#chuckxreader

Previous

Masterlist

Next (Chapter 11)

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Reader-Insert

Word Count: 3.5K

Synopsis: In the aftermath of the incident with Ruth, you refuse to leave Chuck by himself overnight and join him at his house. With the clock ticking down, maybe it’s the best (if not the last) time to be upfront with your feelings. 

CW: Swearing; Creepy Crawlies/Spider mentions; Claustrophobia; lil’ snuck in ChuckxAuggie; Embarrassing love fluff; Talk of/Implication of sex; a bananas pun because I will never be over the ‘dammit my banana’ line

November 2nd, 1968, Night

Chuck had pictured the opportunity of spending a night with you much differently than it occurred, and he had definitely thought about it before, as had you. You had first swung by your house and he crouched down outside, sitting on your back porch behind your kitchen, rehashing the entire gut-wrenching evening. Inside, you scrambled around your room tossing together some semblance of an overnight bag. Luckily, your mom was at work late again and so you left a note that stated you went to see Ruth’s production, then would be crashing at Stella’s for the night. In the note, you promised to call around 10pm. You did this both to help calm your mother (you were sure news of Ruth being transported to the hospital would reach her soon enough, if it hadn’t already), and to add to your alibi. If you called and claimed to be at Stella’s, she wouldn’t call there seeking you instead. Even given the circumstances, you knew she wouldn’t be keen on you spending the night with Chuck. You left the note, hoping that these weren’t the last words you’d say to your mom, that your story wouldn’t be next, or that you could maybe survive it like Ruth did. Not that you wanted to be in the same raving state that she was in; they’d put her in the institution for sure. You opened the kitchen door to the outside, finding Chuck where you’d left him, looking like a stranded puppy. “I should have had you come inside,” you said with a pang of guilt, “she wasn’t home anyway.”

“It’s fine,” he said, standing up, his eyes still red rimmed from crying earlier. You began the walk two blocks away to his house. Even though these were special, unromantic circumstances, you couldn’t quell the butterflies fluttering in your stomach at the thought of being alone with Chuck, in his house, overnight. On the way there, he started explaining that he was having a recurring dream. “Starting on Halloween, and it’s always the same. This pale, fat lady whispers to me. Like, she looks like she’s waterlogged, bloated. It’s unnatural. And her eyes are just pure black. Like a shark’s or something. And she tells me ‘leave this place. This is an evil place. Get out while you still can.’” He gulped at the retelling. Saying it out loud cemented it in reality. “What if that’s my story? What if that’s how I go?”

“Does she do anything in your dream, or is she just there?”

“She hasn’t done anything yet, but she just keeps getting closer and closer. And even if I listen, and try to leave...I can’t find a way out. I feel like I’m trapped. I don’t think I’ve ever been claustrophobic before, but that’s what this feels like. Like I’m being crushed and there’s no way to get out.” You nodded in acknowledgement and understanding. The two of you were standing outside his house now, “And it’s in this red room. Like everything is red. The walls, the lights, the floor. Like it’s being washed in blood.”

“That is really creepy,” you tried to sound more sympathetic and less scared, but you felt like you were failing as his eyes darted around.

“I just...I know I’m next, I can feel it. Why would I have these dreams otherwise? Why would she take Auggie and Ruth and then not me?” He started to ramble, but you put your hands on his shoulders, dropping your bag on his front stoop.

“Hey, look at me.” He did, his eyes fixed to yours easily and found some kind of calming relief in them. His look softened. “I will do everything in my power to stop that. You said the room is entirely red, right? We’ll stay out of any and all red rooms and away from any bloated pale ladies.” He gave you a soft chuckle. “It’s not going to be you next.” You reassured him. 

You picked up your bag and he opened the front door with his key and turned on the light, looking at you with an expression you couldn’t place. You didn’t know, but behind his eyes he was thinking that the only thing worse would be that your story was next.

Chuck excused himself to take a shower. He still had blood from Ruthie’s wounds, dirty mop water, and an itching feeling all upon him. He knew there wasn’t a single spider on him, but it was one of those psychosomatic reactions that you can’t help. Until he could scrub every inch of himself to get rid of the feeling, he would be paranoid. You set up camp in his room, changing into your pajamas. You had grabbed a slightly oversized white t-shirt with a rainbow stripe emblazoned over the chest and a pair of silky shorts that you usually wore only to bed. You hadn’t really considered if they’d be warm enough as autumn was fading toward winter, or if they were really ‘decent’ enough to wear in front of Chuck. Maybe subconsciously you picked them for that reason. The clock definitely felt like it was ticking, seconds slipping away that were bolstering you to be more brave and bold. You crept downstairs to make you both something to eat while he was still in the bathroom, and to kill time until you had to call your mom. After about ten or fifteen minutes of making sandwiches in the kitchen, you heard Chuck frantically call your name and your heart dropped, worried about what might have happened. You yelled back your location and he came pounding down the stairs, barefoot and in sweatpants and a green tee. His hair was still a wet mop of dark curls and waves; his eyes flooded with relief as he spotted you.

“Jesus, you scared me disappearing like that.” He breathed out, and you could completely understand why.

