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warmau · 4 months

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☆ commission: cat cafe!au x lovestruck!au juyeon note: you're the lovestruck one in this

you're not sure when it starts

maybe the day you get silver in, the skinny grey tabby who skittishly avoids every patron, settling into a small ball of fur on the top perch of one of the cat trees

the only human allowed to handle her is juyeon, who talks to her quietly and soothingly and who can hold her in the palm of one hand

maybe it's the weekend you get a whole group of university girls - colorful and loud - flirting endlessly over cat treats and milk tea with juyeon because he's nice and doesn't know the difference between friendly and a little too friendly

or maybe there isn't a way to pinpoint the beginning of your feelings because they've just been inside you for so long that the root is impossible to trace

you look at juyeon from over the register, watch him pick up cat toys and empty glasses from customer ordered drinks

you notice him stop for a second to let silver take a tentative few steps toward him before she's nudging against his ankle with her small head

and you just............feel.................warmth

he turns to call out to you, and your eyes drop down to the counter because ever since it - whatever this is - started

you cannot fathom ever letting juyeon know

"do you still want me to go out and buy litter today?"

you glance at the clock on the wall, shaped like a cat, tail swinging languidly

"it's almost nine so i'll just do it tomorrow when i open."

"sure." he smiles and your chest gets all toasty with adoration "don't pick anything too heavy."

✧

on your way home, you scroll aimlessly through your photos to check which brand to get in the morning when your finger stops on one photo in particular

your first week at the cat cafe

the owner is posing next to you with a big grin, to his left is eric who is doing an enthusiastic v-pose, and then to your right is juyeon

he's wearing a white tshirt underneath his apron, black hair pulled back under a baseball cap, blue jeans and sneakers

he doesn't even try and still manages to be the most handsome man i've ever seen

the train jolts and your finger leaves the photo, scrolling up to some other photo

this one is just you, taken by a friend at some outing

does he look at me at all? does he look at me the way i look at him?

you lock your phone and sigh, these feelings inside of you can continue to grow but you are sure you won't ever let them bloom into anything. especially not something juyeon can ever see.

the next morning, you find yourself in a match with the twenty-five pound bag of litter

you had lifted it at the nearby store and thought to yourself, incorrectly, that you would make the trek back to the cafe with no issues

half a block you had been puffing - dropping the bag as carefully as possible to the sidewalk

"one of the cats is twenty five pounds, why does this stupid bag feel like it's a hundred?"

you catch your breath as a long shadow suddenly obscures your own

"i knew you would overdo it."

you straighten up and see juyeon

"juy- your shift doesn't start till three in the afternoon?!?"

he surveys the bag and the little beads of sweat on the side of your face.

without a word, he picks up the bag and throws it over his shoulder like it's absolutely nothing

"i'll help you bring this in." he outstretches his free hand to you as if to ask if you need help getting stable

you shyly shake your head and he waits as you adjust

the walk to the cafe is quiet.

it's early, and the start of the weekend, so shops are opening but there isn't a crowd yet

"don't be scared."

you freeze - don't be scared? did i mishear him?

"sorry?"

juyeon's expression is unreadable when you look at him for confirmation

his clean skin and pretty eyes radiate calmness. his lips in a slightly upturned curve.

"don't be scared to ask me for help. you've been at the cafe for a while now, the cats like you and i-"

you......like me..........too?

"and i appreciate anyone who is fond of cats like i am."

oh. right.

you laugh awkwardly, covering your mouth out of habit.

"ok, i will. sorry to bother you before your shif-"

juyeon's long fingers wrap around your wrist and you stop in the middle of the street

gently, as if he's handling a kitten, he pulls your hand from your face

"you should never hide your laughter."

it's random, uncalled for even - people don't just say things like that in the middle of a conversation

but juyeon does it as if it's the most normal reaction

and he just blinks when you stare back at him - heart hammering in your chest

"r-ri-right, i won't. but um - will you go back home since you're not scheduled till three?"

juyeon shrugs and you two resume walking

the store is on the next block and when you get to the door, juyeon shifts the bag from one shoulder to the other

"do you need any help opening?"

you fumble with the key, the feeling of his gaze makes you a little dizzy

"n-no i think i have it. you should go back home and get some more sleep."

he nods and follows you inside, placing the litter by the door

without another word to you, he enters the part of the store where the cats are

you pretend to busy yourself with organizing the little chairs in the cafe section, but secretly you watch as he heads right toward the little corner that silver has made her home in

he stands there - seemingly checking if she's awake - and you see him outstretch his hand

always so patient, no wonder she picked him as his favorite. i would too.

you shake your head at the thought, as if to get it out of your head, busying yourself with the usual duties

juyeon emerges a couple of minutes later and waves at you as he opens the door

"i'll be back at three."

"ok!"

and nothing else.

you realize only after it's quiet and you're all on your own again that you didn't get to ask juyeon what in the world he was doing here so early

was he jogging around the neighborhood? did he get up early to go to the same pet store...for a pet he doesn't have? or ........ or........ had he been thinking about you?

you bite back your lip, wondering if its selfish to even have the thought

the thought that juyeon, perfect juyeon, everyone's crush juyeon - could possibly have been laying in his sheets this morning and thinking about going out to check on you

as if to answer you, you hear a loud and annoyed meow

"right. breakfast."

you mumble and let your thoughts about what could or could not have happened this morning find a shelf in the back of your mind

✧

three o'clock comes by even faster than you expect

juyeon comes in, followed by always energetic eric

before you even get a chance to greet them - eric comes bounding toward you with shining eyes

"i heard you totally couldn't even lift ten pounds of litter this morning!"

