Please read all the details below! Most are important!
—————————
About me:
First off, I write! All of my works can be found on Ao3. The link will be at the very bottom of this post. Check it out if you’re interested!
All of the drawings that include “Junerberry” and/or “Thala” within the post are drawn by me. Please do NOT steal by work! If you want to use it in some way, message me first. We’ll go from there.
Some posts will be 18+. I include tags on almost everything, read them carefully. If it says 18+, I do not want to see minors interacting with them.
That being said, I am not a minor. If I am aware you are AND you’re interacting with my 18+ posts, you will be blocked.
I mainly post about marble hornets, creepypasta, and the freak circus. I may or may not be a little addicted.
HIRAETH - Eyeless Jack x Reader: 48 Hours (Part II - Chp 15)
———————————
This chapter contains: swearing, some vomit, hallucinations?, blood/gore, stalking and manipulation.
A/N: I will admit, this chapter was forced out. I hate writing filler chapters with little motivation. Sentences are short and are all over the place. I'm not proud lmao. It will be back to normal next chapter.
NOT EDITED.
———————————
Sharp jabs were coming in multiple strikes upon your arms and legs. Some harsher than the rest with a slight tugging, pulling at your skin and loose clothing.
Your eye cracks open, nearly glued together from the slight buildup of crust along the edges. The arm you raise to rub your face is heavy and sore, feeling as if your body was made of cement that had already solidified.
Something dark ruffles and from beside you that makes your heart skip a beat.
Your breath catches in your throat, quickly sitting up and startling multiple crows that had surrounded your body. Croaks and harsh squawking was sung out along with the beating of wings off the ground. They took the chance to potentially feast upon your form, only to be blocked with the odd article of clothing. How sickening.
They watched you from the trees above.
You shift your weight to your side, feeling your head spin what felt like 20 times per second. You take deep breaths through your nose and out your mouth, trying to calm your nerves. There's a certain smell that invades your nose when you breathe in that you can't place your finger on just yet. It continues to get stronger as minutes pass.
Your head finally stilling, you muster up the courage to get on your hands and knees, pushing yourself up and on to your good leg. You try to ignore the burning wound on your other leg the best you can, but those teeth marks were deep. You don't even want to see what it looks like under your clothes.
If it's infected, still bleeding or worse, you're almost positive that a certain someone would take some sort of care for it.
A light breeze flows through the forest, making that stomach churning smell make its way to you once again. You force yourself not to gag, remembering what it was likely from. You could hear the odd fly buzzing from your right which proves your suspicions. That damned corpse was still there.
You take sharp breaths in through your mouth to avoid the smell, but you could almost taste the blood and fly infested flesh from only a few steps away. Your mouth starts to salivate as you force bile back down your throat, but the tangy and hot aftertaste it leaves in your mouth wants to make it come back up again.
A crow swoops down and on to the ground, making your eye wander towards it to watch its actions. It hops towards the coyotes stomach and digs its beak into the exposed flesh, tearing a stringy piece out as it tilts its head back and swallows.
It comes back up.
You cough sticky bile out of your system, holding your stomach as it clenches from emptiness. You couldn't remember the last time you had eaten a proper meal. Feeding off scraps that he sometimes gave you, unknowing of where they come from. You spit the taste out of your mouth while taking a few staggered steps forward as an attempt to escape such a mess. You need to leave before something bigger drawn to the smell comes.
Each step was excruciating. You were hobbling on one leg and had to take frequent breaks, leaning on a tree while trying to cure your spinning head from the pain pulsing from your leg. You desperately wanted to look at it. To make sure it wasn't as bad as what you thought but you knew otherwise.
The bleeding felt as if it stopped. You couldn't feel it soaking your pant leg any further nor it trickling down to your foot, but could feel a slight heat coming from it. Which typically means your body is fighting some sort of infection. What the infection was, however, is unknown. You didn't know what coyotes carried or if any of them around here had rabies. Cases were rare but a few do pop up.
Your chances may be slimmer than you had thought.
The forest was dim. The amount of time that had passed is unknown to you. You silently prayed that it was less than the deadline you were given, but the darkness was the encasing the forest made it hard to tell.
The consequences were not made clear to you. You did not know what would happen to you if you were unsuccessful with your mission. It was certain it wouldn't be too far off of life-threatening, whether it be him to finally push the boundary to its limits of murder, or to leave you out here to wither away by yourself- incompetent, not enough to satisfy. In the end, each outcome lead to the same path.
You could've been out for days. Your hopeless body lying on the earths surface waiting to be chewed at. Given the state of your being, however, it couldn't have been long. The crows barely had anything picked from you. Flies hadn't infested you unlike the other.
You still had time.
Wandering aimlessly finally showed its costs. It felt as if you were walking in circles, cursing to yourself as you could've sworn you've seen the same tree and boulder three times by now. This forest was painfully different from the others you were in before. You could see all around you quite some distance, but the farthest outline of it looked as if it circled around you. The more you walked, the less it revealed but the more you saw. How misleading.
Throughout the dreaded path you were taking, there were obvious signs of something once being there. There was the odd snapped fir tree, broken in directions that were deemed impossible by pure nature. The way they were supported by the other trunks of trees, leaning on to each other in an usual "X" or poorly made triangle, so it seems.
Some of the trunks were burned, the old charcoaled wood still smearing against your fingers in dark smudges. The further you looked, the easier you noticed them. In the distance was another tree darkened by the act of fire nearly dead ahead. Your feet carried you towards it, resting your palm over the damaged part of the tree. Your nose picked up the slight scent of ash.
The branches above swayed with a sudden gust of wind, taking some of the loose burnt wood with it. You watched as it fell to the ground, a small piece of bark crumbling as it collided with the soil. Your body leans against the tree and you slide down rather roughly. Darkness smears down your arm and shoulder as you pick up the fragile bark in your hand, squeezing your palm around it and watching as it turned to fine pieces. A small sigh slips through your nose.
Your gaze casts upwards, eye catching yet another tree partially burned on one side. Your brow furrows.
'You will know'
Your breath catches in your throat as you shakily climb yourself back up into a standing position with the help of the tree. You turn your head back towards the previous burned spot you were just at, realizing they were exactly in line.
They were markers. Man-made markers.
You force your body forward and make your way towards the new burnt spot in the wood. Your chest collides with the trunk as you run your hands over the new spot again, just like the last. The same cold and dusty feeling grazes over your fingers. You weren't crazy. They really were there.
Your eye scans ahead for another, locking on to one in the distance a little further than the rest. Your body moves towards it absentmindedly.
He said you would figure it out. You would know when you see the signs. How he knew, to be exact, was something you would have to fully think about another time. Was it on purpose? Was he following you around in a distance where you couldn't find him but he could find you? A few steps ahead all this time?
Or were you truly starting to catch on?
