No Regrets - OUAT - Panfic

i'm out of my mind

"You're crazy and I'm
     out of my mind"
•
•
•
Merida's blood turned to ice in her veins as she saw the pair of eyes reflecting off the streetlight that had flickered on behind her. The sound came closer, and a sound of relief broke from the girl's throat as she realized it was nothing more than a stray cat carrying a large dead rat in it's mouth, thus making the dragging sounds. The cat blinked at her before disappearing in the shadows, and Merida sagged against her bonds in relief.

She flexed her hands, still desperately trying to get loose. The knots wouldn't budge, and her mind turned to other methods she could use to get out. Shifting her body in the chair, she managed to hop a few inches before suddenly losing her balance and crashing to the floor, her cheek pressed against the grimy concrete. She groaned in frustration, rocking the chair back and forth and eventually tipping it on it's side, which was more comfortable; as comfortable as being tied up at 2 am in an abandoned warehouse could be.

The entire time her mind was racing. What could her father possibly have that Pan wanted? Try as she might, she couldn't think of anything that her father would have. But he was obviously keeping secrets from her, and when she got out of this mess she'd be sure to find out what they were.

Merida didn't sleep at all, being far too on edge, not to mention her uncomfortable position. When the first rays of sun started creeping in through the warehouse's dust-caked windows, she heard footsteps coming from behind her. Merida tensed immediately as the steps came closer, her mind flashing to conclusion after conclusion. Whoever it was, they were in a hurry as the footsteps got steadily closer. The girl made herself completely limp, and closed her eyes, trying to play dead.

The footsteps stopped behind her, and she heard a quiet chuckle that she knew all too well. "Look at you. Tried to escape? Didn't go too well, did it, Red."

She gritted her teeth as she opened her eyes, seeing his boots in front of her as he walked around the fallen chair. "Couldn't stay away?" She shot back at him, biting back a groan as he flipped the chair upright again, the sudden movement making her head spin. Her mouth was as dry as the desert and she was having trouble forming words.

"Hardly. I simply dont have the luxury of time. Either you tell me or you don't." Pan shrugged, as though it was as simple as that. He crouched down in front of her, his green eyes sharp and unyielding. "Last night was just a preview."

Merida steadily met his eyes. "You don't scare me, Pan." She half laughed. "You've done everything to me that you can. Time to just give up." She still had faint cigarette burn scars on her pale arms from the last time Pan had caught her unaware. Fergus, of course, never found out. He would keep her under lock and key if he did. However, something told her this time she was out of her league; Pan seemed more dangerous, more out of control than before. His eyebrow raised a little at her words.
"You think I've done everything to you that I can?" Pan's lips twitched slightly into a smirk. "That's adorable. A few more days out here by yourself should change your mind." He turned on his heel and started to walk away. He only went a few steps before she bit back her pride.

"Alright! Fine." Merida knew he wasn't bluffing, and she wasn't stupid enough to condemn herself to death by trying to test him again. She knew damn well that he didn't need her. If she wouldn't tell him, he'd simply find another way to get what he wanted.

Pan sighed and stopped, turning around to look at her. "Fine? So are you going to tell me? Otherwise you're wasting my time. And I don't like it when people waste my time." He leaned forward and planted his hands on the back of the chair on either side of her, making her tense up."Tell me where your father is. Now." His face was inches away from hers, and she could smell the faint tang of alcohol on his breath. Merida bit her lip slightly, taking a breath.

"I don't know where he is. He never told me. Said it was too dangerous." Merida paused. "But I could find him if you let me go."
The boy scoffed. "If I let you go I'll never hear from you again. You expect me to trust you?"
Merida couldn't help it as she rolled her eyes. "Of course not. Youre going to help me find him."
His eyes narrowed suspiciously. "And why would you do that? Just a night ago you were hell bent on protecting him and now you want to help me. What changed?"
Mer shrugged slightly, suddenly more aware of his hands gripping the chair by her shoulders. "I had time to think and I want to know what he's up to. You want to impress your dad," she added with a sly smile. "We both win. As long as you promise not to hurt my dad, or Emma's family. Deal?" Her blue eyes looked up into his green ones and both sets were afire with the promise of adventure and rebellion.

"Deal."