HOME | DD

Description
The world is such an interesting place.

The land around me ripples slightly as I walk, my feet making no noise against the grass. Opening my mouth to speak, I find that my throat is being constricted.
The large field I’m standing in melts into a house, specifically my house. It seems warmer in here, brighter, nicer. The rooms are filled with light and energy as I meander through the house. My vision quickly flicks to a view of the window by my bed, I’m laying down. I can see the starry sky outside and it fills me with a sort of odd nostalgia. A warm glow comes from my right, and I assume by the flickering that it is a candle. Warmth is flooding my being as I lay there, bubbles filling my chest as a large object presses down on my body.
But as fast as it came, it went.
I’m back to walking around the house, my body somehow lighter than before. I hear a voice call my name, but its not one I recognize. Turning, I see a small girl run up to me, her soft feet pitter-pattering against the floor with excited thumps. Her hair is a beautiful (y/h/c) and her eyes are a strange blue color, hints of sapphire and diamond flecks are in the little girl’s eyes make them look like galaxies. The girl’s voice is both known and unfamiliar, I’ve never heard it before, but it contains a certain smooth quality that I swear I know.
“Mum! Mum! Come outside and see what Dad and I made!” The girl takes my hand, and I sleepily assume she is my daughter based on that greeting. We begin walking and the little girl starts rambling about something I don't quite hear.
As she begins leading me outside, my vision flicks to a thunderstorm. Pain shoots down my right arm and I hear meat tearing. I’m screaming and thrashing around in the thick mud beneath me. Something large is holding me down, and I can feel the bark of a tree scrape against my back. I realize the field I’m in is the same one as before, but that’s of little consequence as I feel something bite down onto the crook of my neck, sending pain shooting through my body.
And as suddenly as the other scenes had passed, I find myself once again in bed. The feeling of something pressing down on me still there. Something soft is rubbing against where my shoulder was bitten, filling the area with a tingly, bubbly sensation.
What’s going on?
The first semi sane thought I have during this dream causes me to turn and face whoever is on top of me. But just as I do so, the soft candle lighting goes out, and I’m left in near darkness with whatever is on me. Cool breath washes over my neck as the thing on top starts to move, trailing up my neck and then tracing my jaw.
And as the thing kisses me, I feel the world around me cave in. each scene flicking back and forth in my view. But despite my rapidly changing scenery, I can still feel the thing’s presence on me.

The world makes no sense.

I wake up the same place I fell asleep: the couch.The windows show that it’s late morning, based on the bright sunbeams that illuminate the room. My head is propped up against a pillow and something firm. My legs are stretched out and tangled up in blankets. A soft gust of cool air feathers against my neck. And upon looking down, I realize that I am not alone.
Jack’s body is sprawled over mine, his forehead resting against my collarbone. Our legs are tangled together and one of his arms is resting beneath my head. The urge to move grows stronger as I feel Jack shift slightly, pressing into my hips, stomach, and chest. I wiggle in place, just to gauge his reaction, but all that does is make Jack hold on slightly tighter.
“Jack?” I try to move again, but all this does is make Jack shift his head slightly. “Jack, get up. I can’t move.” Speaking a little louder, I softly move and poke Jack in the side of the head. And of course, all this does is make the large eyeless man grunt and bury his face in my neck. “Seriously, get up.”
Again, no response but a small movement. A deep rumbling noise comes from Jack and I feel something wet touch the side of my neck. I nearly leap off of the couch when I realize the source of the rumbling: Jack’s stomach. Which leads me to the second conclusion of the morning: there is a tongue on my neck.

I dont really understand why this is romanticized so much, I mean, I’m not the most flirty of people, but I just don't get the appeal. Why do writers, directors, and just regular people idealize the thought of mouth-on-neck things happening?
Because this is mildly gross and uncomfortable.
The rumbling happens again, and I can feel Jack’s stomach move. My neck becomes uncomfortably wet and sticky as Jack continues to mouth at me sleepily.
“Jack! Wake up!” My screaming finally awakens Jack, and he practically flings himself off of the couch. “Ugh, why are you yelling? It’s too early for that…” Jack stares up at me from the ground, hair messy and clothes rumpled. The innocence of him in that moment almost makes me want to forgive him, but the sticky wetness on my neck and the blush on my face spurs me to yell some more.
“You were licking me you sick weirdo! Go eat something before I become your next meal.” It was kind of harsh to say, but it worked to get Jack moving. “Oh. I apologize (y/n), I hope I didn’t cause too much….harm….” Jack’s voice steadily quiets before fading out completely. The man’s wide, eyeless sockets revealing nothing but utter horror. “Um. (y/n), you might want to go get that checked in the bathroom….” and with that, Jack stands up and nearly sprints from the room, leaving me with a growing sense of dread.
I stand, racing toward the bathroom. A nervous knot forms in the pit of my stomach as I enter the smaller bathroom, flicking on the light and standing in front of the mirror.

