Hi again! Wow, I didn't realise it'd been so long...o.o I'm sorry! But...he's the longest chapter yet! :D Yay! Full of angst and anger and swearing and blahblahblah. The usual :3 But this is a chapter full of HINTS! And the supernatural stuff actualls starts showing up. How 'bout that, eh? Oh, and I've realised that there's technically domestic abuse in this =_= Because Neve is married to Kit...and keeps throwing him into thing (walls, tables, floors...). They're both idiots. Anyway! I don't really have much planning done for this story (other than lots of smut and lots of angst), so...if there's anything you want to see PLEASE TELL ME! :D Believe me. It'll help. Right, what else? Ummm...thank you to all my readers! I love all of you. YOu brighten my school-filled days. Please enjoy this next batch of ANGST.

Chapter Four: Keeping Secrets

The rest of the day passes in a blur. Neve hides himself somewhere, Sage informs me that I can stay, and the rest of the time is spent “bonding”. However, I’m too overwhelmed to answer most of their questions, and they eventually give up and leave me on my own to get used to my new surroundings. I make sure to avoid Felix as much as possible. Dinner is awkward, full of forced conversation and stretches of silence. I don’t eat much. I don’t make eye contact. I still think I’ve made a terrible mistake.

Is this really better than being dead?

The hours slip by, and eventually Sage seeks me out where I’ve hidden myself in the study. His golden hair is loose around his shoulders, glowing in the pale moonlight streaming through the window.

“Kit?” he asks softly, peering around the couch to where I’m folded in a corner.

I avoid his eyes.

“Yeah?”

He steps closer, crouching to my level.

“Um, I just thought we should figure out sleeping arrangements since it’s getting late.”

A nod shows I’m listening.

“Well, the way the bedrooms work…well, we each have our own, but we tend sleep together, since, y’know, marriage and all. But not altogether, since all of us squished in one bed would probably be really uncomfortable.” He gives a short, slightly nervous laugh. I continue looking at him and he clears his throat, playing with a strand of his hair. “Right. Well, we usually pair off…there’s no schedule or anything, it’s just…well, anyway. Um. I-I’d offer you a bed to yourself, but, um…” He chews his lip, obviously searching for a way to say what he wants tactfully. I sigh.

“But you’re worried I’m gonna run off again and try to kill myself.”

His body slouches a bit as he nods.

“Yeah. So, um…do you mind sleeping with me?” He holds up his hands, hastily adding, “If you’re not comfortable with that, I get it, it’s just…well, you seemed to be avoiding Felix, and Neve and Sei are…well…yeah. You can sleep with Faolan, if you’d prefer.”

He looks so nervous, I can’t help the small smile that curls my lips.

“It’s okay, I’ll stay with you. I don’t mind.”

A relieved grin reveals white teeth as Sage relaxes.

“Oh, good. Do you want to go to bed now, or…?”

At the mention of bed, I suddenly realise how tired I am. I nod, slowly standing up.

“I could sleep now.”

Sage follows me, fingers still twisting his hair.

“Okay, follow me.”

The hall’s dark and quiet, and I can only assume everyone else is in bed. Or in some room I don’t know about. Sage leads me up the stairs and to the end of the other, equally dark hall. He pushes open a door and flicks on a light, revealing a room that seems to match him. Pale green walls covered in painted vines and leaves, white furniture, and a soft-looking bed, covered in a grass-green comforter. Sage gives me a crooked smile, closing the door.

“Well, this is it. I have some pyjamas you can wear…if you wear pyjamas?” He raises his eyebrows in question.

I shrug, nodding. “Yeah, I wear them.”

When I haven’t just fucked somebody.

I sit on the bed, watching as Sage moves to the dresser and drags out a set of black pyjamas. Still carrying the somewhat unsure smile, he hands them to me before grabbing his own from the chair next to the bed.

“Um, I can leave the room if you like, while you get changed,” he offered, fingers twisting in the dark green fabric of his pyjamas.

I shrug, offering a crooked smile.

“Doesn’t bother me, getting changed in front of you.”

His cheeks tinged slightly and his smile brightened a bit.

“Oh. Well, that’s good. I don’t want you to be nervous around me.”

I shrug again, before pulling off my shirt and dropping my pants. I don’t bother seeing how Sage reacts, instead slipping into the borrowed sleepwear. It’s a bit baggy, but not too bad. The blond’s taller than me, but not much thicker. We won’t have much trouble fitting in the bed together.

