Insert Chaos

TW: Creepy/Intimate Carewhumper, Conditioned Whumpee, Manipulation, Captivity 

@whumpuary

Emory woke up, breaking out in a cold sweat. That same person Athena said tried to kidnap him was in his nightmares once again. They tried to coerce him to run away, to go with them. Even after he said no, they began to drag him away from his warm home. From his warm bed. From Athena. 

He quickly jumped out of bed and rushed into Athena’s room. She sat up, startled. “Emory?” She turned the lamp on at her bedside table. When the small light lit up the room, she saw his horrified expression. “Emy, what’s wrong?” 

“Athena, they came back! They tried to take me away from you again!” He cried. 

Understanding, she patted the spot next to her. “It’s alright, they’re gone now. You can sleep in here tonight.” He quickly climbed into bed, scrambling to get into her arms. She held him close and wiped his tears away. “It’s okay. You’re safe with me, Emy. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” 

Athena watched as Emory fell asleep in her arms. She hummed, thinking to herself. She smiled. She did this. She fixed everything just so Emory would only feel safe with her and only trust her. Why didn’t she think of this before? He would’ve never tried to run the first time. He could’ve been all hers to keep had she done this sooner. None of this would’ve ever happened had she started this little game from the beginning when she first claimed him as her own. 

Her plans would’ve been a lot easier from day one.

TW: Noncon Drugging, Conditioned Whumpee, Implied Past Captivity

@whumpuary

Harley tiptoed into Emory’s room. She peeked inside and found him still awake, staring in the exact same spot he’d been in when she tucked him in the first time. His lavender scented night light seemed to fail at its job. She sighed, flipping the lights on. “Emory, you’ve been here for almost three days now and you haven’t slept yet. You haven’t slept since you’ve been in the hospital. Why won’t you sleep?” 

Emory blinked away tears. “I want to see Athena…” 

“I’m sorry Em, but you can’t. She… She’s–” 

“But I want to!” His voice cracked, surprising Harley. “I wanna see her! I wanna see her now! I wanna go back!” 

“You can’t go back, Emory. It’s too dangerous for you.” She could see the exhaustion slowly starting to eat away at him. She didn’t understand why he refused to sleep. Clearly, his attachment to Athena had a lot to do with it. She sighed as she reluctantly decided to turn to her last resort. “Are you thirsty?” He nodded slowly. “Come on. We’ll get you some tea.” 

When she handed him the cup, he instantly began to down it. Part of Harley wanted to scold him for not telling her that he wanted something to drink. But she held her tongue, even after Emory gave her the empty cup. A mere five minutes had gone by before Emory finally collapsed, closing his eyes. 

Quickly going to catch him, Harley was shocked it worked so fast. Usually, sleeping drugs take longer to start working. Even the ones she used on patients at the hospital. She wondered why it worked on him so easily. Had sleeping drugs been the only way to get him to sleep when he was with Athena? Or did she drug him just to benefit herself? Either way, this would probably add length to his recovery. 

With a sigh, Harley picked up her small cousin and carried him to his room to tuck him back in.

TW: None

@whumpuary

Emory stirred from his unconsciousness and looked around. What happened? He looked to his right and found Athena with a concerned expression. His head started to pound.

“You’re awake.” She spoke softly, her hand cupped his cheek as she briefly smiled. “You collapsed and passed out. I didn’t know what happened. I was scared.” Her hand reached up to caress his curls.

He inhaled slowly before furrowing his brows. “My head hurts… a lot.”

“It does? I’ll get you some medicine okay?”

Emory thought for a moment. “Athena, can you stay here? I’m… I’m scared.”

“Why are you scared, Emy?”

“Because… What if it happens again?” Tears filled his eyes. This, in fact, was not the first time he’d suddenly fallen unconscious. This being the third, he was terrified. What if he passes out and Athena’s not anywhere nearby? What if he falls and he hurts himself and she’s not around? Then what? What if he…

What if he doesn’t wake up?