“Sorry.” You said, genuinely. “I didn’t really think about---” you shook your head at your mistake, but then you felt his warm arms wrap around you and his wet hair stick to your forehead. It wasn’t completely unheard of for Chuck or your other friends to hug you, especially since you and Chuck had become more frequent with your touches toward each other, but it was still uncommon. Those butterflies were back, hatched anew and you just stood shocked and rigid in his arms.

“It’s okay, just as long as you’re safe.” He mumbled against you and you could feel the vibrations from his chest pour into your own.

“I’m not going anywhere.” You promised and he pulled back. You looked at him tenderly, with softened eyes. He definitely did not look refreshed or renewed from his shower. He still looked like he went through hell. You supposed he was still going through it. You handed him a plate with a sandwich on it and a glass of milk, and picked up your own. He led you out of the kitchen to eat in front of the TV. This late, there probably wasn’t really anything on, but background noise would be a comfort in and of itself. As the clock neared 10 PM, you told him you were going to call your mom and why, leaving out that you feared it might be your last conversation with her. You didn’t need him to worry about that. But, if you only had one night left, your heart felt right spending it with Chuck. You would not have chosen any other route. Your mom picked up after two rings. “Hi mom, yeah, we’re going to sleep soon.” You waited for her to ask about Ruth, to see if she had that information yet but she seemed to be none the wiser. “Yeah, we’re going to the library tomorrow in the morning so I might not see you until afternoon or night. Sure, I’ll check in. Okay. Goodnight. I love you mom.” You wanted to make sure that if these were the last words you said to her, that they would be kind and she would know what she meant to you. You hung up the phone and realized that Chuck was in the archway, at least somewhat listening in. He was looking at you with sadness and pity; it had just hit him that without you, your mom would be all alone. His parents still had each other, and Ruth, even if she was damaged. But your mom would have no one. You came to a similar realization and choked back a sob, not able to stop the tears that sprung in your eyes from rolling down your cheeks.

“Hey, hey.” Chuck said softly and approached you, wiping the tears away with his thumbs, “It’ll be okay. We’re going to solve this.” You knew he didn’t really believe that, since a few hours earlier, he was lamenting his own demise and none of you had an actual plan, but you appreciated the attempt at reassurance. “Come on, let’s go upstairs.” He left the dishes in the sink and you two padded up the stairs to his bedroom. He put on a record and you flopped sullenly on his bed, still sitting up. You weren’t sure how you really expected to sleep or relax at all tonight and resigned yourself to the fact that you probably wouldn’t. But, you had plenty to discuss and Chuck was known for being a chatterbox. He was never one to shy away from the elephant in a room, either, so you immediately delved into what was on your minds: Sarah Bellows.

“But why us? I mean, we were just in her house. If she were paying any attention, she’d know that Stella like, worships her.” He said, and you scrunched your nose disgusted by the fact he was right. Stella loved the tales about Sarah and definitely had empathy toward her, whether or not she was a child murderer.

“I don’t know how ghost-rules work!” You admitted, “Maybe the curse is attached to the house itself? Maybe that’s why Sarah was born different and all that shit happened then?” 

“Maybe...like it’s built on some kind of ancient burial ground? But then stopping Sarah won’t help us…” He trailed off.

“Well, I guess the power has to be hers, right? It’s stories being written in her book, after all.”

“You’re right.” He nodded and you fell into an easy silence for a few minutes, both conjuring your own thoughts and solutions.

“You’ve got a point about how Stella feels about her. What if we could prove to her that we don’t mean any harm? We were there to admire her, not mock her. We’d never want to actually disturb her and we could make it up to her somehow?”

“Start a cult of Sarah Bellows?” He grinned at you and you laughed, shaking your head.

“Not exactly what I had in mind, but if it saves our butts, yeah, why not!” You tried to keep it a light joking tone, but it just made reality crash back on you. All you were really trying to do, all this brainstorming would accomplish, was to keep you alive...to survive. You looked at Chuck for a long time, even though he had looked away from you. You studied his features: the sharp, high cheekbones, the long nose, the dark soulful eyes that usually sparkled with a playful shine but were currently dim, the soft, fluffy cedar-colored curls that were finally dry and bounced with every movement, every breath. Everything that made your heart ache and that you physically loved about him, not even scratching the surface of the person inside that you fell for. You wanted to tell him, but you never knew how...but it almost felt like something you should say tonight. You were weighing your options. He’d already had a rough night, to say the least, and there was no foreseeable way to come back from that. However, that made you feel like it couldn’t get much worse...as long as no one got hurt. You supposed that was part of the problem; while it wouldn’t physically hurt you to be rejected, you would be emotionally leveled, at best. But, you might never get another chance. You bit your lip and continued to stare at him, feeling nauseous from the anxiety regarding the opportunity. He looked up at you and noticed the look. Nervousness and worry was written all over your face.

“What? What is it?” He asked, searching your features for a hint, “You look like you’re about to freak out. Are you thinking about Sarah and the book again? I mean, like we can stop thinking about it, but---”

“No, it’s not that.” You blinked a couple of times and shook your head, feeling a little selfish that you were focused on confessing your crush rather than the reality of your lives being at stake. “It’s...it’s nothing.” You tried to push it out of your mind. It probably wasn’t the best time after all. But the mystery just made him more nerve-wracked and he started rambling.

