━ NEUROSIS ━
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN.

────── 〔〕──────

VIOLET EVENTUALLY MADE her way down the attic ladder, sauntering into the main room with Jackie trailing not so far behind.

As they entered the room, Violet's eyes scanned over the group to see who had arrived. Mari was the first to enter, then came Taissa, Van, Shauna and Akilah. Violet's brows furrowed at the sight and she frowned slightly, noticing the lack of her favourite pair of brown eyes.

They all walked inside with alert eyes and heavy breaths— clearly still worked up from whatever the fuck they were doing outside— and looked between Violet, Jackie, and Travis... who had decided to stick around apparently?

"Travis?" Violet spoke up, her face contorting at the sight of him. "You're still here?"

Travis looked up at the sound of Violet's voice before taking in his surroundings in a dazed manner. The Martinez boy let out a giddy chuckle as he nodded. "Oh... you're right, I am. Sorry, Violet."

"Ah, it's okay." Violet shrugged, waving the boy off. "I don't... actually care."

Travis laughed once more at that, which in turn caused Violet to laugh too.

Jackie watched the interaction, looking between the pair with a confused expression before muttering under her breath, "What the fuck is going on?"

It wasn't long before the others who had just joined honed their attentions onto Jackie, each of their eyes narrowing into a glare.

"What were you guys doing up there?" Mari asked sharply, glancing between Jackie and Travis. "Before Violet came here?"

Jackie's face scrunched. "None of your business."

Van stepped forwards, her lips practically adorning a snarl. "And with Violet? What did you say to her, Jackie?"

The Taylor girl's accusation fueled gaze planted on Shauna and she raised a brow. "What did you tell them, Shauna?"

"Nothing." Shauna replied snappily.

"You're not avoiding the question... are you?"

The sound of Lottie's voice became apparent as she entered her the cabin finally, making her way through the others. Violet's hooded eyes instantly gravitated towards the girl, her facial expression visibly brightening at the sight of Lottie.

Though Jackie on the other hand, couldn't say the same.

Jackie's jaw clenched at Lottie's tone. She folded her arms across her chest defensively. Although... she would be lying if she said she wasn't a little intimidated by the daggers practically shooting from Lottie's gaze.

"No." Jackie tried to uphold her stance. "I'm not."

"So... what's stopping you from answering?" Lottie's stare hardened. The moment she took a step closer, her lips twitched with a slight grin, basking in the sight of Jackie taking a step back. "What did you say to—"

"Lottie." Violet's voice was slightly drawled, yet still with a twinge of drowsy delight. She leant her back against the wall, holding out her hand and signalling for the girl to join her. "C'mere."

Lottie's head instantly snapped towards the direction of Violet's voice, and it didn't take long at all for her gaze to come to a soften as she looked at the Crawford girl. She had been too focused on Jackie, too focused on her bubbling anger, her brewing jealousy, that she hadn't actually taken the time to look for Violet.

Now that she had, the Matthews girl didn't think twice, heading over to Violet straight away and taking her hand.

"Hi." Lottie greeted softly, cupping Violet's face with her free hand.

Violet smiled, leaning into the girl's touch. "Hi beautiful."

"I missed you." Lottie said quietly, turning her back to the others so they could talk privately. "What took you so long?"

"I know, I'm sorry." Violet's expression deflated at the reminder, the girl biting down on her bottom lip as she gazed up at Lottie with guilt-ridden eyes. Her next words were spoken with such little volume they were almost inaudible. "I should've come back..."

But Lottie still managed to hear what she said. She still managed to notice the look behind Violet's eyes. It was enough to make Lottie pause, to make her run over the events of the night one more time in her head.

To start piecing things together.

She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes instantly finding Jackie. And the sight of the Taylor girl taking multiple glances over at them— between the questions she was still receiving from the others— caused her jaw to clench once more.

Because Lottie noticed that Jackie adorned the same look behind her eyes. The same guilt. Only behind Jackie's, there was more, there was a slight twinge of panic.

And it was enough to make Lottie's stomach twist.

She may have been a little... buzzed, just like everyone else. But Lottie wasn't stupid. She had an inkling as to what was going on. What was hiding between the lines.

Lottie inhaled sharply before turning back to Violet. She pushed down the sensation in her chest, reaching up and gently moving aside the fallen strands of the Crawford girl's hair.

"Are you okay?" Lottie asked softly. Violet swallowed thickly at the question, shaking her head in silence. Her reaction pushed Lottie to ask another question. "What's wrong, Vi?"

"I... I'm so sorry..." Violet started, her eyes fluttering closed for a beat as if in preparation for her next words. "I did something really bad Lot..."

Lottie's breath practically hitched in her throat at Violet's response, it causing her to harshly bite down on the inside of her cheek. She didn't need to hear it word for word to know what Violet meant. She knew.

She took a moment to gather herself, clearing her throat before she spoke up in fear of her voice cracking. "Did, uh, anything else... happen?"

Violet quickly shook her head, knowing what she was referring to. "No, Lot. I promise."

