honey, I'm home

Hanako flinched, like a kicked dog. Like a dog that had been abandoned in a backstreet out in the country, eyes glazed over as doors slammed closed, the car fading from view till there was nothing left.

Why had she waited? Because she wanted to be rescued, to be saved like the damsel she was. Which wasn't to say she hadn't considered trying to escape a few times, but it was far easier said than done, being locked in a room with only one way in or out. And the only time she'd had a taste of freedom it had been on a leash, with only a few steps she could claim as her own, before being tugged in a different direction. Her wants and desires not even taken into consideration.

She went quiet, the anger and viciousness torn from her like her freedom. She wasn't sure why everyone treated her like she was the villain of every narrative, everyone had their demons and hers were just...more front and forward than most. Easy to spot, not hidden behind doors or claims of friendships and alliances. Hanako sensed it didn't matter what she'd say at this point, he wasn't listening, wasn't capable of it. Didn't want her love or her words but was so angry, so possessive over things she'd gladly give, if only he'd accept.

At least she wasn't being yelled at on a beach again, very thin silver lining?

She glanced up to feel the weight of his paw baring down on hers and she felt a spark of panic as he held her in place. Not because she disliked his touch, but because he was heavy, that it hurt under the strain of it all.

But he was right, in a faint and distance sense. It hurt to choose, like bending a joint in a way it shouldn't be bent. Flexing a muscle that hadn't been used...ever. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew that, knew who she was and how she'd been raised, what had been expected of her all those years ago. But she should have grown as a person, shifted into something else, something better. But she hadn't quite...

Tears streamed freely down her cheeks, her breathing choppy with hiccups and shuddering sobs.

"I liked it when you made choices for me. And you're right I made a game of it, I liked being fought over. Wanted, like-like I was important to you. There was a lot I should have done before all this, should have spoken to her when she came for me. Told her to leave, that I didn't want her or whatever she offered. But I-"She liked the attention. "But I swear this time was different, I wasn't playing around or whatever you think of me. I-"

noncommittal, and selfish bitch

That was too much. A sob wretched itself from her lips as she attempted to scuttle away, but his paw was holding down her own, pressing down with claws raking into the soft pink of her flesh as she attempted to pull back like a mouse caught in a snare. Fresh blood permitted the air, heady and coppery but Hanako didn't feel register the pain. Her senses overwhelmed far too much going on at once, the little mouse going into shock.