#trilbhan

[rational-mastermind]

Trilbhan for the ship ask. :3 Oh, and bonus treat, Quinnyoyant. ^^

who’s the cuddler:

Siobhan usually initiates/demands it but Trilby secretly craves it just the same. He's so touch-starved, someone hug him dammit. ;~;

who makes the bed:

Trilby. He knows it'll feel better when he eventually gets back home. Siobhan's usually in too much a hurry in the morning to do so.

who wakes up first:

Trilby. He likes to try to get up early and start his day right. Once in a while though when the STP gives him odd hours, he'll sleep in the next day. Some nights though.. neither of them get much sleep.

who has the weird taste in music:

Siobhan's picked up a lot of different things from friends in college and antique circles. A lot of really weird old stuff. As opposed to Trilby who normally listens to classical, jazz, and Neil Diamond. But once she found Trilby's hidden stash of casette tapes. They're a weird mix of Chris' music, songs on the radio, and some supernatural siren stuff he's picked up while on the job. There's even one that has Siobhan's singing on it, secretly recorded.

who is more protective:

Trilby hands down. He's not much of a fighter but if anyone hurt Siobhan you better believe he'll DESTROY THEM. He's terrified at the thought of losing her, doubly so by supernatural means. He's not the type to double-wrap her in plastic wrap, of course, but he does make sure she carries a rosary, a packet of salt, and knows at least a few protective spells...just in case.

who sings in the shower:

Trilby and it's the only time Siobhan's ever gets to hear him sing.

who cries during movies:

Siobhan. Usually during romance movies. Once in a great while will Trilby ever actually find a movie that's good enough to move him like so, but it they're really rare.

who spends the most while out shopping:

Hmm.. Likely Siobhan. She likes shopping around antique and thrift stores, usually looking for something interesting. As opposed to Trilby who, while he does have an expensive job, can usually find a means to get what he needs for cheaper. He's just..lucky that way.

who kisses more roughly:

If he gets all hot under the collar, Trilby can get kinda carried away. But not that Siobhan minds~

who is more dominate:

Siobhan can, easily, and has before with past lovers, but it's usually Trilby. She already teases and flirts with him enough during the day, the least she can do if give him this. Especially if she's done a real good job at teasing him and he gets really hot and bothered.

my rating of the ship from 1-10:

9/10, would definitely ship again.

Really the only thing holding this back from a perfect score is that Siobhan kind of wasn't intended for him. She was meant to be a throw-away love-interest like Simone Taylor and Elizabeth Perota. It also doesn't help that Yahtzee didn't actually push her character as much as he originally intended which I personally think was a slight injustice. But to be fair Siobhan has more chemistry with Trilby than most others.

It's one of the few times a fan can actually end up with their idol and not let it be creepy, bad, or toxic in any way cause while she can certainly stroke his ego, she can also call him out on his bull. She's a dreamer, but she's also still somewhat grounded in reality. She's also someone outside of the STP that Trilby can actually talk to about almost anything and everything, which would really help him considering how many years he's had to spend in absolute silence. It's nice to finally find someone who can hold a real conversation with him without looking to gain anything more than just a good time. Trilby also starts to learn how to lower his guard while around her and starts opening up and even having fun.

What's really fascinating is that Siobhan is clearly a woman who appreciates the simple things in life, while also easily dazzled and amazed by anything new or different, which compliments nicely with Trilby's perfectionism, ego, and slight flamboyant flair. While she can get him to drop the ego, it's also still fun that his dramatic flair can still easily make her swoon. While simultaneously, her blunt approach can easily catch him off-guard and make the supposedly smooth master thief stutter and stumble like never before.

[rational-mastermind]

Just some Chzo doodles. Oh what's that? John Defoe? From the King's Cafe??? Pft. You must be dreaming.

[rational-mastermind]

A Chzo Mythos Headcanon Dump: Trilbhan edition

Trilby and Siobhan like to take their relationship at their own pace. They lived together for a while before actually getting married.

Trilby eventually has to do the cliche and meet her family

“So I assume you have an alias? Or do I tell my family I’m dating Trilby?”

“Malcolm Somerset.”

“Well that’s certainly more thought-out than Terrence Railby.”

Siobhan’s father enjoys genealogy and when he hears Somerset his eyes light up and he readily explains that the Somersets and O’Malleys have constantly run into each other in history, but always ended tragically. Specifically the last time they brushed each other, Capt Somerset was in charge of the Sea Angel, which was on good terms with the O’Malley Shipping Company.

Trilby is reasonably uneasy listening to this and that’s how Siobhan finally learns Trilby’s real name, leaving them the need to leave earlier than intended while Siobhan grasps this fact and Trilby has a panic attack on the way back home.

Siobhan’s the only one allowed to call him Malcolm and that’s only in the comfort and security of their home.

As far as living together goes, they’ve definitely had to learn how to live with two very different lifestyles.

Trilby’s punctual routine starts having a better affect on Siobhan’s sleep-deprived, chaotic, college-student lifestyle, making sure she gets up on time, gets some real food for breakfast, and helping her not stay up too late, studying, or at least not to do it too often.

Reversely, Trilby’s neat and orderly home is now somewhat more cluttered with Siobhan’s knick-knacks and antiques, and he learns to live with it. Siobhan helping him to loosen up and relax after a long day (or week) at the Ministry and learning to eat more... “creatively cheaper alternatives” as he likes to phrase it.

While Siobhan is rummaging through antique stores, whenever she finds an old padlock she saves it for Trilby

Siobhan also teaches Trilby how good a lazy Sunday afternoon nap in the middle of the living room floor could feel.

He likes to make sure she’s kept safe when he’s not around and has likely fashioned a small, hidden taser for her to carry.

They like to talk about work with each other, and Siobhan even picks up on some basic spells and helps Trilby decipher a few things when cases are too difficult and he’s too tired.

It really helps clear a lot out of Trilby’s head to have someone to talk to. After so many years of silent secrecy it really does help. And Siobhan is always happy to listen.

They comfort each other in times of trauma. Some nights, they end up sitting in the living room watching old movies, unable to go to sleep. Some days Trilby has a depersonalization moment and Siobhan has to help him function. Some nights, Siobhan still has to check and see if he’s breathing.

Trilby’s not too over-protective of Siobhan. She’s her own person, he knows this, she can live her own life. However...

Heaven help the bastard that innappropriately lays a hand on Siobhan if they ever dare to. Trilby will use any and every means necessary to know who they are, where they live, etc etc and then either use this information to either beat the shit out of them or (if severe enough) Trilby will pull his strings and have ‘em practically erased from the records.

Reversely, Siobhan has nothing to worry about. As if Trilby’s aloofness doesn’t keep him distant enough already, he has no hesitation in politely reminding others that he’s happily married. And if that still doesn’t deter frisky hands, well it’s safe to assume Siobhan’s not totally useless in a fight.

If Siobhan ever has a serious injury, near-death incident, or attempted self harm, you know Trilby would be scared SHITLESS.

Literally, nope, drop EVERYTHING, “WHERE IS MY WIFE?!” kind of frantic because he will not fucking LOSE HER TOO. Very protective, even against the doctors at first, and would not want to leave her side for a second.

And if Trilby was in a similar situation, Siobhan would also be pretty terrified. She’s already seen him die once, she doesn’t wanna see it happen again!!! And if it was attempted, she’d slap the taste out of his mouth for it later.

If and when they have a kid it’s either by complete surprise or it was carefully planned to make sure it wasn’t going to fall anywhere in July.

If it’s by complete surprise Trilby doesn’t take the news too well at first. He’s happy, he really is, but it’s terrifying cause he doesn’t want anyone hurt and he probably won’t feel better until he does all the calculations in triplicate and knows the baby won’t be born in July

You better know Trilby’s gonna teach this kid all the important things in life; like how to pick locks, be a master at hide ‘n seek, and how to fight / outwit bullies at school

If the baby’s a boy, it’s likely his name will be John. If a girl, it might be Simone.