"Do you..." Lottie began feebly. "...Regret it?"

Violet frowned, her words tugging at her chest. She cupped Lottie's face and held her gaze, not daring to look away as she spoke. "You have no idea... how much I regret it."

Lottie nodded, letting out a breath. Despite the way she felt, despite the hurt, despite the all time high of anger she felt towards Jackie, the answer Violet gave put her at ease.

She could see it in her eyes, hear it in her voice, feel it in her touch. She meant what she was saying. She meant every word from the bottom of her heart.

And Lottie believed her.

How could she not? If it meant that Violet would still be hers, that she wouldn't leave her, that her feelings remained. Then Lottie would believe any word that came from the girl's mouth.

She had to.

The Matthews girl moved her hands to grip Violet's wrists, managing to work up a small smile. "Then that's all I need to know."

"So..." Violet's eyes lit up, relief washing over her. "We're okay?"

Lottie hummed before leaning in, placing a soft kiss against her lips. "We'll always be okay, Vi."

But that didn't extend to Jackie.

Without another word, Lottie moved her focus back to the Taylor girl, watching with a satisfied grin as the others continued to pry answers from her.

"Why would you do this to Natalie?" Taissa questioned harshly. "To Lottie?"

Travis shook his head, still sat down on a chair a few feet away. "We didn't... we didn't do anything."

Jackie nodded along. "Nothing happened—"

At that, Lottie seemed to snap. And before she could even think her actions through— although she doubted she would've come to a different conclusion— she moved through the others and headed straight towards Jackie.

Lottie gripped Jackie's jaw, roughly turning her face towards her. Her gaze travelled down to Jackie's lips, noticing the slight smudge of her lipstick. The slight mixture of colours. And that... well... it only egged her on more.

She wasn't going to let Jackie get away with what she did.

Jackie writhed in her grip, though it made no difference. "Lottie! Get off—"

"But something did happen," Lottie's grip tightened and Jackie's face scrunched in discomfort, pulling a grin from the taller girl. "Didn't it?"

Jackie's gaze darted over Lottie's shoulder, meeting Violet's eyes with her wide and pleading own. Though Violet didn't move, she didn't speak. No. In fact, she didn't even seem phased.

For the Crawford girl kept her stance as she looked at the two, twirling her hair around her finger with a curious expression. Her brow's twitched upwards slightly as she watched the interaction, almost as if she was impressed with Lottie's actions.

"Vi—"

Jackie's attempt at speaking was cut off by a chuckle escaping Lottie's mouth. "Do you honestly think... she actually cares about you? Because she doesn't, you know that right?" The Matthews girl's lips morphed into a pout, feigning a look of sympathy. "Well... not in the way you desperately want her too."

The Taylor girl let out a grunt as she shoved Lottie away, finally managing to break free from her relentless grip. Her face twisted into a grimace as she ran her fingers over her jaw, sending Lottie a rage filled glare as her chest rose and fell quickly.

"What the fuck is wrong with you!" Jackie yelled, pure perplexity and venom lacing her tone.

Violet's head picked up at Jackie's words. Her jaw tightening at her tone.

Lottie simply snorted out a laugh at Jackie's insult, it seeming not to phase her whatsoever. Which only induced more frustration from the Taylor girl.

Jackie's nose wrinkled in disgust. "The others are right..."

"Jackie." Violet warned.

"...You really are a fucking freak, aren't you?"

Violet pushed herself from against the wall at that, her eyes narrowed as she approached Lottie and Jackie.

Lottie decided to remain quiet, though it wasn't because Jackie's words stung, it was because she heard Violet approaching. And the sound was enough to bring a soft smirk to her lips.

"I'd be careful, if I were you, Jackie..." Violet said simply. Yet despite the calm tone, her hardened gaze never faltered. The threatening undertones of her words were clear as day. "... saying things like that."

Jackie blinked, her lips parting in shock at the sudden shift in Violet's demeanor. She glanced to Lottie, her chest tightening at the sight of the Matthews girl mouthing a subtle Told you towards her.

She turned her attention back on Violet as she took a sharp inhale, trying to conceal the hurt evident on her features. "Violet she— can you not see the way she's acting?" Jackie looked around at the others in bewilderment. "The way everyone is acting! I mean, seriously what the fuck is happening!"

"Like I said, Jackie." Violet shrugged, ignoring the rest of her words. "Be careful."

"Violet..." Jackie blinked, dejected. "Are you not hearing yourself right now? What's wrong with you..."

"Nothing's wrong." Violet shrugged. "I feel fine. Great, actually."

"Then why are you... acting like this?" Jackie continued weakly.

"Acting like what?" Violet chuckled, holding out her arms as she looked around. "From what I can see... you're the only one here who's got a problem." She inched closer, lowering her voice with a wry smile. "This isn't because of what happened is it? Aw Jax, I know you don't like it when you don't get your way but... you don't need to be a brat about it. Honestly? It makes you look pathetic."

