The days leading up to the faithful date... dinner! That’s what it was just a dinner nothing more... Was closing in quickly, so quick in fact that Astrid now stood in front of his door. The blond looked up at the towering old fashion home before her. The house looked straight out of those old Addams Family tv series. Looking like it could fall apart at any moment. Knowing Michael, she wouldn’t be surprised at all if a severed hand answered the door. “How the hell did he even find a place like this so close to the city?” Yet another question added to the list of one she wanted to ask tonight. Looking down and over the maroon skirt she had chosen for tonight. The very one that she put way too much effort in picking. The amount of time she put into telling herself that this wasn’t a date. Only to still freak herself out about looking good. Michael probably would like her in anything, and she knew this. That man was obviously taken by her for some odd reason. He saw something that no one had before. Shaking her head to refocus on the matter at hand, she extended her hand to finally ring the doorbell. “You got this... ring the door bell, go in, have dinner, kill the fuck.” taking in a deep breath, before pushing the circle button. Instead of the half-expected scream, it was just a normal bell tone. The longest 10 second of her adult life so far would pass. Yet Still no answer, which only made the nervous guest mad. “You got to be fucking kidding me! Drag my ass all the way out her just to not be home!” swinging her hand back, which was in a tight ball. About to swing it down on the aged wood. The door swung back, almost sending her through the door frame. A pair of hands find her shoulders as she was brought into the person chest. Astrids first thought was “Vanilla?” as she looked up to see Michael ever plastered smile looking down at her. Pushing off of him with a slight blush, clearing her throat. “Took you long enough shitass.” Michael simply chuckled and stepped aside for her to enter.

“Please come in! Its slightly chilly tonight my dear. I also do apologize for the small wait. I was in the middle of making our dinner when you rung the bell. Didn’t want the roast to overcook now would we?” His eye following Astrid as she finally entered. Giving him one of her famous eye rolls, he had come accustomed to. The smell of his vanilla scent being replaced with the divine one coming off of the formation roast. Her eyes closed, chin lifted, and her nose twitched at it. One thing for sure could be said about Michael. If that tasted as good as it smelled, it would be almost a shame to have to kill him. ” Smells heavenly, doesn’t it?” The female jumping slightly as the male was now in her ear. Step forward and twirling around to face him.

“Dude haven't you ever heard personal space?” Covering the ear Michael had just spoken into, as well wearing the same blush from before. Michael stepped by smiling widely, still not responding to the previous complaint. Standing back up fully, he moved down the hall. Astrid not far behind as she obverse the walls. Very few pictures, mainly a couple rewards, and old timey paintings. Distracted by her wanting to snoop a bit. Astrid soon came in contact with Michael’s back. Through the soft material that made up of his white button-down dress shirt. A faint outline of his back could be felt. It wasn’t muscular buy any means, but was for sure toned. Also, very obvious to her were the feeling of what could possibly be a few scars. Not just small grooves, but slightly indented lines going every which way. Astrids slowly pulled away looking up. Her eye being met with his own peering over his shoulder.

“Haven't you ever heard of personal space.... dude~” Astrid scowled at the obvious fun being poked at her. Entering into the dining room, which seemed a bit big for someone she assumed lived alone. A Tabel that could easily sit several bodies and still have room laid in the middle. A couple of small tables surrounded the room. Some with flowers of many different varieties, and others with oddly shaped statues. Then the most eye-catching piece of the room was a fireplace. Placed behind where could only be seen as the head of the table. Decorated with a more fancy and larger chair. Elegant carvings covered the backboard, as well as a small almost velvet looking cushion. Michael moved to the very chair and pulled it out slowly. He didn’t, however, sit down but instead looked at Astrid and motioned to sit down. Unsure of what he was trying to pull. She approached slowly and sat down in very much the same manner. Once her own rearend connected with the similar like velvet cushion, it was like her tension was gone. Quite satisfied with her reaction to the chair, Michael pushed her in. “I see you are a fan of your seating arrangement darling?”

