forum In Fair Verona // Modern Romeo and Juliet // Private RP - CLOSED

Started February 05, 2019 by @blue_topaz

tune

I moved to sit up, wincing visibly. "I think–I think I'll be fine." Before he could protest or respond, I was pulling my shirt over my head and reaching for the clean one before a cry of pain could escape the back of my throat.

“Juliet…” I gritted my teeth with worry, quickly handing her the shirt. “Careful, please.”

"I'll be—–gah—–just fine," I croaked, tugging it down over the mess of bandages that covered my stomach.

“Now you’re just being stubborn.” I breathed, cupping Juliet’s face in my hand. “I’ll help slide your pants on.” I added resolutely, lying the pants out so they would be easy to slide into.

I leaned against his touch, heaving a strained sigh as I slipped into the sweatpants. "There. Satisfied?"

“Satisfied.” I sighed, nudging her gently. “Back into bed. My love needs her rest.”

The Following Day
Paris’s POV

Veronica had gotten the call from Angelo two hours ago and I hadn’t stopped pacing since. Our date was cancelled, but now I was worried. Part of me knew it was probably a random attack, but what if this was a calculated strike? What if those bastards are coming after Juliet to stop our marriage?

I got changed into respectable clothing, a dress shirt and dress pants, before heading towards the door. “I’ll be back! I need to check on Juliet!” I yelled towards my mother in the parlor before making my escape towards one of the cars parked in our garage and pulling out into the street.

After Romeo left me to go home the other night, a bottomless pit had opened up in my chest. The numbness returned full force. I didn't eat or drink, I just… lay there, sleepless for the entire night, ignoring my phone as it buzzed from text after text. Nothing mattered any more…

Angelo came up to interrogate me again. I told him nothing, and he shoved the muzzle of a loaded gun into my mouth and yelled until I broke down again. The hollowness returned soon after.

I was still lying in bed now, staring blankly at my forearm as I drew a knife across it for the third time in the past five minutes.

I sped my way across the city, my fingers tapping anxiously on the steering wheel. I was pulling into the Capulet driveway within the hour, throwing the car into park and sprinting up the driveway. I hammered on the door before backing up a step, realizing how aggressive I sounded.

I head the cacophonous pounding from all the way up in my room, and slid the knife beneath my covers. Someone opened the front door—a maid? My father?—and soon, footsteps were making their way towards my room.

I tentatively opened Juliet’s door, not even pausing to take a breath. “Juliet!” I gasped upon seeing her condition and rushed to her side, mumbling a slew of apologies.

My eyes shot open.

Paris? The hollow sensation in my chest gave way to utter panic, and I drew back, curling my body in on itself.

“Juliet, I’m sorry if I startled you. I just found out what happened and I had to check on you.” I soothed, sitting on the edge of her bed.

No, I wanted to yell, No, get away from me. I can’t deal with you right now. But I merely whimpered, squeezing my eyes shut as tight as I could.

My heart broke at the sight of her. She had seemed like such a fighter, yet now she was hardly responsive. “Juliet, can you tell me who did this?”

I tightened my fingers around the fresh gashes along my forearm, praying he wouldn’t notice. “Montagues,” I croaked. “Who else?”

“Did you see who though?” I asked gently, unwilling to push her on the subject. “Anyone you’d recognize? Or that you can describe?”

I clenched my teeth and shook my head. “Spare—Spare me anther interrogation, Paris. I’ve told Angelo everything I know—I couldn’t see them for most of it. They… put a sack over my head.”

“I’m sorry, Juliet.” I sighed. “I merely worry for your safety. I’ll bring the culprit to justice. I believe I know who is it…” I looked away, glancing around the room. “My own kin…”

I feigned confusion, shrinking subtly back. “Kin? Who? You mean——“

“Juliet, don’t stress. I don’t want you to worry about anything. You’re safe now.” I smiled warmly at her, ignoring the cold pit of dread that formed in my stomach.

“Mercutio?” I cut in, forcing my tone to flatten out. If I got Romeo’s best friend killed…. “Why would he have anything to do with this?”

“We’ll discuss it when you’re fedling better, Juliet.” I decided, not wanting to street her out anymore than she already was. “Do you need anything? It would be my pleasure to take care of it for you.”

I visibly tensed at the idea and shook my head——the only person I wanted taking care of me was Romeo. Possibly Marina, who still had no idea about my current condition. “I’m acting weak enough already,” I answered quietly, pretending this was the reason, “Don’t change the subject on me, Paris.”

“You’re not acting weak. You were ambushed.” I argued back quietly. “Let yourself rest for once. Are you certain you don’t need anything?”