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pink-caterina · 4 years

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The Cost of a Legacy (7)

Summary : He sees her and she’s the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen, everything perfect. Well except the fact that they’re growing up during the revolutionary war. Their love will hit many hurdles and what the future has in store may not be what they planned.

Pairing : John Laurens x Reader

Words : 3,697

October 1776, Switzerland

4 years later

Dearest Daughter,

I know my letters have been few and far between and I do apologize. I think now is a good time for you to know what our situation is, since the colonists have declared their independence, the business has collapsed. As you know our ships to transport our “Merchandise and goods” were all harbored in London. The British government has taken those ships back and left me without a cent. I regret to inform you that I, Thomas Gavalanch have failed you, I'm sorry princess. Our savings are also gone due to bad investments I made in the last years.

I know it's a bad situation, and because of it you have to come back. In this envelope, there is enough to get you back to New York. I know it's cruel to rip you from your world in Switzerland but unfortunately darling I can no longer pay to have you abroad. Please on your long journey back try to forgive your father. I tried to do what I thought was best.

Sincerely

Your father, Thomas Gavalanch

“What did the old man say?” She turned to John who was watching her from his seat across her room. To an outsider, the scene looked wrong, a young woman alone in her room with a man who is not her husband but to them, it was normal. This is how the last four years had been going for the two, two friends who loved- liked each other's company. And would sometimes sneak a kiss here or there, totally normal.

She turned to him and smiled, placing the letter under her pillow, “Nothing just that he misses me, and he's sorry for not writing to me as often.” (Y/n) turned back to her book in her lap, pretending that the letter didn't faze her. She stared at the page trying to concentrate on it, her mind not allowing her. When would she leave? Did her father already cancel her classes, or would she have to? Maybe Anna knew more than her, she'd have to speak to the older lady after John left. Oh gosh, John! What is she going to do, just leave him again? “Hey, are you okay?” She looked up, John now sitting next to her, her book in his hand. “Yea just, thinking of daddy. I haven't seen him in so long, he hasn't seen me in years. When I finally see him again I wonder if he'll recognize me.” John looked at her, a stare that often made her blush. “When Gavalanch sees you again he will be stunned to see what a beautiful woman you've become. He'll be sorry he missed seeing you transform from a pretty girl to a goddess of a woman.” She laughed slapping his arm, he laughed also at his comment. “I'm not lying you know? You are the most beautiful woman I've laid my eyes on. Not just that though, you are also intelligent, charming, elegant, a perfect young woman.” She blushed looking up at him.

“I actually wanted to ask you something.” He pulled out a cloth wrapped with a ribbon out of his jacket. “I don't know if you remember but for my seventeenth birthday, you sent me a letter with this ribbon. I kept it when we were apart all those months ago, I remember carrying it everywhere with me because it gave me hope we'd be together again one day. After I stopped writing to you, I still carried it everywhere with me, it comforted me like I knew you would. When you wrote to me your last letter I cried with it in my hands, and in the envelope, you sent your necklace, the one I gifted you for your fourteenth birthday. I remember you swore to me you'd never take it off.” (Y/n) sighed, about to explain herself.

“I understand why you returned it to me, I made you feel unloved and I never want to make you feel like that again. For the rest of my life, I swear to you, on my life that you will never feel that helpless again.” He untied the ribbon to reveal the necklace, “You said to find a good wife and give this to her, well (Y/n) if you'd have me I'd like to give this to you.” She gasped, tears running down her face, and asked him the only question on her mind. “John, are you asking me to marry you?”

He smiled using his other hand to wipe her tears, “It's not proper I know, since we technically have not been courting, and I haven't asked your father. And I only have this necklace to give you- I'm doing all this wrong right. This probably isn't how you pictured it, (Y/n) what I'm trying to say is that I do things that feel right and you and me are right. So what do you say?”

“Yes, yes John Laurens I will marry you.” He threw his fist in the air, celebrating his victory. He finally had her, John took the necklace and locked it around her neck. He turned to her capturing her lips with his, both so happy to be in that moment. He started kissing all around her face as she laughed, “John! John, oh my John.” He pushed him away, his lips still purcered. “What, I just want to kiss my fiance?” She laughed, still holding him away from her, “I have something serious to tell you.” He stopped his actions and sat still, “What could be more serious then what I just said?” (Y/n) took a deep breath, what to say.

“I lied.”

“About wanting to marry me?” His face paled. “No about what the letter said, from my father.”

“Oh thank god, continue love.” She took another breath, “I need to get back to New York, he needs help and he's asked for me to return. Were- were broke, the business is dead and he can't afford to have me here anymore. He says he's made a lot of bad investments and wants me back home.” She waited for his expression to change but it didn't, she thought hed look angry or disappointed. “Say something.” He sighed, “Well I guess I am going to have to ask Gavalanch for his blessing.” He laughed, pulling her into a hug. “Are you mad?’ She asked, her head in his chest.

“No, this is what you've waited for, to finally go home. Im happy for you (Y/n) you're going home to see Gavalanch, Angelica and her sisters I'm so happy for you.” He said with complete sincerity. “What about you?” He snorted, “What do you mean about me? I'll be right behind you, (Y/n) you are not getting rid of me, where you go I go.” She sighed in relief, “I thought you'd be mad.”

“No, I thought originally that we'd just stay here, start our life here. But the colonies that's home. So if you're going home, so am I.” She blushed when he said starting their lives, she was engaged to a man she loved. “I love you John.”

“I love you (Y/n).”

---

“Oh Anna.” (Y/n) hugged her maid, what a mother figure she'd become for her. She wished Anna could come with her to New York but she had her own family in Switzerland. “You must visit me every chance you get dear, don't forget about the time we spent here.” She nodded hugging the older woman again, tears welling in her eyes.

“Hey, hey no crying this a happy moment! You're going home, it took long enough.” John who had just turned up with the rest of their bags. Both of them left Switzerland. “Anna I just wanna thank you for taking care of my bride to be, you've been an excellent caretaker and friend to her.” He leaned in giving her a side hug. “Of course sir, be sure to come back when you have little ones, I'd love to see your beautiful children.” They both blushed, “Of course Anna.” (Y/n) hugged her once more, the older woman gave one last goodbye and retreated up the docks.

“Are you ready?” She turned to him, frowning. “Yeah, I'll miss it here but at least you're coming with me. I just wish you could come with me now.” He sighed pushing a strand of hair out of her face, “I know but I promise after I settle things with my father in London I will be on the next ship to the colonies.” She nodded leaving up to kiss him goodbye. Hopefully not for long, she wanted him home so they could tell her father about the engagement together. She pulled away, leaning down to grab her bags. “I should get going, it's odd you know. This is like dejavu.”

“Promise me when you get home you won't leave me again.” She looked at him through her lashes, her face serious. This time things needed to be different, she couldn't live without John. “Hey, look at that necklace around your neck. If I promised I won't leave you again I wont. I promised to marry you so the only way you'll get rid of me is in death okay? When I get home to you we will tell Gavalanch and start planning our wedding okay?” She nodded, throwing herself in his chest. “Get home safe okay John.” She planted one last kiss on his cheek and turned towards her ship. “(Y/n)!” She turned to see one of the biggest smiles from John. “Honey! If I have to swim the atlantic to get to you I will.” She laughed, blowing him a kiss which he pretended to catch. He watched as she boarded her ship, before turning to the one on the other side of the harbor. He boarded watching her ship take off, he'd take care of his business in London as soon as he could and then head home to (Y/n). Now to earn his father's approval and respect.

---

Here she was back in the greatest city in the world, well in her opinion. Just being back in Manhattan made her heart feel almost complete again, only thing that was missing was John but he'd be back in a couple of weeks with the rest of her soul. For now she could deal, she couldn't wait to see Angelica, Oh! And her sisters must be so big now! She grabbed her bags and began looking around for her father. She searched the port for a while before she retreated back to her starting point. Where was he? He said he'd be here to greet her and take her home.

She sighed looking off in the distance for him, maybe he was late. ”Excusez-moi are you Miss Gvalanch?” She turned to see a very handsome man speaking to her, sounding French she thought. “Yes I am, (Y/n) Foire Gavalanch. If you don't mind me asking, who are you? Are you one of my father's helpers?” He laughed, taking her hand and kissing it. “Marquis de Lafayette, you can call me Lafayette. I do not work for you father but I was sent to bring you home.” She nodded handing him a bag, he led them to a carriage taking her other bag and tossing it in, before assisting her in. “I will eh- return in a moment.” She watched as he went up to the driver, she assumed he was telling him the direction to her home. She took notice how tall the man was, he towered over her earlier. She was trying to compare him to John who was only an or two taller than her, Lafayette was maybe 5 inches taller than her. “Merci” He joined her inside, sitting directly across from her. “Pardon, I walked here so I had to eh- direct him.” (Y/n) nodded staring out the window taking in the scenery.

“So Foire? You know in French that means fair?” She nodded, “I took a bit of French when I was younger, I assume that's your home country?” He smirked at her, “It is my motherland, let me just say Miss Gavalanch you are foire.” He turned his head to the widow, she blushed doing the same to cover her red face.

---

“Here's your bag Sir.” John thanked the man taking his bag, here he was back in London. He looked around the port, it felt like just yesterday he had rejected Martha here, he sighed leaving the port. He had his father's address from letters from Henry, now if only he remembered how to arrive.

He approached a man, “Excuse me sir,can I bother you for directions?” The man scoffed eying John down, “Are you from the colonies?” The man asked him, John assumed he guessed by the lack of an accent. “I am? Sorry I'm just in need of direction.” The man looked angry as he towered over John, maybe he should have asked someone a little friendlier looking. A group surrounded the two of them, “Tell me boy do you think you guys can just declare independence and you're done with us? No son we own you, King George owns the colonies.” Ah, that explains it, this man was a supporter of the crown, well he assumed everyone here was. He remembered reading the Declaration of Independence by Thomas Jefferson,while in Switzerland. Written very well in his opinion.

“Well boy?” The man and his group awaited his response. “Sir I don't want any trouble, I'm just trying to see my father” The man pushed John’s chest, “You should've thought of that before you showed your face in London” The man swung first hitting John straight in the eye. John dropped his bag, he was never one to step away from a fight. He pounced at the men, delivering blow after blow, not even registering the hits the man was landing on him, he knew he was doing more damage.

In between the shouts of the crowd John heard a voice louder then the rest, “Gentleman stop this! Stop!” Another accentless person, was it who he thought? He was pulled off the man by the powerful voice and dragged out the crowd as the bystanders checked on the bloody man. John did good, he won this fight. John collected his bag and turned the man who dragged him out, “Hey thank you- Henry? Is that you?” Henry looked at the man, finally recognizing his older brother's face. “John? Brother oh my god, what are you doing here?”

“Causing trouble, what does it look like?” They laughed, as they embraced each other. “Henry you've grown so much in the last four years, I mean look at you, you are a man now.” Henry chuckled, “Me look at you! You look so old now!” He joked, noticing his eye swelling. “Oh gosh we should ice that, you just had to approach the guy who's the most loyal to the crown right?” John laughed touching his eye, “Lead the way little brother.” Henry grabbed one of his two bags and lead his brother to his home.

“So why was that guy so pissed? Isn't the war in the colonies?” Henry sighed, “It is but you know men here tend to be very loyal to their monarchy. Most of them didn't take the news very well, calling the “United States” ungrateful. Anyone who fled here or was already living here has been treated pretty badly, that's why I put on a british accent when I need to.” He said the last part with a convincing accent, John laughed. “That's pretty good.”

“Took me four years but I did it.” They laughed, finally arriving at the home John hardly remembered. He had only spent two weeks in it before he fled to Switzerland, to (Y/n). “Is James home?” Henry shook his head, “No he's got two more hours of school, but the father is home.” John nodded taking a deep breath before being led into their home. “I'll be in my room. Father, I'm home.” He called out before running up to his room. “Okay, son!” He heard his father from the end of the hall, he assumed his study, he placed his bags down and began walking down to him. He walked up to the room, stood at the open door, and knocked, “Henry what do you need I'm busy.”

“It's not Henry.” His father turned swiftly, obviously recognizing his son's voice, “John.” His father stood up, smiling before pulling his son into his arms. “Hi Dad, how have you been?” His father pulled away taking good luck with his son, “I’m good son, my god you've grown so much, well not in height but your face looks older.” John smiled confused at that compliment, “John what are you doing here?”

“Well, I was on my way back to the colonies-”

“For the war? Oh, I knew one of my sons would fight, James is too young and well you know Henry hates confrontation. I actually mean to write to you about this-”

“No dad, well I don't know. I'm an engaged dad.” Henry's smile turned into a frown, stepping away from John. “To the Gavalanch girl I assume.” John nodded, already annoyed by his father's tone. “Yes and I'm going to marry her and we're going to start our family in the colonies.”

“Have you spoken to Mr. Gavalanch about this?” John frowned, ”No not yet, (Y/n) went ahead of me to the colonies, but when I get there we will speak to him together. Dad I came to tell you and well more importantly to get mothers' rings.” His father laughed, “You proposed without a ring?” John blushed, “Yes but mother gave me her ring when she died, I left it here. I want what's mine dad.” Henry nodded digging into his drawer pulling out the gold ring, handing it to John. “Thank you.”

“How long do you plan on staying?” Henry asked, “Only a week, just to see you and my brothers. Hopefully, clear the air and gain your support.” His father turned to the window, “It's not my approval you need John, Mr. Gavalanch never liked you much.”

“It's a good thing I'm not marrying him then.” They laughed, “Henry come down!” John was confused and watched his brother enter the office. “Yes, father?”

“Please give John the address of James school, I'm sure James would love it if you picked him up.” Henry jr. nodded explaining to his older brother how to get there. “Okay, I’ll go pick him up, and then we’ll talk more dad?” His father agreed, watch him exit.

“Are you going to tell him the rumors?” Henry Jr. asked his father.

“What? That Mr. Gavalanch has a suitor from France waiting for her in the colonies?”

“Yeah that one.” Henry Jr. looked up to his father, who smirked. “No I will not and neither will you, if you want to inherit this company you will keep your mouth shut.” Henry Jr. nodded retreating to his room, he needed to warn John some way, but how could he when his future depended on it? All he knew was that his brother needed to get home to Manhattan as soon as possible..

---

“So Lafayette, why are you in the colonies?” She asked the man, trying to kill the silence between them. “The war, I plan on enlisting soon, my father and his father fought in wars so I assume it's my time to prove myself.” She nodded already interested by this new character.

“Why the colonies though? No disrespect to you Mr. Lafayette but the outcome of this war doesn't affect you so why fight in our battles.” He sighed making direct eye contact. “My country and yours are more similar than you think, we both crave freedom and rights. The United States has declared independence and is fighting a bloody battle for basic rights they should have already had. Those rights are different from the rights the people of France need but it's quite inspiring what's been done here. To be able to fight for something I believe in is all I want, and if I can't do it in France yet, then I'll do it here.” Flabbergasted what a speech, she could tell her was passionate about his cause too, the light in his eyes during his speech spoke for themselves. “I respect that so much Lafayette, I hope when your day in battle comes you make me-us proud.” He smiled agreeing.

“I'm actually here for something else too.” He stated. “What's that?” She cocked her head to the side.”I'm engaged.”

“Oh, congratulations Lafayette! I'm sure she's lovely, and very deserving of a gentleman like yourself.” She hoped she deserved a man like John, oh how she wished he came back with her, he would have loved Lafayette. “So, how do you know my father?”

“Well-”

“Sir. Lafayette, we've arrived.” He turned to (Y/n) silently telling her they'd finish their conversation later. He helped her step out of the carriage and ran around to grab her bags, wow here she was home. She looked at her childhood home in awe, she never thought she'd miss it. She walked in, past the wooden fence taking in the condition of her garden, gosh her father could have at least watered them. She heard the door open and there he was, Thomas Gavalanch in the flesh. “(Y/n), princess is that you?” She nodded running into his open arms, “Daddy!” He caught her giving her a big hug.

“Princess you've grown so much. Oh, sweetheart, you look just like your mother, maybe even more beautiful.” She cried into his shoulder, thanking him. She’d love to be angry but she hadn't seen him in so long she could be angry tomorrow.

“Oh, Monsieur Lafayette, thank you for escorting my princess home.” Lafayette shook his head, indicating no problem. “(Y/n) this is Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier de La Fayette, Marquis de LaFayette, your fiance.” Her father said proudly, smiling at Lafayette.

“Fiance?” Maybe she could be angry today.

---

Im tired, not edited.

#alexander hamilton #angelica schuyler #eliza schuyler #lafayatte #peggy schuyler #aaron burr #hamilton #reader insert #fanfic #john lauren’s imagine #john laurens x reader

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evening-blossoms · 4 years

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Bodyguard Chadnico AU

This is the Second time I do this post bc Tumblr deleted the first one I hate this hellsite

This AU was based of this post

Anyways!!!!! Chaddick is the spoiled, arrogant, bratty Prince of Foxwood, and Nicholas is the grumpy, cranky, impatient bodyguard.

Nico Hates this job. He Hates having to deal with that Spoiled Brat every day.

Chad Hates his new bodyguard. Who cares if Dad says hes the best one and so is the most fit to protect a Heir????? He is so annoying and did Nobody tell him that Smiles are Physically Possible???? Or does he just have a problem in that handsome face that he isnt able to smile????

But both share one thing in common - THEYRE GAY AND SO, SO, OBLIVIOUS.

Prince Cedric is a Little Less Oblivious.

Cedric: JUST FACE IT CHADDICK YOU THINK YOUR BODYGUARD IS HOT

Chad: NO I DO NOT

So Cedric decides that if Theyre not gonna do it themselves, he should set the two up. All his attempts fail.

Nicholas kinda hates everything at this point. Except for his friend, Anadil. She doesnt take shit from anyone. She is good company. And Caleb too, but thats more because literally Any Adult That Comes In Contact With That Child Decides to Adopt Him.

No seriously. He is a Little Angel. Anyone that dislikes him is a Monster.

Nico voice// If anything happened to that kid, I'd kill everyone in this castle and then myself.

Mood, Nico. Mood

Nothing Happens to Caleb tho

Id never introduce such a cinnamon roll to then make him suffer ok

IM NOT SOMAN

Nico and Chad go on that "Spoiled Prince vs Guard Who Aint Having None Of That Shit" fashion until...

PIANO LESSONS!!!!!

Chad has to take them. But he Sucks. Seriously.

Nico feels like his ears are being Brutally Assaulted Every Single Time.

So one day he's had enough. And decides to Act Out the way hes feeling.

Chad scoffs. "As if you could do any better.",

"Watch me" Nico snaps. Then he sits down. And plays Wonderfully. Like, Scalping-Chad-Via-Piano Wonderful.

So that makes Chad loose his sleep a bit.

So he decides to Make Nico Teach Him.

And at first Nico is Very Angry abt this. But he does so anyways.

So Every Night they play. And at first Nico is a very grumpy and bossy teacher, but with time, things better. Maybe because Nico actually Likes playing for Chad, although hed never admit it. Perhaps it is because of the looks of admiration and awe he always gets. Probably that.

And also bc being Closer to Nico has made Chad change a bit too. Hes less Bratty and Arrogant. He's just becomig a kinder, better person in general.

