Dying to Fall in Love (Jeff X Reader)

What do you mean 'Tea Time'?

Reader's POV:

It was midday already and there was undoubtably a spring in my step as I finished my rounds for the day. I felt like each day was productive and we made- er I made progress on these powers per se. I was due to report back to Mr. Slenderman any minute, but I decided to take a short detour to visit Serena. I stood in the doorframe and couldn't help but take note of the tense atmosphere in the room. It all felt dark and put me on edge, why I really don't know. I ignored the feeling and went to the cabinets across the room and pulled out some small towels. I knew there would be small beads of sweat across her forehead and well... I just wanted to feel like I was doing something for her. I sat in the stool beside her bed and gently padded the rag across her slick forehead. Her brows were still furrowed, and her breathing came out in ragged breaths. The familiar swirls of guilt formed in my stomach, and I almost left right then. I willed myself to stay for a few seconds before I stood up to leave, I knew I was late for my report by now. I turned to go but was yanked back, startled I looked back to see a black wisp around my wrist. I tried pulling but it only tightened its hold, once that wouldn't work, I opted for screaming out. Just as I opened my mouth another wisp quickly shot out and covered my mouth. I didn't know where they came from- oh wait probably that ominous circle now in the wall- my eyes then scanned the room and even Serena, but I couldn't think of anything. I used my free hand to try and grab the doorframe and I should have expected that to be restrained too. With another harsh yank I fell on my back and felt myself being pulled backwards; I was starting to panic. After another moment I saw Sally in the doorframe and pause. Without hesitation she ran, and I dearly hoped it was to get help. Tears were steaming down my face and I heard yelling and heavy footsteps coming my way. I was trying to fight my restraints, to hell with how much it hurt, I was used to the pain. I glanced a look back to see a small circle forming, most likely to swallow me in. As I got closer it got bigger.

"(Y/n)!!" I looked back to see both Jeff and Mr. Slenderman rush at me, I knew the desperation was clear in my eyes. I saw Mr. Slenderman unleash his sharp tendrils and Jeff grab for me. I was able to wiggle one of my hand out of their grip and I tried to grab Jeff's own outstretched hand, the expression in his eyes filled with worry, but that was all I saw until a sharp yank pulled me back into the growing circle, turning everything black.

-o-

Jeff's POV:

She was right there! Right there! We both stood in silence for a minute just processing what happened. First, I was waiting in Slenderman's office for her, but she was running late. Then Sally burst in and barely got out her sentence before we rushed to the infirmary. I remember the clear plea for help in her eyes and the tear marks on her cheeks. Without hesitation we grabbed for her but in a second, she was gone and the portal with it. We both just stood there dumbfounded before rusting sheets were heard. I glanced back to see the little sister sit up and rub her eyes. No... It-it couldn't be. Before I could even open my mouth, I saw a black tendril slip around her waist and hoist her up.

"Come now little one, we must have a talk." I could tell from her face she thought she was in trouble, but it was only to try and get some info, no matter how little. If Serena was awake that only meant one thing.

Zalgo has (Y/n).

I turned and looked where the dark circle one was and then to my empty hand- a complicated emotion shooting through my chest at the thought. I quickly turned away from the infirmary and made my way towards the office.

-o-

The atmosphere in the office was thick, Serena sitting in one of the chairs- obviously trying not to fidget and Slender's tense posture with his hands folded in front of his face. If it were any other time, I would try to count the wrinkles in his forehead- but even I could barely bring myself to look at the now awake younger sister. I knew what it meant for (Y/n) and... It worried me. Wait what? My thoughts screeched to a halt, and I frantically tried to understand that yes, I was in fact, worried about them. I tried to unpack a little more of that train of thought when Slender cleared his throat- bringing my attention to him.

"While we are happy that you're awake little one I do wish it was under better circumstances. Now what do you remember?"

The office got quiet with a long pause; some slight sniffles were heard.

"Mamma Slendy I don't- I don't understand. I just took a nap- I don't know why I'm in trouble."

"You're not in trouble for taking said nap my child, but do you remember anything about the nap? Was it nice? Was it not nice? How were your dreams?"

"I-I didn't have a dream..."

I clenched my teeth and both me and Slender looked at each other- Figures the one lead we would have isn't going to work. Damn Zalgo. Damn his control of dreams. Ah screw it, damn this sister as well. A few more words were exchanged between the two before he gently called Sally from outside the door into his office and seeing the girl light up at seeing her friend again was okay, I guess. I watched as Sally fretted over the younger sister when she saw the teary eyes and wet cheeks, my mind going back to seeing (Y/n), black wisps covering most of her body- their hand stretched out in a desperate attempt to reach me. I felt a heavy feeling settling within my stomach and I felt my thoughts race when I felt a familiar weight on my shoulder, I turned to look, and it was a tendril. I looked up and oh- four wrinkles on the forehead currently, but he motioned for me to sit, and I knew what was next. As we watched the two children to get reacquainted and for Sally to take Serena outside the office- once the door was closed me and Slender looked at each other.

Now we plan.

I sighed as I plopped onto the chair and waited for the others to get there so we could explain what had happened. I watched as they all filtered in, and I assumed they knew something happened by the noise but didn't have the full story- I waited as Slender cleared his throat again.

"About 30-45 minutes ago (Y/n) was taken from us via the infirmary by Zalgo," he held a hand up to hold any questions, "since he no longer has any need for the younger sister- she is awake, and it is both fortunate but unfortunate that she doesn't remember any of the dreams she was subject to."

BEN raised his hand, Slender motioned for him to speak.

"So, since we have no information- with all due respect sir... what now?"

A haughty laugh went through the office, "Oh please, just go talk to him- it's not like you can't, you just choose not to," Laughing Jack started, "I mean I'm sure you just assumed he was going to use her newfound powers for evil- which I mean is a valid assumption but... do we really know what he wants? Why not go and ask- a civil conversation is much better than some long dramatic drawn-out battle after all." He finished, and you could hear a pin drop in the office. We all collectively thought we just heard the most outrageous and stupid idea, and I was about to retort when we heard a dull thud atop the office desk and Slender motioning for Laughing Jack to do just what he said- which he did with no hesitation in dialing the familiar number. We all waiting through the dialing tones when- wait really, he picked up?

"Zalgo? Hi darling, LJ here and I just wanted to know if you would be down for a small chat regarding what just happened with our dear (Y/n)."

After a few 'mhmms' and even a 'oh yes I know' they bid their goodbyes and he turned to use with a bigger grin than usual.

"Oh, calm down everyone- he's going to be here tomorrow to discuss everything- and might I add he has a point to be upset like he is. Anyways Jeff, (Y/n) is perfectly fine and hasn't woken up yet but he does not intend to cause her any harm and she will be here tomorrow."

A flash of relief spread through my chest, and I felt some tension leave my shoulders- I was... content with knowing she was okay and that I would see her tomorrow at some point. Other than that,...what the fuck just happened?

"So, you mean to tell me- you just called him up like you were best fucking friends, set up your little 'teatime' and he's agreed to it- and in a way you're on his side." I asked LG in a deadpan voice.

"No no not on 'his side' I just understand his perspective of the situation- but essentially yes. Which you're welcome." He replied.

Slender let out a heavy sigh and thanked LG for the admittedly unorthodox way of doing that- and after a few more small discussions everyone was dismissed but the feeling of confusion didn't go away.

I guess we're on for tea tomorrow, how quaint.