- Slight TW - Small mentions of self harm.

Florence

We stood there for what felt like a lifetime and a half. With my heart caught up in my throat I couldn't say anything. My mouth just fell slightly open as I gazed into his cold, void eyes.

"What is he doing here?" He asked, shooting his gaze onto Samson allowing me to release the breath I was holding. I couldn't tell whether or not he was angry or passive. He left nothing to go off. He was.. blank.

"I-I just thought he could help." He stuttered out. I'm guessing the sight of his friend stripped away any confidence he had in this plan. "You thought wrong." He snarled whilst scratching his chest. I winced at the thought of him raking over the already present scratch marks.

"I want him gone."

My heart stopped almost completely as his words settled in the air. Why was he being like this? What did I do wrong?

"W-Wait a minute, Eurus!" Samson called as he turned on his heel and went to open the door again. Without thinking I slightly shifted in-front of the door, not-so-effectively blocking his entry. He peered down at me with a masked look in his eyes. He still held that deep frown he wore for Samson but it was still enough to make me consider jumping out the window. "Wait- I-I..."

He glared daggers at me. "I... I just-"

"Move, Florence." He gritted out. My arms got goosebumps and my head became numb at the realisation of what I was doing. He could very well hurt me right now and yet here I was, purposefully provoking him. "Eurus. I just want to talk." I uttered, trying to stable my words but the waver in them was still very much present. He didn't budge and neither did I.

"Please. That's all I'm here to do," I tried again, a little louder this time. I was so focused on him I completely forgot Samson was standing right there. "Y-You don't have to say anything- just here me out,"

He didn't move. Everything was still. "We can sit down if you want?" I asked, unintentionally holding out my hand to grab his arm which proved to be a horrendous idea.

The minute my fingertip made contact with his arm he reeled back and lashed out in the form of his fist. I had no time to react as the blow came quickly and suddenly, brushing past my ear and cracking a hole through the thick, wooden door. I yelped in surprise as he ripped his hand from the hole and held it up again.

My adrenaline was high as I tried to calm my racing heart and my shaking hands. My throat was as dry as a desert, the feeling making me wince once I tried swallowing. My mind turned itself inside out as I tried to make sense of what just happened.

Had he meant to hit me? Why did he miss?

Before I could say anything, let alone register fully what had happened Eurus slid down, his head resting at my stomach and his trembling hands gripping lightly to my shoulders. Samson only had eyes for his friend who was now lightly sobbing on the floor. I, on the other hand, had froze completely. I had my hands glued to the door and my eyes switching between Samson and the top of Eurus' head.

The silence allowed us to listen into his sobs. He was saying something between each, heartbreaking sob. It was hard to decipher through all the sniffling and small gasps of air. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry,"

My heart clenched at his words as I rested my hands on his shaking shoulder and slid down in-front of him. Normally I wouldn't have a clue what to do, especially in a case like this! However, I felt the need to wrap my arms around him and hold him. I had that weird notion in my head that I needed to make sure he knew he was okay. That he was safe.

He flinched when I tried to hug him but then allowed me to easily slide my hands and mold ourselves together. On any other occasion I would find this so incredibly awkward but this felt... right.

"I-I don't want to hurt you.." Eurus whispered into my ear as I rubbed soothing circles into his back. "M-Make it stop, Florence. Please." These, along with 'I'm sorry' played on repeat as he rocked us back and forth, mumbling nonsense between us. I felt an itching sensation to help him in any way possible. I had no idea why but the need to comfort him was there and strong.

"Samson," I called out. I didn't care if he was just standing there. Eurus was what was important right now. "Help me get him into bed." I said quietly as I waited for any opposing arguments from Eurus who just sat there, mumbling. Without a word from either of the men Samson helped me get Eurus up as I untangled myself from him. As we propped him up to his feet he caught my hand in his as we guided him into the room and onto the bed. He did the rest himself, climbing onto the bed and curling up on one side. Samson and I exchanged glances as we both determined what to do.

"Could you leave us for a minute, please?" I asked, not taking my eyes off the still shaking figure that was Eurus. Judging my his silence I could tell he didn't think that was a good idea. "I-I don't know, Florence. He usually keeps his calm- he's never lashed out like that before." He stated, the worry evident in his words. I couldn't blame him, If I saw Josh or Liza like this I would feel more than worried.