you deadpan at him, "it was twenty-five pounds."

he shakes his head, hands on his hips, "job requirement says you have to lift fifty pounds or more! i'm telling the boss!"

an obvious joke, you roll your eyes, but juyeon furrows his eyebrows as he joins you

"eric - don't tell the boss that. i don't want them to get in trouble."

you and eric both look at him a little dumbfounded, trying to find a hint of sarcasm in his tone

but juyeon is completely genuine. as he always is.

eric burst into laughter, "dude! i was just playing, teasing!"

he shoves into juyeon's shoulder, who just sways with surprise

"oh."

you giggle, lifting your hand up to your mouth again, but stopping - remembering juyeon's soft voice in the morning

you should never hide your laughter

juyeon's eyes waiver for a moment, from your awkward hand to your lips, or maybe you just imagine it

because he turns and lets you deal with eric's presence by yourself as he lets himself into the cat enclosure

as eric talks a million miles a minute and you help a group of new customers, you second guess the events of the day in your head again

there's no way he would go out of his way to see me this morning. it was just a coincidence. it has to be just a coincidence. juyeon has never shown any kind of interest toward m-

"oh shit!"

the exclaimed voice belongs to eric, who pushes past the register and approaches you with big, sparkling eyes

which can only mean one thing

"can you cover the rest of my shift? pleaaaaaaaase!"

you huff, "why?"

he tries to make himself all cute and sweet, "it's an emergency! for reaaaaaaal! i promise, i'll owe you!"

you don't know how much you believe this 'emergency' - and you've been here since the early morning.

you're tired, you don't even have tomorrow off, and you were looking forward to catching the latest episode of a drama you've been into

but

the cat enclosure opens, and juyeon walks out. behind him is a customer that's clearly starstruck by him.

"let me go get the adoption form." juyeon tells them and the big, fluffy orange cat in his hands purrs

the customer nods and as juyeon passes you and eric, he lifts the cats paw in acknowledgement

how is he the cutest person ever.

"so will you do it? i'm sorry to ask but i gotta go like now if you can!"

another...what....four hours with juyeon? till closing?

"fine. but you're taking my early morning next week."

"deal!" eric is already undoing his apron and rushing toward the back for his stuff

✧

juyeon only registers that you're still here about an hour later.

busy with the adoption procedure, when he waves off the customer with their new pet, he turns and his eyes widen innocently

"i thought you left?"

"eric had an emergency."

concern overtakes the look of shock

"have you taken a break yet? did you eat?"

you remember the sad excuse you had for lunch and shake your head

"sit down, i'll take care of everything till closing."

the way he says it - the words are clear, calm like midday waves

"it's ok -"

juyeon is already pulling a chair from the cafe area behind the register

you sit only because juyeon doesn't seem to look like he's going to move if you don't

"we need to clean before we clo-"

"i can do it." he leans down and for a second the world stops. his face gets so close you can smell whatever detergent he used on his tshirt.

picking some lint from your apron strap, he straightens up.

you feel like your head spins back into a moving world

cutest person ever, with no sense of personal space. great. i pick the best ones.

"the cats were good today. it won't take long."

you make yourself a cup of water and take one of the candy bars from the front to nibble on as you wait for the last party of people to finish playing with the cats

juyeon floats back and forth between helping inside and making the odd drink order

you get up to help and he just points at the chair without a word

stuck there, all you can do is observe

usually you do it in secret, only flinging little peeks over at him when you think he's too distracted

but today - you just watch. and juyeon let's you.

whenever he catches you, his lips curl into just the smallest smile or he asks if you're ok and need him for anything

it's oddly intimate

finally, with the crowd gone, you tally up the cash in the register and juyeon wipes down the tables

he disappears for a moment only to come over to you with a small ball of fluff in his hands

"silver?" you ask, looking at the familiar white stripe down her back

juyeon nods and use one finger to caress her, she mewls and tucks her head into his skin

"she doesn't trust me yet." you say with a sad smile "i think you're the only one she likes right now."

he steps closer and outstretches his cupped hands

"she might hiss-" you start, but juyeon shakes his head as if he's well aware that she won't

"she's comfortable with you." he states like it's a fact "the person she's still timid around is eric because he's......"

juyeon pauses like he's embarrassed to say something mean about another person

"he's loud." you finish his sentence, adding a - "but he's just born that way."

you take in a small breath and lean closer, silver wiggles in juyeon's hands and turns to face you, big blue eyes borrowing into your own

when you let the pad of your finger grace the top of her head - she blinks slow

and then tucks herself back into juyeon

"see, she doesn't mind it." he looks at her with a fondness juyeon seems to reserve only for animals

his usual look of soft uninterest is gone, his eyes are full of care and love

you hate to admit the pang of jealousy that circles around your heart as he takes silver back to the other cats

is there a person in your life that you look at with those eyes? are they the luckiest person in the world?

✧

juyeon waits as you lock the door, and he's still waiting when you're done and start your walk toward the train

"don't you live in the other direction?"

you start and then realize that that might sound weird, but, as always, juyeon seems unaffected

"it's dark out so i'll walk you to the train. you worked almost twelve hours so i'm worried."

you shake your head, stopping on the sidewalk

"no - it's ok, really! i don't want you to have to make the walk there and back-"

juyeon blinks at you slowly, for a second he looks just like sleepy and comfortable silver

"i'll walk you. i don't mind."

you resume your steps just because you think protesting more won't get you anywhere

as calm and serene as juyeon is, you can never really win against him. like a rock - unnervingly silent and impossible to move.

half way to the train the silence makes your nerves bubble up to the surface and you spit out the question that's been nagging you all day

"wha- what were you doing near the pet store this morning?"

you hold the strap of your backpack tightly as the words come out

"were you on a morning run or-"

juyeon tilts his head from the night sky to match your gaze

"i was looking for you."

for a second time you bring yourself to a full halt

"so - you went there on purpose?"

juyeon's confusion is as clear as day on his handsome features

"of course? i knew you'd pick something heavy and so i got up early to meet you. isn't that what you do? when you care about someone?"