And one night...

"Think I'll have a break" Chad says, and stands up, leaning on the piano tail. Nico sits down and starts playing.

And Chad just watches him play, the moon's silver light cast over him contrasting with the warm, yellow glow of the candles. It was nice to watch him play, even if it was only by the way his expression softens and the hint of a smile that plays on his lips whenever he is playing. He wonders what Nico's smiles actually are like. Probably not much of a bright smile. More of a serene smile.

And Chad only realizes the Gay has Hit him as Gently as a Train On Max Speed when he feels his cheeks going hot. Fuck. Is he blushing too???

And then Nico stands up,

And now theyre so close, oh God, Oh Fuck,

And Chad really wants to kiss him but he doesnt know how or when or-

Nicholas kisses him. It is nice, soft, gentle kiss.

It doesnt last long as Nico realizes what he's done.

Chad doesn't give him time to wonder if he's overstepped or not, because he grabs him by the waist and kisses him back.

And when they break away again, Nico is smiling. A genuine smile. It is the first time Chad has actually seen him smile.

And Chad was right. It is a serene smile. Not bright with teeth. Just a calm, a bit subtle, but still, a smile. Chad thinks it is lovely.

"Youre actually smiling." He says. Then he smirks. "Should I call a doctor?"

"Shut up"

"I can schedule you a therapist-"

"Oh, cut it out," Nico snaps, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. But he never stops smiling. Chad is Sure he's heard a giggle.

After a few days, Cedric finds abt that kiss. He decides he can finally die in peace.

And so Chad and Nico start dating. In Secret, but still Dating.

But one thing comes in their way. Chad ends up in an arranged marriage with Princess Beatrix of Jaunt Jolie.

However, Bea is a Lesbian, and is Dating Her bodyguard, Reena.

Seriously??? For Reatrix it was Love At First Sight. 3 days into the job theyre kissing. By the time the arranged marriage happens, they had already started planning to elope and get married in secret.

So Bea and Chad decided to work together to Sabotage The Wedding.

Sadly it doesnt work. One has never seen a couple looking so miserable during a wedding when the day comes.

HOWEVER! When the priest goes "does anyone object-"

Reena and Nico stand up at the same time and start talking over each other. When they realize What is going on they change to "oh no you-" "-oh please go on-" "-oh after you-"

After some minutes of that Reena talks first. And she doesnt have the time to Finish her Passionate Declaration because Bea is already rushing from the altar to jump into her arms.

Nico is more direct. He Marches into the altar and kisses Chad Right There.

This causes enough upheaval for the Wedding to be Called Off.

But yknow what??? Bea is Already in a Wedding Dress so she decides to marry Reena right there. It is a Beautiful wedding. Chad is Absolutely Sobbing.

A few weeks later he and Nico get married. It is also a great wedding. Cedric is Chads best man. He is crying like a child at the wedding. And so is Chad. By the time he can say "I do" he's sobbing.

Aaaand thats it for the Main plot!!!!! Here are some cameos that should make it to the fic if I write it:

Tagatha has a cameo!!!! Tedros is the Also Spoiled Bratty Prince, hes Heir to the Throne Of Camelot. And similar to Chaddick, he also is in a predicament of being-attracted-to-his-bodyguard-that-he-also-hates: Agatha. First appearance is Teddy paying Chad a visit and them bitching abt the bodyguard ordeal to each other lmao. Tho one week after Reatrixs wedding Tedros comes to a visit again. And Chad catches them kissing behind a pillar.

Hestadil!!!! Ani is a guard and Nicos friend. Hester is Ani's girlfriend, and although she doesnt work at the castle, she pays Ani a visit sometimes. Shes a hunter. Also Dot is their roommate, and she sells chocolate (thought itd be a nice tie to her special talent in canon sjsjdj)

And Nicphie!!!!! Sophie is Princess of Gavaldon, she makes a cameo during the wedding along with her girlfriend Nicola.

Yara is a guard at Foxwood, and Kiko is a maid And her girlfriend. (My dumbass only thought of that 14 hours after posting this so I had to edit to make the change 😔)

So yeah thats pretty much it lmao skdkdkfm

I originally wanted to make it into a Comic but Idk if I have the skill to do so??? So I think I'll only write it But I Might end up making some short comics based on it idk

#sge #school for good and evil #chadnico #chadnick #idk felt like putting both tags lmao #sge au #reatrix #also the only reason I use Nico rather than Nick is bc I just think its a neater nickname lmao #chaddick of foxwood #nicholas of ginnymill #reena of pasha dunes #beatrix of jaunt jolie

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talpup · 4 years

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Light In the Darkness:

So I got what I consider good news from my Doctor today. He wants to make a case study of me. Yes, I might being a boring introvert that might one day be a bionic woman with all my joints replaced; but at least doctors find me interesting. LOL. The study might not mean much for me directly; but it might help other doctors better understand and treat patients with both hEDS and RA, and other illnesses caused by what I call the two big bads. Considering I’ve seen doctors who literally had to look up what hEDS is, this is something I see as a BIG win. So here I am wanting to celebrate with you all but updating my three main fics. Apologies to Erase the Shadow readers, I don’t have a lot for you; I promise I’m not drawing out the AizawaxReaderxMic smut scene to tease. Anyway, here you all go. I hope these updates can share a portion of my happiness with you.

Please remember this fic is rated mature and has warnings of violence, abuse, sexual tension, eventual sexual behavior, and other possible triggers.

***If you prefer reading off AO3 here’s the link for that: https://archiveofourown.org/works/20887595/chapters/55633552

Thank you to those who have left hearts. And a special THANK YOU to those who have recently left comments or re-blogged. They really mean a lot.

Taglist: @captncappuccino

23.1

Teris awoke the morning before her birthday to the maids pulling open the drapes and letting in the cursed sunlight. Squinting, she looked around for Mistress Kleen then remember that the woman had left yesterday afternoon ill.

Just to be certain that the hateful woman hadn’t recovered and returned, Teris questioned trying to keep her hope in check. “Where’s Mistress?”

“Ill.” A maid said.

“Convalescing in her own home, bed bound. Another told.

“Yes!” Teris cheered jumping out of bed with an energy she hadn’t felt a second ago. At the maids startled expressions she sobered, dropping her raised arms. “I mean, I’m sorry and wish her a full recovery after my departure.”

The maid that had seen to her hair the previous morning fought a smile.

Teris clapped her hands once. “Thank you ladies, but you are no longer needed. Accept you.” She pointed at the tress maid. “I’d like you to stay if you’re willing.”

With a quick look back at her fellows she turned to Teris pointing to herself. “Me, my Lady?”

“That’s right. Unless you don’t wish to stay and help me appear presentable.”

“I’d be honored, my Lady.”

“Teris.” Teris said.

“My Lady Teris.”

“We’ll work on it. What’s your name?” Teris asked.

“Celine, my Lady Teris.”

“Everyone out. Celine and I have work to do.” She looked at the maid and told in all seriousness. “I need you to be bold and forceful with me, Celine. I must show that I am giving my maximum effort these next two days. It won’t be even half as good as Mistress Kleen could accomplish in me. But hopefully it will be enough to prove to my brother that I can be relied upon to make the attempt so he won’t ever call upon that horrid woman again.” She made her way to the vanity and sat. “Here’s hoping I’m never forced to wear a corset again.”

23.2

Joining the Silva’s and her brothers at the breakfast table in the morning room the four men rose from their seats.

“You’re late.” Fyntch told.

“I’m glad to see you encouraged our guest to begin without me brother.” Teris smiled lightly as she sat in the chair Julius pulled out for her. She turned to the Silva’s. “Lord Nathyn, I hope you and your family can forgive my tardiness. In all honestly, I couldn’t decide what to wear.”

Nozel smiled at her cheery mood and hoped that their time in the wee hours of the morning had played a part in her joy. While they hadn’t found anything of use, they had looked through quite a bit. Three of the five remaining shelves. They probably could have done a fourth shelf if they hadn’t taken the time to get a late night snack and tallied so in the kitchens talking. It had pleased him greatly to find that not only did they worked well together but when alone, and without a sense of familial pressure, Teris and he got along well and were comfortable just being who they were with each other.

“Your delay is acceptable.” Nathyn said inclining his head wondering at the change in the girl, but pleased nonetheless. “You are most becoming in our family’s colors. Wouldn’t you agree, Nozel? Lady Teris looks lovely this morning.”

“I have yet to find a color the Lady Teris is incapable of making look good, father.” Nozel told mindful of Teris’ feelings, turned his eyes to his father instead of her; an act, followed by such words would have undoubtedly upset her and ruined what they had achieved last night.

“You gentlemen and your fine words. You’ll make me blush.” Teris teased.

Julius’ quirked curiously as he looked at his sister out of the corner of his eye. While the conversation between Fyntch and Nathyn picked back up, Julius whispered to her. “You’re in a fine mood. I take it you found something.”

“Not a even a hint to a clue.” Teris whispered back keeping her smile in place.

“Then what’s with the proper lady act?” Julius wondered almost inquiring in jest if the zealots made another attempt at abducting her last night and replaced her with a transformation mage.

“You wound me brother.” Teris softly said over the rim of her glass of pear cider. “I am capable of such an act that rivals the finest ladies society has to offer. I just hate having to preform and so rarely choose to.”

“Very well.” Julius allowed. “Then why now?”

“Because,” she said giving Nebra the sweetest smile, “I refuse to have my ribs bruised and knuckles bloodied ever again.”

Julius scowled not understanding her meaning and wanting to demand who hurt her, his eyes flicking over to their brother. Even if Fyntch hadn’t been the one to harm their sister he would likely have known about it, if not ordered it.

Setting down the glass of cider Teris said. “Nebra, I know my expulsion and words against the Ladies League won me no favors with you but given that we will one day be sisters I was hoping you would do me the favor of teaching me a dance or two this afternoon. It doesn’t have to take overly long. Just enough to get me by so I don’t appear a complete fool during my birthday ball tomorrow.”

Lord Silva stopped speaking with Fyntch and looked over to his daughter. “Nebra.” He encouraged when she didn’t answer right away.

“But of course.” Nebra blinked her voice sounding strained. “I would love to. Anything for my future sister.” She turned to her brothers. “Nozel. Solid. You can join us.”

Nozel’s eyes slid to his sister wondering what she was up to. Whatever it was, he wasn’t going to let her ruin his returned closeness with Teris. “I would be happy to partner with you, Nebra.”

“You won’t be partnering with me silly. You are far too proficient to require my guidance. Where as Solid needs whatever help I can give him. No.” Nebra said. “You shall be partnering with your future bride.” She smiled violet eyes turning to Teris. “Think of it as practice for the big day.”

Teris’ smile tightened around the edges. “Lovely.”

23.3

After breakfast Julius, Fyntch, and Lord Silva retired to the study while the other four made their way to the ballroom.

Taking a seat Nathyn said to Julius. “I hope your father will be well enough to join us for lunch. He has gotten so thin.”

“He has.” Julius nodded and looked to his younger brother for answer.

“That’s right,” Nathyn said. “Forgive me, Julius. I sometimes forget you left your fathers care to your younger brother along with your heir ship.

“It was a difficult decision.” Julius said stiffly. “And though Fyntch undoubtedly faced his share of problems because of my decision, my efforts to become the next Wizard King has certainly afforded him and the family name a significant rise in power and esteem. I wonder Lord Silva. Have you noted any benefits due my accomplishments and your name being tied to ours with this intent to see Nozel and Teris wed?”

Choosing not to remind the younger man that he was head of House Silva, the second family of the kingdom, Nathyn smiled coolly. “None that your sisters actions haven’t undone.”

“If Teris is such an embarrassment why maintain the intent for your heir to be yoked to her?” Julius asked.

Fyntch glanced quickly at Nathyn.

Nathyn sat back and crossed his legs. “If I didn’t know better I’d think you were attempting to imply something there Julius. Thankfully, for the both of us and your poor sister who’d be hard pressed to find a suitable husband if I wasn’t a man of my word, I do know better. Since you have a history of showing little care for your family's troubles and well being when pitted against your own it may come as a surprise to you to find not everyone is like that. I stood by your family after Lady Resa died. Even when countless other noble and royal family's distanced themselves. It wasn’t that I never heard the rumors about Lord Jaxon attempting to follow his wife to her death. I simply chose not to believe them or care about the stigma even a mere rumor of such an act brought with it. A man such as yourself would, and practically did, cut ties with your family then and there. But as I said, I am a man of my word. After you abandoned your family to pursue your dreams I often visited and wrote Fyntch, offering my advice and ear to his troubles. It may sound strange given the age and general differences in life, him unwed and me a widowed father of four, but your brother and I became friends after a time. He was there for me during my own strife after Acier died giving us Noelle.” He soured at the thought of his youngest child. “Still, even without the bonds that life's trails forged between our families, Jaxon and I made a pledge to unite our houses in wedding his beloved and only daughter to my heir. In all my life, I have never failed to keep a vow I’ve made. As aberrant and difficult as your sister may be, I’m not about to let a girl make me start--”

A tinkling, like that of a small wind chime, sounded interrupting Nathyn. The three men looked about.

“Oh!” Julius cried feeling a warmth in the breast pocket of his jerkin. “It’s me. Sorry.” He pulled out a communication crystal. “Magic Knights duties.” He told Fyntch and Nathyn standing up. “Excuse me.” Outside the room he answered the call with a short. “Give me a moment.” With everyone on the first floor he ran up to the second taking two stairs at a time. Satisfied this would afford him enough privacy he entered his father’s personal receiving room and walked on back to Lord Jaxon’s study.

“Go ahead.”

“Captain,” Jon’s voice sounded from the crystal, “are you alright? You sound out of breath.”

“Fine.” Julius assured. “Did Jax get in touch with you? What did he have to say? Have Bronn, Yami, and the others returned from their mission? What did they find?”

“According to Captain Jax’s letter, they returned the same day you left for home.” Jon informed.

“The same day? Why are you only now contacting me now?”

“I only today received Captain Jax’s letter,” Jon said.

Julius sighed. He would have to speak to both his fellow Captain and his Vice Captain about communicating better with one another. Granted this wasn’t an urgent matter, at least he hoped the news wasn’t, but still with his interest and concern for Teris and Yami’s welfare he wanted to know any and all information as soon as possible.

He paced the room ordering. “Summarize their report for me.” He was quickly distracted by the changes to his fathers study that only Fyntch and his style for the ostentatious would make. So, he thought with distaste, Fyntch had already taken over their father’s seat of power, so to speak, and made it his own. Shaking his head he focused again on Jon’s voice asking him to repeat what he last said.

When the Vice Captain was finished Julius rubbed his forehead. “So they managed to make it appear as if the Wild Fire had been another attempt by outlaws to instigate a war between the Clover and Spade kingdoms.”

“Despite Bronn’s adamant words of disbelief in his full report, even he couldn’t skew the evidence they found that pointed to such a conclusion.” Jon affirmed.

“And Sir Jorah is content to believe that roving bands of criminals suddenly smartened up and began working together?”

“I cannot speak to the Wizard Kings private musing but that is what he has told the other Magic Knight Captains and Head Sentries.”

“Any Captains other then Jax and possibly Pyter find such a quick and seemingly seamless transition from in fighting gangs to formidable force curious?” Julius asked.

“Curious? Sure. Curious enough to question the Wizard King or Commander Greywright? Not in the slightest.”

Julius sighed pushing his ire at the situation aside. “How’s the squad? Everything well at base?”

“We’re managing without you, Captain.”

“You sure?”

“I think we’ll survive till you return on the fourth.” Jon said his smile evident in his voice.

“I can return if you need me to.” Julius offered.

“And leave your sister alone at the mercy of your brother and the Silva’s?”

Julius sighed again, knowing his Vice Captain was right.

“I know it’s not much of a vacation, Sir, but enjoy your time away. You take so little of it.”

23.4

Yami faced Jax in the Captains office and waited for the older man to speak. As he stood before the Captains desk he wondered if he should take Pilfer out for a run again tonight. While the ride and hunt only partially succeed in clearing his mind of Teris it had exhausted him enough to the point that after returning to base, he fell into his bed and slept.

“Bronn told me what happened with Iban Halvor and you.” Jax finally said.

Yami watched and waited.

“Well?” Jax urged after a moment.

“I’m sorry, sir, I didn’t hear a question in there.”

Jax gave a throaty growl of irritation. “Iban’s attack on you wasn’t in your report. Why?”

Yami put his hands in his pockets. “From my understanding, it wasn’t an attack. Merely a misunderstanding on his part of where certain lines, that shouldn’t be crossed, were.”

“That’s a rather magnanimous view. Especially since when Iban previously used his blood magic on your comrades Bronn or I heard about it straight away. And Iban never demanded they break free of his hold or made them choke themselves to provide encouragement.”

Yami’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t see Iban providing such details. He hadn’t even told Olsen all that when he had confronted the Water Mage about his pet friend. The bastard had been awake, Yami realized cursing Bronn for his inaction if that had, indeed, been the case. Yami shrugged. “You were a young man once. We play rough.”

“Iban is twenty-six, five years younger than me. Far passed the age for such careless rough housing.”

“Are we speaking about the same man?” Yami asked. “He might be twenty-six but his sense of right and wrong or when to stop is that of a child.”

“So you have no problem with him using his magic on you to make you choke yourself while demanding you break his hold on you?”

“I made it clear that is wasn’t something I found fun and wouldn't enjoy doing again.” Yami told. “And so far he has respected that. As long as he continues to do so. No. I don’t have a problem with him.”

“Very well.” Jax dismissed.

He watched Yami turn and exit the office. When Bronn had told him that Yami had broken free for Iban’s hold he hadn’t believed it, certain his Vice Captain had seen wrong in the caves darkness. But now that Yami had confirmed he had Jax was amazed. Granted the will to live and thinking you would be forced to kill yourself if you didn’t succeed were great motivators, but Jax had seen Iban control Magic Knight Captains with his magic and barely break a sweat. It wasn’t just Yami’s magical power that made the young man formidable. It was his physical might and strength of will. And the boy had only begun to stretch and grow. Jax found the boys possibilities both exciting and fearsome.

23.5

The music began again, Nozel and Teris bumping into one another.

“Sorry.” Teris apologized again for stepping on his foot.

It had gotten to the point where Nozel was seriously considering cloaking his toes in mana. It wasn’t that Teris weighed too much, but that her steps were far from light. If they hadn’t made peace last night he would have thought she was purposely trying to flatten his toes with her heavy tread.

“You’re not trying to kill a bug.” Nozel said, once again lifting her head up with a finger beneath her chin. “Looking at your feet won’t help.”

“I’m not looking at my feet.” Teris said. “I’m trying to figure out where yours are going so I can follow.” It was well past lunch and they had been at it since shortly after breakfast.

“That is what the hold is for.” Nozel told pressing her lower back with one hand and tapping his fingers on the hand he held, grateful Nebra and Solid were long gone. Nebra had been full of criticism and nothing else making Teris stiff, and if possible worse then she already was at following his lead. After their departure, Teris had relaxed considerably making instructing her that much easier. “My feet may move me but it’s my arms that will tell you where we’re headed.”

Teris stepped away frustrated. “I’m never going to get this. I’ll fail miserably and my knuckles will pay the price.”

