Playing God (Newton X Reader)

Chapter 24 - Naomi

As night fell, (Name) had convinced her mother to let Newton stay the night, using the good old tactic of “we have a guest room, he doesn’t need a motel”. After a quick report to the local police station that (Name) was alive and back in the warm arms of her family, a bowl of rich soup to welcome her home, and dozens of phone calls from relieved friends and family, (Name) and Newton were both tiring.

“Newton? You’re sleeping in the guest room, I’ll show you the way up…” (Name)’s mother announced while they were sitting in front of the TV and watching the X Factor. Newton was entranced by the bright colours emitted from the flat surface and the sound that flowed out like a stream…

“Newton?”

“Ah! Yes, sorry.” Newton quickly returned from being zoned out. (Name) gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

“Night, Newty…” (Name) said, before turning her attention back to a woman on the TV who was singing a climatic rock ballad, accompanied by red flashing lights from the stage. Newton was then led up some stairs to a guest room - which also just so happened to be the laundry room.

“Thank you for letting me stay.” Newton tried to push out something friendly to say, despite the fact he was being made to sleep in a room with the laundry.

“It’s alright… But just stay in here for the night, for goodness sakes…” (Name)’s mother tried not to hiss. “Assuming you don’t have any pyjamas, you’ll have to sleep in your underwear, sorry.”

Newton didn’t see why this was such a problem. “I’ll do that, thanks, chum…”

(Name)’s mother headed towards the door. “Come downstairs if you need anything, and good night.”

“Night, Mrs. (Last Name).” Newton gave his farewell before sighing, getting changed (HI MUM) and sliding into the bed. The stitched blankets were a familiar warm reminder of the colourful fever dream, but nightmare to him. Newton shut his eyes and lay his head down on the soft pillow…

(Name) went to her own room shortly afterwards, and was soon snuggling under the warm duvet. It felt so good to be back in her own familiar room with the welcoming smell and typical teenage mess left untouched.

It didn’t take too long for Newton to realise how dark and unfriendly the nights on Earth were. The constant rustling of branches, the unfamiliar bumps of who knows what, and the occasional loud snapping noise that echoed throughout the house. There was an erratic patternless loud smacking on the roof and the occasional howl of wind.

“I-It’s just this world…” Newton tried to assure himself, talking to himself in a whisper. “It’s very different to Bunkum, and you’re going to have to get used to it…” He took a deep shaky breath before settling down in the sheets. He swore they felt slightly cooler for some reason.

His serenity was gradually interrupted as he heard a low rumbling noise from above… It faded into existence as he started to hear what sounded like the howl of the wind, but unpredictable and accompanied by the rumble…

Newton was utterly terrified now. He tried to remain still,  before launching into full out panic. He jumped out of bed, grabbed a dressing gown (Name)’s mother had left at the door (hi mum) and pulled it around himself hastily. He pushed open the door and quickly headed to (Name)’s room.