“I give you this one Mike. If this isn't one of the comfiest chairs, I've ever sat my ass in. Also, its Astrid for the hundredth time.”

“To be fair, I believe this is only the second time. Then in the same note, Its Michael not Mike.” moving back around the chair, their eyes locked. An almost staring contest forming right there and then. Only ending once a small ding could be heard from what could only be the kitchen. Smirking at his guest before leaving the room. A sigh ecsaping the women lips before she looked around a bit more. Michael returning with the source of the smell that had filled the home. A roast cooked to a reddish brown, couple of roasted red potatoes laid across the edge of the platter. The Chef of the dish placing it in the middle of the table. Leaving once more, this time coming back with a couple plates in one hand. Then a bottle of some vintage-looking wine. “Dinner is served Miss Astrid, and would you like a glass of wine? Or maybe water is more up your ally?”

“Wine is fine with me, but so help me if there is anything in there.” Being cut off by the sudden popping of the cork that helped kept the beverage fresh. Michael poured himself a glass and downed the red liquid. A sigh of satisfaction coming from his lips, followed by a slow lick.

“Worry not, for a gentleman would never do something so cruel as to mess with a woman’s drink. Please do reframe from lumping me in with the common swine that make up the majority of my gender.” Pouring the same contents into Astrids glass, followed by grin. Michael placed the bottle down and started to plating their meal for the night. Giving a reasonable amount to his guest, then the same for himself. He moved to his seat on the opposite end of Astrids.” Please by all means first bite is all yours my dear.” The uneasiness of the situation still settled into her stomach. Astrid swirled the glass in her hand, slowly taking a sip. The liquid rolled over her tongue before she swallowed it. Giving it a few moments as her eyes went between Michael and her plate. So far, no real weird feeling. He didn’t seem like the kind of drag these kinds of things on. Deciding to relax a bit more she went and took her first bite. The roast practically melted against her tongue. Juices from the meat blending in with the remanence of her wine. The fusion of flavors took over her tongue and taste buds. The obvious enjoyment of the dinner made Michaels smile widen. “And with that, I would guess you are enjoying the food prepared?” Astrid nodded whipping her lips free of anything that had dripped onto them.

“Yes, very pleased to see that your talents didn’t start and end with writing. For sure I can tell even from just this first bite. That you chose the wine tonight to help compliment the meat.” The body occupying the seat on the other end sat up a bit more. Showing they were proud of the positive remark from the blond. Taking his first bite, quickly followed by a sip of his drink. The two sat in silence as they ate, and drank. Astrid being the first to finish, placing her utensils. Looking back across at the male who finished not too much later. Whipping his mouth, followed by a cleaning of his glasses. His eyes met hers, as he leaned forward onto his elbows. Picking up his glass once more swirling it around. His eyes never leaving hers, with a smirking crossing his lips.

“So when do you plan on asking your questions?” This caught Astrid off guard but quickly realization hit her. Of course, this guy knew she wanted answers. Giving an opportunity to get this over with quicker was very much welcomed. One step closer to being done with the creep once and for all.

“Fine, no need to prolong this anymore. I do have some questions and I expect answers for them all. No bullshit, and definingly no flirty cutesy stuff. Only reason I am here is for answers! This isn’t a date, it isn’t a chance for us to get to know each other better, and is for fucking sure not me giving you an invite to continue with stalking me! Got it?” Michael simply nodded and kept listening without a peep. “Okay, first things first.... how did you know my name when we first met?”

“Simple, your store is one of the shops selected by my manager to have my new book at. I learned your name from her.”

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Okay and all this started simply from my name? Like my name is all you needed to go this creepy?” Michael shook his head with a sigh and a chuckle.

“Oh no no. I actually first met you by pure chance. It was only later during my little research I do on all stores that carry my work. That was when I first saw your face.”

“And that was all you needed?” Astrid cut off the man. Which then was met with him putting his hand up.