"c-care about someone?"

possibly one hundred thoughts race through your mind at once and a hot feeling starts to crawl up your neck

care? as in ...... as in care about me as a co-worker? as a friend? as a silly person in his life that he assumes (correctly) will make silly decisions - what in the world is he talking about?

juyeon puts his hands in his pocket and, for the first time in your life, you see him bashfully drop his eyes to the ground

"i - i care about you because i like you." he lets himself after a moment find your gaze "isn't it obvious?"

"........obvious........"

the word drops from your lips in stunned disbelief and juyeon gives you a smile that you commit to memory forever

"y-yes? aren't i always being obvious around you?"

you try to think of the time that you've know juyeon - that you've known the soft spoken, considerate, polite, a little dense but otherwise incredibly smart, perfect man you know and no. no not once has he shown any "obvious" interest toward you

"i mean, no? i'm the blubbering idiot that's obviously in love with you!"

it comes out on reflex and juyeon's eyes go wide to match the moon that hangs above you two

"oh- oh! you - you also like me? i mean...love me....?"

clamping your hands over your mouth - you lurch forward in a run

juyeon calls your name in surprise, but you can't even turn to face him

you wave your hand above your head

"i'll see you tomorrow! sorry!"

juyeon does the kindest thing possible and doesn't follow after you

you spend the entirety of the train ride home staring at your phone screen completely zoned out

aren't i always being obvious around you?

"we're both just dumb.....that has to be it......"

✧

eric is smiling from ear to ear when you come in and you know that means one thing: juyeon told him everything

the second you put your things down, eric is pushing you toward the storage room and shutting the door right behind you

"you can't come out until you're dating!"

the words are swallowed up in your mind to the sight of juyeon standing there

he looks at you and his long fingers tap against each other behind his back

"i-"

you both start and then immediately bristle like a pair of newly introduced cats

"i didn't know!" you blurt out, heart starting to pick up a racing pace in your chest, "i didn't know you also liked me so if it's ok with you-"

juyeon, to no ones surprise, wears his heart on his sleeve

"if it's ok will you go out with me?"

he bends down at the waist, as if he's thanking you and not asking you to date him

you were about to ask the same thing, but the absurdity of the situation just elicits a hiccupping laugh from you

"y-yes" you say, repeating it through giggles "yes, i will!"

you are about to cover your mouth again, when juyeon's fingers wrap around your wrist delicately

and you look at him, as he starts to laugh too

when you open the door - eric gives you two an expectants

"well?"

juyeon opens his mouth, but nothing comes out - so you put your hands up

"you said we couldn't come out till we started dating and well...."

eric's shout of happiness makes all the cats stir, soft meows and pads of their paws against the glass

you're not sure when this crush started - when juyeon's started either - but you're happy to know that somehow down the line your hearts opened up to each other like this.

#thank you for the commission!#the boyz scenarios #the boyz imagines #the boyz au #juyeon scenarios #juyeon imagines #juyeon au #tbz scenarios #tbz au #tbz fluff #the boyz fluff #member: juyeon #sfw

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needybabytrashbeans · 10 months

Text

Quaestor Valdemar x Bismuth (OC) - The Feeling's Mutual

Commission by @silversnape ! Forgot to post and got sick so it's only just now getting posted but glad you enjoyed it fren! :) If anyone else wants to commission my rules are on my page and my DMS are definitely open to it!

Word count: 6,888

Genre: Innocent, fluffy, maybe a lil gorey or horror induced

Enjoy!

There's a graveyard located deep in the forest. Of course it was best to keep it from the palace grounds, for it was a dark little reminder of the past in Versuvia that was hidden amongst overgrown foliage. Quaestor Valdemar hadn't spoken much on it, what was there to say anyway? The land was full to the brim with the dead, headstones far out of reach. Bismuth, the apprentice to the physician, had grown a curiosity for it though it wasn't surprising for her to do so with her because of her natural sense of curiosity. Even if Valdemar hadn't said anything about it themselves the woman had been reading, there weren't many stories on the ancient land but she was able to find a few things.

To start of the land was filled with the dead as stated before, those who lost their lives to the great red plague that ruled over the lands. Bismuth had heard the tales of it from various mouths, people who had lost loved ones during those times or who were descendants of such and even more from Valdemar themselves who seemed to…enjoy talking about such a dark time. That wasn't new though of course it's not like the Quaestor grew eager to talk about anything else but the death toll that occurred back then.

Even so, they could talk about the plague all day she was sure but still…they hadn't said anything on the graveyard itself.

Valdemar suddenly snaps their fingers on front of bright eyes, Bismuth blinks at the action. She had zoned out, the graveyard has been on her mind for a while now. Probably more than it should be. Natural curiosity of a cat, hopefully it wouldn't get her killed.

"Assistant? Bismuth?…Are you even listening?" They question, voice smooth but there's some firmness and a light sigh that leaves them as they eye her, hovering close to her as if examining her gaze. The hand in her face is covered in sticky blood, they lower it to grab a rag that sits beside them, freeing their other hand from the corpse in front of them laying on the table. A man who had died of some sort of liver damage…Valdemar wipes their gloves clean before turning and looking at her once more, eyebrows furrowing a little.

