{Reader's POV}

            "...in other news, the Jets are going to..."

            Grogginess clouded my mind as I rolled over, quietly wishing for the unfamiliar female voice to go away so I could go back to sleep. Of course it didn't leave, making me grunt and pull the blanket over my head. There was a sudden silence, making me smile in relief, until I felt someone poke my shoulder. Frowning, I nestled tighter under the covers. "No... five more minutes," I mumbled. There was a pause, and the poke was replaced by a hand shaking my shoulder, making me grunt. "Buddy, no..."

            "Don't call me that!" The demonic-sounding hiss made my eyes pop open and I bolted upright, gasping as I found myself face-to-face with Jack. I tried to scoot away from him only for my back to press against the back of the couch, leaving me effectively trapped. His hands shot out and gripped my shoulders, so tight I could almost feel his claw-like nails through his gloves, and as he spoke his voice was laced with that same demonic quality. "Never say that name in front of me again. Am I clear?" My face probably drained of color as I stared at him, nodding shakily.

            "I-I won't," I whispered, trembling violently. "I pr-promise, I was j-just as-s-sleep, a-and..." I trailed off into babbling as I began to sob. His grip on my shoulders tensed before loosening, and after a moment he released it entirely. He reached for my face and I winced, reflexively raising my arms to protect it, making him freeze. Slowly he let his arm fall limply to his side and sighed before walking away. I sat on the couch shaking, hugging myself as I fought off the urge to cry. This is what I get for letting myself fall asleep on the couch.

            As I sat there with my eyes squeezed shut, I heard the fridge and cabinet open followed by a series of clinks. A few moments later he tapped my shoulder, making me yelp and flinch, spinning to face him. He stood behind the couch staring at me, unfazed by my reaction, and held out a bowl. "Breakfast." I glanced at him and then the bowl in surprise. Frosted Flakes? But why were they... Oh, right. I'd told him they were supposed to be refrigerated.

            "Th-thanks," I mumbled, hesitantly taking the bowl from him. His hands hovered in the air for a second before falling to his sides, and I turned to begin eating it only to pause. No spoon. Hesitating, I silently raised it to my lips to carefully sip from the bowl, trying not to let any drip onto me. Watching me from behind, after a few moments Jack headed to the kitchenette and I heard a drawer open. Metal clinking followed, and he returned to tap me on the shoulder, extending a spoon to me.

            "If you needed a spoon, you could have just said so," he commented, and I shrugged meekly. I didn't want to respond; I might say the wrong thing and make him mad. Lately I'd been more comfortable around him, but my usual confidence had faded a bit today thanks to my rude awakening. A few moments passed before Jack sighed, realizing I probably wouldn't respond. He silently picked up the remote and unmuted the TV, allowing the news anchor to speak again. At this point she'd moved on to a murder.

           "...and there is still no sign of why the mother did that," she reported grimly. "Police have yet to track the origin of the candy, either."

           "Candy?" I mumbled absently.

            "Kid's organs were scooped out and replaced with candy, then the mom stabbed her in the heart. Typical LJ junk." I nearly dropped the bowl and whipped my head to gawk at him. There were a thousand questions running through my mind (who was LJ?), but they were overshadowed by disgust. Swallowing the bit of cereal in my mouth, I quietly set the bowl down, having lost my appetite. Seeing this, Jack sighed but didn't say anything, instead placing a hand on the couch and jumping over it.

            Landing next to me, I flinched and instinctively scooted away. However, he put an arm around my shoulder to stop me, sending goosebumps down my back. I sat still, momentarily stunned, and he picked up the remote with his other hand and began surfing the channels. Part of me wanted to protest the sudden contact, but the other part knew it was useless. Besides, I think he kind of needed the company. Memories of the photos on Buddy's account swirled through my mind, making me shudder involuntarily.

            Feeling my shudder, Jack cast me a curious glance but I just looked away. The mere sight of his mask conjured more memories of the photos, making me sink deeper into the couch. Jack didn't say anything, and returned his attention to the television. Feeling relatively safe he wouldn't pry about what I was thinking, I fell deep into thought. My entire old life was a lie. Everything was full of doubt, not one memory felt completely clear of questions anymore.

            As I sat in silence I stared at my lap, fiddling with my hands. I glanced at Jack out of the corner of my eye and saw he was staring at the TV, though his mask made it hard to tell if he was looking at me. Of course, even if he wasn't wearing it I probably wouldn't be able to tell. I'd seen him without it, I knew he had no eyes. So why did he keep wearing it around me?

            A lot of stuff about him just didn't make any sense, and having his arm around my shoulder made it hard not to think about him. It felt heavy, impossible to ignore, and made me sink into the couch a little bit. Eventually, though, I managed to shrug it off and got up, earning a look of surprise. I half-expected him to order me to sit back down, but instead he asked, "Where are you going?"

           "To take a shower," I muttered, picking up my bowl and depositing it in the sink. Jack nodded and returned his attention to the TV while I headed to the bathroom.

           ~*~

            A few hours passed and I sat on my bed, reading a novel. I was so immersed in the fictional world that when I heard a loud click I gave a large start and yelped, nearly dropping the book. Slowly opening the door, I saw Jack poke his head inside, no doubt looking pretty amused under his mask. "I wasn't even trying to scare you," he chuckled, and I pouted.

            "Shut up..." Chuckling a bit more, he entered carrying a plate with a [f/sandwich]. His silent way of apologizing for this morning, I guess. He set the plate on the nightstand as I mumbled a "Thanks" and waited for him to leave. However, he instead went to the dresser and opened one of the top drawers, making me shift and sit up. "What are you doing...?" Ignoring me, he pulled out a balled up pair of socks and tossed them to me.

            "Put it on," he ordered. I stared at them in confusion for a few seconds before my eyes widened, realization slowly setting in. Stunned, I sat in silence while Jack stood next to the bedpost, tapping his foot impatiently. "[Name], I don't need to let you wear socks..."

            "I-I won't try to escape," I said quickly, my tone frantic. "I promise, I don't have anywhere to go, the only person I really knew is dead, and—"

           "[Name]," he growled, his tone cool, and I stopped. "Put it on already." Slowly I unrolled the socks and pulled one over my right foot, and as soon as I'd tugged the hem he was next to me holding the metal shackle. Fitting it around my ankle, he made sure no fabric got in the way before closing it, slipping the key into the keyhole and turning it with a small click that sent chills down my spine. It had been a while since I'd last worn the chain, I'd almost forgotten what it felt like. Part of me had hoped I'd never have to remember.

             A small whimper inadvertently escaped me as I stared at it, and I quickly pulled my knees to my chest, burying my face in my arms. I heard Jack sigh and felt the mattress sink next to me, followed by a hand on my back. A shudder ran down my spine at the sudden contact but I didn't raise my head. As he spoke his voice was soft and gentle, as if trying to reassure me. "[Name], I know you don't like it, but I need to go hunting. I'm almost out of food, and you are too, so I'll have to be gone a little longer tonight. I can't risk you trying to run away. I'll remove it when I get back."

           I didn't respond, making him sigh again. A few moments later he removed his hand and I felt the mattress rise as he stood, followed by the sound of his footsteps. There was a quiet click as he closed the door, leaving me alone. Only then did I allow myself to give a small sigh, flopping onto my back and staring at the ceiling.

            Looks like things were finally getting back to normal.