Okay geez I think I better stop there.. X_X Yeah this is what happens when I keep too many thoughts bottled up for too long.

[angelic-writer]

Trilby and the Rapunzel Girl (Trilby/Siobhan)

Prologue

There once lived a couple who longed to have a child. Finally, their wish came true.

As the wife waited for her child to be born, she sometimes stared out the window at the garden next door. In it grew some delicious-looking rapunzel lettuce.

But the garden belonged to a witch, and no one dared to go into it.

After a time, the wife could think of nothing but that lettuce. She grew paler and paler. Finally, her worried husband decided to sneak into the garden after dark and pick some.

His wife ate it all, but it only made her want more. So the husband went back to the garden.

This time, the witch caught him. “How dare you steal my rapunzel!” She screeched. The terrified husband told her of his wife’s craving. “Take all the lettuce you want, then,” said the witch. “But in return, you must give me the child.”

The poor man agreed.

As soon as the child was born, the witch took it away to raise as her own. She called the baby girl Rapunzel.

Rapunzel grew to be so beautiful that the witch decided no one else must ever see her beauty.

So when the child reached the age of twelve, the witch shut her in a tower deep in the forest. The tower had no door. When the witch came to visit, she called, “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.”

Then the girl threw her long braid out the window, and the witch climbed it to the tower room.

A few years later, a prince happened to be riding in the forest and heard Rapunzel singing to amuse herself.

He was drawn to her sweet voice, but could find no way into the tower.

The prince couldn’t stop thinking about the voice in the tower, and went back every day.

One day, from his hiding place, he saw the witch call, “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair.” Then the braid was let down. “If that’s the rope to climb, I’ll try it.” He decided.

The prince called “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair,” and climbed the long braid.

Rapunzel was at first frightened, as she had never before seen a man. But he explained how he had been drawn to her voice, and asked her to marry him. Rapunzel liked him better than the witch, and agreed.

But she had no way to leave the tower. The prince promised to bring a ball of silk each time he came to visit, so that she could weave a ladder and escape.

The prince visited every night, and Rapunzel kept his visits a secret. But one day, she blurted out to the witch, “Why are you so much heavier than the prince?”

“How dare you trick me!“ the witch screamed, and in a fury, she cut off Rapunzel’s long hair.

She used a magic spell to send Rapunzel to a far-off land. Then she tied the long braid to the windowsill and waited for the prince. When he arrived, she cackled, “Your little songbird is gone, and you will never see her again!”

The prince was beside himself with grief, and leapt from the tower window.

He landed in a thornbush, which scratched his eyes. He was blinded!

How would he ever find Rapunzel now?

For months, the prince wandered blindly through the forest, weeping.

One day, by chance, he heard someone singing a beautiful but sad song. He recognized the voice at once, and ran towards it, calling her name.

As Rapunzel rushed into his arms, a strange thing happened. Her tears of joy fell on his eyes, and he could see again.

And so Rapunzel married the prince, and they lived happily ever after.

The man closed the book and looked at the little girl. She was already tucked in and was just about to fall asleep. He smiled and kissed the girl on the forehead before he got up. He was about to open the door when the girl called out to him.

“Wait.”

The man turned to him. “Yes, sweetie?”

“Um... Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure thing. What is it?”

“.....Why can’t I go outside?”

He flinched a little at the sentence. He knew that she would ask this question sooner or later. He smiled and said as he sat back down in the chair, “Well, the outside world is very dangerous. It’s filled with people who want to hurt you. The only place that is safe is this house. This very manor. I wish... I wish I could take you out and see the world, but I can’t risk letting you get hurt. When you’re older... Maybe I can take you outside. But, for now, it’s best for you to stay here, okay?”

The girl was disappointed, but she knew why he wouldn’t let her out. He just wanted her to be safe. “Okay.”

“Now, I gotta go, but I promise I’ll be back in the morning, okay?”

“Okay... I love you, father.”

“I love you too, my little Siobhan.”

With another forehead kiss, he was out the door and went down the stairs. He put on his gray anorak and grabbed his umbrella. Before he went out the door, he looked at the newspaper that was on the table. He only got a cursory glance at the headline before he left. It read

“SEARCH FOR MISSING GIRL CONTINUES”

((So, I decided to make a fanfic for an idea I had when I first got into the fandom. It’s based off of the Rapunzel story and the Disney movie. Now, I haven’t seen the movie in a long time so the details will be a bit spotty. But, nevertheless, I hope you enjoy it!))

[rational-mastermind]

It’s the lovey-dovey month so I’m gonna do something entirely masochistic: I’m gonna be posting something related to an OTP every day! Drawing or writing it won’t matter. And of course this insane plan is already off to a loverly start, starting with the fact I forgot I was doing this till 1 in the afternoon and had struggled with getting it written before it got too late to count. So I’ll start off the month with some Trilbhan from Chzo Mythos! And the combined prompts picked from my forever-Valentine are:

“Hurry up before we regret it” & Kiss (on the lips)

Warning: It’s angsty.

--

   There was little hope for escape. I was stressed and somewhat angry. I told my superiors at the STP that I didn't want to take this mission, but they forced me anyway. I told them I was wanted in America, but they didn't listen. Didn't think the Company was enough of a threat anymore.

   And now here I was, stuck in a holding cell yet again. Unfortunately they were smarter this time as well and removed the picks in my tie. I would have to be more creative with my escape.

   But that wasn't my current concern. I was currently pacing back and forth in my cell, praying they would hold up their end of the bargain.

   Suddenly the door opens and Siobhan O'Malley is pushed through. I'm already by her side to catch her fall as she trips. The door behind is is already shut and a slot opens for the thug that brought her to me to speak through.

   "There. Not a hair out of placed, as promised." he sneered.

   "For your sake, I'd hope so." I warned him.

   The slot closed and I helped Siobhan to stand again.

   "Trilby! I'm so sorry!"

   "Siobhan, this is exactly why I warned you not to come with me!" I scolded her. "I told you the Company wasn't to be underestimated."

   "I know, I'm so sorry." she sighed and frowned at the floor. "I thought I could handle myself..."

   "Yes, clearly in the span of 2 months you would've been a highly-trained operative and formidable opponent." I rolled my eyes.

   It was then I noticed just how guilty and awful she was feeling. I sighed. Scolding and being angry would have to wait. It wouldn't help her and heaven knows it's not going to get us out of here. I gently stroked her cheek.

   "Did they hurt you?"

   "No. But.." She looked up at me and I could see her really take in the way I looked. Her brows knitted together in worry as she visibly wilted. "...Oh... Trilby..."

   "Siobhan, I'm fine."

   "You're clearly not! They- Oh crap..." she gently cupped my face, her thumb brushing over a bruise that I'm sure was coloring nicely.

   "They were just... Returning a favor." I sighed and pulled her hands away.

   "And it was my fault they had a chance to do so."

   "It wasn't your fault."

   "Trilby it's literally my fault!" she argued.

   “I told you it would be dangerous.”

   “I know…” she sighed.

   “I told you what would happen if you followed me.” I looked down at the floor.

   “I couldn’t just let you do it alone.”

   “But you’re gonna regret it.. Every step you’ve taken to follow after me, I know you’re gonna regret it eventually.” I sighed sadly. “And then you’ll look at me with disgust… And hatred.”

   “Trilby… I couldn’t.. I could never…” Siobhan shook her head.

   I looked back at her and felt a familiar tug at my heart. One that’s been following me since the day Siobhan arrived at the STP for recruitment. I’ve been trying to ignore it. Trying to push it away.

   But then before I could pull away, drop it, stop it, something, anything, she pulled me in and kissed me.

   Of all the crazy things I’ve seen and done, I hadn’t ever once felt so terrified, and so wanting all at the same time than in that moment, as her lips brushed against mine, and I fervently returned the gesture. Her arms wrapped around me, as if afraid that if they let go, I would disappear back into the shadows where I belonged.

   We finally pulled away and I looked at her, puzzled, a little scared, and overwhelmed by a million things in my mind screaming at me about how this is wrong.

   “We… We shouldn’t do this.” I warned her, trying to be rational.