“You really should let someone finish speaking before cutting them off. Its rude, and very unbecoming of a lady.” With a huff and a small blush, she crossed her arms leaning back in the chair. “As I was about to say before you interjected... It wasn’t the picture I saw of you. I eventually went to go check out your store for myself. You were helping some gentlemen that was not being discrete about trying to look down your shirt. You kept your cool, and still wished him a good day. Though in my honest opinion he didn’t deserve such a farewell. He should have been hit by a bus on his way out. Never the less... Once he turned around, I saw this look in your eyes. Your smile still very present, but your eyes held another emotion. One that I understand a lot more~” Michael tone changed as his voice lowered but flowed like from his mouth. Smooth and with a hint of eagerness for Astrid to show if his hunch was right. “The look of not anger but one of disgust. The kind of disgust you only show for someone or something you want gone. Not gone from your sight but gone from existence entirely.” Astrid slowly sat up straight as those words left his lips. Her heart beat picking up as much as she wished for it to settle. “Whipped out from this plane but not by some outside force. Oh no~ because that would rob you of what you are craving. To be the one to have the pleasure and honor to get rid of that gross waste of space.” Suddenly standing from his seat, whipping his mouth. Placing the napkin down on the table, moving down it slowly. Astrid galped looking into his eyes, as her heart beat picked up once more. Reaching her side of the table. His hand rested on the edge, leaning down to her level. Her back pressed against the cushion, wanting to only sink in more. “That however isn’t the only thing I noticed in that look.”

“W-what do you mean?” She galped once more, fighting every want to lean in.

“I saw as well, a look of uncertainty. An inner struggle of what is wrong and right. Are these feelings natural? Am I wrong for wanting such a thing? Yet, also more importantly. What would it feel like to drive a blade into his ribcage.” Astrid bit her lip unknowingly to herself that she had. Michael noticed standing back up with a devilishly charming and sinister grin. His hand reaching out to her, causing a small jump. The aqua pools looking at his hand then followed up his arm. Meeting his emerald ones with a look of questioning. “I find there is no better way to answer these questions. Then to simply do as you have tonight with our dinner. Seak out the answers and do anything you can to get them.” never leaving his gaze, her hand reached up. Placing it gently into his with a slight grip so to help Astrid to her feet. Bring the blond up to him, kissing her hand slightly with a bow. “Allow me to show you these answers and more.” Astrid nodded, following to the front door. Grabbing their coats, they set out into the night.

“Um Mik... Michael? What exactly do you have planned here? I can only guess; this was planned way before our dinner.” Michael offered his arm, which she took without a second thought.

“Oh, why yes, I did. Guess someone is starting to notice me as well? I have indeed planned out most of this night. Though how everything going forward plays out will be on you my dear.” On her? Did he know what she was planning after all this? She couldn’t worry about that now. Something else had now moved to the forefront of her mind. That being the young couple before them. It was the ally beside some dingy bar. Loud unrecognizable music, with even more unrecognizable lyrics flooded from inside. Even standing outside, her thoughts could barely be heard in her own brain. Astrid jumped as Michael’s hand was placed on her shoulder. The couple too buried into each other’s faces to notice. Micahel’s head leaned down into her ear. His words low but steady not skipping a beat. “Those two will be the ones to help answer your questions. Both giving so much in life to only promptly shit on it all. Deciding that their “love” was much greater than common decency. Crude and not a care for the world around them. Making the decisions that ultimately is just a farce towards themselves. One claiming to want independence and freedom. Throwing away what would really give her that dream. And for what? So her boyfriend can live his dream. Writing so called music about telling the rest of the world to fuck off. When really it only cries out for acceptance from the masses. Both of which who came from loving families. That fight and slave to try and give them both a chance at something better.” His hands slowly left her shoulder. His fingertips barley touching her back as they glided down. Sending a shiver up her spine, causing a slight gasp. Stepping in front of Astrid, he took her hands into his own. Kissing the top of them, as he stole a glance at her. Looking back at the snogging lovers, then to her once more.