Jackie swallowed dryly at Violet's words, her jaw tightly locking at the feeling of her eyes stinging. "Fuck you..."

Violet's lips twisted in amusement, watching as Jackie's glossy eyes darted away. Lottie hummed and turned to look at her with a satisfied smile. She reached down for Violet's hand before raising it with hers, looking at their intertwined fingers almost in fascination.

The Matthews girl switched her gaze to Violet, who was already staring back at her with hooded eyes. And the look Violet wore was enough to make Lottie's heart flutter. The flash of desire gleaming behind her eyes as she looked at her, the smile that appeared as her sultry gaze travelled down to her lips.

In that moment, Lottie found herself forgetting about everything else. Violet was always good at that. She always knew how to make Lottie feel adored. How to make her feel seen. Truly seen.

Under Violet's gaze, Lottie felt like the only girl in the word. She felt special. Like she was just for Violet, and Violet only. And Lottie didn't want it any other way.

She would never grow tired of the way Violet made her feel.

Lottie slid her hand to the back of Violet's neck and pulled her close, planting her lips against hers with fervour. Violet reciprocated with just as much passion, sliding her hands down to Lottie's waist with a tight grip.

Jackie's face crinkled at the sight, scoffing out a breath. She took a step back and looked to the others, not being able to watch the couple without her heart sinking.

Though when she noticed Mari sauntering towards Travis, her brows furrowed with confusion. Suddenly, Mari gripped Travis' face and tugged him towards her, the pairs lips connecting.

Pure bewilderment consumed the Taylor girl. Her wide eyes found Shauna's and she pointed to the pair. "What, you're just gonna stand there?"

Shauna's gaze fired back over to Jackie, her face stiffening at the way her best friend was speaking to her. The ordering tone of Jackie's words, how easy it came for the Taylor girl to speak to her like that, didn't sit right with her. And she found herself running over all the times she had followed her lead without question.

She always listened to what Jackie said, did what Jackie wanted to do, acted the way Jackie would deem acceptable. But now... she couldn't understand why she allowed herself to do that.

And suddenly it dawned upon her. She didn't want to be her loyal dog anymore.

Without a word, Shauna walked over to Travis. She shot Jackie a side glance before grabbing the boys shoulder and turning him towards her instead of Mari, planting her lips against his.

Jackie's jaw practically dropped at the sight. "Shauna!" She rushed forwards, trying to pull her away. "Hey! Stop! Shauna!"

Though her attempt came to no prevail, for the rest of the group quickly blocked Jackie's path and harshly shoved her backwards.

To the side, Lottie pulled away from Violet— who let out a sigh in clear distaste at the action. Her gaze planted upon Jackie and the others, a small breathless chuckle escaping her throat at the sight.

She turned back to Violet, who was just as flustered as her, and placed a lasting kiss on her lips before whispering against her mouth, "I'll be back in a minute."

Violet frowned at the feeling of Lottie's hands falling from her face, opening her dilated eyes to meet Lottie's. "Where are you going?"

Lottie grinned at the feeling of Violet's fingers running down her arm. "Stay here, okay?"

"Fine." Violet dropped her hands. Her teeth sank into her bottom lip as she thought to herself, her gaze trailing over the Matthews girl. "But be quick."

"Oh, don't worry," Lottie hummed, watching Violet's eyes. "I will be."

And with that, Lottie joined the others as they surrounded Jackie.

She took to the front of the group and stepped towards her, the Matthews girl's height allowing her to threateningly loom over Jackie. "You took something that doesn't belong to you."

Jackie scoffed, scowling up at her. "Oh, what? Like the fucking spirits give a shit that Nat called dibs on Travis?"

Lottie's jaw clenched as she inched closer. "This has nothing to do with her."

Jackie took a step back, the sheer rage and malice swarming throughout Lottie's eyes beginning to ignite a fear within her chest.

As Jackie continued to walk backwards, the others followed. Lottie's eyes travelled over to the pantry door and her head tilted slightly as an idea popped into her brain. She reached out and attempted to grab Jackie's arm, but the Taylor girl was quick to push her off.

"Get off!" Jackie yelled. "You fucking psycho!"

Lottie's eyes narrowed, ignoring her. "Don't you understand..."

The Matthews girl grabbed Jackie's arm once more, her nails practically digging into her skin as she tugged her towards her. She held her gaze with Jackie, unwavering as she spoke up once more, her tone laced with nothing but venom and cruelty.

"You don't matter anymore."

Before Jackie could have another opportunity to respond Lottie roughly wrangled her into the pantry, shoving the girl with so much brute force that her back hit the wall.

Jackie groaned at the abrupt contact, stumbling slightly as she regained her footing. Her gaze darted towards the door, eyes widening at the sight of Lottie closing it with a menacing grin.

"Hey!" Jackie rushed forwards to try and reach it in time.

But alas, she was too late. For the door had already been locked, trapping her inside the small, dimly lit, room.

Lottie stared at the closed door, chuckling to herself at the sound of Jackie relentlessly pounding her fists against it. She let out a satisfied sigh, fixing her hair before moving through the others and making her way back to Violet.

