All Your Favourite Stars

Just rambling here but could the fact that his dad is still present (probably closeted) in earth x be another reason the Adrian of that universe has no need to seek validation from peacemaker

Every boy that ended up in front of you didn’t seem right. Too douchey, too clingy, too much of a suck up. One by one, you went through them like tissue and dumped them when you got bored. Exes were never an issue due to your dear uncle ‘cleaning up’ as a favor for his favourite niece. It didn’t matter much to you though, most of them were your father’s subordinates that didn’t make much of a name for themselves. Thinking they could climb the ranks with your relationship. Such a shame, they always ended up missing when you break up with them.

-

Your heels clacked along the sidewalk as you held your purse close to you. Personal bodyguards all delegated to bag holders trailed behind, holding your new purchases. Heels from Prada, a new dress from Chanel and more Jewelry that could empty an entire mine. As you approached your chauffeured car, the ground had begun to shake. Wobbling, you had held onto the car’s roof when the ground beneath it had sunk suddenly.

“AHHHHH!!!!”

You fell forward into the sinking dirt pit, screaming at the top of your lungs. Now in the midst of free falling into the earth, you were sure all hope was lost until you felt a warm pair of arms around you. With a quick swoop, they grabbed you and flew you back up to stable ground. As your heels touched the ground, you stumbled in their arms and grabbed them tighter for support.

“Woah! Are you alright?” You nod, still dazed but now looking at his face proper. 

He was hot. His blond hair swooshed stylishly to the side and blue eyes clear as the sky. His hands warm to the touch on your bare arms even with his gloves on. He looked over at your condition while giving you a warm and charming smile.

“Just want to make sure a pretty lady like you stays safe.” He gives you a salute before flying off again, engulfed in flame. Who was he? You needed to know.

Running up to you, your main bodyguard Raul had managed to get all your items safely into another car and opened the door. Slinking into the black car, you gripped your arms tight, still slightly shaken by the sudden chaos but now with a burning curiosity for your blond savior. Maybe you wouldn’t scream at Daddy to fire Raul today… maybe.

-

Once back at home, you got to work. And by that, it meant calling one of Daddy’s men to find out everything they could about your mysterious blond savior. It wasn’t a difficult job by all means, Johnny was a public figure and his photo was on billboards and magazines. Landing on your table was an issue of Teen Living. While you had read it religiously in your youth, once you hit twenty you had shifted to more mature reading(Gossip Weekly). There he was, on the cover.

His hair styled slightly differently and his handsome face plastered across it. Your fingers trailed against the cover as you read his name. Johnny Storm. You had heard mentions of the Fantastic Four and its members before, but it hadn’t really concerned you too much. Teen life was hectic as it is and to keep up with all the do-gooders in the world? Ugh, boring! 

But if you knew such a hunk was a part of the team, maybe you would have paid more attention…

Flipping through the pages, you absorbed every article that was written on Johnny. Learning about his love of music and family which warmed your heart. He definitely seemed like a sensitive guy, which was a breath of fresh air from the douches you had dated before. Every answer he gave made you fall deeper and deeper. You really could feel like you were getting to know him with every word he gave. Heart fluttering as he stated what his perfect date would be. 

‘Something spontaneous! A surprise picnic at the beach or a late-night drive with the top down.’

Now that was something you could start day dreaming about. After a hard day of rescuing people, he would pick you up and drive you to watch the sunset by the beach. Feeding you chocolate covered strawberries and using his flames to melt the perfect smore, you could just squeal out loud at the thought.

Combing through the magazine even further, you made sure to cut out each picture the magazine featured of him. Saving the wallet-sized pics to be pasted on your room’s walls and in your handbag. Reaching the last page, you find an advert to join the ‘Flaming Hearts Fan Club’. The cut out invites all Johnny Storm fans to join with the promise of free goodies as well as a super-secret bulletin filled with information on the flaming hot man.

Your glitter pen seemed to instantly appear in your hand. Filling out the information, you hurriedly passed the cut out to Raul to get your membership sent out. 

-

Since that day, the name ‘Johnny Storm’ had not left your mind. Everytime you were out in the city your eyes shot to the skies in the smallest chance you would catch a glimpse of him. Every public appearance he made, you ensured you had front row seats to them no matter the event. 

Personal polaroids had been new on the market and expensive, but you had begged Daddy for it and he relented. A pink polaroid camera in your hand, you had used it to take various pictures of Johnny that were for your eyes only. Sometimes, you would share some of them to other Flaming Hearts members but only in exchange for valuable information which included where Johnny would frequent. Through some careful bargaining, you had found out where Ben would shop for ingredients when making their famous family dinners. And occasionally, Johnny would tag along. 

