Rui x reader: The Nanny

The Nanny: Part 4

You don't listen to the shrieks outside. It's easier that way. Most nights, it's human wails of agony that pierce the serene air of the mountains. Today it was Rui's mother who screamed her apologies. For what? You could never be sure. Whether it was disobeying Rui or something about her that provoked Father, she was sure to receive the brunt of the beatings.

Stick to the routine.

It was all you could do. The more you observed and played a part in Rui's fantasy, the better your life was here. The more you understood what he wanted. It was an unachievable dream. He desired to be protected. But who could save him from the evils that lurked outside of the house when he was the strongest one here?

"At least you're smarter than the last one that Rui took in. You learn." The compliment stops your knife's movements for a brief moment. Rui's sister stands in the doorway of the kitchen. She was more interested in seeking you out rather than watch the blood spray outside.

You don't hold her silver stare for long. "Thank you." The thanks comes out as more of a question than you'd like, but the weakness draws the small demon closer. Your hairs stand on end with the warning you've felt thousands of times before. The primal instincts that are buried deep inside urge you to not keep your back turned to her, but the grip on your knife simply tightens as you continue to make Rui's lunch.

The demon plucks a bloody sliver from the cutting board and pops it into her mouth, chewing as she watches you. The silence draws on for a moment before you speak. "Why is he so lenient with you?" It was clear from your first few days that his sister got off easier on her punishments than anyone else.

His sister grins. It's something sharp and cold and red as she licks away the leftovers from the milky skin of her fingers. The action doesn't quite clean the mess, it merely lightens the stain. The young woman rolls her shoulders in a shrug. "I do whatever he wants." There's a shift in her features as she beams with more than a hint of pride. Silver hues shift into something more sinister. Blood filled rubies bore into you as color finds her deathly pale skin.

It lasts for a brief moment before she reverts to the snowy skin and pale eyes you're used to. The strict aesthetic of the Spider family. His sister had learned to play by the rules in this game of house. Her head is held high with an admiration and devotion to Rui that is stronger than any webbing this broken family could weave. You're sure the mountain would crumble before her loyalty to Rui would. His sister leaves you in the kitchen with your thoughts. I can play this game. You think as you slice through the muscle of another victim's thigh. It seemed to be Rui's favorite. I'll play and I'll survive. What else could you do?

Dawn was breaking and your body was just as tired as the young demon's whose head rested on your lap. Rui's schedule had become your own as the months ticked by. Three? You couldn't be sure. You only knew that the leaves had already changed color and the first snow had layered the mountain. A fire burned in the fireplace across the room to fight off the chill.

Rui had grown tired of your shivering and the chattering of your teeth as the fall crispness changed into the merciless bite of winter. It didn't affect him or his family. And Rui was more than upset when you'd retreat from his cold body during the first light of daybreak instead of helping him sleep like you should. The upkeep of the forgotten fireplace was added to your chores, but it was a small price to pay to stay warm.

Your fingers combed through his hair. It was stubborn, just like him. It always fell back to frame his face. A face that looked so innocent and harmless as his breathing evened out in his relaxed state. It was probably unwise to risk rousing him from his sleep, but you had to sell your part in this play. It's what you told yourself as you leaned to place a chaste peck on his hairline.

"Goodnight, Rui."

The words were as soft as he looked if you were willing to look passed the sharp canines when the young boy's mouth opened up to release a soft snore.