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run
You started to stir awake but you couldn't see anything. Panicking you started to thrash around only to realize your hands and legs were bound to something.
You tried to remember how you got here but your mind was foggy, all that came to mind was you wrapping presents for...Alma...that's right, Alma the regular at the library you worked at.
You tried to remember more but only remembered going to...to...AHHH-
Feeling a sharp pain in your head you tried to steady your breathing as tears started to well up in your eyes while you frantically started to loosen out of the restraints.
Getting increasingly frightened, you prepared to scream for help when you realized you were tied to a chair. Taking this opportunity you tried your best to stand up before throwing yourself to the floor and breaking the chair in the process.
You groaned in agony as there was blood gushing from your sides but you pushed through the pain to get up and move towards the door before someone comes to check out the commotion.
Bang, bang, bang, bang goes the farmer's gun
Run rabbit, run rabbit, run, run, run, run
Rattling the door you cursed to yourself as you realized it was locked. You looked around to see if there were any other openings you can try to escape through but the blood gushing from your side was affecting your vision.
Out of the corner of your eyes, you noticed a small window that was hidden behind a stack of boxes. Your eyes lightened up as a small bit of hope was reignited. Quickly hurrying, you moved the boxes as quietly as you could until the window was visible.
The window was big enough for you to squeeze out of but it would cause a bit of trouble with the gash on your side. Your planning was cut short when you heard the unmistakable sound of heels growing louder as they came towards the basement.
Hurridly, you climbed onto the boxes and thankfully the window easily pushed open. Hoisting yourself up you crawled through the window and dragged yourself across the grass. You cried in pain when your side got stuck between the frame as it started to dig into your side.
"Dear, what are you trying to do?" You froze as you heard a low voice behind you. A rush of fear came upon you, digging your nails into the grass in an attempt to get yourself unstuck.
You felt a hand on your waist as it gently pulled you back into the basement. You tried to break yourself free, but your captor was surprisingly strong.
Frightened, you kicked Alma as hard as you could, causing her to stumble back onto the floor as you took the chance to push yourself fully through the window. Frozen in pain, you sat on the floor trying to collect your breath as the gash on your side has been torn bigger making your head start spinning from the blood loss and excruciating pain.
Run, rabbit, run, rabbit, run.
You heard Alma grunt in annoyance as she got up and quickly made her way to the window as she got onto the boxes as well. Noticing how your efforts are about to go in vain, you ignored the pain and made a run for town to try and get to the sheriff for help.
Run rabbit - run rabbit - Run! Run! Run!
Alma felt a pang of dread overcome her as she saw her bunny run away from her. She finally had you, you were supposed to love her... and now you're leaving her. Afraid of losing you, she immediately shifted and flew to follow you before an idea came to mind. You don't remember about the loop...you don't know the whole world is in her hands.
Her heart slowed down realizing you can never leave her, you needed her. But she will let you run for now, she will get you in 15 minutes when you reach the sheriff's office. No one can take you away. She will kill them, and she will keep killing them over and over again so no one can take you away.
Don't give the farmer his fun! Fun! Fun!
He'll get by without his rabbit pie
So run rabbit - run rabbit - Run! Run! Run!
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Thank you all for reading! I know everyone was waiting for a part 2 and I am so sorry that this isn't as long and as good as I previously tried to make it. But school has been hitting me hard recently and I realized if I didn't publish this soon I probably might delay it for a year or more again :')
I am so sorry for the wait and I really do appreciate all of the support and I hope everyone enjoys this, even though it is a bit short. Have a good day/night!!!
If people want this to be longer I might edit it to make it better and longer but that has to wait till I get all my school affairs ready :,) I had a lot of plans for this and wanted to make it a long chapter but I wanted to keep my promise to yall
You were something of a hermit, only going to work and then home. In these days, no one your age could afford to live on their own so you still lived with the only parent that did right by you after the divorce. So, sometimes, you had to get out of the house. It was rare so you had a spot picked. The smell of coffee beans was a salve to your battered heart. Life was a lot for you. You hated your job, hated the double standard that came with still living at home. You had limited social skills so your only friend, a former coworker you hadn't seen a month, was given the title of "best friend" by default. Your anxiety and depressive symptoms fell crushing sometimes, and sometimes you felt so angry. How could a world develop like this? All the hate and fear and well, love of money.... You wondered semi-often if you could handle it, live it when you were eventually alone.