“What are we going to do? We can’t go to the police, burning it didn’t work...the best we’ve done is interrupt a story and that still didn’t end well. Did we really save Ruthie? I can’t stop thinking about how scared she must have been and...were you looking at me cuz you think I’m next? It’s gonna be me, isn’t it?” His voice kept getting higher as the panic crept in with every syllable. You finally grabbed his face in your hands and turned him towards you.

“No, that’s not what I was thinking at all. It’s going to be okay, you’re going to be okay. I was just…” Those pleading, dark chocolatey eyes melted your resolve. “Aw, to hell with it, I was just thinking about how much I love you.” You swallowed hard after the words left your mouth and hung in the air, dense and heavy. You let go of his face and dropped your own into your hands instead. He still hadn’t replied and you felt the humiliation of it crashing in on you.

“Yeah...I know. You’re my best friend.” He said after a moment, just above a whisper.

You started a muffled speech in your hands, “No, I don’t mean like how I love Stella or Auggie, or my mom.” You looked up at him, even though you were sure you were going to be sick all over his bedspread, then quickly looked away, “I mean, I’m in love with you. I have been for like, a year, but I didn’t know how to tell you--Or if I even wanted to tell you. I mean, we have a good thing going here as friends, and why ruin it? But...hell, if we’re going to die tomorrow or the next day or whatever, I wanted you to know.” You finally found the courage to look him in the eye, and you could see a wide, dual-dimpled smile on his face that made your heart sputter.

“Really?” He asked, and you just felt embarrassed, thinking he was probably just taking joy in someone desiring him, like the few times he had lorded it over Auggie that you had chosen to sit with him instead or whatever. Your whole body grew unbearably hot and your cheeks flooded red with regret, while tears filled your eyes. You just nodded with your head down, trying to hide the reaction the best you could. “Funny, for the longest time, I thought it was one-sided.” He took one of your hands in his own, but lifted your chin with the other. “I’ve liked you since that day Stella brought you to our table. At first I thought it was just because you were different, new...you know, someone I hadn’t known since birth, but the more I got to know you...the more I realized it was real. Not just that I thought you were a fox.” You laughed at his word choice and he brought his hand up to wipe away your tears and begged you not to cry.

“You were quiet for so long and then just said ‘Really?’ what was I supposed to think, dipshit?!” You pushed him back as he laughed.

“You were supposed to already know that I’m bananas about you, duh!” He pulled himself back towards you and quickly pecked your lips. His eyes went wide as he clearly had surprised himself, but you paid that no mind, you just leaned forward and kissed him back, holding it longer this time. When you pulled back, he immediately launched into an awkward apology, “I’m sorry. I really have no idea what I’m doing and you make me real freakin’ nervous,” he admitted candidly. You just smiled at him and captured his lips again, determined to make him more used to it and less nervous, even though your own heart threatened to leap out of your throat at every point of contact. You pulled back and looked at him sweetly, but the nerves got the better of him, “I kissed Auggie once!” He blurted out.

“I...what? No shit?!” You were shocked, to say the least. He had absolutely no idea what possessed him to tell you that, but he nodded.

“We just...wanted to try it out, like practice, you know? It didn’t mean anything!”

“What was that like?” You asked, not entirely sure you wanted to hear him talk about kissing someone else, even if it didn’t mean anything.

“I don’t even really remember. Weird, I guess. Not nearly as nice as kissing you just now. Although, I’m pretty sure I just ruined my chances of doing that again.” He cursed himself, looking away.

“Well, way to make a person feel special,” You laughed, “But I wouldn’t write yourself off just yet.” He looked back at you hopefully, trying to see if you were mocking him or sincere.

“You should feel special, you know.” He said after a pause, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone else. No one was really ever important to invest my time in, or to even really pay attention to. You changed all that.” You loved his moments of sincerity like this. He leaned in to kiss you again and you let him. He tried to put more passion into it and deepen it, but he ended up fumbling and just knocking you over, nearly falling off the bed himself. “Shit, I’m sorry. I really have no idea...I told you, I’ve never done this before.” You laughed, playfully, and sat back up.

“Yeah, I know. I heard you at the Gazette.” He looked at you confused, so you elaborated, “the first thing out of your mouth when you thought the story was about you was ‘I haven’t even had sex yet.’” You teased him and laughed harder, his cheeks and tips of his ears turning pink. 

“Technically, I think it was more along the lines of ‘I don’t wanna die.’ But hey, like I said, I never bothered with anyone before I met you. I never even liked anyone else.” 

You took the spark of adrenaline in your system to dare to speak your next words, “We could change that, if you want.”

“What? Me liking you? Why would you want---”

“No, you fuckin’---” You normally didn’t swear so badly, but you were exasperated by his hopeless cluelessness and really didn’t want to have to spell it out for him. “The other thing.” You looked at him meaningfully and swallowed hard, blushing like mad.

“Oh. Oh!” His eyes widened and his eyebrows shot up, “I...really?” 

You nodded and kissed the tip of his nose, “I have had...a long time to figure out how I feel about you and what that means to me. I have never loved anyone like this before, Chuck. And...I hate that the circumstance is that we have limited time so why not, but I was thinking about it long before this, and Jesus why am I still talking?” Each word that left your lips only piled on more and more embarrassment. Chuck looked at you, deliberating. It was hard to say if either of you were really ready for this, but you were right, your time was likely very limited...perhaps you should make the most of it.