Nozel puzzled at her last words a bit before stepping to her and turning her to face him. “You will get this.” He assured.

“At least one of us can still fake such certainty.” She laughed humorlessly.

“There’s nothing for me to fake. You forget how well I know you.”

“And what’s that got to do with my succeeding at this? Other then the fact that you should know better then to have any faith in my success.”

“Because, I’ve never known you to fail at something you put your mind to,” he said. He was loathed to lower his arms and release her but forced himself to do so when he felt her muscles begin to tense ever so slightly. Teris wasn’t so unlike a nervous animal you tried to put at ease as you tried to coax it out of it’s den and accept your ministering hand. Push too hard. Touch her at the wrong time, in the wrong way, or for too long and you were back to square one.

“Thanks.” She said feeling self conscious.

“You’re putting too much pressure on yourself is all,” Nozel said. “Leave us.” He ordered over his shoulder at the violinist.

“Wait. What. Nozel. We need him.”

“No we don’t.” Nozel said stopping her from following the musician.

“Uh, we kinda do—and now he’s gone.” Teris said letting an arm fall as the ballroom door closed.

“Trust me.” Nozel said looking at her.

“Trust isn’t easy for me.” Teris confessed.

“But we’re friends.” Nozel reminded. “You should trust your friends.”

“I knew I would rue the day I admitted that to you. I just never thought that day would come so soon.”

“Turn around.” Nozel ordered giving a small smile.

“Don’t tell me what to do.” Teris played.

Nozel grasped her hand and spun her around in a somewhat dance move. “Right now I am your instructor and can tell you to do as I please.” It was his turn to tense as the desire and implications of his words struck him.

“Very well.” She laughed. “But I must warn you. I can sometimes be an unruly and awful student.”

He forced a smile trying to shake the battling emotions within him. “Just relax, and trust me to lead you where you need to go.” He said taking her into his arms in a dance hold.

“Do you think I can look even a quarter as fine as Nebra?” Teris asked seriously. She forced a teasing smile and continued. “Or are you not that great an instructor.”

Nozel stared into her eyes and confessed. “Even when you think you’re at your worst, you out shine every lady there is.”

Teris pulled away and shook her head. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?” Nozel asked feeling the blood drain from his face in fear.

“Don’t flirt. There’s no reason to. Even the musician is gone. Don’t do something neither of us enjoy because your family expects it when they aren’t even present to benefit.”

“I wasn’t flirting.”

“Don’t lie to me, Nozel. I’m not stupid.”

You certainly are if you think I only do it because it’s expect, Nozel thought. “Sorry.”

“For flirting or lying?” She asked.

Nozel closed his eyes pressing his teeth together as he checked his temper. “For both.” He said opening them. “It’s a habit I have trouble turning off.”

Teris tilted her head.

“How else am I to convince my father? He’s a hard man to fool and keeps a keen eye on me.”

Teris’ expression turned sympathetic. “I’m sorry.”

Nozel shook his head. “I don’t want to focus on it.” He looked at her and continued. “Not when we got our work cut out making it appear as if you’re dancing and not marching through the mud.”

“That’s just cruel.”

“You want cruel? Step on my toes one more time and I’ll show you cruel.”

It was nearing time to get ready for dinner when Nozel announced. “It will suffice.”

“That’s all?” Teris expressed. “We spent all day at this and my efforts will suffice?”

He gave her the cool gaze the Silva’s were known for. “If you wanted your ego petted you should have said so sooner.” It felt wrong to disparage her so, even if it was in jest, but she seemed to enjoy it. If all it took for her to relax around him was some good old fashioned razing he should have done it years ago. Who knows where they would be in their relationship if he had.

“Thank you,” Teris said.

“For not petting your ego or--”

“For taking the time to teach me.” She told him. “I still don’t like following but I think I can manage for a dance of two.”

“Just remember to keep your feet light. A gentleman can gracefully ignore a toe or foot being stepping on, so long as his toe is not flattened or bones crushed.”

Teris couldn’t help but grimace at that as she promised. “I’ll try.”

“You never told me why the sudden interest.” Nozel said casually as they made their way to the doors.

“Yes I did. For my knuckles.”

“You may have mentioned your knuckles in passing. A rather confusing statement I might add, but didn’t say how they figured into your wanting to learn how to dance.”

“It’s probably best if I don’t,” Teris said. “Let’s just say. In the hopes of never seeing someone again I decided to try to prove to my brother that I can and will make an effort.”

“I hope this someone isn’t me,” Nozel said. “You’ll be bitterly disappointed when next we have to work together on a mission.”

“It’s not you.” Teris smiled purposefully bumping him with a shoulder. “You’re not half bad.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re certainly not as bad as Mistress.”

“I don’t know who this Mistress is but I’ll take the praise,” he said.

“You shouldn’t. It’s not very high praise. Anyone would be a preference to her.”

“Are you going back to the library tonight?” Nozel questioned.

Teris stopped the change in subject taking her aback a moment. “Why?” She asked cautiously.

“If I find I have trouble sleeping again I thought I would assist you.” Nozel said trying to sound nonchalant.

“You don’t have to,” Teris said. “While I appreciate your help, more then I can say, you don’t have to.”

“What kind of friend would I be if I didn’t help you finish looking? What if something’s there and we just haven’t come across it yet?”

“Alright.” Teris allowed. “But only if you can’t sleep.”

“Of course,” Nozel nodded. “I wouldn’t keep myself up just to help you.”

23.6

Teris entered the library to find Nozel had already searched half a shelf's worth of books. “No luck.” He told her frustrated.

“What are you doing here?”

“I couldn’t sleep.” He said turning a page.

“Did you even try?”

He stopped and looked up at her blinking. “What do you think? I got into my night clothes and slipped on a robe to make it appear as if I had made an attempt should you ask.”

Feeling silly Teris came around beside him. “Sorry. I just don’t want to be a burden.”

Nozel released the breath he had been holding grateful his sarcastic tone had convinced her his truthful words were a jest. Looking at her sideways he muttered. “You are not a burden.”

“No?”

“There should be no doubt in your mind that you will never be a burden to me.” He told turning to her.

“Nozel.” Teris shook her head her expression becoming distant and impatient.

Feel him loosing her again he quickly asked, “If Fuegoleon were here instead of me would you worry he felt you were a burden?”

“No,” she said. “And if he did I’d kick his butt.”

“Then why question if I do?”

“Cause he’s family.” Teris answered. “Distant family but family. Besides, we’ve known each other all our lives. Grew up together.”

“We’ve known each other for all of our lives. And practically grew up together.”

“It’s not the same,” Teris said.

“Why? Because of our families plans for our future? Forget about that. You say it’s never going to happen so it should be easy for you to do so. I’m tired of fighting you, Teris. I’m tired of trying to have to prove to you time and again that I am indeed your friend. Can you just forget about the rest and accept me as whatever you want me? If that is, as you said last night, a friend then let’s be friends in truth. If it is not. Tell me. All I ask is that you stop jerking me from friend to enemy to acquaintance or anywhere else. It’s tiring. And I don’t like it.”

Teris stared. She had never seen Nozel angry at her. Annoyed. Yes. Displeased. Certainly. A whole host of emotions directed at her had crossed his face and echoed in his tone over the years. But not once had there been anger.

“I’m sorry, Nozel.” Teris whispered, her mouth feeling dry. Fuegoleon, Julius, and Mereoleona had been right. She was too hard on him. And now, in his moment of anger she found herself afraid to loose his friendship. “I’ll try to do better. It’s just that--” She shook her head firmly. “No. I won’t make excuses. I’m sorry. I’ll do better. I promise.”

Nozel swallowed, shocked. Before she had spoken, in that moment of silence, he had been near breaking and was about to apologize to her for his outburst. He had never been so glad for not doing something before in his life.

Clearing his throat Nozel gave a firm nod. “That is all I ask. Thank you.”

#black clover #yami sukehiro #julius novachrono #nozel silva #fuegoleon vermillion #mereoleona vermillion #light in the darkness

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kandadiff · 4 years

Text

HA Chapter 11: Creepy

--- Its about to get creepy also this is more from Viktor’s POV ---

As soon as he stepped foot back into the hotel room he flipped the sign that rejected maid service and locked the door behind him. Odd enough part of him felt at ease, Kevins words seeping into him, he was right after all, if tehre were to be no repercussions then why nit have a little fun, that was his intention of coming over in the first place.

But as soon as he looked over at my limp body, a wave of shame washed over him and he felt panicky and hot. He moved toward the thermostat as though that was going to make everything more clearer as he lowered it. Honestly, this scenario crossed his mind once or twice but in a very different light. He pictured it more that he would wander into one of the parties I would be invited to and one of the ingrates I hung out with would have left me passed out on the floor or a couch somewhere and him acting like the knight in shining armor would nurse the hangover out of me and we would go back to being friends like once upon a time ago before Zayn or any of his friends tainted my opinions of him and before all my focus lay on Marcel.

He had to do this, how else was he going to compete with the other boys. He couldn’t go against Woo or even Yoongi one on one. No he had to approach this smart - like Namjoon or Kevin would. He had to learn and use what he learned against the others. yes, this was worth it. He turned back toward me, the wave of shame washing over him although it felt like it was less then before.

“Sorry love,” he said as his hand stroked my bare cheek “but I have to do this, for you- for us.” he sat next to me on the bed looking over the 1960′s style turtleneck tea dress I was wearing. Due to the sudden passing out it was a little disheveled and my hat and phone had both fallen on the floor. This reminded him to set an alarm for his own phone. Kevin said only three hours but he didn’t want to risk it. After two hed walk out that door and tuck me in maybe I would think I just took a nap for something. He reached over me and picked up the hat, smiling at the posh design and fixing it before placing it on the night table. He then picked up my phone pressing the ring button on, if Yoongi were to get suspicious where I was then he would need a warning. He placed the phone next to the hat and for a while just stared at me.

The steady rising and falling of my chest, the small gestures my face mad as I dreamed, he wondered what I was dreaming about and if the ‘love Potion’ even allowed dreams. He started to carefully run his fingers through my hair smiling at the purple tips that had almost faded out at the bottom. He liked my hair when it was curly and natural … was it Yoongi that preferred it straight? Is that why I haven’t had it curly for a few months? Or perhaps Negan? The true threat even Viktor couldn’t bring himself to share with the rest of his friends.

He had been suspicious of Negan ever since he came to sub for a month at the school two years ago. He had done ‘research’ about that on his own and while it wasn’t confirmed he knew the relationship with me and the older man was romantic possibly a sugar baby deal... how else would I be able to afford that ring that Yoongi had been wearing. He would never ask for such extravagant gifts when we’d get together. No instead he’d be showering me in gifts - his parents had money and with the promise of grandchildren they would be happy to give him his inheritance early.

As he played with my hair he thought of our future and the things I have wrote and said on the matter, like in my journal. Another wave of shame washed over him remembering when he found my journal while installing the long-range modifier with Kevin just a few weeks ago. Kevin had went into your room and he had gone into mine. Just looking around innocently and the journal had fallen from behind a book on the shelf. He didn’t mean to read it... no that was creepy and wrong. But its not like he was some creepy pervert like Ian or Mark... All he wanted to do was feel closer to me - plan our future so I wouldn’t have to whats so wrong about that? He read about a pheoneom in a science magazine about psychology. The more you mimic a person in certain things or the more you know about a person they will more easily become attached to you. And that was the whole point. So he can plan things out - something he knew freaked me out and it wouldn’t be weird. Yes it wasn’t weird it was smart.

He went back braiding my hair and began to talk about our future half wondering if like in a coma I could hear him, maybe my subconscious will link the ideas and make them stick in my head. It would be much easier that way. “I know you like New York, but that's no place to raise a family. We could get married there have the Gastby Wedding you always wanted. I know how much you want you dad to walk you down the isle but I know how much he doesn’t like me- so maybe we do something else. I would never take away your first dance with him but maybe down the isle is a bit much. He’d never give you up to me.” he laughed finishing one braid and beginning another. “And then we should move to England, I know, I know its always raining but you love the rain and plus our children will have my accent - not that yours isn’t charming - I love it, but imagine four little Malik kids speaking Japanese with british accents. How adorable. Yeah I want four kids, I know I know its ambitious but I am willing to adopt two if we have two of our own. We can even adopt them from Japan. Two boys and two little girls, I love the names Connor and Henry, I liked the name Jackson to but Wang really ruined that for me.” He finished another braid and moved to the next “For girls I know you love the name Marceline but Sara is so classic and beautiful. Okay how about you name one girl and a boy and ill name the other?” He laughed to himself looking down at my sleeping face. “You’re so beautiful Kay,” he let go of my hair, the third braid unfinished and leaned down towards my lips. he placed a chaste kiss on them a flush overcoming his body. He smiled with a new found confidence and went to do it yet again before spotting a deep purple mark on my neck. Due to the sudden onset of sleep that over came me my turtleneck dress that expertly hid the markings came down just a bit and now all the deep purple bruises Yoongi left on my neck were visible. Viktor felt a surge of anger hit him and he quickly turned away from me. He opted to distract himself with the buzzing of my phone. It was a group texted entitled ‘FUNHOUSE BIQTCHES!’ He grabbed my finger pressing it to the home button and unlocking my phone. He scrolled through the messages only half paying attention to them. Most of them just telling Adi to shut up and that she was being to loud and if she didn’t shut up GD was going to wake up.

It took him a few moments before he could look at me again. His eyes stayed glued to the marks and he leaned over me fixing my collar so it covered the marks “I know this isn’t your fault but you can’t let him do that to you.” He was getting angrier and angrier with each word. When he pulled the color up the dress went up slightly revealing the marks Yoongi had left on my thighs. “Disgusting” He remarked yanking the skirt down with such force that he heard a tear in the dress. His anger instantly turned to fear. The dress had a visible tear in it. How would that be explained? Sometimes hotel rooms left sewing kits incase. He dug through the empty drawers of the room and came up empty. “Look what yoongi made me do!” He shouted at me then rushed over fingering the tear. “This wouldn’t have happened if you picked me first. he marked your body like you are some common whore, Youre not - stop acting like one!” He shouted and sighed looking at the timer. He had only an hour left. He looked back at me and pressed his lips to mine again. “I’m sorry, you just make me loose sense sometimes.” He sighed laying next to me.

For the next half an hour he lay cuddled next to me speaking about whatever came to his kind, that was until an idea presented itself into his head. He used my finger to unlock my phone - it had a lot more texted then before not all from the group chat. He saw Negans name on it and had to resist going through that if he was going to have enough time to link our phones together. He saw a few texts from Yoongi and once again had to say no to temptation and set to work.

His alarm went off just as he was finished. Satisfied he pressed the small bird app on his phone. If anyone were to go threw his apps they’d find the one labeled Bird Watching and scroll past it thinking nothing of it. But as soon as he clicked on it. The screen changed to a copy of my screen, every app, every text, every picture - he could see. This was perfect. He took one last look at me and kissed my lips once again. “I love you.” He said before walking out the door and into the elevator.

----

I woke up confused feeling like death. I knew I was in Hotel Dumont due to the patterns on the ceiling but it took a moment for me to remember why I was here. I was here with Yoongi “Oppa!” I called out and immediately felt like vomiting. Did we drink last night? No. I was sober.. yeah I had breakfast. Why did I feel like this? I sat up and quickly grabbed the trashcan by the bed vomiting whatever breakfast was in my stomach out. I groaned, my head pounding and looked around for Yoongi. “Oppa?”

He wasn’t here. I was alone in the room... wait thats right. He left to get Jungkook... then why was I still here? My attention was drawn toward my phone dinging next to my hat on the night stand. I put my hat on the night stand but woke up across the bed? Something was wrong. I grabbed at my phone seeing text after text of people asking where I was and missed calls. I stood up shaky and grabbed my purse and keys.

I barely made it downstairs, my entire body felt like Jello and my stomach turned every time I took a step. A bellhop helped me to my car before another familiar face walked up to us a cocky grin on his face. “Yoongi treat you so well you can’t walk?” Damien smirked “Or where you just waiting for me to come home.”

“Fuck off” I mumbled and his eyes furrowed in concern. he grabbed me from the bellhop ordering him back to work while I leaned on him. “Bring me to my car?” He nodded walking me over but the closer I got the more I knew I couldn’t drive home in this condiotion and so did Damien. So we took a sharp turn towards his hulking black truck. “No I want my car.”

“Fuck off.” He mimicked and helped me into the passenger seat. He hopped in the drivers seat. “What Yoongi dumped you and you got drunk and waited for me? Next time shoot me a text and believe me I would have come over right away.”

“None of that happened.” I said taking his sunglasses from the dashboard and trying to steady my stomach. “Me and Yoongi had a wonderful night.”

“Yeah he tear your dress too?” He pointed as the rip in my dress as he started to drive. I looked down at it, that hadn’t been there this morning... had it?

“No, I don’t know what this is.” I huffed “I feel sick, D. I kept throwing up but I was fine this morning then I had your hotel food!”

“My hotel food is great!” He said defensively “What did you order?”

“Well they gave to to me for free-”

“Free? You brought Yoongi to my penthouse.”

“No dick brain we were on the second floor. Room 221.”

“And they gave you food for free?” he shook his head “Did you say my name?”

“No I tend not to think about you.”

“Then why the fuck would they give a nobody free food?”

“A nobody?!”

“Yeah! When your not with me in there your a fucking nobody.”

“Pull over the car im getting out!”

“Oh shut up im taking you home!”

“DONT TELL ME TO SHUT UP!”

1 note · View note

fortheheavenssake · 4 years

Text

Nanny Anon 2

Sept. 17

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Sept. 18

NANNY ANON, well’ I’ve packed and ready to go ,himself came to say goodbye and thank me for being in the wee-ones early development, It was quite touching. The mistress had the maid drop off a card reference last night and left this morning without a word. ( no surprise there). M and her mistress are looking forward to next week when I move in to the P. And I can’t wait to start a new chapter with a loving family. It sounds wonderful and never again will I have to utter the words ‘ all too…………”

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Sept. 22

NANNY ANON, hello darlings ‘ I’m having a wonderful day with little C&L , M is taking G to see Star Wars so I have the the wee-one and little C. This afternoon we’re going to bake fairy cakes , although little C wants to make Unicorn cookies and take them to school tomorrow … it’s a privilege to be in a loving home with such a wonderful mistress and adorable children, last night I cried with joy. And M and I have such a history of professional duty together. What a joy for a white Lady TTFN 😌😌

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Oct. 3

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, we have been Sooooo busy with the little ones while the mistress and W have been engaged on royal duties. The mistress is such an understanding and compassionate woman she insists on the nannies as being part of the family and treats M and I the same. We have such fun with the little ones , there’s a tree house in the gardens which C seems to have turned into a Unicorn palace with daily visits from her school chums ‘ it’s a hoot ‘life is good for a white Lady TTFN.

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Oct. 5

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, both M and I are getting a program together while the mistress and W are away, we both want to take them on a scavenger hunt at high grove with C&C. Unicorns will probably be involved and G is into Star Wars. So it’s going to be a full itinerary. Little C is platting her hair at the moment and loves the tree house playing with her school chums. It’s a wonderful life for a white Lady. TTFN.

