Naomi's pov

Without Selene in here, I flipped to a music channel. I stretched my legs out and rested my feet on the coffee table. I listened to a few rock songs before hearing footsteps.

I turned my head, seeing Jeff passing through the room with blood stains covering the front of his white hoodie. He gave me a quick glance and headed upstairs.

I dismissed the fact that he was back and just relaxed to the beat of the music. But it wasn't long before he came back in a clean hoodie. I let out a quiet sigh upon watching him plop down next to me with a drink in his hand.

"I'm surprised you're not watching animals tear each other apart," he said, taking a few gulps of his drink.

I shrugged. "Well Selene's not in here and I needed a break from the documentaries."

Bella and Edward, who sat on the top of the couch behind my head, climbed down onto the floor and crawled under the coffee table. I peeked underneath to see them curling up and laying there quietly. Seems they're adjusting rather quickly.

Tapping my fingers to the beat against the arm of the couch, I noticed Jeff seemed to be staring at me. "What?"

He didn't answer so I ignored him and turned my gaze back to the TV. I recognized Lady Gaga's song 'Bad Romance' started playing. The song had barely started and I noticed Jeff slowly scooting closer, his unblinking eyes never leaving me.

I tried to ignore him but found his face almost right in front of mine. I immediately placed my hands against his chest and pushed him away.

"Woah, hey, what are you doing?" I questioned while arching an eyebrow at him.

He chuckled. "Just shut up for a minute."

I tried to move away but suddenly found his hand against my throat. He lightly pinned me in place by the neck. In the next instant, his lips were on mine. My eyes grew wide in shock. I quickly punched him, knocking him back and away from me.

"What the hell was that for?!" he yelled with anger.

I wiped my mouth with disgust and shouted, "Obviously for thinking you could steal a kiss! What's wrong with you?!"

He stood. "I was just going for it!"

I stood also, pulling my knife from its sheath. "Who said you could go for it, huh, bleached leech?!"

He grabbed his knife from his pocket as well. "I did, you insane little bitch! I do what I want!"

We could heard rapid footsteps coming down the stairs, but neither of us looked away from our stare down. Selene and Jack suddenly jumped between us.

"That's enough, Jeff!" Jack said to the bleached-skinned man. "Cool it!"

Selene stood before me, her intense gaze reaching me through the dark sockets of her mask. "Naomi, put your weapon away. Remember what Slender said."

I growled slightly but put away my blade, noticing Jeff do the same. "Now what is going on?" Selene asked.

"That bastard kissed me!" I yelled, pointing to the man on the other side of Selene and Jack.

"Oh, well sorry for thinking you look hot!" Jeff shouted.

I blinked a few times, processing what he just said. "You... think I'm hot?"

Jeff's eyes seemed to widen slightly. He crossed his arms and turned his head away. I could see the slightest shade of red on his face.

"Yeah, so?"

"Jeff, do you... like me?" I asked.

He huffed. "What do you think, idiot? Why would I kiss someone I didn't like?"

I frowned. "Well how should I know, dumbass? You're a killer, I didn't think you'd feel that way about anyone."

"Well... I do. I don't know why... but I'm plagued by these... feelings."

Jack suddenly chuckled. "How adorable."

"Shut up!" Jeff snapped.

Selene came over and patted my shoulder with a smile on her lips. "Just give it a chance," she quietly said. "You may just be surprised."

She glanced back, gesturing for Jack to follow. He nodded and the two both went back upstairs. I was left alone with Jeff, the sound of the music on TV reaching our ears once more.

I sighed. "I guess I'm... sorry for punching you. But it's your fault, you know."

He laughed a little. "That's what you say, but I don't think a normal person's reaction would be to punch."

"I'm not normal," I stated.

He came closer. "I know, that's part of what I like about you. You're the first girl I've killed that's ever come back to haunt me."

He suddenly snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. I could feel my face heat up and stubbornly turned my face away. He only chuckled and grabbed my chin, forcing me to look at him.

"Wanna try that again?" he asked.

I thought back on what Selene told me. 'The spirits chose him for me' 'give it a chance'. I sighed with frustration and swatted his hand from my face.

"Look... Jeff... you're lucky I'm nice."

He snorted with laughter. "You? Nice?"

I sent him a small glare. "Just listen... I'm gonna..." I groaned. "I'm gonna give you a chance." His grin widened and he leaned closer but I was quick to push him back. "But if your lips touch mine again, you're gonna lose your tongue."

He chuckled at me and retracted his arm from around my waist. "Suit yourself, but you don't know what you're missing out on."

"I think I'll live," I replied, rolling my eyes.

"Whatever. We should get some sleep," he said tiredly.

I nodded in agreement. I reached under the table, picking up my opossums. Jeff turned off the TV and we headed upstairs to his room.

I guess I can give him a chance. He is attractive, in a freakish, horrifying sorta way. Maybe the spirits were right after all.

Jack's pov

The following day, Masky and Hoodie returned. They reported to Slender who explained what they had found to the rest of us. Apparently, they went to the lab where Selene's sister was.

Thing is, they didn't find anything about the final crystal. No clues, not a single lead. Oddly enough though, the notes about the crystal and Selene that Naomi and Jeff had found were gone.

I found myself following Selene downstairs. Passing through the living room, I caught a glimpse of Jeff and Naomi watching TV together. Jeff even had his arm around the golden-haired girl.

Looks like they're closer than ever after last night. Selene and Naomi are both hard to get close too, but it seems like they're slowly warming up to us.

I have to admit, just like Jeff, I'm being overwhelmed with feelings for Selene. But I don't even know how I could ever tell Selene that. I thought Naomi was very distant, but Selene is even more so.

I'm not even sure she'd understand. It's extremely difficult to figure out what she's thinking. But I still can't help being attracted to her.

We left the mansion and Selene climbed onto Fang's back, letting me get on Saber. I still don't know how she balances on Fang's bony spine and ribs, but she sure makes it look easy.

I stayed silent as both dogs took off. I didn't quite know where we were going, but I had an idea. Just as I thought, we arrived at Selene's old home.

"What are we doing here?" I finally asked.

She led me inside with Fang and Saber following us. "Masky and Hoodie were unable to find anything," she explained. "I'm going to consult the spirits. Perhaps they have answers."

I watched her quickly get a fire going. She took a couple of bottles of plant-like substances off the shelves and sat in front of the fire. I took a seat next to her.

I watched with fascination as she poured a little of each ingredient into her hand. She then tossed them into the fire. The flames flared up into a vibrant green color.

I stared at Selene. She hummed to herself and rocked back and forth. It was definitely an odd thing to watch. I remained quiet, knowing she wouldn't want me to interrupt her.

Minutes passed by when Selene finally stopped. The fire went back to normal as well. The masked girl looked at me and rose to her feet.

"I found him," she said. "I know where to find my grandfather."

I stood. "Great. Let's go get the others and head out."

"No, this is something I must do myself."

"W-What?"

I stepped toward her but she swiftly backed away. "I've been relying on others for too long now. It's time I finish this on my own."

"But, Selene, I want to help," I told her.

"You can help by staying here."

She walked past me and climbed onto Saber's back. The large dogs marched right out the door. I rushed out after them.

"Wait, what should I tell Naomi?" I asked.

Selene looked toward me. "Tell her I'll be back with the final crystal, and if she wants, she can meet up with me at the edge of the woods once I'm finished."

Fang and Saber took off. Selene disappeared into the distance. I don't understand what's gotten into her. She doesn't want Naomi's help this time? I've got a really bad feeling about this.