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acciofictionalmen · 18 days ago

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fallout in the snowfall ❆ part 3

james potter x female!reader

summary: when james kisses you on an adrenaline high, your friendship is in shambles as the true meaning of "just friends" becomes irreparably warped. you both desperately try to restore the platonic bond that you once shared, but at what cost...

warnings: strong language, sexual references

word count: 3.1k

series masterlist

part 1 | part 2 | part 3 | part 4

Excited chatter filled the room as people crowded around the centre, eager to hear their name called. You stood with your group of friends, chatting with Sirius and Remus whilst James talked to Lily. Mary was busy reassuring Peter, who looked disconcertingly pale.

Christmas break was quickly approaching and, much to the students’ chagrin, teachers began to set end-of-term tests. As it was your penultimate year at Hogwarts all tests were treated seriously. However, there was a different atmosphere surrounding the DADA test: a duel utilising the most advanced spells you’d been taught so far. It was assessed based on who disarmed their opponent first, the length of the duel and the range of spells used; everyone was anticipating it. Some were excited and had disarmed multiple first years that morning for practice, others (namely Peter), had vomited during breakfast.

You weren’t sure into which category you fell. Sure, you were confident in your knowledge, but duelling was different to scribbling information down on a piece of parchment: it was impulsive.

Not only that, your DADA teacher – Professor Halloway – had a reputation for being as harsh as she was skilled. Approaching her one hundredth birthday, she was wise, experienced and beautiful in a sharp manner, with thick black hair she kept stuffed beneath a black, pointed hat. Her face was drawn, tight, her brown eyes always critical. It wasn’t easy to score high grades in Halloway’s classes.

“You’ll do fine.” Remus smiled by your side, noticing your growing discomfort, “I’ve seen you practice. You’ve got this.”

“Yeah (Y/n),” Sirius squeezed your arm, “Just pretend they’re Snape.” Sirius’ eyes darkened as he spied the Slytherin on the opposite end of the room, speaking with the Professor, “I know I will be.”

“Thanks guys.” Your head tilted teasingly, “Try not to accidentally murder Snape then.”

Sirius gave you a concerningly non-committal look.

Whilst waiting, you noticed Remus clenching his fists- anxious to do well. An idea sprang to your mind.

“Wanna be my duelling partner?” You abruptly asked Remus, “Sirius will be desperate to duel Snape, unless James beats him to it.”

Remus gave you a thankful smile, “Yeah, thanks (Y/n). We’ll do that.”

“Of cour-“

“Potter. James Potter.”

The room went silent as all eyes flew to James.

In a manner that oozed confidence, he rolled his shoulders back and stepped into the centre of the room.

Professor Halloway looked disinterested, “Partner?”

On instinct, you turned to Snape. His sneer was more pronounced than usual, and you knew he was also waiting for his name to be called.

“Prewett.”

Your heart dropped. The impact of his name seemed to surge through the room as people turned around in surprise. In a few seconds, Gideon had pushed through the crowd until he stood directly in front of James. Both boys silently assessed each other, both the picture of self-assurance. There was one stark difference between them- James appeared unbothered, his posture relaxed. Gideon, on the other hand, was visibly tense; lacked the ease that had always come naturally to James.

Your heartbeat sped up as you held your breath, trying to ignore the pounding in your chest as the tension in the room mounted.

“Take your positions.” Professor Halloway dictated. The class fell silent once more to witness the interaction. Even Snape was unable to hide the shock from his face.

James stood on the left, closest to you, whilst Gideon stood opposite on the right.

Professor Halloway spoke cautiously, “Remember- this is solely to disarm. No other spells are to be used.” Both boys nodded. “Now, draw your wands and bow… Bow, Potter…”

The irritation on James’ face was almost comical as he sunk into a deeper bow, but you couldn’t laugh. You held your breath as both boys stepped away from each other.

“One… Two…”

You stared, unable to look away.

“Three.”

Lights flashed across the room as both cast spells at an alarmingly fast rate.

It quickly became clear who was faster.

Gideon’s casting visibly began to slow as his spells started to miss their target, his wand movements becoming sloppier against the onslaught of James’.

It wasn’t long before Gideon was on the floor, panting for air. But James wasn’t finished.