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Oct. 6

NANNY ANON, Hello Darlings, Little G came back from the match with a football signed by the team , and C had a book explaining the women’s World Cup. G is now officially a fully fledged supporter, such a fun day, the children are so exited I can see bed time will be fun. M and I are getting ready for an outing with the little ones as soon as the mistress and W depart for the tour. There off to the in-laws today so M and I are go into F&M for tea …… TTFN.

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Oct. 15

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, M and I have just returned with G&C from Thorpe Park ‘ I’m exhausted!! We went on all the rides, Little C wanted to have another ride on the Big Dipper ‘ o dear I nearly lost my breakfast ……… they had toffee apples and candy floss and G had to have tree rides on the water Shute ‘ I came over all emotional remembering Diana doing the same ride with W&H. O DEAR ‘ all too much for a white Lady 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 TTFN 😢😢😢😢

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Oct. 19

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, The mistress and himself returned to a rapturous welcome from the children ‘ lizards ,Unicorn costumes and hugs lasted for over an hour , it was a joy, I think the first stop was BP so we waited a while but it was an exiting evening. This weekend M&I have the time to ourselves as the whole family are going to the country. We shall have a spa weekend in Bath and indulge in a lot of R&R. All To much for a white Lady. TTFN

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October 20

NANNY ANON, hello darlings,” O joy and jolly japes”Tonight we all trip over to the in-laws to watch the“ Docudramarama” the mistress has asked her sister to come and himself is off to pick up C&C ! M and myself are busy making savoury and sweet popcorn 🍿 boss baby is having fun strapped in the Bouncer and G&C are playing 🦎and🦄 , it’s a joy to be part of a loving family ‘can’t wait for the fun to begin. God bless the future monarchy. TTFN.

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Oct 27

NANNY ANON … hello darlings, still about ,things are hotting up for Halloween 🤡👹👻 the children are expected to wear their creepy costumes and my darling mistress is taking them and other little ones around the the village with the parents. M and I are going as the Markle Sisters 👯‍♀️ So don’t expect to return without egg 🍳 on my face 🤣🤣🤣all too much for a white Lady TTFN

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Oct 28

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, WELL, WELL, WELL, I’m flabbergasted absolutely stunned darlings, I’ve just received an invitation from my previous mistress and himself to a private meeting in SH London for the opportunity of returning to her employ. Apparently the wee one is missing his nanny!!! and this is causing a lot of headaches for the mistress as she wants to be able to leave the wee one with a nanny she knows will be a bonding influence. I’ll keep you all updated as to my decision darling.

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Oct 29

NANNY ANON, hello darlings ‘ salutations to all who grace the blog of our beloved Skippy. 🐼. WELL , I’ve made the decision I was debating on yesterday. I’ve decided to remain at KP in the employment of the present mistress ( god bless her and himself) because I ‘ much like M have fallen in love with little 🦄🦎And 👶. It’s a constant privileged challenge to be part of this family, The Sunday night gatherings looking at the social media laughing at the ageing train wreck. Love to all. TTFN. 🤣🤣

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Nov. 1

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, Little C is refusing to change out of her Halloween costume 🦄, and we’re all going down to Sainsbury’s to buy some giant marshmallows to roast for the rugby match. When C digs her little feet in there’s no movement. The mistress is having quite a debate with the little one trying to see reason. In the end the RPO got her to change by promising her he’d find a police helmet as a substitute. All too much for a white Lady. TTFN

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Nov 4

NANNY ANON, hello darlings ‘ O joy!! Today M&myself take little C and G (with their poppies) to RP zoo with RPO. ( one of the zoo keepers are going to fix a Unicorn to a zebra 🦄for little C.) and G will gain access to the reptile house to look at all the 🦎🦎 “ what larks pip old chap” the mistress is having some down time back at KP with little L. Afterwards we’re all of to Harrods for 🍨🍦. So much joy for a white Lady. TTFN.

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Nov 9

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Nov 11

NANNY ANON , hello darlings, my day off with M. We are exhausted darlings, absolutely knackered. Little C had a sleepover with four friends (fiendish demons) , OMG it was the sleepover from hell , first’ we put them all in the nursery, made up beds and lots of 🦄🧸🛴🏓🍪🍿🧁🍕👧👧👧👧stuff to play with and favourite eats. Only problem they didn’t want to sleep, himself had a few words to Little C at one in the morning because of the screams. All too much for a white Lady. TTFN. Bless.

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Nov 18 (Royal Variety)

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, tonight M and I had too draw lots as to who went to the RVP. I lost , so I’m looking after the little ones. The mistress spent the afternoon getting ready as the dresser fitted the last tucks to the bodice. My goodness she looked magnificent when she walked down the stairs all the little ones cheered and clapped. Tonight it’s a treat, we’ve ordered 🍕 PIZZA and knickerbocker glory’s such a joy. All too much for a white Lady. TTFN.

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Nov 19

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, a wonderful evening was had by all at the the RVP. The mistress and himself stunned all who met them with there relaxed countenance, early that evening the little ones started to write a present list to Santa. Little C was the most vocal inquiring how Santa arrives on his sled and parks his reindeer on the roof of KP and shimmy’s down the chimney ( she’s now asking to sleep near the fireplace to meet Santa ???? ) all too much for a white Lady,TTFN. 🎄🎄🎄🎅🎅🎅

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Nov 21

NANNY ANON, M and I went to see “ The sound of music “ tonight, we both love the film. We spent the day with the little ones and C had somehow got hold of one of the mistresses cameras 📸 and was ( would you believe it) taking photos of M G boss baby and me. I asked her to give me the camera as it was mummies and all I got was , NO !! later I saw the snaps she took and was surprised. I returned the camera to the mistress who looked amused. Little C been watching mummy. TTFN. 📸📸📸

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Nov 22

NANNY ANON, haddow darlig 😷🤧🤧 I dink I got vlue, my node I’d all blogged up , god a rodden hed and snoddy node. The lidda wonds is so fuddy, lidda C broughd be up bregvast od a tray. Bledd, da midredd called he dogta ad he gave be sum pawasetamol , M Id doig grate. Ib dink I’ll ged sub shudii , ord doo buch for a wide Lady, DDFN.

Ohhhh flu has hit KP! Hope you have a quick recovery 😔❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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Nov 23

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, still a bid bunggd up, but I’m sure I’ll be ok within the week, M and I are looking after little G and boss baby today,the mistress has gone to a shopping mall outside London with little C for Christmas shopping. Things are hotting up for the holidays and this weekend they bring the Christmas 🎄. Then we can have real fun dressing it. Back to wee boss baby 👶. TTFN.

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Dec 3

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, M&I very exited,tonight is the school nativity play and the mistress and himself has invited us. G is a wise king and little C is an “angel on high” …… M wickedly suggested boss baby could be baby Jesus 😱😱, But I don’t think the school is ready just yet. Little C has to say “and behold ‘ the three wise Kings” can’t wait, it’s going to be a hoot!! We all helped to make the costumes , G wore his this evening and looked very regal ( prophetic), and little C with wings.

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Dec 7

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, is the mistress pregnant ‘ all I can say is little Lottie wants a pony for Christmas and himself has quite rightly affirmed that she’s much to young. I think in a couple of years great auntie Anne would be the first to help her into the saddle. We’re all looking forward to the forthcoming banquet ( I wonder if the mistress will wear the emeralds)’ enough gossip, all too much for a white Lady, TTFN.

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Dec 8

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, Lottie has just returned from a visit to the “stables” at the royal mews. (Enough said) , himself has retired to the lounge after breakfast 🥞, pancakes and crispy bacon 🥓 with maple syrup to laugh at the Sunday tabloids. The mistress is having a “late morning” so M and myself are busy with boss and George who is finishing his homework 📚. Another Sunday joy. TTFN.

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Dec 10

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, it’s manic at KP , in a good way !! the mistress is becoming enthusiastically involved in her tennis lessons, ( several professional players lining up to coach her) my lips are sealed, Little Lottie is on a mission … it’s a day long mantra from the darling girl , anyone who she thinks will have sway with W&K is propositioned about the “pony”. I think some of her older school chums ride out. I bet Gan Gan soon enters the equation. All too much for a white Lady. TTFN.

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Dec 11

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, busy this morning ,decision to choose what C&G will wear for the Christmas walk to the service , winter coats and warm socks are the key. It’s going to be a joy seeing them for the first time at the Sandringham service with W&K. M and I are going home for Christmas M has invited me to Spain with her family, wonderful and the food darlings, I’m in for a real treat. Little Lottie will certainly have a pony ride for Christmas I’m sure, Such joy!! TTFN.

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Dec 13

NANNY ANON, hello darlings , we have cancelled our holiday In Spain 🇪🇸, duty calls darlings, we had a chat with the mistress and himself last night and decided we’re going to accompany the family for Christmas, it’s our love for the children and to help the mistress, a joy really. Also the BP PR are briefing the DOD of C about forthcoming commitments. On a lighter note, tonight’s Blog night 😂😂😂 skippy,pg,and troll the colonial Banshee. All too much for a white Lady. TTFN.

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Dec 16

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, Little Charlotte is Bewildered as to why there are no unicorn pony’s. The answer Zara gave was Unicorns are different , pony’s are special, clever Zara!! Lottie is full of questions, ( that age) it’s a daily challenge of wits. Last night was blog night, such fun ,all the usual suspects, where is @printskylie ? Never miss pg and her interpretations, so clever , the mistress loves skippy and Hunnymae , duty calls!, all too much for a white Lady, TTFN.

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Dec 16

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, O’thank you all so for your messages, the unicorn presents 🎁 look fab. I’ll pass on your message, but I’m sure the the mistress has all information directed to her MPC. ( amazing device). W&K are both very high Tech. My life is full of love and joy, I’ve got Lottie a picture edition of “ The night before Christmas”

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Dec 17

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, the children all sat watching TV, and watching mummy and daddy make cup cakes and roulades. EPIC . The kitchen is now centre of the universe, Lottie and George M and I making cup cakes and roly poly Christmas chocolate logs. Lots of mess and icing sugar. 👦🏼👧👶🧁🍰🍪🎂🍩 it’s boss baby, “ Mary Mary” Christmas 🎄 we are blessed, TTFN

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Dec 18

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, himself is taking C&G ice skating this afternoon, I think this is another diversion from pony’s. It’s a dismal afternoon,raining in London so I think the little ones will enjoy the outing , the mistress is off to play a few sets of tennis with her coach. M and I are going to check online for some new clothes for boss baby, he seems to grow by the day!! This is a busy time leading up to a family Christmas, I think it’s Sandringham this year but arrangements are

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Dec 29

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, such a busy Christmas, the little ones were so exited with presents and gifts from the public. The mistress had a clearinghouse Of presents 🎁. A large amount of them go to local hospitals. Believe me they are talking thousands!! There’s a pink Flamingo in Little Lotties bedroom though.M and I are going to have a wee holiday over the new year, it’s been a wonderful Christmas. All too much for a white Lady,TTFN. ( sorry for no posts) been V. busy with the little ones.

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Dec 31

NANNY ANON, hello darlings, M&I and a bottle of celebrity plonk, our night off so it’s on with a movie,feet up and relax. All the i are crossed and the Ts are dotted , o dear the drink 🥤 has taken effect ………… we both wish shoo a happy new year and prosperoush , prosperoust, positives, O you get it , we never normally celibate like this , o dear, all too much for a white Lady ,TTFN. 🍹🍷🍾🍸🥂……………☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️☕️

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3 notes · View notes

artemisnightingale216 · 5 years

Text

Love and What We Do in its Name: Ch 6- The Belly of the Beast

Authors Note: This chapter gets a little violent. You have been warned.

Prologue

Chapter 1- Unemployed

Chapter 2- A New Beginning

Chapter 3- Hopeful

Ch 4- Predator

Ch 5- Come Out and Play

Alastor was quiet as he stepped into the only occupied room on the fifth floor. The door didn’t even creak as he softly closed it behind him and his footfalls couldn’t be heard as he walked across the carpeted floor. His shadow fell over the sleeping form of the blue skinned demoness as he came to the bedside, her body nearly completely buried under the covers as it lay turned on its side in a slight fetal position, only from her shoulders up visible to him. Her expression was soft, not at all like the gloomy, black one she usually wore. She was muttering something in her sleep, but it was only incoherent babbling, even to his highly tuned ears.

He cocked his head as he watched her. It baffled him how something so small and insignificant could rile him up so much. She was a puzzle, one he was keen on solving before he brought her to her end. He found it somewhat of a pity. She was rather entertaining and worth a good laugh, but she knew too much. If she decided to call his bluff and tell Charlie or Vaggie about his goings on at the hotel, it would ruin everything he’d set out to achieve.

Even Vaggie herself was becoming a hindrance. She was always questioning his actions and whispering things to Charlie when she thought he couldn’t hear, but there wasn’t much going on at the hotel he didn’t know about. Perhaps he would dispose of her as well. Ottilie would be easy with all the previous maids having ‘disappeared’ before, but Vaggie would be a tricky one. He’d have to be careful with her or the others would start asking too many questions. Things might not end so well for him if he didn’t plan everything down to the last detail.

He stopped right beside Ottilie, towering over her sleeping form in a domineering way. He raised a hand and reached out towards her head, but paused when she moaned and adjusted herself so her face was buried further into the pillow. He continued, but changed course at the last second so his claws were beside her horns. Bringing his middle finger and thumb together, he snapped them once a bit loudly. When she didn’t stir, he knew she wouldn’t wake while he was in there.

His smile broadened. It would be oh so easy to attack her as she was now. She wouldn’t even see it coming. He had no doubt she would try to scream, but he’d have removed her vocal cords before she could even try; he imagined her screams would be quite lovely, but he couldn’t risk anyone hearing. He’d have to settle with slowly watching the light leave her eyes as he devoured her piece by piece, her eyes never leaving his the entire time. Her fear would be delicious, like a spice that only served to add more flavor to her already delectable flesh.

Her scent alone was driving him mad. Against his better judgement, he leaned over and breathed in deeply through his nose, something he couldn’t do when she was awake and they were in such close proximity. He could feel his mouth watering as he took in that aroma again. He was so tempted to have a taste of her that he found himself leaning down further, his lips peeled back to reveal his razor sharp teeth. He stopped himself, however, his jaw snapping shut as he regained control of himself. If he wasn’t careful, this girl would no doubt be his undoing.

He leaned back and stood up straight, distancing himself from her before he did anything too drastic. He would have her, but not yet. He wasn’t done playing. Despite having always been told not to play with his food, he simply couldn’t resist. It was entirely too much fun.

Now he simply had to figure out what to do first. There were so many ways to mess with her head that it was leaving him giddy with excitement. He considered leaving a snake or spider somewhere for her to find, which usually got the women riled up, but she didn't seem like the type to be affected by such things; he highly doubted she'd be immune to the sight of a genuine skull or two, though. Perhaps he'd hide a few sharp objects and see how long it took her to stick herself with them and how hard; he wondered how much she'd bleed, especially after having watched one of the other maids nearly slice her hand clean off when he stuck a blade to a doorknob. He could also cut a hole in the cord of her vacuum and one way or another she'd eventually get a bit of an electric shock. So much to do, so little time.

Perhaps it was because he hadn't messed with anyone on such a personal level in a good while, not since the last maid had been in service, but he was definitely looking forward to this hunt. He'd never encountered a woman so emotionless before. It would be such a thrill to be the one to make her squirm like a worm on a hook.

He stepped away from the bed and began to walk around the room, his mind working like a well oiled machine as he pieced everything together in his head.

*****

Ottilie had been grateful for her restful nights of sleep the last few days. She so rarely slept for more than six hours, if she even made it that long, so getting up to eight felt like a godsend. Somehow, she'd managed to sleep for nearly nine hours straight.

It was for that specific reason that she nearly throttled Angel when he woke her up. It had been dreamless and restful, which might have been because she'd worked so hard the day before; she hated to admit it, but the shoes had been so comfortable that she couldn't seem to stop working. Vaggie and Charlie had to physically stop her and it was only then that she realized how tired she was. Even so, Angel snuck into her room, tiptoeing across the floor as she lay sound asleep.

“Pst, hey, toots,” Angel whispered in a hushed tone when he reached the bed. She didn't even stir, still laying on her side as she had been hours before, buried beneath the covers like they were a cocoon. “Hey, toots! Wake up!” He spoke a little louder and tried poking her face for good measure, but she only grumbled under her breath and burrowed further into the comforter, her cheeks now covered, too. He growled now, done trying to wake her up gently. “Wake up, you sleeping hoe!”

That appeared to have done the trick as she jumped quicker than he'd ever seen her move, making him jump as well, her eyes wide as they darted around frantically. Blinking a few times to clear her mind, she realized what had happened. Looking around again but seeing no one, she called, “Angel Dust?”

“Up here,” Angel called back.

She looked toward the sound of his voice only to see him stuck to the ceiling, his hands and the balls of his feet pressed up against it. She'd seen him do things like this before, but never quite so high. “What on earth are you doing up there?”

“What the Hell are you doin’ snappin’ up like that? Nearly gave me a heart attack!” he retorted as he flipped around so he was facing her. “I almost died! Again!”

“What are you even doing in here?” she asked as she rubbed the sleep from her visible eye and looked at the clock. “I still have a few more hours before I have to get ready for work.”

“Really?” he smiled before detaching himself from the ceiling, landing on the floor with a rather loud ‘thud’. He rushed over to where she sat on the bed, making her flinch, and clasped his hands beneath his chin. “Then will you give me a bath?”

She blinked once in confusion. “You woke me up this early to give you a bath?” Her face was just as blank as it always was, but he could tell she wasn't happy at all.

“Uh huh,” he nodded. She just continued to stare at him. “Com'on, please? Oh, please? Oh, please? Oh, please?” Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Pwease~?”

A long sigh escaped her, her shoulders sagging with the action. “Go to the bathroom.”

“Yay!” he practically squealed in delight as he jumped up from his kneeling position and bounced his way toward the bathroom, acting like a child on Christmas morning.

Knowing he would get antsy if she took too long, she climbed out of bed and placed her slippers on her feet before shrugging on her robe. As she was tying the sash around her waist and made to follow after him, she happened to glance over at her sitting area and frowned. Something was definitely wrong.

Her furniture had been switched around. Where it had once sat previously, it was now on the opposite side of the room. Not just in her sitting area, but everything that wasn't stationary had been as well. She thought she was just imagining it at first, but she knew for a fact that everything had been just the opposite when she went to bed the night before. She wondered if Angel had done it just to mess with her, but moving around heavy furniture would be too much work for him. Neither Vaggie nor Charlie seemed like the types to play childish pranks and Husk definitely wouldn’t be behind this. From what Angel had told her, it very well could have been Alastor, but she very much doubted he’d come into her room just to move things around; she’d probably in a world of pain if he had in fact come into her room at all. That just left her with the rest of the inhabitants, all of whom she’d yet to meet, meaning it could have been any of them.

“Hey, toots! Get the lead out of your feet!” Angel called impatiently, his tone both mocking and serious at the same time.

Realizing she’d been thinking on this for too long as she stared at her misplaced furniture, she turned toward the bathroom again and called, “Coming!” as she walked as quickly as she could to the door. Hesitating a moment, she buried her hands deep into the pockets of her robe to make sure all of the skin of her arms was covered and stepped inside. Angel had already stripped out of his clothes and was sitting on the sink countertop, his body shamelessly on full display; he’d already set the water running as well, knowing that the way they liked their temperatures was vastly different. “Do you want me to add the bubbles?”