Entering the supermarket, you opened your compact to ensure your makeup was up to standard. Every flaw and blemish brushed away through careful coverage and contour. You wanted to look great, meeting Johnny face to face. Your outfit was also carefully planned out, wearing the exact same clothes from the day he first saved you. In the small chance he would recognize it. With a basket in your hand, you browsed through multiple isles. Only adding in small items to seem less suspicious while wandering around the supermarket.

It had been the third time this week Ben had made a trip to the supermarket. Ben had insisted on getting fresh veggies for a new recipe he had been trying and refused to relent on the quality of ingredients used. The only reason Johnny had tagged along was to snag some sugary cereal that Ben refused to touch, as he called them ‘Full of sugar and empty calories’. 

Your hand reached up for the cereal box above you, grasping for air and unable to reach the box. Another hand shot up beside you, grabbing the box and handing it over to yours. Your eyes followed the Johnny on the box to reveal the face behind it.

“Need any help?” A familiar crisp, suave voice blessed your ears.

It was Johnny, his clear blue eyes staring back at you. They were just as dreamy as you remembered. In your head, you couldn’t stop from squealing. With the mightiest willpower you squeaked out a small ‘no’ back at him. Shaking your head while you try to hide your flustered nature but failing horribly. 

Looking at you a little more carefully, his eyes widened in recognition. “Hey you were that lady I saved from Moleman’s sink holes!” You felt your heart jump at his admission. He didn’t forget you in the sea of people he had saved that day. You could just faint from the excitement! 

Not wanting to collapse in front of your dream man and future brother-in-law, you made a hurried grasp at the cereal box in his hand and scurried away with your groceries in hand to escape from the awkward situation. 

“Wow it seems the ladies are allergic to you today hah!” Ben laughed in a mocking tone while his elbow nudged Johnny in the arm. Johnny’s face grimaced, flushing in annoyance at Ben’s teasing. While he had no problem with the ladies after the Fantastic Four had risen to fame, most of them seemed to just scream in excitement or faint before he even had the chance to start talking to them. Johnny wanted real romance, he wanted to get the chance to connect with someone on a personal level. Someone to know him not as Johnny Storm, The Human Torch! But just as Johnny. 

“Ugh, it’s fine. I don’t date fans anyway.” Johnny said, trying to deflect and protect his own ego from Ben’s sharp words. He sighed to himself as he dragged his feet to keep up with Ben and the shopping cart. Why was love never on his side?

-

Your heels clacked against the ground, running out of the supermarket. Handing the groceries to Raul who had been waiting outside, you immediately got into the car. Wanting to just get home as fast as possible. 

You had been so close to him again. He was right in-front of you, everything was perfect. And you did as much as a fish that had jumped out of water. Floundered the interaction! Feelings of embarrassment had started to resurface as the initial shock had worn off. Whines had filled the car as you ended up hiding your face in your well-manicured hands. At a stop light, Raul reaches over and hands you a box of 3-ply tissues he stocks in the car. Grabbing a few, you dabbed away the small tears that had emerged. 

You step out of the car and mutter a small ‘thank you’ at Raul before dashing straight to your bedroom. After a good 3 hour sulking session that was accompanied by the lovely tunes of The Andrews Sisters, you decided it was time to get back to work. You wouldn’t let this one small fumble make you give up on Johnny.

You had to see him again. 

Pacing around your room, you cleaned up the used tissues and got to planning. You wracked your brain to various scenarios that might grab his attention, but nothing seemed realistic. Suddenly, a knock at your door broke you out of your thoughts. 

“Sweetheart! You ready to go out for dinner?” Your dad’s loving voice rang out. You screamed out a quick, ‘NO!’ before you rushed to dress yourself. With the commotion of the day, you had almost forgotten your weekly dinners with your father. Ever since your mom passed, Daddy had always made sure you were well taken care of. You were his darling daughter and he would give you the world if he could. He ensured you never got involved in the ‘family business’, happy enough to pamper you for the rest of your life if he needed too. 

However, to pamper you he needed to work hard. And that meant not seeing you for long periods of time. You didn’t understand this when you were younger, crying your heart out when Raul told you that Daddy wasn’t available. You had already lost your Mom and you feared your dad would be gone as well. It was only until you confessed this at the age of 11 in the dead of night that it really shocked him into place. He realised if he worked to pamper his daughter all his life, he might not even get to have his daughter by the end of it. 

He decided from then on, dinners would be a special time you had with each other. A part of his time he would set aside just for his daughter to talk about her day with him. 