"Hello?" the kid behind the counter called with sass. "You want some coffee?" he asked.
You wondered how long you'd been standing there, out of it and deaf to your surroundings. That wasn't safe, but - for now - you were just embarrassed. You looked back at the line insecurely, met with lots of anger and one sympathetic gaze. Stepping forward, you gave your order and stood off to the side. You tried to be invisible and swift so as to avoid making an enemy. You sat at a booth and did your thing for inner peace. It didn't help much long-term, in your opinion, but it gave you a brief reprieve from your daily monotony. You tuned out from the world, desperate for that break or else you wouldn't be there.
Unknown to you, you were being observed. In the doorway between the coffee section and the cafe section, she only had eyes for you. She moved to the additives shelf and looked more subtly over at you, slowly shaking the sugar packet. She was calm and thoughtful, yet impulsive in her decision to approach you. "Is this seat taken?"
You looked up, startled.
Diane winced. "I've always hated that line. Do you mind if I sit with you?" she asked gentler and - she hoped - not creepily.
Your eyes looked at the tables around you, many empty. You felt your face heat up and slowly dropped your utensil. "I actually appreciate the laymans terms." You waved at the opposite booth. You looked back at your project, debating where to go next silently. The woman across from you studied you openly, given permission, while she sipped her coffee. She crossed her legs, one brushing one of yours. She mumbled an apology while you retracted your legs, thinking she didn't have enough space. "Oh, it's fine." You took a rather large swallow of your own drink.
"I'm Diane." She didn't extend a hand for a shake due to your meek demeanor. It was exactly that gentility that caught her attention. She cooed at your cute name to match you.
Later that night, you were checking all of your social media's notifications and found a friend recommendation. You recognized that auburn-tinted hair; it was the damndest thing. You marveled at the depth of suggestive ads. You hit the friend button then paled. What if she thought you met then social stalked her? But the notification had likely already hit her phone; you couldn't unfriend her. Another notification pinged a little red ball next to the speech bubble. Tapping it, you saw Diane Sherman had sent you a message.
'Hey, it was delightful meeting you. Wanna meet up for a movie or something?'
A stupid smile stole your mouth. 'Sounds cool.' You sent her your next availability and a common repetition of a few days off. She was just as excited as you - more - but you didn't think that was a red flag. You were equally enraptured in the film, a good indicator because you hated when someone would talk while watching tv. You were all for pausing it or turning it off to have a conversation, but never simultaneously. Talking about the movie afterwards was where you really bonded, got familiar with the others' mindset. You could tell Diane's morals were a little loose.
It took three weeks for you to meet up again and you invited Diane over to the temporarily empty home. You were furious when Diane showed up and she proposed a distraction while you vented. You cooked with the woman as you got emotional, something your friend had never seen. "I don't complain; I do what I'm supposed to. Have never yelled when the recipient didn't deserve it and I get screamed at in the face, sprayed on some, about watching my volume."
You scoffed, feeling the emotions in your chest threaten to turn it to a scream. But that was forbidden for you. You turned abruptly, but warm arms wrapped you up from behind. You took a deep breath at the soft restraint. You could smell her perfume and feel her hair on your shoulder as she came closer. "Why?" you asked before burying your face in that hair. You felt safe and secure in her embrace.
"You looked like you needed a hug."
Tears welled up in your eyes and you were grateful they were already closed. "Well, thank you," you whispered. You ate in the living room and turned on a sitcom. This show, you'd seen a million times so you didn't mind the idle conversation while the volume was on low. Still, it was a good time. Neither of you realized how late it had gotten until headlights shown into the living room. Surprisingly, Diane looked as horrified as you. Still, you asked, "Do you mind?"
Diane got to her feet and put on her sweater. "Not at all. I wouldn't want to find a grown stranger on my couch with my adult child." You laughed with her and walked her to the back door. "Maybe we can eat at my house next," she offered with a quirky smile.
Your hand went to her face before you could stop it, but you did manage to redirect it to sweep her hair over the closer shoulder. "We should. Text me." You kissed her cheek then shut the door. Your face was on fire as you raced to your room, slipping under the covers believably.