Violet eyes picked up at the sight of Lottie approaching from the corner of her eye. She grinned and once Lottie reached her, Violet tugged at the fabric of Lottie's dress, bringing her closer. "That was longer than a minute—"

The Crawford girl's sentence was cut off as Lottie slid her hands to the back of Violet's neck, reconnecting their lips once more. Violet let out a heavy sigh through her nose as she leaned into the kiss, the raw passion and desperation behind Lottie's every movement igniting a spark within her stomach.

After a few seconds, Violet pulled back. Her hand remained gripped on Lottie's jaw, her lust ridden eyes bouncing around the brunette's face. She smirked at the blush evident on Lottie's face, taking note of how her chest rose and fell at a quickened pace.

"What is it?" Lottie asked breathlessly. "What's wrong?"

Violet glanced over Lottie's shoulder, assessing the rest of the group. By the looks of things, it seemed that they were all distracted. Travis was now sat down with a dazed smile, his head darting in different directions as the other girls kissed him.

Minus Taissa and Van, who were preoccupied with one another.

The Crawford girl smiled contently, knowing that there would be nothing to get in the way of her and Lottie. Yet still, she figured they deserved a little more... privacy.

Without another word Violet slid her hand to Lottie's wrist, trailing her fingers down her arm as she did so. The sensation sent shivers down Lottie's spine, and she watched as Violet leant up from against the wall, brushing past Lottie with a teasing gleam behind her eyes.

Lottie turned around so she could keep her in view. It was as if the Crawford girl was some sort of magnet, constantly drawing Lottie in. Luring her closer as if she were a siren singing it's song.

Violet walked away from where the others were grouped and to the archway which led into the kitchen, turning around to glance at Lottie as she bit down on her lip.

"Well," Violet raised a brow, playfully. "Are you coming or not?"

Lottie swallowed thickly, nodding her head. She didn't waste another second, making her way over to Violet and taking her hand. The pair both chuckled quietly at the fast pace in which they were moving, their stomachs erupting with adrenaline.

Violet lead them around the corner and then came to an abrupt stop once she deemed them far enough away, hastily reconnecting her lips with Lottie's.

The Matthews girl's back hit the wall at the fervour filled intensity in which they connected, forcing a small grunt from her throat. But she couldn't bring herself to care.

How could she?

When all her mind could focus on was the feeling of Violet's lips against hers, her fingers trailing along her skin, their bodies eagerly pressed to one another's against the wall as if they couldn't bare to be an inch apart.

The Crawford girl broke her lips away from Lottie's and reached up to softly grip her jaw. Violet glanced at Lottie briefly, basking in the sight of her flushed expression before turning her face to the side and trailing kisses along her jaw.

One of Lottie's hands found its way onto the back of Violet's head, her fingers embedding themselves through her hair. And the moment she felt Violet's lips reach her neck, the grip she had on the girl's hair tightened.

Violet let out a sharp sigh through her nose at the sudden pull of her hair, yet the sound of Lottie's higher-pitched pants which tumbled from her mouth soon brought a grin to her lips.

"Do you know... how fucking perfect you are?" Violet whispered against Lottie's skin. "How much... of a hold you have... over me?"

It was almost impossible for Lottie to form a coherent response, Violet's words only adding to the pure euphoric sensation coursing through her. But it didn't lessen the warmth which swirled her heart at the declaration. It didn't change the singular thought which was inhabiting her brain, attempting its way to claw from her mouth.

"Violet..." Lottie managed to let out between pants. "I— fuck...I..."

Violet hummed in response to show she was listening, continuing to nibble at the Matthews girl's neck. Lottie's teeth sank harshly into her lip as her thoughts raced.

She didn't want what was on her mind, the words which were on her mind, to ruin anything. To change anything between them for the worst. Because for Lottie, this was something that had been eating away at her for a long time. But what if it was a different story for Violet?

So for a second, she almost considered keeping her mouth shut.

... Almost.

For the moment Violet's lips reached a certain spot on her neck, Lottie's body jolted a little in reaction. And before she could even take another second to think, she found herself breathing out,

"I... love you."

At that, Violet's actions came to an instant stop. Lottie swallowed thickly, watching as Violet lifted her head from its previous spot in the crook of her neck, their flushed faces meeting each other's once more.

The Crawford girl blinked, a slight wideness to her heavy eyes. Lottie couldn't decipher the look behind her gaze, behind her expression.

It was as if Violet was in a state of complete shock. Like she simply couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"What?" Violet asked. Her voice was quiet, yet there was still a slight rattle to her breath, her pulse now racing more than ever.

The paranoia, the fear, started to set in once more. And Lottie tore her gaze away, her cheeks growing hotter and hotter. She couldn't bring herself to look at Violet.

"I..." Lottie muttered. "I'm sorry I—"

"Say it again."

The feeling of Violet's hand on her cheek, gently moving her face back towards hers, cut Lottie's sentence off. She reconnected her eyes with Violet's, taking note of how the girl was watching her intently.

