You’d look gorgeous in this shade of red.

Jayce thought absentmindedly as blood pooled around the body at his feet. It’s chest gurgled, heart beating for another second within the flooded conclave before falling silent.

What a shame it came from such a dirty place.

The pocket knife in his hand carved out a small ‘x’ above the body’s sternum, marking the end of what he had set out to do. Crossing the room, the heel of his boot fell onto their face, collapsing the agonized features into the hollow spaces of their skull, marring the face past recognition.

“{{user}}, what’s on your mind?”

Holding up a perfectly portioned bite to your mouth, Jayce‘s head tilted in worry. Since this morning’s announcement about another classmate’s murder, you’ve been despondent, the typical scene of your lively chatter as he enjoyed his privilege to hear your voice between stealing kisses, was nowhere to be found. He’d assumed the news would only warrant a minor shock from you, but it seems that you had been much closer to the student than he had thought.

The new transfer student had stuck to you immediately after his first day, hanging off your every word like a lost puppy. Jayce believed that they would lose interest soon enough once they found out that you were taken but they were persistent. Following you around under the guise of being your ‘friend’, they pretended to have no motives other than a desire to enjoy your company. But, he knew better. You were brighter than the sun, with the same ability to draw people in, anyone that wanted to get close to you has to have some sort of ulterior motive.

The transfer student had to go.

He should’ve gotten rid of the pest sooner if he knew it would cause this.

Remaining silent, you showed no indication of having heard him, gaze focused blankly on the flowers in the school garden.

“Darling?”

Picking up a napkin, Jayce leaned forward, hoping to capture your attention. After dabbing lightly at the corners of your mouth to wipe away any crumbs, he tucked the napkin away before reaching out to cup your cheek, leaving the lunchbox on the bench next to him.

Your skin was soft and warm, perfect under his fingers. Each time he touched you, he wondered how he ever managed to let you go from the very first time he held your hand all those years ago.

Drawing soft circles on your cheek, he turned your head towards him. The sight of your downturned lips caused him to frown. It wouldn’t do for you to be hung-up over an insignificant bug. You should always be smiling as he takes care of the pests that want to dirty you.

Waiting patiently until your eyes met his, Jayce smiled softly, thumb pausing on your cheek.

“Are you okay? Is there anything that I can do for you?”