When I turn around, Sage is pulling the elastic out of his hair and shaking out the strands, a yawn stretching his pink mouth. He sets the elastic on the nightstand and pulls back the comforter, sliding in between the sheets. A hand pats the spot beside him, a sleepy smile aimed my way. I take the silent invitation, cautiously joining him underneath the comforter and leaning back against the pillows. Well…at least it’s comfortable…

Sage clears his throat, grinning brightly. “Well, um…goodnight.”

“’Night,” I reply, eyes following his hand as it reaches for the lamp.

The room is plunged into darkness, but I can still see everything perfectly. I watch Sage settle down on his side, breath eventually slowing and body becoming still. I don’t know how he can be so comfortable with a stranger in his bed. The only time I can manage it is when I’m not sober.

Sighing, I try to relax. At least I know Sage isn’t going to try anything. Of all the guys here, he’s the one I trust the most. He hasn’t hurt me yet.

Wonder if it’s only a matter of time?

God, I have to stop thinking like this.

Right. Sleep. I need sleep.

My eyes close. My breathing slows.

A sudden noise from the next room has me lying stiff and wide-eyed.

What the hell was that?!

I lie still as the minutes slip by. Nothing happens. Everything’s quiet.

I’m not going to sleep. I don’t like new places.

It’s not even been five minutes.

Ugh, I’m hot.

Sitting up, I yank off the shirt, tossing it on the floor. The cooler air of the room raises goosebumps on my skin as I fall back against the pillows, fists pressing against my eyes. I should’ve known this was a bad idea.

What feels like hours slips by as I toss and turn, trying to fall asleep, before I finally give up. Shooting a quick glance at the peaceful Sage, I slide out from under the sheets, toes lightly touching the smooth wood floor. My footsteps are silent as I cross the room, fingers carefully opening the door. The hallway’s still dark, although I see a faint light shining from under one of the doors. I close the door behind me, glancing around. I really shouldn’t run away right now. I’m only wearing a pair of pants, and it’s the middle of the night…not ideal with the weirdoes wandering around at this time. No matter how much I may want to escape, I don’t want to end up raped and dead in an alley. Right now, I just want a nice spot to hide away.

Biting my lip, I pad along the hall, looking around. My eyes fall on a narrow door, and I stop. A closet. Small, compact, secluded. I like closets.

Glancing around once more, I pull open the door, dead silent, and slip in. It’s surprisingly spacious, for a linen closet, and I easily fit. Probably helps that I’m small. Someone like Faolan definitely wouldn’t fit. Not even Felix. Neve maybe.

The door shuts behind me, and I pull myself up onto a higher shelf, crawling onto the neatly folded blankets and curling up. It’s nice in here.

Finally, I can relax.

I let out a sigh, eyes sliding shut.

It doesn’t take long to fall asleep.

._.-.-._.

My eyes fly open a second before I hit the floor, pain shooting up my shoulder and a surprised yelp flying out of my mouth. I lie shocked for a second, blinking in confusion.

What the hell?!

Fingers dig into my arm, and I’m dragged to my feet, blood rushing to my head and blurring my vision. I don’t have time to orient myself before I’m yanked down the hall, struggling not to fall as pins and needles rush down my legs. Finally, my sight clears, and I realise it’s Neve in front of me, looking as pissed as the last time I saw him. I try to yank my arm out of his grasp, face twisting into a glare.

“Let go of me!”

“Shut the fuck up,” he hisses, not looking at me.

“What the hell did I do this time?!” I demand, trying to get him to look at me.

The wall sends a wave of pain from my head down my back as I’m slammed into it, and I grimace, eyes watering.

“I don’t give a fuck what happens to you, but don’t you dare screw with Sage,” snarls Neve, silver eyes flashing.

His hands are fucking freezing!

But seriously, what did I do?!

“I’m not screwing with him, you freak!” I yell, pushing against his chest. “I don’t even know what the fuck you’re talking about!”

I stumble as I’m suddenly yanked forward again, Neve’s nails digging into my arm. Instead of explaining, he drags me down the stairs and shoves me into the kitchen. After a brief struggle, gravity wins, and I fall to the ground, a pained gasp leaving me as I use my bandaged hands to catch myself and my matching knees hit the tile. Owowow, why did I do that?!