The door opened as you walked out all dressed up in your newest Chanel dress, exhuming both class and elegance. Following your father to the car, dinner was once again at his favourite restaurant. As the dishes flowed out of the kitchen, you both took a seat at your regular table when your father’s phone rang. He mutters a quick apology before picking up the phone, mouthing the word ‘work’ before turning his attention away. 

Unable to keep your curiosity in check, you pretended to fix your makeup in your compact while eavesdropping.

“You need how much?-”

“7pm at Times square-”

“Okay got it Julius-”

That name. You recognised it in passing but you knew immediately what it meant. Your father was working with supervillains again. Being your father’s daughter meant you were already deeply woven into his world, whether you liked it or not. As much as your father tried to keep you out of it, glimpses of it still came through. Enough pieces to complete the puzzle. You were no stranger to the criminal work that your father involved himself in, he had already gotten caught once but was let off on ‘technicalities’. 

Now he said he had gone straight. Only involving himself in the moving and shipment of steel, raw materials and other stuff. The only detail he left out was the fact he was delivering them to supervillains. A small tick of anger planted itself inside of you from his dishonesty but you brushed it away to put this new information to use.

A possible supervillain attack… That would mean the Fantastic Four would be there! And that would be your chance to see Johnny again. Your heart fluttered with the multitude of possibilities presented to you and a smile bloomed on your face. As your father placed his phone down, he had started scarfing down his meal while raising an eyebrow at your unusually wide smile.

-

Today was another typical day Johnny had to wake up to the mushy love his sister and Reed had fostered. You would think after years of their relationship Johnny would be able to stomach it, but some days were harder than others. Whenever he looked over at the loving couple, a part of him would wonder if love like that would come to him at all. While he didn’t mind the bachelor lifestyle, he yearned for something deeper. However peaceful times never last, especially in a place like New York.

The city was once again in chaos, another experiment from Mad Thinker had been released on the city. With havoc sprouting up at Times Square, the Fantastic Four was once again dispatched to resolve the issue. A giant robot descended from the sky. Chucking objects left and right and destroying a multitude of buildings in the process. The people fled in panic, not wanting to get crushed by the flying debris. Stumbling around, you weaved through the panicking crowd and kept an eye out for the flying hot shot. With quick maneuvers, you managed to escape the sights of the other three members but struggled with finding the fourth one. 

Looking up at the sky, you didn’t notice the large piece of debris flying towards you until you felt a familiar warmth on your body. Flying through the air, Johnny made sure to control his flames so as to not burn you. Once reaching a safe location, he set you down with care. Your hand in his, he decided to turn on his charms.

“We’ve got to stop meeting like this.” He laughed. The next words out of his mouth seemed to come out straight from your very own daydreams.

“How about we go on a proper date instead of always meeting when the city’s in trouble?” You couldn’t have agreed any faster. A nod of agreement came from you and in return he pressed his lips to your hand, leaving you with a gentleman’s kiss before he flew away.

-

After the first date, Johnny was hooked. He had taken a risk that day asking you out, fearing you might run away in shock again. But you showed he had nothing to worry about. You were the sweetest girl that hung onto his every word. He had a constant worry that his obsession with space would scare away most girls. Every time he peaked with interest and started going on tangents, you never looked away once. You listened carefully and asked multiple questions. Doing this mostly due to the big scientific words going over your head, but it was also a joy watching Johnny geek out in his own charming way. 

The few months together was pure bliss. Going on lavish dates where he spoiled you was frequent. He knew you were more than capable of treating yourself but still took joy in providing for you instead. And on certain cold nights, it was useful to have a personal heater that could fly you up to heights you had only dreamed of reaching. But paradise doesn’t last forever.

Recently, a new obstacle had emerged. Reed, being the busy man he is, decided hiring a new lab assistant was in order. Just an extra pair of hands when working on bigger projects. And there she came. In her plain white lab coat and big chunky glasses. At first you thought nothing of her. You knew Johnny wouldn’t spare her a second glance, you wanted to trust him with all your heart. But something had started to tick you off. 

The amount of time Johnny had spent talking with her. Johnny was a friendly guy. He always took the time to get to know new people in his environment and she happened to be fresh meat. Constantly they would talk about space using other big words and complicated sentences that you rolled your eyes at. Every time you encountered her with Johnny, chatting his ear off about some stupid new discovery that had been made. Jealousy and anger were at the forefront of your mind, but inside fear took hold. You were scared. Scared of the fact that your boyfriend could be stolen by this stupid girl and her big brain. Would Johnny eventually get tired of you and move on to her? You couldn't stand to fathom that fact.

The breaking point came one late night. It started as a normal day, Johnny had been busy with hero stuff so he promised to clear his time for you in the evening. Arriving at the Baxter Building, you greeted H.E.R.B.I.E as you made your way to Johnny's room. And that's where you saw it. There she was, sitting on his bed while he stood by the record player. 