Athena hummed, thinking for a moment. “Do you want to go get a check up and see why it’s happening?” Emory nodded, his tears slowly falling down his face. “How about we get one scheduled for tomorrow? Would that make you feel better?”

“But I still want you to stay here. I don’t want to be alone.”

“Okay.” She smiled warmly. “I’ll stay with you. Let’s go get some tea.”

TW: Implied Past Torture

@whumpuary

Maybe it was how bumpy the ride was that woke Emory up. When he opened his eyes, he wasn’t on the cold floor with nothing to warm himself. He was laying across a backseat with a blanket draped over him. Where was he? He couldn’t even register his surroundings fully when he fell back unconscious. Was he getting kidnapped again? At this point did it even matter if he was? He was never going back to his normal life anyways.

He later opened his eyes again and found himself in a bed with medical machinery all around him. Maybe a doctor decided to kidnap him this time.

He looked down and noticed the cut on his arm had a bandage placed over it. He also couldn’t feel any pain there. Or anywhere, shockingly.

When a nurse came to check on him and bring him food, he didn’t bother asking what he was doing there. He didn’t even bother touching the food he was given.

It was probably drugged. Just like all the food he’d been given before.

Eventually, a curly haired woman walked into the room. She wore a large black coat with her purse clinging to one shoulder. She seemed relieved when she saw Emory.

“You’re okay! I’m glad you’re finally conscious again. Are you feeling better? You said you were in pain all night on the way here.”

He raised a brow. “Who are you?”

Her smile fell. “Em, it’s me. Harley. Your cousin.”

“Oh…” He briefly glanced around the room. “Um, why are you here?”

“Because I rescued you! I saved you! You’re free from her now!”

“You did? Um, thank you. I think…” He turned his head away from her, no emotion in his face whatsoever. She watched him silently for several moments, observing his blank expression.

“I guess me and you have a lot to work on before getting you back to your normal life again…”

TW: Past Captivity, Conditioned Whumpee, Past Intimate/Creepy Whumper

@whumpuary

Emory curled up nearby the fireplace with a large blanket. He did the same thing when he was with Athena. He missed her. He missed being with her. He missed living with her. He wanted to be back at her mansion, curled up with a cup of tea while she hummed softly to him. He remembered when he used to curl up with her on the couch as she stroked his hair. He remembered when she used to cuddle him, rocking him to sleep. 

Harley walked into the dark living room and noticed his shaking form on the floor. She leaned down, whispering softly. “You okay, Em?” 

“I want Athena back…” He whined, using the blanket to hide from her. 

“Well you can’t get her back, she’s… away right now.” 

Emory sat up, his tears were suddenly visible. “Why did you take me away?! Take me back! I want to go back home with her!” 

She hesitated. “I can’t do that, Emory.” 

“Why did you take her away?! I want her back!” 

“Well you can’t have her back. Ever.” It pained Harley that he was completely oblivious to the truth. But if anything was going to help fix him, then she was wiling to do it. 

TW: Implied Choking

@whumpuary

Spoilers kinda for my story over on AO3

Harley relaxed on her sofa, reaching for her remote. She paused when she heard a weak knock at the door. With a raised brow, she glanced at the time before cautiously walking up to the window. She noticed a small, familiar figure standing outside her door. She quickly opened it and found her cousin. 

“Emory? What’s wrong? What are you doing here?” She looked him up and down. He stood weakly on the other side of the doorframe. He was dressed up in a suit, though he was completely disheveled. Dirt was on his face and his white button up. Tears were in his eyes as he took a deep breath. 

“I’m sorry.” He choked. “I didn’t know where else to go.” 

“No, no, no, it’s okay. Come in, it’s cold out there.” She helped him inside to the sofa. “What’s going on? Why are you out of breath?” 

“I just need to stay here. Please. I don’t want her to hurt me again.” His tears started to fall. 

Harley scooted closer and wrapped a comforting arm around him. “Who is her?” 

“Athena. She’s insane! Just let me stay here so she won’t find me. I don’t want to go back!” 

