Chapter Text
I've noticed something is off lately.
It's not as if anything has physically changed, but something in my subconsious buzzes at certain times of the day.
When I wake in the mornings, it's not there. But when I slip out of bed and head to the shower, the uncomfortable itch overcomes me. The feeling of being watched.
It usually leaves after I step out, towel myself off and get dressed for the day.
It happens the most when I'm outside; walking to my local grocery store has never felt so tense and terrifying. Whenever I check over my shoulder, expecting a looming shadow, nothing is there.
Call it a woman's intuition, but I know something is wrong. I've installed blinds and curtains in every room and reinforced the locks on my front door. But it does nothing to make me feel safer.
I haven't told my friends about this newfound anxiety – Not yet, at least. There's a part of me that's embarrassed – what if it is all in my imagination?
~♡~
I sigh to myself, scrolling through my phone before work. As the clock strikes half past, I groan and get up.
Checking that my bag is packed, I head outside and lock the door. Walking down the stairs of my apartment, I suddenly stiffen.
There it is. That awful buzzing.
Hastily skipping down the stairs, I clench the pocket knife in my sweaty palm. I've religiously carried it with me since the paranoia started.
Making my way outside, I clamber into my car and take a deep breath. I feel slightly safer in this metal box, even though the invisible eyes still linger.
When I'm out of the driveway, it's gone.
~♡~
Work is boring and strenuous, as usual. I'm a restocker for a large retail store, and between stocking boxes and the annoying, antsy customers, I'm seriously considering changing jobs.
Lifting the heavy products onto the shelf, my breath catches when I suddenly feel watched again.
This feels different than usual.
I nervously glance around and only notice a tall man at the end of the aisle. He's wearing a dark jacket with a hood over his head, and washed out jeans. The stranger is staring at the range of dog toys and treats.
My eyes return to the task at hand, all the while aware that he's steadily striding closer.
"Excuse me." He quietly asks, voice gruff and deep.
I turn to him and politely smile, "Hi, what can I help you with?"
His features are angular. Dark blonde stubble compliments his sharp jawline, with a few silver scars dotted around. His nose is slightly crooked and prominent, and his brows are furrowed.
I gulp when his intense eyes meet mine.
"I need help with what to choose," He briefly explains, hands stuffed in his pockets, "I'm getting a new puppy."
My smile is bright as I follow him over to the selection of dog toys, collars and beds. "Aw, that's nice! How old will they be?"
"She's gonna be twenty four weeks." He rasps, the corners of his lips slightly upturned.
I grin in return, facing the products and thinking. "Well, do you have anything so far?"
He hums, "Food, crate, treats."
"You'll probably need a collar," I muse, "And a bed."
He reaches for one of the adult sized collars and tests its durability. His fingers hook around the material and tug. I try not to blush when I realise how calloused and veiny his hands are.
"That's for an adult dog," I interject, picking up the smaller ones, "This might be better."
The stranger smirks, "She's a big pup." He doesn't explain further.
I nod and place the item back on the rack, trailing towards the beds. My fingertips graze over the soft material.
"What's her name?" I ask to try and keep up the conversation.
He leans a little closer and mutters, "Angel."
My heartrate picks up a little and I will myself to calm down.
Don't be ridiculous. He's not saying that to you.
Still, the sound of the petname out of his scarred mouth sounds divine.
"I don't know much about dogs," I admit, "But surely, the bigger the bed, the better. Right?"
His shoulder lightly touches mine as he reaches to feel the fluffy fabric. "Maybe. I don't wanna spoil her." He chuckles.
I shrug and pick up one of the plush, average sized beds. It's a soothing light blue and looks more like a large pillow than a bed.
"How about this one?"
He takes it in his hands and nods, "Seems good. Thank you."
My cheeks heat up again, "No problem. I hope you have fun with her!"
The man tilts his head to the side, hooded eyes observing me intently.
"I will."