The rest of the time felt as if it was a blur. You were bumping into various trees as you passed them, nearly stumbling on roots and boulders poking themselves out of the ground waiting to snag your footing and come crashing down. But that never happened.
Your focus was purely on the dark markings ahead, guiding you the way you were meant to go. Each spot you ran your fingers across made your heart beat even faster in your chest, mind becoming hazy in a burning frenzy of accomplishment. You felt it in your body, your limbs locking up but becoming so loose you could run with an impressive speed as the motivation of success surged through you. But you couldn't.
You had to play this right.
The next tree you slammed yourself on nearly knocked the wind out of you. Your leg burned intensely as your breathing was quickened.
There was a clearing ahead. It was difficult to see through the trees but a sharp flash of something reflecting off the sun caught your eye. It confirmed your suspicions that you had made it. You meekly smile to yourself.
You dashed between the trees despite your leg aching and attempting to give out from under you. You catch what looked to be a large, run down steel and wooden structure. The roof was caving in and it had trees fallen down on to it. Various overgrowth surrounded the abandoned building as vines crept their way up the walls.
What was something like this doing out in the middle of nowhere?
As you got closer, you came to the conclusion that it must've been an old barn or storage unit. If you were to make your way around the area, it was likely you would stumble upon other buildings. Without a doubt, its been like this for ages. Left untouched for years as nature did its course, possibly having the odd person vandalize it if they were lucky to find it.
Unless, it was due to something else.
You were about to make your way closer, but movement in the distance made your body freeze and heart skip a few beats. You dropped to the cold ground as leaves crunched beneath you. You worm your way into a dense bush and adjust your head to get a better view through the thick brush. You sucked in a quick breath as your ears lightly rung.
Timothy and Brian were in the distance, walking towards the structure.
Your mouth runs dry. You did it. You actually did it. You've made your way through this awful forest and found who you've been looking for.
Your body begins to shake with the nerves you've been holding back as the adrenaline wears off. This was happening, this was it. You were about to complete the first half of your goal.
You watched as they made their way closer to the building you were meters from. They were talking about something, but it was hardly able to make out. Catching the odd word of 'too close' or 'why did it need to happen the way it did.'
An odd feeling swirled in your gut as if you've been here before. You body shifts uncomfortably.
Snap!
A branch crunches beneath you and you curse under your breath, remaining as still as possible. The distant voices of the two were no longer heard, but instead the head of Brian was turned to your direction as Timothy was turned away but listening with great intent. You swear you locked eyes with Brian for a brief moment before he hesitantly looked away.
Idle chatter picked up again but seemingly more hushed than before. They were probably still wary of the sudden breaking of a branch they heard. Unknown to them, it had actually worked out to your favor.
You stood up abruptly and bolted across the clearing flailing your arms, making sure to overact the limp you had with your damaged and bloodied leg. Your screams for help echoed off the trees and into the forest with purpose, begging as tears began to fill your eyes and run down your cheeks.
Timothy's head snaps in your direction as Brian stands idle, Tim making a move to get you but Brian grabs his shoulder before getting shrugged off roughly with a sharp look.
Tim takes hold of your shaking shoulders gently, getting you to look at him with worry written over his form as much as his mask hides it. You see glimpses of Brian still standing in the back motionless.
The sewn red eyes and frown staring deep at your wounded form in front of them, gaze fixated only on you.
Man getting into new fandoms is rough cause I’m in LOVE with the freak circus rn but I NEED to finish my hiraeth book for creepypasta and work on marble hornets again…
But FUCK oh my fuck tfc is taking over my MINDDDDDD. I love jester sm and harlequin. It’s not a want it’s a need
THE DEVIL WEARS YELLOW : (Hoodie x Reader) - 00:00:00
Marble Hornets AU
Main story in order is on A03.
——————————
This chapter contains: swearing, faint talk about violence? and darker humour.
NOT EDITED.
——————————
"So, you're telling me that this old bundle of scrap started up in the middle of the night on its own?"
Timothy holds up the radio you picked up days prior with Brian, twisting it around in his hands and even shaking it lightly. Like you had visioned it, it sat on the small table next to your bed collecting even more dust than it had at the shop. Last night, however, it started to produce a faint sound on its own- even after claimed not to work.
"Yes! I promise you it started up!"
You watched Tim press a few buttons on it and twist the volume. Switching the on and off buttons repeatedly. Nothing happens.
"What did you say it sounded like again?" muttering a small 'thing won't even turn on' after under his breath.
"Static. Faint static."
He only turns to you with a questionable look, eyebrows furrowed as he raises the radios speaker to his ear.
"It wasn't enough to wake me up, but when I did, it was noticeable. It only lasted a few minutes until it cut out and it hasn't happened again."
Timothy sighed before putting down the radio in its original place on the table. You both stared at it before Tim rubbed his face with his hands and groaning out.
"I don't know what to tell you. It was probably just- some old- malfunction thing." He gestures towards the radio and makes a confused pose.
"I wouldn't think anything of it. The things old- it's bound to have some technical difficulties. Radios are just weird like that."
You eye the radio with relief written in your eyes. He was right. It was just an old radio that obviously had some things wrong with it. It was probably nothing.
"Yeah... You're right," you mumble "I don't know why I'm freaking out over it. Just after being told it didn't work-"
"I mean, I get it. It's not a big deal."
You look at Tim for a brief moment. You knew he was being genuine. If he didn't believe you he probably wouldn't have came over to check it out. Plus, he's into this stuff with the radios, recorders, cameras and so on. It probably intrigued him.
Bzzt!
A muffled message tone rings out from Timothy's form, he pats himself on all his pockets until he feels his phone in one and pulling it out. He lets out a faint huff before groaning out and shaking his head.
"Listen- I gotta go. Something is up with Jay and Alex again. You know how they are right now."
You watch as Tim puts his phone away and scrambles for his cars keys. You nod your head slowly and swallow the lump in your throat as your eyes glance towards the radio. Get over it. It's nothing.
"Yeah! Yeah. Of course. It's fine. Go get that figured out."
Tim turns on a dime and begins to speed walk out of your home, grabbing the front doors handle before turning to look at you again.
"If anything happens just text me. Again, it's just a radio. An old one at that. The signal on it is probably fucked and- you get what I'm saying."
The door opens as the fresh air comes in waves into your space. Your eyes go a little dry from the sudden shift in the air, having to blink a few times to readjust.
"Yeah- okay. Thanks. Good luck with whatever that is."
Tim sends a quick nod before closing the door behind him and leaving you in the quiet home once again. With your back to the radio, you're not sure what to think. You're more than positive that it went off last night. You weren't imagining things even with the tiredness. You turn to look at it again as your body tingles and waves of goosebumps line your arms.
The silence is almost too loud now.
Maybe you should get out of the house for a bit. Go on a walk and hit a few short trails in the nearest park. That always clears your mind- with the nature surrounding you and the gentle breeze.