“What the hell is this!” You screamed out in anger, alerting the both of them to your presence. Shocked by your sudden appearance, Johnny rushes straight to your side.

“Babe I swear I can explain- We just kinda lost track of time and ended up talking and I was showing her-” Placing your hand up to his face, you choked back tears as you ran back to the elevator. Johnny called out your name but you were too distressed to care. His betrayal cut deep and its sting was fresh.

Running back to your car, you ordered your chauffeur to drive back to the house. All you wanted was to wallow in your feelings and drown it out in tubs of ice cream. You were right to be suspicious, every man you met always seemed to want to chase something better. You just hoped Johnny wouldn't be like the rest of them. How wrong you were. 

The car pulled up to your residence. Opening the door for you, the chauffeur offered a handkerchief before retreating back to the car. Blowing your nose into the cloth, you wiped the tears from your face with little regard for your makeup. Once up the stairs, you prepared a relaxing bath and tried to forget everything you had just seen. But the moment you stepped out of the bath, the tears seemed to start flowing out again.

Hearing of the commotion, your father gently knocked the door before letting himself into your bedroom. He found you wrapped up in your thick blankets, hugging your favourite plushie for comfort.

“Pumpkin what's wrong?” He asked, keeping his voice soft. A few sniffles came first, before your hiccups surfaced. Rubbing your back, your father offered you a few more tissues and a shoulder to lean on.

“J-Johnny’s cheating on m-me with some smart broad!” You cried out. You knew that Johnny wouldn't want someone like you. Sure you weren't dumb, but some things just needed a bit of extra time to make sense to you. 

“Oh honey don't cry. There, there. It's that new boy you're seeing huh?” You nod, still hiding your face into his shoulder. He grumbles.

“Don't worry I'll tell Uncle Ro to handle it okay?” Muttering a small thank you to your father, you proceeded to fall asleep from the exhaustion of crying. Gently laying you down, your father tucked you in before leaving the room quietly and made an important phone call.

-

Johnny knew he messed up royally. He didn't know what he was thinking by bringing that girl back to his room. He was just so caught up in their conversation and wanted to show her the recordings he had found.

Nevermind that, now the only thing on his mind was thinking of ways to make it up to you. Rushing around town, he searched high and low for a florist that was still open at the dead of night. Purchasing a large bouquet of roses and grabbing your favourite box of chocolates, he was determined to make this night up. The items now carefully placed into his car, he started his drive to your address.

The house was grand in person, a sleek modern mansion buried in the hills. He knew that you were raised by your father but never bothered to ask any questions where the money came from. You just said it was from ‘construction’, and who in their right mind would do a background check on their girlfriend? 

Parking right outside, he grabbed the chocolates and bouquet in his hands. Carefully he walked up to the front gates and pressed its bell once or twice. After receiving no response, he decided to explore the back of the estate hoping to find another way in.

In the dark of night, it was especially hard to see anything at all. But out of nowhere, he suddenly felt a hard impact on the back of his leg. 

Johnny groans out in pain, trying to hold onto the items tightly. Jumping back quickly, Johnny found himself surrounded by a group of five goons all dressed in black. They carried various weapons in hand, some holding crowbars while others had bats. One by one, they lunged at Johnny, swinging their weapons in an effort to strike him. Due to the grassy environment and  precious cargo he held onto, Johnny limited using his flames to his own detriment. Only activating them when kicking the goons back and headbutting them in the stomachs. 

With a swift swing, an unexpected strike came straight to his kneecap. Causing him to scream out in pain which startled you out of sleep. Rushing out to the balcony you found Johnny on the ground with five men that surrounded him. 

“STOP!”

Upon hearing your voice, the men quickly dispersed back into the forest. You quickly made your way down and ran out to help Johnny. As you approached, he made an attempt to stand up but stumbled from the injuries.

“Heey babe-” 

“Johnny, are you okay?” He groans from the pain, but presents the items he had brought to you. They were your favourite flowers and chocolates that you could only get from Berlin, he must have stocked up when you off handedly mentioned it once. Your heart warmed slightly at his sincerity. 

Supporting him with your body weight, you drag him back into the house and up into your room. Being extra careful to not move him too quickly. Laying him on your bed, you tend to his injuries with a first aid kit you grabbed from the kitchen. Once you had placed his gifts away, you unbuttoned his shirt and pants causing him to wiggle his eyebrows suggestively.

“I know you can’t resist The Torch but I don't think I'm in any condition to-” with a soft strike you hit his chest while he hisses in pain.