“FLIPENDO.” The word rung throughout the room and Gideon was flung backwards. He slammed into the wall with a sickening thud, dropping to the floor.

A hand flew to your mouth. The room erupted into shouts.

People were running over to Gideon, checking he was okay and attempting to lift him off the ground. Professor Halloway was viciously scolding James, his loyal best friends immediately supporting him and by his side. You stood there in the centre of it all, horrified, as people bustled around.

You couldn’t process what had just happened as you watched a Hufflepuff girl shaking Gideon frantically. There were too many people surrounding him to see if he had opened his eyes.

Your shock and confusion at James for taking it too far was quickly replaced by anger. He had recently seemed a little hostile towards Gideon, but you chalked it down to James’ anxiety for the Gryffindor team to do well. This- this was something else.

“He’s okay!” Someone declared. Gideon had stood up, somewhat off-balance, but seemed to be fine. You exhaled in relief, mentally noting to check on him later.

After giving Gideon a quick once-over and deeming him fit to stay in class, Professor Halloway continued her berating. “You got lucky, Potter. If this happens again you will not be welcome in this class. From today, you have a fortnight of detention and will automatically fail this test.”

There were some shouts of indignation from Sirius and some opposing yells that James’ punishment wasn’t enough, but Professor Halloway silenced them with a lethal look as she turned to face the rest of the class.

“Any more of this behaviour in my lessons, and you’ll find that you have no free time for a month.”

That shut everyone up.

She picked up her list and proceeded to call people up. Snape, much to James and Sirius’ horror, called Remus up. But they needn’t have feared: Remus won a decisive victory with a spurt of well-rehearsed spell combinations. You were slightly disappointed Remus wouldn’t be able to duel again now, but you knew Mary would be more than happy to partner up.

Following James’ scolding no more dangerous incidents occurred, and the duels blended seamlessly together. Before you knew it, Professor Halloway had called your name and you were stood by her side.

“Partner?” She asked curtly.

“Mary.” You said, grinning as your best friend made eye contact with you, already making her way up to the front.

“You must think me blind, Miss (L/n), if you think I haven’t noticed how close the two of you are. Duelling is about spontaneity, and I have no doubt you’ve practiced with Miss MacDonald many times.”

Mary froze, and you knew your face mirrored the disappointment on her own.

Professor Halloway continued, “Mulciber, please come up.”

Sirius swore loudly as you froze, feet glued to the floor. Your eyes went to your friends, who all looked worried. But it was James who made his indignation known.

“You can’t have him duel-”

“Silence!” Professor Halloway hissed, “Another disruption from you, Potter, and I’ll see your expulsion through personally.”

You shook your head at James as he fell silent, a frown etched into his face as he watched Mulciber approach you.

Your duelling partner took his place opposite, a sickening grin on his face as his lips curled wickedly.

Mulciber was a Slytherin notorious for his cruel, unforgiving nature, and a friend of Snape’s. He’d once had a brawl in the courtyard with Sirius, and both had left with considerable injuries that even Madam Pomfrey couldn’t heal overnight. He hated the Marauders, and their friends.

All eyes were on you as you bowed, your eyes narrowing at Mulciber as you assessed him. The look in his eyes was wild, one of unmistakeable hostility.

For a moment everyone seemed to hold their breath. You knew your duelling was strong enough to best Mulciber- you just had to stay collected.

“One.”

Your fingers tightened around your wand as you got into a duelling stance. Mulciber did the same.

“Two.”

Your arms went rigid to stop them shaking from the anticipation, the first spell already dancing on the tip of your tongue.

“Th-”

Mulciber blasted a spell your way.

People were already shouting, but you couldn’t listen.

Though he’d taken you by surprise, your blocks were precise. Mulciber’s voice rose in anger, but his spells still were unable to scrape past your unyielding shield.

You smirked as he snarled, spells bouncing off your shield and rebounding across the room as people ducked to avoid his wrath. He neared you, his movements vaguely reminding you of a lion stalking its prey. Your determination intensified; between the two of you there was only one Gryffindor.

But the impact of his spells slamming relentlessly into your shield was beginning to drain your energy, and you knew that in order to win you had to go onto the offensive.

