"Y/n," I heard Brahms call to me, eyes still focused on the owl, "Perhaps you would like to learn?"

I lift an eyebrow and squint at him.

Without an answer back, he jerks his head to look at me. Noticing my confusion, he explains, "I'll teach you how to hunt. In return," he points to the camera in my hand, "you show me how to use that."

I hung my head low, staring at the floor to think for a moment. It seems my curiosity towards the traps and taxidermy have led him to believe that I wanted to pick this up as a hobby myself...

"Brahms," I say nervously as I make eye contact with him again, "I think you're mistaken."

Brahms responds with that head tilt he always does— making him resemble a puppy. Gawking at me with his big eyes, Brahms shakes his head.

What do you mean no?

" Yes, you are," I insisted, "I gave you the wrong idea Brahms, I don't want to-."

"-Sometime this week," he interrupts before I could reject him, "We'll go hunting."

I exhale deeply. Feeling like there wasn't going to be a way out of this, I nodded compliantly. I guess those are my plans for this week...Not like I have a choice.

Before he can make me agree to anything else, I figure it's time for me to go. I've been in Brahms' lair for long enough so, I navigate back to my room. It's been a few days and yet, I still haven't gotten familiar with the mansions layout. When I think I know all the ways in and out, Brahms always surprises me with new secret passageways.

As I enter the bedroom, I store my camera in the nightstand drawer and sit criss cross in the middle of the bed. I tried to picture what it would be like for me to hunt...and with Brahms. It couldn't possibly go well, especially since I was never fond of the idea in the first place. What's so fun about killing animals and turning them into decoration for your home? I know some claim it's to keep nature in balance but, that's not true. Hunters are the ones messing up nature's balance. I can't say I'm completely against it because, in the end, I do eat meat. I'm aware hunters also kill animals for food but there are much more humanely ways to do so. Speaking of food...I was starving. That oatmeal did absolutely nothing for my hunger. I didn't want to seem like a pig since I did just eat a few hours ago so, I decided to wait.

Hours passed and the sun was beginning to set. My hunger was ever-present; from noon to dusk it gnawed at me. My stomach was about ready to eat itself by now.

Night has approached and we haven't had any lunch or dinner yet. Well, I haven't had any. Though, I'm not sure if Brahms fixed something up for himself...Come to think of it, why do I expect him to make something for me to eat? Then again, strangely enough, he's been taking care of me this whole time. And I didn't want to admit it but, when Brahms first told me about the incident with Emily, I could actually understand his side of it. I've also noticed myself growing less fearful of him. I think the moment when I truly realized he wasn't a bad person, was when he brought me out to the garden. Since then, his presence hadn't scared me like before. If anything, with him around I felt...Protected. Protected!? The person who I was scared of I now felt safe around?? I might actually be losing it.

I rub the temples of my forehead in frustration.

"Ahh, Y/n. What's going on with you?" I mumble to myself.

I really need food in my system. My hunger is starting to make me think these crazy thoughts.

Not knowing if I was allowed out of my room alone, I was too hungry to care and left anyways. I crept my way downstairs. All was silent aside from the creaking of a few loose floorboards. Since the house was always quiet, it almost felt wrong to make any noise.

When I reach the kitchen, I immediately rummage through the cabinets like a hungry raccoon. I was met with disappointment when I only found three bags of Welchs' fruit snacks and two cans of Heinz Beanz.

That isn't enough food to even last us 2 days.

I stand there for awhile, debating whether to take the snacks or not.

I should eat it before Brahms gets to it...Wait, no. If I eat it all right now, what would I have for tomorrow?

I shake my head and close the cabinet. Empty handed and now feeling hangry, I lean my back against the counter. I have went through an emotional rollercoaster since I've been here. From sad, angry, to confused..my feelings and thoughts get jumbled. I notice myself starting to think and act differently. It doesn't help that I can't even leave this place. There's no service and the nearest town is miles away. I have no car, no one who cares enough to check up on me, and I'm even sympathizing with a murderer...Not being able to eat was just the tip of the iceberg for me. All the pent up frustration I had built up inside came pouring out, in a few droplets of tears at first, then all at once into waterfalls.

With my vision now blurry and obscure, I don't notice Brahms entering the kitchen. I quickly turn away, only catching a glimpse of his mask and long figure. With my back towards him, I try to stop myself from crying but, my tears get replaced with a hiccup. A hiccup that tightens my chest every time I want to let a cry out. Though I didn't see him, nor hear his footsteps—I knew Brahms was now standing behind me. I felt the heat radiating from his body fall onto my back, like a warm blanket.

His voice is soft and childlike as he asks, "What's wrong?"

My lips quiver when I open my mouth to try and speak. My shoulders shake uncontrollably as I take irregular breaths in and out. All that I could manage is a hiccup. Slowly, I turn my body to face him. Feeling as pathetic and vulnerable as I did, it was a struggle for me to look up—but I do. Since I have trouble getting words out, I need to show him how I'm feeling. Unlike Brahms, I can't hide my expression. Even with that mask covering his face, his eyes speak for itself. I notice how they look so different in this moment—more soft than I imagine his eyes could be.

Brahms' POV:

Seeing Y/n this way made me feel a kind of hurt I hadn't felt in awhile. The pain in your heart that feels like shards of glass, wedging itself deep inside. I couldn't stand to see her this way anymore.

How should I help? What do I do?

I take a deep breath in before deciding to let my instincts take control. I do what they tell me, and that is to comfort her.

I lift my arms, placing them on her narrow shoulders before pulling her into my chest. I expect her to push me away but, she doesn't. As I hold her, I feel her body tremble against mine. I squeeze my arms a fraction tighter and feel her breathe more slowly. She finally lets her body melt into mine, every muscle loosens it's tension.

It worked.

She's calm now but, I don't want to let go...

I enjoyed having her presence and essence so close to me. Feeling relaxed myself, I rest my chin above the top of her head.

Please, Y/n. Can we stay like this forever?