“You should already know the answer to that one, baby,” he replied, his legs kicking back and forth slightly as he waited for the tub to fill.

“You know the drill,” she said as she gestured to his hands with a nod of her head, to which he complied by using them to cover his eyes. Once his vision was impaired and she was sure he wasn’t peaking, she pulled her hands out and crouched down to look in the cabinet underneath the sink. Easily finding a bottle of bath soap stowed away in the back, she pulled it out and took it over to the tub, applying a generous amount to the already half filled water.

The scent mixed with the steam and Angel sniffed the air curiously. “Vanilla? Why did you use the vanilla one?”

“I thought you liked it?” she pondered as she placed the cap back on the bottle and put it back under the sink.

“I do, but you usually use the grape scented one,” he recalled with a slight pout, like the slight break in the routine had left him sullen.

“The grape one is back in your dressing room, so I can’t use that one, but trust me,” she smirked ever so slightly even though he couldn’t see. “You’ll like this one better.”

“Well, if you say so,” he shrugged.

Once the claw footed tub was two-thirds of the way full and the bubbles had sufficiently covered the surface of the water, she shut off the faucet and placed her hands back inside her pockets. “Alright, you can get in now.”

He smiled happily as he uncovered his eyes and stood up, even more excited now than he had been. After stepping into the lukewarm water, he placed his hands on either side of the shining white porcelain and lowered himself into it. A deep sigh escaped him as he leaned back and let his feet dangle out of the water, his legs a bit too long to fit all the way inside as the angle he was at. “You know, this is one of the things I missed about us working together. No one gives baths like you do.”

“Surely the new girl gives you baths,” she commented as she rolled up her sleeves out of his line of sight and pulled a stool up behind his head.

“Yeah, right. Like I’d ever let that good-for-nothing, talent-less hack anywhere near me like this. She’d probably bleach my hair white and then call it art,” he scoffed as she took a seat behind him. He dipped his head back into the water just enough so that his hair was wet but his face was still above the surface and sat back up again.

“The studio must like her if they’ve kept her on this long, though.” She picked up a bottle of shampoo and squeezed some out into the palm of her hand before putting it back down. The floral aroma surrounded them both as she started scrubbing it into his light pink hair, her fingers massaging his scalp at the same time.

“Of course the studio likes her! She’s given handouts to the producers!” he said in exasperation as his hands went flying up, sending water and bubbles all about. He put his hands back down and started playing with the bubbles, making odd shapes and towers out of them.

“Need I remind you that you do that sometimes, too,” she chuckled lightly, messing around with his hair a bit in the same matter he was the bubbles.

“Yeah, but at least I don’t use it as way to further my career! She’s just doin’ it cause she knows she can’t do nothin’ right!” he said accusingly. “I’m tellin’ ya, that’s the only reason they let you go. Why, I have half a mind to-.”

“Careful now. That’s reaching a bit too far, don’t you think?” she laughed.

“You little shit!” he half heartedly growled at her as he scooped up a handful of bubbles and shoved them in her face, making her cry out in laughter.

A sense of nostalgia overcame them as they continued to laugh and talk. It had been commonplace for her to give him a bath every now and again when they were working together. She wouldn’t do it every day, but that was mostly because he would usually have a date or two for after the shooting and he didn’t want to have to reapply his makeup or hair. Doing this once again made them feel as if they hadn’t been separated at all. While it was true that being apart had made them both miss each other terribly, being together again only served to remind them how strong of a bond they really had. He never seemed to mind how cold her touch was, either, despite the fact that she was touching him without so much as a glove between them. Instead of recoiling like most others did, he welcomed her touch and even seemed to find some comfort in it, looking more relaxed than she’d ever seen him whenever she bathed him.

Once he was clean and satisfied, she stood behind him and helped him out of the tub, his head facing the ceiling so he couldn’t see her hands. After he wrapped a towel around himself, he informed her he’d meet her down at breakfast and left the room with the pajamas he’d been wearing. Anyone else might have questioned the fact he was running around the hotel practically naked, but she knew better; he’d never been afraid to show off what he had.

Once she was alone again and the bathroom had been straightened up, she only had about an hour before she had to get to work, so she began to get ready for the day. She hadn’t had any time to make herself a new work dress yet, so she was still wearing a pair of the work pants and smock Charlie had given her, glad now that she’d insisted she take a few extra pairs. She also slipped on her work boots, which she still wasn’t quite used to wearing.

The previous day had left her somewhat angry, having returned to her room for her other pair of shoes only to find that they were gone as well, leaving her with only the ones she had in hand. She’d searched high and low for her other shoes, wondering if she’d somehow misplaced them or if they’d simply been hidden, but they were nowhere to be found. The new shoes were certainly easier to work in and for that she was grateful, but at the same time she was angry that the choice had been taken away from her about whether or not to wear them added to the fact that both pairs of her shoes were now gone, seemingly for good. Who did this person think they were to force her to wear them, she thought angrily. Without knowing who’d given them to her, however, she had no one to direct that anger towards, so she simply couldn’t hold on to it. It disappeared, just as her other shoes had.

After tying her hair back so it hung loosely down her back in a low ponytail, she left her room and headed towards the dining room, assuming that if she didn’t head that way that Charlie would come looking for her. She’d been able to talk her way out of eating dinner with them, but Charlie had practically demanded she join them for breakfast, especially after having also refused it the day before. She didn’t eat very often, not feeling the need or want to, but today she was feeling somewhat hungry. Perhaps all of the moving around was starting to give her a bit of an appetite.

Finally getting used to the layout of the hotel after a few days, she found the dining room easily and found that she was one of the first people there aside from two others. The first was the small one eyed demoness who looked like a child and the other was a woman of ample size who was dressed like she’d just stepped out of a casino. The two turned to look at her as she stepped in, one regarding her with cheerful delight and the other in indifference. “Um… hello.”

“Hi, there!” the smaller one said cheerfully as she jumped out of her chair, her poodle her red and yellow polka dotted skirt swaying as she rushed over to see her up close. “You must be the new maid! Gee! You're kind of tall! Then again, a lot of people are tall to me! I'm just so short, aren't I?” She took a quick pause to giggle, not giving Ottilie any time to respond as she prattled on. “You're really pretty, too! I bet you get a lot of attention from men! All the men most flock to you like a rooster to a chicken! My mom used to be the same way! Pretty and good with the men! You must adore all that attention, don't you? Gosh, I wish I were as pretty as you!”

Ottilie blinked down at her, unsure if she was finished or not. After a few seconds, it appeared she was done for now. “Um… thank you, but you're much prettier than I am.” She truly believed that the shorter girl was better looking than she was, though that was the case with most people she met.

“Wow! That's so sweet of you! You're really nice! I bet you've got lots of friends! Mimzy over there is my bestest friend!” she turned and pointed towards the other woman sitting at the table, who gave an unenthusiastic wave, her fingers wiggling slightly. “Oh! And I'm Nifty, by the way! What's your name? I bet you've got a name just as pretty as you are! I hope you do! It would stink if someone so pretty had an ugly name! Oh, please, won't you tell me? I've just got to know! What's your name?”

“Will you just tell her? She won't stop until you do,” Mimzy sighed.

“Ottilie,” she replied after another few seconds.

“Oh, wow! I love that name so much! It’s so unique and wonderful! It fits you so well!” Nifty gushed before bounding over to Mimzy. “Didn’t I say that her name would be pretty? And I was so right! Have you ever heard of a name like that? And her voice! I bet you she came from England! People from England were all the rage when I was alive! So formal and polite and-!” She was cut off when Mimzy picked up a napkin and shoved it in her mouth, silencing her for the moment.

“You know the rules, sweetcheeks. Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee,” Mimzy reminded her as she leaned into her hand and continued to not-so-patiently wait for breakfast.

Nifty and Mimzy certainly wasn’t what Ottilie had been expecting at all. From the way people talked about them, they were as inseparable as the moon and stars, but from where she stood, they couldn’t be any more different than night and day. The way they talked, acted, and even the way they dressed were nothing alike each other.

Mimzy, who appeared to be from the time Ottilie recalled being called the Roaring Twenties, was a rather stout and stocky woman not much taller than Nifty was. She had platinum blonde hair styled in a side part with the ends twirling around in a single curl, thin lips painted the same color of red as her irises and cheeks, dark red lashes that contrasted with her entirely black scleras, a small nose that was just a little too pointy, and ashen white skin that stood out against the dark hues of her attire. She wore a dark purple strapless flapper dress that left little to the imagination and put the tops plus the sides of her ample bosom on display for the world to see; there were small strips of white around her hips, almost making it look like she was wearing a belt or a top and skirt, and the tassels at the bottom were colored white with streaks of the same dark purple. Around the top of her head and over her hair was a was a dark purple headband with a matching feather and faux gemstone that matched the color of her eyes. A beaded necklace with the same type of stone hung around her neck and her hands were covered by dark purple gloves that reached past her elbows. Her feet, which were, like her hands, very small compared to the rest of her body and protected by tiny heeled shoes that went with the rest of her clothing.

Nifty, on the other hand, was as skinny as a twig, the only curves on her being her rather tiny breasts. The skin of her head and neck was a milky white and a stark contrast to the bright colors of her clothing while her needle like arms and legs were a deep purple, her cheeks were dotted by small points of fuschia, the frizzy hair atop her head was cut short above her shoulders and colored the same shade as her cheeks with a large streak of light orange beneath her bangs, and the single eye in the middle of her head was a match to her hair with a ring of orange around her fuschia scleras. Aside from her polka dotted poodle skirt, she wore a short sleeved white blouse spotted with fuschia that had poofy sleeves and a fuschia and orange colored scarf tied loosely around her neck. If the small woman was wearing shoes, it was hard to tell. The wide smile that seemed to be constantly spread across her face sported two rows of razor sharp teeth, something that most demons in Hell seemed to have, which seemed a little odd given the fact she didn’t seem to have a malicious nature, but looks could be deceiving.

Aside from their physical differences, Mimzy also seemed to lack Nifty’s bubbly personality and talkative nature. Though not reserved, she didn’t seem to want to talk unless something caught her interest or it benefited her in some way. Ottilie couldn’t help but wonder why the two were even friends to begin with, being so different, but she supposed she didn’t have much room to talk; she and Angel were completely different as well, but they were practically inseparable, too. Perhaps their relationship was strange to her because she was finally seeing it from the other side and not just her own perspective.

After Nifty managed to get the napkin dislodged from her mouth, she bounced back over to Ottilie. “So are you going to join us for breakfast today? You’ve missed the last couple of meals! You really should join us more often! We have so much fun! We laugh, we talk, we eat!” She giggled a bit at herself. “Listen to me! Of course we eat! What else would you do during a meal!” She giggled again. “But really, though, I think you would enjoy it! Most everyone does!”

“Well, I, um-,” Ottilie started before Nifty reached up and took her hand, her small limbs high above her head to reach it.

“You can sit right next to me, then! The cleaning lady who worked here before used to sit there, but she doesn’t come around anymore! Alastor said she simply had to go!” Nifty said as she tugged Ottilie over to the side of the table where her chair sat waiting.

“Alastor? Why would Alastor say that?” Ottilie pressed, feeling a bit nervous on the subject, but feeling like there was something more to that statement.

Niftys eye widened and her smile turned strained as her tiny grip on Ottilies hand turned into a rather tight squeeze, almost cutting off what little blood flow the taller woman had. Ottilie glanced over at Mimzy only to find her looking at Nifty like she’d just blown the cover on a top secret operation. Of course Ottilie already knew what had happened to the maids who had come before her, but the two of them clearly didn’t know that. However much Alastor appeared to have told them about the situation, he apparently hadn’t felt the need to inform them of her knowledge on it; quite franckly, she was surprised they’d been told at all, Niftys ramblings making it clear that it was probably something they shouldn’t have been.

Mimzy suddenly burst out laughing, the sound obviously forced, but to her credit she was doing her best. “Nifty, you silly girl! I told you that, not Alastor! Remember? I said it was because she couldn’t make the beds right!” She turned her gaze to Ottilie, but the smile she offered was just as forced as her laugh had been. “Don’t mind her. She gets details wrong all the time. I keep telling her that slip ups like that will get her into trouble… don’t I, Nifty?”

Nifty looked down at the floor, the expression almost looking shameful if not for the fact that she was shaking slightly, the vibrations traveling up into Ottilies arm. “Yeah…” she was quiet for a moment before she returned to her bubbly self and her head shot up to look at Ottilie as she continued to lead her towards the chair. “Gee, your hand sure is cold! Were you holding something before you came in here? I can feel it even through your glove! Whatever you had must have been mighty cold!”

“No… this is just my normal body temperature,” Ottilie said somewhat bashfully, letting the subject of Alastor drop, if not for their sake but her own.

“Wow! That’s so neat! I’ll bet you stay really cool in all this heat! I wish I could be that cold, then I wouldn’t have to worry! It must be so nice! Do you have-?” Nifty continued on, talking as if nothing had happened barely even two minutes ago. Ottilie let her go on, however, as she was practically pushed into a chair and listened to the girl prattle on for a good ten minutes or so, actually somewhat glad that she didn’t have to participate much in the conversation. It wasn’t until Mimzy complained that the food was taking too long that she jumped up from the table again and hopped onto the floor. “I’ll go check on it!” She turned to looked up at Ottilie again. “Don’t go anywhere! I’ll be right back!” She scampered off, disappearing faster than rain down a storm drain.

It was silent for a moment, reminding Ottilie of just how talkative Nifty could be, before she glanced over at Mimzy again only to find her watching her from the corner of her eye. Her gaze was set into a slight glare, as if she were both sizing her up and giving her a warning. Ottilie had only just met Mimzy, but she somehow got the feeling that the other woman wasn’t much of a threat. Something about her simply screamed ‘all bark and no bite’. If Mimzy had something to do with Alastor, however, perhaps she was someone to at least watch out for.

Averting her gaze, Ottilie looked down at the table, trying so hard not to look the other womans way that she didn’t even notice when other people started to pile in one by one. The seats at the table were all so nearly full that by the time Angel Dust sat down in the seat across from her and had to nudge her with his foot to get her attention when she wouldn’t reply to him she was shocked when she looked up. Only the seats on either side of her, the one next to Angel Dust, and two others were empty at that point and some mild chatter had begun to take place. Another quick glance at Mimzy showed that she’d lost interest for the time being and Ottilie could relax a bit.

Ottilie and Angel talked about this and that while they all waited. She did her best to not let on how nervous she was around so many people, but it was evident in the way she fidgeted that she was uncomfortable. Angel tried to take her mind off of the fact that she was around strangers, though it only helped a little. Even so, no one else paid her any mind; in their eyes, she was just another maid who would likely up and quit, just like the others had. After a few minutes, though, she seemed a bit more at ease when she focused more on the conversation and less on the people around her; it pleased Angel to see her finally coming out of her shell, if only just a little. That was, at least, until three figures walked into the room.

One could almost feel sorry for Husk, who looked like he’d barely gotten any sleep if any at all, but he also had Nifty dangling off of one arm, her feet barely touching the floor as she held onto his forearm like he was a jungle gym, while Alastor had his arms wrapped around his shoulders, his feet dragging slightly and slowing the shorter man down. “Will you get off of me?” he asked in an annoyed tone, probably not the first time he’d said it.

“Not until you do it,” Alastor smirked, leaning his head on Husks shoulder and putting more of his body weight down. Husk grumbled something in reply, but the words were inaudible.

“You know we can’t let go until you do it!” Nifty laughed as she climbed further up his arm, wrapping around it like a snake on a branch.

“You’re hurting me,” Husk staggered slightly, the added weight of two bodies nearly throwing him off balance.

“You’re only hurting yourself!” Alastor remarked, his smile widening slightly. “Come now. It’ll make your day brighter!” Husk turned his head slightly and glared at him. “Well, it can’t hurt you any more than this does!”

Husk let out a long sigh, his shoulders sagging with the action. He looked around the room, finding most of the eyes on him, and rolled his own. With a great bit of reluctance, he flashed a very small and quick smile, the frown he always wore returning to his face just as quickly.

“Yay! He did it!” Nifty cheered as she let herself drop to the floor and raced over to her seat, looking happily up at Ottilie before striking up a conversation with Mimzy.

“See now, was that so hard?” Alastor playfully chided as he released Husks shoulders and stood up straight, pinching the cat demons cheek just a little too hard and shaking it as he passed. Husks face contorted in anger at the action, but he said nothing to him as he took the open seat next to Angel, knowing he would have a fit if he didn’t.

Husk sat there a moment, looking a bit perturbed, when his nose started to twitch slightly. His head rose up from the hand that had been propping it up as he sniffed the air a little harder, turning his nose this way and that. He leaned a little closer to Angel gave him a few good sniffs before squinting his eyes at him. Angel looked at him in confusion before Husk said, “You smell nice.”

Angel was caught off guard for a moment before a wide smile spread across his face. No one had ever seen him look so elated before. He turned to look at Ottilie, knowing it was thanks to her that he’d received the compliment, but her attention was elsewhere.

Ottilie had gotten noticeably tense when the three of them walked in; Angel had seen this and what about to ask what was wrong, but that small compliment had him too distracted and the small detail for the moment as he became a little too touchy for Husks liking. She went practically rigid, however, when she noticed Alastor coming to her side of the table, his eyes on her and a smirk on his face as they both realized the seat next to her was empty. She was about to get up and excuse herself, but he beat her to it with the strides his long legs provided as he placed his hand on the back of her chair and pushed it back in, the action just subtle enough that it looked like he was using it for support as he lowered himself into his seat. She nearly jumped when his claws intentionally brushed against her back, but refrained from doing so in favor of not causing a scene.

Ottilie had a feeling this was going to be a long breakfast.

***

Vaggie and Charlie had come in with the food and beverages not long after everyone was seated. Breakfast consisted of biscuits and gravy, eggs, bacon, and an assortment of all sorts of other foods while there was also orange juice, milk, and hot tea to drink. Everyone dug in at their own pace, enjoying the meal like most of them did every morning. Mimzy couldn’t seem to handle herself and ate like a man starved for days as she tried just about everything there was to eat, Angels plate was full of sausage links and eggs, Husk was just having sausage and a bowl of milk, Vaggie had mixed the eggs, sausage, and bacon together to make a breakfast bowl of sorts, Charlie partook upon the fruit, Nifty was making a bit of a mess with her toast and jam, and the others Ottilie had yet to formally meet ate their own mix of food while she had simply chosen for herself a biscuit with a light layer of butter and a small plate of fruit. Alastor, however, did not eat a single bite; much like the day before, he had a simple cup of tea and that was all. No one else seemed to find it strange except for Ottilie, so she kept to herself about it.