Within a second you dropped your shield and flung a spell at your opponent. He staggered back, surprised, his look of shock morphing into anger. You readied your wand but he was already hurling spells your way. You deflected them too late, stumbling slightly as you struggled to regain your balance.

Panic began to overwhelm your thoughts as your wand slipped in your hand. Your palms were slick with sweat; every time you had an opening to fire a spell Mulciber would easily deflect it, then hurl ten back. You were struggling to find an opening and feeling wearier by the second.

Mulciber’s face was red as you dodged spell after spell, and you faintly registered the loud yells around you. Whatever was said had him gritting his teeth, when he suddenly slammed you with a spell so vicious that you almost fell backwards.

A spell as violent as that can’t have been for disarming. The shouting in the room got louder.

You heard Professor Halloway reprimanding Mulciber, but you barely processed it as he continued to attack you with an onslaught of magic. By now you were clenching your wand tightly, your hands shaking from the strain.

Within seconds his spells seemed to gain a new intensity. You had to cast one final spell and end this. There was a moment, a millisecond, where Mulciber was preparing to attack again, and you momentarily let down your shield to hit him with the disarming charm.

He beat you to it.

The spell slammed into your chest as you choked on air, the impact making your lungs constrict painfully. Before you could properly register it, you were flying backwards. A blinding pain shot up your arm as you slammed onto the ground, a strangled sound escaping your throat.

There were screams, people rushing around you as you sat up quickly, vision slightly hazy. Cradling your arm, the tears in your eyes were a mixture of pain and sheer embarrassment. You felt so humiliated, hating the attention as people repeatedly asked if you were okay. Suddenly Professor Halloway’s pointed face appeared into view as she hauled you up and towards the exit of the room.

Within an instant a familiar voice was speaking up, rough and panicked, “Professor, let me take her to Madam Pomfrey, please.”

You realised with a start that it was James as he shoved people aside to get to you, his eyes wild.

Anger flooded your senses and, combined with not only the pain in your wrist but the humiliation of your defeat, it became rage, “Not him.” You spat, “Anyone but him.” You turned to Professor Halloway, ignoring James as she stared at you thoughtfully.

“Lupin!” She called, and Remus was instantly by your side.

Before you knew it you’d left the classroom. The door slammed shut on James, and the chaos inside.

──── ୨୧ ────

After a gruelling day, lessons were finally over. Curled up by the fire, you basked in the warmth and soft crackles that filled the common room. It was late, so most people had vacated the space to get ready for bed.

You chose to stay behind, in deep thought as you moved your now fully healed wrist.

The quiet didn’t last long as the Fat Lady portrait abruptly swung open. In came James, accompanied by Remus. You screwed your eyes shut, in disbelief that this was happening now of all times.

James hesitated at the sight of you, alone, and nodded to Remus, “I’ll be just a minute mate, go up without me.”

Remus lingered at the foot of the stairs, appearing uncertain, but headed up at the sound of the resolution in James’ voice. You didn’t speak, didn’t bother to face him as you continued to stare into the fire, orange floating in front of your eyes whenever you blinked.

James stood behind you.

“How are you feeling?” He asked, the words sliding out casually.

“Fine.” You didn’t bother to look up at him; your cold tone making it clear that you wanted to be left alone.

James shook his head in frustration. Turning to the staircase, his hand settled on the railing as the first step creaked. But then he stepped back down, turning around suddenly, “What’s the problem? Between us?” His words had a confrontational edge, prompting you to turn and face him as your brows furrowed.

“What?”

James took a step towards you, that stubbornness burning in his eyes as he stared you down, “What’s wrong with you? Why have you been acting like this?”

You stood up, unable to bear the way he was talking down to you and how vulnerable it made you feel. “How I’ve been acting? Did you not almost kill Gideon Prewett earlier after slamming him into a wall for no reason?”

“He would’ve survived worse. He’s annoyingly persistent like that.” His eyes were dark.

“He didn’t deserve it.”

His irritated expression suggested otherwise. James clenched his jaw, crossing his arms. His biceps bulged, briefly pulling your eyes away from his face.

“You’re unreasonable.” You spat; tone accusatory as you moved towards him.

James scoffed, the fire reflecting in his glasses, “And you aren’t? Are you going to tell me what’s wrong or am I expected to grovel at your feet and beg for an answer?”

