His Infatuation - Slashers x Reader [Book Three]

[Chapter 16: Continuing Alone]

"H-Hannibal...? How come...How come you're here...?" You stammered in shock, your eyes widening from surprise as you watched the psychiatrist calmly brush past Michael and Pennywise to reach you. "You're usually still at work, or at home by this point. So what are you doing—"

"Well, when I arrived home and noticed that you hadn't returned yet, I became relatively concerned over your well-being." Hannibal pleasantly remarked, taking both of your hands in his before giving them a very delicate squeeze. "Let's just say that my assumptions were correct when I decided on distrusting the unwanted admirers here."

"Hey...! Billy and Stu didn't even do anything...!" You firmly protested, defending them almost at once as you narrowed your eyes instead. "It was Penny's fault for provoking them in the first place...!"

"Why of course it was, dearest." He softly spoke, still holding your hands in his while he continued interacting with you. "Pennywise was born a troublemaker. Just as Myers was. Didn't I warn you just this morning that it's simply in their nature to keep being cruel...?"

"Are you trying to pick a fight with me...?" You retaliated coldly, your narrowed eyes swirling into one of a glare. "Because your patronising tone and condescending mannerisms are seriously not helping right now. The only warning I need right now is to be mindful of how you treat others. Especially me."

"Pick a fight...? With you...?" Hannibal innocently questioned; his expression now showing nothing but curiosity and confusion. "Whatever for...? I would never pick a fight with you. What would be the point...? That would be rather unnecessary, don't you think so dearest...?"

"I...I..." You didn't know what to say, how to react to his words, or even how to resolve said situation; glancing from Hannibal, to Penny, to Michael, to eventually Billy and Stu. "All I want is to go and visit Jason at Crystal Lake while I still have the time. Now, you guys can either walk me there, or I can walk there by myself. So are you guys coming with me or not...?"

"Well, I'm not one to turn down a good time. Especially with you." Billy playfully commented, flashing you a warm grin and brightening up the atmosphere. "I'm with Stu. If it means keeping you safe and getting to hang out together, I'm entirely down for it."

"Yeah, same. You told us we'd keep hanging out together after classes ended, didn't you?" Stu reminded you lightheartedly, hugging you from the side while ignoring how irritated he was making IT and Michael. "You wouldn't dare go back on your word, now would you~?"

"You actually made a promise with these two...?" Hannibal quizzically inquired; his puzzled frown and bewildered expression making you feel even embarrassed. "Whatever for...? You must've known by now that we had the upper hand when it came to the "unwanted admirers", and that we could clearly take them out if needs be. Yet you decided to spare them all of a sudden...? Even after what they'd done to you...? How they'd treated you...?"