“Are you sure?” He looked deeply into your eyes, wanting to make sure you were one hundred percent onboard with this.

“Yes.” You confirmed, again, and he took you into his arms and kissed you again.

Pairing : Chuck x Reader

Word count : 1,632

Written for : @spngenrebingo

Square : Accidental Confession.

Prompt : Holiday prompt #15 - Your OTP gets snowed in together

Warnings : Reader is Chuck’s assistant. snowed in with Chuck. Wine drinking. fluff.

A/N : As always, a giant thank you to @justballoonfishthings, who helped me figure out the plot for Chuck’s new book.

SPN GENRE BINGO MASTERLIST.

Turning the knob, your shoulders were up to brace against the wind and snow while you pushed the door open with your foot and rushed inside, wincing when the door hit the wall behind it. It took a few tries, but finally you hooked your toes behind it and kicked it shut again. “Fuck, it’s cold.” You shivered. “Chuck?”

“Hm?” The reply was a uninterested hum, as if it hadn’t registered yet that you were even there.

“A hand?” Quiet. “Chuck!”

“What?” you heard his chair move, and quick motions as he hurried to peek out into the hall. “When’d you get here?”

You dead panned him. “Just now. Give me a hand.”

“Right, sorry.” He came fully out of the room and took the bags from you.

Thank you so much! I hope you like it! ❤️

2: How long have you been standing there?

52: You just wanted them because they light up.

Pairing: Chuck x Reader, James (OC), mentions of Sam and Dean

Word Count: 361

Warnings: It’s just fluff. Dad!Chuck, if that counts as a warning.

Prompt List!

The One With The New Shoes

You stood in the doorway, out of sight from your husband and son. 

“How do you like them, bud?” Chuck asked your seven year old boy, James. 

James’ eyes lit up, “They’re so cool, Dad!” He looked enchanted as he stared down at his brand new shoes, his face looked about ready to crack in half with the size of his smile.

James had spotted them at the store a few days earlier, but money was tight and you had to say no. And then God himself stepped in, reminding you that you didn’t have to worry about money, and zapped the shoes right into James’ hands.

Chuck laughed, “You just wanted them because they light up, didn’t you?”

James stomped his foot on the ground, giggling as his shoes lit up in an array of colors. He looked at the floor, his cheeks reddening. “Maybe?”

Chuck laughed heartily as he stood up straight.

You always admired the bond your son and Chuck had. Your son wasn’t an archangel, therefore he wasn’t Chuck’s biological son, but Chuck had been there since the beginning, forcing his way into your life when James was barely a year old.

James yelling your name brought you out of your reverie, “Mommy!” He yelled as he raced across the room and jumped into your arms, his brand new sneakers flashing different colors with each step.

“Look at my new shoes!” He said, nearly kicking you in the stomach as he threw his leg out dramatically for you to see.

“That’s so cool!” You said enthusiastically. “Did you say thank you to Daddy?”

“Thanks, daddy!” James yelled over his shoulder before running out of the room to find his uncles and show them his new shoes.

“How long have you been standing there?” Chuck asked, wrapping his arms around your waist and kissing your forehead.

“Long enough to know that you spoil that boy a little too much,” you teased.

Chuck only laughed, “I love that kid, what else am I supposed to do?”

Assister a un convention Supernatural avec tes frères... Attend a Supernatural convention with your brothers ...

"Je suis tellement contente qu'il ne m'ati pas mentionné dans ses livres..." "C'est pas juste tu es notre soeur pourtant !" "Héhé peut être qu'il a vu que si il le faisait on ne sortirait pas ensemble.."

Summary: You find out Chuck is god. You’ve been crushing on him before but now you know that you really got NO chance. Or maybe you do?

Ships: Chuck x Reader

Dean looked at you with a slight smile on his face. He just got him with Sammy and Chuck. Yes, Chuck the guy you’ve been crushing on since the first day. But then the beautiful man with the blue eyes and curly hair disappeared.

Now he was standing right in front of you with that damn smirk on his damn face and you couldn’t keep your eyes off him. “Y/N we brought-”, Dean was about to finish his sentence.”Chuck”, you said while your eyes flickered brightly. “Hello Y/N”, Chuck said while his cheeks turned into a light red and you giggled. “You tell her, Buddy”, Dean rested his right hand on Chuck’s shoulder. All the boys looked at you, it’s very intimidating when two guys over 6 feet stare at you like this. “Tell me what?”, you asked slightly confused. “We should leave. You got this.”, Sam and Dean said before they left the kitchen where you two were alone now. Two people looking at each other, two people who used to be friends. Only friends. But you wanted more, you wanted him to kiss you, to call you cute names. It broke your little heart when he started dating Becky and were kinda reliefed when they did split. “Sit down, Y/N”, Chuck down and you took the chair next to him. “I’ve missed you so much. I’m so glad you’re here, glad you’re still alive.”, you started babbling. He just smiled and said:”Now I’m here. But we need to talk.” “Talk about what? That you left? Where you’ve been? Are you married now?”, Chuck started laughing. “It’s not that bad, don’t worry. But Y/N. I’m God.”, he said, like it would be something normal. You froze.