Before I can start yelling at Neve, I find myself wrapped tightly in a pair of willowy arms, silky blond hair brushing against my cheek.

“Don’t you ever do that again!” hisses Sage, voice harsh and strained.

“Do what?!” I demand, just wanting a simple bloody answer. The position he has me in is awkward, a half kneel with my upper body leaning against his.

I hate physical contact.

“When I woke up, you were gone.” His hold only tightens. “God, Kit, I thought you’d run off again. I thought you were dead.”

Jesus Christ.

I shove away from him, scrambling back.

“Why?” I demand, nails digging into the tile. “Why the hell would you think that?”

Shadowed blue eyes meet mine, mouth drawn tight.

“You ran away yesterday.”

I flinch at the steely tone, closing my eyes briefly.

“You can’t blame me for that.”

Sage sighs, face relaxing as he sits back on his heels.

“I know. Just…where were you this morning?”

“He was sleeping in the linen closet.”

Both of us look at Neve, who’s leaning against the wall with a frown and crossed arms. I thought he’d left…

Sage’s face is a mask of confusion when it turns back to me.

“The…closet? But…why?”

Well, this is embarrassing.

I shrug, avoiding his eyes.

“I couldn’t sleep in your room.”

“Oh.” The hurt makes me cringe. Of all the guys in the house, Sage is the one I wanted to upset the least. After all, he’s the only one who hasn’t done anything to me.

He clears his throat, drawing my attention to his face. His eyes are downcast, mussed hair framing his pale face.

“If-if you didn’t want to stay with me, you should’ve just said so…”

I growl in frustration, rubbing my face.

“That wasn’t why, okay?! I just…this house is too big and unfamiliar and…I just wanted to sleep and that was the only place I could find!”

Both of them are staring at me now.

“You wanted to sleep in a closet?” drawls Neve, voice heavy with disbelief.

I curl in a little, glowering defensively.

“So? I wasn’t bothering anyone.”

Sage is peering at my curiously, eyebrows drawn. I shrink back from him, nervous.

“What?”

“You’re not human, are you?”

My blood freezes.

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

Interest now shining in bright blue eyes, he crawls closer, studying me.

“You aren’t, are you?” He only stops when he’s close enough for me to see the faint freckles on his nose. I lean away, head hitting the wall behind me.

“I’m human!” I insist, eyes wide.

A wide grin suddenly appears as he plants his hands on the floor, next to my legs.

“You don’t have to be so worried. I’m not human either. Well, I am, but not a normal human.”

I should’ve known. I mean, it’s not exactly unusual to find non-humans and this guy definitely gives off a weird vibe. They all do, actually.

But that doesn’t mean I trust him.

“Okay, but I am.”

He tilts his head to the side, pouting.

“Why are you lying?”

I turn my head, teeth grit.

“I’m not.”

Neve’s looking at me, less hostile, more curious. But I don’t have time to ponder his expression before Sage has turned my eyes back to him.

“Want to know what I am?” he asks, eyebrows raised.

I frown, wary. “Uh…sure…”

He smiles. “I’m psychic. Which means I can just read your mind and find out what you’re hiding.”

I blanch, blood draining from my face. He…he wouldn’t…

My heart beats faster, fear pounding through me, as I try to find a way to get out of here. There’s no way I can move fast enough to get past both of them…

I hear a sigh, and then fingers are brushing lightly against my cheek and twining in my hair.

“But I won’t do that. It’d be no better than rape.”

He continues petting my hair, fingers massaging, and I unconsciously lean into the touch, eyes falling shut. His voice is soft as he continues.

“Besides, I’m sure you’ll eventually tell me, won’t you?”

His fingers scrape behind my ear, and I bite back a moan, mindlessly nodding. What are we talking about again…?

“Oh, good.” His hand disappears and my eyes blink open, peering at him in confusion. He pats my cheek before gracefully standing up, slender hands smoothing his clothes. “Well, then, I’d better go find Felix and Faolan and tell them you’re safe.” He sends me one last smile before leaving the kitchen, fingers combing out his hair.

I watch him leave, trying to think clearly.

…what the hell just happened?!

“God, you are easy,” snorts Neve, lip curled.

I finally snap out of my daze, grimacing.

“I thought Sage was supposed to be the nice one,” I mumble, dropping my forehead to my knees.

“Doesn’t mean he likes secrets,” retorts Neve, icy as ever. “And neither do I.”