You heard the footsteps approach your room and the door was flung open. "You know I expect the dishes to be cleared in the morning," was spat in your direction and the door closed. You loved how you were treated like you didn't have a job just like them. Whatever. Tomorrow was Saturday anyway and you'd be up first. Your thoughts soon turned to Diane. You grinned to yourself at the butterflies in your stomach. You wondered if kissing her cheek was weird. It wasn't uncommon of you to do with friends, but your intimacy levels were rising fast with Diane. You frowned as you considered how fast your relationship was deepening. Your phone pinged and you saw a text from Diane telling you she was home safe. You couldn't help but smile, replying: 'Good.' She made you happy; that felt like it should be enough.
Dinae started texting more after that day, but you figured she was about as lonely as you. Her messages were a bright point in the middle of your workdays. On the next Friday, she texted you to check your plans. 'What are you doing this weekend?'
You scrunched your nose. 'Giving my bed to my awful cousins. They're in town for a week.'
'Then I guess it's a good thing we have pre-existing plans for you to come over?'
You smirked in faux confidence, pleasure. 'I like the way you think.' You eagerly started packing a bag. You got distracted by her texting you back a few times. You were so enraptured you failed to notice your door opening.
"Did you bother to clean at all? And look at this mess. I don't like how distracted you've been since you started texting that woman." They took an imposing step closer, hand swiping for your cell.
You slid it into your back pocket. "Well, we won't be texting much this weekend." You endured the smug expression with a raging heart. "Because I'm staying with her." You zipped your bag up and picked it up, showing the bedroom was in fact spotless.
You watched with glee as the entitlement dropped to disbelief. "You can't."
"I am an adult. I certainly can." And you were gone before you could be given an ultimatum. You passed the incoming extended family, handing out fake sympathies about long-standing plans, and then you were gone. You pulled out of the drive before Diane's address even loaded in your GPS. She called you halfway and you talked on the phone - venting about being treated like a child - the rest of the way.
"I know there are some parenting traits that can still apply to an adult. Honestly, caring for you, for one."
You laughed in a blast. "Good one, Diane. I don't know. Maybe they both cared before the divorce or when I was a gullible toddler. Now, they're all 'finding themselves' because apparently our family isn't a part of who they are anymore." You shook your head, feeling a bit sober. "Oh, I see a... very strange mailbox."
Diane chuckled deeply. "That's my neighbor; next house down, sweetie."
You pulled into her driveway, seeing the comfy-clad woman step out onto her porch. You didn't even realize the ecstatic grin which was all Diane saw. You brought your bag and met her on the porch. The host took your luggage, dropped it on a couch and hugged you. You felt warm and cozy as the last time she'd held you. You took in each other, Diane opening her eyes to check the door. You had shut it and locked it behind yourself on the way in.
Diane breathed in your scent and hugged you that much tighter. Pulling away, the brunette didn't go far, looping your elbows. "Have you eaten?" she asked excitedly.
Both of you were ecstatic for the extra time together. You shook your head with a smile. You were eagerly led to the kitchen where Diane had cooked up something delicious looking. It tasted just as good, you discovered. Once the plates were clean, you and Diane thoughtlessly and effortlessly cleaned up together. You laughed together and eventually idled physically. You kept talking, unsure of where to take it.
Luckily, she had that covered, turning and pulling two glassed down by the stems. "Would you like some wine?"
You smiled cordially. "First time for everything."
Diane's eyes got wide. "You've never had wine? Wait, you are old enough, right?" she asked with narrow eyes.
You laughed. "Yes, I am, but no, I haven't."
The substitute teacher cracked a grin. "Would you like to try red or white tonight?" she offered.
You winced in utter confusion. "Do you have one already open?"
Diane nodded. "A bottle of red."
You gestured to her nervously. "Oh, that's fine. It's not like I can tell. Like sleeping with a virgin." You winced again, turning away in embarrassment. Why would you say that? Stupid...
You heard that husky laugh again. She led you to the living room after giving you the glass. "So tell me more about these cousins? You were excluded from a game?"
"My game!" you declared indignantly. "It was my idea! No..." You focused. "I've talked enough about me tonight. Tell me... about you."
Diane was slow to blink. "What do you want to know?"
You took a sip of wine for courage. "Big house. For just you. Kids, husband, ailing parent?" There had to be something wrong with the kind woman. Her kids would be your age, or younger.
The other woman slowly dropped her grin, eventually spilling all of the sordid details. Diane ended up emotional in your arms that night, you holding her securely until you fell asleep in her bed.