 Did he just tell you that he is freaking god?

“Please don’t be mad at me. I’m sorry. I know I wasn’t there. I know people died. So many people have told me these things. I am so so-”, Chuck stopped when he noticed that tears were running down your face.

“Oh myself, I’m so sorry. Please don’t cry. Is it because you’re an atheist?”, he asked. He was so wrong. It wasn’t because he lfet, because he let people die. It was because you loved him. You freaking loved this man and you knew you had no chance. You never had. But at least you thought you would, when he was just Chuck to you. Chuck the alcohol addicted writer. But this changed the whole game, this changed everything.

“It isn’t about this, isn’t it?”, he asked to break the slience to you. You were still sobbing, hiding your face in your hands when his took yours. “Please don’t cry.”, he whispered and tried to calm you down with his soft voice. And it  worked. I mean, he’s god.

You started looking up into his face and said:”It isn’t, you’re right. Chuck-”, but he interrupted you and got closer. “I’m almighty, I know what it is about but you’re so wrong.”, Chuck said and started stroking your cheek with his soft hand. “You’re more than wrong. Since I met you, I was under your spell. You’re the most beautiful creature I’ve ever created. I didn’t know you’d grow up like that. I thought you were just one of billions. But you aren’t. You’re so beautiful and pure. Y/N I love you. You made me fall for you.”, he couldn’t even finish his sentence when you pressed your lips against his. You both started kissing passionatly, his lips were soft, warm and he was a good kisser. Hell, he was god.

From that moment you were addicted to his lips.

Summary: What happens when you find a glowing book in a library?

Pairing: Chuck x Reader future GabrielxReader

Words: 1,200

Part 1 in a series. That I haven’t found a name for yet. 

Previous

Masterlist

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Reader-Insert

Word Count: 2.4 K

Synopsis: It’s time to go home.

CW: swearing; Psychiatric hospital setting; voluntary commitment to psychiatric facility; kidnapping (falsifying kidnapping); claustrophobia; slimy goo; touch-aversion; questioning reality/life and death/existential crisis

November 14th, 1968

The hospital administrative staff was reluctant to release you to your mother the following morning. Ruth was considered right-as-rain when her parents came to collect her; her stay was just a “precaution.” But her family gave the staff the great news of her brother’s miraculous return and stated that they were no longer too concerned about her. They understood that both of their children would likely need extensive therapy, but they didn’t see any reason that either would need a live-in facility. You, however, had entered under less genial circumstances. Part of the repercussion of your mother admitting you and you acting as though you were in a downward spiral was that they did not want to discharge you, at least not yet.

“Ma’am, I’m just not sure that’s what’s in the best interest of the patient.” The doctor told your mother. “Last time, your child was only out of here a week before returning. We’re worried that the return of the Steinberg boy to town will only add to the delusions and make them seem more real.”

“I’ve spoken with the other families,” your mother fabricated, “they’ve agreed to speak Y/N and tell the truth. The boys will say that it wasn’t a witch that got them and that they simply survived some sick human’s prank to get his jollies. I don’t think your services will be needed any further.”

“This is not some kind of drop-off daycare, Mrs. L/N.” The doctor admonished your mother in a harsh tone. “You cannot just come by and leave your child in our care whenever you please.”

“We are not legally obligated to be here any further. I am bringing Y/N home today. I promise you, you will never see us here again.” She knew that you had been telling the truth all along and that it wasn’t just a coincidence that Tommy, Auggie, and Chuck were all back now, immediately after you and your friends set out to get them back. The two were connected, and while the ghostly explanation was hard for her to grasp, she couldn’t deny the outcome. She knew there was no reason to bring you back here and for these doctors to tell you that what you experienced wasn’t real. On the ride home, she congratulated you for all of your efforts. “I hate that you had to put yourself in such a position, but...it truly ended up being worth it for the Steinberg’s reaction for both of their kids to come home. I would always want someone to do the same for you, you mean everything to me. Seeing a broken family repaired like that made it all feel worth it. But don’t ever think about doing something so stupid again.”

“Oh, I’m swearing off any woodland adventures, haunted houses, hospitals, or elevator rides. Never again.” You promised.

Your mother pulled into your driveway on Poplar Street and helped you into the house from the car. She was nervous about letting you out of her sight ever again, but you both knew that life had to continue. She’d have to go to work and you’d have to go to school and eventually, everything would become as ‘normal’ as it could be. On a normal Thursday, you would be required to go to school, but seeing as it was already past eleven and your lot had to deal with so much hectic shit lately, there wasn’t a chance you were going in today. Or maybe even tomorrow, if you played your cards right. Your mom couldn’t afford two days in a row off work, so she grudgingly prepared herself to go in tonight. She agreed to take you to the Steinbergs. Mrs. Steinberg insisted you join them for dinner tonight and that she thank you properly for saving her son. Of course, your decision had less to do with benefitting her and having Chuck back for yourself, so you were thrilled at the prospect of being with him again. In the meantime, you settled in at your house, bathing and taking time to pick out a comfortable sweater and jeans ensemble, feeling happy to be home again. You picked the newspaper off the counter and sat in your armchair in the living room, gazing out the front window at the sugar maple dropping the last of its bright orange leaves. You opened the paper and the front page was all about these mysterious disappearances suddenly being solved, with an unprecedented amount of children coming back home. They were able to write about Tommy, as he was over 18, but for now, Auggie and Chuck’s identities remained unconfirmed by the paper. Their parents and their cases were quoted anonymously, but in this small town everyone was sure to put two and two together and to see the missing signs and suddenly see Chuck and Auggie around town and know that they were the ones who were found.