“I don’t have to tell you anything,” I snap, lifting my head to glare at him.

He’s suddenly kneeling beside me, eyes narrowed and glinting.

“If you’re hiding something dangerous, you do.”

I jolt in surprise, scooting back.

“It’s not dangerous.”

His silver eyebrows shoot up. “Oh? Then you’ll have no problem telling me.”

I sneer, rolling my eyes. “Right.”

The humourless grin that slices his face sends a shiver down my spine.

“I may not be psychic…but I’m sure I can find a way to force it out of you.”

I bare my teeth at him, eyes narrowed.

“Don’t you dare touch me.”

“I’m not going to let you hurt my family.”

I can’t take it anymore. The anger boils through me, and I move to my knees, leaning in close.

“Your family’s the one who hurt me!” I explode, heat rising to my face, hands flying up. “I’m not the one who did this to my hands! I’m not the one who keeps throwing me against a wall! I’m not the one who dragged me home for a drunken one-night stand that ended in a fucking screwed-up marriage!”

Pain suddenly explodes in my cheek, and I’m flung backwards, head hitting the hard tile with a crack. I gasp, stars exploding across my vision. Oh, owowowfuckingOW!

I don’t have time to recover before Neve’s on me, legs straddling my waist and hands pinning mine to the floor.

“You think you can’t take any blame?” he demands, words hissing through clenched teeth, almost as sharp as the nails digging into my skin. “You should’ve just killed yourself before Felix found you!”

“Fuck you!” I snarl, expression mimicking his.

Shifting my weight, I manage to flip us so I’m on top, wrists still grasped in his icy hands. I grin smugly, but before I can say anything, white-hot pain shoots up my arms, biting right into my bones. A shocked scream tears its way through my throat.

OHMYFUCKINGGOD!

Tearing…tearing—m-my skin, oh, God, my skin’s tearing away, the bone…peelingpeelingpeeling, Oh, GOD!

Can’t think, can’t think, oh, God, I’m ripping apart!!

The floor sends a jolt through my shoulder, barely noticeable under the searing pain in my body. Curled on my side, my limbs twitching, eyes wide but unseeing…what’s that noise? Screaming? Where? Who?

Slowly, slowly the pain begins to fade. The screaming dies. I realise it was me, my throat now scratched raw. I lie on the floor, panting, cheeks wet…shit, I was crying. Eyes squeeze shut before reluctantly opening. Meeting an icy grey gaze.

Neve is staring at me, wide-eyed and surprised, although his face doesn’t look much different than usual.

I feel numb.

I grimace, shuddering.

“What…did you do to me?” I rasp, trying to keep as still as possible, hoping to make the pain go away.

“So that’s what you are.”

The words are barely a breath, but I can them perfectly.

I freeze.

Terrified, my eyes open to meet his again, a buzzing in my ears.

“W-what?”

He doesn’t move, still shocked.

“I can’t believe it,” he mutters, head shaking slightly. “You— God.”

My rattled senses manage to align themselves into some sort of coherency as I push myself up, ignored pain shooting through me.

“You can’t tell anyone,” I plead, eyes wide and desperate.

His eyes narrow into icy slits.

“Why shouldn’t I?”

I’m shaking.

“Please. Y-you know what will happen.”

“I don’t care what happens to you,” he growls. He shakes his head, standing up. “You’re more dangerous than I thought. I have to tell Sage.”

Panic claws up my throat, tightening around my heart. I hate myself so much right now, but I can’t let him tell anyone ever.

I stare up at him, pale, shaking, and desperate.

“I know you don’t, but please, please, don’t, I-I’ll do whatever you want, just please, Neve!”

The sound of his name seems to make him pause, and he studies me with a frown. A sliver of hope peeks through the fog in my brain, and I choke out one last desperate, “Please.”

He stares down at me for a few moments, before finally looking away, and growling, “I’ll think about it.”

I open my mouth, to thank him, to make him promise, to continue begging, I don’t know, but before any sound can leave my mouth, another voice echoes around the kitchen.

“What the hell were you doing in the closet?!”

I flinch, peering up through my tousled hair at the livid redhead above me. Felix’s eyes are sparks of green fire, his mouth pressed thin. He’s still in his pyjamas, which consist of a pair of black boxers and a faded green T-shirt. If I wasn’t so scared, I’d be jumping him right now.