You make sure your phone is snug in the pocket of your pants before beelining towards the door. You don't need much. A light jacket and a way of communication should do. You won't be going far. Just enough to take a breather and take your mind off of what happened. It shouldn't even be bothering you this much to begin with. But something about that occurrence won't shake itself from your mind.
You take the cold handle of the door and twist, feeling the fresh air brush over you once more. The familiar feeling eases into the deepest parts of your mind and pushes all the previous thoughts out of your head in an instant. A feeling of peace surrounds you.
The park is in the opposite direction of the town you and Brian visited yesterday. It was mainly for the children since it had various play-sets like slides, swings and other apparatuses that were very much worn down as time passed. But behind the main attraction were nice walking trails that all connected in the end. They eventually led to a quiet, open scenery with picnic tables and a small pond that ducks swam around in. People often fed them despite the signs saying not to, but they're a bit too cute to ignore.
You were lucky it wasn't raining like yesterday.
The paths were bound to be a little muddy in spots but that was the least of your concerns. Things can always be washed. You'd have to be a little careful in case of deep spots but those typically don't appear in the path unless you were going off-trail. In the deeper parts of the trails that were crushed down on purpose from people exploring outside the actual park were multiple abandoned buildings. Some of it was old farmland and little cottages that were severely rundown or destroyed from natural disasters.
It interests you to say the least. You would like to go off path and wander through the woods but you had a fear of going a little too deep and not being able to find your way back. Brian had actually invited you out with Timothy once to go take a look but you chickened out last minute and stayed behind until they got back. Sitting in the park alone until dusk wasn't the funnest option but you weren't going through all the weeds and branches for a photoshoot or whatever they had planned.
The thick fence that surrounds the park was now trailing beside you as you kept walking on, entrance in sight. Despite the time of year the park was surprisingly busy. You could hear the laughter of the children playing and the parents gathering in small groups chatting away. The almost alarming creaking of the swing sets going back and forth hits you just right, reminding you of your childhood. A small smile was tugging at your lips. You wish those times were still around. Being carefree and adventurous as they were now, not having to deal with the adult life just yet and all the shenanigans.
You round the archway that's the entrance, your shoes crunching under the rough gravel with every step. A few kids sprinted in every direction while cutting through the walkway sometimes, making you keep your guard up to not bump into one on accident. You don't need to hear a kid crying today and get harsh glares from their parents.
A breeze flows through your hair and sends a slight chill down your spine. You shove your hands into the pockets of your coat and head towards the metal sign that gives directions and walkway times of each trail ahead. You don't want to hit the longest one nor the shortest, but the in between trail might be the worst case since most people go for that just for the scenery. To sum that up- mud. Squishy and slippery mud from the constant usage.
The longest trail it is.
You sigh through your nose. The shortest was approximately 7 minutes and that wouldn't clear your head in time. The middle was 15 and longest was 25-30 depending. It looked bare too, which was great news to you. Your eyes scanned upward.
The sun above the trees was slowly starting its descent. Even with winter gone it still hadn't reached peak daylight time, roughly setting completely around 7:30pm. It gave lots of time but sometimes you do get carried away and lose track of it. It's an hour there and back so you'll have to plan a little along with the 10ish minute walk just to get here.
Scrambling for the phone in your pocket, it was a little after 2pm. 5 hours was enough to get there, take some time for yourself then truck all the way back. You've got this in the bag.
Taking the path towards the right, you encage yourself within the thick forest with only the animals to hear your calls. Small twigs snapped under your feet and you kicked the odd small stone out of your way. Watching as it rolled around aimlessly until getting lost in the brush off route.
Large trees towered over alongside you. Their trunks full and standing gracefully in scattered rows making it hard to see deep into the woods. The smell of bark and mud filled your nose with a hint of pine needle- fresh as can be. There's something about the spring air that's different from the rest of the seasons. New budding, perhaps. A chance at life in its purest form before it's bound to fall.
The path was a bit narrow at times. Although people used the route regularly, some corners were steep. You nearly lost your footing at a sharper turn that would've ended up you toppling down the bank. The embarrassment of it possibly happening was already settling in your stomach even with no one around to see.
Although it would be humorous to see someone sprawled out on the cold, damp forest floor. The odd leaf in their hair and a face full of mud.
The starting point of the route was way behind. If you were to guess, you were probably 10 minutes into it by now. You didn't think much of it before coming here, but what if you needed help? The thick forest looming over you won't provide good service. If you stayed on the path it wouldn't be hard since there's one way in and out- but off path? If something did end up happening? You might just be screwed.
Maybe this wasn't a good idea. That thought alone wasn't something you needed swirling in your mind. You needed to clear your head, not conjure more things into it.
The forest sways and creaks from all around you, making you glance around at all the different parts of it. A tarnished red color catches your eye in the thick woods. You stop in your tracks, carefully stepping back a few to get a better look.
You had to squint to see better, as much as that seems wrong, but eventually you catch a run down structure in the distance. Curiosity seeps through your bones.
That must be one of the barns.
Your mind is telling you to go check it out but your gut is saying otherwise. As interesting as it may be, was it really worth it? You'd be going against yourself from earlier. Not wanting to get lost.. But it was in view. You quickly snatch the phone from your pocket. 2:35pm. You bite your lip.
A little exploration wouldn't hurt, right? Plus, it wasn't far from the trail. You couldn't still see it in the distance if you went. This would also be much more interesting than seeing a few ducks and various people at the end of the trail. Maybe you could get some pictures too.
You set off from the trail.
Grabbing a tree trunk to steady yourself down the small bank, your feet skid a bit from the mud below. You make a mental note to wear older clothes for next time. You see how the mud stains the sides of your shoes and you grimace. That probably won't come out.
The bank was steeper than you thought. You had to let go of the tree and awkwardly jog the rest of the way down. You look back at the path, taking in the little details to remind yourself where you came from. You take note of your shoe marks from sliding down and realize your footsteps in the mud there and back would help too. Confidence overrides your fear.
Each step you took closer to the abandoned mess sank both feet deeper into the mud than the last. It suctioned you in at times, making an uncomfortable squelching noise as your foot broke free.
The building was much larger than you thought.
The old wooden barn was.. decently intact for its age. It had the odd broken window and what looked like axe marks embedded into it, but it was still standing. The doors were boarded up but people over the years made their own entrance. There was a cramped and jagged opened area near the far corner, just enough for one person to squeeze through at a time. The window was also an option as there was a small log used as a stool beneath the ledge, but the risk of broken glass in your skin as you crawled through was enough to cross the thought off.
Wandering closer to the side of the building, you slide your fingers over the red wood carefully. The rough edges made your hand feel as if it were dusty. A light residue collecting on it.
