Unmasked

1. AKA Regaining Strength

"It's true isn't it" Kilgrave edged away from Patsy's lips leaving her standing dumbfounded. He gasps and lets out an excited chuckle like a kid in a toy store. "You would let me take your beloved sister" His whole face lit up; this murder was once again full of life. He began walking over to me. "It's finally over. No more fighting. No more... No more of these ugly displays." Kilgrave continued, waving his hands around at our surroundings. "You'll be with me now" He approached me and placed his cold hand upon my cheek, the other softly stroking my hair. "Look, after a while...however long it takes, I know, I know you will feel what I feel." He took a moment to look me over with a thankful grin on his face. "Now, let's start with a smile." Then, as if by clockwork, my cheeks rise and I felt a cold breeze pass through the gaps in my teeth. I'm smiling. My eyes widen in panic as I slowly discover what is going on. I take in my surroundings, trying to come with a good enough explanation for my actions. But all I see is Kilgrave, all I hear is Kilgrave, and all I start wanting is Kilgrave.

I look deeply into his eyes in attempt of communicating my current confusion, using that to disguise the fear that is passing over me. The smile on his face begins to fade as he longingly looks me over. Then, placing his hand further down on my shoulder, he leans closer to me. My enhanced defense system starts kicking in; I can feel my pulse racing from my legs up as he continues to get closer. What if this was his plan all along, what if now he was finally going to kill me? But no pain followed is actions, at least not physically; instead he whispers in a cold seductive tone "Tell me you love me, Jessica" His mouth was poised in a strange way, awkwardly between a smile and a sob. He stands anxiously awaiting my response. I can see the stress reining over eyes, he's so desperate for me to confirm my current 'state' by following his orders; I can tell there is still a part of him that doubts his powers, a part of him still thinks I'll kill him. I'm suddenly compelled to reach for the collar of his shirt. I begin to stroke it, slowly moving down his chest, all the while my eyes looking deep into his. The last time I did this was when he was my prisoner, back when I was free, but I was only doing it as a form of sweet torture, this time it's very different.

His eyes retained their hold on me. I took a deep breath, trying to buy myself time to figure out what to do. But Kilgrave's words were the only thing in my mind. "I Love You." I said it, I actually said it! And in such a way I didn't think I had in me. I was compassionate, sweetly seductive, the total opposite of the normal me. All my walls, that I fought so hard to build, came crashing down on top of me; all because of this impossible man. By this time Kilgrave had resumed his normal repulsive, in-control aura and was strolling among the groups of innocent people trying to comprehend what was happening to them. Many people are still lying on the ground bleeding to death; don't blame me for not noticing, I was preoccupied.

"You all came here as extras for our TV show. Thank you for your performances they were very...entertaining. You each helped our hero, Jessica, to realise what she wants. " He turned and looked at me, still stuck in his sense of achievement, then carried on talking. "Filming is now over. Go home" Those who could immediately start disappearing around street corners and alleyways until we were left with those too injured to walk, and of course Trish who had found time to place her ear defenders back on her head. "As for the rest of you, forget about me and Jessica. As soon as we've gone, throw yourselves into the river."

When he turns back to face me again he resumes his position by my side, once again stroking my cheek and touching my hair. "As I told you before, I want this to be your choice. I want you to act on your own accord, and in time I know you will. I don't take pleasure from controlling you Jessica, not anymore. But you were never willing to give me another chance, so I'll be harsh for now and make you do just that. As soon as we get past this step I just know you'll begin to realise just how much you need me; and more importantly how much you love me." I freeze at this thought, trying to hide any sign of affection or even reaction to his words. "I would never do anything to hurt you, and I know how much your dear sister means to you. So Trish can walk away from this alive." A cold shiver runs down my spine and my fists tighten at the mention of her name. The Kilgrave I know would not spare a life, especially one that has witnessed first-hand his powers. I would die before he hurts her; I'm determined to stop him from laying a finger on her. He takes off Trish's ear defenders and looks deep into her soul. I want to move and distract him, but something in my head stops me dead in my tracks. "You wanted Jessica to be a Hero. Now you shall let her be one. She shall remain with me; we'll be saving each other. Understood? " Patsy gives a slow exaggerated nod. "Now, you will go home remembering that Jessica saved all these people here tonight. You are proud of her for making a selfless decision by helping me, and you agree that she and I are meant to be together." And with that Patsy walked by me, not bearing a single emotion on her face, she turned the corner and vanished.