“What are you going to do?” Astrids voice was shaky from both nervousness and excitement.

“I am simply doing what I am certain of. The thing that has answered my questions that were very similar to your own. How you go forward like I said it all up to you. Just know that once that decision is made. There is no going back, and will forever change your life Miss Astrid.” Giving a final nod, the male turned to the two fellow occupants of the alley. Loosening his tie, messing up his hair, and untucking his shirt. Michael took a deep breath, suddenly fumbling into a set of trash cans. Astrid, and the couple jumped alike. The former ducking around the corner with her heart beating out of her chest.

“Yo, shit for brains! This alley is taken so how about fucking off to go vomit in another one.” Michael continued down acting as if not to hear the insults of the other male. Starting to turn around to face the supposably drunk unwanted third wheel. The darker skinned women tugged on their arm before they could advance.

“Blade just leave it please. I’m sure he will just pass out in some pile of garbage.” With a huff the male now identified as Blade turned back to his partner.

“You're right Hallow my beloved pumpkin spice. He isnt worth an inch of effort. Even though it wouldn’t be much to begin with.” the Two started to go back to kissing. Only stopped moments later from the drunkard bumping into them. This causing Blade to ignore the previous request. Quickly turning around pushing the man into a brick wall across form them. “I fucking warned you asshole! My fallen angel’s kindness isnt going to save you now.” Hallow grabbed his arm once more, asking once again to stop it.

“Y-yeah Donald *hiccup* why don’t you listen t-to your whore.” Michael was now on the ground slurring his words. His glassed hung crocked from his nose as he grinned a cocky smile up at the both of them. Hallow’s eyes widened at the very unappealing name given to her. She released Blade’s arm, looking up. She smiled and nodded at him.

“I’ve changed my mind. Kick his ass babe” Kissing her nose and nodding back. He moved across the ally to the slumped over Michael. Taking ahold of his collar, pulling back his fist. He swung forward making contact with the other’s face. His body went slightly limp before looking back up still smiling.

“A-all you got?” Blade scolded at his words. Pulling back farther, and quickly bringing it to his opponent’s face once more. Michael went limp once more but didn’t move afterwards. Looking over their shoulder at their lover he chuckled.

“See Babe little to no.” only his words were cut short but a sudden sharp pain in his chest. Looking back at the man then down to the knife now buried deep into his sternum. Falling back As Michael pushed forward. Now on top of the other male, he slowly looked up at Hallow. His smile wide as a streak of blood covered his face. Eyes widening large in fear, Hallow pressed her back more against the wall. Her Boyfriend reaching out for her, gasping for air. Coughing out one final word to her. “R-run..” knowing very well there was nothing she could do. She sprinted down the alley way. Tears streaming down her face.

A “S-sorry.” left her mouth with a small sob. Muffled by the hand that covered her mouth. Getting closer and closer to the entrance of the alley that exited out to the street. All she needed to do was making it out there then she can call for help. Every part of her told her to not look back. To not see what could possibly be being done to her lover. She didn’t listen to her better judgment. Just like she hadn’t listened to her parents about going to the study group they had signed her up for. Looking back all she saw the strange man pulling the knife out of Blade’s chest. Only to bring it right back down in to his stomach. Just then she hit a wall, which was in the form of a women. Grabbing onto her sleeves, she began to cry and ask for help. “Please! You need to call the cops! Some drunk guy is stabbing my boyfriend!” the Women looked down the alley then back at the distort female. Reaching into her purse to hopefully grab her cell phone. Hallow’s eyes full of hopefulness, only to be replaced with horror and disappointment. Due to when a knife of her own was pulled out. The very same knife that Michael had slipped to Astrid before starting this little play before them. “p-please no... I... please.” before another plead could be vocalized. Astrid swung the handle of the knife into Hallow temple. Her body hitting the ground and her vision going black as she was knocked out.