"I'll say it again. Did you even hear a thing I said? How are you supposed to take notes when you can't even focus on what I'm saying?" They huff lightly but it's clear that their tone with her isn't as harsh and cold as it could be, one could say that they were rather nice to her compared to many others. Usually actions like this would set them off, make them glare and tsk in annoyance but they almost seem to have an uncharacteristic…patience with her.

"Mind informing me of whatever could be on your mind at a time like this? Weren't you the one who suggested helping me tonight?" They inquired as they set the now bloody cloth back to the side before crossing their arms over their back. Bismuth looks up at them with surprise before slowly looking down at her feet, heart pumping in her chest just having them look at her. As curious as she was for the graveyard she had to avoid their gaze for a moment for she might end up flushing. She was infatuated with the other, whether they knew or not and usually a scenario where they were focus on her was like a dream but right now it seemed like she was before scolded which put a light frown on her lips.

She looks from her shoes and uniform back to the dead man on the table, his skin is pale as his torso lays wide open for all to see. There's tools on the side, a surgical knife, tweasers, a scalpel… her gaze stays on her for a moment before she looks back up at her superior who seems to still be waiting patiently for a reply, lightly lifting a brow.

"I've…been thinking about the graveyard in the forest." She finally admits slower than she usually would and Valdemar looks at her in slight suspension as she starts that sentence off just for their eyes to widen as she finishes. It's almost as if they didn't expect that answer from her, at all, and maybe they didn't but why did they almost seem spooked by her words? It's silent for a moment, unexpectedly silent, and Bismuth can't help but feel herself grow anxious. She must've said something wrong. There's a moment where she begins to regret saying anything but it's not like the woman would hold information from them if they asked because she followed them and admired them greatly. There was no way she could lie so easily to them. However, their silence makes her feel like she shouldn't have opened her mouth at all. She can feel herself begin to shake a little, the idea of them being angry getting to her for that was just not something she could handle.

She jumps when a gloved hand seems to snake its way under her chin. She twitched at the touch but Valdemar doesn't take that as a reason to pull away as they carefully cup her chin, firm but not enough to bruise or cause pain.

"Why would something like that be on your mind? How did you even find out about that place? No.." they speak, eerily persistent before shaking their head a little as if that wasn't the way they seen themselves starting their response.

"That place is not safe. Thinking about it like you are must mean you're curious in it…I don't know what that brain of yours is thinking but you don't plan to go find it for yourself do you?" They contested. They were in her face now, still holding her chin but leaned in close. Tone hard and gaze unyielding as they looked at her and made her look at them. Their hand pressed slightly harder as her eyes widened before her lip started to quiver a little, it didn't hurt it's not like they were digging their nails in or pressed harshly on her cheeks, they're hold was firm but gentle almost like leading a small animal to look and focus on them.

Bismuth could feel her eyes watering, she couldn't help but feel troubled or that she was being trouble for them. She suddenly felt a little bad within herself, over thinking. She did come to help them because that's what she loved, being under them and around them…close enough to touch them but now they were upset with her, looking at her with such a gaze even if their hand felt surprisingly warmer than they usually were on her cheeks.

Valdemar's gaze seems to soften even just a little, they make a motion of shaking her head softly from side to side. It lightens the mood even just a little, especially when they push up her cheeks and make her pout and pucker her lips. They huff softly before letting her free a second after.

"I'm not angry with you Bismuth, just don't go out there and that is a warning." They advised while turning away from her to walk over to a counter.

"I..heard about it at the market. I was just wondering and all. When we…work on things together like the bodies of the living it's only natural for me to wonder where they go when we're done with them. You…don't let me come with you when you take them away." She spoke feebly, at the time of doing so the Quaestor had picked up a body bag. It was black, easy to be ignored or confused for a shadow if spotted in the woods. She watched them and their tall lean figure as they did so and noticed when they seemed to pause at her words, calculating them in their brilliant brain.

"You…want to come with me?" They asked as if perplexed and she nodded almost as if shy.

"Yes." She confirms politely.

They seem to think about it, brows knitting together a little as if thinking of the consequences of this action if they agreed. She has been working with them for a while now, long and diligently too… She always did what she was told with no talk back and little failure, enough so that Valdemar themselves had placed a certain level of importance on her. They eventually breathe in deep through their nose and out through their mouth, collecting themselves and their various thoughts before walking over to the lifeless body and the woman.

"Fine, I feel as though I can trust you… just don't touch anything and don't venture off. Do you understand Bismuth?" They spoke carefully as they pulled open the body bag waiting for her response even though they were positive that they already knew what she would say. As they led the body into the bag and eventually zipped it up they glanced at her from the corner of their eyes to see…a sparkle could be found in those dark eyes of hers.

With eyes like hers they could be seen as nothing but plain to some though it was easy to see… that not many people held eyes like her's. Sometimes they'd twinkle when they called her name, even more so when she had earned some praise. Inky blackness seemed like a spiraling galaxy at times, at least when Valdemar was in the picture.

They looked away after a moment, moving their hands to grasp the body bag and haul the contents over their shoulder. Honestly, for how lean they were, they were quite strong…

"Y-yes!" She answered, a look of determination now forming on that cute little face of hers as she agreed to their terms.

"Well come on. Don't get lost." They emphasized before turning away and leading the way to the dungeons exit. She eagerly followed like a puppy and they found themselves chuckling softly at it, how she had gone from that pout from earlier to such a sweet smile.

It was a bit of a walk to get there but with each step they made Bismuth could feel the energy that flowed from the forest. It was like a tingle running over her skin or an unintelligible whisper in her ears. She had grown rather anxious during their little adventure together, even going far enough to be right on Valdemar's heels though they didn't seem to mind. At least she was staying by their side like they told her to.