   “And give me one good reason why not?”

   “I could give you several! Y-you could get hurt. I can’t afford someone to be so close, Siobhan- Dammit, that’s why they used you as leverage! I’ve told you a thousand times already how this could only end so horribly. What if someone hurts you? What if you get killed? What if you hate me? What- What if you..”

   “If…?”

   “What if you… regret...this?” I force out, hating how close to home that felt for me. “What if you wake up tomorrow… And absolutely hate me?”

   “Then we should hurry and enjoy this… Before we regret it.”

   She kissed me again and I felt my resolve crumble away. I didn’t have it in me to feign distance, to pretend I didn’t care so much about her. To act as though I hadn’t fallen in love with her over the course of the months spent together already. How could I? As my lips explored hers and hands brushed over new, unknown regions, how could I possibly act like I didn’t want this exact moment?

   The outside world knew of the dangers lurking about us. It wouldn’t just leave us alone and ignore us. Even if we manage to escape, there would be another danger waiting around the corner. But for now… this would have to suffice. For now, we were safe.

   We pulled apart for air and I felt dizzy. Siobhan frowned again.

   “Trilby? You okay?”

   “To be perfectly honest? It’s...been a long day.” I admitted and gave a small smile. “Long trip. A few good blows to the head.”

   “Oh! Oh crap, you’re right. Here let’s-”

   She lead me over to the cot in the darkened corner. I rearranged the flat pillows on it to prop up against the wall so I could comfortably sit back. Siobhan slid up against me, arms wrapping securely around my waist and we sat together, alone in the dark.

   “You gonna be alright?”

   “I promise you, I’ll be perfectly fine.”

   I gently felt out her jaw and tilted it so I could lean in and kiss her again. We kissed passionately, reveling in the way the other felt. In the comfort only the other could provide. I was kissing down her neck, hands traveling further down ahead. She sighed blissfully and just as we were really getting into it….

   The door opened again.

   I couldn’t stop them from taking her away.

   Believe me I tried my best, but I was out-muscled.

   And I was alone again.

[rational-mastermind]

Poor Trilby needs a break. Also have a ship no one cares about.

[rational-mastermind]

It Doesn’t Hurt

5/5, the finale. Yay! Now we can be done with this. XD;; To anyone who’s actually read all five chapters, thank you. I hope you liked it.

--

 We got in our cars and drove home and by the time I had reached my apartment, I felt drained. The events of the day had taken their toll on me and I was more than happy to just sit on my couch and try to not muster up any more emotion than necessary.

 “Long day, huh?” Siobhan asked.

 “It happens.”

 She sat down with me. I rubbed tiredly at my eyes.

 “You look exhausted.”

 “I have achieved a new metaphysical, dare I say, even spiritual level of exhaustion.”

 She chuckled, which made me smile a little. But it was weak and forced. I was honestly too groggy to put in that much effort.

 “I know those days.” she said, smiling back at me with sympathy.

 “No… No I don’t think you do.” I mumbled, looking up at the ceiling.

 “Well how bad is it?” she asked sympathetically.

 “I mean, I’m not just tired, like, physically. It’s not just physical exhaustion. I’m... Mentally exhausted. I’m spiritually exhausted.”

 “Maybe you just need to go to bed early?”

 “Sleep won’t help.” I replied, deadpanned. “Sleep never helps it just makes things worse.”

 “Trilby?”

 “Which is worse? The nightmares or the stress? The days or nights? The endless cycle of pain that is our existence..” I sat up more and rubbed at the headache that I had been fighting all day.

 “Trilby, what’s wrong?”

 “What’s wrong is that I am… broken.” I stated, starting to grow slightly irritated, and more depressed. “I’m just.. Broken. Down to my core. I can’t.. I shouldn’t..”

 “Trilby??” Siobhan was genuinely confused as I shook my head, trying to figure out how to phrase things.

 “I don’t know why you bother to stay so close to me.. I’m no good. I should’ve already died.”

 “..Trilby, please don’t say that.”

 “It’s true.. Siobhan, I did die. I died at that hotel. The thief was thrown down, Siobhan, and he knew the name of the King. I know I died.”

 “That’s… not funny, Trilby. You didn’t die... I brought you back. You didn’t die…” She started to sound scared.

 I found I couldn’t care at the time.

 I stared fixedly at the floor, a part of me fighting to make sure I saw the floor instead of my blood pooling on the stump.

 “I remember dying.” I finally said. “And I don’t think I’ve been right ever since. Everything was black. Everything was calm and peaceful. I thought I was finally free.”

“Free?”

“I thought I could finally escape the hell of existence only to find my time wasn’t finished. I don’t know why. I don’t know how.” I could feel myself growing angrier. “Lenkmann said I was a man who died on my terms, so why haven’t I died?!”

 Things became blurry. I could remember the stump. I remembered Lenkmann.

 I remembered The Prince standing over me.

 The Prince.

 “Is that why I hadn’t died?”

 “Why haven’t you killed me too, you skinny bastard?!” my past echoed out to me.

 “DAMMIT IS THAT WHY I’M NOT DEAD?!” I realized only dimly that I was screaming. I think I recall pulling at my hair. “Was this the Prince’s doing?!”

 “Trilby, what the hell are you on about?!”

 I could feel my mind spin and everything began to swam in my vision.

 “It’s because I challenged him, isn’t it? He didn’t kill me because he can’t kill me cause I’m the Guide! So if he can’t kill me, he’ll simply torture me! It’s an endless cycle of torture, just as the King would want. Now it all makes sense, this is all that’s left for me. I never left! I’m still there, stuck in endless pain. I’m nothing but a plaything for Chzo!”

 Suddenly I felt my body being shook violently and my mind was pulled back to the present.

I was back in my apartment and Siobhan was yelling at me.

Tears were freely spilling down my cheeks. Reality settled back into place.

I was shaking all over.

 “Trilby, what the hell?!”

 I blinked. A few times. Shook my head to remove the last of the fog in it and looked back at Siobhan.

 “...S...sorry..” I apologized. “I.. Oh Siobhan, I’m sorry.”

 I rubbed away the tears and tried to take a calming breath, albeit it shaky and stuttering.

 “I didn’t mean to… go off like that.. Siobhan, I’m sorry.” I apologized again.

 “Does this happen often??”

 “Sometimes.. Some days...are much worse than others..” I sighed and carefully took her hands off my shoulders. “I’m sorry.. This is usually why I like to stay away from people.” 

 “Trilby I think this is every reason why you NEED someone with you!” Siobhan argued, scared and concerned. I felt horrible looking back at her worried face. “Actually I think what you really need...is a break.. From everything.”

 I sighed.

 “I don’t get too many of those…”

 “Well then it sounds like now’s a good a time as any to start.”

 “How would that work?”

 “Well.. Like..” Siobhan thought for a moment and then took my hands and guided me to the couch. I didn’t even realize I had been standing, but sitting back down, only then did I realize my legs ached a little. I must’ve been pacing during my small breakdown. “Start with this. And.. Hang on.”

 She got back up and went to the kitchen. After a moment she came back and sat down beside me.

 “Okay, I’ve got water on for tea.”

 “Siobhan what-?”

 “Na na na na na.. No. You don’t ask questions. Let me ask the questions. You need a break from this. All that. Work, Chzo, the whole thing. You need a break.”

 “No, Siobhan, I think I just need-”

 “Trilby, you. Need. A. Break.” She said firmly, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You need to think about something else for a little while.”

 I looked at her a moment, a serious expression of determination on her face. I sighed and surrendered. I didn’t have it in me to argue anymore. Whatever was left in me was now spent and I simply sat back and did as she told.

 “Okay, let’s… Talk about something else.” Siobhan began. “Um… What’s… Your favorite color?”

 “My favorite-?”

 “Yeah.”

 “Ummm..” I searched my brain for an answer. I honestly don't give it much thought. I shrugged. “Uh, black? Blue’s... kinda nice.”

 Siobhan smiled and relaxed with me.