“You can stay as long as you need to. I’ll bring you some tea, okay?” Emory nodded, wiping his tears. She rushed to the kitchen to pour a cup before coming back to give it to him. 

“Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” She smiled. It quickly fell when he began sipping the beverage. She noticed what looked like bruises on his neck. He flinched when her hand moved his collar out of the way. He sat frozen. 

“Emory?” 

“Yes…?” 

“This Athena. Has she been…choking you?” 

TW: Mentioned Torture, Multiple Whumpers, Lab Rat Whumpee

Pain shot across Taylor’s body as they opened their eyes. For once, they didn’t wake up to bright lights in their face. Instead they woke up to a soft light. When they raised their head, they realized they weren’t strapped to a table. Instead, they were in a comfortable bed with a pillow and a blanket. Taylor forced themself upright. They instantly went back down as the pain sharpened. 

“Ah, our little test subject’s awake.” They heard Sydney’s voice somewhere nearby. They heard shuffling coming towards the bed. 

“The pain’ll go away soon.” Lee said firmly. Taylor opened their eyes again and found the doctors standing over them. “Usually, I’d be giving you more pain medicine, but you might get addicted. And that’s not what we need you addicted to.” 

“Water…” Taylor mumbled weakly. 

“Of course, of course.” Sydney nodded and picked up the glass on the nightstand. They held up the straw for Taylor to sip the water. After taking several sips, Taylor leaned away. The glass was placed back on the table. 

Lee walked over and picked up the tablet that was propped up next to the water. They scrolled for a few moments before humming. “All of your stats are good. I guess we just used you into exhaustion. That’s a bit troubling.” They huffed. “Apologies.” 

Sydney pressed their hand against Taylor’s forehead. “I mean at least we know the chip works.” 

“Don’t make me strange you Sydney.” Lee frowned. 

“For what?” They frowned back. 

“The tests and experiments being successful aren’t the only things that matter. Taylor matters too. They’ll only be successful if Taylor reacts with it properly.” 

“I shouldn’t be the one you’re strangling then.” 

“You are the one I should be strangling! Use your brain for once Sydney.” Lee rolled their eyes. They turned back to Taylor. “If you need something, call the nurse, Avis. They’ll be here in a minute. They’ll come in here to bring you food. We have business to take care of. We’ll be back in about a week.” Their frown deepened. “Don’t get any ideas.” 

The doctors walked out of the room, leaving Taylor alone. A smile almost appeared on their face. They wouldn’t get any torture from the doctors for a week? Had luck finally beamed down on them? Was this a dream? What were the odds of this happening? 

But what if the nurse was just as bad? What if they hurt them just like the doctors did? Then Taylor wouldn’t get a break. What if the nurse was worse than the doctors? Then what? Taylor decided to just sit and wait for the nurse to show up. Eventually, they arrived. 

There was a soft knock on the door before it opened, revealing the nurse. They smiled softly with a cup in their hands. “Hello Taylor.” 

“Um…hi.” They spoke cautiously. 

“I’m Avis. I’ll take care of you while Lee and Sydney are away, okay?” They walked over to the end table and placed the cup down. It had a straw just like the glass of water, thankfully. “This is some tea in case you wanted any.” 

“Okay.” 

“Call me if you need anything, alright?” 

Taylor nodded, watching as the nurse left. It seemed that they were overreacting. The nurse wasn’t bad at all. At least, for now they weren’t. Hopefully, it will stay that way.

TW: Captivity, Conditioned Whumpee

@whumpuary

Emory stared out the window with a grimace. He wasn’t sure why but he hated the snow. It made him feel confused. And he didn’t like that. It was almost as if it was forcing him to remember something he doesn’t know. Maybe it wasn’t the snow. Maybe it was the color white in general that he hated. He wasn’t sure. 

“Would you like to go outside Darling?” 

He turned around and faced Athena. He shook his head. “No thank you, Miss. I like it better in here.” 

