If Only... (Slenderman x Fem!Reader)

This day had been coming, and he knew it.

Yet, that simple fact hadn't been enough to stop him from wanting the clock to reverse and prevent you from doing this.

Out of all the proxies and pastas that lived under his roof, you were the one that managed to irk him and get under his skin the least. He'd never actually found the words to say it, but he- the one and only Slenderman- cared for you a great deal.

A part of him argued that that was exactly why he'd kept silent. He was a ruthless killer, and feared by many in both the supernatural and mortal communities. Affection was a form of weakness in his mind.

But that simple reasoning never managed to completely eradicate his emotions towards you. It was like an invisible arrow to the shoulder. Ever present, always stinging, but never seen.

Now he wished he'd spoken up sooner. Then you wouldn't be walking down the aisle, headed for your dim future as Zalgo's bride.

An agreement had to be reached, else the entire supernatural community faced civil war between two of the most powerful entities. Naturally, Zalgo had said he'd cease his arguments with the Slender household if he gained something in return; you.

You had accepted the offer against your operator's wishes, knowing that the threat of war was much bigger than you and your meager proxy power. Your (e/c) eyes had been dim as you'd looked at Slender after you'd agreed and seen his stance. Something about it screamed betrayal, anger, and hurt. He hadn't been able to look at you since.

Music began to swell, and Slender swiveled in his seat along with everyone else gathered in the banquet hall. He was slightly shocked at how nicely the ivory dress clung to your (light/dark) skin, and the strands of (f/c) ribbon in your (h/c) hair complimented the whole look. He'd wanted to see you in a wedding gown, but not under circumstances like these.

You smiled sadly as you took your first steps toward your future husband. He had insisted on a human wedding reception to stay true to your mortal heritage. You didn't want to anger him, so you'd let him plan everything out. Even though you were doing this for the good of everyone else, you couldn't help but feel numb inside as you watched any chance of your bright future go flying out the window with every step you took.

When your eyes landed on Slender, he turned away and your smile fell. You wanted to apologize and explain yourself, and hopefully rekindle the friendship you'd shared with the tall being. Now you feared you would never get the chance.

The ceremony passed by in a blur. You repeated your vows just as you'd memorized them, putting no more emotion into the words than was necessary. A part of you couldn't believe that it was truly your wedding day, and that you'd agreed to marry a creature you didn't love.

Only a few parts stood out to you in the otherwise haze of events, colors, and conversations.

The first was the group of proxies you considered your closest friends were sitting next to Slender and watching the entire time. You shot Masky and Hoodie a small, forlorn smile when you caught them looking in your general direction, but never did receive a response from them.

Next was the twinge in your gut as the proxy bond that held you to the Slender household was handed over to Zalgo as you said your vows in front of the crowd. You weren't quite sure, but you could have sworn you'd seen Slender flinch and curl his hands into fists as he felt it as well.

And the last thing you could remember quite clearly was Slenderman standing and striding towards the door at a quick pace when the other guests stood to congratulate you. He never even gave you a backwards glance, and it shredded what remained of your heart. You barely managed to keep a fake smile plastered to your face as you watched him depart.

Jeff and some of the others looked like they wanted to speak with you, but their operator, now your former one, obviously ordered them to return to the mansion via telepathy, if their well-hidden winces were anything to judge by.

With tears forming in the corners of your eyes, you watched as your friends left you. Zalgo's clawed hand was on the small of your back to keep you in place as he smirked triumphantly at gaining his newest prize.

-oOo-

Slender furiously slammed the door to his bedroom shut, not particularly caring that it made the walls and ceiling vibrate.

He hated the fact that he couldn't save you from the claws of his nemesis. He hated that he was allowing you to get to him. But most of all, he hated that he would never be able to see you again.

If only he'd spoken up.

If only he'd prevented you from going through with all of this.

If only he'd drug you back home before you could speak your vows.

If only...

If only he'd told you he loved you.