The full moon was out, the smell of dirt and rain laced the air. From Valdemar's perspective they walked with a sternness, they knew where they were going unlike their subordinate. Their walk hadn't contained much talking at first, mostly the crunches of leaves under their feet or the screeching of crickets took up the silence. It was only when they weren't too far when Valdemar eventually spoke, breaking the silence but not without the woman walking beside them jumping as if shocked to hear of them after all this time. Valdemar grinned, a toothy grin that was just a bit wider than usual as if they found it funny to see the woman practically shaking in her boots.

"Apologies, I didn't mean to spook you." They hummed looking down at her before looking ahead again, eyes glowing bright in the darkness. In their free hand they held a lantern to help the woman beside them, just because they could see in the conditions of the night didn't mean that she could as well.

"I just wanted to say that for someone who was so curious you're shaking like a leaf. One would one I dragged you out here if you keep scrunching your eyebrows and looking around like that." They pointed out but there was a playful edge to their tone as if trying to help the woman calm down. It seemed to work as she turned her head to them quickly, cheeks brightly flushing at their teasing. When her mouth fell open as if to say something back they lifted a brow, smug smirk on their lips.

"Please don't tease me Quaestor…" she huffs softly turning her gaze away but not without them noticing the light flush on her cheeks. They chuckled but left her be for the time being.

It's a bit chilly out tonight, nothing that would stop the Quaestor themselves but Bismuth rubbed at her arms for more warmth. Valdemar led the way, their tall figure finding a trail and walking along it. The gates of the graveyard were rusted, the doors stuck in place and wide open almost as if welcoming them but Bismuth shivered just looking at it. It wasn't as if she didn't expect it to be somewhat like this but the eerie feeling in the air felt too heavy even with someone like the Quaestor being there to guide her.

Her stomach churned as her onyx gaze trailed over the land, headstones poking out for what seemed to be far far away as if there wasn't an ending. She briefly covered her eyes, mind getting jumbled for a moment as she tried to calm her nerves but then the sound of metal clinging against metal had made her jerk. Snapping out of her thoughts. Her gaze moved to Valdemar who had sat the lantern down for a moment, a shovel now in their free hand which had been leaning against the rusted gate with one other.

"Are you okay assistant?" They asked but their tone was less playful than before as they almost seemed to look at her…in worry. She flushed at the expression, that frown pulled at their lips felt homey. Bismuth nods quickly this time, waving a hand dismissely while still holding herself with the other.

"I-im fine. Just a bit cold out here tonight considering how warm it was earlier." She replied now lightly shrugging. Valdemar hummed at the reply but eventually nodded before looking down at the lantern next to their foot.

"Look, come here. The sooner we get this done the sooner we'll be able to return to the palace. The rain must've caused a cold front. Take the lantern and follow me, you'll be the light." They instructed and obediently the woman approached and carefully plucked the lantern off the ground. They nodded and from there on continued by passing through the fence.

There was a heavy fog in the graveyard, the heads of tombs only became harder and harder to recognize as the two of them went deeper and the crickets who chirped so loudly before had suddenly fallen silent. Valdemar walked with ease and poise, they've been across these lands many times before that at first they didn't realize Bismuth had fallen a bit behind. For her, these lands almost seemed like anything could jump out and grab her at any given moment. She trembled now but not because of the cool weather this time.

"Bismuth?" Their voice rang out through the still air. She quickly turned, they were probably about ten or so paces in front of her now, standing out in the field of fog and gravestones. Their magenta eyes looked at her, a slight bit of confusion could be found in their features.

"Are you sure something isn't the matter?" They called out. Just hearing their voice calmed her, surprisingly like a guide through the dark. She came to the conclusion that she didn't like it here as much as she previously thought she would, previously her curiosity of the place had come from the lack of general knowledge on it. Granted graveyards…weren't her favorite though so it should have been expected. Originally she planned to come in the early hours of the day, where the sun could keep her peace of mind safe but the Quaestor had caught her so quickly. So then, when they allowed her to come she practically leapt at the chance to spend more time with them. She hardly thought about her decision at first but once they entered the forest it felt like her heart constricted in her chest and that something…was watching.

She shook her head though even as her heart was racing in her chest and her stomach was churning a bit.

"N-no, just thought I heard something…" she says softly, running her free hand through her long raven hair as she caught up for them and they waited up until she was standing beside them again.

"Something…like what?" They persisted lightly but she didn't mind as they turned forward again and continued walking. From this distance and with this pace of step Bismuth could notice a few things about her superior. She tended to do so often, just a few days ago she noticed they had freckles. A few could be spotted on the space of their neck that didn't get wrapped but most were over their cheeks. She'd grown to like them, quite a bit actually. Right now she was picking up on their scent, a blush coming to her cheeks as her gaze fell to her walking feet.

They smelled of something sweet and gentle like lavender and then something more earthy and homey like sandalwood and it was hard not to notice, it was some of her favorite smells.

"It feels like we're being watched..so, I didn't necessarily hear anything." She spilled without them having to push too hard. They hummed at the response, a little frown seemed to dust their lips for a moment but then they grinned widely, sharp teeth glistening in the moonlight. It was as if they were proud of something.

"Well yes, that would only make sense. We are at a graveyard after all. I feel them as well but they know not to approach me so as long as you keep up you won't be snatched into the void between life and death." They informed, their words chilling.

This graveyard hosted the bodies of those that passed away during the plague, their spirits watched from a distance but with hunger in their eyes just being near a walking, breathing, person. Her flesh reminded them or theirs before they plague tore it off them or melted it away. Now they looked like ghouls, the energy that they carried was heavy. Heavier than anything else Bismuth had ever felt before and to be honest, their phrasing did nothing to ease her this time.