The jagged entrance was definitely a tight fit. In order to successfully make it through, you had to awkwardly crawl and shuffle yourself around. The pieces of wood dragging along the thin coat you wore was threatening to break through. You feel it digging into your sides and back as you push yourself into the run down structure fully.
It was oddly grey. Like an old picture taken from a polaroid camera that hadn't fully developed. All color was drained and the left over equipment looked lifeless.
Your slow footsteps made the floorboards groan with your weight. It echoes throughout the structure, making it sound louder than it really was. You then realize how quiet it truly was in here.
The beams of the sun were shining through the cracks of the wood, creating an oddly sad and cold feeling inside. If you squinted hard enough, you could probably see the specks of dust floating around in the shining streaks of light.
Your eyes dart around everywhere. You catch a second story above that was in rougher shape than the outside. Only the support beams were holding it up but flat wooden planks were placed on purpose by people to walk across. You weren't going to risk going up there. Not alone at least.
Various items were hanging on the walls by old, rusty hooks. A large amount of thick rope and wagon wheels were perched upon them. The odd pitchfork looking tool and broken axes. Lumber was displayed along the wall which was most likely used as firewood, but now the homes of small critters and insects between them.
You take a couple steps forward. A lot of the things that were inside are piled high in the middle of it. Metal, wood planks, rope, beams and wires all tangled into one hell of a mess. What a shame. You crunch on broken glass beneath your feet, lifting your foot but seeing no shards embedded.
You sigh out gently. Still walking slowly but spinning yourself in a slow circle to take in everything once more. You notice an entry way that had its door off the hinges and lying flat on the floor. It's darker than the rest of the place. Much darker.
A place like this couldn't have a basement, right? That doesn't seem fitting. A storage closet would make more sense, but why would it be kept so dark?
Curiosity swirls in your stomach but uncertainty about the situation makes you hesitate. It's eerie, to say the least. You don't really want to know what could be hiding in that space if it was anything at all. The place didn't really hold a smell aside from mildew and wood, so it couldn't be anything bad inside. Or so you thought.
Your lips form a thin line as your eyes were glued to the dark frame. Your phone does have a flashlight...
That's all it took.
You pull your phone from your pocket and fumble a few times to get the flashlight to turn on. It didn't do much out here where it's decently bright, turning your phone towards your face and hissing out a curse when you practically flash bang yourself. It was definitely on.
You blink a few times as you shuffle towards the door, nearly tripping on a raised part of the floor in the process. Your light does grant you the ability to see straight ahead but the room turns to the right. You hold your arm out as far as it can reach and shine your light towards the dark, revealing nothing but another wall as much as you can make see.
Relief settles within you. It was just some old storage closet and not a creepy, old stairway to a basement. You take a step inside and take a better look. A wooden stool was placed in the most hidden corner of the closet. Placed on top was- your face scrunches in confusion.
Was that.... A camcorder?
You stare at the device blankly as your jaw drops open a bit. What was that doing here? Does it work? Is it new? Old? It looks to be in good condition- you catch yourself reaching for it without realizing. Your hand stops above it before you could grab it, withdrawing your arm and clenching your hand.
You probably shouldn't touch it.
Your phone screen lights up and reveals it to be 5:30pm. Where did all the time go? You weren't here for that long, were you?
You needed to go.
Turning on your heel, you exit the small room and leave the camcorder behind where it will stay. As much as you wanted to know, you shouldn't take it. Someone probably left it here on accident while exploring and could be around to get it back. It wasn't yours to have, anyway.
You approach the jagged entrance you wedged your body through in the beginning, crouching down and placing your hand on a sharp piece of wood sticking out from it. You turn your head towards the dark room once more but shaking the thoughts from it before stepping out into the open. The familiar feeling of mud squished beneath you.
The camcorder hadn't left your mind all the way home. Your footsteps felt heavy on the concrete path towards your house in the small neighbourhood, eyes trained to your feet. Your phone buzzed in your pocket from old notifications as you regained signal, various reminders and an odd text from Timothy updating you on Jay and Alex.
You fumbled with your houses keys, soon unlocking the door and pushing it open. It was quiet aside from you. You walk to your room, taking off your jacket and throwing it on your bed before rubbing your face while sighing out.
"Go back."
You freeze on the spot, goosebumps lining your arms and eyes growing wide. You slowly turn towards the radio, mouthing a small 'what?..' as you lean closer.
The static was back.
"Go back."
You nearly jump out of your skin. Laughing under your breath as you shake your head. You must be imagining things. It's been a long day and you're tired. There's no way-
HIRAETH- Eyeless Jack x Reader: 48 Hours (Part I - Chp 14)
——————————
This chapter contains: swearing, harm towards the reader, brutal killing, explained gore, hallucinations and other disturbing/disgusting scenes.
A/N - This chapter will have a scene that includes a brutal, gory killing that the reader does. It's not a human. It's an animal. I know some people will not enjoy reading it so don't be afraid to skip it. Some are more sensitive to animal deaths than humans (little concerning but you do you). Its not important to the story whatsoever. It's just for the plot. The reader is getting more and more fucked as time goes on.
I'll put "***" when the time comes. Start to finish. Look out for them if you want to skip it.
Is it worth it? Not sure. It's only going to get worse from here on out and I've already written a few things in here I didn't warn about lmao oops.
Anyway, I'm sortaaaa back. Enjoy the new chapter! Sorry for the wait :>
NOT EDITED.
——————————
The first inhale of fresh air had hit you like a truck.
You hadn't realized how stuffy that cabin had become from being in it for so long. Although you had the opportunity to escape for good before when bursting through that window, it seemed like it caved in on you day after day to suffocate you.
It felt good to have decently clearer air soar through your lungs.
You didn't know where you were going and you didn't know where you were. You followed where your feet were taking you and that was that. It had only been close to 10 minutes from when you left the cabin and only one thought proceeded to echo in your mind: was this really worth it?
You halted, looking behind you. The cabin was no longer in your sight. Only a wide variety of trees were in the picture.
You knew what you had to do, but how were you going to meet your goal if you didn't know where you were? You've made a fair and clear point earlier with the bicker with Jack. You knew that he knew you didn't know where you were, only answering you with "you'll know."
How did that make sense? You didn't know. He only told you what you knew and didn't care about the rest of the details. He unbounded you, bid farewell and good luck while pushing you out the door. Why was he so willing to do that now? Especially after him not wanting you to escape? That part didn't make sense to you, either.
But also, you had no second thoughts about obeying him with it all. How you wanted to return to him with the task completed? How strange.
It shouldn't be like this.
It was cold. Colder than it was before you came here. You wouldn't be surprised if the first snow came soon. Although the ground squished beneath your feet with every step you took from the recent rain, anything was possible. You were lucky it was the break of dawn and the sun was beginning to shine through the trees. It had to warm up at least some throughout the day with that. The nighttime, though, was a different story. If the chains were piercing cold from in the cabin, it'll be worse out here in it.