Purple, black, and blue litters the side of my neck, along with several indentations which could only be described as tooth-like. A loud yelp falls from my lips and I take a few steps back. It looks as if this had been a stretched out thing, like whoever did this had a while to work. And there could only be one culprit to this: Jack. I turn, rushing out of the bathroom and running into the kitchen. Jack is sifting through the fridge hurriedly, “What the fuck Jack!?” screaming only startles the man, who promptly stands up and slams the back of his head against the fridge’s top. “I-I didn’t m-mean to!” the violent blush that appears on my roommate’s face is almost enough to convince me he’s telling the truth. But that doesnt excuse the presence of the bruise, nor does it explain why it’s there.
“Whatever, at least I dont have to actually go anywhere.” I sigh, sitting down at the table and gingerly placing a hand on my neck. I have to remain kind of calm, to be honest, the last thing I need is another meltdown.
“well…..actually…..I need a few things….” Jack folds his hands in front of him, staring down at the floor and shuffling his feet. “I’m sure we have it here. What is it?” I reply, mildly frustrated as Jack sits down in front of me. Pulling a small list from his pocket, Jack begins to read off of the paper hesitantly
“Mason jars, a small fridge, gas mask, a sharpening stone for small knives, and an air diffuser, preferably one that works fast.” suspicion fills my stomach, causing me to forget about the large bruise on my neck. “Mason jars are in the basement with the sharpening stones. Why the living hell do you need a gas mask? Or a fridge?” I ask, almost too scared to question the diffuser.
“The gas mask is for you. Don’t ask, I’ll explain later. I can’t eat animal organs forever, (y/n). I need human organs. And im guessing if I dont start hunting soon, you will be my first human meal in months.” bile rises in my throat as Jack speaks, causing me to back away slightly. I have no idea how Jack gets his “meals”, and I’d rather not find out by being one.
“B-but what about-” “Money? Dont fret.I’ll cover the expenses.” Jack’s expression melts into a blank calmness,I do not believe I’ve seen Jack this calm in a long time. His wide sockets and blank features give him the look of a tranquil cat. The combined worry from listening to his talk of “hunting” with the possibilities that I could be the next meal is enough to shake my core.
“Alright, I’ll go get your things. But what are you going to do in the meantime?” I mutter, trying to pretend like this is a normal thing to talk about. “Obviously, I’m going with you. Hope you dont mind, but I booted up your old laptop and checked around town. There’s a convention nearby, so I’m sure if I went without my mask, I could pass for a cosplayer.” A proud look passes over Jack’s face before melting back into a calm expression. I take several moments to scan Jack’s features, “how are you going to explain the lack of eyes?” a momentary spark of joy passes over me and I sit up in my chair. “Easy, sunglasses.” knowing that Jack is adamant about me taking him, I give in.
Standing up I begin striding toward the staircase, Jack soon following me. “So? Can I come with?” The childish tone in his voice almost makes me want to be excited about this trip, but I collect myself and remain calm. “Yes. you will be coming with. I suggest you change. And I would ask you to take a shower, but you smell good anyway. So dont bother. “ I reply as I ascend the stairs, Jack still following. “Great! I’ll be ready to go when you are.” the eyeless man is surprisingly cheerful as he follows me, though I cant help but wonder if he knows where I’m going.
Entering my room, I begin to search through my drawers, pulling out regular civilian clothes to wear. “So do you actually have a car or a vehicle? Because I’ve never seen you actually leave and I-” “Jack. I’m changing. Get. Out.” The excited demon glances at the bundle of clothes in my arms, then looks back at me. “But what if I dont want to?” a sly smirk crawls up onto Jack’s face. “Then you can just get out of my damn house and go back to being a hobo.” I reply, watching Jack’s face pale slightly. “O-okay. You dont have to be like that! I’ll see you in a bit.” Turning, Jack waves a hasty goodbye before rushing downstairs.

Placing my clothing on the dresser, I cast one last look at the open door before changing.
I havent driven my truck in months.

It was a gift from a family friend, someone who supposedly knew me when I was a toddler. One large dark gray truck, the tags are surprisingly still up-to-date, though I cannot recall as to why.
I climb into the front seat, gazing at the nice upholstery and the intricate radio system. A letter is poking out from the open glovebox, and I reach in to grab it.
Another letter from Grandma. But this is one I knew about, as I’ve seen it multiple times. Though I could never bring myself to read it. I guess Jack was right, I need to stop putting up walls against my grandparents and accept this. I reach over and pluck the letter up out of the glovebox, opening it with my thumb and pulling the decorative paper out from the envelope. Grandma’s smooth, looping handwriting brings a small spark of joy to my heart as I begin to read.

