Predator (DWT x OC)

19

The usually peaceful river comes alive in a flurry of yells and splashes. George and Sapnap tussle   in the depths, a plethora of name calling involved. Eret looks at me as he floats on his back, rolling his eyes exaggeratedly at the childishness of it all. I laugh, stretching out on my lounge chair, welcoming the late afternoon sun that warms my skin. It's become one of my favourite past times, going to the river, a time to relax and let all of my feelings wash away in the cold water. 

The days have become easier, with the garden and the river, the friendship I have found with George and Sapnap, and the forgiveness I've found for Eret. I distract myself through the day, my laughs and smiles no longer forced, and I manage to hold on through the nights. They're still bad, the nights, bringing empty loneliness that threatens to rip my heart out of my chest, but you find yourself getting used to the pain. 

The real change has been between me and Dream. I don't walk on eggshells around him as much, and while there's a stiff awkwardness that plagues any of our interactions, there isn't anger and hatred anymore. I don't have the same casual friendship with him as I do the others, but I'm slowly getting used to his presence as a person, not the demon I've conjured in my head. 

"Hey guys!"

I freeze at the sound of Dream's voice. He's never come to the river before, and it's disorientating to see him in such a normal situation. He's dressed just in board shorts and his mask, and I find myself fixated on the way his lean body tenses as he moves, bound by steel muscle. His masked face drifts up to meet mine and I quickly turn away, embarrassed. Am I really staring at his muscles right now? 

I try and ignore his presence, settling back down in my lounge and closing my eyes. I drift back off into my head, slowly tuning out the noises from the river. 

Suddenly cold water assaults my body, snapping me out of my blissfully relaxed state. I jolt back, shocked by the sudden attack, and turn to glare at the culprit. It's Dream. His mask is off, and I'm taken aback by the carefree youth in his relaxed face. It's lit up by a huge smile, green eyes creasing as he laughs at my reaction. 

"You dickhead!" I yell, before clapping my hand over my mouth. The last time I insulted him did not go well. But he doesn't react, his smile just  growing even wider when I keep scowling at him as I dry off my shirt. 

"Are you ignoring me princess?" He teases, shit eating grin plastered on his bright face. I roll my eyes, before dropping back down onto the lounge and crossing my arms over my chest. I can hear George and Sapnap snickering in the background, as I glower at the clear blur sky. I can hear him get out, but I refuse to break, ignoring him as he walks closer to me.

I squeal as I'm suddenly lifted into the air, sopping wet arms encasing me around my middle. I flail around, trying to get out of Dream's hold, as he carries me to the river edge. I start freaking out, realising his intention, desperately thrashing my body around to escape. He reaches the waters edge, I curl my arms his neck and wrap my legs around his waist, trying to hold onto him so he doesn't throw me into the water. 

He somehow manages to disentangle my limbs from his body, and I scream as I'm flung into the air, crashing back into the freezing water. I struggle to the surface, coughing up the water in my throat, trying to get my tangled hair out of my face. Everyone find it hysterical, Dream doubling over on the waters edge as chuckles wrack his body. When he finally calms down, he dives into the water effortlessly and disappears under the surface. 

His head pops up right next to me, and I take in the uneven scare that now runs down his cheek. Somehow, it suits him. He pouts, but I can see the impish glint in his eyes. He ducks back underneath the surface, and I start to swim back to shore when he grabs my ankle. I'm yanked back under, water filling my open mouth as I yell in surprise. 

We break the surface, I'm spluttering as I try and regain my breath, and he's howling with laughter. It's the first time I've truly heard him laugh, a real stomach cramping laugh that makes you cry, and it just reminds me that he is a normal person, not a robotic killing machine. 

I smack him on the chest, trying my best to look angry, but I can't help the smile that curls at the corner of my lips. I go to swim away from him, before he can attempt to drown me again, but he catches my leg and stops me. My feet can't reach the river bed, and he holds me up instead, one arm encircling my lower back and pulling me close to him. Our chests are pressed against each other and I try to ignore the way my stomach flutters and the way heat rises to my face. 

His eyes sweep over my face, and I notice the way his eyes are ringed with a deep forest green, and the small scar hidden in his hairline. Almost on instinct, I rest my arms around his neck, pulling us even closer, our faces barely a couple centimetres apart. His free hand cups my jaw, sliding his fingers into my hair, the rough pads of his thumb stroking my cheek. 

My heart is pounding in my chest, and I'm sure he can feel it, sure he can notice the how I take in quick rapid breathes, the way my whole body feels on fire at our closeness. 

I place my hand on his cheek, and he tenses, I can feel his muscles straining against me, and the way his heart is racing. Slowly, I trail the sharp lines of his clenched jaw and run my fingertips over the outline of his full lips. He relaxes slightly, and I ghost over the rolling hills of his cheek bones, follow my fingers down the bridge of his straight nose, and finally trace the scars carved into his face, marvelling in the ragged imperfections that mar his skin. His neck relaxes under my gentle touch, and I can feel his heartbeat steady against mine, as we stare at each other, mapping out the close details of our faces.

His forehead presses against mine, our noses brushing together, and I can feel his breath tickling my lips. We hover like this for just a moment, so close together, before I suddenly pull my face away. 

I just can't cross that line, just can't take that step. I can't forget what happened to me, what I've been through. It's not like I don't want to, but I've been cut deeply, jagged wounds that have torn up my heart, something I've reminded of any time my mind wanders off without distraction. Pain and hurt I'm reminded of every time I close my eyes, every time I think of home. I still need time to heal, time for the invisible scars to fade from my mind. 

I can tell he understands, seeing the answers in my wide eyes. He lets go of me and I gently float away, missing his warmth in the cold water. It's dusk now, blurry grey skies darkening the water as I swim back to shore. Everyone else has headed back up to house I note, as I gather up my things. I turn back to see Dream floating in the water, and he shoots me a sad smile. I walk back up to the house, confused by my feelings once again. One question plays in my mind. 

Can I even get better?

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A/N Sorry guys I feel like I've just forcibly strapped you onto a a terrible emotional rollercoaster and just keep mercilessly destroying any kind of happiness Rosie receives, I mean at this point I feel kinda bad at how much crap that poor girl goes through. My writing just really suits angst and I like writing it so I keep putting more in lmao. Don't worry, she won't be feeling like this all the time. 

Also sorry this chapter was a little bit late, I got distracted halfway through writing it. 

Please vote and comment, I truly appreciate it immensely and it really helps me!

I hope you enjoyed!

Oopsies x