 “Cool. I like purple myself.” she grinned.

 “Siobhan, what the hell is the point of such a silly question?”

 “Just to get you thinking about something else.” she shrugged. “Abed… used to need help grounding too. He would get so forgetful and thoughtless. So just talking about things would help.”

 I decided to just go with it.

 “Well.. What else would you like to know?” “Hmm..” she thought for a moment and then snapped her fingers as the idea came to her. “Okay, what’s your favorite movie?” I couldn’t help a chuckle and shook my head.

 “Siobhan.. I’m sorry to inform you that I’m one of the most boring men you’ll ever meet.” was my answer. “I don’t watch a lot of movies.. I hardly watch any television, period.”

 “Oh my gosh, come on, really? Not even the classics?”

 “Like what?”

 “Like.. Like Robin Hood? Mask of Zorro?”

 “Well as far as Robin Hood goes, the book was admittedly better than the movie, and I never heard of Zorro.”

 “Holy shit, now I’ve gotta show you Zorro. You’d love it!”

 I chuckled more.

 “What? What’s so funny?” she asked.

 “I don’t know.. It’s just..all so silly. This is silly.”

 “That’s the point!” she playfully nudged me.

 We talked for a bit longer after that. She got us tea and after that she fixed dinner. She refused my help, so I was left to sit at the dining room table while she worked.

 “So you’ve always wanted to be a thief?”

 “Surprisingly, no. I used to be into engineering. It’s how I made my grolly.”

 “Ahh.. Weird. Wait, that’s really weird. You? Engineering? Isn’t that kinda nerdy?”

 We laughed and talked. Siobhan strayed away from any topic I was reluctant to answer. Silly things, serious things. It was nice. It felt nice to finally just share whatever’s been on my mind. We talked through dinner and well after. I was starting to feel better, as strange as it was.

 “And that’s how the newspaper coined my nickname, Trilby.” I was explaining at one point, showing her a small trinket I kept from the Valentine’s Day Heist. “So, as an  alias, it sufficed.”

 “So then what’s your real name?” “Nice try, but I’m going to have to be a lot more drunk to give that one away, and I don’t drink.”

 “Geez, you’re boring.” she teased.

 I didn’t pay close enough attention, but I ended up talking about things that bothered me as well.

 “Doesn’t everyone do that? Wear a mask?” she asked.

 “Not like an emotional one. I’ve been doing that for so long. Every time you think of some composed gentleman thief named after a hat, that’s my facade. No, I mean literally.. This face… it doesn’t quite feel like mine.. This body doesn’t feel like mine.. I feel like I’m just looking through windows out someone else’s head.” I looked down at my hands.

 Siobhan gently took one and began to trace it with her fingers. The feeling brought a slight distraction, making it easier to talk without losing myself in my thoughts.

 “What do you think you should feel like then? What’s supposed to be different?”

 “I don’t know.. Some days I feel like everything’s normal. Others.. It’s like I look in the mirror and I feel like I was supposed to be older looking.”

 “Isn’t that a good thing that you’re not?”

“I’m sure it’s supposed to be. But it just feels like a disgusting lie. And then I feel worn and tired again. Not physical exhaustion. Like I’ve already lived two lifetimes but was cheated out of death both times.”

 “Cheated?”

“I’ll admit, I was pretty suicidal before we met.” I confessed. Siobhan looked worried and I couldn’t offer any consolation other than a shrug. “It’s not...so bad now. Sometimes I can ignore it. The depersonalization. But some days… It all piles up. The exhaustion. The suicide. The age. The stress. The trauma. And I can’t...”

 “Like earlier?”

 “...Yes.”

 It was late into the night and I wasn’t paying much attention to anything anymore. Siobhan and I were curled up on one end of the couch. Her head rested on my chest, I had an arm wrapped around her. A blanket I normally kept on the back of my couch was haphazardly wrapped around us. My body felt like lead. My eyelids were heavy.

 “Don’ lemme fall asleep.” Siobhan hummed, rubbing her face against me.

 “Mmm.. Maybe you should fall asleep.”

 “Noooo…” she whined and frowned. “I.. can’.. No’ till you do.”

 “Heh. Siobhan… You…” I had to pause to yawn. “Terribly sorry.. You underestimate my ability to… function without sleep.”

 “No.. Sleep…” she groggily demanded.

 I smiled and simply shook my head.

 She was already falling asleep quickly on me. I sighed and carefully slipped out from underneath her, leaving her to rest her head on the back of the couch, while I quietly turned out the lights in the apartment and got the bed ready for her.

 I came back and gently helped coaxed her awake.

 “Siobhan.. Come on.. Time for bed.”

 “Mmm.. No…” she groaned, curling up tighter on the couch.

 I smiled and gently pulled her arms away from her head.

 “Up.” I commanded quietly.

 She eventually gave in, sitting up. Her eyes barely open. I chuckled and helped her get to her feet. She blinked, looked up at me, gave me a quick kiss, and started stumbling to the bed. I gently lead her, helping her to keep her balance, until finally she sat on the bed.

 “Alright. Good night, Siobhan.”

 “Mm.” she whined and then, very much like a child, held out her arms to me.

 I looked at her confused and leaned down.

 “What?”

 Without warning she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me down onto the bed with her.

 “Wh-?? Siobhan. I-” I tried to pull away gently.

 “You need sleep too.” was her only means of reasoning.

 “I’ll sleep on the couch.” I tried to reassure her.

 “Noooo.” she whined and hugged tighter. “Nightmares…”

 I was too tired to do more than chuckle at her reaction. Any more sane and I likely would’ve been annoyed. Instead I shook my head and gently pulled at her arms.

 “At least let me change into some pajamas?” “Fine..” she released me from her grasp. “Better come back though.”

 “Alright, alright.”

 I didn’t have it in me to argue. I simply changed my clothes and came back as promised. She still laid there, eyes barely managing to stay open. I slipped in beside her and was instantly greeted with arms around my middle and a face buried into my shoulder.

 “Satisfied?” I asked.

 “Yes.” she chuckled.

 I shook my head and turned out the light. We got comfortable together. I didn’t care if this didn’t seem proper or appropriate. It was nice, sleeping in my bed again. Even nicer that there was something soft and warm curled up next to me.

 I could see Siobhan’s face in the dim light of the room. It looked so peaceful and relaxed. I felt so grateful for talking with her, and was a little surprised to feel how much of a difference it really made. I leaned closer and gently kissed her. Her lips barely responded, in a sleepy attempt to kiss back. I pulled away and she was smiling.

 “Trilby?”

 “Yeah?”

 “I love you.”

 “...I love you too, Siobhan.”

 I quickly lost consciousness after that. And for the first time in so long, it was a deep and restful, peaceful sleep. It took me much longer to finally wake up enough to crack open my eyes. I instantly squeezed them shut again at the bright light of the new morning with a groan as sharp pain pierced my brain.

 “Good morning...”

 “Hmmmm?”

 I tried opening my eyes again and sleepily blinked until I could see Siobhan’s gentle smiling face.

 “Good morning, Siobhan…” I replied, my voice groggy and slightly hoarse with sleep. I weakly smiled back. 

 “How you feeling?”

 “Better.”

 “Good.” she kissed my cheek.

 I grinned a bit more as she cuddled up closer and sighed lazily. I wanted to stay like this forever.

 That is, until I remembered we had work to do today. I sighed defeatedly and rubbed at my eyes.

 “We should get up.” I grumbled.

 “Ugh, do we have to?” she groaned and buried her face further into me. “It’s warm and cozy here.”

 “Siobhan, to be fair, this is a touch inappropriate, isn’t it?”

 “Nope.”

 Siobhan seemed content to stay there for the remainder of the day, until she finally started waking up more.

 “Wait.. When did I get into bed?”

 “I all but dragged you to bed after you fell asleep on me last night.” I chuckled.

 She looked up at me, utterly bewildered.

 “..Seriously? I don’t remember that..”

 I shook my head and Siobhan looked at the situation with a newly awoken perspective before looking back at me again. She paused, and then her grin became sly.

