Tate Langdon X OC/ In Bloom A AHS Murder House Fic)

Reaching Nirvana?

I stood at a tall mirror in my room, fashioning my usual weird style. I always dressed in a very... "unique" way. I think, in many ways, it was just another way of expressing myself.
I placed my usual black hat on and walked outside. Most people, when they go for a walk, have a destination or at least someone to go and see. Not me. Back in my home town I used to just wander and adventure where ever I could. I spent the majority of my childhood alone so I think, after a while, I grew to just enjoy being on my own.
I strolled outside. The wind bashing against me, knocking my hat off. I decided to leave it and went on without any headwear.
My day was spent with a flask of whiskey and a cheery smile. I walked along listening to song after song and trying my best to explore through my new home town.
I climbed over some railings, seeing a hill on the other side. My face lit up with joy as I jumped down.

The wind howled and the whole world seemed so vibrant, so exhilarating. It'd been so long since I last felt this alive.
I've known many people in my life. I've known so much pain. For some reason I always used to bottle it up, I forgot how to live, I forgot how to be free. My world was so driven by emotions that I forgot to enjoy it. More importantly, I forgot how to enjoy it. I raced up the hill, rolling down with immense laughter roaring out of me.
I sat for hours singing, dancing, running and even writing a few songs. I watched the huge orange ball of fire set in the sky, I watched it slowly dance down to the horizon and make way for a colder and more mystical presence. The moon. I sat and starred at the stars as they glimmered with hope and joy. I felt alive. I felt free.
Something washed over me. It was such an intense feeling of hope and ambition. I feeling like I could do absolutely anything in the world. It was incredible.
Slowly, I made my way back over the railings and towards my own home. The street lights were dim and in the distance I could see the warm light of my own house like a lighthouse in a storm. It led the way.
My good vibes followed me through the front door of my new home as I hummed softly. A smile still kept its place on my pale, gentle face.
I walked upstairs.

When I was a kid, I rarely saw my mom. She was always working. She worked so hard for me and my brother. It was impossible to not be grateful, even if I missed her from time to time.
I guess that was why I was so lonely. I didn't have the best of fathers and my brother was studying for exams. That left me to just roaming the woodlands in our garden and creating vast new worlds. I always loved pretending that I was somewhere else, that I was someone else. Creating these stories was an escape from my harsh reality. I suppose that I never truly kicked that habit.
A knock came at my door.
"come in" I spoke cheerily.
I was met with a sigh.
My brother walked inside. His face full of sorrow.
"Rose..." he began.
My heart stopped. This happened every time. Every time life seemed as though it was perfect, as though it was getting better, it all came crashing down.
"It's it." I knew instantly that he was referring to our father, as that's what we called him.
We sat down and he explained to me how he was fighting to get rights to me again. Apparently us moving wasn't entirely acceptable since he was still supposed to see me every now and then. I didn't want to see him. Just looking at him made me feel sick to my stomach. He was a monster. He was a nightmare. The idea that he may be able to take me away from this place was just terrifying. I loved it here.

All my emotions began to pile on top of me. Tears streamed down my face. My broken heart was scattered in pieces through the salty emotion running down my face.
Another knock came at my door. I wiped my cheeks with my sleeve and answered.
In walked non other than Tate.
"you've been crying... " he spoke, walking over to me.
I pushed a smile onto my face and shook my head gently. I couldn't find it in me to speak so all that came out was a timid "I'm fine."
He looked at me, sitting on my bed. I couldn't help but look away from his piercing gaze. It made me just want to tell him everything... But I detested the idea of explaining how weak I was right now.
He reached over to me and took one of my hands in his. He used his other hand to gently wipe away the remainder of my tears.
"what's wrong?" he asked.
"My dad wants to take me away... I don't want to go back to him... I don't want to leave..." My words were quiet, they held notes of fear and sadness. All my heart poured into what few words I could muster.
"it's going to be okay, I'm here" he said gently.
I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him closely.

Thank God I had Tate. I don't know what I would've done without him.

The rest of the night was spent with hearty laughter and honest enjoyment. Usually, I could only truly find happiness when I was alone but with Tate I was happier than I had ever previously been.
Things seemed to be looking up. Things seemed brighter. And, even if my dad did succeed... Tate promised that he'd never take me away.
I didn't even have to explain why I despised my father so much. He just understood. He understood me like no one else ever had.
It was thrilling.
Was this what love felt like?