“I-I couldn’t sleep,” I stammer, hating how weak I sound right now. If Neve hadn’t attacked me, I’d be prepared for this.

Hands bite into my arms, dragging me to my feet until Felix’s face is bent scant inches away from mine.

“If you couldn’t sleep, you should’ve told Sage instead of sneaking off,” he growled, teeth bared.

I stare at him, lost. “But…he was sleeping…I didn’t want to wake him up.”

“So you’d rather we all think you ran away and killed yourself?”

I flinch, looking away. God, he just keeps bringing that up…

“I’m not gonna run off,” I mutter, eyes staring blankly at the wall. “You’d just catch me anyway.”

“What, you still want to die?” His fingers dig deeper into my arms.

Flinching, I turn my face to glare at him.

“Yeah, I do,” I hiss, not sure how much truth is in those words, and how much spite. I’m not actually sure if I still want to die.

Maybe if Neve tells them what I am, that desire will reappear.

The flicker of emotions that passes through Felix’s eyes surprises me. Shock and disbelief, then hurt and betrayal, and finally…burning anger.

He jerks me up until we’re practically pressed together.

“Then I guess I’ll have to keep you locked up,” he hisses, body practically crackling with rage.

My eyes widen. He’s hitting close.

“Don’t do that,” I whisper, barely noticing the words passing through numb lips. “Please, don’t.”

Fear has me paralysed. Fear that Neve knows, and he’ll tell them, and I really will be kept in a cage. Or worse.

“If it keeps you from hurting yourself, then that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”

My alarm spikes when he starts dragging me out of the kitchen.

“Let go!” I yell, feet scrabbling on the floor. “Stop it!”

He yanks me out into the foyer, heading for the stairs.

“I’ll let you out when you’re not suicidal,” he shoots back, pulling me up onto the stairs without much trouble.

I drag my nails along his pale arms, trying to brace my feet on the steps and pull back.

“You crazy fuck!” I scream, struggling to get away, hysteria whipping through me. “Let me go!”

“Felix! What are you doing?” Sage stands at the bottom of the stairs, blue eyes wide. “Let go of him!”

The redhead’s fiery gaze turns to the blond.

“Not until he stops being a fucking idiot!” he retorts.

Sage’s eyes narrow as he steps forward. “Let go.”

Felix stops, grip not loosening. Finally, after a minute of glaring, he growls and shoves me away. Caught off balance, I fall backward, panic flaring as a surprised cry flies from my mouth. Luckily, arms wrap around me, stopping my fall, and I sag, trembling. Footsteps pound on the stairs, and a minute later, a door upstairs slams shut, leaving a thick silence in the foyer.

“Are you okay?” asks Sage, turning me to face him, blue gaze worried.

I nod, avoiding his eyes. My heart’s still pounding.

“I’m fine. I just…could I…” I step back, arms wrapping around myself. “I need to be…alone.”

Sage offers me a gentle smile, stroking my cheek.

“Sure.”

I nod, then turn around and quickly head for the hall, searching for a quiet place to hide. I settle on the study Sei dragged me to before, shutting the door behind me as my brown eyes flick around the room. They fall on one of the bookshelves, its top bare and wide, big enough for someone my size. I walk toward it, craning my neck. This seems like a good enough spot.

A light leap takes me to the top, and I hoist myself up, sliding to a spot close to the wall before curling up. It’s a good vantage point in case anyone decides to come in here.

I squeeze my eyes shut, blocking out the world.

I just wish it would all go away.

._.-.-._.

The day slips by without me. I don’t once leave the room, and at all points I’m either sleeping or half-conscious. Someone must come in at some time, because I wake up to a plate of food sitting on the desk. Staring at it, I finally decide I’m hungry enough to move from my spot. With a long stretch and wide yawn, I leap from my spot, landing quietly on the carpet below. I grimace, standing up. It feels weird standing up again after so many hours.

My nostrils flare as I catch the scent of dinner, and my eyes widen in pleased surprise. Walking over to the desk, I grin. Fish.

Ignoring the cutlery, I pick at the food with my fingers, humming in pleasure. It’s a bit cold, but it still tastes good. It doesn’t take long to finish it, and I sit back, licking my hands clean. I know they don’t know this is my favourite food, but it still makes me feel better.

Guess Neve hasn’t told them yet.

I pause, frowning. Or maybe he has and they’re just trying to lull me into a false sense of security. Isn’t that what you do with wild animals?