Best to get a move on, no? 48 hours goes by fast.
Twigs snapped with every few steps, echoing throughout the wide and seemingly endless forest; alerting that something-someone-was in it. It was something you should probably try and avoid. Making yourself known. But what's there to lose?
Maybe you should take the time to cherish this moment. Being alone and outside once more, surrounded by the endless nature with the most unexpected consequences and possibilities it could unfold. Something as beautiful as this shouldn't be taken for granted. You never know when your last moment of living would be.
You let out a rather harsh breath, closing your eyes for a brief moment. You still couldn't wrap your head around all of this. How fast this happened, how the people you've met turned out to be.. Some sort of fucking... What even were they?
You groaned out in frustration, hands finding their way up and gripping your head as a light buzzing entered your mind.
You squeezed your head, applying more and more pressure with each passing second as the buzzing grew louder— as if it was trying to drown your previous thoughts. Trying to delay you of your task.
"Wouldn't stand there if I were you."
A raspy, males voice breaks you out of your own mind. You whip your head towards the sound, seeing nothing but endless trees and hearing the swaying of old, dead leaves that still clung to the branches for whatever reason. Your breathing stilled, body growing tense but alert. Was that?- Your voice blurts out before you even had the chance to rethink it.
"Jack?"
You twist your body around, seeing if any movement could be spotted. Anything to give away its location-whatever it was. A deep pit of unease grew in your stomach. Something wasn't right.
Did you seriously just call out for him?
You take a few steps around the area you heard it in, still seeing nothing but woods. Your hand lands on one of the trees in front of you, feeling its rough bark mold against your palm. Its damp.
An unknown feeling swirls in your gut and grips your heart.
Your body twitches and sends a shiver down your spine. Maybe you were just hearing things. Your mind playing tricks on you. You sigh through your nose and push your hand off the tree."Time is ticking after all."
You have to keep moving.
You can't disappoint him.
The buzzing had faded.
This wasn't the first time you've heard it. Your mind flickers to what you recall was the first time- when you were being carried down the road upon the back of Timothy.
Well. More so after. You can't pin point what had happened other than the buzzing erupting in your mind and Brian's "we have company" before blacking out- just like at the cabin before they disappeared.
You didn't want to know what it was or how it was truly caused. You knew it had a purpose and they knew that too. Along with being familiar with it since they knew when it was coming- there were signs. Multiple.
First came the buzzing, growing louder as it grew closer.
Eventually it leads to someone falling sick- or what you assumed at least. Brian and Timothy showed signs of falling ill unexpectedly fast for a matter of seconds.
Then it's just.. There.
The overwhelming feeling, the heaviness in your chest which overtook your whole body.. It was corrupting. Everywhere at once. You couldn't get away-
Snap!
You stilled as a fallen twig from behind you snapped from the weight of another. The woods fell silent. Whatever it was stopped when you did.
Was that not a bad sign? Is that what they all say? The woods falling silent- meaning something 'bigger' or potentially more 'dangerous' was near? You remain still as your lone eye scans around you as much as it could- but not behind you. You see nothing by your side.
You're at a disadvantage, making your gut tense for a fraction of a second. You're alone, partially blind and no where near the cabin. No one is coming to save you.
This wasn't a bird or rabbit. It carried weight- enough to break things beneath it. Silent. Very silent. You didn't hear it approaching you from behind. It was skilled enough to go unnoticed. All those to add on to your unfortunate 'disadvantages list.' You weren't the predator- you are prey. That's how it was going to be.
Face it.
You twist your body around to face the direction of your— the empty forest. Nothing was there.
Your body relaxes itself as you scan around you halfheartedly once again. Was something even there to begin with? Or were you just hearing things again?
Why did this feel familiar?
You let out a breath as you turn to keep up with your destination, which is surely going by faster than what you thought but in the wrong ways.
With all the twists you've taken and delays you've been experiencing, you didn't even know if you were heading in the right direction anymore. You could be on your way back towards the cabin for all you knew. All that time wasted. The time you needed so desperately but didn't have enough of.
The sun is above the trees trunks now- shining bright and full as it casts down upon you from all that way. Truly a wonder, that is.
The ground is getting firmer as you truck on. The wetness soaking itself into the ground to feed the nature around it. Mostly, all you hear is the crunching of crisp leaves under your feet. Sometimes kicking them or purposely stepping on one that looks too dry, earning that sharp and satisfying crunch after.
It's moments like this you've nearly forgotten.
The light wind blows your hair in your face, making you wince and brush it out of your eye with a little grimace. It must look terrible. You must look terrible.
When's the last time you had a shower? Properly cleaned? Maybe if you found a river. Like the one you fell into not long ago. Or even a lake- No.
It wouldn't look as convincing if you were to show up all neat and tidy. You had to look famished- distraught.
Your gaze casted down towards your hands. You clench them once- twice in front of you. Your nails have grown long and dirt was collecting underneath them. The urge to pick at them and scrape them clean was a unsatisfied itch your mind.
Your knuckles were cut in various places. Little scars and scratches littered your hands, red splotches of beaten skin overtaking your natural hue.
Could make it worse.
A couple of birds in the trees above squawk fearfully and take off within a second, the batting of their wings and croaks make you tilt your head up to watch as they flee from whatever had spooked them.
You didn't hear the padding of feet from behind you approaching rapidly, but the snarl that came out of the unwanted visitor made goosebumps line your body. You barely had time to face its direction but instead feeling the piercing, wet but warm jaws that clenched themselves around your calf. You feel your muscles spasm and a searing pain rushes throughout your leg, warm liquid seeping through the teeth of the predator.
You let out a mangled scream, trying to force your leg out of the strong jaws of your opponent. You make out matted, greyish brown fur from behind you and quickly come to the conclusion that this was the reason why everything fell silent before fleeing.
A scrawny but hefty looking coyote was latched around your leg and had no intention of letting go any time soon.
As hard as it was to do, you had to get out of its jaws. You twist to face it the best you could while holding yourself upright on the ground. You couldn't get knocked over by this thing- you had to remain upright. Being held down meant an insanely good chance of losing; and you've seen and had that happen more than enough times before.
You feel your lower back crack from the sudden twist you've managed to do, grabbing the coyote's head and trying to twist it off you while being latched. Even though the pain intensified from its teeth ripping away from your flesh, it released its hold and lunged towards you as you stumble back.
It had successfully knocked you down. Landing on your side, you barely had time to readjust to your back before it snapped and snarled above your face. Your hands barely held its head back from this position. You saw its bloodied teeth only inches away from your eye, drool with the mixture of your blood within its jaws dripping onto you. You paid no mind.
