After a full day of spending time together, Kitsune and Chris found themselves sitting outside on a bench. They sat side by side, just admiring the sunset together.
"You know..." Chris spoke up, prompting Kitsune to look over at him. "I can't remember the last time I enjoyed spending time with someone like this. I had fun today." He remarked, smiling over at her.
"Yeah, me too. I gotta admit, I wasn't sure what I'd find during my investigation, but becoming friends with the supposed 'demon' or 'vampire' wasn't one of them. Not that I mind, of course." Kitsune remarked.
"Is THAT what they've been calling me? I had vague knowledge about the demon bit, but vampire?" Chris asked, rather amused.
"Yeah, apparently. Heh." Kitsune nodded.
"On the topic of your investigation, though... I've been meaning to ask, what inspired you to become a journalist? I'm rather curious." Chris asked.
It was at that moment, Kitsune's demeanor seemed to shift. She went from smiling to looking more somber, her eyes distant with a small frown on her face.
Now a bit concerned, Chris placed a hand on her shoulder. "I apologize- was that a personal question? You don't have to answer if you don't want to." He said.
"No, no, it's ok... I'll tell you." Kitsune assured him, giving a tiny smile. She wanted to make it genuine, but it was a little... difficult. With a deep breath, she began explaining.
"So... To put it bluntly... I use my career as a way to get away from my home... If you can call it that..." She explained.
"Is... Is your family problematic?" Chris asked, a bit hesitantly.
"Heh, yeah... Very..." Kitsune nodded, frowning more. "No one in my family ever takes me seriously... So, when my brother -not related by blood, we just call each other siblings- suggested I come here, I was excited. I love visiting little towns..." She smiled a bit.
"And... When I got here, I... never expected to feel so at home... Shirley is more mom-like than my biological mother... Tony and Paige feel like my little siblings... Hell, I've never felt safer than when I'm around you..." She confessed, fighting back tears.
Chris panicked a little, not expecting for her to cry. But then he paused for a little. He made her feel safe? Safer than when she was with his actual family? On one hand, he was flattered. But on the other...
"...Dear... Forgive me if this is too personal, and feel free not to answer, but... Do you not feel safe at home?" He asked.
"...I mean... Physically, yes. But I get really flinchy whenever someone yells at me... And I'm sure they know it, too..." Kitsune responded.
"...I don't think I like what that's implying..." Chris stated.
"If I didn't do something they wanted me to, they'd scare me into it..." Kitsune said, covering her eyes to hide her tears.
Chris fought back the urge to show his anger. He wasn't mad at her, heavens no. It was at her family. With a deep breath, Chris gently grabbed her wrists. "Kitsune." He started, slowly moving her hands away from her face.
"Dear, listen..." He said, prompting Kitsune to look up at him. "If there's one thing I know about, it's the effects of abuse and manipulation. What they're doing is fear tactics. They KNOW what they're doing is scaring you, but they keep doing it because they know you're too scared to fight back." He explained.
"What... What do I do...?" Kitsune asked, trying to ignore the tears rolling down her face.
Chris moved his hand up to her cheek, wiping her tears away. "Don't give them what they want. Cut them off. I may not be able to speak from experience, but I'm certain family doesn't do that to each other... My sister... My sister was proof of that." He told her.
"Come on, now... Don't cry..." He soothed. With a bit of hesitance, Kitsune hugged him- catching him off guard. Slowly, he wrapped his arms around her in return. "It's ok, darling... You're ok..." He said, rubbing her back.
Slowly but surely, Kitsune had calmed down. By this point, the sun had completely set. Chris hummed a bit, Kitsune pulling back from the hug. "Thanks, Chris... I needed that..." She said softly.
"No need to thank me, dear... Besides, if I may be honest... I don't think tears suit this beautiful face of yours." He stated, fighting the urge to smile when Kitsune let out a squeak.
"In any case... If you don't mind my saying, I don't think I like the idea of you returning to the town this late. So, if you wish to, you're more than welcome to stay here for the night." He offered.
"I-If you don't mind, then I guess it's ok." Kitsune responded.
"Of course it's ok. Just don't sleep in a closet again- I can't imagine that being very comfortable." Chris joked with her a bit, trying to get her to smile. He couldn't help but to be a bit proud when it worked.
"Heh, you're not wrong. Then again, I've slept on wooden benches." Kitsune said, Chris standing up and helping her to her feet.
"Oh dear- I doubt that was comfortable." He remarked as they started heading inside.
"You'd be surprised. I could fall asleep anywhere." Kitsune stated.
"Maybe so, but I think I'd feel better if you slept on a bed. You could hurt your back quite a bit." Chris responded.
Kitsune couldn't help but smile. It felt... really nice to have someone worry about her. It was a little embarrassing, and it took a little to get used to, but it felt nice.
She really loved this town, and never ever wanted to leave.
YOU ARE READING
Twisted Distortions
Fiksi PenggemarA young female enters a relatively dark mansion in the midst of a small town. She had heard rumors of a supposed "ghost" or "demon" that wreaks havoc on those that dare enter its domain. Upon arriving, however, she finds that the supposed spectre is...