You rolled your eyes, refusing to take the bait. This had to stop. “Don’t turn this on me, James.” You shook your head, laughing in disbelief, “You don’t get to do that.”

James stared you down, unspeaking. You hated the way he just stood there. You needed a reaction from him, needed to know your words hurt him as much as he had you.

You didn’t know when the conversation had turned away from Gideon, but it just did.

You maintained his gaze, refusing to look away. “Our friendship is ruined because you used me to satiate your- whatever- and then didn’t know what to do with me afterwards.” You swallowed harshly, stifling any emotion as you struggled to conceal how deeply affected you were by him.

His jaw clenched, “That’s what you think of me, is it?” His laugh was joyless as he took one final step, asserting himself over you. The height difference was pronounced as he looked down to speak, “You’re the one who made it awkward. You’re the one who made things different when they were just fine.”

“Maybe I didn’t want ‘just fine’.”

He hesitated.

“Merlin, James, do you ever think about what others want for a change?” You struck where you knew it would hurt.

James stopped you before you could get another hurtful word in. “Don’t act as though you didn’t pull away first, (Y/n). Don’t pretend this is all on me. It’s not my fault that my friendship wasn’t enough for you, that you weren’t satisfied. You don’t get to blame that on me.” His voice got louder as he rubbed his temples, “And what are you mad at me for, exactly? Kissing you?” He paused, waiting for you to respond. You didn’t. “Because if you didn’t like that, you’d be the first.” His voice was harsh, that familiar cockiness slipping out.

You froze, his words smacking you in the face.

Anger shone in the tears that pooled in your eyes. You shoved a hand against his chest, “Fuck you-”

James opened his mouth to speak. You didn’t let him. “-and your fucked up idea of friendship.”

You tried to turn away but his hand flew to your wrist, keeping your palm splayed against him.

You were close now, so close. The red glow of the flames danced on the rim of James’ glasses as you stood your ground, refusing to look away.

His eyes dropped to your lips, and your eyes begged to do the same. You couldn't do it. Wouldn't allow yourself to.

“Don’t you dare.” Your voice cracked, finally yielding under the tension. James’ eyes flicked up to yours again, his breathing heavy. The look he gave you was one of hurt and anger, and something else. “Don’t you dare look at me like that.”

Your words came out harsher than intended and James instantly dropped your wrist, stepping away. Your hand dropped to your side, fingers tingling.

The gap between you seemed to roar with everything unspoken.

“We’ve ruined this.”

James’ response was low, spiteful. “Then stop chasing it.”

“Stop, both of you!” A voice sliced through the tension, causing you to whip around. Mary stood at the foot of the stairs in pink pyjamas, arms crossed as she glared at James.

“We’re going to bed.” She went up to you and took your arm, dragging you away.

“You’ve got a date tomorrow (Y/n), focus on that.” Mary soothed as you disappeared up the stairs, her words intentionally loud so that James would hear.

Mary was James’ friend, sure- and maybe what she’d said was petty, but she could live with that. In Mary’s eyes you came first, and James had hurt you. Badly. He deserved to know that he was no longer a priority in your life.

James stood there; hands clenching and unclenching as his anger began to ebb away. Eventually, the lack of your presence caused the buzzing in his mind to settle.

He cursed, sinking into the armchair closest to the fire. So close, that he had to move his legs away from the flames- the heat bordering on painful. His head fell back, cushioned by the plush material. He hadn’t known why he’d done it, had lost control with his classmate. His teammate. Why he had seen him as a threat.

James watched the logs burn, until they were swallowed by the flames and the fire died out. He sat there, contemplating in the darkness, until the cinders were cool to the touch.

A/N

i really enjoyed writing this part! let me know what you thought i love to read your comments :)

if you'd like to be added to the taglist, do lmk

thank you for reading, lots of love ♡

series masterlist here ❆

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x-cellhealth · 3 months ago

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rejoicehairtransplantpune · 5 months ago

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ppomumgranatum · 8 months ago

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the dance of love's sweet potion.

also available on Ao3

pairing: Sebastian Sallow x f!MC

tags: fluff, one shot, you POV, house-neutral reader, jealousy, protective

word count: 5.3k

Warnings: MAJOR HEADCANNON, the books and the potions are all in my head just for the sake of this story, characters are in their 7th year, I finally caved and wrote the cliche protective and jealous seb and i fucking love it

Summary: When a potion meant to repel backfired, it became a mishap that turned your world upside down.