Chuck and Auggie had corroborated a story on their way home last night, after Chuck was brought up to speed on how Stella defeated Sarah and how you all had worked to get him back (and why you and Ruth were wearing hospital gowns and had to stay). They told the Gazette that they had been abducted by an unknown person or persons and kept somewhere in the woods. They had escaped together, but were separated and Auggie made it back by following the fireworks into town. Chuck had been turned around and unable to find his way back until two days later, but he stumbled into town as well and found his way home shortly thereafter. The police were now sending crews out into the woods to look for the place they were held, but both boys said it was likely to be long gone and that they weren’t followed after their escape; their attackers must have vanished in fear of being caught when they came back to find they had gone. Everyone seemed to buy it, and Chuck was being checked out at the hospital today. Physically, they found nothing wrong with him beyond some trouble breathing, but they felt that it was psychosomatic, perhaps from having to be quiet while held captive. He also knew to keep his mouth shut about the truth. No one outside of your circle and your families would believe you, so it wasn’t worth saying anything and getting locked up like you or his sister, so he just stuck to his original story.

Your mother dropped you off at the Steinbergs before leaving for work, giving you a long hug and a tearful goodbye. “I’ll be right here when you come back for me.” You promised. You feared leaving her alone, too. You exited your car and went up the steps to the house to ring the bell. Chuck nearly immediately swung it open and your heart felt ready to burst. You were overwhelmed with different emotions. At the top of the list, you were ecstatic to have him back. To have him truly before you, corporeal and safe. But you also felt pity, seeing that he looked so poorly. You couldn’t imagine the kind of scar this trauma had left on the inside. You had only been in the elevator shaft for a couple of hours. You didn’t lose days. You also weren’t sure how to approach him. All you wanted to do was hold him and feel that he was really there, in your arms. But you remembered how he had reacted to his own sister last night and knew that wouldn’t be in his best interest. Your mother was already starting to drive away, though, as Chuck lunged forward and took your face in his hands, kissing you deeply. He wanted to make sure that you were really there, too. It was over quickly, and he pulled back before you could even really react, overcome by his own impulse.

“I’m so glad you’re here.” He said, letting you go gently.

“Me too.” You smiled at him.

You congregated on the back porch while his mother was busy making dinner. He sat with you and Ruth. “I still don’t really like being touched. It puts me back there, ya know? I know it’s killing mom to not be able to hug or squeeze me, but it just freaks me out. I immediately can’t breathe and it’s like I’m suffocating all over again.” You nodded, knowing how his story was written and how he was enveloped, that sensation made sense. It also cleared up for you why Mrs. Steinberg had taken you into a near-bone-crushing hug when you arrived, thanking you for your plan and bringing her son back home. While before, you had been a mild nuisance to take care of, she treated you like one of her own tonight. She had never been physically affectionate toward you before, either. But you being a surrogate for the hug she couldn’t administer to Chuck made a lot of sense.

“I think that’s very understandable. Reasonable.” You reassured him that it wasn’t an overreaction. “It’s okay.” He looked at you for a couple of minutes, then asked Ruth if he could speak to you alone. She hesitated, but agreed and went into the kitchen door, telling their mother she’d like to help finish up dinner.

“I’m...I’m really sorry. I don’t know what that means for us.”

“Really, it’s okay.”

“I just feel...weird? Bad? I mean, we kind of started at the top of intimacy and now I don’t even want to be hugged? That’s not a normal relationship.” You laughed in response.

“Since when have we ever been normal?” You joked with him, and he smiled sheepishly, not sure what to make of your statement. “Chuck, it’s all right. Really. We don’t have to do anything the ‘usual’ way. I loved you for a long time without touching you,” you teased, “I can wait. We’ll work through it together.” He delicately put his hand on yours, unsure of how the touch would affect him, but he didn’t withdraw. “Baby steps?” You asked, and he nodded in agreement. You sat in silence for a moment, his hand just resting on yours, before you blurted out the thought that occurred to you, “Y’know, ironically, this will make it more normal. Taking it slow and starting over.” You laughed. While you weren’t going to take time for granted, you didn’t feel like your time with Chuck was limited. The grains of sand weren’t running out; the hourglass was full.

“You’re so weird.” He teased you for your thought, but smiled at you nonetheless. After another quiet moment, you asked him the $64,000 question.

“What was it like? I mean, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I understand if it’s hard to bring up or talk about.”

“It is, but also it’s just...I don’t know. I don’t really know how to describe it. It was like being in warm jello? I imagine it’s how babies feel in the womb, but there wasn’t a lot of comfort there. It was surprisingly bright and while I didn’t have to eat or breathe outright….I don’t know. I didn’t feel quite alive or dead. It was just really weird. And then all of the sudden, I felt my arm being pulled and I was growing cold. Then I was on the floor in the hospital and I could hear her giggling and walking away. I’d know those squishy footsteps anywhere. And I thought that maybe I was dead, because I was cold and alone but then I heard your voice. Which, I guess, didn't really help. That felt even more impossible and like a dream. But then you were there. All of you. Which, again, now that I think about it...I should have thought you were all dead too. Am I dead now? Is this the other side and you’re just all here too?” He started to panic at the possibility.