Her face didn't match theirs, she didn't have a wide grin on her lips like they had in theirs. She nodded though, surely they didn't mean too much harm by saying that right?

"I wouldn't let anything happen to you." They spoke lastly as they moved off the pavement to venture into the grass into an open plot. There was already a headstone in the dirt but nothing was on it as Valdemar knelt down to slide the body bag from their shoulder to the ground to rest in the grass. Bismuth had fallen silent, the churning in her stomach had turned back into a wild fluttering.

"Right…" she manages to say softly as she pets her warm cheeks with her free hand. They don't respond immediately this time, taking the shovel in their hands now. She hovers close but they wave her back a little.

"Hold the light." The ordered calmly and she nodded. As they started digging she couldn't help but look around the graveyard again, surveying the area. She couldn't see any faces, not any ghoul like creatures but she could…feel them. A heavy shiver ran up her spine for a split moment. She still felt sick even with them being near, felt as if at any time she'd feel someone breathing down her neck tickling the strands of hair there. She shifted on her feet as the Quaestor kept digging, they were a little over a foot deep now, eyes focused on the goal. She watched as they went further and by the time that they dug enough for just their headdress to be seeable Bismuth was shivering again.

Her dark eyes glanced around again, first time quickly, darting from corner to corner now, checking her surroundings continuously but being sloppy with the task as well since she feared that she'd actually see something this time. It was when her eyes looked at the body bag next to the large hole that she froze. For the splittest of moments it seemed like it had moved and she squeaked and jumped at the very thought. She was spooked, the longer she stood here with this light the more she felt like she was drawing moths in. They circled her, the sound of fluttering wings in her ears loud and overstimulating.

"What is it now Bismuth?" Valdemar called out again, this time peeking their head up from the hole to look at the woman. If it wasn't the fact that the woman was practically scared shitless she probably would have found their position a little humorous for it distantly reminded her of a gopher sticking its head out of the dirt. No, she trembled and upon seeing her Valdemar lifted a brow. Surely it was her own fear at this point, nothing had come for her all night and yet she was this frightened.

"I..uh…" she stuttered and they sighed. If they could guarantee that she was strong enough they'd suggest switching spots. No way that could happen, she'd take too long in that state and it's not like they wanted to give her that much work anyway.

"It won't be too long now if that helps ease you. With how scared you seem I can count on the fact that you'll never come here alone right?" They chuckled while going back to work looking back to the hole as they dug the shovel in again but the woman let out a much smaller laugh, rubbing her arm with her free hand again. This was probably why Valdemar didn't bring her along with them to begin with until today, this seemed like only a place they could thrive in. They didn't seem fearful or nervous at all to be here, they almost seemed to blend right in and that made the woman feel a little embarrassed… She was an adult and yet she shook like a young child right now who was scared the Boogeyman would get her. Maybe she was just overreacting…even if she felt sick to her stomach.

"Yes, I don't think I could be caught dead here." She replied without much thought and for a moment complete silence settled between them before Valdemar snorted, then they let out a roar of laughter. They cackled as if she meant to tell that joke, as if they'd slap their knee at any given time. They curled in on themselves, using the handle of the shovel for support as their wicked laughter filled the air.

Usually people would be unnerved by this but Valdemar had a nice tone of laughter, Bismuth noticed even if she had jerked upon it first coming out. It felt like they hadn't laughed like that in a long time and even if Bismuth was a little confused she felt warm hearing it. Knowing that she was the source of such made her cheeks flush and for a moment she felt a soft smile beginning to form on her lips as they let it all out.

That was until a hand, cold and clammy, slapped over her mouth with harsh pressure. It held an iron grip on her as shock surged through her entire being from the top of her head to the soles of her feet. Suddenly that warmth she felt shattered into an icy feeling of wriggling worms in her gut as the lantern fell from her hand, knocking the lit flame out and enveloping the area in the darkness once more.

When Valdemar eventually calmed themselves they hummed in content.

"Bismuth I didn't know you were a comedian-" they began to praise the little woman but froze when they realized how dark it had gotten so suddenly. Immediately they clambered out of the hole, it was deep enough now anyway. All that was needed was to toss it in and bury it but now something else was on Quaestor Valdemar's mind which seemed far more important than the corpse.

"Bismuth?" They stated louder, firmer, this time before snapping their head in the direction of the lantern that now lay abandoned in the grass. They sneered at the object like it was offensive to their very being…they let their guard down for the slightest of moments and that was apparently just enough. They didn't need to be a rocket scientist to know what had happened.

Their hands were freezing cold as they held her tightly, hands gripping and grasping at her like they'd tear the skin right off her body at any time. Bismuth was in a frenzy, kicking wildly even if none of them seemed to make any actual contact as if she was kicking nothing but air, as if no one was really there but they had to be…their hold was starting to get awfully painful. Tears were leaking from Bismuth's eyes as she looked up at the various faces. The spirits, which she could now see even if she wished she couldn't, had black eyes but nothing like hers which were laced in anguish, their eyes were soulless, empty, and devoid of any purpose or care for her. They wrestled her on the ground as if trying to drag her down to Hell with them.

'Flesh.'

One of their voices stated, eery and chilling to the ear. Raspy and hungry as a hand slid down her warm cheeks, wiping at Bismuth's tears even if more took their place. She snapped her head away, turning it to try and avoid the touch but another, different hand roughly grabbed her chin and turned her back.

'Such…warm skin.'