I turned to Samson and tried to muster up the most convincing front of confidence I could. I honestly had no idea why I was suddenly acting like this. The only way I could explain it was in the form of a weird tugging sensation. An invisible force drew me to Eurus while my other senses told me to run in the opposite direction. He had just punched a hole clean through a thick wooden door yet I stood here determined to see him stop trembling. My heart and my brain were at opposite ends, as well as everything else. My hands wanted to feel his warmth while my legs itched to run, my eyes remained glued to him while my neck ached to turn the other way. It was something I had to question later, because I had other problems. I had Eurus to worry about.

"Trust me. Please." I pleaded. Samson gave me a apprehensive look but in the end he was the one walking out the room. "I'll be just outside. Shout if you.. need help." He sighed as he walked out. He left the door just the tiniest bit open but I couldn't complain.

Now that I was left alone my new 'instincts' vanished and I awkwardly stood there in the dark as Eurus silently cried to himself. Eventually I found myself cautiously climbing onto the vacant space beside him. He didn't move, only flinch from the gentle hand I placed on his shoulder. The small sign told me that was the wrong move but when I tried removing my hand he quickly caught it with his.

We spent the next few minutes sitting silently, in the dark. This was probably the strangest interaction I've had with anyone.

"Eurus.." I said softly, just to make sure he hadn't fallen asleep. He shuffled around a bit before sniffling. "I don't want to hurt you.." he repeated again. His cryptic mumblings weren't helping my understand what exactly I did to him but it didn't help with the unnerving amount of guilt I was experiencing right now.

"When did this start?" I asked cautiously as I shuffled around a bit, trying to get a little more comfortable. "Festival.." he croaked out as his body shuddered with another sob. There was round of chilling silence as I registered his answer. He'd been like this since the festival? Since I called them selfish?

Whatever you did to me.. it hurts," he further explained, his hand leaving mine and finding its way to his chest. "I-It only started off as a tingling sensation but then it got worse."

I listened closely as the off putting sounds of his scratching filled the almost silent room. I had no idea my words had affected him so much and it made wondered if he was numb or just had a high pain tolerance. The festival was weeks ago! Had he been doing this to himself for that long?

"I'm sorry if I upset you- just make it stop!" He pleaded, his scratching getting more intense. "Eurus, stop it," I said softly as he feverishly clawed at his own chest. "I-I'll leave you alone, I'll never bother you again!"

He nudged at my rib cage as he got up, his scratching only getting more intense. The scene was both frightening and disheartening. How did I affect him this badly? It made me feel like a shit person for causing this much pain!

"Eurus, stop-"

"I'm sorry! I f-failed you-" more scratching.

"Eurus you're hurting yourself!"

"I didn't think it would be this hard!"

"Stop it!" I yelled as I grabbed his hands and tightly pushed them to my own chest. He instinctively clenched his hand, tracing a small claw mark through my shirt. It stung only for a second but I couldn't even focus on the tiny pain as his eyes captured my own. He looked like he was physically drowning in both guilt, fear and pain. "Stop it," I repeated a little more quietly. He sat silent and still until another tremble ratted his entire being and he broke down sobbing, this time into the crook of my neck.

I briefly echoed what he said and ended up being hung up in him apparently failing me. In what form did he fail me? Once again, there was no time to worry about these things as Eurus was literally breaking down in-front of me.

"I'm sorry-" He repeated again but I interrupted him. "Stop saying that Eurus. If anyone has to say sorry it's me." I reassured him. I let go of our caged hands and instead wrapped them around his waist. "I'm so sorry I've done this to you. I-I had no idea I would affect you like this. I Promise I would never hurt you, Eurus. I'd never hurt you." Words spilt out of me like a faulty faucet as I did my best to comfort him. "I would take this all away if I could. You won't leave me because I don't want you to, okay? You don't need to bother me again because you've never bothered me before. I want you to stay, Eurus."

By the time I managed to finish my word-vomit I realised he had stopped sniffling and that my own tears had found their way to the surface. Once again everything was still. No one made a move as we just settled in each others company.

"You're confusing me, Florence. You make me hurt but your touch soothes the pain. I don't want to feel like this anymore." He whispers. He was so gentle with his words you'd think he was as fragile as porcelain. "And you think leaving would stop you from feeling?" I asked, trying my very best not to set him off again. He remained silent. Whether or not if he was deciding an answer of just didn't have one was unclear.

"Eurus, I'm gonna be honest, I've never wanted to hurt you. It's the last thing I want," I started as I unwrapped myself from him and parted us just the tiniest bit. "If you think leaving will stop the pain, then leave. If you stay, well, I'm sure everyone would appreciate that but I would definitely be the most appreciative." I finished whilst trying to look into his sad, dull eyes. His blonde hair obstructed most of his face but I knew how to decipher the look when someone was contemplating something.