 “Well Mr. Trilby, this is rather ungentlemanly of you.” she said coyly, obviously teasing.

 I chuckled and seeing an opportunity, I played along.

 “It wasn’t my fault you couldn’t keep your hands off me.” I teased, earning a small laugh. My hand gently traced her jawline only to cup her chin and bring her face closer to mine. “You made such a scene, practically begging me to join you, it would’ve only been rude to ignore you.”

 “Holy crap, Trilby..” she chuckled, turning pink in the face. She was quickly becoming flustered and shy. It was adorable.

 I grinned more and my hand slowly roamed down her side, reaching her waist and gently pulling her closer to me.

 “But I swear, I didn’t take advantage of you last night...” I purred. “That is not what a gentleman does.”

 Siobhan’s blush darkened to a deep crimson red and she bit her lip. She squirmed slightly.

 “You.. could’ve.. I… w-wouldn’t have minded..” she stammered, meekly.

 “Oh but that would be horribly improper.” I gently scolded.

 “And now..?”

 She looked so hopeful. So eager.

 My cue to pull away entirely.

 “And now that I’m awake, time to get up and get to work.”

 The effect was perfect, leaving Siobhan in a flustered mess for once. She stammered and yelled at me. I grinned back.

 We laughed and finally got up, took turns getting dressed, and ate breakfast. Before leaving, I grabbed my grolly, hat, gloves, mask, momentarily reminding myself of old habits, and we headed for the shop. Naturally, morning traffic made it take a while, but for once, I didn’t mind wasting a little extra time.

 “Hey, Trilby?” Siobhan said during a small bout of silence. “I think… we should talk.. About...us?”

 I was puzzled, to say the least, at first, but remembering how we didn’t really address anything yesterday, despite my weak hesitation... I’m only surprised I didn’t bring it up myself.

 “...I agree.” I said, becoming more serious. “I did mean to ask you about that.”

 We sat in silence a bit longer, not really sure how to start. Siobhan sighed and, as usual, broke the silence.

 “Okay, lemme just put this out there.” she rolled her eyes. “Are we ever gonna see each other after this?”

 “Well I mean..” I knew my answer, but still, saying it aloud was… unusual. “...I’d like to.”

 “..I’d like that too.”

 “But..” I sighed. “Our schedules…”

 “Well how bad is yours?”

 “They usually have me running errands every other weekend..” I sighed with a tired and satirical smile before frowning in seriousness again. “And.. Well some missions can take days.. Weeks.. Months..”

 “I could wait for you…”

 “They’re kind of dangerous… I may come back more broken than before.”

 “If you’d let me… I’d like to help fix you..”

 “Is this really something you’d want?” I asked, a little nervous for the answer. “..I’ll be honest, Siobhan.. I would.. I do want… whatever we can make of this. I don’t want it to just be… another casual fling. I don’t want it to only be a fling.”

 “I don’t want that, either, Trilby. For the first time in my life… I actually want something a little more… serious.” Siobhan sighed a little. “I mean it.. You’re.. actually the only man I could ever want to wait for.. I know it’d be difficult, but.. I mean.. Whenever we get the time.. We could make room for each other.”

 “What about the shop?”

“You could visit me after hours.. During hours. Any time, really.” she chuckled. “I’ll leave the second story window unlocked, if it helps. And you could come and sleep on the couch until I wake up.”

 “Well I’m sorry to say it wouldn’t be a first time I’m invited to break into someone’s house.” I chuckled, and she laughed in return. “But.. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad…”

 “We could make it work.” she encouraged.

 “... I would like to.” I confessed. “I’ll be honest, being around you… I don’t feel… as insane.”

 “Same.”

 “...It doesn’t hurt.”

 “...It doesn’t.”

 We smiled at each other and were happy. Within time we arrived at the shop. Claire arrived shortly after and she and I began working on the banishing ritual.

 “I thought it was just...normal chalk?” I asked as Claire offered me a colorful kit.

 “They were all out of the boring stuff so this was all I could find.”

 I rolled my eyes and picked out a blue and purple.

 Claire picked out a pink and orange.

 “Anything I can do?” Siobhan offered.

 “Do you have lots of salt?” Claire asked.

 “Yeah?”

 “We’re gonna need that circle made before we get started, so we know what to work around.

 Using my grolly I made quick work of the ceiling. While it was certainly enough effort to keep the blood from rushing to my head too much, I couldn’t help over hear the other two as well.

 “So… Does he….?” Siobhan asked.

 “If you’re gonna date him, get used to this.” Claire simply said.

 “...Have you dated him before?”

 “Oh hell no. He’s just… Like this. Sometimes.”

 “...I still think it’s cute.”

 “You two sound like a good pair.”

 After getting the circles etched out, I returned to the floor, swinging off the rafter with my grolly and managing to get a flip in before I land, feet perfectly held together. I give a sweeping bow.

 “And he sticks the landing.” I say, unable to help the grin.

 When I look up I see Claire sneering at me.

 “If you’re looking to show off, Siobhan’s in the other room.”

 I frowned and rolled my eyes.

 “What? I can’t have a bit of selfish fun on this job?” I looked around. “Claire, have you seen my hat? I thought I sat it on the counter.”

 Siobhan came back in just then, having put the salt away, wearing my hat. We looked at each other for a good minute before she simply grinned.

 “So….? Do I get to wear the hat?” She asked.

 “Absolutely not.” I smiled and took it off her head.

 “Aw, come on!”

 “No.” I sat it back in its proper place. “Besides, it’s not your style.”

 Claire chuckled. “Yeah.. I mean, to be fair, you’re more of a uh.. Straw hat type.”

 Siobhan shrugged.

 “Maybe a bowler hat?”

 “Ew, no.” I shook my head.

 “Ooh! How about he wears a trilby, and you wear a fedora?” Claire grinned.

 “Yes!” Siobhan smiled excitedly.

 “Siobhan..” I gave her a patient smile. “If you dare so much as pick one up, I’m breaking up with you.”

 Siobhan and Claire laughed. Siobhan started.

 “You going to be okay with this?” Claire asked.

 “Why wouldn’t I be? Ghosts can’t even make other things affect a salt ring.” I shrugged.

 “I know you’ll be safe, but to be fair, no one’s really done it like this before.” Claire said cautiously.

 “I seem to be the first to a lot of things, don’t I?” I returned. “Actually.. I should’ve probably brought a camera. Yarrow would’ve loved to see this.” “If the ghosts didn’t mess it up first.”

 “Granted.”

 “Look, it’s just.. I know it’s no secret how you feel about this job..” Claire sighed. “..Just wouldn’t want to file a report, y’know?”

 I smiled easily.

 “I’ll be fine.”

 “Kay.”

 “You ready?”

 I nodded and stepped over into the circle, mindful not to knock the salt over.

 “Oh yeah, feel free to lay it on kinda thick?” Claire offered. “I mean, from what you guys say, it seems like the worse the crime, the more ghosts there are.”

 “The worse the punishment.” I nodded. “There’s poetic justice for you.”

 “I… Um.. Don’t think he’d really have to exaggerate too much, y’know?” Siobhan chimed in.

 “Hm? What do you- Ohhhhh. Oh, yeah, actually, that’s true. I mean you’ve-”

 “OKAY.” I quickly clapped a hand over Claire’s mouth. “We get it… Claire.”

 It finally dawned on her what she was about to say and she bit her lip before carefully replying.

 “....I’m gonna head out now.”

 “You do that.”

 Claire quickly headed out. Siobhan looked back at me.

 “...you sure you’re gonna be okay?” she asked, nervously.

 “I’ve done salt rings a few times now.. It’s perfectly safe.” I reassured her. “Go on. You should wait outside with Claire until this is over.”

 Siobhan nodded and headed out. I sighed and looked around the empty shop. It’s funny. Without all the merchandise, it felt so large and empty, you wouldn’t have been able to tell if there was some paranormal threat.

 But now it was time to summon them regardless.

 I took a deep breath and braced myself.

 “I’m a thief.”