Another voice echoed, it was hard to tell who it came from but the spirits faces which had previously been devoid of emotions turned into slow, knowing grins. Their teeth were wicked and the lines on their faces seemed abnormal, inhumane, and Bismuth gagged on puke which had built in her. They didn't seem to care, if she choked on her own bile then surely they could take her flesh a lot sooner after she died and proceed to drag her soul into the afterlife with them. They seemed to collectively communicate this between themselves as their grins grew even wider. There were quite a number of them, fifteen or so and counting as spirits seem to curiously leave their graves to see what the ruckus was all about.

It wasn't often that a human like her, or a human of any case, came through this graveyard and being victims of the plague only gave the spirits reasons to have a vendetta. Quaestor Valdemar had been their deaths and for many long years their spirits have been contained in this area where magic of the Quaestor held them in place. However, when the Quaestor approached today and with a cute little human with them at their hip, the spirits decided the best case of repayment for their internal suffering was to take from the lead physician themselves. Which is why when their guard was at its lowest they took her and dragged Bismuth further into the graveyard like a human rag doll.

Bismuth continued to squirm and wrestle them, her clothes getting dirty as she kicked up grass and dirt in her fight. Her clothes were wet with mud. Eventually a cold hand clasped around her ankle making her gasp as one of her last attempts to get away from these people, these creatures,…was taken from her. Hands already held down her wrist against the freezing ground as a spirit sat on her chest, a lady with long inky black hair…much too similar to Bismuth's.

'Lets take her…'

'Drag her back to hell with us…'

'Feed off her flesh and bones…'

'Savor her warm blood…'

The voices spoke as if they were circling and this time Bismuth was permitted to hear the conversation and when she did her eyes widened in absolute fear. They wanted to feed off her, consume her as if she was…prey.

The ghostly woman above Bismuth leaned down, long sharp nails digging deep into Bismuth's wrist, hard enough to make them bleed. Bismuth cried in pain under the hold but the woman continued, leaning close until she slid her tongue out. It was long, gray in color, Bismuth looked at her in wary and when the woman slowly trailed that cold tongue over Bismuth's tear stained cheek the living woman croaked under the hand over her mouth. More tears fell, the woman was tasting her and as much as she wanted to fight and run Bismuth couldn't do anything but stay glued to the ground under their surprising strength. She couldn't even move her hands to perform any form of magic that could save her.

Her thoughts went to Valdemar. She wondered where they were, if they were still laughing at the gravesite even. Her heart twisted in her chest, she was sure they would have never found themselves in this situation. They were strong, something that she didn't see herself as at times and this was definitely one of those times. What if they…were embarrassed by her? If they could see her now, fighting uselessly against a bunch of ghosts with no luck would they laugh at her like they laughed at her joke? A cruel, chilling laugh as if they saw no use in her? This is probably why they didn't trust her enough to bring with them to this place before, this whole time she had been useless and nothing but a nuisance. Surely if she had never come they wouldn't have had to deal with her and could have finished a lot quicker.

And now, she was going to die. At the hands of Quaestor Valdemar's own victims who saught revenge.

Bismuth sobbed, she was scared. Her stomach hurt like it had never down before and when the ghostly woman above her bared her teeth as if to bite Bismuth squeezed her eyes tightly shut.

…Then, the sound of swishing wind filled the air like a whip. It took a moment for Bismuth to realize what happened until screeching cries filled the air and a firm hand grabbed her by the back of her shirt and pulled her back with a heave. She bounced a little at being pulled back, blinked heavily as those tears fell and she tried to make sense of what occurred. It was when she looked up, lifting her head from the ground, that her eyes widened in awe, heart leaping in her throat.

In front of her stood…the Quaestor. Their back was to her, tall and broad as they stood in front of her as if they were…protecting her. In their hand was a weapon, one she's never seen them with before now and her eyes sparkled just seeing it, just being in its presence. It was a scythe, a long beautiful scythe with an ancient looking skull holding the blade together to the staff. They twirled it in their hands with a form of grace she's never seen before with any else and the head of the blade twinkled in the moonlight.

"Bismuth…" Valdemar stated in a calm tone though their voice was also firm. She immediately jumped just hearing it.

That was all though from them as they twisting their right wrist, scythe practically glowing. She clutched her shirt with shaking hands, the screeching had dialed down into growling and snarling except for one spirit, the woman who sat on Bismuth, her head had been severed from her body, lying limp on the ground and slowly turning to dark ash. A few spirits had been cut down, bodies turning into ash, melting away in the wind. Bismuth's heart was racing in her ribcage far too much for her to even say anything without her voice shaking. It was fine though for Valdemar still wasn't done dealing with the rest of the now infuriated ghosts.

"I'll only say it once. Get back in your graves, now, and I won't have to destroy all of you." The Quaestor stated with an eerily smooth tone. A few spirits backed off and hesitated just hearing them, faltering at the weight that those words carried. They sounded a little…angry.

Were they angry for her?

'Tch! As if!' A spirit roared, a man with dark crunchy hair. He and a few others decided to try again and as they bomb rushed the Quaestor Valdemar who narrowed their gaze, sharp fuschia eyes zoned in on their opponents as they rushed forward, and with a reeled back swing they slashed at the incoming borage. The wind produced by the scythe time was enough to slash at the trees even beyond the graveyard. It was seeable too, the slash that is. It was bright, their magic being a vibrant emerald color with specks of lighter greens and onyx's. The trees that were slash fell to the ground with loud, destructive thuds and with them came more screeching as spirits who didn't listen to the Quaestor's words lost their heads much like those before them. The slash had even sliced through rows of graves, shattering them with the impact.