“No, no. It’s like Stella told you. We fixed it. She released Sarah; we didn’t die. Me, Ruth, Stella, Ramon. We all survived. We just figured out how to bring you all back. You’re alive. We’re alive. All of us.” You tried to soothe him but you weren’t sure he was buying it, but that disconnect from reality might be another obstacle to overcome, much like his current revulsion to touch.

“I read your story,” he said after a minute of silence. “On the ride back home last night, Stella gave me the book. I read what she wrote about Sarah to end all of this, and that’s why she gave it to me. But then I flipped back and read our stories. I’m sorry for what happened to you; that must have been awful.” He wouldn’t look at you as he spoke, keeping some emotional distance in reserve.

“I don’t think it really compares to yours,” you admitted. “But really, the worst part was knowing that I couldn’t help you. I could just tell that the redness and alarms meant your story was coming true and I couldn’t do a damn thing. I promised not to leave you and then I was just trapped in that metal shell and knew you’d be gone.” You gently turned your hand over under his and carefully threaded your fingers, acting cautiously as if you’d break him with any sudden movement. “I hated that she didn’t take me, too. That my punishment was just to live without you.” Your voice cracked at your confession.

“But you brought me back. You did. Stella told me that it was all you. The plan, the writing, your blood...everything. I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for you. Maybe there’s a reason for how it worked out.”

“I know. You’re right. It’s just...in the moment, it was awful.”

“I can understand that, but...I’m also happy she didn’t. That you’re okay and that you never had to...be where Auggie and I were, I guess. You don’t deserve that.”

“And you did?” You scoffed, indignantly.

Previous

Masterlist

Next (Chapter 18)

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark Reader-Insert

Word Count: 1.8K

Synopsis: You’re not wasting any more time, you’re on a mission to bring back the one you love.

CW: swearing; Psychiatric hospital setting; voluntary commitment to psychiatric facility; claustrophobia; minor self-injury (finger pricking); slimy goo; touch-aversion

November 13th, 1968, morning

First thing Wednesday morning, your mother drove you to Riverwell Psychiatric Hospital. She followed your script and told them that, because Tommy and Auggie had returned from missing, you were beginning to believe your earlier fantasies again and were lost in a pit of self-deception. That, because they had been returned, you must have been right about the witch and everything else, so she wanted you reevaluated. You played the part and toed the line, not wanting to suffer from them charging ahead with any treatments, but also not wanting to be dismissed. You brought back your original ramblings, that the spirit of Sarah Bellows had taken your friends, and now they were coming back one by one, that you were right all along. Of course, it was the truth, but to these rational outside parties, these stories were the ravings of a mad person. Similarly, later that morning, the Steinbergs checked Ruth in for a simple follow-up observation, even though they made sure to tell the doctors that she had been doing well overall, but the stress of her missing brother was making them worried that she might relapse. So, they agreed to take her in for an overnight watch and some tests. In the later afternoon, you were able to meet up and compare notes in the common room. You talked softly and dully, to avoid any suspicion. Mr. Nichols would be bringing Stella and Auggie by to visit soon. Maybe an hour or two, near the tail-end of visiting hours. You and Ruth had observed shift and station changes and determined some semblance of schedules. It seemed that around 5 pm, the staff would largely change over, with the daytime folks headed home and the night time workers coming in. Visiting hours ended at six, and there should be a station change near 5:30 that would leave the hallway you needed more or less unsupervised. Coupled with your mom and Oren keeping watch, you figured that you would have just enough time to do what you needed to do; if not, they could buy you a little bit of time. It felt like plotting some big heist, but it was the most solid plan you had and you really did not want to wait another day, nor did you think they would continue to keep Ruth longer than overnight. Shortly thereafter, you went your separate ways and waited for all of the pieces to come together.

Stella, Auggie, Mr. Nichols, and your mother all came into your room at 4:45 pm. You explained to them what you and Ruth had found out. Stella was the only one who knew exactly where to go, so at 5:27, you followed her down the hallway, touching the smooth white-and-yellow tiled walls as you crept along silently. Luckily, the adults with you made you look less suspicious and Auggie and Ruth stayed a few paces behind, looking like they were in an unrelated visit. As you approached the spot in the intersecting corridors where Chuck had vanished, your heart thudded violently in your chest. You were extremely nervous about doing this right. Everything was riding on this; it felt like you were in a spy movie and you were being forced to defuse a bomb. One small mistake and boom, your life would be over. Stella directed your parents on where to stand, and what kind of signal to give if anything went awry. The four of you settled into a square, each sitting cross-legged on the floor. Stella started to pull the book and the blood-pen from her satchel. She placed them on the floor and was about to open the book when you said, “Stella, I think it should be me.” You had read and reread Chuck’s story a hundred times within this past week, scrutinizing every detail as it was the last tangible link you had to him. You constantly thought about his story and how it occurred and had had plenty of nightmares envisioning it during your rocky, fitful nights. Stella handed the materials over instantly. You looked around at the group and poked the pen to your finger, cursing quietly at the sting as you filled the chamber with your blood. Your eyes shot down and found the blank pages sitting before you, and you quickly got to work.