"I want you to say it again."

Lottie let out a shaky breath. Her nerves had been at an all time high. But... there was something about the way Violet was looking at her. The pure want behind her gaze as it lulled her to speak up once more, the true adoration.

It made her feel safe. And it made her speak.

"I love you, Violet."

This time, Lottie's admittance drew a wide smile from Violet. And before Lottie even had the time to fully gauge her reaction, Violet's lips slammed against hers.

There was so much raw passion, so much enthusiasm, behind Violet's sudden push forwards that Lottie's back hit the wall once more.

"I...love you...too." Violet let out between breaths as she'd briefly break away from the kiss. "God, I love you Lottie."

Lottie smiled against Violet's lips, their strong lust-infused pants mixing with one another's as their resumed their passionate kiss.

Their heightened emotions took over, their sheer happiness, their deep desire. It guided every single one of their movements. Every kiss. Every touch. Every sound. Every breath.

Nothing else around them mattered. Now more than ever. Nothing but them. They were each other's cure. Each other's poison. A high the other would never come down from.

And neither would want it any other way, sealing off their declaration, their promise, as they kissed.

They belonged to one another.

And that's how it always would be.

With her free hand, Lottie intertwined her fingers with Violet's hand that was still holding her jaw. She let out a shaky breath—focused on the sensation of Violet's body against hers—before moving Violet's hands down to the bottom of her dress, slightly raising her leg.

Violet moved her head back, looking down at their hands before back up at Lottie with a surprised, yet enticed look behind her eyes.

She leaned in and kissed Lottie softly before pulling back, her lips ghosting hers as she asked, "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure." Lottie whispered, her hands moving to the back of Violet's neck. "I want you to."

Violet hummed, toying with the fabric of Lottie's dress in a teasing manner. And each time the tips of her fingers would brush against the inner of Lottie's thigh, her breath hitched in her throat, pulling an amused smile from Violet.

Lottie's grip tightened. "Please."

Violet smiled at that, capturing Lottie's lips against her own once more. She allowed herself to bunch up Lottie's dress ever so slightly. Purposely being agonizingly slow.

She broke away from the kiss with the Matthews girl's bottom lip between her teeth, pulling it back not too harshly before letting go as she spoke.

"Well..." Violet rasped. "How on earth could I say no to that?"

"You can't." Lottie grinned. "It's for the greater good."

"Hey, that's my line."

The pair both chuckled lightly before closing the space in between them. Their kiss continued, all the while Violet's hand made its way under Lottie's dress and up her thigh.

Lottie found her nails digging into the Violet's skin at the sensation it brought her, sighing heavily against her mouth. Violet pulled her lips away and rested her forehead against Lottie's as she continued to move up. Her gaze flicked down to the girl's panting chest before locking with her eyes.

Violet's face flushed at the sight, but still, she couldn't help the amused smile which planted itself on her lips. The way Lottie was looking at her. Her favourite pair of brown eyes, filled with so much desperation and silent pleas. Her plump parted lips, tumbling out heavy breaths.

She was in complete awe of the Matthews girl. Infatuated with every movement, every touch, every sound. It filled her with almost a sense of pride. A satisfaction even.

Because all of it was for her.

Lottie, was just for her. And nobody else.

Suddenly, the sounds of clattering and panicked grunts boomed throughout the cabin. The pair ignored it at first, not giving anything in which could tear them away from one another any attention.

Although that became evidently a lot more difficult when Travis sprinted into the kitchen with wide, panic-struck, eyes.

"The others they're..." Travis managed to get out between breaths. "They're losing their shit... we need to run."

The couple let out a simultaneous sigh, their frustration evident at the intrusion. Violet removed her hand from under Lottie's dress and instead allowed them to rest on her waist, turning her body slightly to assess the situation. While Lottie let her hands loosely drape over Violet's shoulders, craning her head to the side to look too.

"Travis, I really don't give a—"

The moment Violet looked ahead, she cut herself off. Her eyes narrowed at the sight in front of her, head tilting in curiosity. She expected her gaze to land upon Travis, but... it wasn't him. No. It was... a stag?

A tall and stout stag, presenting itself right before her eyes. It's presence was almost taunting. The animals branch-like antlers standing tall atop its head, the meat on it's bones sitting proudly.

"Lot," Violet whispered, not taking her eyes away. "Can you..."

"Yeah." Lottie replied almost instantly. "I can see it too."

The rest of the group were quick to rush into the room, all of their attentions honed in on the stag. Their eyes were wide, their stances practically ready to pounce. They could see it too.

Travis.

The stag.

Food.

What they had been hoping for, praying for, had finally arrived. And it was right in front of them.

Travis looked around, his terror only growing. He figured Lottie and Violet could help him, that they could talk some sense into the others. But now... he wasn't so sure.

Not when Lottie and Violet stared at him with the same look in their eyes as the others. That hungry, menacing, plotting, look. Not when they too began to walk towards him. Slowly, carefully, like a predator stalking its prey. 