“Shut up you pervert, I'm checking for cuts and bruises and I can't do that if your clothes are in the way.”  He laughs slightly, but holds back from exacerbating his aches .

You carefully clean his busted lip and apply ointment to his bruises, taking extra care with each wound and ending the treatment with a kiss on his lips.

“I'm really sorry babe. I know I forgot about tonight and she shouldn't have been in my room.” Hearing those words should have given the relief your heart seeked, but it only caused tears to resurface. 

“I thought you didn't want me anymore…” You cried, settling beside him on the bed while you clung onto his fit body. Johnny made a move to turn his body towards you, but relented from the pain, settling to lie on his back.

“Why would you think that baby?” His heart ached as he heard your sniffles. He wanted so bad to just reach out and comfort you fully, only able to spare an arm that wrapped around your frame.

“Y-you keep talking to her about all those space things a-and you got bored of me not understanding all the stuff you talk about.” You knew vulnerability was a weakness, but you couldn't help but pour your heart out. Every logical part of you screamed against your admission, but you knew it was something that had to be said. Looking down at your sullen expression, Johnny could see the internal battle you were having inside. Bringing your head closer to his, he pressed a gentle kiss to your forehead.

“I will never get bored of you, got that? And I will do whatever it takes to make you happy again. If I have to avoid her like the plague I’ll do it!” Johnny proudly proclaimed.

You grinned, squealing as you hugged your boyfriend tightly. Leaving kisses all over his face and neck. 

“Ow! Still injured here babe, I'm fragile.” He let out a pained laugh. This was the kind of unabashed love you always showed him. Never were you one to hide away your affection and Johnny savoured every bit that you gave him. But a certain question still lingered. 

When it was time to cut the cake, everyone stood closely. Intently staring at the cake for the grand reveal. As the piece of cake was cut, the frosting inside was… Pink!

It was a baby girl! You smiled as you remembered how your sister squealed in joy while her husband hugged her tightly. It was definitely a moment you documented with a few polaroids you took to keep. 

The sun had started to set and the dark overtook the sky. Being so far out from the city made streetlights less common near the roads. Unable to navigate in the dark, you turn your high beams on to continue your journey back.

-

It had been a week since you came. Each passing day grew longer and longer. At first Miles found comfort in the small stashes of drugs he had hidden away. But his mind had started to wonder. Did he really want you to find him in a state like this? Drugged out and half conscious. No. He wanted to be fully conscious when you came back to make sure you weren't just a hallucination from his fucked up mind.

So he started to try and wean himself of the drugs. Started small, resisting the urge to take them during the day. Occupying himself with cleaning and refurbishing the hotel for your return. With tasks in hand, it took his mind off his constant urge for his next fix.

However it was still hard during the lonely nights. Never being able to fall asleep with the echo of voices playing in his mind despite the empty halls. His mind started to play cruel tricks on him, not letting him sleep peacefully and replaying all the bad things he had done in nightmares. 

He still took a little before he went to sleep. 

When the withdrawal symptoms kicked in, that was the time true hell started. His anxiety was already bad before the drugs but without them? It got even worse. Every time he feared that all his evil deeds would come back and enact their karmic justice onto him. In the middle of tasks he would stop. His heart pounding hard and eyes darting around for invisible threats.

Vomit and nausea was normal. He would run to grip the edge of a porcelain toilet bowl before throwing up his breakfast. That was easier than scrubbing vomit out of the carpet. 

Another week had passed. Every day felt like eternity to Miles, the days dragged on while the nights were filled with horrifying visions. You weren't coming. You lied to him. You never meant to keep your promise.

His mind ran with doubts, not being helped by the hot flushes he had been getting from the withdrawal. Sweat dripping down his forehead, he barged back into his drab room. Scrambling around, he dug to find the drug stash he had hidden from himself when suddenly he heard-

'Sreeeech!'

It was the sound of a car pulling into the parking lot. Could it be… 

'Ring!'

He quickly straightened up. Addictions aside, duty to serve the hotel had always come first for Miles.  Tucking in his shirt and biting his lip, he calmed himself in preparation to who he would see in front of the counter. 

Opening the door, he was greeted by your familiar smile that he had seen when he first met you. His heart faltered. How could he have ever doubted you? You were kind to him, and kept your promise! Guilt started gnawing at his heart, but he put on a brave front in spite of it.

“Miles!”

As you greeted him, he struggled to stay up right while his body was determined to punish him for getting off the drugs. 

“Miles are you ok? You look-” Miles falls to the ground, body shivering and spasming. You gasp at his collapse and rush to his side behind the counter. You place your hand on his head and feel the searing heat emanating from his body.

“W-Withdrawl..ugh.”

