I'm Happy For Your Sorrow ~ Yandere Clemens Averink x Reader (Owlverse: Wardens)

~ Epilogue ~ Caged Muse

You sat there, motionless in the grand velvet chair he had in his room. You stare at nothing in particular. You'd seen every painting in his room by now. There was nothing new left to look at.

"Augen bitte hier"

You've learned by now that if he speaks as he's painting you, he wants you to fix your posture and look at him. You've made the mistake of refusing, and it's safe to say you'll never make the same mistake again. You fixed your line sight towards him, straightening out your shoulders and lifting your chin higher. Despite his vacant visage, he seemed pleased.

"Perfekt..."

His voice was smooth and dark as he focused intently on his brush strokes. You sat there, motionless and expressionless for a few more minutes until he placed his brush down, and walked towards you. You showed no signs of fear, disgust, or anger as he neared you. He stood over you, bringing his hand up and brushing it through your hair. He mumbled something about you looking beautiful, but you had heard it all before.

Ever since Clemens had gotten you in his grasp, he had been more vocal about his feelings. He's far more open to expressing how beautiful he thinks your frown is, how much he despises to love you, and how happy he is you're dispirited like him. Most of your days are spent at his side now, and he isn't keen on letting you out of his eyesight, especially if there are other people around.

When the others saw you with Clemens, they weren't willing to converse with you. You accepted the reality no one wants to talk to you anymore because they're displeased now that you've changed, but that was only half the truth. Clemens had taken advantage of your previous anxious behavior to explain to the others how you lost your mind. He described how your past happiness was just a mask so you didn't have to face the horrible reality you all live in. They ended up believing everything you had said to them, every bit of hopeful encouragement, was just a lie spat out to refuse the truth of life. Many of your previous acquaintances felt sorry for you and didn't speak to you out of sadness for your state and reminiscing about memories. Other men you made acquaintances with had been betrayed before, so they weren't surprised at the 'truth' of you fibbing your happiness to spare your fragile psyche. With already wounded hearts struck again with yet another 'lie', they couldn't bear to talk to you again.

No more did they have the sweet bundle of sunshine they used to love. Clemens furthered his manipulative lie by saying you didn't want to speak to any of them out of paranoia, doubt, and pain. Emotional manipulation had become his ultimate weapon, and it was terrifying how well he wielded it against you and everyone you loved.

Who you loved...

You wondered where Bernard was. Nobody has seen him for a while, and you haven't heard anything of his whereabouts. You had been meaning to apologize to him for freaking out and shoving him away a while back. You missed your best friend deeply, but you hadn't the heart or the ability to look for him, let alone face him. Not when you're under constant surveillance by Clemens. You hope he's okay wherever he is. You're pulled from your thoughts about your lost friend by Clemens' low voice.

"Don't let your head fall as I am painting you. I need to see you clearly"

His hand went to your chin, stealing your gaze and tilting your head upwards. You swallowed dryly as you looked into his eyes. Those daunting auburn eyes never held anything good in them. You nodded weakly, feeling no choice but to agree with his words.

"Yes.."

He leaned in closer, shifting his grip to bring your head gently to the crook of his neck. The smell of paint and old books was evident on his clothes. His heavy cloak offers you at least some comfort while in his arms, but he'll always be as cold as the dead of a winter night.

"Gut. Dat ist besser"

Your life as a caged muse was as empty as you are. Your heart is a void, and he couldn't be more happy for your sorrow.

~END~