The pale lady had warned Charlie to run while he still could. But even running didn’t allow him to escape her or the evil red room. Everywhere he had turned, she slipped silently nearer and nearer to him until she embraced him and took him into her being. For days, he was kept safely within her, as a piece of her. However, it was time to leave and to heed her advice once more and to run. With Sarah’s blessing, the pale woman returned to the hospital corridor to return the boy she had grown so fond of. You gulped. You hadn’t told the others that you were going to summon her, but you couldn’t think of any other way for him to appear. You had had to use the scarecrow with Tommy inside, and you were able to bring back Auggie from the hole in the wall, but there wasn’t a magical place for Chuck to just appear from...except from within the pale lady herself. You didn’t look up as you heard Ruth whimper and Auggie breathed out, “What the hell is that?!” You knew she was there, you could sense it. But that meant it was working.

The pale woman reached into her milky stomach and slowly drew out an arm that was not her own. One that still had gray and blue plaid clinging to it, just as it had the day she had taken him. While those that loved him most looked on in fear and disbelief, she began to retrieve more and more of Charlie, and to place him back where he belonged. Now you stole a glance up. She was utterly horrifying. She looked bloated, as Chuck had said. Her eyes looked like small pebbles and her hair was matted down like she had drowned at some point. She was even more astonishing because she had extra limbs poking out of her, but you recognized the clothes instantly. You remembered Chuck exactly as he was that day, the image burned into your mind. You fervently continued writing, She pulled out the remainder of him with a pop from her own body and set him down gasping for breath. She meant him no harm, but her job was done, so she turned around and sauntered out of their lives, never to return. As soon as she disappeared, his family and loved ones rushed to his side to welcome him home. You gulped at the final sentence, adding the last period and closing the book. Just as you had written, the Pale Lady gave a close-lipped smile, blinked her dead eyes, and began to waddle away. She slowly became hazy and disappeared, leaving behind Chuck’s body which was wracked with shaky breaths. You scrambled to your feet and rushed down the hall, dropping down once more beside him.

“Chuck! Chuck, honey, you’re back!” You cried, taking his hand into yours, ignoring the slime that was still coating his body from being within that entity. Ruth plopped down on the other side of him, tears streaming down her face and Stella and Auggie quickly joined. Chuck coughed some more, but finally started to open his eyes. “Y/N? Ruth?” He looked between you two, and Ruth threw her arms around him, trying to scoop him up into her embrace. He started panicking and peddling his feet backwards weakly. “No, no no!” He muttered quickly and you pulled her back.

“Ruth, I don’t think...give him space.” She let go and he pushed back from you all, staring wide-eyed in disbelief, completely covered in a sticky, slimy substance that you felt it was best not to think about. Stella quickly went to gather your parents, to let them know that your work was done and they’d have to prepare to smuggle Chuck out and get him back to his folks. Auggie crouched down next to Chuck and was talking to him softly, sure to keep his distance. He knew how disorienting this experience could be. Meanwhile, you turned to Ruth. “Ruthie...I think he’s going to be afraid to be touched or hugged for a while. Remember, he was basically smothered and kept like that for days. It’s going to be hard to get over.”

“I understand.” She said, looking away with a glassy stare and you knew she was recalling how it felt to have the spiders upon her and how certain touches of fabric or brushes against something could still set her off. With that being settled, you two returned to Chuck’s side. He was now sitting upright, looking around, not sure what to make of being in the hospital hallway again.

“Hey, you’re safe now. We got you back. We solved it. See? Auggie’s back.” You gestured to him and he nodded numbly.

“It’s real, pal. We’re back.” Auggie backed you up.

“Why...why are you and Ruth dressed like that?” Chuck asked, noticing your hazel hospital gowns.

“Long story. Stella will fill you in. They’re going to take you home, okay?” His eyes glimmered with hope at your words.

“Home?”

“Yeah.” You said, trying not to audibly sob but tears leaked from your eyes anyway. “Ruth and I have to stay here for now, but we’ll see you tomorrow.”

“No, no, come with me. Please.” He said, placing one of his hands on yours and the other on Ruthie’s. “I don’t want to leave without you.”

“You have to. Just for tonight. Mom and dad will be with you and they’ll come get me first thing in the morning.” Ruth told him, and he looked desperately to you.

“It’s okay, I’ll be there too, look, my mom is here now.” You nodded to her as she approached. “She’ll come and get me as soon as she can tomorrow, right mom?”

“Of course.” She said, her own eyes glistening with tears.

“But you’ve got to go before we all get caught. It’s just important that you’re here now, okay? You came back to me. It’ll be okay.” Mr. Nichols and Auggie helped Chuck to his feet and started him down the hallway. Stella came rushing up with a blanket she had stolen from one of the rooms, to make Chuck look a little less odd amongst them, to cover whatever gooey substance was coating his skin and clothes. You and Ruth didn’t want to let him go, but you knew you had to. You tried to find comfort in your own words, that his being home was all that mattered.