For The Rats (One-Shots)

(4) t r a n s p h o b e (Halloween)

"You look like you've seen a ghost," I say with a soft smirk, leaning against the break room counter. 

Daniel's eyes darted around the room, trying to find a suitable response to my sudden appearance. He was more or less tipsy, maybe more, actually. I think I liked him this way. 

The hallway outside was deserted, the echos of the Halloween party leaving a reminiscence of popcorn, soda, and alcohol that lingered through the air. Music still played loudly outside, but the engergy had died down now as most of the employees had trickled out to their cars for the night. 

"Just had a bit too much fun, I guess," he lied. But his face was warm, I could see it. 

I liked it, and my smile grew as I looked at him. I wasn't about taking advantage of people, but Daniel? Daniel had it coming. 

I allow the knowing glint to surface in my eyes as I step closer. 

"You know Daniel," I begin, my voice dropping to a murmur. "I've noticed how uncomfortable you seem around me. How much you avoid me." 

Daniel swallows hard, and I smile gently. 

"I've also heard some of the things you say about me..." I add casually. Daniel's eyes seem to widen and he looks at me, slowing down. 

"What are you talking about?" 

My smile doesn't waver. "I think you know exactly what I mean," I say, my tone teasing but with a hint of steel beneath it. The jokes about wanting to fuck Aaron and I? I heard them. The mocking us behind our backs? I knew about it. The consistent misgendering and deadnaming? I wish I didn't experience it. And Daniel? Daniel started it. The entire leadership team makes fun of me for being trans. Every time I clock in, I'm deadnamed by the one and only Danny. 

I step closer to him, my hand finding it's way to his wrist. His breath hitches. I knew he could feel me. 

"What are you doing?" he asks, looking at me now. His large brown eyes were matched with mine, and I couldn't help but love it. 

"I thought you wanted this," I mock, bringing my other hand up to his neck. He doesn't try to move away from me, he just watches me carefully-- almost scared. 

Good. Let him be. I have no pity for a transphobe. Not tonight. 

"I think the only reason you hate me is because you want me," I whisper in his ear. "Daniel." 

I feel his body shift in micromovements underneath me, tensing and untensing. 

"Unfortunately, I just want to hurt you." 

I draw myself back, tracing my thumb down his cheek. He's completely frozen, his body still, but his eyes are on me and I know there's gears behind them moving. He wasn't even going to put up a fight, how sweet. 

"I don't think you realize how much I hate you," I whisper. 

He just stares at me. 

Was he... in shock? Or something? Was he okay??? 

I shrug it off, because it doesn't matter. Fuck Daniel. I wanted him to fucking hurt. For every suicide attempt since I've started working here, for every day ruined by a deadname. For every time I've been made fun of. For every sexual joke made about me. He wanted to fuck me? Then he could suck my fucking dick and choke. 

I leave him, moving a few feet to lock the filthy door. There were no windows, and no other exits. No one would disturb us here. 

When I turn back around, Daniel is in the same spot, only now his hands were gripping the white counter. He was dressed pretty much the same as always, he looked beautiful as always. This would be so satisfying.