Maybe it’s better for me to leave, before they can do anything…

“Oh, you’re awake!”

I jump, spinning around and pressing myself to the desk. Sage watches me with concerned eyes, a small smile on his lips. He plays with the end of his ponytail, eyes wide.

“Um, if you’re done, there’s something I want to show you.”

I stiffen, watching him warily. He seems nervous. I don’t trust that.

“What is it?” I ask, wondering if I should run for it. It feels like a trap.

He holds his hands out, head tilted to the side.

“It’s a surprise.”

My eyes narrow suspiciously.

“I don’t like surprises.”

“It’s not anything bad,” he replies, smile dimming a bit. “I just thought it’d be something you’d like.”

I stare at him for a bit longer, searching his face. He doesn’t look like he’s up to something. And it’s not like he’s tried to hurt me, yet. My mind flies back to that scene in the kitchen, and I grimace. But he is manipulative.

He quickly crosses the room, taking hold of my hands.

“Come on,” he urges, smile returning. “I promise it’s nothing bad.”

Sighing, I give in, shoving my reservations to the back of my mind. What’ve I got to lose, anyway?

Well, other than my freedom.

I reluctantly follow him out of the room, eyes flicking around as we walk down the hall. No sign of Neve. Or anyone, actually.

We end up in Sage’s room, where he flicks on the light and walks toward the closet. I watch him curiously as he slides open the door, beckoning me with the curve of a finger and a smile. Stepping forward, I peer over his shoulder. My eyes widen in surprise.

“Is that…?”

“Yup! I made you a bed.”

My brown eyes slide over the cushions and blankets, looking like a comfortable nest more than anything else. I’m speechless.

Sage looks at me, worry clouding his bright blue eyes.

“Of course, you don’t have to sleep here if you don’t want to. I just thought that because of last night, you might be more comfortable here…”

I shook my head, warmth flooding through me.

“No, I…just, wow. This is…really nice.” I turn wide eyes on him, a grin growing on my face. “Thanks.”

The blond’s face brightens, cheeks flushing happily.

“I just want you to be happy. I know things are tough right now, but I promise they’ll get better.”

I look away, gaze falling on the makeshift bed. I want to believe him, but with the way things have been going, it’s a bit difficult.

I clear my throat, fingers twisting together.

“Um…has Neve said anything…about me?”

Sage glances at me, frowning curiously.

“Not really. Why?”

My head snaps to him in surprise. What?

“Oh, n-nothing. I just…wanted to know.”

The blond raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t say anything. I watch him stiffly for a minute, vaguely worried he’ll try to read my mind. But then he’s standing up and walking toward his dresser.

“I know you’ve been sleeping all day, so if you don’t want to go to bed yet, that’s okay.”

I shake my head, leaning against the wall.

“I’d rather stay in here.”

Sage’s face lightens a bit at that, looking happy at my words. It’s a bit weird.

“Well, um…did you want to do something?”

I feel my face flush, my mind instantly jumping to sex. I shove that thought away, avoiding his eyes. God, there’s something wrong with me.

Coughing, I shrug, eyes trained on the floor.

“Not really.” I briefly glance at him. “Uh…did you have something in mind?”

Sage mimics my shrug, pulling the elastic from his hair, the gold strands cascading past his shoulders.

“We could talk. I hardly know anything about you.”

I bite my lip, toes flexing. I’ve never liked talks.

“I-I guess…” I reply, eyes flicking up just in time to see Sage slide out of his shirt. My breath hitches. If I thought he was beautiful with his clothes on, then that opinion has only grown when they’re off. His skin is smooth and creamy and looks so so soft…

My fingers twitch and I quickly clench them, ripping my gaze away from the blond’s body. God, I really am a slut.

“Kit? You okay?”

My head snaps up and I force a bright smile, eyes trying to stay on Sage’s worried face.

“Yeah, fine. Just, um…thinking.”

My lies are terrible.

Sage nods slowly, slipping into his pyjama top.

“Alright…”

I look away just in time to avoid seeing his jeans fall to the floor. He’s really not making this easy for me.

A minute later, he crosses my vision, smiling in his soft way.

“Why don’t you sit down?”

My eyes flick from him to the bed, and I slowly shuffle forward, sinking down on the soft mattress. Sage follows me, sitting sideways to cross his legs on top of the comforter.

“So…why don’t you tell me about yourself?”

