Hannibal's hand drifted through her hair, slow and maybe a little unsure, but warm as hell. He didn't do this—didn't "feel things" or pine for company. Yet here he was, fighting off a smile, his chest buzzing with feelings he'd probably dissect if he could. Logically, this whole thing was doomed, wrong place, wrong people, wrong everything. But damn if he didn't want to keep her safe, shut the world out, and just... hold onto her.
The others started mumbling over what to do next, and Hannibal's voice cut through, calm, that weirdly soothing, "I've-got-this" tone he always had. "We ought to respect (Name)'s kindness. Maybe be realistically hopeful, you know? People bond in the weirdest places."
Freddy rolled his eyes, sinking deeper into the couch. "Easy for you to say. Bet you'd love to keep her all to yourself, doc."
Norman shot Freddy a look that could kill (not literally, but close enough with that face). "We should make her feel like she belongs here. If something happens, it happens. Just don't force anything."
Michael just nodded, face like a brick wall, impossible to read, but you could tell he was in his own head about it.
Then (Name) started to stir, blinking at the ceiling, pinking up the second she realized she'd basically face-planted into Hannibal's lap. "Oh God, sorry. Guess I passed out. Thanks for being my pillow," she said with a shy grin.
Hannibal's eyes went soft (as soft as his eyes ever got). "Anytime. Now, should we get back to this marathon?"
A few nods. Even Freddy just grunted instead of mouthing off for once. The awkwardness faded a bit, the movie's opening credits rolling as the group settled down again.
Norman piped up, voice tiny. "I could, uh, make popcorn. If anyone wants."
"I'll help," (Name) said, bouncing up, happy to have something to do.
Freddy watched them leave, snorting. "Alone together already? Smooth moves, Norman."
Hannibal shot him a glare sharp enough to slice bread. Freddy just threw up his hands, mocking, but finally shut his trap.
In the kitchen, Norman fumbled with the bag, hands kind of shaky. "Thanks for... you know, being so nice to us. Doesn't happen much."
She smiled, sweet and genuine. "You all deserve it. I'm glad we're friends."
Norman went tomato-red, grinning at his shoes. Popcorn popped, they shuffled back in. Freddy, still bored, couldn't resist.
"So you're cozy with everyone but me, sweetheart? Ouch."
She rolled her eyes. "Don't call me that. I treat you all the same."
Freddy grinned, leaning forward. Before anyone could blink, he yanked her into his lap. She squeaked, froze, and he brushed her chin with that stupid gloved hand.
Michael was up in a flash, eyes dark. Hannibal's voice cut like ice. "Let her go. Now."
Freddy just laughed, letting her go easy. "Relax, guys. Just messing around. You're all so uptight."
She scrambled back to Norman, who gave her a supportive smile. Freddy's "fun" was definitely going to be a problem.
The movie played on, but she kept catching Freddy's not-so-subtle looks. It made her skin crawl.
Hannibal leaned over, voice low. "Want to move? Somewhere safer?"
She nodded, grateful, and wedged herself between him and Norman. Freddy mumbled something but left it at that.
Sitting with her gentler, let's say, less chaotic, patients, her heartbeat slowed. She looked around, studying them, realizing they were more than their headlines. Messed up? For sure. But not monsters, not all the way through.
When the movie ended, Hannibal spoke first. "This was... nice. Maybe we could do it again, if you're all up for it."
Norman nodded, glancing at her. "I liked it, too."
Everyone else mumbled agreement, Freddy just keeping quiet for once.
"I'd love that," she said. "I think there's good in all of you, if you'd just show it."
Hannibal took her hand, gentle. "Your kindness makes things grow where no one expects anything. That's rare."
And honestly, right there, in the middle of that weird, broken little group, it felt like something good was starting. Something fragile, yeah, but real. Maybe even... dare I say... hope.
The room stayed quiet for a beat too long. Nobody wanted to ruin it.
Then Freddy had to open his mouth.
"Hope, huh? Cute. Real Hallmark moment you got going on."
I smirked at him. "Better than whatever you were going for earlier."
That shut him up.
Norman stretched, rubbing at his eyes. "It's late. Maybe we could... I don't know, make this more of a thing? Like a sleepover?"
The word hung in the air.
Michael tilted his head, like he wasn't sure if it was a joke. Hannibal just watched, calm, clearly amused. Freddy barked a laugh.
"A sleepover? What's next, truth or dare? Scary stories by the fire?"
"Actually," I said, perking up, "yeah. Why not? You've all had enough horror for a lifetime. Maybe something normal for once would be good."
Freddy groaned, dramatic, but his shoulders dropped just a little.
Hannibal spoke, smooth as ever. "If it brings comfort, I see no harm. A shared ritual of trust, perhaps."
Michael gave the smallest nod. Norman smiled, shy but hopeful.
That decided it.
We dragged out blankets and pillows. Michael claimed the armchair, silent and watchful. Norman built a little nest on the floor. Freddy sprawled in the corner of the couch, acting like he owned the place. Hannibal let me guide him closer than usual.
The energy shifted. Softer. Lighter. Almost human.
I clapped my hands. "Okay. First order of business. Truth or dare."
Groans. Freddy's eyes lit up. Hannibal raised a brow. Norman looked like he wanted to sink into the carpet.
Michael just stared.
"This is gonna be good," Freddy said, grinning like a wolf.
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Hey guys... I'm not officially back just yet, but I remembered I had this story. I rewrote the last page before I originally disappeared, and I might start writing more again
so be ready!
The style's a little different now
not a huge change, but you might notice a few tweaks
YOU ARE READING
Asylum Love (Slashers x y/n)
Romancey/n is a new nurse at the most dangerous and exclusive criminally insane Asylum. In which legendary slashers live after they were finally caught. Most nurses do not last long. So just gotten her nursing degree. And struggling to find a job. y/n gets...