Travis watched as the group all began to swarm him— the others seemingly doing so after Lottie and Violet's lead— and without even taking another second to think, he bolted.

He barged through the back door of the cabin, using so much force he stumbled on his feet. But he didn't let that stop him. He couldn't. He quickly got up and continued to sprint through the forest without looking back.

"The stag!" Lottie exclaimed as she watched him disappear into the woods. "We have to catch it!"

Violet's head snapped towards the others. Her face twitched at the sight, watching as they all stared back at her with an expectant expression.

It was as if they were also waiting for her, now that they had received Lottie's approval.

Like soldiers waiting to be commanded.

Violet's jaw clenched, growing frustrated at their lack of movement. "Why the fuck are you just standing there? Go!"

And with that, the group tumbled out of the cabin, crazed and maniacal grins etches on their faces as their resumed their chase. Their hunt.

Violet turned to look at Lottie, holding out her hand with a smirk. Lottie accepted the invitation with a chuckle, intertwining her fingers with hers.

"Shall we?"

⋆༺♱༻⋆

THE GROUP HAD SPENT some time chasing down the stag through the woods. Everyone's bodies were running off pure adrenaline, charging through branches and bushes without a care in the world. Their ferocious screams and yells could be heard throughout the woods, their crazed laughter bouncing from tree to tree. 

They couldn't let the stag retain it's freedom. And they simply wouldn't allow anything to get in their way.

After a short while, it seemed their prey had grown sloppy in it's panic-struck state. The stag tripped on the root of a tree branch and fell to the dirt with a harsh thud, the impact on it's head knocking it out cold.

The group had wasted no time in hauling their prize towards the clearing in which their Doomcoming had been held. And with a minimal effort the stag was strung up against one of the tree trunks, in preparation for it's slaughter.

Travis had no idea how much time had passed when he awoke. The boy's eyes fluttered open, his head drooping slightly in his groggy state. His gaze darted around in a dazed manner, finding it difficult to focus on anything.

It wasn't until he felt a light few slaps to his cheek, that his body allowed itself to grasp the situation in which he was in.

"Wakey wakey."

The taunting tone in which the words were spoken made Travis' stomach twist. He looked ahead, his eyes widening as his vision focused, and the boy's attention honed in on the girl stood in front of him.

Violet.

Her attire had changed slightly, the girl now wearing some sort of makeshift crown made from branches and flowers. She seemed to have a few scratches on her arms and a small cut on her face, which he assumed must've happen while he was being chased.

But Violet didn't seem bothered by it whatsoever.

The Crawford girl looked ahead at Travis, her lips adorning a twisted grin. She allowed her hand to fall from his cheek, her eyes scanning over his state.

"Well..." Violet's brow raised amusedly. "Don't you look comfy."

Travis tugged on the restraints around his wrist, letting out an uncomfortable grunt at how tight they were.

"Stop fighting."

The Martinez boy looked to his right at the sound of the voice. Lottie appeared at Violet's side, her pupils heavily dilated, expression stern as she addressed him.

She also had a crown now sitting proudly on her head, although hers differed to Violet's. As well as a few flowers stuck to the crafted item, Lottie's mainly consisted of two antlers, along with a white sheet of cloth strung over the top.

"Lottie?" Travis blinked.

"Do you think he looks comfy?" Violet glanced at Lottie, sliding her hand around her waist with a giggle before turning back to Travis. "I think he does."

"Me too." Lottie kissed Violet's cheek with a satisfied sigh. "You did a good job, Vi."

Travis' heart practically sunk to the pit of his stomach as he looked between the chuckling couple, along with the rest of the group. Not a single one of them seemed concerned. About him. About what they were doing. No. What they felt was far from it.

Amusement was evident on all of their faces as they took the sight of him in, staring at him with dark, empty, yet entertained eyes.

"Guys what—" Travis spoke up weakly through pants. "What are you doing? It's— It's me..."

Violet rolled her eyes at his words. She turned to her side, where Mari stood, and simply held out her hand. Without an utter of defiance, Mari handed Violet an acorn before moving to Travis. The girl roughly gripped his jaw and held him still as Violet approached him once more.

"Open wide." Violet let out an unsettling laugh, bringing the acorn closer to his mouth.

"Wait! Wait!" Travis pleaded. And just as the acorn was about to reach his lips, Violet paused, shooting him a curious expression. "Violet it's— It's me! I'm not... I'm not whatever you think I am! You don't know what you're doing!"

Violet pursed her lips briefly before leaning closer to the boy, stopping next to his ear as she whispered. "Don't worry. I know exactly what I'm doing... Travis."

Travis' eyes widened at Violet's words, the realisation hitting him harshly in his gut. Violet knew. She knew it was him. But she didn't care.

The knowledge instantly sent the boy to begin writhing against the restraints in a feeble attempt to escape. But before he could speak up once more, Violet shoved the acorn into his mouth, taking away his ability to form any coherent sentence.

"There." Violet sneered as she booped the boy's nose with her finger. "Much better."