“Miles you're burning up like crazy!” You try your best to support him upright as he points towards the door that leads to the corridor. With a quick push you guide him back to his bed and lay him down. Digging around you found some clean towels in his small closet and got to work immediately. Rushing to find a working tap nearby, you brought back a damp towel to cool Miles’ burning body. As you came back to his side, his hands moved to grip your wrists in a desperate search for comfort. With a gentle touch, you moved his head slowly into your soft lap. 

“T-thank you.” He managed to stutter out. You stayed by his side, flipping the towel and changing them out when needed. 

-

Eventually his body cooled down, and he started to rest peacefully. Not wanting to overstay, you moved his head carefully off and moved away from the bed. However this action seemed to have woken him up.

“Don’t leave please.” You turned back to face him as he slowly sat up from the bed, body still weak. 

You walk back to sit beside him on the bed, allowing him to lean against your body for support.

“Sorry you had to see me like that I-” 

“Miles I know… I saw some of it around the room.”

“Do you hate me now? For using them?” He murmured, hiding his face from your gaze by looking the other way. Moving a hand to his head, you brush some hair aside as a comforting gesture.

“Why would I hate you?”

Your touch gave him a feeling of security, would you still accept him even if you knew all the things he did? 

“Because bad people take drugs.. And I'm a bad person”

You sigh at his words. Not in disappointment, just pity. You could feel the immense amount of guilt just radiating off Miles from those few words. 

“Just because you take drugs doesn't mean you're a bad person.” 

“That's not the only bad thing I've done.” He digs his nails into his hands as he relents a small bit of information. You stay silent, holding space for him to continue what he meant. However he seemed to immediately backtrack.

“I'm sorry I shouldn't have said that. P-please just leave.” He jerks away from you. You try to reach out again, get the cold shoulder.

“Miles I-”

“JUST leave please.” Neither of you expected his sudden raise of volume. Shocked at his quick outburst, you left quickly to avoid incurring his repressed wrath.

Miles had never done that before, always soft spoken and never disobeying any order. Something seemed to have snapped within him, and he feared that you would bear the brunt of it. Deciding against that outcome, he locked himself within his room. Isolation was the only way that he wouldn't hurt you, that way the only other person he could hurt was himself.

-

Miles hadn't come out of his room for days. Your head screamed at you to leave the hotel right after the incident. What were you doing staying in a hotel with someone so unstable? Especially someone you had only met a few weeks ago? Every rational part of you urged your body to pack up and never look back.

But you still worried for Miles. You knew there was a high chance that he would do something dangerous if you left. So everyday you would knock on his door, leaving a piece of pie for him to quell his hunger. 

You never saw him come out of the room, the only evidence of his survival were the empty plates that were licked clean.

At least he was eating again.

-

Another day in the hotel passed. You were not in a rush to return home so you spent it exploring different areas of the hotel. Most areas seemed cleaned and spruced up since your last visit. While they didn't feel completely brand new, it was still a great improvement from the disrepair it was in before.

Approaching lunch time, you grabbed a piece of pie for Miles and yourself. Quickly devouring the stale pie, you brought the other slice to his door. Your hand hovered over the door, giving a quick knock and placing the plate down in front of it. You held your breath for a response that never came. Some part inside hoped that Miles would respond one of these days and come out but that didn’t seem likely. 

As you started to walk away, you suddenly heard groaning coming from his room. You stilled for a moment. Miles woke up to your knocks, waiting for a slight moment for you to leave before he took his pie. Shuffling to the door, he opened a small crack to grab the pie.

“Miles!-” Hearing your voice he quickly took the pie and slammed the door shut with a loud 

THUD!

The unexpected echo of the sound caused you to jump slightly. However you stood your ground, staying in front of his door unmoving.

“Why are you still here…” He muttered out.

“Miles I-” You paused, the words seemed to leave you as you tried to recall your own rationale for staying. Opening your mouth again, Miles suddenly interjects.

“You should leave me to die here like the sinner I am. I’ve done so much bad in my life. I don’t deserve your kindness.” He seems to choke on the next words that struggle to come out of his mouth.

“Y-You should be scared’ve me. I’ve hurt people! A lot of people.” You hear him start to cry through the door. His voice wavered as he spoke. A still silence followed, only accompanied by Miles’ cries behind the door. For a moment you remained stunned, but gathered words to speak.

“Miles, I’m still here because I care about you.”

Those few words seemed to snap Miles out of his state. He was shocked. Nobody aside from his Momma really 'cared' for him before. And even then she would always tell him to do what his Pa ordered even if he didn't like it. He thought he had misinterpreted friendly gestures, that you were just flirting with him for fun. But you actually liked him. 