“Are you sure? You never know when it might snow again. You don't want to go enjoy it while you can?” 

He shook his head. “No. I don’t like the snow.” 

“Why not?” 

“Because it’s scary. It makes me feel like it’s trying to force me to remember something. And it’s cold! And bright.” 

Athena laughed. “Well how about I draw you a warm bubble bath then?” 

He smiled and nodded. “Yes please.”

TW: Multiple Whumpers, Doctor Whumpers, Lab Rat Whumpee, Medical Whump

Whumpee: Taylor (they) // Whumpers: Lee (they) & Sydney (they)

Restraints

"This Is Gonna Hurt"

When The Cats Are Away

TW: Conditioned Whumpee, Creepy Whumper, Carewhumper, Drowning and Bathing sometimes, Choking

AO3 - Full Story (Currently Unfinished)

Snippet 1, Snippet 2, Snippet 3,

Whumpee: Emory (he/they) // Carewhumper: Athena (she/they) // Caretaker: Harley (she)

Warm

Brainwashing

Freezing + Drowning

Touch Starved

Sick

Fire

Captivity | Snow

Memories

Rescue

“You’re Awake”

Sleep Deprivation

"You're Safe"

Act Like It

Do You Know?

Never Too Careful

Caretakers

Fair warning, I really just made up these characters out of the blue. They don't have much of a story behind them so some things may not line up. For now, the canon story is going on AO3.

TW: Blood, Discussions of Suicide and Death, Alcoholism

Jackie (they), Milan (she), Cara (she)

Down A Friend

At Fault

White Robes

I'll start writing the full story over on AO3 soon

Has anyone ever found a new troupe you're really into and has to fight the urge to make a whole new set of characters as an excuse to write in that specific troupe?

No?

Just me?

TW: Implied Suicide

Where…am I? 

Jackie looked around with an expression of confusion. Everything was white, almost cloud-like. 

Am I…dead? They quickly pinched themself and felt nothing. I’m actually dead… Isn’t this…isn’t this what I wanted? Why aren’t I…happy? 

“Jackie?” 

They turned around and found a familiar face. It was a woman they hadn’t seen in two decades. Dressed in white robes, wings fleshed out behind her and a halo hovered over her head. Shock instantly washed over them. “Mom?” When tears filled her eyes, they rushed into her arms with a smile. “Mom! I missed you so much! I don’t ever want to leave you again!” 

“Jackie, you shouldn’t be here.” 

“Why not?” They leaned back, confused. 

“It’s not your time yet. You’re not supposed to be here.” 

“But… But I want to be. I want to be here with you! That’s what I’ve wanted for…ever!” Their smile returned. 

“Jackie, you don’t need to be here. You need to be back down there, with your friends.” The woman said sternly. 

“But I… I finally got to see you again. I don’t want to leave. I want to stay here with you. Where I know, I’ll be okay.” 

“You will be okay. Even without me. You’ll have your friends. They’re worried sick about you.” 

Jackie raised a brow. “What do you mean?” 

Their mother pointed down at their feet. Almost as if they were right at the scene, they saw their body unmoving in a hospital bed. Cara and Milan were at their side, crying for them to wake up. Many wires were attached to Jackie’s body, hooking them up to several machines. It looked horrifying to them. 

“But Mom, I can’t go back.” 

“Yes you can and you will. You have two friends who care and support you. You’re not alone, you can talk to them. You have them. You don’t only have me. You have them too, right there with you. And with you, they’ll stay. They’re loyal to you, and you know that.” 

Jackie thought for a moment. What if they didn’t come back? Would all of that still be true? Would Milan and Cara stop caring? Would they move on and find a new friend like Jackie never existed? Or would they stay? Would they grieve? Would they continue to care? 

Well, they’ve come this far with Jackie. Why would they stop? They’ve been there for years and haven’t once faltered. They always asked if something was wrong but Jackie always brushed them off. What if they told their friends about their pain? Would they continue to be their friends? Would they see Jackie differently? Would they stop caring? 