Violet turned on her heel and made her way back to Lottie, who was already watching her with a wide, adoring, smile. Lottie planted a soft kiss on the Crawford girl's lips before turning her attention to Shauna.

"You know what to do." Lottie nodded towards Travis.

Shauna silently moved towards the boy, tightly gripping the hilt of her knife in her hand. She placed her free hand on Travis' shoulder as the other slowly brought the knife towards his neck.

Muffled grunts of sheer terror could be heard coming from the boy as he felt the cold of the metal pushing against his skin. His body shook in fear as he locked eyes with the Shipman girl, his gaze holding nothing but silent pleas for her to step away.

But she didn't move. Not an inch.

The rest of the group watched in anticipation, their lips parting with excitement of what was about to come. Although Violet couldn't help the slight tilt of her head as she watched Shauna, her jaw clenching impatiently.

She could sense a hesitancy behind the girl's actions, picking up on the way Shauna ever so slightly released the pressure of the blade against Travis' neck.

And she didn't care for it one bit.

"Shauna." Violet spoke up. "Look at me."

The Shipman girl glanced over her shoulder, swallowing thickly as she met Violet's stern and expectant gaze.

"Do it." Violet urged.

"I..." Shauna muttered.

"Do you not trust me, Shauna?" Violet frowned, though there was a twinge of annoyance behind her eyes. "After everything I've done for you?"

"No, no, I—" Shauna shook her head quickly. "Of course I trust you Violet."

Violet's previous frown soon fell, morphing into an unreadable expression. "Then... do it."

"It's okay." Lottie cooed assuringly to the Shipman girl, a faint smile on her lips. "It wants us to."

The Shipman girl turned back to the 'stag', blinking as she studied the figure in front of her. An unsettling feeling bubbled in her stomach the more she looked at it. Something about this whole situation felt off to her.

Her eyes narrowed in curiosity, head cocking to the side. And for a split second, she could've sworn she caught a glimpse of... Travis?

Shauna's grip on her knife loosened. "I... I think it's Trav—"

Suddenly, Shauna was tugged back by a tight grip on her arm, along with her knife being taken from her hand. Her breath hitched at the sudden movement, snapping up her eyes to meet the harsh gaze of Violet.

Shauna's chest tightened, looking away from the Crawford girl at the sight of her disapproving expression. There was something about her demeanour. Her cold gaze as she looked down upon her. It made Shauna feel small. It made her feel weak.

"Go to back to the others." Violet said flatly. "I'll do it myself."

Without uttering another word, Shauna heeded Violet's words and joined Lottie's side, now a part of the audience instead. She—just like the rest of the group—watched as Violet sauntered over to Travis, running her finger along the blade of the knife with a sick smile.

Violet hummed in thought once she reached him, lightly trailing the tip of the knife up his stomach. "Where to start..." The girl muttered. She came to a stop once she reached below his collarbone, looking up at Travis with a raised brow. "Here?"

Travis' nostrils flared, his body practically recoiling at the placement of the knife.

"You're right," Violet chuckled, shaking her head. "That's boring, isn't it? How about..." She continued to trail the knife up once more, stopping again when she reached the side of his neck. "Right here."

Travis shook his head erratically, strangled yells and pleads tumbling from his obscured mouth. He tried his best to move, to break free, to speak, anything that would stop Violet from committing the heinous act she had planned.

But it was of no use.

He was completely at her will.

"Aw, Trav. Shhh... it's okay." Violet faux pouted, her eyes practically buzzing with a menacing excitement. "Just one little cut, and it'll be over. I promise. See, look..."

Violet applied pressure on the blade against Travis' skin, an eerie chuckle escaping her mouth as she slowly dragged it across the side of his neck. And the moment she caught a glimpse of a small amount of blood decorating the knife's metal, her lips curled into a satisfied smile. The sight only urging her to continue.

Travis' eyes went wide, his hands curling up into tight fists. He let out another yell, horrified pants rushing from his nose at the feeling of the knife slicing through his skin.

"What the fuck?! Stop!"

Much to Violet's distaste, her actions were put to a sudden stop before she could cut any deeper. Natalie rushed over to the two, pushing Violet away. Violet's grip on the knife was released and the weapon fell onto the dirt.

"Move, Violet!" Natalie snapped, instantly hurrying to Travis' aid.

Violet groaned, throwing up her arms with a roll of her eyes. "Oh you gotta be fucking kidding me."

She watched with a scrunched face as Natalie removed the acorn from the boy's mouth, quickly untying the restraints around his wrists.

"What the fuck is wrong with you!" Natalie spat, turning to look at the Crawford girl.

"Oh come on, Nat." Violet scoffed. "Don't act like I wasn't about to do you a favour—"

"Violet...?"

She turned at the sound of the voice, her gaze landing upon a wide eyed Jackie. Though Violet's expression remained unwavered, the Taylor girl's presence seeming to have no effect whatsoever.

"Violet what—" Jackie glanced at Travis then back at her. "What are you... doing?"

