Sleep Paralysis - Josh Franchesci, You Me At Six AU (COMPLETED)

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R O S E ' S   P O V

As soon as I woke up the next morning I turned over and covered myself entirely in my duvet. I squeezed my eyes tightly, but I could still see and feel his hands, his comments ringing in my ear.

I underestimated this situation. I thought this was only an intense case of sleep paralysis, but the reality of this situation was slowly coming to light. The real Josh.

I sobbed into my pillow, my stomach hurting and my chest heavy. I hated how he made me feel. My body trembled as I pulled my legs to my chest, feeling vulnerable and scared. I felt a hand touch my back, and I sobbed even harder.

"Rose, what's wrong?" Dan soothed. I lifted my body up and hugged him tightly, crying into his shoulder. He rubbed my back softly, kissing my temple. He kicked off his shoes and pulled me under the duvet with him.

"Rose, please talk to me. What happened?" Dan continued, attempting to look at me. I shook my head.

"I don't want to talk about it," I muttered, keeping my head down. Last night had me shaken. I was slowly realising that Josh was more than just a hallucination. He admitted his attraction towards me. Dan tenderly held my hand in his, rubbing it softly.

"Was it Josh again?" he whispered, being cautious. I sniffled, fighting tears, and nodded quickly. He placed his hand on my cheek.

"You can cry, it's okay," he cooed. I began to bawl my eyes out as I crawled into Dan's embrace, giving me comfort and warmth.

"I f-feel him ev-everywhere," I sobbed into his shoulder, clutching onto his shirt. My body shook and trembled as we laid there. He held me tightly, promising to never leave me and that it would all be better.

After a while I decided to get out of bed so I could shower and change. When I entered the kitchen, Dan was holding take away in his hands. He smiled softly as he lifted up the Uber Eats bag. We ate in silence, allowing me to sink back into the real world.

"What do you want to do today?" he called out, cleaning dishes. I knew I didn't want to leave the house, and I knew I wanted to rest a bit, leaving one option.

"Another movie day?" I suggested as he entered. He nodded.

After putting on the first movie, I motioned for him to lie down on the couch. I then laid on top of him, pulling a blanket over us and resting my head on his chest. A feeling in my stomach tingled as I laid my head down. Wait, I couldn't possibly be developing feelings for Dan. He's my best friend! That's ridiculous - get a grip.

"I won't let Josh get you this time. Grab some shut eye," he murmured, stroking my hair. I closed my eyes and began to fall asleep, praying I wouldn't see him.

---

My eyes fluttered open softly, still laying on top of Dan. My hands were curled around his torso, making me blush. Okay, so I might have a crush. His eyes were fixated on the screen, oblivious to my awakening.

"Dan," I muttered. He jumped slightly, looking at me. He smiled softly.

"Hello, you feel better?" he questioned, sitting up slightly. I nodded in response.

My eyes flickered to the TV screen to see what he was watching. A horror movie of some sort. I stood up and picked up my phone, checking the time. It was about three pm. I looked at Dan with a quizzical look on my face.

"How didn't you move for six hours?" I asked.

"You were in a pretty deep sleep, I easily just pulled you off and laid you on the couch whenever I got up. It was like you were dead to the world," he explained, sitting up. I made a face of realisation and sat on my armchair.

"Dan I think you've got to go - it's about three," I mentioned. He sat up.

"Shit, you're right. Will you be okay without me?" he questioned.

"Yeah. I'll probably have some dinner and watch something," I smiled, standing up as he did. He kissed my temple and hugged me.

"Thank you for today," I mumbled into his chest.

"No worries," he replied, pulling on his shoes. I watched him walk down the hallway, a small smile on my face. Kelly's comments rung in my ears, my cheeks growing hot.

I shut the front door and made my way to the bathroom to freshen up a bit after the long nap. I brushed my teeth and hair, combing out small knots, after a short while I was satisfied, turning around to exit.

'What the fuck do you think you're doing, Rose?' Josh growled, making me stumble back in fear. Josh stood in front of me, fuming.

"H-how? Th-this doesn't m-make any s-sense!" I shrieked, pressing myself against the wall. He shook his head, chuckling softly as he approached me.

'You still haven't figured it out? I'm not a fucking hallucination,' he explained, caressing my cheek. I attempted to push his hand away but he retaliated. 'I don't think so. There are some things we need to... discuss,' he murmured, stepping back. My legs shook in fear, threatening to collapse.

"What do you want?" I cried. He smirked, chuckling softly. He pinned me against the wall, leaning in close.

'You, of course, but you need to do something for me. If you don't the consequences will be dire,' he whispered, playing with my hair. I felt so small compared to him. He towered over me like I was a child and his voice made me feel sick and terrified.

'Get Dan out of the equation. He's already fallen for you, so he's just going to be a problem. Stop hanging out with him, break his heart - I don't care how. Just get it done and get it done quick,' he demanded. I shook my head.

"No, I won't do it. Who are you? You disgust me!" I yelled, pushing him off me. He looked up, and I gasped at his eyes. Entirely black.

'Unfortunately you were wrong, Rose - demons do exist,' he grinned. I covered my mouth in shock. No, it can't be. Wake up! WAKE UP! I screamed at myself internally, covering my face and head.

'This isn't a dream, Rose. You can't wake up from reality,' he said in my ear, his lips brushing against my lobe and ghosting along my neck. I pushed him away once more, stumbling slightly.

"Stop it, please," I moaned in pain, a pounding headache and sick stomach making me fall.

'Don't deny it - you want my touch. You crave it, desire it!' he exclaimed, pinning me down. His nose nuzzled against my cheek, making me tremble. I sobbed, no longer feeling in control. Josh had me in the palm of his hand. Exactly where he wanted.

"Leave me alone!" I weakly yelled, my throat sore and eyes burning. His lips felt cold against my neck, his nails digging into my wrists. He was resisting something.

'No can do. I'll see you tomorrow. Don't forget to get rid of Dan,' he teased before disappearing. I sat up, choking on cries and sobs.

I crawled into the shower and turned on the water, lying in a curled up ball. I didn't want to leave the shower. Not one bit. I longed for Dan to be here, hold me and comfort me, but Josh's words couldn't stop ringing in my ears.