Vessel X OC/reader

Chapter 22

Later, I head to the kitchen, on my own. Archie follows me close behind, and I notice Deus is standing there, with one of my wine bottles in his hand. It looked as if the Cork had been lifted slightly, or tampered with.

I watch him carefully, twisting at it, before revealing myself.

"I fucking knew it. You poisoned me. And you're trying to do it again."

He turns to me, looking unchecked, but stutters slightly as he speaks.
"No, that's not... I was pouring you a glass."

"Horse shit." I hiss at him. "Pour yourself one, then."

"I don't really drink." He says, as he gets the Cork loose, pours me a glass, and pours himself some juice.

"Vessel spoke to me, and I decided we need to put our differences aside. Even if you did punch me." He says, and hands me the glass. I smack it out of his hand, and it shatters against the wall. Grabbing a shard, I lift it to his throat, and stare as intently into his eyes as I can, making sure I've got his attention.

"Don't fuck with me." I hiss at him, and he stares back at me, in what can only possibly be shock.

"I..."

He takes a step back, and swigs straight from the bottle.
"No poison." He says, and takes a sip of his juice, before leaving the room, patting Archie as he goes.

I stare into space for a few moments, and clean up the glass. Naturally, I cut my finger on a shard, and ignore it until I'm finished cleaning. I run it under a tap, and watch the blood mix with the water.

"Hey."

I turn, and see Vessel. I give him a faint smile, and he glances over at my finger under the tap.

"Here." He says, quietly, and takes my hand from under the tap. He cleans the wound and puts a plaster on.

"I could've done that myself." I protest, and he nods.

"I know." He replies, and I glance at him.

"Seen Deus today?"

"Yeah, just."

"Did he say anything to you? About me?"

He shakes his head.
"No. Did you fight again?" He asks, sternly, and I shake my head.

"No, forget it." I say, and gently pat Archie's head.

He looks suspicious for a moment, but pats Archie also.

"I want to do something, today. Go somewhere. I'm sick of the inside of this house."

"Too bad. Until I know you're safe, you're staying inside."

"Vessel..." I say, feeling beyond frustrated.

He sighs.
"Don't look at me like that. Don't say my name like that."

"I can't stay inside any more."

He pulls me closer by my waist, and kisses my forehead.
"And I can't see you in the same state I did before. I thought you were going to die. That can't happen again. What can I do to make you happy while you're stuck inside?"

"Nothing." I hiss at him, and pull away from his grip.

"Jesus.  What do you want from me? You're like a child. Keep throwing your toys out of the pram just because I'm trying to protect you." He says, getting frustrated with me. I know he doesn't mean it, but it infuriates me either way.

"You can't protect me. Are you stupid, or something? Stop acting tough. I got poisoned right under your nose, and it'll probably happen again. Let me look after myself, I'll do a better job."

He stares back at me for a few seconds, before offering a simple:
"Ouch."

I feel bad, but stand my ground, and don't break eye contact with him.

"OK, princess." He says, coldly. "Look after yourself."

He turns around and storms out, and I decide I should follow him.

He heads into his room, and I use my foot to stop the door closing.
"Vessel."

"Now what?" He asks, tilting his head slightly. Kind of scary when he's wearing that mask.

"Let me in."

"At the moment I'd like you out of my sight. Understand?"

"Unlucky." I say, and barge in.

He slams the door shut, and groans under his breath.

"Short honeymoon phase." I say, half joking, and he nods.

"I suppose the honeymoon phase exists only in couples that wanted to be married."

I freeze up, and my chest hurts.
"But... we did, didn't we?"

He shrugs slightly.
"I... I think I'm just trying to hurt you."

"It's working." I reply, my voice shaking slightly.

He runs his fingers through his hair, frustrated, and takes his mask off. He looks beyond angry, and avoids looking at me.

I take a deep breath, and wrap my arms around the back of his neck. He looks at me, and sighs slightly.
"You need to learn that I need space sometimes. You can't fix everything. Just because I need space doesn't mean I'm abandoning you."

"I... I needed to hear that, more than you know."

"I can see that."

"I'll go."

He nods.
"Ten minutes." He says, and I leave the room. I bump into Deus, who folds his arms.

"Vessel has asked us to leave a couple days early."

I nod.
"He has. I think it makes sense, don't you? In light of everything that has happened?"

"Sure does."

"Why didn't you tell Vessel I threatened you?"

"You're just lashing out because you're scared. It's not your fault. But you need to come to terms with the fact I never hurt you. And never would."

I fold my arms, and he smiles faintly.
"I think you believe me, now, too."

"I don't believe a word you say."

"Sure, princess. You're the boss."

I groan, frustrated, and he sighs.
"I started this. So I'm sorry. But hell, if Vessel loves you, then I love you too." He says, and slowly places his hand on my shoulder.

I actually want to trust him. But I guess, if you'd suffered the agony that poison caused you, then you wouldn't trust anyone either.

I don't say a word, and turn around, leaving.

Archie runs up to me and happily potters around me, and my heart melts. I sit on the floor with him and give him some attention, since I guess my wedding night has deprived him of anywhere near enough. I place a gentle kiss on his head, and get to my feet.

I head back to Vessel, and he smiles at me faintly.

"Hey, I'm so sorr-"

"Not another word." He interrupts, and places his finger to my lips. "If I felt as you did I'm sure I would act as you did."

"Thank you." I reply, and he gently pushes my hair behind my ear.

"Where do you want to go, little dove? What do you want to do?"

"Just explore. This is a new place. There's animals, forests, towns, and I don't want to miss out."

"Then go. You're right - everything is meaningless without freedom." He says, offering me the house key.

"Then... go?" I reply, and he tilts his head.

"If it's my company you want, you already know; I would follow you to the depths of hell."

I grin, and hug him tightly.

"Thank you."