~*~

You tore me apart body and soul.

Suspended in half-darkness, swinging above the floor, limbs outstretched at odd angles.  Every part exposed and vulnerable.

"Pain can purify even the most tainted soul."

I begged, bargained, and when that failed, screamed until my throat was raw.  Why, I wanted to know.  After everything we had been through -

But you would only laugh.  The sound  - it cut through me like a razor, sharper and more painful than the implements you used.

"There is no one to hear you."

You ripped through every delicate, tremulous barrier that separated me from your insatiable hunger.  You plunged without remorse into secret depths I feared to explore, not caring when I begged you stop, not hearing when I sobbed for you to continue.

"It will be exquisite."

And it was.  I recall the odd balance between unbearable pleasure and pain.  The chains...and the blood.

"Captain, there's been another crossover accident."

This is what drives me from my bed at night, skin and sheets soaked with icy sweat.  Why I am dry-heaving over my basin.  It's the image of his face - twisted and dark, and achingly familiar.

I know that at the right moment and under the right circumstances, it could be your face too.

* ** * ** * ** *