Another silent pause arrived, Miles too shell-shocked and blushing to say anything and you too embarrassed to continue. As you were about to apologize for the forward confession, the door clicked open. Miles stood behind the door, looking slightly worse for wear. His eyebags seemed to have gotten worse, his hair and clothes in a disheveled mess.

“Do you really mean it?” He peered into you with his big blue eyes that were kissed by tears at its edges. His cheeks were puffed up, face swollen from the days of crying on end. You nod in confirmation before beckoning him into your arms. Mile seemed to completely fall apart onto you, letting his bodyweight fall completely on top. 

After a while, he had finally let go and let you bring him to your room for a proper rest on the bigger bed. Handing him a wet towel, he cleaned up his tears and freshened up in the toilet.

Coming out of the toilet, he saw you laid out on the bed waiting for him. Never in his wildest dreams he could have imagined the sight in front of him was real. With some hesitation, Miles gathered the courage to settle into your arms.

As you laid there with Miles on top of your chest, you held him in your arms. He took comfort in the crook of your neck, never wanting to let you go, holding on like you were going to disappear at any moment. But you weren't going to.

That night was pure intimacy, basking in the raw comfort of each other’s touch. The both of you savoured it till the morning sun rose.

-

Waking up, you found yourself wrapped in Miles’ hold. He had woken up earlier than you and was tracing small patterns on your arms. 

“Sorry, for waking you.” He apologized softly. It had been a habit ingrained since young. First by his father, then by the military and now by hotel policy. Early birds get the worm, no matter how tired they are. After a few minutes of peaceful calm together, the both of you finally decided it was time to get out and start the day. 

After a quick breakfast, Miles pulled you aside to the front counter, stopping right in front of the gate that led behind it. 

“I want to confess everything. I’ll show you all the bad things I’ve done. Then you can decide if you still want to stay.” He murmured that last sentence, hoping you wouldn't catch it with your ears.

“Miles you don’t have too I-”

“It's okay. I want to do this.” You nodded, allowing Miles to guide you back behind the counter. He grabbed a key and walked towards the corridor that contained his room. Walking past it, he unlocked another door. Miles took your hand and led you down a dark stairwell, seeming familiar with the architecture without needing any light. 

As the pair of you walked down, you reached a long corridor. Your steps echoed, following Miles ahead. To your horror, the path contained various windows into each room of the hotel. A flurry of questions torrent around your mind. Was the hotel some sick voyeuristic fantasy, conjured up by some perverted weirdo? Why did Miles know this place so well…? 

It wasn’t until Miles had stopped in his tracks you had come back to reality. His cheeks clenched and eyes turned down to the floor, he was ashamed, ashamed of the past this place held. Your eyes peered through the glass to notice this was the room that you had stayed in your previous visit.

“M-Miles..have you been watching me?” You asked, with a hint of fear hidden behind curiosity. His head immediately shot up, shaking vigorously. He grabbed at your arms, like it would help make his case.

“No! No! I only watched who they told me to watch. I didn’t like it but I still did it.” You raised an arm up to his bicep, squeezing it to bring some sense back into him.

“Miles, who is ‘they’?” The squeeze seemed to cause him to drop his tight grip from your arms, but he still held them in a loose hold around your wrists.

“Management. T-they would tell me so-and-so was coming and to set-up the cam. Haven’t done it since the election.” His gaze still downturned, more words seemed to be burying their way out of his mouth.

“I-I’ve watched a senator beat up a whore so badly, her mouth became a bloody fountain. The only thing stopping her from bleeding out was her stocking.” Your face morphed into disgust at his words. You knew people were bad, but this? It was down right evil.

“I’ve watched a Junkie smear ‘sorry’ into the walls with his own filth. Like that would’ve made things better when I had to clean that shit off his dead body.” Miles’ breathing had gotten more intense as each confession spilled out of him, like a boiling pot ready to overflow.

“I saw a man drag a full grown feral wolf and lay with it. He took off all his clothes, it wasn’t even sexual. He wrestled it down and just laid with it, all night. He just k-kept crying, ‘help me’ while he held that wolf.” This final confession led him to break out, choking back his latent tears. Miles dropped to his knees, holding your torso while he cried into your stomach.

“I-I killed so many people in the war. I s-shot whoever and whatever I was told to shoot. I told you I wasn’t a good person. I’m sorry.” He stayed there, muttering his apology over and over without letting go of your body. Trapping you in his hold like you would run off at any moment.

This was definitely a conspiracy. Politicians and Hollywood stars used to frequent this place. Finding out the amount of surveillance that was in the place scared you to your core. Just how deep did this conspiracy go? You tried not to think about it for now and came back to the situation at hand.