Dear (y/n),

You waited until the last minute to open this didn't you? You little shit.
I know you don't understand the significance of this vehicle, but don't worry, the meaning will come in time.
I know you probably don’t remember it, but you used to spend a lot of time around a young man named Dave. Weird kid, rather nasally voice and an odd way of speaking. But still, he cared for you like a younger sibling. I remember you telling that boy that one day you would grow up and you’d go on a magical journey around the world with your truck. And Dave, being a tender soul, offered to teach you everything he knew about cars and trucks so that you could grow up and live your dream.
And judging by the fact that you now own this truck, you may now go on this adventure.
This truck was modified especially for you, (y/n). The seats in the back (which are very comfortable indeed) flip up to hold a gratuitous amount of bedding inside. The middle console has a flip up cooler, and the radio was designed by myself.
Your grandfather and I wanted to give you something you could explore with, but we only want one thing in return: Dont do it alone.
You need people around you, (y/n). Always have, always will. So please, do us a favor and find a friend to watch over you. Not that we think you cant handle it, but we worry that you might not want to face all of life’s challenges alone.
With love,
Gramma.

Sighing softly, I sit back in my seat. I miss them so much.
Glancing back down at the letter, curiosity fills me and I find myself flipping open the center console. Just as Grandma had said, there is a cooler in there. I vaguely wonder if the back seat flipped up too, but before I can get to it, the passenger side door opens and Jack climbs in.
“You look ridiculous” I state, staring at the clearly-not-human creature. “No I dont. I look fantastic.” Jack retorts, crossing his arms and leaning back. “Where did you get that shirt?” I ask, buckling my seatbelt, starting the truck, and backing out of the garage. “Oh this? I actually own this. Went out and grabbed my duffel bag from the forest while you were sleeping a few nights ago. Figured I could use some extra clothing.” Jack shrugs, adjusting the homestuck shirt carefully before turning to look at me. “You like homestuck?” I question, wondering why the living hell Jack would own such a thing.
“Yes and it’s none of your business.” Jack huffs, reclining his seat a little too far back for a normal person. Silence falls between us as I pull out from the driveway and onto the vaguely familiar road into town.
“Well?”

“What?” Jack mutters, looking at me from behind dark sunglasses. “Sorry, I was wondering if you would continue and maybe give me some light on your past. Seemed like an appropriate time.” I reply, accelerating steadily. “Do you want to know about my past?” A soft hum follows Jack’s question. “Obviously.” I huff.

“Well, I certainly wasnt always a homeless man. I actually had the opportunity to live in a very large estate. Rather regal if you ask me. My colleagues were fairly nice to me, though I could never call them my friends.One particular resident, a woman of literal royalty, had taken a shining to me. Said I had ‘a deviating future which lies outside of our realms’. I have no clue what that means, but she was a nice lady. Looked to be about our age, but was actually incredibly old. No clue what she’s up to now.
Anyway, they all let me stay in their mansion or whatever, had free food and internet. Courtesy of our queen. But I had taken Lady E’s words to heart, and thus I moved out, deciding to strike out on my own and see if my ‘deviating future’ lay in that.”
Jack spoke with an odd form of calm, like the experience was a lot more emotional than he will let on. But I dont pry.
“So, you all have a society?” Jack’s people seem pretty interesting, and we have a long drive ahead. “Sort of. We live in the under realm, and because our species is entirely comprised of assholes, some of us group together in ‘houses’. Overall, however, we are all governed by a single Queen. And she lived in a House with myself and several others.” A yawn escapes Jack as he finishes explaining, “Oh….So, do you think you’ve found your ‘deviating future’?” Chuckling softly, I relax in my seat, putting the truck on cruise control.
“Well let’s see, I’ve been humiliated, kidnapped, abused, thrown into a watery pit to die, starved of my natural foodsource, and forced into a life of permanent terror at the woman who did it...” I glance toward Jack, my eyes wide with tears and utter betrayal. Pain knots up in my chest, it really is hard to face your sins when the time comes, isnt it?
“Hold on. I’m not done.
I was abused and humiliated. Left to rot in the dead of winter. And then I was fished out by some fuckass little girl who proceeded to make sure I was at least fed and warm. The same fuckass little girl who is scared and just wants a friend to keep her safe. Also the same girl who has an amazing grandmother. So yeah. I think I have a deviating future.” Jack smiles, leaning back a bit further in his chair. A soft blush forms on my cheeks,

“thanks Jack.”
“No problem, darling.”