Sunday was a sweet day where you and Diane went into town. You didn't even have to spend money, just walking and talking. You visited the botanical nursey too. You were staring at all of the pretty flowers and herbs, and Diane explained the ones she was familiar with.
"I'd like to grow a few new herbs. Unfortunately, my garden is so small." She fingered a row of seed packets of cilantro.
"I didn't know you had a garden," you stated, surprised.
She picked out some sage seeds too and walked around the nursery with them in her hand. You knew people were allowed to just take seeds as long as they left some. Diane smiled at you sweetly. "I like taking care of things. Watching them thrive." You shared her smile and she rested her hand on your back until you returned to her car. You held the seeds in your lap and Diane left her hand. The two of you shared a few intense stares, as best you could with Diane driving. Mostly, you watched her side profile and she caught you. The emotions in her eyes kept you from looking away until she happened to glance at you again. Embarrassed, you looked at the seed packets, your lap, and three hands. You overturned one hand and took Diane's, missing the proud swell of her chest. She held your hand securely and you looked out the window, still too shy to meet her eyes. That made her smile more.
You walked into her house still hand in hand. Diane set the packets on the kitchen counter and pulled you in by your held hands. She let go of your palm to hold you back, her other hand holding the back of your head. As ever, you felt safe with Diane. Breathing in her Diane-ness, your heart unclenched and all you internal worried melted away. You dropped your head onto her shoulder, hugging her back. Diane pulled back just enough to tip your chin up with a bent knuckle. She met your lips quickly and you got lost. Your head spun even as everything went black. You went to hold her face, but your arm bumped hers and you dropped your hands to her shoulders.
She bit your bottom lip like she often did her own. You moaned when she pulled it gently, taking a fistful of auburn locks. She dropped her head, latching onto your neck and pushing you against the counter. You cried out again, tugging harshly. Diane retaliated by biting the other side of your neck, making you hiss. She nuzzled the mark, intentionally blowing cold air down your chest. You shivered and panted, and Diane pulled away. She turned her back, left your embrace and the kitchen, all with a proud grin. You were left to even try to gather yourself.
You eventually found Diane in her rather small back yard. The garden took up most of the space, but a stone walkway put an elegant path through. It was beautiful, and the most breath-taking, Diane knelt on the little cobblestones, planting her new seeds. You touched a tall stalk, smiling at the space and her serenely. "Your home is... very cozy. I don't know if I said."
She wasn't moving when you looked at her again. She was like a statue until her gaze rose to you and she forced a smile. You frowned in confusion; she looked to be in pain. Eventually rising, she clapped her hands free of dirt. "I suppose I'm a good nester." She picked up her supplies.
It hit you like lightning and you felt cold. When she tried to walk past, you caught her biceps. "Hey, I have no doubt you would have made a wonderful mother. You care so naturally...." You held her face. "And you have so much love to give."
The distance in her eyes seemed to melt and you knew she'd kiss you again if her hands were free.
Your face aflame with anxiety, you turned and went back inside her house. You were checking the pantry when she found you again. "Any thoughts for the last meal of the day?"
Diane leaned against the doorway in clean pajamas. She watched you be so comfortable in her home and she watched. Biting her lip, she responded quite huskily: "A few."
You looked up at her and felt embarrassed again. "I'm not sure I can approve where your head is, Miss Sherman."
Diane smiled and came closer. "You're not a student." Her front pressed against your back and she held up a squash, causing you to laugh at the unexpected. "C'mon. I'll show you how to prepare it." You followed Diane's every command, something she kind of loved. You made supper together with her pressed up behind you the entire time 'for supervision purposes.' You retained nothing from the cooking lesson. Once it looked way too good to eat, Diane leaned in. You felt her breath on your cheek. "Stay one more night." She nuzzled just under your ear.
Your eyes fell shut. It would be so easy to melt into her. You looked over your shoulder at her coyly. "I did... bring a pair of work clothes."
Diane glowed with a grin, immediately reaching around you to turn off all of the eyes. With a thrill, she scooped you up bridal style.
You screamed and tried to get down, but your lovely friend was too strong. Or used to people fighting her picking them up. You relaxed into laughter. "Diane! I'm too heavy for this!"
Diane just flung you closer to her, adjusting her grip before carrying you to her bedroom.