Notes: I was craving some fluff, so a fluff was created ❤️

Revulsaroma is a powerful potion that demands careful handling and discretion. Designed for specific situations where deterring unwanted advances or repelling individuals is necessary, its potency requires utmost caution. Ingredients: • 3 drops of essence of skunk cabbage • 2 crushed doxy wings • 1 teaspoon of powdered Boomslang skin • 4 ounces of extract from a Devil's Snare vine • 1 pinch of powdered Basilisk fang • Hair from the person brewing the potion

You carefully traced your finger along the intricate words laid out in the book you had kept from your parents’ dusty collection on potion making and meticulously followed the instructions. Taking advantage of the quiet after hours, you used the station at potion class to get on with your mission.

You’re not a pro in potion making per se, but the way you precisely measure out ingredients, stirring the potion with such poise, you feel as skilled as Professor Sharp– if he was plagued with a horrible disease of a red-haired boy goes by the name of Leander Prewett.

For weeks, Leander had been following you around so relentlessly and constantly asking you out. It was cute at first but now it was starting to feel like pure harassment. Despite numerous rejection, it didn't seem like he’s the type of guy who understood the concept of boundaries and your patience was wearing extremely thin.

You remembered an old potion you once came across when you were younger– Revulsaroma, a repelling potion. You figured it was time to revisit those pages since you’re in a dire need for a solution.

You stirred the components inside of your cauldron with a pinch of determination, distress, and a lot of rage. The earthy and putrid notes filled the air and it was probably going to stick with you for a while but you surely hoped this was going to be worth it.

When the potion finally came to completion, you carefully transferred it to a pumpkin juice bottle to trick Leander into drinking it.

“Alright, that looks good.” You sighed in relief as you put the bottle down and stared at the securely stored dark liquid with pride, knowing that soon you’d be able to take a break from the unwanted attention. At least for a while just until you could figure out a permanent way to stop him,

You proceeded to clean up your station and returned some tools that you took from the inventory room, making sure that everything was back in its rightful spot. Because Merlin knew that you couldn’t take another chide from Professor Sharp about the importance of being responsible and organised.

Just when everything was about to be restored to its pristine state, you heard a loud retching coming from the other room. When you rushed outside, you saw your bestfriend, hands desperately grasping the edge of your station, body racked with violent gagging, and breath ragged in a grave attempt to gasp for air.

“Sebastian?” You exclaimed while rushing to his side, “Are you alright?”

“Came to—bleughh—look for you,” Sebastian managed to say in between his guttural heaves.

“What’s wrong?” Your voice trailed off when you saw your pumpkin juice bottle collapsed and empty. Right at that moment, your eyes widened at the realisation that Sebastian just drank your Revulsaroma. “No, no, no. You bloody, bloody idiot!”

Quickly, you summoned water from an empty jar that you found nearby and gave it to Sebastian who was still fighting the disgusting taste stuck in his throat.

Gulping down the entire water in a matter of milliseconds, Sebastian attempted to catch his breath, “Your pumpkin juice— is expired, by the way.”

“Oh my God, oh my God, Sebastian!” You ran your fingers through your hair in distress. What was already a pretty stressful situation just got a whole lot worse.

“What?” He was truly not getting your frustration. He gagged once more, recoiling whatever last bit of that disgusting liquid he's tasting.

“That’s not pumpkin juice!” You scowled and gestured abruptly.

“What is it, then? Poison?” Every muscle on his face seemed to tensed up, still.

“Why would you fucking drink that? It was meant for Leander.” You grunted.

His grimace was then taken over by disbelief for a moment, “Gods, killing Leander is a bit extreme, don’t you think? Even for me.”

“No—ugh,” You sighed heavily, feeling totally overwhelmed. Slumping on your station, you rested your head on it "This is bad. It's really bad."

“You're freaking me out. What is it?”

You lifted your head from the table, meeting his concerned gaze with a weary expression.

“It’s a potion called Revulsaroma. It is supposed to repel whoever drinks it.” You admitted.

