STRIKHEDONIA // Dream x Reader

4

The town was busy, people were walking with purpose. Never stopping for anyone else, you came to learn that quickly while waiting for Noctia to make her way out of the bakery. It was different than you'd hoped it'd be. With horse-drawn carriages making their way through rattling and banging around, babies crying, kids laughing and screaming it was overwhelming. 

With the bread in hand, Noctia makes her way towards you. "It's quite loud isn't it?" You laugh nervously as you latch onto her arm, letting her lead you towards the woods. "If it's too much I can take you home," She suggested. 

"No, it's fine. The woods will be quieter anyway." Noctia hummed to herself and pulled you along beside her, the sound of the town growing quieter and quieter the further away you went. The sunlight streamed through the leaves, dappling the ground beneath you and engulfing your skin in warmth. birds sang the song of their people as they flew from tree to tree. the wind occasionally blowing through and moving your hair.
"Better?" She asked

You slipped from her grasp and walked ahead of her. "Yeah," 

A clearing was fast in view, long healthy grass flowing gently in the wind and a couple of flowers breezing around right alongside it. 
"Alright, we'll set up here." 
Noctia settled down in the grass, pulling out a few muffins and beckoning you to sit down beside her. You wanted to move and explore, not sit and lounge-like you always do. This was your only taste of freedom ever and she wanted you to waste it sitting down like you always do. You didn't blame her for that of course not knowing your situation with not being allowed to go outside, but you wouldn't be telling her that.

You walked over and sat, your dress making a circle of space around you and the grass tickling your legs.
"Here,"
Noctia holds out a muffin for you. You take it from her hand.
The smell fills your nose, a pleasant scent of sweet sugar. You take a bite out of the soft bread.
Leaning back on your palm and looking to the sky.
It was a distraction view, a movie you've watched a million times without a chance to participate.

"I've forgotten something back at the bakery, stay here I'll be back." Noctia says and stands. "Ok!" You chirp.

A giddy feeling rising in your stomach as she fades out of view. This would be your chance to wonder, not far but even if only for a few minutes it was worth it.
Taking the last bite of your muffin you stand. Walking towards a nearby tree and resting your hand on the bark. Looking up through the branches and the leaves you can see the the sun and the clouds above.
A smile makes its way onto your lips as you make your way around the tree. Looking down at the grass and dancing around.

A thud behind you startles you. Turning around you see a figure run off into the shadows. You cock your brow, "Noctia was that you?" You ask and go walking towards where the figure fled.
Peaking around a large bush you scan the surrounding area, not a soul in sight.
It wasn't like Noctia to mess with you, so what was she doing?

"Y/n?" Noctia's voice behind you causes you to let out a shout.

"What are you doing?" She asks.

You laugh nervously "I thought you were over there," you say and point behind you.
Noctia, - confused - shakes her head.
"No, ma'am I was at the bakery."
Your face falls as you look back behind you.
The figure you saw could have only been Noctia, there was no other person around at the time other than her.

"C'mon we should go back." She says.
Your heart drops, a frown on your face as she grabs your fore arm.
"Wait, Noctia." You pled.
She doesn't respond, giving you no other choice but to follow along. Her grip on your arm firm as she pulls you along. Your only window of freedom outside closing slowly but surely.

As you make your way out of the woods you can't help but look back in wonder. Just as your about to exit the trees the figure rushes past again, your eyes widening you take a deep breath.

You hadn't been alone it seems...