*
You came back to soft touches on your bare skin, and there was so much, and gentle kisses. She decorated your nose, cheeks, forehead, and neck. When she started sucking a hickie into your neck, you let out a soft sound. One of your arms wrapped around her back and she finally caught your lips in hers. You moved that arm to hold her face and Diane's hands slipped down to toy with your breasts. "You'll be late." Still, she kissed down your throat and sternum.
You gasped and arched your back before allowing a giggle. "You'll make me late." You turned your knees into one another, rubbing her arm.
Diane scratched down your sides. "Then let me make you late." She grabbed the back of your thighs, trying to pull them open.
Your back arched at the ticklish sensation, giggling again. "I need..." You could feel Diane freeze and sensed you had her complete attention. "...to shower before work."
Diane relaxed and rested her head on your belly, causing you to tense reflexively. She sat up with a smile and you both took a shower. The woman could hardly let you leave until she saw you left your shower supplies, toothbrush, and favorite book. The weight left her chest.
Your lover surprised you on your break. The smile rose her face and you couldn't help but mirror it. She brought you lunch and how could you refuse?
After a mild rant about the stupidity you'd experienced so far, Diane stole a kiss. It swept you away, spinning your head. Diane was so smug, knowing she had you. Still, she wanted more. "Stay for the whole week," she bade.
You focused a bit with surprise, leaning away.
Diane got a little worried, but used the direct speak you preferred to the methods Diane had found worked. "It's just, you said your family was staying a week and you were sacrificing your bed. I say you be a little selfish, get better quality yet more occupied sleep in my bed, borrow some of my clothes." Her hands teased your hips, making you fail to suppress a smile with shut eyes. You kissed her this time. She gently pulled you off of her. "Hear me out," she pleaded in a whisper.
You smiled against her lips, coming back in. "I'm agreeing, Diane." You kissed her again, trying to take control. You took one of her hands reaching for your hair and pinned it. You moved to straddle her, kissing rather aggressively. Well, you thought you were aggressive until suddenly Diane sucked on your tongue exploring her mouth, biting down lightly. You lost all strength on her lap, moaning desperately.
She quickly seized that lost control, pulling you closer to her. Your pelvises met and you both whined. You squirmed, but Diane jerked you to make you stay still and it worked. Diane kissed your neck. "Maybe you should say you got sick on your break?"
You smiled in amusement, but shook your head. "No.... I need the money." You swiftly checked your watch, groaning. "And now it's time to head back." You kissed her and climbed off. Diane held your arm with an insecure expression. You kissed her again before leaving, always compassionate while simultaneously blind.
But leaving work, that was its own high, your drug of choice, in fact. You didn't think leaving work could get any better until you had Diane to go... home to. The woman had supper finished cooking and you watched from leaning against the entrance to the kitchen. The brunette jumped when she saw you. "Jesus!"
You laughed, setting the small table. You were yawning all through supper - and unfortunately through a few of her stories from today - and you both went to bed. The next morning, Diane was already out of bed. Checking the clock, your eyes bugged; you'd slept in half an hour. You got dressed quickly and raced to the kitchen. One made plate sat on the counter and one set in the sink. You felt your stomach turn and turned away.
"Not hungry?" Diane asked from the living room where she was reading on her laptop.
You cupped your belly. "A little nauseous."
Diane frowned in concern and stood. "Are you pregnant."
You lost all expression and stared her down, causing her to crack a grin. "No, I just get like this some mornings. Sometimes any time all day. Sometimes multiple times. Happens." You shrugged.
Your significant other did not accept that. She shook her head and turned. "I have something for that." She brought you a tablet and told you to let it dissolve.
Once the disgusting taste was gone, you noticed the change. "Wow, I'm not about to puke!" Diane still held up the plate offeringly. You supplied an unhelpful grimace in return. "But I'm still not hungry."
Quirking an eyebrow, Diane begged to differ. "I'll make a trade." She scooped some food onto your fork and offered the bite. You stared into her hopeful, caring eyes and tried to focus on that. You were desperate not to think about food, only Diane's eyes, her love and confidence in you as you ate. You chewed and swallowed obediently, and Diane kissed you for the effort. You could appreciate the exchange until you could swallow no more. Diane still celebrated the achievement. "You finished half the plate. That's more than you would've eaten."
You just smiled and stared at the woman you loved, kissed her, and told her you'd see her that evening. Unfortunately an emergency made all of the other employees forget how to do their jobs so you ended up staying over, in a frenzy until you clocked out.