 The shop began to shake. Ghosts began to swarm as semi-translucent masses. A few of them came to try to attack, but were kept at bay by the salt.

 “I am held responsible for the death of Dr. Abed Chahal.”

 The room quickly began to fill with the wailing of ghosts. Many others have begun circling around me, as they did the other day, looking to kill me.

 “I am a suspect for the death of Simone Taylor.”

 The wailing of the ghosts became louder, and I had to start yelling to be heard among them. I could see Brutus’ strong and darker, more distinguished, ethereal form stand above the others. He began making his way toward me, obviously unhappy with a man with two murders to his name so far.

 “I murdered Philp Harty!”

 I was surprised to find myself tense. As if I needed to work to keep myself standing there, confessing what I’ve done as Brutus’ large form stood over me, banging on the barrier between us, but unable to break it. Despite Siobhan’s better effort, the circle still felt almost too small.

 “I KILLED AGENT ANDREW JARVIS, A MEMBER OF THE MINISTRY OF OCCULTISM.”

 Of all the screams and wails, Brutus’ roar deafened the others and possibly shook the store to its very foundations.

 “YOU SHALL PAY FOR YOUR CRIMES, MURDERER!”

 “IT WASN’T MY FAULT!” I screamed back.

 The store quaked and the roaring winds whipped around me. I held my ground and began to holler the incantation at the top of my lungs.

 The ghosts began to scream at ear-piercing volumes as the runes began to glow, all around the store. They wavered and writhed and contorted into inhuman forms as they were being torn away from this plane. Brutus’ bellow of anguish caused the store to shake more and I was nearly knocked to my feet.

 I managed to catch myself in time, but realized I was now closer to the edge of the circle. I looked up at the swirling madness and mash of colors, shrieks, and death.

 And I realized how close to death I really was.

 It would’ve been easy. All I would’ve had to do was… stick my neck out a little further.

 It would be quick.

 I would finally be done.

 I would finally be free.

 It wouldn’t have to hurt.

 “You still have work to do.” said something far back in my mind.

 ‘I’m tired of work..’

 “You’re not done yet.”

 But rather than wanting to argue, or get angry at being denied, I knew it was right. I’m not done yet. I still had reason to live.

 I pulled back.

 And stood up.

 “I’m not done yet.” I told myself. “I still have reason to live.”

 I donned my mask to protect my skin, and a pair of specially made glasses and pulled my hat over my eyes for good measure as the shop was suddenly lit up to blinding proportions.

 A bright flash and a puff of pinks and purples and that was it.

 I pulled off my mask and heard the shop door open. I looked up to see Claire and Siobhan walking in.

 “Yeah you’re gonna wanna let this air out.” Claire was saying.

 “Trilby!” Siobhan hurried over and hugged me. “Are you alright? Did they hurt you? Why are you wearing shades??”

 “I’m fine, Siobhan.” I smiled reassuringly and took off the glasses. “Everything’s alright.”

 She smiled and leaned up to kiss me. I could hear Claire chuckling behind her, but didn’t care.

 After that it was a matter of cleaning up the shop. It was annoying, honestly, how the most time spent on these missions were just driving, cleaning, or preparing something. Necessary, for obvious reasons, but annoying.

 “Claire, thank you again so much for your help with this.” I said as we moved a few of the shelves back upstairs..

 “Aw, it’s nothing.” she shrugged off.

 “Really, I mean it. Let me make it up to you. Tea? Coffee?”

 Claire paused and smiled back at me.

 “...I’d like that. Thanks.”

 When everything was said and done, Claire left for home. Siobhan and I were left standing in the shop, taking a minute to ourselves.

 “...So I guess I’ll see you...whenever?” Siobhan asked.

 There was a pause for thought, and something occurred to me.

 “You know.. Your backpack is still at my apartment.” I lied.

 Siobhan looked at me surprised. But then smiled in understanding.

 “...Well I guess I better come back and get it, huh?”

 “But it’s a while away… It’d be horribly late by the time we get there.” I smiled back.

 “Then.. Perhaps you’d let me stay one more night?”

 I kissed her gently before answering, “I would love it if you would.”

The End

[rational-mastermind]

It Doesn’t Hurt

Ch 4/5

--

 Siobhan was waiting patiently by the car, took one look at me, and instantly became concerned.

 “Oh no.. What’s wrong?”

 “Nothing.” I got in the car. “We’re heading back to the shop.”

 She frowned a moment then came and sat beside me. We took off for the shop and as it should be expected when one drives through England, the traffic made it difficult to progress. It was turning out to be a rather long, frustrating day.

 My mind wouldn’t let go of what Claire implied, and while granted I was sore that the one person in the office who didn’t talk about what I did even started to mention it so casually, what really hurt was how it was such a clear and distinct reasoning for my past actions that have led me to where I am today.

 I kept my distance from others, shutting them out, because I was the one who killed AJ.

 I have this horrible, crummy, bloody job because I was the one who killed AJ.

 I couldn’t sleep a single wink at night because I was the one who killed AJ.

 I went to the Clanbronwyn Hotel because I was the one who killed AJ.

 I couldn’t move on with my life, because I was the one who killed AJ.

 I was dumb for thinking about having any kind of a relationship after this mission. After this is over, she’ll be running her own store and going to college, while I’ll still be hunting down poltergeists and fending off the anxiety and insanity that threatens to consume my mind, day after day, night after night.

 It didn’t matter if she actually did like me.

 It didn’t matter if I actually liked her.

 Because I was the one who killed AJ.

 I entered Defoe Manor, got too close to the idol, and killed Andrew Jarvis and Philip Harty and from that alone, my life can neither progress nor reset. If I hadn’t been so careless, they would still be alive. Simone would still be alive. Abed would be too.

 But that can’t be.

 Because I was the one who killed AJ

 And it hurts.

 “TRILBY.”

 Like pulling my head out of the dark waters, Siobhan’s voice cut through my thoughts and I actually jumped in my seat. I looked back at her and she was worried.

 “What’s wrong?”

 “Nothing.” I lied and realized I may have said so a little too fast because obviously Siobhan didn’t buy it.

 “Bull. Now really, what’s wrong?”

 I sighed and rubbed my tired eyes.

 “I’ve just been having a long day.” I explained. “I mean, I started it with being accused of taking part in a masochistic cult. I think that really sat the tone beautifully for my whole day.”

 “Oh..” she deflated a little, and I could see the guilt sweep over her face. “...That was pretty harsh of me, wasn’t it?”

 “I don’t blame you. You really don’t know anything about me.”

 There was a moment of silence before Siobhan hesitantly began.

 “I could... try to get to know you.” she offered.

 “Siobhan I’m currently in the process of not wanting to know me.” I said flatly. “I’m not a part of a cult, mind you, but I do have a darker history and I’m not one for indulging in it.”

 “I wouldn’t judge you, honestly!” she persisted. “I’ve been wanting to get to know you, Trilby. The real you. The you behind the hat.”

 “Siobhan...” I sighed for what felt like the hundredth time today.

 “I know we all have troubles in our past, and decisions we probably regret, but that doesn’t make you a bad person. Even when I was skeptical of you earlier, I didn’t really think you could be so bad.” she smiled a bit and I internally cringed at her next words. “Abed really liked you too, and he was a pretty good judge of character. He wouldn’t have liked you if you were anything too far gone.”

 Apparently today I was meant to wallow in my guilt and regret. Abed was such a good hearted and foolish man. I honestly wasn’t sure if he was fully aware of any evils in this world until I came along and ruined it, like everything else.

 My mind was pulled back to when I last saw the man alive. How depressed he looked.

 “You took one companion of mine away and now you want another.”

 At the time I was somewhat puzzled by his words, too focused on finding out what was going on to really pay attention, that only now do I realize what he was thinking before his death. I had gone looking for Siobhan, and spoke with her privately in her room. She had passed out on the bed. Of course I knew what had really happened, but looking at it, from Abed’s perspective, I grimaced. He must’ve felt abandoned. Alone. Forgotten.

 It hurts.

