ya got napped by the knot

iii. corey being tolerable for once

It's now been exactly 7 days since you were kidnapped, and it's been rather boring. And when it's not boring, it's tense or uncomfortable. 

Mostly when Corey comes into your vicinity, because to be honest, the predatory tone he first had when talking to you in the basement hasn't left your mind yet. It's a pretty significant preventer of your developing stockholm syndrome for a few other the other Slipknot members.

It's about 10 in the morning, and you're watching TV in the living room bored out of your mind when none other but #8 saunters in. 

"Hello, my dear!" he grins at you. You reply with a small wave and what could arguably be considered a smile. 

"I've been looking for you, you know I've barely spent any time with you," Corey sits himself right next to you. 

"Mh-hm," you nod. 

"You're awfully quiet," the singer notes. 

"I guess," you agree, nervously rubbing the pad of your thumb over your index finger. 

"Do you wanna take a walk with me?"

"Uh," you hesitate before you remember that when Corey asks you something, it is a command. "Sure."

"Great," Corey smiles, pulling you to your feet and then dragging you to the door. He waits for you to put your shoes on, then leads you outside the house. You foolishly assume that he will let go of your hand once you get outside, but he doesn't, so you simply stay silent by his side, attached to him. 

"There's a few little shops around here, wanna check them out?" Corey offers. His tone is unusually kind. 

"Okay," you accept.

"Is something wrong?" the man brings his free hand up to your face to stroke it with the back of his hand. 

"It's fine, it doesn't matter," you shake your head. 

"Yes it does, I don't want you being miserable."

You don't speak for a few paces. What do you say? Surely being honest is the incorrect answer here. 

"I'm just still adjusting," you shrug. 

Corey gives your hand a little squeeze and rubs it with his thumb. "I bet it's difficult, but we're all so happy you're here."

"Especially me," Corey smiles, leaning his head on your shoulder.

You give him a smile in return and let yourself relax just a little bit. "I'm glad."

"Do you need anything? Is your room okay?"

"Could use a bit of decor, but it's alright otherwise."

"Like what kind of decor?"

"Maybe a band poster or a tapestry," you muse. "Or some books."

"I think we can do that."

"Really?"

"Yeah, you're not in prison," Corey scoffs. "Is there any food you'd like?"

"Mmm, chocolate covered almonds are the first to come to mind."

"Done!"

Corey walks you around, but he keeps you close in case you try to run away. Maybe it's also that he's a bit touch starved. 

...

Upon getting back to the house in the early evening, Corey makes food for the two of you and shoos away any of the other guys trying to get in the kitchen. This is his time with you. 

He lights a few candles on the island as you sit on the counter next to the stove to watch the food being made. As the cooking finishes, Corey pulls out a chair for you on the island, then places a plate in front of you before he moves to the other side of the island with his own plate.

"Would you mind if I stayed with you tonight?" Corey inquires.

"In my room?" you reply.

"Yeah..."

Again, you doubt you have an option. You're hesitant to put out, but you assume you'll have to eventually. 

"Okay."

"We don't have to do anything if you don't want to."

That's unexpected, but a pleasant surprise. 

Corey does indeed make good on his promise. He happily cuddles with you, never pushing you beyond a makeout. Inside, he's quite elated that you've stayed and warmed up to him so much.

...

slice of lifey type stuff starts next chapter, just had to do some exposition!