Randy
“I mean, come on, Y/N.” My voice softened, but I couldn’t keep the edge out of it. “Where’s Billy right now? Shouldn’t he be here with you? Shouldn’t he be the one keeping you safe?”
She didn’t respond immediately, just looked down, her lips pressed tightly together. I could see the conflict written all over her face, and it made my chest tighten.
I stepped closer, my tone gentler this time. “Look, I’m not trying to start a fight or anything. I just… You shouldn’t have to face this alone. And if Billy isn’t here, then let me be.”
She glanced up at me, her big, tired eyes filled with uncertainty. “Randy, it’s not that simple.”
“It is that simple.” I reached out, hesitating for a second before brushing a strand of damp hair away from her face. Her skin was cool to the touch, and I hated the thought of her feeling so vulnerable. “I’m here, Y/N. I can protect you. I’m the horror geek, remember?” I smirked, trying to lighten the mood just enough to make her feel safe.
She let out a soft, shaky laugh, one that didn’t quite reach her eyes but still made my heart skip.
“You’re ridiculous,” she muttered, but her voice didn’t carry the bite it usually did when she teased me.
I took a step closer, letting my hand linger near her cheek. “Maybe, but I mean it. You don’t have to be scared when I’m around.”
She hesitated for a moment before leaning into me, her cheek brushing against my chest as her arms came up tentatively around my waist. I didn’t think; I just acted, wrapping my arms around her tightly, pulling her closer.
It felt like something shifted in that moment, something unspoken passing between us. She wasn’t just my friend anymore—not in my mind. She was mine to protect, to keep safe from whatever psycho was out there.
Her voice was muffled against my chest. “Thanks, Randy.”
“Anytime,” I murmured, resting my chin on top of her head. My heart raced, but I kept my breathing steady. I didn’t want her to feel how much this moment meant to me, not yet.
I leaned back just enough to look at her, keeping my hands on her shoulders. “How about we get out of here? Come to my place. You can grab some clothes for tomorrow, bring your bag with you.” I paused, letting a small grin tug at my lips. “Martha would love it if you were there. She’s been asking about you, you know.”
She tilted her head, studying me with those big eyes of hers. “You think that’s a good idea? What if…”
I shook my head, cutting her off. “You’ll be safe there. My mom and Martha will be home all night. And besides…” I smirked again, trying to keep it light, “I have an actual lock on my door. You’ll be okay, I promise.”
She finally nodded, her body relaxing just a little in my arms. “Okay. Just let me grab my bag.”
I watched as she moved toward the stairs, my chest swelling with something close to pride. I’d done it—I’d gotten her to trust me, to lean on me instead of Billy.
And no one, not even him, was going to take that away.
I leaned against the doorway of Y/N’s room, arms crossed, watching her shuffle around, grabbing things for her bag. My chest still buzzed with pride. I’d gotten her to trust me, to come to me. It wasn’t just about keeping her safe—it was about showing her I was the one who would always be there. Not Billy. Me.
“Don’t forget pajamas,” I said, smirking as she jumped slightly, spinning around to glare at me.
“Damnit, Randy.” Her voice was exasperated, but the corners of her lips twitched, like she was fighting back a smile. “You really gotta stop doing that.”
I chuckled, stepping into the room fully and letting the door swing shut behind me. “What can I say? I’m sneaky.”
She turned back to her dresser, muttering something under her breath, but I wasn’t paying attention. My eyes trailed over her, taking in the tension still lingering in her shoulders, the way her fingers trembled slightly as she folded a shirt. I wanted to take that fear away, make her feel like she didn’t have to carry it anymore.
Before I could think too much about it, I moved behind her, my hands finding her waist. She froze as I slid my arms around her gently, pulling her against me.
“Randy…” Her voice was quiet, unsure.
“Shh,” I murmured, my chin grazing her shoulder. “It’s okay. I’ve got you.”
She didn’t move, didn’t push me away, and for a second, I could feel her relax against me, just barely. Her breathing was shallow, her hands hovering over the dresser like she wasn’t sure what to do.
“I’ll always be here,” I said softly, my voice low. “And don’t worry—I won’t be taking my eyes off of you tonight.”
Her head tilted slightly, like she was trying to process my words, but she still didn’t pull away. My grip around her waist tightened just a fraction, my heart pounding in my chest. This was the closest I’d ever been to her, the closest she’d let me be, at least in the past week or so, and I wasn’t going to ruin it.
“You don’t have to do this alone,” I continued, my voice steady even though my pulse was racing. “I’ll make sure nothing happens to you. I swear it.”
Finally, she turned her head just enough to glance at me, her expression soft but still laced with uncertainty. “Thanks, Randy.”
I gave her a small smile, one that I hoped looked reassuring. “Always.”
She pulled away slowly, turning back to her bag, and I let my hands drop, stepping back just enough to give her space. But even as she moved, I could feel the ghost of her warmth lingering on my palms.
I wasn’t just proud—I was determined. She was starting to see me, really see me, and I wasn’t going to let anyone, not even Billy, take that from me.