 “I really don’t think Abed thought of me so highly.” I said, unable to mask my own depression. “And honestly, Siobhan? I know you’re trying to help but it’s not working. After all, if it wasn’t for me, he would still be alive, wouldn’t he?”

 “Well what do you mean?”

 “If I had kept a closer eye on you two, if I had just told either of you what was really going on.. Maybe you would’ve been able to escape the hotel. Maybe Abed would’ve still been alive if it weren’t for me.” I shrugged helplessly.

 “Trilby, you’re not responsible for Abed’s death.” Siobhan sighed a little. “It’s not your fault.”

 “What if it is? What if I did something- anything- differently?”

 It hurts

 “Woulda-coulda-shoulda.” Siobhan replied with a shrug of her own. “It’s like I said last month. People die. You can’t feel responsible for it forever. Is this what’s been bothering you?”

 “A million things have been bothering me, but since that’s the current subject, yes. It was all such a blur… I don’t know, maybe there was something I could’ve done. Maybe I didn’t do my best.”

 It hurts.

 “You can’t help that some tall demon was going around and hurting innocent people. That wasn’t your doing.”

 “Then why do I feel responsible?!” I snapped and then groaned. “I’m sorry.. I shouldn’t yell like that.”

 It hurts.

 “Trilby.. You’re the only one beating yourself up over it.”

 “No I’m not.”

 “You’re the only one baring this responsibility. No one else blames you but you!”

 “Because it’s my fault.” I said through gritted teeth.

 IT HURTS.

 “IT’S. NOT. YOUR. FAULT.” she said, adamantly.

 I suddenly slammed on the brakes, as we have arrived at our destination. I was in a hurry to leave the car.

 IT HURTS.

 “And what if it is?” I growled. “Maybe it is my fault! Maybe I should feel responsible for what happened!”

 IT HURTS.

 I could hear Siobhan slam the door and follow after me, clearly growing frustrated.

 “Then what good would that do?” she asked as we made our way into the store. “All you’re going to do is make yourself feel horrible!”

 “I do feel horrible!”

 “Of course you do!”

 “It hurts!”

“Then why let it hurt?!”

 I finally whipped around and raised my voice, all of my frustration and anxiety rearing its ugly head as I snapped.

 “BECAUSE I’M THE ONE WHO KILLED AJ!”

 Before I realized how stupid I was being, the shop shook once more and the wails of the undead immediately filled our ears. Things began to fly off the shelves again, swirling around us. Several shadows became more and more visible, joining in the madness. Siobhan accidentally bumped into me, trying to dodge a flying typewriter.

 “Siobhan, look out!” I quickly ducked out of the way of a launched rotary phone.

 I looked up and saw one semi-transparent form step out from among the madness. He had a broom mustache and a scar that traced down from the crown of his head over his eye. His entire torso was missing, jagged pieces of ribs sticking out under the folds of his clothes. Judging by the vague shapes that made up his uniform and the massive size and build he carried himself with, I was only left with one guess.

 Chief Brutus J. Ustyss.

 I carefully held Siobhan at arm’s length, knowing full well what was about to happen next.

 He came charging, a fist flying. I managed to duck out of the way. Without fully thinking, I tried throwing a punch myself, knowing full well that I’m by no means a fighter, but whether I knew how to fight or not, it wouldn’t have mattered.

 Because my hand passed right through his body, suddenly covered in icy coldness.

 “Oh shit.”

 A large fist was met with my jaw and I hit the floor, only dimly aware of Siobhan’s scream in fear.

 I tried to shake my head clear of the throbbing pain, and looked up only to find Brutus about to pound both fists into me at once. I rolled out of the way, brushing up against the icy cold barrier countless other ghosts have created for us. Immediately hands began to grab at me and tried to pull me in, digging claws into my shirt, but I tore away.

 A saw a china tea set come flying at me and dodged it in time, narrowly avoiding the shattered remains of a broken saucer.

 Despite my best efforts, I knew I couldn’t keep dodging him, nor the flying debris of the antique shop, forever. And there was no time to create a banishment ring.

 My brain was scrambling, trying desperately to find a solution to this when suddenly I hear Siobhan shout.

 “Trilby look out!”

 I looked, barely had time to register the grandfather clock that was flying at us before I felt Siobhan’s body colliding with mine. There was a loud bang, a sharp pain in the back of my head, and suddenly the world was black and still and silent.

 But I wasn’t knocked out.

 Pain throbbed through out my head while my eyes adjusted to the scare light that crept through the cracks. I could hear Siobhan and myself wheeze, trying to regain our breaths.

 “Trilby, you alright?”

 “I think so.. You?”

 “I’m alright. I… I think the ghost stopped.”

 I realized I was pressed back against something wooden, and when I tried to stand up straight, my head hit some kinda pole. I tried to feel out my surroundings.

 “Where are…?”

 “I think we’re in one of the old wardrobes.” Siobhan answered, I could hear her feeling things out as well. There was a moment of rattling. “Oh.. Ohhhhhh nooo..”

 I didn’t like the sound of that groan.

 “What?”

 “I think this is that one that locks automatically...”

 All I could do was stare at Siobhan through the darkness. A comical look of disbelief if she could see it.

 “...And where’s the key?”

 “...behind my desk... On a ring with a bunch more.”

 I sighed and allowed my head to drop against the apparent door in front of me.

 “Can today be any worse?”

 “Well.. I think that ghost stopped. Maybe if you’re out of sight, you’re out of mind?”

 “Hurrah. Now he won’t murder me.”

 “Well I could tell you how it could be better.”

 “And pray tell, what would that be, Ms. O’Malley?”

 “You could start by telling me what the hell’s been going on with you?”

 I heaved a great sigh, far too exhausted and frustrated for this round-about again.

 “I’m just.. I’m not having a good day, Siobhan..”

 “No shit, Sherlock.” she snapped back at me and then sighed. “Trilby, I can’t help you if you don’t tell me what’s wrong.”

 I huffed and rolled my eyes. I was decidedly fed up with everything at this point.

 “Fine, you want to know what’s wrong? Everything is piling up on me right now and I can’t reasonably deal with any of it!” I began to vent. “I went to talk with Claire and apparently the Chief is the only one who’s keeping all the other ghosts, who knows how many, at bay! So I couldn’t do anything in that fight, even if I wanted to! “Then talking further along with Claire, I’m led to believe that apparently I get all the worst jobs my employers have to offer because I’m the one held responsible for the death of one of their operatives, who wasn’t exactly the best at his job anyway if he was going to be murdered by a retarded child’s ghost! If I hadn’t stepped foot in that manor, my life would be a hell of a lot more sane than it already is! I wouldn’t have blood on my hands! I wouldn’t have gone to that forsaken hotel! I wouldn’t be responsible for the death of so many innocent people!”

 “Trilby! Trilby, you’re NOT responsible for anyone’s deaths!”

 I would never admit it to her, but I could feel hot tears sting in my eyes and I fought to keep them from spilling. My body shook. I felt so torn apart. I felt her hands gently rest on my shoulders, guiding me closer to her.

 “But I’m the one who killed-”

 “It wasn’t you.” Siobhan interrupted me, her voice kept low and soothing. “It was the ghost, wasn’t it? The ghost of Defoe Manor?”

 “Well.. Yes..”

 “It used your hands.. It wasn’t you. It wasn’t your fault.”

 I could feel her gently guiding me until our foreheads touched.

 “Trilby.. Look at me.”

 I hesitated, but finally complied. I looked up and saw her dark green eyes, shimmering back at me. The light between the cracks barely catching in them enough to reflect the slight hues of brown that made it sparkle. She was concerned. I couldn’t blame her. But suddenly I couldn’t think of any way to string together the proper words to tell her all the awful things I was feeling. The thoughts that had been plaguing me for days. Weeks.

 “It was never your fault.” she repeated.

 I knew a part of me deep down wanted to believe it so fervently and I leaned more into her, as if somehow being closer would make it more true.