“But what if they don’t want to be around me anymore? Because of all my stupid problems…” 

“Jackie, listen to me,” They turned to face their mother. “you have friends like no other in this world. If you go back now, they won’t let a day go by without making sure you’re okay. You have friends that are going to stick with you until the end of time. I say you go back. When you tell them what happened, they’ll be the same friends they’ve been all this time. They aren’t going to let something hurt you ever again. I promise.” 

They thought for a moment. “Okay… I’ll go back.” 

She smiled, embracing them. “I’m proud of you, Jackie. I love you, remember that.” 

“I love you too, Mom.” 

“Promise me something. Promise me when you go back, you’ll take care of yourself.” 

They nodded into her shoulder. “I promise I will.”

TW: Conditioned Whumpee, Whumper Turned Caretaker, Guilt, Mention of Kidnapping and Brainwashing, Self-Hatred

@whumpcember

Athena walked into the living room with a cup of tea in her hands. She was surprised to find Emory sitting at the fireplace with a blanket wrapped around him, watching the fire. She hummed and sat on the sofa. She took a sip of her tea and placed it on the end table next to her. 

She watched him closely, wondering why he decided to sit at the fireplace. Her gaze fell on the fading handprint around his neck. Guilt instantly rose in her chest. She regretted hurting Emory. She truly did. Sometimes she wished she never did. If she never did, would he even be willing to stay here? After all, Athena didn’t kidnap him just to hurt him. After that fateful day when she saw his body go limp and unresponsive, she did everything she could to fix her mistakes. Even though that meant forcing him to believe that someone else inflicted that pain onto him. But this was the only way to keep him here, within the safety of her home. 

Emory turned around and gave her a look of surprise. “Athena—Miss, I didn’t know you were here.” He dropped the blanket from his shoulders and faced her completely. “Is it okay if I sit with you?” 

“Oh—yes, always. Go ahead.” She patted the cushion next to her. 

“Okay.” He got up and sat alongside her. He paused for a moment, sitting awkwardly. Knowing what he was going to ask next, Athena pulled him into her side, allowing him to rest his head on her shoulder. She brushed his curls with her hand, her guilt starting to deepen. 

“I’m so sorry Emory.” 

He raised his head with a confused expression. “Why are you sorry?” 

Athena stopped brushing his hair, realizing he doesn’t remember. She quickly looked for something to say. “I’m… Sorry for not giving you any cuddles lately.” She embraced him, feeling him flinch from the sudden action. 

“Oh, it’s okay Miss. Thank you.” He returned the embrace. She forced herself to smile. 

Yes, that’s her mistake. Neglecting to give Emory any physical affection. She was going to fix that. Just like she fixed everything else. Then it wouldn’t hurt her like she used to hurt him. It wouldn’t burn a hole in her heart every night she went to sleep. It wouldn’t eat away at her every time she saw his face like the fire ate away at the wood. 

If she just believed like he did, she wouldn’t slowly grow to hate herself. 

TW: Restraints, Multiple Whumpers, Lab Rat Whumpee, Knife

@whumpcember

Taylor winced as they opened their eyes. All of their pain instantly came rushing back. Now what did they have to endure? Why couldn’t they just be kept unconscious the whole time? They watched as Sydney and Lee worked at the table to their left. Who knew what they were mixing together to give Taylor this time. Last time it was some kind of mixture of sedatives and analgesic. It made Taylor wonder if they were really just being held here as a test subject. 

What did the doctors want with them anyway? What use were they to them when they could’ve been saving lives instead of torturing poor Taylor? They were sick of this and they wanted all of the pain to stop. The dull aches were even worse with the straps holding them down. 

Wait…straps? 

No. 

No, no, no, no, no. Not again. I have to get out of this. Now. 

Taylor’s struggling made the doctors turn around. Sydney smiled. “You’re finally awake! Good to know.” They hummed while Lee turned around to continue working. “I suggest you calm down or we’ll have to drug you again.” 

