#parallels?

Guys, I think I figured out a name for this series. How does Parallels sound?

TW: Pills and talk of sleeping aids

The child wept in their sleeping bag, trying to muffle the sound of their sobs with a pillow. They flinched when they felt their friend’s hand on their back. “What’s wrong?” the child asked. 

“I-I can-n’t sle-ep,” the crying child complained.

 “Why?”

“M-mons-sters and nh-nightmares.”

 They felt warmth and breathed in the other’s scent as they were pulled into a sweet, tight embrace. “It’s okay, the monsters can’t get us. I’m here.”

…

Hero’s body burned with pain and sores as they made their way through Villain’s kitchen. C’mon, just hold out long enough for this, please. They thought as their grip turned white on the kitchen island. 

…

Villain woke up to the sound of cabinets opening and strained whimpers of pain. They got up out of concern because they knew only one person was responsible. Slippers on, they made their way into the kitchen.

…

“You should not be up right now,” a voice rang from across the room as a light turned on and illuminated a frowning Villain. 

“Yeah? Well, I am, so fucking deal with it I guess,” Hero replied. 

Villain could hear the strain in their voice, but they paid no mind to it as they took notice of Hero’s position. Villain’s eyebrow raised, “What are you doing?” 

“I’m looking.”

“For what?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I am worried, you should not be standing or walking.”

Hero sighed and turned to face Villain, “I’m looking for some fucking sleep meds. So, if you don’t have any, then please tell me so I can go back to my prison cell.”

Villain’s frown changed to a look of concern as they walked toward Hero. They truly took in what Hero had become: a skinny figure that was clutching the countertops and shaking, trying to stay upright. “I have melatonin. But, I don’t know if that will help. I can get you something stronger if you were using any before you came here.”

“You mean before you fucking kidnapped me and brought me here.”

“Hero, language.”

An annoyed huff. “I’ll take the melatonin. Thanks.”

Villain moved slowly and predictably toward the cabinet they kept their medications in. I should probably get a lock for that. They took out a pill and held it up to Hero, “I’ll give you this, but please talk to me.”

Hero let out a whine, “No, just give it to me please.”

“Please talk to me,” was all Villain had to offer in reply.

Hero turned and started toward their room, “I’m good then, have a nice fucking night with your melatonin.”

…

Three hours later and Villain once again was awoken by noise from the kitchen. “Hero, this is just pathetic,” they sighed as they saw the familiar sight of sleep-deprived Hero limping their way to the medicine cabinet.

 “You say pathetic, I say necessary,” Hero fumbled with the door of the cupboard, almost losing grip of their countertop support.

 “Here, let me do it,” Villain offered. They quickly overtook Hero and soon had one pill of melatonin, which they slid across the table. 

“What’s the gist?” Hero asked as they eyed Villain.

“No gist, you need sleep, I need sleep. Just take it.” 

“I kinda need water, dummy.” 

…

Content with the outcome of their second venture into the kitchen, Hero was being guided back to their room with the help of Villain. 

“Now that you’re all good, I’ll be heading back to my bed,” Villain announced after Hero sat on the bed. 

“Uhm,” Villain turned to Hero, “Before I go, I thought, uh, I thought this might help.” 

 Villain plopped down beside Hero.

“What?” Hero scowled

Villain hesitated at Hero’s words, but placed a hand on their back. They pulled Hero into an embrace, “Just a hug, to let you know that I’m here.”  

THANKS FOR READING!

(Masterlist)

(also let me know what we think about the name)