 “Siobhan..” the other part of me still felt hesitant. Still held doubt. I wanted to get as much of it cleared out as I could. “Why do you care so much? What does it matter to you how I feel? It’s.. Not like we’ll ever see each other after this.”

 “We could..” she offered with a small smile. “Whenever we have free time. You could drop by. Weekends. After hours. We could go for walks. Sit on the couch with tea. Talk... Read.... Or..”

 And suddenly, without thinking, our lips met.

 I couldn’t tell who dove in first, but before I could fully think it through, we were kissing. Maybe it was the adrenaline from the fight. Maybe it was something else. My mind tried to tell me how inappropriate and stupid this was. The rest of me told it to shut up. Too desperate to finally feel something good. To just have this one nice thing to myself.

 Our lips brushed against each other and hers were just as soft as I thought they were last night. Gentle hands raked through my hair and I was vaguely aware that my hat had fallen off outside the wardrobe. I carefully pulled Siobhan closer as we continued. Her arms wrapped around me.

 We stopped for a moment to breathe, my brain was scrambling to understand why or what we were doing, but all I could really focus on was how warm her cheeks felt, so close to mine, and how she smelled like apple cider.

 This time she kissed first, but it didn’t really matter. All that did matter was the growing warmth between us as we continued. My hands began exploring her, the same as hers did me.. I was fond in discovering how soft her glistening red hair felt, gliding between my fingers. Shivers raced up my spine in time with her gentle hands.

 It was exciting, sweet, and passionate, and for a while, the world outside of these closed doors was left behind us, for the sake of this moment. Focusing solely on the way she felt against me. The way she shivered under my touch, her soft lips pressing feverishly to mine.

 The way my heart swelled and my head made light and dizzy was almost as intoxicating as the way she giggled and sighed as my lips traced up along her jaw and down her neck.

 I was met with a nose full of her green turtleneck and the dusty smell of old books. I rolled my eyes a little, knowing this simply wouldn’t do, and pulled it away only to kiss at the silky softness underneath. This, of course, was rewarded with an admittedly adorable squeak.

 “Trilby! how ungentlemanly of you.” Siobhan teasingly scolded.

 I chuckled, a little breathless myself, and could feel my face grow warm.

 “W-Well..”

 She giggled and pulled away, leaving me wanting for a moment. Before I knew what she was up to, she was back in my arms, sans sweater. The warmth in my cheeks began to spread to my ears as I was made well aware what difference a tank top or a sweater makes. And before I could really focus more on that, she was returning the favor, sparking new waves of shuddering delight and effectively plunging my brain into a heady fog, in which I was happy to leave it.

 Eventually at some point my waistcoat made friends with her sweater, tangled under our feet. But I couldn’t care less. All I could really focus on was where her lips traveled, as they continued their own exploration further down, past my neck, whilst mine were buried deep in her red hair, breathing in her soft and sweet scent that reminded me of autumn evenings.

 Her hands traveled lower still and whilst mine felt out the hemline of her tank top and the smooth arch of her back as she leaned close into me.

 I was so caught up in the way everything felt that I had no earthly idea what was going on outside of the wardrobe. Time was illusory. That is, until I suddenly ran out of it.

 “Trilby! It wasn’t your fault!” Claire’s voice suddenly pierced the moment, leaving it to die quickly and painfully.

 Siobhan and I looked at each other only a moment before I quickly bent, to the best of my abilities in the cramped space, to grab my waistcoat and began cleaning myself up.

 I stood up and was sharply reminded of the coat hanger railing above my head.

 “Ow!” I tried not to bump the walls too much either, suddenly finding the small space to be far too cramped for me to move around in.

 “Trilby? Where are- OH.” Claire’s voice indicated she knew a little too much.

 “Claire, it’s not what you’re thinking!” I quickly replied, face burning hotter than before. It didn’t help that I had to button up my shirt as well. “It was the ghost! He- W-we-”

 “Should I uh… just let you two…?”

 “No! No, no, Claire, listen, we really should get out of here.” I said, trying to ignore the fact that Siobhan still had her arms wrapped around me and trying to keep a steady voice. “This thing is locked. Th-the key should be behind the counter.”

 I felt Siobhan kiss at my collarbone and fought with all my will to not let my voice crack. I tried pushing her off so I could finish buttoning up.

 “Siobhan, stop it.” I hissed at her, as quietly as I could.

 “It’ll take her a while to find those keys. We have a few minutes.” she whispered, barely audible, back. I could feel her grinning against me and I shuddered with conflicting emotions.

 “Found them!” Claire’s voice rang out cheerfully, suddenly bringing everything to a screeching halt.

 We looked at each other for only half a second before Siobhan finally started rushing to pull on her sweater while I tried to straighten myself out.

 By the time Claire opened the wardrobe, Siobhan and I were standing apart from each other. I tried to look composed and stepped out with slight cough. Claire, obviously, was waiting for me with a mischievous grin.

 “Hi, Claire. Thanks for that.” I said.

 “So, were you two um… Having fun?” she asked, playfully.

 “Nothing happened.” I said flatly.

 Claire only had to look me up and down before I caught on and corrected any mistakes. Claire scooped up my hat from the floor and offered it to me.

 “Right, so nothing happened.” she teased.

 “NOTHING.” I hissed and snatched it away from her.

 “Aaannnyway.. so what DID happen?” she asked.

 “Trilby accidentally uh.. Triggered the ghost again.” Siobhan explained, fixing up her ponytail. I couldn’t help but also notice how flushed her cheeks were.

 I looked over and saw the grandfather clock that flew at us earlier. I quickly moved to stand it back up, finding only the glass broken. Everything else seemed fine. Siobhan sighed with some relief.

 “I don’t think Brutus is going to want to talk about leaving peacefully.” I surmised. “Even if we do pull rank on him.”

 “Hm.. Then what should we do?” Claire asked. “Banishing circle?”

 I looked around the antique shop and sighed. It was cluttered and messy and made worse by the previous skirmish.

 “That could get some, but not all the ghosts.” I guessed to the best of my ability. “And that’s if we can clear the floor well enough for a ritual, to start with. We would get Brutus.”

 “But then how do we guarantee exorcising all of the ghosts under his control?” Siobhan asked.

 I looked at the tears in my shirt’s sleeve, remembering how eager and desperate the others were to get a hold of me. Most of them were likely violent and dangerous criminals.

 “Well.. We could try a big one.” I offered.

 “The counter’s in the way.” Claire gestured towards it. “And some would probably still escape anyway. We need to get them all.”

 I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. This day was certainly becoming taxing. Claire tapped her foot and began pacing back and forth.

 “Well maybe we can try, like.. A lot of them?” Siobhan was asking. “We can clear the floor.. It’d… Mean moving everything downstairs, but we could make more space.. And cover the area?”

 “And if they try to escape?” Claire argued. “They could try to leave the shop. The plot’s supposed to cover the block, right?”

 “Well it starts at the sidewalk and runs from one end of the street to the other, and covers the shops behind this one on the other side of the street.”

 “Right, so the ghosts could move around on any part of that land. They’re only kept here because the basement is Death Row. It’s where Brutus would’ve dragged me had he successfully killed me.” I throw out.

 “Right. That’s also why he stopped when I dragged you out the first time.” Siobhan explained, giving me a glance. “As soon as you left the plot, he stopped. Then Claire and I took you upstairs.’

 “So we’d have a better chance of getting them all if we were to cover not just the floor, but the walls and ceiling as well.” I said.

 “But then we still need to lure them out.” Claire intoned. 

 “What do you mean?” Siobhan asked.

 “I mean we can’t just wait for the ghosts to wander in on their own. Someone would have to invoke them. But since this guy’s obviously violent, it’d be dangerous. And he disappears as soon as the criminals are either dead or gone.”

 “So we need a way to keep the bait safe and stay here in the store while everything is going on…”

 After a moment of thought, we all came to the same conclusion.

 “Salt ring.”

 After that, it was agreed that I would be bait. Claire was apparently too clean for the job and I wasn’t about to risk Siobhan’s health. We spent the day clearing out the shop and Claire offered to pick up chalk for tomorrow.