The struggling came to a stop as Taylor started to hyperventilate. 

“Yes, I know this is bad and all but you’ll live. You got through it before, you can keep going.” Sydney shrugged. 

“I still think we should use sedatives.” Lee glanced over their shoulder at Taylor. 

“Eh, we’ll get it later.” Sydney grabbed the small knife that was placed on the table next to Taylor. “We had a really great idea the other day. We finished it about an hour ago maybe and we want to test it out? Wanna know what it is? Of course you do.” They grabbed the tiny vial that was sitting with the knife. “We made this little chip that’s going to shoot whatever drug we chose straight into your bloodstream. This one here is a sedative. If we use it as planned, it should last about two weeks. So once it runs out, we’ll cut you open again to refill it. But of course we won’t just be using sedatives. This is just a trial run to see how it works. In the future, we’ll be using stronger drugs.” 

Taylor shook their head rapidly. They didn’t want this. They just wanted it to stop. Now they’ve found an easier way to torture them. 

“So we’re going to give this a try and, if it doesn’t work, back to injecting you we go! Sound like a plan?” The sheer excitement in Sydney’s tone made Taylor want to gag. The disgust quickly turned into apprehension as the doctor came closer with the knife. Screams filled the room as Taylor tried their best to break free. It took them a moment to realize the knife was far from their skin. It was only when Sydney chuckled when they stopped. “You really thought I would do it? No, no, no. Lee’s going to do it.” 

Taylor watched as the knife was passed to the other doctor. They instantly began screaming again, attempting to escape. Lee sighed. “Gag them for me? I can’t focus.” 

“Of course.” Sydney smiled as they reached for the gag on the table. They shoved it into Taylor’s mouth in spite of their protests. 

“Hold them too.” 

Sydney nodded as they held Taylor down in place. Now they could only sit still, whine helplessly and cry as the knife began piercing their skin.

TW: Sickness

Athena sighed as she lightly wiped away the sweat from Emory’s face. She pressed the back of her palm against his forehead. “Well at least your temperature is going down I guess.” He sneezed. “Bless you.”

“Thank you, Miss.” He sniffed. “Can I please take more medicine? It hurts…”

“I know, Emory but I can’t give you any more medicine. I’ve already given you a lot. There’s almost nothing left.” She grabbed one of the capsules placed on the nightstand and shook it. “I’m gonna have to go to the store and buy some more soon.”

“No! Please don’t leave me…” He begged weakly. “I don't wanna be alone…”

“Well I’m sorry but if I don’t, you won’t get better. Isn’t that what you want?”

“I do want to… but I don’t want you to leave me. Please stay here, I’m really cold! I don’t want to be lonely…” His hoarse pleas made Athena want to change her mind. Especially when his shaky hand reached out to grab hers.

“I’ll stay with you five more minutes. But after this, I’m going to get you more medicine.” She got up from her chair and sat down next to him on the bed.

“Okay…” Emory sniffled. He scooted closer, nuzzling into her side as she wrapped an arm around him. She was shocked at how much more warmer and shaky the rest of his body was. Now she absolutely had to get more medicine. She really hoped he would get over this soon.

TW: Carewhumper, Mentioned Past Torture, Rewards for Good Behavior, Conditioned Whumpee

@whumpcember

A smile came across Athena’s face as she unlocked the door. She pushed it open, revealing Emory laying in the middle of the plain room on the mattress. The blanket she had recently rewarded him with was wrapped around his tiny frame. He was curled in a ball and his back was turned to her. She couldn’t stop her smile from widening when he shivered with a chill. She tucked her keys away in her pocket and walked over. 

“What’s wrong, my Emory?” 

He just barely shook his head. It was then when she noticed just how tightly he wrapped himself up. “Nothing, Miss.” 

“Are you sure, love?” He nodded slowly before raising his gaze to meet hers. Athena watched him carefully. Maybe it was time Emory finally moved up. He had been behaving himself so well lately, just like she taught him. After all, that was why he’d finally earned a blanket after nearly seven months. He was going well enough to deserve another reward. “Emory, I think it’s about time you get a new room.” 

