The Setup

chapter 9: Prisoner of Love

The smell of fresh strawberry pancakes crept under Briana's nose waking her from slumber, her back resting on the softest cotton sheets she had ever felt in her life. 

 Briana hardly remembered the night before, an ache in her head as she hesitated to open her eyes. The comfort of the bed that was clearly not her own felt wonderful on her aching bones. She recalled drinking the night before, She remembered walking to the Osborn mansion but it was still all fuzzy in her mind.

Finally her eyes opened, the light from the tall window making her groan in slight pain, narrowing her eyes. "Fuck" she gritted her teeth, looking around the beautifully decorated guest room she had been sound asleep in only moments before. 

 Briana finally pulled herself up onto her two feet and made a trip to the bathroom, She suddenly realized she had no clothes with her when she turned to see clothes laid out on the chair in the corner of the room. A pair of dark wash jeans that were from an overpriced designer and a form fitting black top that had the smallest black rose sewn onto the front. 

 Once Briana was washed up and dressed she felt a lot better, finally walking downstairs to follow that delightful strawberry smell. "Morning" Norman's voice filled the kitchen. "Normally i have a chef make me what i'd like but i thought a home cooked breakfast would be more intimate" he said teasingly. 

 Briana sat down at the kitchen island as she placed her hand on her aching head. "Norman i'm so sorry. I don't remember anything of last night" he couldn't help but snort. "Welcome to my life" she couldn't help but to crack a smile too but that smile quickly turned into a look of panic. "Oh my Gosh! D-did we!?" Norman put his hands up in defense. "No. Heavens no. I don't fuck drunk girls. It wouldn't be right" Briana sighed a breath of relief to hear that. "Thank you, Norman, for letting me stay here last night. I promise i won't come here again" 

Norman frowned. "i like seeing you, i missed you" he did indeed. She was all he could think about when he was himself. "Briana...i have been doing some thinking" he seemed nervous as he placed a fresh plate of strawberry pancakes down in front of her. "Would you consider moving in to the mansion? With Harry gone it's awfully lonely in such a big place...y-you could keep me company" 

 Briana couldn't stay focused on the strawberry pancakes, her heart pounding in her chest. "Well. I would have to consider my options. Harry won't speak to me anymore because he thinks I'm hooking up with you and my landlord keeps raising the rent. How much would rent be?" Norman laughed. "I would want you to stay with me at no charge to you, Briana. I just want your company" she swallowed thickly, she knew this wasn't just about company and if she moved in with him who knew where their relationship would go. 

Was it safe? He was a very unwell individual but what was she becoming? Was she any better? "Okay. I'll do it" her answer seemed to wash relief over Norman, joy evident on his face. "Good! You'll love it here in the mansion" he said with glee "oh, Briana?" She lifted her head. "Mm?" "I think Harry will forgive you with time" 

 Briana didn't know why but she believed him and the thought of having her friend back filled her with relief. 

 -- 

 Briana had her things moved into The Osborn mansion within a two day period and it didn't take long for both Harry and Peter to catch wind of it. Peter was more understanding but he had always been such a kind sweet boy. Harry was livid with Briana, he made it known when he showed up on her very first official night as the mansion.