Diane was flipping out when you got there, sweating with tears painting her distraught features. She plowed into you the second you crossed the threshold. "Where have you been?" she demanded in a frantic shout.
Wincing at the volume in your ear, you held Diane, rubbing her back. "I told you. Work. There was a situation and I was working until I left. Baby, my feet hurt." You tapped her arm and moved to sit on the couch... which had been moved. Taking off your shoes, you saw the living room was in something of disaster area. The sofa was pushed back a few feet and a few lamps were tipped over, one on the floor. Her picture of the two of you was broken by a wall, and there was something red fluid staining her carpet. You looked up at the woman abruptly, standing to hold her face. "Oh, God. Are you hurt?" you asked urgently.
Diane's face fell blank. She looked at you like a statue, only shaking her head. "I thought you went back to your family but they came here to look for you." You tilted your head, confused as to why that might upset her. And it didn't answer the question. "It, unfortunately, got a little heated." She reached one cold hand up to your face - you covered it with your own to warm it up - and something melted in her eyes. Her shoulders relaxed and she smiled. "But you came home." You nodded and tried to move your eyes to the mess. Diane's nails dug into your jaw, forcing you to look at her. She smiled. "Your supper's in the microwave." And she kept her hold to lead you to the kitchen.
You didn't fight her hold, just looking back at her and the living room. "I can help you clean."
"No." She smiled irrationally. "No. I can clean. You eat. Relax." She kissed you again and again, sending you into a daze. "I'll draw you a bath, give a foot massage, whatever you want." She grinned brilliantly, kissing you once more, sweetly. "You came back." Her dark brown eyes took you in again and again as if she couldn't believe you were in front of her again.
You could feel her anxious energy and ran your palm across your back. "I said I would." You still moved your head around the side of hers.
Hands on your hips, Diane turned you around, showing you where it all was. Unfortunately, your stomach let out a low rumble. The pleased woman pressed her lips to the back of your head, going to clean. She kept an eye on you to see that you ate without watching Diane. She got the living room cleared up in record time and worried when she didn't immediately find you. You were laid face-down on her on her bed, snoring softly. The auburn haired woman was slowly and gently - careful not to wake you - changing you into your pajamas. She kissed you on the head and curled up behind you, holding you close, where you belonged.
*
The next day, you were slow to wake. You tried to stretch and knew you were sick. All of your muscles were sore and your brain felt in a fog. You rolled over in your sweaty clothes, burying your face in Diane's bedding. You might find the strength the call out, but a smell which made you ill hit you first. You hated the day already because usually you loved the aroma of Diane's cooking. You were blindly reaching for your phone when Diane walked in.
"Good morning, my sunshine!" she cheered.
The energy in her voice echoed through the room and around your fragile skill. You let out a pained groan, gathering your hands to out-squeeze the migraine. The sound did not help.
"Oh, baby!" the woman sympathized. She pried your covers from overhead. The cold and light made everything worse so you curled into yourself again. Her freezing hands froze your neck and forehead, all of the conflicting temperatures made you feel as though you were being stabbed by a million needles, all of the nerves you would have had in your brain. Factually, you knew the human brain couldn't feel pain, but you were dying so what did you care? "You have a fever."
You grumbled under your breath, managing to string together, "...call out."
Diane kissed your forehead and grabbed your phone, slipping it into your hand. Her fingers still lingering on your neck, she vanished with an expression of concern once you found your boss' number. You were already out again by the time she returned, phone on your home screen since one of you had hung up. Biting her tongue, Diane took your cell, exploring.
Diane was the sweetest thing. She was the most doting, caring person you'd ever experienced. You didn't understand how she could be so patient with you constantly throwing up her delicious food. You could hardly stomach anything, and so she hardly let you leave the room. She cradled your head in her lap as you were wracked with stomach cramps. Her soothing hands on your shoulders was mildly distracting, but you stayed as you were. Tears stuck to the ends of your eyes and you'd balled your hands around her shirt and forearm. "I've got you, baby." She had gotten so maternal when you got ill and you were out of it enough that you didn't notice the change in dynamic. The auburn-haired woman rocked you and babied you while she felt you needed it. She tried to give you protein shakes, chicken broth, and you ate soft foods, still not keeping anything on your stomach. She disappeared briefly for who knew what.