Sebastian was still focused on getting the foul taste out of his tongue, but his eyes were quickly narrowed in the scrutiny of your last sentence, “And why exactly are you trying to repel Leander?”

Catching Sebastian's look, a twinge of guilt pricked at you. You winced inwardly, realising you'd never really spilled the beans to Sebastian about the whole Leander debacle. Partly because you didn’t want to give him the wrong idea and thinking that there was anything romantic going on between you and the Gryffindor boy.

The line on your relationship with Sebastian had always been blurry, if you could be honest. You’re obviously friends—best friends—but at the same time, the chemistry between the two of you would be such a waste to stay as friends.

You’d occasionally exchange innocent flirting, teasing each other and bantering in a way that felt more than platonic. You couldn't deny the butterflies in your stomach that fluttered every time he smiled at you and the way you felt when he complimented you.

Things had been going very well lately, and you'd like to think you had a shot to turn it into something more.

But now, he’s consumed the one thing that was going to seal the chance you have with him. Because whatever feeling he was going to feel, the potion was supposed to make him feel it so strongly.

The thought of losing Sebastian terrified you.

“That’s not what we’re supposed to be focusing on.” You diverted the topic and reached out to your book, checking for things to look out for. Your eyes trailed the ink that explains the detail of the potion.

You noticed Sebastian had shifted his weight from the corner of your eye, moving somewhat uncomfortable in his feet.

"But what does that mean for me?" he asked.

You sighed, trying to collect your thoughts. "According to the potion's effects, you're supposed to start feeling aversions towards me," you explained, gesturing towards the brewing cauldron with a frustrated gesture. "and I have no idea how to reverse it.”

Your voice was heavy with disappointment. The same emotion was written all over Sebastian's face. There was silence as you both processed the fact that there was no quick fix to this mess.

“So, I’m supposed to hate you? Just like that?”

“That’s kind of the whole point of the potion.”

Sebastian's eyes scanned the cluttered laboratory, a look of resignation settling over his features. "Well, this is just great," he muttered under his breath. Sebastian's complexion turned paler, a nauseous expression crossing his features, "I think I'm gonna be sick."

Sebastian stood there, his hand pressed against his stomach, unsure if the wave of nausea washing over him was solely due to the potion's effects or the unsettling thought of hating you.

But then he felt his body teetering on the brink of collapse. You grappled his arm to provide support but his condition worsened in an instant and he started to fall backwards. Using every ounce of your strength, you were struggling to keep him upright because damn this boy was heavy. And when his weight eventually bore you down, you lowered him down gently.

There was no response even after you called out his name and shook his body. His breathing was laboured and you were panicking. You didn’t know the potion would be this strong.

Spotting a group of students who were passing by outside of the classroom, you called out to them for assistance. Sebastian was then taken to the infirmary and was given proper treatment by Nurse Blainey.

You had to awkwardly explain what caused the brunette to lose his consciousness. Given the fact that you were practising and using potions for non-study purposes, disciplinary action was necessary and you were required to attend detention tomorrow.

When you returned to your room that night, all you did was shift around in your bed. Spending the entire night thinking about Sebastian and how he will wake up in the morning hating you.

But for now, all you could do was wait.

When the sun rose, you were quick to get back on your feet and head towards the infirmary to check on Sebastian before breakfast started. But to your surprise, he was no longer there. Nurse Blainey said he woke up all energetic and there were no signs of any disturbance so she allowed him to get on with school.

You were slightly relieved to know that Sebastian was feeling better. Although the question of his feelings towards you remained unknown.

So you ventured on, heading to the Great Hall for breakfast. Moving along with a crowd of students who were also making their way to the venue you suddenly bumped into someone.

“Oh, sorry.” You glanced up to see it was no other than Sebastian, “Hey, I was looking for you.”

You’ve caused some traffic considering you abruptly stopped in the middle of a walkaway crowd. Some were bumping into you and muttered under their breaths in annoyance. It was a horrible time to be upsetting people—hungry and grumpy people.

So Sebastian dragged you away from the crowd. You were caught a little bit off guard at the sudden tug on your elbow. Your feet were almost stumbling around trying to catch up to Sebastian’s pace.

“Are you insane?” Was the first thing he said when you found a quiet little corner away from the bustling people.

Your stomach clenched.

This was it.