Lifting your uninjured leg, you manage to squeeze it between you and the one on top of you. Your foot finds its place on the ribs of the coyote and you tense, putting as much force into the kick as possible as you hear a faint whine mixed with the snarls of the creature as it launches off of you. It lands with a thud and scrambles to get up as you do, seconds to spare to try and figure out a way to succeed with this fight.
You could pull the move Jack did not too long ago and aim for the eyes. The crucial part of the body most living beings need. But to reach out your hands towards its head with jaws like that, it would most likely latch to your arm as it did with your leg. Two parts of your body injured? Best to avoid that as much as possible.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
The coyote steadies itself and sprints towards you once again, knocking you out of your thoughts. Your body seems to move on its own and lunges towards the predator itself, colliding with it and toppling on top of the matted creature. Its paws claw your body, sharp and digging into your flesh as you place your hands around its larger throat. You begin to push down on its windpipe, hearing it being to whine and let out other strangled calls.
That wasn't enough.
You eye a decently sized rock snug in the ground from beside you. Something flickers in your mind as things turn hazy around you. You reach your hands towards it and grip around the larger rock, fingers digging into the cold soil as it collects uncomfortably heavy beneath your already dirtied nails. The coyote struggles beneath your weight as you pressed your good leg against its ribs to hold it down. You pull the rock free from the earth.
You hold it above your head as the stone feels cold in your hands, its jagged edges sitting roughly in your palms. Your fingers tighten about it as you watch the coyotes jaws snap up at you. You swing your arms down forcefully.
A tough, stomach clenching thwack was sounded in the forest. The creature whines from under you, shaking its head and licking its mouth while partially dazed. You lift the rock again before bringing it back down.
Another thwack emits. Its whine turns into a whimper midway through. You felt some fur brush your fingers that time. You do it again.
Thwack.
And again.
Thwack.
It's... Warm.
Thwaa-crcch.
Something... cracks from under you. You don't hear the coyotes cries anymore nor do you feel it struggling against you- but the odd twitch of its body sends alerts down your spine. It still wasn't completely gone.
Every impale of the rock against its thick skull shoots heavy waves throughout your arms. The sound of it colliding eventually dulls in your ears, becoming a steady beat like a drum if anyone else heard.
You only snap out of the daze when you feel wetness loosen your hold of the rock, becoming slippery and sickly warm. The substance is thick with chunks of fur and mangled flesh within it. You raise the bloodied rock halfway above your head again before dropping it to the ground with a thud. You pant as your eye moves to the coyote. Your stomach twists.
It wasn't just dead. It was mangled.
The jaw had dislocated itself from its skull, hanging loosely towards the ground as blood seeped out of its throat and into the cold dirt. Must've been what the crack was.
Its eyes were nearly popping out of its head. Blown wide with fear permanently struck within them. You're breathing staggered.
You look down at your hands as your heartbeat was thumping in your ears wildly. They were covered in blood as fur was snug under your nails. They shook violently as the adrenaline rushed through your body.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Your legs felt unsteady as they tried to hold up your weight.
You feel the blood seep out of your wounded leg increase to a steady flow as you apply more pressure on the ground. You clench your jaw tightly, seeing how far you could go before it gave out. It didn't take long.
Your first attempt of a step was humiliating.
Your leg gives out from under you as you topple to the ground with a grunt. You bunch up thick leaves and dirt within your hands as you sigh out, forehead landing itself on the surface and letting the coolness overcome your body. You feel the small twigs and torn up soil stick to your forehead.
You had to do something about this. You couldn't leave the bite on your leg open for too long. If you lose too much blood you'll become weak. Weaker than you already are. A torn piece of your clothing could be an option. Your pants were already ripped from the teeth of the coyote, so ripping them more wouldn't be an issue.
But would it be worth it?
Maybe you could stay here to rest for a bit longer.
What were the chances of your task completing itself and coming to you? Close to zero, but it's still a possibility. The sight would be amusing to see unfold but the risk isn't worth taking. But to lay here, feeling the ache and warmth trickle out of your body-
That doesn't sound half bad.
You force yourself to lay on your back, the tree tops from above were starting to spin in circles as black dots coat your vision. Exhaustion takes over.
A little break won't hurt, right? You had time. 38 hours? More? Or maybe less? You had plenty. Let's just take a breather. You're tired anyway.
What's the worst that could happen?
—————————————
Heyy...
Sorry for the short chapter :( ik it's been so long and I'm so sorry. I've been busy and sm has happened since I've been away.
Next one will most likely be short as well. These are basically fillers before we get into the main stuff and things are interesting once again lol. But I'm excited for these last ones. I've been waiting for this moment.
But anyway, I'm here again. Kinda. Hope you enjoy this kinda boring chapter. Sorry again for the wait <3
THE DEVIL WEARS YELLOW - Hoodie x Reader (PROLOGUE)
Marble Hornets AU.
Description: A small, portable retro radio catches your eye in a new family-owned shop as you were passing by. Claimed not to work- the owner gave it to you dirt cheap. Upon purchasing it, it sat proudly on your dresser for display, hoping one day you could fix it up.
That is, until it started back up on its own. Spewing out muffled tasks that had a deadline, and recording the progress served its proof of completion.
Will contain potential Marble Hornets spoilers. For any confusion or to avoid spoilers, please watch Marble Hornets on youtube.
Author’s notes at the end.
————————————
——————————
This chapter contains: swearing and dark humor.
NOT EDITED.
——————————
Bzzztt!
Your phone lights up from the small table beside your bed, making the room come to life from within the darkness.
You shift in your sleep, covers half on-half off your body, the rest crumpling down the bed and onto the floor in a massive heap. You mutter an inaudible sound within your slumber and reposition yourself, trying to ignore the bright light that's breaking into your dream.
Bzzztt!
You grumble, slowly becoming aware of your senses and throwing an arm out to grip your escaping blanket once again to pull back up and over your body.
Bzztt!
bzzzzzttt!
You groan out and swing your arm to your side and reach for your phone on the nightstand, but end up knocking it with your hand and hearing it clatter on the floor. You pause, a frown on your lips and sighing out heavily.
Its early. Too early. The sun hasn't even peaked over the trees yet- who is messaging you this much during this hour?
You wiggle yourself to the edge of your bed and spot your phone face down on your floor. You reach to pick it up, feeling a new crack down its screen between your fingers. You would laugh out of frustration if you weren't so tired.
Your body hanging half off the bed, you flip the phone over for the screen to immediately light up and make you wince. Your frown deepens.
3:48AM.
'Timothy Wright has sent you a message (4)'
"You motherfucker" comes from under your breath.
Your fingers tap on your screen at a furious speed, accidentally misspelling multiple words but having no intentions to fix them.
~ 'why hte FUCK are you up rigrht now'
- 'Oh good, you are alive.'
- 'Was starting to think someone killed you before me.'
~ 'that doesn't anwedr my question'
- 'Whatever. There's a new shop in town. Brian wants you to go with him tomorrow to check it out.'