"I-I... I don't want to hurt you-" he tried repeating but yet again I intercepted him. "You're not going to hurt me, Eurus. I trust you." I said, biting my lip. I felt this fluttery feeling in my stomach ride in intensity as I admitted to putting my trust in him. There was something calming about saying it aloud. "But I nearly hit you- and I've had these dark thoughts-"

"Eurus." I called quietly, taking his hands in mine again. I tried my best in ignoring the red tinge to his nails and focused on his eyes to which he promptly adverted his gaze. "I trust you." I said again.

We had this strange moment where Eurus finally locked eyes with me and we just kind of sat there, staring at each other. My face felt tingly and hot from the sudden moment of... intimacy? Whatever it was it made my stomach flip and fried my brain. It ended shortly after Eurus disconnected from my hands and out safe bubble, sliding down into bed.

"I'll think about it." Was his answer. It made me internally beam at his answer, even if wasn't a definite one. "Okay," I responded, trying to hide my excited squeal.

I got up to leave him alone in peace but he grabbed my wrist. The interaction gave my entire body a shock and made my heart jump as he held on tightly. "Could you stay here? Just until I fall asleep. It'll make the sensation go away." He half pleaded half ordered. I really didn't want to say no, especially if it meant his pain would ease if I was here with him.

Without another word I fell back into bed and idly laid down. Nothing progressed from here other than the switch up of holding my wrist to entwining his fingers with mine. It was a small gesture but it still managed to make my head hot as magma.

It was nice to lay there, even if we still had things to clear up. It gave me some pride knowing I was somewhat comforting Eurus right now and even provided a sense of comfort for me. Of course, I was the one to cause him pain in the first place but that was something we had to dissect later on. When he was a little more stable and sober.

Just as Eurus' breathing slowed and my eyelids began to droop there were a few voices coming from just behind the door. I internally groaned as I slipped from Eurus' hand and slid off the bed, checking on whatever was going on outside.

I quietly opened the door, expecting to see Samson possibly on a call but what I found was a lot more concerning.

Remus and Rian both standing in the hallway with scowls laying on their features, both directed at Samson. "We waited long enough." Remus grumbled while Rian nodded his head eagerly. "Yeah, cut the shit red. We want to see Florence and maybe the fucker Eurus." Rian demanded.

"How the hell did you even get in?!" Samson cried, as he curled his fists. Before any of them could engage in anything too deadly I cleared my throat effectively earning their collective attention. "I'm okay, guys. Could we keep it down, Eurus is trying to relax." I all but whispered curtly. My messaged seem to get across as they all shut up instantly and looked around the room awkwardly.

"Everything went well?" Samson asked, the hopeful look on his face as evident as his dyed hair. "Define well," I sighed, lightly rubbing at my scratch mark he had given me. Samson's brief hope died down a bit at my answer. I gave him a sympathetic smile before moving onto the two men who both had confused looks on their face.

"Did you talk to him?" Rian asked, nervously pulling at his collar. I nodded, admitting I didn't really know if he was going to stay. They both looked as defeated as Samson.

"Can I ask you guys something?" I wondered, receiving curt nods from the both of them. "Why do you want Eurus to stay all of a sudden?" The question had sat in the back of my head since they called me but only now did it feel appropriate to ask. They both looked at each other for answers but none were given. At least, not verbally.

"That's not important." Remus insisted, playing around with a familiar key card in his hand. "Fine." I said, both confused and miffed. "Can I at least ask how you got one of the staff key cards?" I questioned while quickly taking the card from his hands. Remus frowned like he had lost a prized toy.

"We asked a nearby cleaner!" Rian insisted, seemingly a little proud of himself. I quirked a brow at his answer. That didn't seem like him at all. "No?" Remus said curiously. Rian gave him a glare to which he was oblivious to. "You threatened him into giving you the card-"

"Remus- you fucking idiot!"

I scoffed with a small smile as I listened to them get into a non-violent argument. It was funny watching their antics.

Now, all I had to do was wait for Eurus to awake. My words were enough to get him to consider staying but I had no idea whether or not they could convince him to actually stay. During the entire talk I had completely forgotten about the treaty. I no longer cared for it. I wanted him to stay.. for me?

Shit. What gotten into me?

Hey!! I'm so sorry if this chapter seemed a little off/awkward, confrontation scenes are not my strong suit! I'm trying to improve though! I originally had like five different drafts for this chapter but they all just seemed wrong and/or out of character. I hope y'all still enjoyed this!

I also wanted to put a TW just in case! (Yes, again but I don't want you bunnies getting triggered completely unprepared. Plus, makes me feel like a better person!)

Thoughts and predictions are always welcome!