Ottilie had tried to distract herself by focussing on her food or listening as Nifty continued on about this and that, but it was hard when she could feel Alastors eyes on her when she wasn’t looking. His gaze seemed to sear into her like fire, almost hot enough to burn even her, but whenever she would look out of the corner of her eye he would either have his eyes closed like he was enjoying his time there or his eyes would be somewhere else entirely, but he never turned his head towards or away from her. She had also tried more than once to excuse herself again, but he always seemed to know when she was going to and found some way to stop her. He would turn to Nifty and ask her to pass him something and, seeing how she was between them, would have to hand it to him; it was always simple things like cream or sugar for his tea that he could easily reach himself, but it was bad manners to reach across someone at the table and they both knew this, so he used it to his advantage. Even Nifty and Mimzy seemed to somehow be in on it, asking him to pass things along back and forth, somehow successfully trapping her between the lot of them. It was infuriating, to say the least, but still she said nothing.

It wasn’t until Mimzy and Nifty along with everyone else were distracted by Angel trying to impress Husk by placing the thicker sausages in his mouth and swallowing them whole that she was able to slip away. Only Alastor seemed to have noticed, unamused by the display, at least until Angel started to choke as he tried to swallow five at once and got a bit of glee out of it as Charlie jumped up to help him. Having seen Angel get out of worse situations, she knew he would be fine and went about her business, glad to be out of the deer demons presence, at least for the time being.

Once again distracted by the comfort of work, she delved right into it and started with her normal routine. First, she would go and collect all of the sheets, something that was much easier now with the new pair of boots she begrudgingly wore, no longer worried about walking up and down the long flights of stairs. Next, she would run them through the washer and fetch new sets to put on the beds, having already found a sack she could use to carry them so she wouldn’t have to climb up and down each floor again and again. After the beds were remade, she would then set about cleaning the rooms. It was at this point that she began to notice cleaning supplies were missing; in their places were photos of the missing items and another photo beneath of where they had been moved to, but every time she went there she would find another photo leading to another location until she eventually found what she was looking for. It slowed her down considerably and she was none too happy about it, especially when it continued on for days after. The first time it had been all of the vacuum cleaners, the second the brooms, the third the cleaning sprays, and so on until everything all of the supply closets had been hidden at some point.

When that was finally over, then came the strange happenings that would go on while she was cleaning. Things would randomly fall over when no one was anywhere near them, sometimes breaking in the process, and she was forced to go and tell Charlie or Vaggie what happened; she was beginning to suspect that Vaggie was believing her less and less that it wasn’t her fault each time it happened, no doubt thinking she was clumsy and didn’t want to admit it. Electronic devices would switch on as well, many a times on full volume and nearly making her jump out of her own skin. She would hear laughter behind her or voices she didn’t recognize whispering things to her, but each time she would turn there would be no one there. Phones would ring in rooms when she was nearby and she would rush to answer them in case it was something important, but they would always stop before she could reach them. More than once she had found signs taped to her back that said, ‘I’m hungry and underpaid’, or something of that nature; Vaggie had seen it once and asked if she was trying to get more money out of them while Charlie saw it as a cry for help.

All of this only added to the fact that Alastor was still trapping her beside him each morning at breakfast. She would always find a way to avoid dinner, feeling grateful that everyone was left to their own devices for lunch, but Charlie always managed to talk her into breakfast. No matter where she sat or who was beside her, he always found a way to take their spot and make her exceedingly uncomfortable. Most of the time it was simply staring when she wasn’t looking, but other times he would resort to more drastic measures when she tried to make it clear she was ignoring him. Sometimes he would switch out her cup with another, watching as she went to take a drink and stopping herself before she could taste whatever it was after noticing it wasn’t hers; more often than not it would be bleach or some other type of cleaner, but once it had been a cup full of blood. Other times, he would try to rile her up by poking her in the side or nudging her with his foot when she wasn’t paying attention, making her jump in surprise and get a few looks from around the table; fingers would be one thing, but the tips of his claws were rather sharp and she was worried he might actually cut into her one day.

The thing that really took the cake, however, was the day she, Charlie, and Vaggie finally got around to cleaning out the laundry chute. She’d been there for nearly a month now and they still couldn’t figure out exactly what had gotten stuck in there. Still, though, she was happy they were attempting to unclog it because that meant she’d be able to use them instead of walking up and down the stairs.

“So what do you think is up there?” Charlie asked as Vaggie turned on a flashlight and stuck her head into the opening in the basement.

“I’m still pretty sure it’s a wad of sheets,” Vaggie explained, squinting her eyes a bit up into the darkness and letting out a groan of annoyance. “It’s too high up. I can’t see what it is.”

“What does it look like?” Charlie questioned, standing just behind her and trying to see in as well, but the opening was only big enough for one person.

Vaggie looked harder for a moment. “Like a wad of sheets.” She climbed out of the opening and handed the flashlight to Charlie. “I’ll go up and see if I can dislodge it.” Looking over at Ottilie, she asked, “You have Angel Dust up there, right?”

“Yes. I sent him up to the sixth floor since it seems to be between there and five in the other chute,” Ottilie confirmed.

As if on cue, Angels voice came blaring from the walkie-talkie sitting on the table. “These chutes stink like ass! What did them bitches do? Send ‘em down wet?”

“Yeah, same with this one,” Vaggie nodded to Ottilie, ignoring Angels comment as she grabbed two broomsticks and headed for the door. “I’ll go up and we’ll see about getting those sheets out. You two stay down here and wait to see what comes out.”

“Can do!” Charlie playfully saluted while Ottilie just nodded in agreement. Once they were alone, she turned back to Ottilie and smiled. “I’ll bet you’ll be happy once this is done. It’ll make your job so much easier.”

“Yes, it will,” Ottilie concurred. “Not that I find it hard to do to begin with, but it has been much easier since I got these new shoes.” She was doing her best to make the conversation seem casual, but in reality she was trying to see if she could get Charlie to admit the shoes had been from her. She’d had her suspicions since she’d left them in Charlies office only to have them returned to her, but at least if she confirmed it she might be able to get the other woman to tell her where her other shoes were and return her current pair again, still not wanting to accept such an extravagant gift.

Charlie glanced down at Ottilies feet then back up again. “Oh yeah! I noticed you got new shoes a while back! They’re really cute! Where did you get them?”

Not ready to give up just yet, Ottilie pushed a little further. “They were a gift. I tried to return them but… they were given back.”

“I see. Well, maybe it’s a good thing they did, if they make working easier,” Charlie pointed out. “Who gave them to you?”

Ottilie, not sure what else to say, went with, “I thought you did.”

Charlie looked taken back. “Me? Well, I’m flattered you would think I did something so nice, but I can’t take the credit for it. I wasn’t even aware you needed new shoes. I do hope you figure out who gave them to you, though. Whoever did deserves a big thank you!”

Having confirmed her original suspicion that Charlie wouldn’t have hidden the fact that they were from her, Ottilie was back to square one with them. Perhaps it was for the best she didn’t know, however. Going back to her original pairs would mean having her feet hurt all day and it was improper for her to be running around in only socks. She would simply have to make due with what she’d been given and leave it at that.

“Geez, it really stinks in here! And this thing is lodged in there good! Them girls should have been prostitutes, cause they sure know how to fill a hole!” Angels voice came over the walkie again, sounding a bit ticked off at having to waste his time on such a thing.

“Just get over it and get it out of there! It stinks over here too and I don’t want it getting into the rest of the hotel!” Vaggies voice followed, clearly not too happy about it, either.

“It’s really squishy, too! It feels like it’s falling apart whenever I poke it!” Angel went on. Charlie and Ottilie heard banging from the chute the latter of the two was standing in front of, like he was beating at whatever was in there.

Ottilie walked over to the table and picked up the walkie, confused on how to use it until Charlie told her to press the button on the side. “What do you mean it’s squishy? Sheets shouldn’t be squishy.”

“Hold on, I think I almost got it!” Angel stated, his voice sounding strained as he hit at the thing with more force.

“Me too,” Vaggies voice crackled from the walkie. Bangs followed from Charlies chute now as they waited below.

Almost simultaneously, they heard the sound of something sliding against the metal of the chutes, a few pieces of cloth falling from above in Charlies chute. She looked at them in confusion, having expected entire sheets to fall instead of just pieces. She also noticed the material was black rather than white and a bit too thick to be a bedsheet. Stepping closer, she picked it up and felt a dry, crusty material on it that left red flakes on her fingers. “Is this blood?”

Charlie and Ottilie had to scramble back from the openings as something large and heavy began to fall down them at high speed, crashing against the metal in an almost deafening sound. Something came falling out of Charlies chute and tumbled to the floor in front of her while Ottilies came just seconds later, but neither of them were bundles of tangled up sheets.

It was the smell of the bodies that hit them first. Ottilie had always heard that decaying flesh smelled awful, but she never knew it could be this bad. She and Charlie had to plug their noses against the stench as their faces wrinkled in disgust and it took them a few seconds to realize what they were looking at. Once it dawned on them, however, Ottilie could only stare in shock while Charlie was in hysterics.

“Persila, Annabelle, no!” Charlie cried out, sinking to the floor as her fingers tangled into her hair.

Ottilie was confused has to how Charlie knew who they were. Though clearly female, neither body had a head with which to identify them from. She then noticed, however, the black and red colored uniformed dress they were both wearing and the nametags pinned to them, one reading ‘Annabelle’ and the other ‘Persila’. She’d always wondered what exactly had happened to the maids that came before her, but had thought it better not to ask Alastor such a question if she wanted to keep both her sanity and her head on its shoulders. Annabelle and Persila seemed not to have faired so lucky.

Ottilie was pulled from her thoughts as Charlie began to dry heave, the sound mixing with her cries. She brought the walkie back up and spoke into it. “Vaggie? Where are you?”

“Headed downstairs to meet back up with you guys. Why?” Vaggie replied.

“I think you might want to hurry,” Ottilie commented, unsure what to do for Charlie.

“Why?” Vaggie asked again. “And what was in the chutes?”

“Is one of you two crying? Sounds like someone died in there,” Angel cut in jokingly, letting out a noise of surprise when the wails only got louder. “Geez, what did I say?”

“We’re on our way!” Vaggie said worriedly.

***

Needless to say, Vaggie was none too pleased when she came into the laundry room to find a sobbing Charlie and two dead headless bodies that belonged to two former employees. After getting Charlie away from the bodies and up to the penthouse, she went through the entire hotel and sent everyone to their rooms until she said otherwise or they got everything straightened out, whichever came first. She knew it couldn’t have been Ottilie who finished them off, but Ottilie had decided it would be best to head back there to escape the chaos. No one bothered to ask how the two had died; headlessness aside, there was only one true way to kill a demon.

Ottilie was in no real hurry to go back to her room, however. For once, the halls were quiet and she could think to herself for a bit. Aside from that, there wasn’t much for her to do in her room. She contemplated reading or sewing to pass the time, but she knew she was much too distracted for that.

Her thoughts kept going to Annabelle and Persila. She’d never met the two, but she did feel bad for them. She needn’t bother wondering who killed them, having already known the answer for a long time, but could only hope they didn’t suffer too much. It was hard to tell just from the bodies whether they had or not. There were many deep gashes and claw marks, but the deepest of them had been in their hearts, and that had likely been the blow that killed them, meaning their heads were likely cut off after they were completely dead. It was possible they had been cut off before the stab to the heart seeing how the heads would just grow back given enough time, but she hoped that wasn’t the case because she’d heard regrowing limbs was quite painful.

She fought with herself to keep them from her mind. It wouldn’t do her any good to dwell on them now and the bodies would be gone by tomorrow, Vaggie having already said she would have them taken to the disposal sight that was specifically for circumstances such as these, but she doubted she would be able to use the chutes now without thinking about those two women stuffed inside like discarded waste. She briefly wondered why Alastor had put them there in the first place rather than dispose of them himself or hide them somewhere better and even tried to figure out what he must have done with the heads, but thought it better not to find out.

A headache began to throb beneath her skull and she rubbed at her temples as she closed her eyes, able to navigate the halls now even without looking. She was typically a calm person, but even she could get stressed out. All of the goings on had really begun to affect her. Between Alastors antics and the strange goings on, it was starting to get to her. She wasn’t going to give up, however, and was more than willing to stick it out. Alastor and everything else aside, she enjoyed the work and most of the people there were nice to her. There was no way she was going to give it up.

As she was rubbing at her temple, she could swear she heard a light crackling noise. Assuming it was a side effect of her headache, she ignored it and kept walking. The noise persited, however, and was only getting louder. The crackling was followed by the sound of constant static and that made her stop dead in her tracks as a sense of deja vu washed over her. She’d heard both sounds accompanying her before and knew she’d never forget where it came from. Ever so slowly, she turned and looked down the hallway.

All the color drained from her face and her eyes went wide as she saw the thing standing in the middle of the hallway.

It was at least nine to ten feet tall and the tips of its ears brushed against the ceiling, the long antlers that sprouted from its head branching out like the limbs on a tree. Its claws were longer and much sharper, no doubt able to rip apart anything they came into contact with, and the skin at the corners of its smiling mouth were frayed and torn apart to reveal a mouthful of teeth just as deadly as its claws, the jaw open slightly with a tongue slightering about like a serpent between it. The face was just an empty black hole with stark white eye sockets and that mutilated mouth, its gaze boring into her and body bent forward like a deranged animal ready to strike. Tendrils of dark power manifested around its body, infesting the floor and walls around them as they sought to snuff out the light, the shear force of it causing the frayed tail of its suit jacket to whip about. The thing wore the same clothes as Alastor, but it was clear that, though they both shared the same body, they were not of the same mind.

Her blood felt like it had completely turned to ice while she and the creature stared at each other. The sound of static and crackling continued to assault her ears, turning almost deafening now and nearly throwing her off balance, but her stance held fast and she remained still, not wanted to make any sudden movements. Over the sound of the static she could hear its ragged breathing and the occasional low growl, like it wanted her to move but getting angry when she didn’t budge. Her expression was finally showing fear, but it wanted more than that. It wanted to hunt.

Ever so slowly, it cocked its head at her and its jaw extended, unmoving as it began to speak. “Ottilie.” A shiver ran down her spine and she thought she was about to piss herself as the voice of monster spoke her name. It held its long arms out to the side, like it was welcoming her in an embrace, and there was almost a sing-song quality to the way it called out to her. “Won’t you come here? I just want to talk.” She slowly shook her head, still afraid to move too quickly. It moved so it was standing on all fours and straightened out its spine, its tongue slithering faster now. “That hurts my feelings, Ottilie. You never want to talk to me. You just scurry away and leave me all alone. Don’t you like me?” It started to take slow, deliberate steps towards her, each one matched by her taking one away from it. “I like you, you know. I like it when you’re near... I like the way you smell… and I think I’ll especially like the way you taste!”

She barely had any time to react when the thing lunged at her, using all for limbs to propel it across the space between them. She turned and ran just as it landed in the spot she’d been standing in, narrowly missing the claws that swiped at her, the air that whooshed past her causing her to stagger a bit as she thought they were going to hit her. Her heart pounded in her chest, beating painfully against her rib cage as she sprinted faster than she ever had in her life. Adrenaline pushed her forward as the thing followed after her, easily keeping pace behind her but not ready to catch her just yet; the beast was finally getting what it wanted and it wanted to chase.

She had no idea where she was going. There was no where she could go that would keep her safe from this thing. It seemed hopeless, but even so she kept running. Something inside of her simply wouldn’t let this thing have the satisfaction of taking her down. Until she was completely drained of energy and couldn’t run another step, she would survive.

It wasn’t until she saw the door to the stairwell that she had an idea. Her chance was slim, but it was something to go with. Sucking in a large breath, which was a bit difficult as her lungs burned, she used it to give herself a burst of momentum and shot towards the door. It didn’t think twice about speeding up as well and she could hear its heavy steps behind her, but she had been counting on that as it didn’t have time to stop. She burst through the door and onto the landing of the stairway while it crashed into the door frame, its shoulders just slightly too wide to fit through.

It was unharmed but nonetheless roared in anger, the sound echoing through the stairway. It reached an arm through the doorway, trying to grab her as it clawed in her direction. She scrambled back until she hit the railing, her spine hurting as she pressed into it. Its claws were just centimeters from reaching her, but those centimeters were enough to keep her out of its grasp. It tried to force its way through the doorway, but its anger was causing it to thrash about too wildly to squeeze through properly.

It stopped thrashing as it stared her down, its large hand slamming down on the floor in front of her, the tendrils returning now to slink their way slowly around the stairwell; now closer to them, she could swear she heard screams and cries of anguish emanating from their inky black depths. Its ears twitched as it cocked its head again, regarding her with interest. “Such a smart girl you are. I’ll tell you what. I’ll make you a deal since you were able to outsmart me like that. Come out of there now and I promise to make it quick. You’ll won’t even feel a thing.”

Not believing him for a second, she shook her head. “No.” Her voice was shaky as she tried to catch her breath, using that moment to steady herself for when she would have to run again.

“Come now. Think rationally, dear. Do you really think you can get away?” It asked, its head tilting further to the side.

“Maybe not,” she replied. “But I’m certainly not going to make it easy on you.”

It chuckled a dark and sinister laugh, the sound making her knees quake. “Easy? Darling, you’re only making this fun for me. I simply wanted to give you an easy out… I’ll even give you one more, since I’m such a good sport. Come here and I’ll be gentle with you.” It lifted its hand and turned its palm toward her, like it expected her to take it.

“Do you really expect me to believe you? People like you never keep your word,” she retorted, unsure where it had come from feeling like it was true nonetheless.

It let out a long sigh, like it really had wished she would take the bargain. “Have it your way.” It pulled the hand back and it disappeared from sight as it let the door close between them.

She didn’t hesitate to run down the stairs as soon as she heard the click of it closing. She didn’t care where she was going or how long she had to run, she just knew that she had to get as far away from the hotel as possible. She doubted anyone there would be able to help her. None of them could stand up to the might of the Radio Demon and she didn’t want to put them in harms way for her sake. It broke her heart, but she’d have to leave Angel and the friends she’d made there behind or risk seeing them hurt so Alastor could get to her nor did she want to test how far he was willing to go.

As she was descending the stairs, she saw a blur of red leap down from over the railing above her head. She turned to run back up, but this proved to be a mistake as the blur landed right in front of her. A gasp escaped her lips just before a hand grabbed her shoulder and pushed her back, sending her falling backwards. Pain shot through her as her multiple times as her spine hit the corners of the stairs and her head bashed against one as well, leaving a few trickles of blood behind as she tumbled down. Only when she slammed against the wall of the next landing did she stop, groaning as she lay face down.

She was given no time to recover as hands harshly grabbed hold of her and flipped her over so she was lying on her back. She tried to fight them off, but her assailant sat on top of her so he was straddling her and pinned her hands above her head, easily keeping her in place.

She needn’t guess that it was Alastor, but this time he was back to his regular form, smiling down at her in all of his wicked glory. His expression showed remorse, but it was only in mockery; he felt no sympathy as he stared down at her. “Poor little thing. I really wish you had taken my deal when I gave all those chances. You know, that’s more than I’ve ever given anyone else. It just goes to show how much I really did like you, but that’s all over now. I’m afraid I can’t make it quick for you in this form. The one you just saw, well… I have a bit of trouble controlling it, so you really wouldn’t have felt anything. This one, however, you’ll feel every… little… thing.”

She was shaking now, unable to stop her limbs from trembling like they did. “Why are you doing this?”

He chuckled again. “You know, I get that question a lot. I got it when I was alive and I even get it here in Hell. The blunt of it that I simply can’t let you run about freely anymore, knowing what you know. I simply can’t having you tell any of the others. Of course I have most of them under my thumb, but I’ve put too much effort into my plans to have you ruin them if word gets out I was the one who killed the other maids.”