~ '...'
~ 'you tell me this now? at 3AM? and why couldn't he tell me?'
- 'He's busy. Not answering any of my calls or texts. Figured he didn't tell you yet so I did.'
~ 'i'm going back to sleep'
You flop down on your bed fully once again, dropping your phone next to you and rubbing your face with your hands. Of course Timothy was up at this hour- he's mentioned something about having strange dreams and sleepless nights repeatedly. Probably one of those nights again.
You turn over and cover your whole body head to toe in your blanket, letting the warmth surround you but unfortunately limit your ability to breathe normally. You listen to the quietness of your room as your mind wanders.
Why wouldn't Brian pick up Tim's calls? He's normally the better one in the group to answer anything in a good time frame.
You shut your eyes, allowing the blissful slumber take over you once more. It was probably nothing. He could be dealing with something and have to time to pick up. It's a topic for another day.
* * *
The sun shines through the window beside your bed, casting annoying orange and yellow rays into your eyes as you awake from your slumber.
You sit up rubbing your eyes tiredly before stretching, hearing pops and cracks come from your shoulders along with other various places. You relax your body, arms falling limp but satisfied from the tension released. You glance at your phone before reaching for it and tapping to screen to reveal the time.
10:20AM.
No missed texts or calls.
You hum to yourself, thinking about what Tim said last night after rudely waking you up.
You haven't seen a new shop in the area the last time you were out from what you remembered. It had to be new-new. Although, the last time you actually went out was like... 4?.. 5 Days ago? You couldn't remember. Anything could happen between then and now.
Your fingers glide across your screen with ease and find Brian's contact within your messages. You send a simple 'hey' before turning off your phone and getting out of bed. Heading towards your kitchen, your first plan for action was coffee. It never truly helped you wake up or get you going- you were convinced it was for the smell and taste. But yet, you were addicted.
The smell of it filled your nostrils and eased your body. You lean your back against the counter as you watched the dark drops of hot coffee drip into the pot. Your tongue skims along your teeth as your mind drifts off to Brian again. You cross your arms and draw your lips into a thin line.
Just what was he up to?
Bzzt!
As if he heard your thoughts, your phone lights up and vibrates against the counter. Your eyes snap to it while your hand moves towards it without second thoughts.
'Brian Thomas has sent you a message.'
You open the message as relief sets through your bones.
~ 'Mornin!'
- 'morning :) how've you been?'
The coffee pot beeps from beside you signalling it's done brewing. You put your phone down to reach for a cup, filling it with the hot delectable after the short wait. You gently hold it up to your mouth and blow, trying to get it to cool off faster. Your phone buzzes again and you read it from above.
~ 'Ohh, you know. The usual.'
~ 'Had a long night but did catch a few hours.'
~ 'How are ya yourself?'
You set your cup down with a small smile. He had always cared about how you were. Always so sweet to you. You couldn't help but feel the warmth in your chest from him.
- 'aside from Tim waking me up at 3AM, i'm doing alright. thanks for asking :)'
~ 'Woke you up at 3 did he? Not very nice of him.'
~ 'Assuming he told you I wanted to meet up with you?'
- 'mhmm. when are you feeling?'
You take a sip of coffee as you await his text. It would be nice to see Brian again. You don't get enough time with him now. The whole group, actually. Brian, Timothy, Jay and Alex. Like how it used to be.
~ 'How about 12? Give ya a bit to get situated.'
~ 'I'll meet you at the school?'
- 'sounds good! see you then'
'Brian Thomas hearted a message.'
You sigh and abandon your coffee cup for good on the counter, seeing you only had less than an hour to get ready. It wouldn't take you a long time to get to the school- only a 5 minute walk or more.
You move yourself towards your room again before rummaging around your dresser drawers for decent looking clothes. Something cleaner. Fresher. Simple jeans and a t-shirt would do. Nothing fancy.
Bzzt!
You look at your phone for the notification that appeared.
~ 'Make sure you bring an umbrella. Rainin' a bit out here.'
You look out your window to be met with droplets stuck to it. How weird, it wasn't raining earlier when you had woken up. The sun was out and everything. You hummed, shrugging it off and grabbing a light windbreaker that was hanging off your rooms door. It wouldn't hurt to wear that too today.
Wait- was he already out? He wasn't already waiting for you there, was he? It wouldn't surprise you if he actually was.
You change your clothes quickly and throw on the jacket, slipping on shoes and messing with your hair in the mirror a bit before giving up. It was Brian of all people. He wouldn't care about how well you looked at the moment, but it didn't hurt to look somewhat presentable.
Scurrying out of your room, you pocket your phone and head towards your front door. Grabbing the umbrella that was placed within a small basket, you opened your door, locked it behind you and stepped outside.
It wasn't raining horribly and the wind was dull. Common weather for spring. Not too cold or warm- the perfect weather for light jackets or hoodies.
The umbrella you had in your hand was put up and over your head, the sound of water droplets falling on it was strangely nostalgic. Your steps on the sidewalk below patted with a wet tap every time your weight hit the ground. The town was noticeable in the distance, few cars making turns and hitting potholes that made water splash up and onto the sidewalk. Better watch out for that.
All of this was oddly calming to you. You liked getting out and exploring the abandoned buildings that were a little ways away from the town, but still a manageable walk. Seeing all the little hidden gems and treasures of the world or what's behind closed eyes. Everything was like a mystery waiting to be solved.
Your eyes set on a familiar figure in the distance. Black jacket, pale yellow hoodie and brown cargo jeans. Typical for the one and only, Brian. He spots you finally and raises his hand for a small wave. You smile and pick up your pace a bit.
"'bout time you got here. Was waitin' all day for ya."
"All day?" you scoffed "you're the one who invited me out at noon- not even an hour in advance."
You playfully smack his arm which he only smiles to, revealing the small gap between his front teeth.
"Alright, alright. It was late notice, but the shop closes earlier than the rest out here."
You let out a light laugh as you both walk side by side and enter the small town. The small talk was quickly over with but not left at an awkward ending. Brian was easy to get along with and had a great personality, always cracking jokes or warming up the atmosphere in general. He's one of the best people you had in your life and you wouldn't want that to change.
"Have you been to this shop before? Tim was texting as if you were."
"Ah- no. Only saw it two nights ago when I was passin' by. Thought it was worth a shot since I saw nifty lookin' things on display inside."
You only hummed in response and gave a single nod. Soon enough, you both were standing in front of the new little shop in the middle of the town. The front had a huge half circle window that extended into the sidewalk, instantly drawing your attention to all the little collectables and objects inside.
From handmade wooden horses, beautiful old plates and the occasional antique doll, the place looked welcoming. The dim orange lighting inside had a warm vibe to it that was drawing you in even further.