“A new room?” He echoed. 

“Yes, you’ll get a new room upstairs. How about we go look now?” 

“Okay.” He nodded, unwrapping the blanket. He held onto it in an iron grip as he trailed her up the steps. He flinched at the sudden flow of light from the windows. He doesn’t remember the last time he’d been let out of the basement. Was it always this bright up here? He didn’t really like it that much. He shielded his eyes, attempting to stay close and follow instead. He was surprised by Athena’s warmth; he did his best to stay close and savor the feeling of another human being nearby. It felt nice after so much time in isolation. He was even more surprised when his foot came in contact with the staircase. 

He was going upstairs? He was getting a room upstairs? Was this a dream? 

“This is your new room.” 

Emory opened his eyes. The room looked comfy. A lot more comfy than the basement. There was a large bed in the middle. Unlike his previous “bed” it had many plush sheets and pillows draped over it. There were end tables with lamps next to the bed. That alone made this room way better than the basement. “This is mine?” 

Athena nodded. “All of this is yours.” 

Emory walked over to the bed. He placed his hand down on the sheets. He turned back to her with a look of shock when he realized just how soft the sheets were. She laughed at his reaction. She could tell he was getting comfortable after he let go of his blanket. He noted the windows on the other side of the room and went over for a peek. It was a lot less brighter than the window downstairs when he opened the curtain. He realized he was on the side of the house that didn’t get a lot of direct sunlight. He was grateful for that. 

“Do you like it?” He nodded excitedly. “I’m glad you do. But I can’t have you trying to leave again okay?” She pulled out her ring of keys and his smile instantly disappeared. 

“N-Miss, I’ll be good. I promise I will.” 

She raised a brow. He was trying to tell her no so he could get out of it. Usually she’d be about to give him punishment, but this time she thought about it. The reason he was even getting the room in the first place was because he’d been behaving. If he’d gotten this far, surely he’d continue behaving, right? 

“Okay. But if you misbehave, I’ll have to keep you in here. Understand?” 

His smile returned as he nodded. “Yes ma’am.” 

She walked out of the room and down the hallway. Emory felt saddened by this. He didn’t know why but he didn’t want to keep feeling like this. He wanted her to stay nearby. The warmth that radiated from her was now gone. Emory wanted to feel it again. He cautiously followed her to the living room. He peeked at her from around the corner, unsure if he should bother her. “Um…Athena?” 

She turned her head, surprised to see him. “Yes? Is something wrong?” He hesitated before going to sit next to her on the sofa. He nodded slowly. “What is it?” 

“I don’t know what’s wrong but I don’t like it. I want it to stop.” She noted him subconsciously pinching and rubbing his arm. “I don’t know what to do.” 

She examined him carefully. He did look upset when she came to get him. He only perked up when she showed him his new room. Now he was pinching himself. She quickly understood what was going on. She motioned him closer. “Come here.” 

He scooted next to her and was pulled into an embrace. He relaxed and nuzzled into her arms. Everything felt better. “Thank you Miss.” 

“Always, Emy.” 

“Can I… can you stay holding me like this? I feel better like this.” 

“If it makes you feel better, then yes I will. I want you to be comfortable.” 

“Thank you.” Emory couldn’t remember the last time he’d ever gotten a hug like this. Well, had he ever gotten a hug like this? There was something about finally being in someone’s arms. It was warm in Athena’s arms. The world had been feeling cold, even with his new blanket. It was cold and lonely in the basement. But now, Emory had the luxury of being in here in a pair of arms instead of sitting on the cold floor. 

He looked over her shoulder and noticed the door that he once tried to leave out of. He began to wonder why he attempted to leave such a warm embrace. He doesn’t even remember what his life was like before this. He was sure he didn’t have anyone to hold him like this. He didn’t have an Athena around to cherish and protect him the way she did. She was his new safe space. 

His haven.