You were shaking and crying one time she came back. Rushing forward, Diane went to continue to dote. "Oh, baby. What's wrong?" She hoped you didn't want your blood kin to take care of you. She would do it so much better. Slowly, she recognized that aroma.
"I... had to go to the bathroom, but I wasn't strong... or fast enough." You covered your face with humiliation, crying again. It made your migraine worse.
Diane looked down at her wet bed and then back at you. She moved in slightly, trying to touch your face out of kindness. But first, she had to move your hands. You weren't complying though so she resorted to words. "That's alright, bay. It's okay. Let me get you clean. Baby. Baby. C'mon." Her sheer strength always surprised you and she helped you up from the bed.
You felt worse as the woman took you to the bathroom. Your embarrassment kept you from looking at her - or anything - though you tried to help strip you. You tried to keep her from doing much to help, but she was stronger than you by so much, you were unable to. You sobbed into the woman's soaked clothes, her pitiful cooes of comfort whispered into your ear, and she dotingly changed you. For the first time since you got sick, Diane not only let you but brought you into the living room. She turned on the tv and immediately left the room. You were still so sick and out of it, and so you were half asleep laying on her sofa with wet hair.
After a few moments, perhaps hours, your love knelt before you. She set the mug on a side table and touched your face gently. "Honey..." Her warm fingers flicked down your cheek and she kissed your forehead. "Sweet thing. Sit up for me." She took your shoulders and pulled you up. All you really did was move your head into her chest. You hummed and almost groaned as she moved away, taking the cup and helping you drink. While she waited for the medicine to kick in, Diane ran a brush through your hair. She was slow and gentle. She caressed the back of your neck while gathering it all. You almost fell asleep just from her touch and it turned out that was just what she wanted because she tied off your hair and walked away. You leaned over, sitting up straight not cutting it for your nap. You hit a button on the remote on the way down. You didn't notice the channel change until you heard your family's name. You opened your eyes and frowned in confusion. The tv was sideways and blurry and it sounded like it was underwater, but you saw a photo of a car on fire. A few pictures of your household popped up beside it and the car moved to the side it and the car moved to the side with the others, a reporter speaking. You sat up in confused alarm, blearily searching for the remote to turn up the volume. "...of unknown origin. The family were popular to their community, commonly contributing to local schools and charities. Witnesses say, they will be missed." The 'victims' were listed, obituaries following, and one of them was you. Your jaw fell and you wondered how that was possible. And if you weren't dead, were they?
"Honey, I thought you were-" Diane came from the corner of the laundry room. She froze when she saw what you were seeing. "No, no." She took the remote and changed the channel. She turned to you with an enraged expression, but that went away when she saw your state. Still so sweaty, eyes not even focusing on her, or the remote, or the tv, you looked around the room. You weren't plotting to leave her or get more information about your family. You were her poor girl, sick and needing her. "Oh, baby. You're okay." She saw with you on the couch, coaxing you to lay your head on her lap. You finally succumbed to the drugs and fell asleep, limp, against the woman who smiled. "I've got you."
You were out for two days, and Diane was terrified for you until the fever broke. You woke again already in another bath. Your eyes went wide as you realized Diane was naked behind you, in the tub. You felt her nipples press into your back and your eyes bugged again. "Oh!"
Diane chuckled behind you and swept your hair aside. She pressed her lips to your skin. "We're almost done. Supper is cooking. I missed you."
You went to ask where you'd went, but it triggered a memory of a news story. "Was I in an accident?" you asked curiously.
Diane frowned at you. She kissed you again. "No, baby. You got sick." She let her nose nuzzle your temple. "But you're better now. My baby."
You were still thinking, wondering. "W-was my family in an accident?"
She didn't think you'd remember that. Trying to think quickly, Diane tried to spin the memory. "Yes, honey. You saw the news clipping and cried something awful. You said you wanted to join them, but you're safe with me."
You didn't know how to react. Part of Diane hoped you thinking you'd already cried would keep you from doing it again. Of course, you were still quite emotional but Diane was exceptional at comforting you. If anything, the loss brought you closer. Diane insisted you stay with her permanently so you weren't alone. And so long as neither of you felt alone, you could live happily ever after.
the thing about Run (2020) is that if the mother had never started with the medication, if she had just loved Chloe and been a mother to her, Chloe would've loved her either way. but she was so scared of losing her, because she had already lost her real Chloe, that she went overboard with it all, and in the end she lost her anyway.