Bringing a hand down to his hair brought his attention up. His head tilted up against you, his cheeks stained by his tears.

“I’m sorry, Miles. That you had to go through all that.” He nods, basking in the warmth of your comfort.

“We should head back up. I don’t think you want to be here anymore.” He nods again without hesitation, desperate to leave this haunting location. Miles stumbles to his feet, wiping away his tears with his sleeves. Walking back to the stairs, Miles stopped again before taking a step up.

“E-erm, I lied... I did watch you the last time. You were just so beautiful and kind I couldn’t keep myself away. I knew it was wrong but uh-” Your cheeks flushed at his confession. He looked back at you with his big puppy eyes awaiting your response

“That was creepy.” He looked down, completely ready for you to reject him completely and call him a total pervert. 

However you leaned in and whispered, “But next time you can just ask.” 

-

Settling back in the seats of the dining area, you dragged Miles to sit across you. Interlocking your hands with his, you put on a serious expression.

“Miles, I think you need to leave the hotel” Miles couldn't believe the words that left your mouth.

He jumped slightly in his seat at your suggestion. He had considered the option before but never dared to leave the hotel. He had decided long ago that he would die with the sins he had witnessed.

“I’m serious. This place is barely functioning and doesn’t get more than 1 or 2 visitors every 3 months. Nobody is going to notice if you're gone.” Shaking his head, Miles seemed to fear the outcome of him abandoning his post. Insubordination was always punished.

“B-but Management. They’ll know if I leave a-and come after me.”

“Then just run! Change your name, make a whole new identity for yourself. I know a guy down in New Mexico that can get it done for you.”

“Really?” His browns furrowed. Was this the chance he was waiting for to escape the hotel? And would he get to start that new life with you?

~

Forgive Me Father,

For I Have Sinned.

~

TW: Non-consensual drugging

You nod. However, he couldn’t help but doubt your hopeful demeanor.

While he had no clue who ‘Management’ was, he knew how much power they held. The amount of blackmail material they had on the most powerful people in the country definitely held weight. And with the amount of it he had witnessed? Miles wasn’t stupid. He knew that painted a big red target if he ever ran. There was no escape for him out of this hell that he had built up for himself. And now that you knew everything...

You weren’t allowed out as well.

As you stood up to grab your bags from your room, Miles slinked back into his own accommodations and fished out a needle. Lifting up his ratted mattress, he grabbed a small baggie and got to work, preparing just a tiny amount. Walking back into the lobby you found Miles standing strangely still, only standing beside a small suitcase.

“Miles, are you ready to leave?” He nods at your question, watching you pick up your bags facing the door. However as you tried to lift your bags you felt a sudden prick on your arm. Slowly looking back, your eyes widened seeing Miles with an empty needle in his hand.

You started feeling the effects of the substance he had injected, your legs wobbling as you collapsed to the ground.

Your eyes fluttered in a desperation to cling onto consciousness. Looking up, you saw Miles’ eyes staring back at yours with a cold and empty gaze. 

“W-why?” You struggled to ask, losing your breath with your words. His eyes seemed to soften, a hint of regret buried inside. You feel his hand touch your cheek as he brushes your hair away from your face.

“You should have left when you had the chance.”

You nod and that was all the convincing he needed. 

He knew there was no going back. Not from this. Once he left he could never come back. But with you, Miles believed in the future that you sold. 

Miles had gotten rid of all remaining tapes and evidence of the evil that took place in the hotel. Gathering up all his items, he packed his humble essentials into the back of your car before you started your drive down to New Mexico.

He could finally start anew, leave the killing and depravity behind. In the past, it had always been ‘Miles! Shoot that damned thing!’ or ‘Cadet Miller! Throw the grenade!’ But he was done with that, ready to put that identity to rest. 

The drive down to New Mexico was only over a day and a half, taking short breaks in-between. The process was quick and easy, Miles didn't question how or why you knew this person. He was just thankful you gave him the opportunity to do it. With a new identity in hand, he was ready to start anew.

In-between the drives, you and Miles sneaked quick kisses in the backseat of the car. Waiting for the ultimate reward in a motel with a bigger space to really enjoy each other's company.

-

Bzzz-

“And today in recent news, a huge fire in-between the border of Nevada and California was put out by local emergency services. The fire took place at the famous Hotel El Royale, where Hollywood royalty used to frequent as a hotspot. In recent years, the Hotel had fallen into obscurity and only serviced a few patrons through its remaining months. The fire was deemed to be man-made in nature and presumed to be done by the single staff member and now deceased, Miles Miller. The reason behind the crime is unknown, but with the sole perpetrator having perished in the fire the police have deemed the case to be closed.”