What captured your attention the most was the old bedside radio that sat on a fancy wooden table off to the side. It had a price tag beside it but you couldn't read it from where you were. It looked in good condition and wondered if it would still work. You could picture it next to your bed or in your kitchen- playing music as you went on with your day. You definitely have to take a closer look at that later on.
Your eyes scanned over to the "Come in! We're open!" sign that was giving off a faint buzzing while flashing red and white. Soon gliding up to the shops name.
'Glenn's Collectables'
You hummed, hearing the doors bell chime as Brian opened the door and invited you to enter first with a small smile. You shook your umbrella and folded it back up before stepping inside. Your nose was met with the smell of old wooden floors and a slight musty hint, but that didn't bother you. Brian walked in behind you as the bell rung out once more. There was shuffling in the back.
"Oh, hello there! Good to see young folk like you in here for a change!"
A kind but older man's voice came out from behind the counter that was hidden by the various shelves and stands. You had to bend over a bit to see him, but the voice was soon given a body.
Behind the counter was an older gentleman, dressed in a dark red button up and brown pants with suspenders over his shoulders. He wore an older hat that compliments his pants, raising his hand and tipping it towards the both of you as a small welcoming gesture. A closed eyes and warm smile was delivered.
"Don't mind the mess!" he said with a hearty laugh "everything in here is still being arranged, but feel free to take a look!"
You smiled at the man before turning to Brian who only gave you a nod. You went your separate ways, Brian heading over to the older man to spike conversation as you went over to all sorts of different tables with little trinkets on them.
You overheard them talking about how he got here and how long they've been in business. He's the owner, used to have a wife around but she unfortunately passed not too long ago due to old age. Her wish was to keep the shop going and he promised her he would have it stand until he dropped.
After her passing though, he was unable to hold the actual stores home in the original location. It being too big to handle as one person so he was forced to move and found his way here. 'It's smaller, but with enough of a fight and work to her, she's home.'
You could only imagine how hard he's worked to get here. It's not easy to hold up a store on your own and being able to keep it. He seems confident in this placement.
You picked up a small, stained glass ornament of a bird. All its beautiful colours and shapes moulding perfectly together. You hold it up to the light above you, seeing it come to life with all the colours now bouncing off the walls from reflection. How pretty. Maybe that could be a gift one day for someone.
You couldn't hear the conversation between Brian and the owner anymore. They must've ended it or you were just tuning it out. Your mind flickered to the radio you saw from outside, turning your body and scanning around for it. Your eyes landed on it sitting on the table like before, tucked in a little corner with paintings hung above and a beautiful lamp beside it.
Walking over to it, you bend down to its height and carefully skim your fingers across the top of it. Feeling all the delicate buttons and designs that were built onto it. The antenna was only partially raised, seeming like if it were to be any more it would snap off.
You could hold the box in two hands. A nice wooden and metal material covered it as the speakers came in lines. The edges were a deeper brown and the middle was a beige. It was in good condition despite its age. You could still see all the written station numbers on the front clearly. The volume would probably click and snap a bit if you were to try and turn it.
"Ah, I see you've spotted the old radio I've found."
You nearly jump out of your skin from the voice of the owner behind you. You hadn't heard him approaching you- same with Brian who only snickered to himself from beside the man. You eyed him with a frown before turning your attention towards the other.
"Yes- I actually saw it before heading inside. Something about it caught my eye."
The older man goes to grab it, picking it up gently and dusting it off a bit. He turns it all sorts of ways and fiddles with some of the buttons.
"She's old and looks like in good condition, but it sadly does not work."
He goes to turn it on and it gives out static for only a moment before shutting off again by itself. He hums apologetically before giving a soft smile your way.
"I had it out for display only- but ended up giving it a price anyway. Thirty was the most I'd take for this old thing but I doubt anyone will take it. Not in this condition, at least."
You look down at it in his hands. You'd hate to see it go to waste. Just because it won't work doesn't mean it's not worth buying. These models won't be around forever, becoming harder and harder to find.
"I'll take it."
The owner looks at you with wide eyes before raising his hand to wave it off with a slight huff.
"I couldn't do that to you. You deserve one that works, not something that you can only stare at and-"
"No- please. I insist."
Your eyes glance from the radio to him. The man goes from you, to Brian, back at the radio and then to you once more before letting out a sigh. Brushing the top of the old thing carefully, he gently begins to hold it out for you to take.
"Well then, I'll give it to you for $10 if you insist on having it."
Your mouth parts a bit before slowly reaching out for the radio. You take it from him carefully, feeling the weight of it in your hands and the wooden texture over your palms.
"Are you sure-"
"Ah!" the man holds out his hand at you to silence you. Giving you a small nod and a smile. "I insist."
Brian only laughs from beside you as you sigh out. Reaching into your pocket, you pull out a $10 bill and hand it to the man. He takes it from you and tips his hat once more with a chuckle.
"Pleasure doing business with you, young lady."
You look at the radio in your hands- your radio.
"Thank you."
The bell to the doors shop suddenly chimes again, a few older people entering the space while chatting amongst themselves.
"My cue to go! I hope you two have a lovely evening."
Brian nudges you and signals to leave. You both step outside as you breathe in the fresh air once again, still looking down at your new found item. The rain has let up for a bit making it safe to hold the radio without much caution.
"What do ya plan to do with that, now?"
"Well.. I was hoping to fix it up, but it may just stay on my bedside table for right now until I figure out a plan."
Brian nods while staring down at the radio in your hands. He hums a bit before standing straight and looking up towards the sky.
"Hate to cut it short, but you should probably head home before it starts rainin' again." He pokes at your arm and then the radio, making you laugh a little. "Don't want this ol' thing gettin' wet."
You give Brian a smile which he returns almost immediately. You look down for a split second and catch a camcorder in his hand. He catches on and holds it up and shakes it a bit while saying 'old one broke.' He must've found it in the shop.
Bidding your goodbyes, you both head your separate ways back to your homes. You look at the radio in your hands again as you were walking, decently pleased with your purchase.
You wish you had asked how it broke and why he almost didn't give it to you- but that's a thought for another day. For now, you just had to make it home before the rain started once again.
————————————
heyyyyy. been a while hahaa
new story coming out!! yayyyyy. ive been wanting to write this one for a while and finally pushed myself to do it. for those on my tumblr, i know i said i would publish this after HIRAETH (ej story) but i just couldn't wait. don't worry, for those who are enjoying HIRAETH, it will still be worked on and finished. i think i just needed a bit more motivation to start writing again, which this has definitely helped.
so this will be completely different than my other works. not as brutal but it will have some moments. this will also have chapters labeled as "Entry's #". no chapter name or anything, just straight story. it may jump to future, past and present all in one go- so keep an eye out!
anyway, i hope you guys enjoy this new hoodie x reader i'm working on. i'm very excited to get this out like i said ❤️