To say she was concerned would be an understatement. And despite what had been said to her in the last couple of hours, what had been done to her, there was still a part of Jackie that made her want to reach out, to grab Violet's hand and take her to safety. Away from all of this.

But she couldn't, not when she couldn't bring herself to move. She couldn't... because she was scared. Of her.

"What?" Violet shrugged. "Not to your liking either?"

Jackie blinked, taken aback by her response. She didn't know what to say, how to react. Hell, she didn't even know who she was looking at. Because the girl in front of her wasn't the Violet she knew. The Violet she oh so desperately desired.

No. This was something much darker. Much more unsettling.

Jackie's gaze travelled down to the floor, her eyes landing upon the knife. Her lips parted at the realisation, instantly turning to Natalie. "Nat! The knife!"

Violet's eyes followed Jackie's, pushing her tongue against her cheek at the Taylor girl's interference as she muttered under her breath, "Always ruining things, aren't you?"

Her attention quickly sprung over to Natalie, the two girls making a brief eye contact before each deciding to dart towards the weapon. They both scuffed along the ground as they made a play for the hilt, each grabbing it forcefully.

Though it seemed Natalie had the upper hand, as she managed to rip it from Violet's grip, quickly getting to her feet and rushing to Travis once more.

She glanced down at Violet, letting out a shaky, adrenaline infused, breath. It was then, that she realised that during their struggle, she had accidentally cut the side of Violet's arm.

However, it seemed as though the Crawford girl didn't seem to... care. In fact, it didn't even seem to hurt her. Which only morphed Natalie's concern into a deep unease. For she watched as Violet sat up, clutching her stomach as she laughed hysterically.

"Violet!" Lottie rushed to Violet's side, her gaze softening as she assessed the wound on her arm. "Your arm it's— Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I—" Violet managed to let out through her laughter. "Oh did you see her face? So serious."

Though despite Violet's nonchalant attitude, Lottie couldn't bring herself to feel the same. Not when she stared at Violet's wound. Not when she watched Natalie set Travis free.

Her jaw clenched tightly as she stared at the Scatorccio girl, her eyes narrowing at the sight of her. She gave Violet's shoulder a gentle squeeze before getting to her feet and storming over to the blonde, fury bubbling behind her every step.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?" She harshly gripped Natalie's wrist and tugged the girl towards her. "Touch her again and I swear Natalie I'll—"

"Me?" Natalie scoffed in utter perplexity. "She almost killed Travis! And all of you just... watched!"

Lottie shook her head, grinning at her words. "You don't understand, do you?"

"What the fuck are you talking about—"

"It's in all of us, you know." Lottie interjected sternly. "Even him. Even you."

Natalie shoved Lottie away and with the pure outrage that consumed her as she committed the action, it caused Lottie to fall backwards onto the ground.

Upon witnessing this, Violet's chuckling died down and she got to her feet slowly, keeping her eyes on Natalie.

"That's enough of your weird fucking bullshit, Lottie!" Natalie shouted "Haven't you done enough!?"

Lottie didn't respond, too caught up by the amused laughter uncontrollably escaping her mouth as she looked up at the blonde girl.

Natalie glanced between Violet and Lottie, her lips parting as if she were to speak up once more. But she chose to refrain. She knew it would be of no use. Both of them were far from being in a state where they could listen to reason.

So, without another word, Natalie took off into the forest— setting out to reconvene with Travis.

Violet walked to Lottie's side and helped her up once more. She gently brushed aside the strands of hair which had fallen in front of her face, her eyes darting over her features.

Once she had deemed that Lottie was in no distress, the Crawford girl smiled lightly. She placed a kiss on Lottie's forehead before turning on her heel, her previous smile morphing into a scowl as she had her sights set on the path Natalie had left by.

"Violet, dont." Lottie grabbed her hand to stop her.

She knew what Violet had silently planned. She could tell by the look in her eyes, despite the smile she presented. After witnessing what Natalie did, hearing what Natalie said, there was no way Violet could simply let her walk away.

Violet raised a brow as she turned to face Lottie once more. "You really think I'm just gonna let her walk away after that?"

"But it's okay." Lottie whispered, cupping her face. "I'm okay. I don't care."

"But I do." Violet sighed. "Why don't you just let me talk to—"

"It doesn't matter." Lottie stated calmly. "Stay here, with me."

Lottie rubbed her thumb along Violet's skin in a soothing manner, smiling warmly at the sight of Violet's tense demeanour deflating.

"Don't worry, Vi. She'll understand soon... they all will. We'll make sure of it."

⋆༺♱༻⋆

[ AUTHORS NOTE ! ]

PHEW, i think that's the longest chapter i've ever written holy SHIT that took the life out of me. WELL, i hope you guys enjoyed the events of doomcoming. and with that... we continue onwards.

it's been a while since we've been back to the 2021 timeline so the next chapter will most likely include that BECAUSEEEE i do have a certain trick up my sleeve when it comes to my bbys in the 2021 timeline... we shall see in the next one!

[ not proofread! ]