I slouch, eyes staring at the floor.

“What do you want to know?”

Sage’s hand flutters through the air.

“Where we you born, who raised you, what was your childhood like…? That sort of thing.”

A scowl twists my face.

“I don’t like talking about my childhood.”

The blond looks a little stung by my harsh tone, and I feel a slight sliver of guilt. But I really don’t like discussing my past.

“Well, alright…um…what do you…like to do in your spare time?”

One shoulder lifts up in a shrug.

“Read, I guess. Sleep.”

Sage nods encouragingly, leaning forward.

“Do you like music?”

My head tilts up as I lean back.

“Yeah. ‘Mnot picky about what I listen to.”

The blond is smiling again.

“We have a lot of CDs and records here,” he comments, probably trying to pique my interest.

“Cool.”

Maybe I’ll take a look later…

A short silence stretches before Sage finally sighs quietly.

“I-I should let you get to bed. After last night, you’re probably tired.”

We both know I spent the day napping. Still, I’m grateful for an out.

Nodding, I slip from the bed, crossing the short distance to the closet.

“Yeah.” I turn before crawling into the dark space, lifting my hand awkwardly. “Well, um…g’night.”

Sage offers me a dull grin.

“Goodnight.”

The makeshift bed is inviting as I sink down, sliding the closet door shut and blocking out the world.

Maybe I’ll actually sleep tonight.

._.-.-._.

I slip out of the room, hoping desperately that Sage doesn’t wake up before I get back. I really don’t want a repeat of last night. Of course, this time I’m just getting a glass of water, not hiding in the linen closet.

My feet make no noise as I move down the hall and pad down the stairs, easily moving through the dark. The kitchen’s bathed in moonlight, making the large room look eerie.

Shivering slightly, I move to the cupboard, grabbing a glass before stepping over to the sink. The sudden flow of water sounds extremely loud in the silent house, and I fill my glass as quickly as possible, worried I’ll wake someone up. I really don’t want to do that.

The tap turns off with a squeak, and I lean against the counter, draining the water in a few gulps. I guess it makes sense that I’m thirsty, since I haven’t had anything to drink all day.

Setting the empty glass in the sink, I leave the kitchen. I don’t hear anything, so I guess Sage hasn’t noticed I’m gone.

Thank God.

Of course, he isn’t the only one in the house.

My scream is muffled by a hand on my mouth as I’m dragged into the living room, an arm tight around my waist. Panic speeds through me, and I struggle to get away, nails digging into skin, and feet kicking shins.

I’m not exactly surprised when it doesn’t work.

Next thing I know, I’m on the couch, cheek pressing into the cushions, and a weight on my back. I gasp in air when my mouth’s released, flinching as lips brush against my ear.

“What are you doing wandering around at this time?” a soft, dark voice whispers, sending shivers down my spine.

“I was just getting water,” I reply quickly, heart pounding. “I wasn’t trying to run away!”

“I never said you were…” Sei’s mouth moves to my neck, tongue flicking out over the mark he left before.

I gasp as a sharp pain sears through my neck. I still don’t know what he did to me, but I do know that it hurts.

“Stop it!” I hiss, teeth clenched against the ache.

He nuzzles my neck, kissing the sensitive skin.

“Don’t want to.”

I bite my lip to keep from making a sound, nails digging into the couch beneath me. Cool hands slide across the bare skin of my torso, trailing lower and lower until they’re touching the waist of my pants. An unintentional whimper leaves me as I squeeze my eyes shut. Oh, God, what is he going to do?

Suddenly, I’m sitting up, back pressed against the other man’s chest. His arm is still wrapped around me, but his hands are away from my groin. A cool finger traces my jaw, followed by equally cool lips.

“Do you know how hard it is to control myself around you?” he whispers, nipping at the spot below my ear.

“N-no…” I stammer, gasping softly as his teeth continue their path down my neck.

“I thought it was obvious,” he murmurs, kissing my bare shoulder.

God, I just want to enjoy this, but I can’t. My problems all start with giving in to a good-looking guy. I’m tired of living like that.

And Sei…Sei is so dangerous.

I can’t take this.

Finding sudden strength, I spring forward, breaking away from the taller man. I land on my knees on the floor, fire shooting up my legs from the pain. But I ignore it and quickly jump to my feet, steps soundless as I sprint back upstairs to Sage’s room.

Sei doesn’t follow me.