“Mimzy and Nifty know. Are you going to kill them, too?”

“Mimzy does whatever I ask and Nifty does as she’s told. I don’t have to worry about them. You, on the other hand,” he grabbed both her wrists in one hand, still easily able to pin them down even though she pulled with all of her might, and used the now free one to run his claw down the length of her face, grabbing it roughly so she was still looking at him when she tried to turn away, “have been a thorn in my side ever since you came here. You’ll simply have to go.” The hand slipped down so it was around her throat and wasted no time as it began to squeeze tightly. “Don’t worry, though. You and I will have oodles of fun together. And as a reward, I’ll tell Angel Dust you said goodbye.”

Her vision was already starting to blur as she struggled for air, the hand around her throat not letting even the tiniest bit through. Her legs kicked back and forth, trying to land a blow, but it was all in vain as he only laughed at her meager attempts to harm him. His smile was cruel and sadistic, just as she imagined it would be if he ever got his hands on her.

As her vision began to blur and black spots dancing in front of her eye, the form looming over began to shift and change. Confusion washed over her as she was no longer staring at Alastor, but a man she did not know yet seemed all too familiar. His hand was still around her throat and he was smiling at her like he was enjoying the action all too much. His voice spoke to her, sending hate coursing through her veins as he said, ‘My lovely little doll.’

All at once, she went completely numb. The hand around her throat no longer mattered and whoever was above her was inconsequential. Her body went slack, no longer straining against him nor desperate for air. Her face, now blank of emotion, stared up with a glassy expression, like no one had ever inhabited the body in the first place.

***

Alastors brows furrowed and his eyes narrowed. The all consuming, delicious scent of her fear was now completely gone and he was left with nothing but the shell of a prey. This wasn’t what he wanted at all. He couldn’t possibly taste her as she was now. She would be too bland. He leaned down closer to her as he pulled her face toward him, his hand still around her throat. “If you think pulling that little stunt is going to help you live, you’ve got another thing coming.” There was no response. “You’re going to die. You know that, right?” She didn’t even bat an eye. “I won’t even tell Angel Dust you said goodbye! He’ll think you left without giving him a second thought! He’ll hate you by the time I’m through with him!” It was like talking to a brick wall.

Anger bubbled and festered inside of him, threatening to make him act irrationally, but he had to stay in control. She was his to control and he simply had to remind her of that, but something stirred deep down inside of him as he stared into those lifeless eyes and pushed its way to the surface, escaping him in the form of an ear piercing screech, the sound odd when coupled with his smile. Even then, there was nothing from her. He could see her consciousness slipping away as her eyes began to droop, but he felt no satisfaction in it. He lost satisfaction in everything about this.

***

All at once, Ottilie could breathe again as the weight was lifted off of her and the hand around her throat was gone, Alastor nowhere to be seen. She was no longer numb as she took a deep gasp of air, filling her lungs until they couldn’t hold any more, her chest arching toward the ceiling all the while. She coughed and sputtered as spit coated her chin, everything beginning to ache with pain once again. Turning on her side, her fingers clawed at the ground as she desperately tried to regain control of her breathing. Her entire body trembled, shaking violently and painfully as she curled into herself.

She wasn’t sure how long she stayed like that, but eventually she picked herself up from the floor and made her way to her room, her body protesting the entire way there. She fought back tears all the while, not wanting to cry over this but the urge so overwhelming that it was a wonder how she didn’t. Once in the safety of her bedroom, she shut the door and locked it behind her; she knew such a simple thing wouldn’t keep Alastor out if he came for her again, but it was a small comfort to know it was at least locked. She sank to the floor again, her back against the door as she wrapped her arms around herself, feeling so cold and wishing she could get warm as she rubbed her hands along her arms, but she was never warm. She had only ever known the cold.

As she sniffled and rubbed against her eye, still fighting tears, she heard a gust of wind before she felt the breeze that came with it. Confused, she looked up to see that her balcony door was wide open, the curtains on either side billowing in the open air. She knew she’d left it closed when she left, having never actually gone out on the balcony. Fear gripped at her once again as she thought Alastor had indeed come back to finish her off, but the more rational part of her brain told her that he wouldn’t have bothered coming through the balcony. He could tear the door off its hinges like it was made of paper while barely lifting a finger, so she was simply left confused again.

Standing up on shaky limbs, she slowly and carefully made her way to the door, unaware that she would come to wish it had been Alastor waiting out there for her.

#hazbin hotel #vivziepop #alastor #charlie #ottilie #vaggie #angel dust #mimzy #nifty #baxter #husk #crymini #lawwdiin #love and what we do in its name

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captaingondor · 5 years

Note

Okay, but if you're still looking for romantic prompts, how about Character A saying I love you to Character B without using the words "I love you." (Through actions, or an "as you wish" situation. That kinda thing.)

Thanks for the prompt!!For this, I wrote about probably my favorite of my OC ships. Tragically I probably won’t be able to show as much of their relationship as I’d like in the work itself, and neither of them is the perspective character. This is fortunate in that I can write whatever I want for self-fanfic without stepping on the main narrative’s toes, and unfortunate as I want to just write their whole relationship basically which made this a little hard to pare down. Hope y’all love them too!If you want some dramatic irony, also read this piece I wrote with Corrianne earlier. And, if you are curious, the correct way to pronounce her name is ‘cor-ee- AHN,’ with a French R sound.

How Empress Corrianne Learned to Speak Her Husband’s Language

When they married, Corrianne could not speak to her new husband.

Like most nobility around the continent, she had never studied Pelasian. Even centuries later, the fears birthed by the Speaker Wars lived on. No mage could twist your mind to his will if you couldn't understand the words he needed to do it. (Of course, now Pelasia had grown to power anyway without the use of mind-altering magic, so maybe it had all been for nothing.) And the Emperor, it seemed, had never bothered to learn any language but his own native tongue.

Corrianne studied and practiced until she was able to carry on something of a conversation with him without going through her ladies-in-waiting or his translator. The Emperor could not even say her name right.

But chipping away at the language barrier was not aiding their communication to the level that she had thought it should. True, she did not mind the extent to which he left her to herself - she had encouraged it. No, the Emperor was simply a hard man to understand. So she told herself, and so she held firmly in believing.

She could not have said when she first started noticing a difference.

***

He knocked at the door between their suites late in the evening, when she had retreated to hers from the court but not yet prepared herself for bed. He always knocked - these rooms remained hers, not his. The first few times he’d done this, she’d sent one of her maids to answer instead and give her regrets. When he proved unfailingly polite to them, and did not push past her excuses, she decided this could be allowed and came to the door herself. He never demanded her presence, or even requested - a request from the Emperor was little less than a demand. He merely gave an offer - he had ended his work for the day and would be in his sitting room, and would welcome her company if she wished to join him.

“I usually take this time for some quiet when I can… read for a bit by the fire, have a glass of wine… but if you would like to talk instead -” His eyes flicked to the maid murmuring all his words in Corrianne’s ear. “Perhaps practice your Pelasian?”

He had not offered to practice his Ruveldin, or even Idan, so that time she had refused. But she didn’t really want to spend the rest of her life married to a man that she would not talk to, so the next time she had accepted.

She’d been worried about his intentions that time, though he’d never touched her without her permission. But he really had just sat by the fire with his book and offered her a glass of wine, and did not press her unduly for conversation when she opened her own book. They made a few simple comments to each other on their day, and what they were reading, and spent the rest of the evening in silence together. She wondered how many times he’d had two glasses brought up, hope. She wondered if he’d left a few dregs in each to keep the servants from talking. She felt a little bad, but only a little.

She’d come over many times since then, and it had almost become a little ritual between them. They did not always spend the time reading silently - she truly did wish to practice her Pelasian, and he proved a patient conversation partner.

This time when he knocked, she answered with a smile and stepped through before he even needed to make his offer. She carried a book with her, but did not open it immediately when she sat down, and so he did not reach to pick up his own. “Thank you for joining me.” Even now that it was a regular occurrence, he thanked her. “I enjoy your company. I have little time to myself, but this has been an improvement on solitude.”

She had not thought the Emperor one to seek out solitude. He demanded the attention of the world. Perhaps she had misunderstood him. She smiled politely and asked him about his day. He was a man of routine; she knew the words he would use to speak about that well enough to follow, better than whatever that declaration had been.

***

They were at dinner, which was rarely a private affair. There were always people at court to entertain. But today was no great feast or party, only a regular meal, and while the Emperor’s attention might as ever be demanded at any time, at present Corriane and her husband were left to converse among themselves as they ate, should they choose to.

They did not always. Corrianne preferred practicing her Pelasian when they were in private, and going through a translator was more clunky than casual dinner conversation with her husband ought to be. And besides, it was dinner, and their main focus was eating.

But today, he chose to strike a conversation up. “Have you heard from your sisters lately?”

She’d received a letter from Everrie just that day. Perhaps he’d had mail come in from Ruveld as well, or seen the messenger bring it in. Or perhaps it was a lucky guess, though that seemed less likely. “I have.”

“And how are they?”

A few times, early on, when the Emperor had asked about her family, she had wondered if he were fishing for information on them, for his schemes or politics. But that had been silly. Surely he had plenty of sources for that without her.

“Both are well. Also my father, and -” She paused. She did not know the proper word for stepmother or half-brother. But he knew that they were her stepmother and half-brother, of course, there was no need to explain it to him. “And his wife, and Alairon.”

“Glad to hear it. Your younger sister’s birthday was coming up, wasn’t it?” He didn’t try to say her name - maybe he’d seen Corrianne wince as he mispronounced hers too many times.

“Yes, they had just celebrated it when Everrie wrote me.”

“She could handle planning for it without you, then?”

Oh. He had remembered, from the last time Everrie wrote. She had told him how Everrie was used to following her lead for social events, how she had been so frantic about taking it on herself, how she had wanted to prove she could step up to the task without leaning too heavily on their stepmother. She hadn’t passed on all of Everrie’s pouring out her heart - she did not think she’d have like the Emperor to hear all of it - but she liked to talk about home, and it was a good subject for her to use in practicing her conversation. And, she realized, her husband had been very attentive in asking her about her sisters. He had been since the first time she brought it up.

“It was as I told her, she -” She hesitated, and finished the sentence in Ruveldin for his interpreter to pass on. “She is more competent than she gives herself credit. She just needed to get her time of worrying out of the way and put her mind to it.”

“Still, they must miss you at home. You light up my court so, I can see it would be hard to lose you.”

She hardly knew how to respond to that, and took a bite so that she would not have to.

***

One of her ladies reported to Corrianne that her husband had had a gift sent to her rooms, so she came to them and found the box set on a table. She opened it to find a delicate golden hair comb, set with many small, deep red gems. Beautiful, and very much to her taste. She wondered if he had picked it out himself.

It was hardly the first gift he had given her. Fine cloth for her dresses, a dark bay riding horse, expensive jewelry, books - ones that he thought she would enjoy, or Pelasian translations of ones she had to help in her study. Some she had written off as no more than what might be expected from the Emperor to his wife. The others had confounded her. What did he mean by them? Was he trying to buy her affections, to keep her and thereby her father’s kingdom sweet? Did he wish to flaunt his wealth and power?

But none of those thoughts came to her now - only a desire to find her husband so she could thank him for it.

She made a few inquiries and was glad to be able to find him alone, going over his correspondence. He looked up, and smiled when he saw her. She’d never noticed before how different that smile looked from the one she saw him wear in public, how his eyes brightened with it. He nodded at the comb she clutched in her hand.

“You like it?”

She nodded. “It is -” It is lovely, she wanted to say, but could not find the right word as she filed through her Pelasian vocabulary. “It is very nice.”

He stood up from his desk and walked over to her. “I thought it would look well with your hair.” His eyes lifted to the honey-gold braids crowning her head as he spoke. He hesitated a moment, and then held out his hand. “May I?”

She passed the comb to him, and he slid it into her hair as though he were one of her maids. Her husband stood back, and looked at her admiringly for the space of several second, before frowning.

“I’m sorry - I don’t have a mirror here for you to look at it -”

She smiled softly. “I am sure you put it in straight. Thank you.”

“I’m happy you like it, Corrianne.” He stumbled over the r, and tried again. “Cor - Corrianne -”

It still was not right, but she smiled anyway. “I understand, Seyetto.” And she set her hands on his shoulders, pushed herself up on her toes, and kissed him.

#my ocs #something i wrote #corrianne #seyetto #throwaninkpot

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gildedink · 5 years

Text

For @bettsican since I was mean and suggested the Anastasia AU.

The ballroom glittered with light. Though the snow was falling thickly outside, the horse-drawn carriages kept coming. After all, it was Princess Anastasia’s 9th birthday. Nobles form all over the Russian Empire, including a few foreign dignitaries, were in attendance. The little princess could be seen, dancing with her father. He lifted her up, laughing as the girl clapped in enjoyment. The dance continued, everyone knowing their movements in the display of human machination. The dignitary from China, Jin Xia, looked on with a smile, brown eyes warm at seeing such joy. It was a lavish display, meant to entice and warn; Russia would not topple easily to foreign invasion. The former Tsar, Alexander, sat to the side, gazing at his favorite granddaughter. The pair shared the same clear tanzanite eyes and unruly curls, though his were chestnut while hers were pale blond like winter sunlight.

The elder man beckoned the little girl and she disengaged from the dance to go to his side near the throne. “Having fun, shnezika?” he asked.

Anastasia nodded. “There are so many people! I didn’t think I was that important."

“Everyone always wants to celebrate a pretty girl’s birthday.” Alexander replied. “Now, here. My present to you, pretty one.” Out of his jacket pocket, Alexander revealed a golden thing; oval in shape, gilded and inlayed on top with lapis lazuli imported from the far west.

The girl’s eyes widened. “For me? Is it a jewelry box?”

“Something far more important.” Alexander reached under his shirt and pulled out a small pendant in the shape of a many-pointed star, golden and inlayed with lapis as well on a long gold chain. Taking the pendant, her slotted the tips of the star right to a small hole on the side of the box. He turned and Anastasia heard gears moving inside. When there had been enough turning, Alexander removed the pendant. The lapis top slowly opened as music spilled out with two figures slowly spinning. The figures were an exact replica of the Tsar and Tsaritsa in porcelain. The song softly singing among the din of the orchestra was the lullaby her grandfather had song to her since she had been in the crib.

“Oh…” Tears welled up in the girl’s eyes. “Dedushka… it’s our song!��

“It is. This way, even when you miss me while I’m away, you can pretend I’m right next to you, singing to you.” He placed the music box down on his lap and took off the long chain around his neck. He handed it to the birthday girl. “Read.”

Taking the necklace, Anastasia slowly brought it close to her face. Small leters circled around the center. Slowly turning it, she read. “ ‘Together.. in Paris.’ “ She looked up. “Really?!” Alexander nodded. “Dedushka! Thank you!”

The girl flung her arms around the man, hugging him tight. She could smell the mint oil he dabbed behind his ears. He hugged her back. “It’s just for the summer, little bird. But yes, you father feels you’re old enough to finally travel.”

Unknow to either royal, a little boy, only a few years older then Princess Anastasia, watched on. He was entranced by the lovely curls of the girl, her smile that could melt snow. She looked nothing like the people back home. No one did really, but she seemed to radiate effervescence and light. “Tern, it’s rude to stare.” The boy felt himself flush at his mother’s admonishment.

“…she’s pretty.” He said, glancing again at the girl with her grandfather.

His mother smiled slowly, an idea forming. “How about this then, Tern. I’m sure she’d appreciate a present from someone around her age then an adult. Why don’t you present her with our King’s gift?”

“Really?” His mother nodded and took the present from the maid by her side. It was wrapped in soft silk in a watercolor of jade green, moss green and a touch of pale blue.

She placed the gift in his hands. “Be careful. Don’t run and wait until they’re finished talking. Remember your manners.”

“Yes mother!” Tern spun around, seeing the princess hug her grandfather tight, a smile on her face and tears dotting her lashes like dew. He felt his heart warm; he hoped the present in his hands made her smile like that too. Swallowing, the boy went over to the girl. Alexander noticed the new company and gently nudged Anastasia. She turned to look at him. “A-ah, I-! Um!” Tern cleared his throat. “Princess Anastasia. I have been given the honor to… to present this gift to you from the King of the Joseon Kingdom. We hope to continue cor-cordul-“ The boy stumbled over the words. Alexander watched on with slight amusement as Anastasia waited patiently; she also stumbled on the some of the large, fancy words she had to use, speaking with people. She understood his discomfort. “Cordial! – cordial relations with the Russian Empire.”

The boy’s accent had been thick and heavy as he’d spoken in Russian but Anastasia appreciated the effort. “Thank you.” Anastasia curtsied and took the gift. “May I open it?” The boy nodded. “What is your name?”

“Tern. Tern Keo.” Tern bowed. “I am happy to meet you.”

“You’ve traveled far.” Alexander spoke up in the Joseon language. “I hope it wasn’t too much trouble.”

“No, everything was fine.” Tern insisted, remembering his teachers instructions; never complain and keep things vague.

Alexander opened his mouth to speak but stopped as all the candles and lamps within the large ballroom suddenly extinguished. His eyes widened as he stood. “Get behind me, children.” The former Tsar stood in front of the pair of children as the door slammed open with an unnatural wind. A tall, pale figure stood at the door. Anastasia and Tern peaked from behind Alexander’s robes, curious. People shrank back as the man entered, the moonlight coming in through the huge windows on the walls. Someone dropped a crystal glass. It shattered, spilling red wine like blood at the man’s feat. He crushed the glass’s remnants underfoot. “Get out.” The two words rang in the large, quiet room.

“’Get out’? How rude.” The man said. The planes of his face were sharp and cold. “I thought this was a celebration?”

“You were not invited.”

“But, I am your confidant!”

“Confidant? Hah!” Alexander glared daggers into the man in front of him. “You stopped being that long ago, when you got my wife killed. Now get out!”

“I just wanted to bring a gift to the little princess. Would you be so cruel to deny a child a gift?” the man countered, a sickeningly sweet smile on his face. “Where is the little one?” His eyes zeroed in on Anastasia. “Ah, there she is.”

Alexander spread his cloak out a bit, shielding the girl from view. “This is your last warning. Leave of your own will or be dragged out like a bitch kicked to the curb.

“She has your eyes Alexy. So lovely and clear, they skewer your soul.”

There was a murmured wave of disgust at the nickname. Everyone knew the rumors; Matvey, a con man, a witch, who had somehow fooled the former Tsar into letting him into the court. His reward was the death of his wife. It had been many years yet somehow age had not marred the cold face as it had lined Alexander’s. “GET OUT!” Alexander roared. The guards, still beset with nerves, sprung to life. The grabbed the man and began to drag him out. His skin felt like ice.

Matvey laughed. “She’ll be the last Alexy! She’ll be the last of your bloodline. You and her! And then I will take great pleasure in killing her slowly, right before your eyes.” He spat on the ground, resisting now. “You should have never betrayed me.”

“You betrayed me first when you killed Tsar Peter.”

There was a laughed, unhinged. “He got in our way. In my way. You always had unfaithful eyes.” He grinned. “I wonder how loud she’ll scream when I pluck them out.”

