When Violence Ensues: Slenderverse Short Stories.

Story Eight: Nepenthe

((wOW it has been a long time. I'm sorry for the lack of activity!! Exams are ending me slowly. I hope you enjoy!))

How did he know? Evan seemed to have a sixth sense, able to sense through the lies that Alex had told him, to prevent him worrying. Currently, both Alex and Evan were sitting in the younger Koval's room. Evan had come over to confront Alex about the attacks that the 'Feral One' had been preforming. To put that into context, basically Alex had been waking up with deep and ugly gashes running down his arms and torso. Evan, being how he is, had found out and was currently confronting Jeff about it.

"You know, you don't need to-"

"Alex, it'll kill you if we don't stop it now." Evan interjected, obviously not amused. He was irritated, but not with him. It was fairly obvious that Evan was angry with Jeff, which Alex didn't fully understand. It wasn't Jeff's fault that this was happening, so why was Evan so irate with his brother? Eyebrows narrowing in confusion, Alex took a breath,

"Evan, please don't be mad-"

"I'm not mad, Alex. I'm concerned." Evan interrupted, heaving a sigh as he brought a hand to his head, rubbing his temple. A headache seemed to be brewing behind the male's eyes. Alex shut his mouth, and simply followed the shorter male out of the room as he headed across to Jeff's room that was across the landing and down the hall. "Jeff, can I have a word?" Evan spoke while bringing his hand up and knocking on the bedroom door,

"Yeah?" A voice called from within, before the door opened and a slightly dishevelled Jeff appeared in the doorway, eyebrow raising at the sight of an embarrassed Alex and an annoyed appearing Evan. Opening his mouth to speak, Jeff was quickly silenced by Evan's next statement,

"Did you know about the fuckin' monster in your brother's closet? That's been casually scratching him up in his sleep?" The short man spoke, an edge to his tone as the sentence was left in the air. Jeff's eyes widened, as he glanced from Evan to the younger Koval, who glowered in shame. "Alex, why didn't you-"

"Surely you had to have noticed the bandages, the dried blood in the bathroom and the really loud scratching sound of it crawling across the room? Are you fucking serious, Jeff?!" The dark haired male exclaimed, gesturing to Alex's bandaged arm. The younger Koval couldn't look up, he was completely ashamed. Why hadn't he told his brother? There was a tense silence as Jeff struggled for words,

"Alex why didn't you tell me?"

"I-You didn't need to know? You've got enough on your plate to deal with and so does Evan-"

"Alex, you could have DIED and you're seriously keeping this quiet?" Evan questioned, turning to the male who seemingly was upset by the situation. Alex's breath hitched in his throat as the next words left Jeff's mouth,

"You should have come and told me, Alex! I'm not psychic. It could have killed you!"

"Uh, it's just, you've been looking for your girlfriend and so much has been happening, you haven't been sleeping well and I just didn't think you needed to know, y'know?"

"No, Alex! I DID need to know! Just-"

"You're not in the right either, Jeff. You didn't answer my question earlier. Did you not notice?" Evan questioned, gesturing towards Alex's arm as he awaited a response. Jeff took a breath,

"I should have."

"Yeah, you should have. I'll get Vinnie to help get rid of the thing tomorrow." The shorter man grumbled, rolling his eyes before he turned to face Alex, whom of which seemed to be fiercely concentrating on one spot on the floor, his cheeks burning a furious pink colour. Evan raised an eyebrow, "Alex?" He questioned, before the younger Koval turned on his heel and quickly moved down the stairs. Looking back to Jeff, the dark haired male shrugged his shoulders," I should probably go after him."

"Yeah. I don't think he wants to talk to me." Jeff spoke in reply, shaking his head," Thanks, Evan. For looking out for him when I seemingly failed to." Jeff responded quietly, guilt dripping from his voice like water from a tap. Evan sighed, running a hand through his hair,

"Don't mention it." He spoke, before moving down the stairs and to the living room, to begin searching for Alex. No doubt, the male would be either in the living room or the kitchen. Alex wasn't stupid enough to leave the house by himself after everything that had happened in the past days and weeks. Heaving a sigh, Evan glanced through the doorway, to find Alex sitting on the kitchen floor, knees pulled up to his chest. "Alex?" He questioned lightly, as he gradually made his way over to the male. Alex's face was forlorn, still unable to look up,

"I should have said something sooner, right?" He spoke up, after an agonising moment of silence. The only thing that was heard was the gentle dripping of water from the tap that resounded in Evan's ears.

"It's fine. It's been done, but don't let it happen again, okay?" The shorter man replied, much to Alex's comfort. It was reassuring that Evan was not angry or disappointed. Sitting on the ice-cold ground beside him, the dark haired man slipped an arm around Alex, "You'll be okay."

"I'm sorry."

"It's fine, Alex." Evan soothed, ever so lightly pulling the younger Koval closer until his head rested on his shoulder. Alex then responded by wrapping both arms around Evan,

"Thanks for checking up on me. I just, I didn't want anyone to worry." Alex sniffed, obviously still unsettled. Evan chuckled quietly and hugged the taller male,

"I know. You're just selfless like that. Made us worry though." The dark haired man stated fondly, a relieved breath leaving his lips. Alex's grip tightened momentarily,

"Why did you worry so much, though?"

"Huh? Well, you're my friend too you weirdo! I'm not faking it." Evan responded, surprised at the sudden question. Alex seemed reassured by the reply, and his spirit seemed to readjust to a lighter tone, shifting the mildly uncomfortable silence to one of a comfortable feeling.

"Hey, Evan?"

"Yeah, buddy?" The shorter male questioned in response after a moment, and Alex shifted in his position so that he was closer to Evan,

"I think you're right. Voids can be just as pretty as skies, if you think about it." Alex spoke, smiling innocently.

A bright smile pulled at the corners of Evan's lips as Alex grinned, "Yeah. They are."