Wake Up (Damein/ Darkiplier Fanfiction)

C H A P T E R • O N E •

Paige:

I stepped as quietly as I could through the crisp, fallen leaves. The heat made sweat trickle down my neck, but there wasn't much I could do that this point. 

'I was asked to be there,' I reminded myself, rubbing my arms with my hands. 'Don't be so stressed.' 

Eventually, the driveway came to view. A carriage sat at the base, and I came to a still, trying to see if any figure was inside. I decided to not take my carriage, taking the train, and walking the rest of the way. Assured that nobody was in the cart, I continued up the pavement, my shoes clicking slightly, much to my disliking. 

Nobody stood at the porch, so when I climbed the steps, I paused, giving myself a minute to compose my features. I was practicing myself in the art of not letting my every emotion run wild across my face for the world to see. Then, I lifted my arm and raised the heavy knocker and let it fall, flinching slightly at the loud noise. 

The door opened to reveal a well-kept man with dark hair. "Bonjour, Miss. Paige, I presume?" He asked with a slight accent I couldn't quite place. 

I nodded, stepping into the house and letting him take my shaw. "Yes... It's a pleasure," I mumbled, gaze fixed across the room. 

"Welcome to the Manner, your invitation please?" The man asked and I handed the latter over, my eyes never leaving the pair talking further in the house. "Very good," he said, then repeated it softer under his breath. "I shall fetch you a drink."

"That won't be necessary," the men my gaze had been locked on looked over. I smiled at my feet as he continued to talk, "She doesn't drink."

I let my eyes flicker up to Abe and Damien. They hadn't seemed to change a bit. Damien was wearing a tailored suit and a pin labeling him Mayor. Abe had his uniform still on, always ready to jump into any situation that needed sleuthing.

"Very well." The butler walked off, and I made my way over to the pair. 

Abe met me halfway with a tight hug, lifting me slightly off of the ground. Back when we were all closer then ever, he had always been more like a weird brother then a friend to me. 

Once I was set down, I turned to Damien. He was already there, walking stick in his hands. He took my hand a pressed his lips to my skin. Memories I suppressed flooded to the surface of my mind and I fought to push them back, lest I do something I shouldn't. "Paige," he said as greeting, then pulled my hand gently to wrap me into a tight embrace. I wrapped my arms around his neck hesitantly. I have always had mixed emotions about hugs. On one hand, I could crush anyone with a bear hug, but in many situations, I manage to turn them way more awkward then they need to be. But, much to my surprise and relief, Damien squeezed my waist gently and the hug was over- no more awkward then my hug with Abe. 

I stepped back and they instantly included me into their conversation. I was content in the moment, listening to them talk about Damien's duties as Mayor. Then, unexpectedly, the conversation turned to me. 

"Paige, what are you up to nowadays?" Abe asked and I sent him a shocked, forced smiled. 

"Ahh. Nothing new." I mumbled, only to be interrupted by Damien's chuckle.

"Nothing new? I would think that your concerts making the paper every other week is certainly new." His tone was warm as he sent me an equally kind smile. 

"Oh, thank you." I mumbled. Abe started to say something, but was interrupted by the door opening. Damien smiled at the district attorney, (Y/N), and William as they walked into the house. Damien went to greet (Y/N) and William strode purposely towards me. Grabbing my arm gently at the elbow, he pulled me to the adjoined room, Abe following closely behind.