As their bodies crumbled and collapsed the few spirits who had a sense of mind trembled in fear, looking at the Quaestor who stood unyieldingly in front of the woman behind them, before scurrying like a bunch of roaches and rodents back into their graves.

Quaestor Valdemar stood in silence for a moment as Bismuth tried to get on her feet before turning to her. They could be heard taking in a long deep breath through their nose before slowly releasing it from their smooth lips before turning to the woman, scythe dissolving from their hands into inky black, gas like tendrils before disappearing altogether. Their gaze on her seemed unreadable, not like they were easy to read begin but over the time of working by their side even Bismuth had gotten to know some of their expressions. This one however…

She scramble to her feet, wincing at the feeling of the scratches that had come from being dragged and the forming bruises on her skin. Even so she stood, holding one of her arms now. She still had tears in her eyes and almost as if ashamed she slowly lowered her gaze, bangs sweeping over her eyes.

"Doctor…I'm…I'm…" she sniffled. She shouldn't have come with them. She had been nothing but a nuisance after all. She wanted to apologize and is her mouth quivered she opened her mouth to officially get it out but the feeling of arms enclosing her made her jump and jerk into silence. Her mouth lightly fell open and her eyes had blown wide open as the moon shined down on them.

They were hugging her.

Shock rushed through her body.

"Don't." They started, arms hugging her even closer. She's never touched them before, sure they hovered over her at times and lingered closely but never once have they ever…held her. Never once had she even been this close to them, close enough to take in that sweet scent, enough to touch their pristine clothing, or enough to feel the light warmth that radiated from them. Her fingers twitched, carefully moving up to wrap around them too. A part of her feared reciprocating but surely this meant it was allowed though right? Surely she could have this from them.

"I'm glad you weren't hurt too badly. I let my guard down and just like that you were taken from me. Taken from my side. I must still have work to do when it comes to keeping you safe." They hummed against her, breath lightly tickling her neck making her shiver softly, a blush coloring her cheeks as she bit her lip. Her heart hurt, the tone in their voice sounded hopeless, grateful but analytical. It sounded like they were blaming themself for everything that had happened.

Before Bismuth had noticed she had started to shed tears, for some reason she felt lighter and Valdemar's scent and the hand rubbing soothing circles in her back didn't help calm her sobbing. She felt many things suddenly; relief, sadness, confusion and something much more fluffy.

Admiration.

She couldn't immediately understand what they were doing or why but she didn't mind. She would never mind something like this and from someone like them specifically. She almost tightened her hold when she felt them slowly pulling away but she restrained herself. They moved their hands to her shoulders and gave them a little squeeze.

"Let's get back to the palace, I'll check over you and look over your wounds." They hummed, right hand moving to caress her cheek, wiping at a few tears before lightly cupping her cheeks and tilting it to look a little closer at her. They seemed rather occupied for someone who said they'd check it later, were they actually worried? Even with her blushing hot cheeks she stayed still as they hovered close to her face. She squeezed her eyes shut, hands on their biceps. A chuckle eventually left their lips, filling the night air. Next thing Bismuth knew there was a soft pair of lips against her cheek. She blinked in confusion before her face exploded in a bright crimson color.

"At least they didn't scruff up this little face of yours too badly. Come on, let's go." They spoke, tone going from lightly joyous to a more professional one once more but even so Bismuth could have sworn their face had also grown a bit dark in hue. She slapped her hand over her cheek and sputtered, officially at a loss for words.

"You! Huh?! Oh God…" She concluded in defeat. Her face was so flushed as she followed them. It was like she immediately had forgotten what had previously occurred to her. They had…kissed her! Her heart was practically running laps in her chest so fast that she had to reach a hand up and grip her shirt. She had never thought they'd do such a thing, did that mean they felt something for her like she had for them for so long now? Is that why she caught them staring at her at times or seemingly overprotective with her, even a bit clingy at times? She didn't mind those times with them was this proof?

She sure hoped it was.

She opened her mouth to say something about it after a while of walking with them. They had made their way back to the grave, the body was gone now in the dirt, buried beneath the earth and next to the gravestone was the lantern. Valdemar grabbed it before they continued the walk, leading Bismuth back to the fence.

"Um…Quaestor?" She started softly as they walked the trail.

"Valdemar is fine." They replied with no issue. Bismuth nodded.

"Alright but…I'm just…a little confused. I don't want to assume but…back there you…" she squeezed out, Valdemar could probably see her tapping for pointer fingers together like a shy child. They lifted a brow, glancing down at her at their side before laughing a little, now looking at her fully again as they made their way back to the palace.

"Can't even wait for us to get back to safety before you ask those things?" They inquired, tone lightly teasing as they looked away once more. "It's been a long time since I've felt for someone as I do with you. That's what you were going to ask right? Well, I thought it'd be the best way to show you how I felt, maybe I got caught up in the moment as well." They explained and Bismuth fell into silence, eyes wide, and heart stunned. Were they really just confessing to her?

"Was I wrong to do so? I read that maybe people liked to use cheek kisses for those they like, would you prefer a different one?" They hummed, a grin on their lips but yes their cheeks were bright as well, a little blush of their own. They had read up on something like that just for her? She needed to know more but even then it felt like her heart would explode out her chest at any moment. How long have they felt this way for her? What books had they read? What ideas did they have for different kisses?

Bismuth was a mess, if she could tuck her face into her shirt for a moment she probably would.

"I've liked you for so long…" she whispers and Valdemar hums.

"And the feeling is mutual, so let's talk about it when we get back. We can discuss whatever you'd like and I'll answer with honesty to each one. " They promised and from there Bismuth nodded, butterflies practically bubbling up her throat as they eventually exited the woods.

"Okay." She agreed softly.

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