At this several nobles moved, standing between the royal family and the madman. Even a few dignitaries moved to protect the little princess, disgusted at the threats on an innocent child.

Anastasia felt tears running down her face in fear. Tern quickly did the first thing that came to mind; covered her ears. “Don’t listen.” He said. “Don’t.” Anastasia looked to Tern’s warm brown eyes, sniffing.

“The next time you come around, I will kill you personally.” Alexander hissed. Matvey laughed but stopped resisting as he was dragged away.

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libidomechanica · 2 years

Text

That, it is at its tip

About the same. With strife. Stay but they contracts, we move into the ecstasy of death, we were, thought upon the long-boat three lives. At last, perhaps a little light, under the

moon. (I do not rail without breeze is brisk— though before me, and no wife, survivor bulging with strong it blew there in her hand, and angled poison. As thought us, as thou art assure you. Medusaes

mazeful hed. Stretches between the eggs were furld in the day of welcome night, or to see the bed to the Bridge of pinewood crossing, I whet my scythe his work, children,

come down upon the sun, the plate, you rose at fourscore, engrave upon her tender almost dear, rose-cheeked Adonis, that I were denies, those crimsin dyde in growth and said she was enough stiffened by the

rusted snow, deceiud the little light of thee: now this holds good in a low tone, which embarrassd people, as with honours her there pry upon an expedient combination of our

household, others, looking in the heart as well as of the resource for motionless, and your faces going back, saw Neptune, Pan, or staine, and all ye powers, a faintly clammy day,

leauing my labouring rill, all trembling, wonder Castlereagh dont know there Simmer first train but the more awkward as a boy when first choice of bamboo and so that will teffect so sweet, which so prevailed,

as ye her arms, faded the vestal duties of any premature designed his right, and then an open boat, than wear those gay recesses: many a heart-strings to see, as an artichoke

but that you esteem and gives its harp and then if for my excuse to feed him no great advantage, too, he tried to anticipate the rest for to

recalld “central blue; far along his most dead, herself in common lose thousand torches flaming bright euening silent grow, and lifting up a mass of love, these few, but cannot share “em. Are won when

they bore. He must wait severs all alike admires the same: new needles on the sudden she least so whence take the ‘widows eye that ’“ gainst the doors open; I fill with pity! But worst a Jew it is the

usual signal taen their sweetness that I felt before attentive: the tilt of a bird, she long-battred eyes with snow, deceiud the grave); and, sobbing hearts and she gave, their own apartments”,

all discontent to point: slowly along its bright and maids, and the assistance, how it is, we cannot live, now here descended to Juanna, playing with him, take that you highest place.’”

#poetry #automatically generated text #Patrick Mooney #Markov chains #Markov chain length: 7 #169 texts

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pretzelmintz · 6 years

Text

Kirumi Tojo Headcanons (+Kirumatsu cause why not)

Note: These take place in the Ultimate Talent Development Plan universe

-All the teachers love her because she's never late and always behaving

-She serves tea to Headmaster Kirigiri

-When she's not with her dorm members, she hangs out with Kyoko, Peko, Celes, Sonia and Mikan

-She's VERY protective of Mikan. Due to this, she's always ready to cut a bitch when Hiyoko gets near her.

-She and Sonia are always gossiping n talking about the dumb shit that their dorm boys do

-You KNOW that Kazuichi would flirt with her, but since Kirumi is gay as fuck he gets hilariously turned down every time

-Dont piss of Kyoko and Kirumi when they're together: their stares combined have the power to kill you instantly

-Kirumi is savage as fuck; she'll roast you while maintaining a calm composure (have you SEEN her convos with Toko is UTDP? GODDAMN)

-She acts like her usual proffesional self around Byakuya, but secretly, she cant fucking stand him (relatable)

-She has no problem with bugs, and is quite fond of spiders (i mean,,, its her aethetic) but as soon as she sees a wasp, all proffesionalism is out the window and she just fucking. runs

-She has allergies. I mean. Lots of them. Pollen, birch, dust, certain medecines, and shes intolerent to almost every fruit known to mankind (am i self projecting? yes)

-*Akane and Nekomaru are having a fight in a class room* All the other students: *yelling* Kirumi: *sighs as she gets smacked by debris*

-Kirumi, looking down at Kokichi while deadpanning: "Had it not been for the laws of this land, I would have slaughtered you."

-Kirumi is usually super calm but the second Kaede flirts with her... *Kirumi.exe has stopped working*

-Shes good at sports! (this is canon) so sometimes she plays against Leon and Ryoma

-She has medical knowledge (this is also canon) so she can be found helping Mikan.

-Kirumi: "as a maid, i must retain a calm composure at all times" *stubs her toe* "SHIT!!!! FUCK"

-She gets put in the kitchen along with Teruteru, who she ALSO hates

-He flirts with her (cause... yknow... Teruteru) and oooof shed punch him but hed probably enjoy it

-She loves the sound of pianos!!! (hmmm i wonder whyyy)

-Kaede will play her songs sometimes and Kirumi just. fuck she is gay

-She and Kaede are clueless as heck and literally everyone in the school is like just kiss already

-Kirumi never makes her move cause she thinks Shuichi and Kaede are in love (little does she know Shuichi is dating Kokichi and Kaede has a bigass crush on her)

-She loves flowers! Her mother is a florist and sends her flowers to the dorms at school

-She became a maid to help support her mother, since they didnt have a lot of money when she was young (everything is okay now)

-Her favourites are white roses and lilacs

-She actually likes being refered to as a mom cause it lets her know that the others appreciate the work she does for them

anyways i rewatched chapter 2 and cried so i needed to cheer myself up

there isnt enough content for this girl! (or for kirumatsu in general)

feel free to suggest your own! might update the list if i come up with any more

#tojo kirumi #kirukaede #toujo kirumi #kirumi toujou #toujou kirumi #kirumi tojo #danganronpa ships #kirumatsu #kaerumi #toujomatsu #drv3 ships #drv3 #ndrv3 #danganronpa #danganronpa v3 #new danganronpa v3 #ultimate talent development plan #danganronpa headcanons #danganronpa v3 headcanons

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rocketrole-jmzc · 4 years

Text

Elton had woken up to an empty bed with a blaring head ache as he always seemed to now a days. He knew he had booked a booth at the studio for the week but it was Wednesday and he knew he could get away with missing one day out of the five that he had booked. The sun was already in the middle of the sky by now and Elton cursed whoever had left the curtains open, it was too damn bright. He blindly searched his bedside table for a pill bottle popping a few painkiller managing to swallow them dry before reluctantly reopening his eyes. Lazily Elton swung his legs over the bedside and padded down toward the kitchen passing John's office on his way down. The door was shut which was seldom the case but Elton didnt think much of it. Coffee had already been brewed and Elton poured himself a cup splashing baileys into the mug and sighing as he brought it to his lips. There was a dull thud above him and Elton sighed, with his pre existing headache and sour mood he didnt want to investigate but then he heard a similar sound but louder like something had fallen. Reluctantly Elton set down the mug and made his way back up the stairs opening the door to John's office caught him off guard "Excuse me?" He shouted his brain working to hard to process what he was seeing to say something proper.

Earlier that morning John’s secretary was over delivering some paperwork. Although it was work that could easily be mailed, the two had been casually flirting for a couple weeks now and the man was going out of his way to see John. John never thought things would go this far but now he had the man pinned down against the desk, clothes discarded long ago and going at it. John and Elton had been drifting apart for months, barely talking aside from fighting, and John thought Elton was out of the house so he wasn’t being careful. When the door to the office opens his secretary quickly pushes John off of him, looking guilty and scrambling to put on his clothes. John’s slower about it; he knows he should feel guilty or embarrassed but he’s mostly just annoyed to have been interrupted. “I thought you were out,” he supplies after putting his boxers back on, working to pull on his pants and get his belt done up.

Eltons jaw sets in place as he watches the other two scramble apart his stomach lurching at the sight of his partner being unfaithful. He scoffs at the other mans words feeling his rage boiling up inside him "That all you've got to say John? Hm? Really that's all you have to say," He says his voice high and tight as he works hard to keep himself from shouting. The secretary is still scrambling to grab his things and Elton glares daggers at the young man "and you," his tone is low and feral as he addresses the secretary "Get out!" He shouts at the secretary his breathing heavy from hurt and frustration as the man scrambles away.

John watches him go then turns to Elton, his expression the same as if Elton was just a minor annoyance, or simply a mild inconvenience needing to be dealt with. “Quite frankly it’s a miracle you’re sober enough to even process what’s going on around you,” he marvels, pulling on his undershirt and beginning to do up the buttons.

Eltons eyes narrowed his heart pounding "That's it? Youre screwing your fucking secretary in /my house/ and that's all you have to fucking say John?" Hes aware hes screaming now approaching John as he speaks "How fucking long? Huh? A week? A month? Is this all the fucking work you need to do?" Elton barely stops for a breath shoving John knowing it wont help the situation but his blind rage is too strong for him to stop himself.

The shove quickly changes John’s demeanor, his shoulders squaring and his jaw clenching. “This was the first time, actually. I’m surprised I didn’t think of it sooner, what with you always gone, high, or picking fights with me,” he shoots back, starting to get angry. “Did you seriously think you could get away with always lashing out physically, without any ill consequences? The work I’ve been needing to do is covering up black eyes you give me,” he brings attention to their more recent fights, which had been getting increasingly more violent.

Elton audibly laughs at John's words "First time? Or first time with him John and dont you dare act all high and mighty when we both know that I am not the only one causing fights," His words rose with anger knocking over one of the chairs in front of John's desk "And lucky for both of us, I had to learn how to cover up that shot of thing very quickly," he sneered in John's face now but he turns away quickly shaking from the anger he cant control.

“Don’t fucking break anything in here,” John warns when Elton knocks over the chair. He rolls his eyes at the others words. “It’s not my fault you thought I loved you enough to only ever be with you,” he practically spits. The seconds the words leave his mouth he regrets them, since they’re not true. He’s purposely lashing out at Elton where he knows it’ll hurt. He knows how sensitive the other is about these things, that deep down the other was afraid nobody really loved him. Which wasn’t true; despite everything that had happened John still loves Elton, but the love has been flattened down from weeks of fighting, Elton ignoring him and vice versa. He shows no sign of regret though, simply crossing his arms.

Elton feels the anger in his chest deflate into cold hurt as he hears the words leave John's mouth. His mothers words rose up in his mind but he quickly shoved her out of his thoughts trying to keep himself angry before heart break set in. He turns to look at John his jaw tight from anger though the hurt shown threw his eyes "Get out of my house John!" He shouts ignoring the other mans cold warning and hurling a glass paper weight into the book shelf next to the other man "Get the fuck out!"

John grits his teeth harder when Elton throws the weight; it shatters, the sound echoing throughout the room, and part of the bookshelf collapses, spilling books and a few records onto the floor. All restraint leaves him instantly and he storms up to Elton. “Don’t. Break. My fucking stuff!” He growls, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and almost raising him up off the floor. “If I come back here and you’ve messed with any of this, I won’t let you off so easy,” he threatens, harshly shoving Elton away before turning to briskly walk out of the room, heading to leave.

The breath is knocked from his chest as John pushes him against the wall fighting every instinct to fight back. But even as John is walking away Elton paces after him hardly ready to let that go "stuff you bought with the money you made from my records you twat!" He shouted slamming himself in the bedroom still seething from the fight

John doesn’t stop when he hears Elton yelling after him, storming out of the house. He calls a car to take him to his apartment in the city, and once he gets there he sits at his desk, still shaking with anger. His own words echo through his head and he tries to push away the guilt; feeling guilty won’t help anything. He knows he messed up but he’d never admit that, he’d defend himself to the death if it kept out the humiliation of apologizing. He pours himself a drink, downing it in seconds and refilling his glass. He continues like that until it’s hard to pour anymore, spilling his drink onto the carpet. He doesn’t care though.

Elton hears the door slam and kicks blindly in frustration. John's words still stung and he reached out for the only coping skill he had: substances. He stares at the bottle for a moment a few silent tears slipping down his cheeks. Elton truly didnt want to loose John but he wasnt sure how he could trust him again.

John sits at his desk with his head in his hands. He feels like he should do something; instead of just sitting at home when he knows Elton’s probably losing it miles away. The other mans known to overdose and attempt, and a brief flash of worry that maybe he’s already done it, and John would get a call saying a maid had found Elton dead in his office. He nervously chews on his bottom lip. He opens one of his drawers and pulls out a small metal tin, taking a small spoonful of the white powder and heavily snorting it. He lays his head on the cold wooden desk, his senses buzzing and his head spinning as he tries to forget his worries.

It had been a little less than a week since Elton and John had spoken although hed seen that secretary around more than enough. Each time was a painful reminder of what he had found that morning and he wondered why he hadnt been fired yet. He made his way down the stairs with his trunk, it was the first day of travel for his tour and the last person he expected to see sitting across from him in the car was John "No work you need to do?" He spat, his bitterness speaking for him before he could stop it.

“This is the work I need to do,” John responds dully, his tone implying he’d like to roll his eyes, though he keeps himself from actually doing it. “Besides, somebody has to make sure you don’t kill yourself before you even go onstage,” he adds, hating that their first exchange in almost a week is hateful and bitter.

"Ah," Elton responds his eyes cold as they settle on John "wed hate to have to refund tickets," He supplies pouring himself a drink from the tumbler that they kept in the car for trips such as these "Where are we starting off again?" Elton asks downing the drink hed just poured for himself looking out the window.

“You have your first show tonight in L.A, then another tomorrow night,” John answers emotionlessly. Once Elton’s poured himself a drink he takes the tumbler, pouring himself one and downing it as well. He pours another, sipping this one a bit slower, looking out the window to ignore Elton. He’s clearly shutting him out, not giving him any attention.

Elton doesnt respond he fishes the tin from his coat pocket and takes a bit on the end of his pinky inhaling and leaning back his nose beginning to drip "Fuck, lend me your handkerchief," he asks his head tipping back to try and stop the bleeding.

John nods and takes the handkerchief out of a pocket on his lapel, handing it to Elton. He notices how thin Elton’s blood is and it makes him grimace: of course his is exactly the same, but he hates knowing Elton’s just as far gone with drugs as he is. “Try holding your breath, it’ll help the blood stop quicker,” he suggests softly.

Elton holds the fabric to his nose huffing, the tip feels condescending but he tries it and it works. He wipes the excess away and glares at John the substance on his system making his heart pound "If you dont fire that secretary then I will and I'm sure I wont be as nice about it as you would be," He doesn't intend for it to sound threatening but he hears his voice distantly and knows it must have

John raises an eyebrow, glaring a bit. “He’s good at his job, he’s been making things a lot more organized and efficient. Things won’t run as smoothly with him gone. But if you want to let your personal problems get in the way of your career then I can’t stop you. I’ll call him later and tell him he’s been let off,” he tells him, not much emotion showing in his voice at all.

Hurt boiled up in him as John tried to defend the other man but he didnt let it show unsurprisingly the conversation veered back towards his career. "Well I suppose that depends on if he continues to be a personal problem," Elton replies his tone icy "and would you get off your damn high horse you cant possibly be pretending that keeping the man you're sleeping with on payroll is for my benefit,"

John’s expression quickly turns to annoyance, looking at Elton almost as if he’s tired. “It /is/ for your benefit, but I’m not going to sit here and argue with you about something you know nothing about,” he retorts. His tone is still superior, but it’s only a coverup for how lost he feels. There’s no going back from what he did, and he’s much too ashamed to apologize, so the only thing he knows to do is defend himself, and to do that he’s trying to distance himself from Elton. All of his responses are given without any real emotion behind them, like he’s giving pre-rehearsed lines to somebody who works for him. He almost seems distant, occasionally glancing out the window, doing his best to avoid eye contact.

The other mans stoney tone just fueled John's anger his uncaring attitude and Elton opened his mouth to respond instead he just filled his glass again and downed his drink leaning his head back against the car seat. The last few days had been hellish and Elton wanted nothing more than to just forget about the hurt that John had caused him. But every time he thought of the other man all he could picture what what he had found that morning and that's what made him speak again "You know I dont know the last time you cared about my benefit, so I suppose I should be thankful you're shagging this poofer, hm?"

That gets John’s attention, and he turns to glare at Elton. He hates how Elton’s always saying that John doesn’t work hard at his job, and that he doesn’t care about Elton’s well-being, because that’s the one thing he always tried hard to do; make things as smooth and seamless as possible to make Elton’s life easier. He narrows his eyes, his face turned up in a scowl. “I’ve always cared about your benefit. I can count on one hand how many times there’s been a major slip-up in concert schedules or distributing records. That’s because I’ve always put your convenience over everything, because I know what kind of person you are. Throwing tantrums like a child if your private jets temperature isn’t exactly 70 degrees,” he says almost mockingly.

Elton doesnt respond he knows John's right in some capacity but the difference is John is the one in the wrong this time and he hates that he wont admit it. He cant stand the anger that brews in his stomach and a silent frustrated tear slips down his cheek. Hes quick to wipe it away and he pours himself another glass sipping it slower this time.

John notices the tear, a sharp pang of guilt hitting him. He turns away, looking out the window and shutting Elton out again. His face is expressionless and uncaring, just to hide how upset he is. The silence is heavy and tense, and he wants more than anything to break it somehow, but he knows anything he’d say would only come across as cruel, so he stays quiet.

"Is he the only one?" Elton asks unable to help himself, he doesn't really want to know those words that he isnt enough for John makes him wonder if this is the first time or he hasnt made John happy for a long time. The thought hurts more than he cares to admit, and he takes another swig.

John nods, turning back to partially face him. He’d much rather not talk about it, but he knows Elton deserves to know the truth. “Like I said before that was the first time. I never meant for things to go that far,” he tells him, knowing it’s no excuse or even close to an apology. It’s the truth, though; it started out as harmless flirting, just a way for John to get his fights with Elton off his mind. They’d never even kissed until the morning it happened. They had been in John’s office, casually flirting, when the other man had made a sudden move and kissed him. John let things progress, even encouraging them onward, because he was so starved for affection from fighting with Elton for months. He didn’t have any real feelings for the secretary, everything the other man had done John found himself thinking how Elton could do it so much better. John wishes he’d never let the flirting continue in the first place.

Elton scoffs and shakes his head as John speaks because hearing it hurts but hes glad he's able to actually listen to the other man, part of that being the alchohol rushing through his system. Some strange part of him feels like he should be apologizing to John, for what he didnt know but hed do anything to keep the other man from doing something like that again but theres another part of him that isnt satisfied and he raised the glass to his lips. Its exhausting to have the part of him that need affection and the part of him that was anger was at war and his anger always won out.

John tries to read Elton’s expression but isn’t able to. Now that Elton’s not yelling at him it’s easier to convince himself to at least try to apologize. “I don’t... I mean...there were no feelings involved. I know that doesn’t make it any better.. and what I said last week, about not loving you.. that wasn’t true, I didn’t do what I did because you’re not enough,” he tries to reassure him. It’s the truth but he knows it’s probably unbelievable. His tone is gentle now, more emotional, like he’s taken down the walls that were keeping him so far away.

#main verse #cheating au #john cheats #part one

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