The memories you shared for the past two years dramatically flashed before your eyes— the adventures, the late night studies, the stupid unfunny jokes he made but you laughed at them anyway— fuck.

This was it.. he hated you.

“Why would you tell Nurse Blainey the truth about everything?” He sounded quite aggravated. Unexpectedly, it was not for the reason you thought it would be— albeit he should be angry towards you for no reason at all considering the potion.

Your mouth gaped open but you were struggling to find the words.

"You could've just said it was a bad batch for our assignment," He explained. "You didn't have to get detention for it."

“What?” You finally managed to sputter out.

“Blainey said she gave you detention.” He added, “I feel bad.”

You can’t feel bad for someone you hate unless they fall into lava and viciously die or something. Because to feel bad meant having empathy, and to feel empathy meant he cared, which meant he didn’t hate you and the potion never worked.

Right?

“So you don’t hate me?” You asked carefully.

His tensed brows gradually softened as realisation dawned on him. He was so focused on you that he never really thought of what the potion was supposed to make him feel.

“I don’t, actually.” He sounded relieved and as were you upon hearing his confirmation, “I guess the potion never worked after all.”

Relief washed over you like a cool breeze on a hot day. Though you started wondering if the potion didn’t work on Sebastian, it might’ve not worked on Leander either. Which meant you were back to square one, trying to figure out how to deal with his annoying arse.

But it was a problem you didn’t want to think about too much at the moment. You were just glad your friendship with Sebastian remained intact despite the unfortunate mishap.

“So what did Blainey assign you to do?”

“She said Scribner has been fussing over some organising issues.” You grumbled, “She told me to give her some assistance after classes.”

“Yikes.” Sebastian said, “I’m sorry.”

“No, I’m sorry.” You retorted, “Are you really feeling alright?”

“As normal as I can be.” He smiled reassuringly, “Though, you still haven’t told me why you were trying to repel Leander.”

“He just..” You hesitated for a moment, annoys me.”

Technically, you didn’t lie. Leander’s entire antics had been nothing but annoying to you. Sebastian only pursed his lips and nodded. Be that as it may, his eyes were looking at you rather dubiously. But he didn’t pry further.

–

After breakfast, you had some time to kill before class started. You found yourself seeking solace in the quiet lounge area near the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. With a book on Revulsaroma in hand, you sought answers in its pages that you might have missed. It explained further about its history and the past research on this potion. As you delved deeper, a particular section caught your eye that described a crucial detail—

The Revulsaroma potion's effectiveness in repelling a drinker is contingent upon the absence of strong positive emotions towards the potion-maker. If the drinker harbours genuine affection for the potion-maker, the potion's repelling properties may be nullified or significantly weakened. This phenomenon is attributed to the potent influence of positive emotions, which can act as a counterforce against the potion's intended repulsion.

Before you could dwell on it further, Leander plopped beside you out of nowhere and casually draped his arm around your shoulder, interrupting your thoughts.

“Good morning, beautiful.” He greeted you with a smile so charming if he wasn’t so pushy about it you could see yourself giving in to his cheesy escapades. You subtly shifted away from the sudden proximity, hoping he would take the hint some time.

“Good morning, Leander.” You replied politely.

He seemed to be undeterred by your subtle attempt because he leaned in closer, “So, I was thinking, with the weather getting nicer and all, let’s take a trip around the highlands.” He sounded so enthusiastic for a suggestion that’s so inappropriate, “We could explore the beautiful scenery. My family has this cosy little cottage just outside of Keenbridge that we can use. What do you think?”

You scrunched up your nose because it sounded bloody ridiculous, “A bit intimate, don’t you think?”

“What’s wrong with a little bit of intimacy?”

“Nothing wrong with it, of course. If you’re a couple.”

“Oh, come on. You’ll love it.” Leander’s enthusiasm didn’t waver, if anything he sounded even more excited.

“It’s too much—”

He interrupted you with a tone so persuasive, “Okay fine, how about just a simple Hogsmeade date, then?”

You sighed at his persistence. It’s really getting too much.

“Leander, it’s really sweet but—”

Suddenly, your conversation was interrupted by a looming shadow casted over the both of you. Glancing up, you saw Sebastian standing there with an uncharacteristically serious expression.

“I’m going to count to three, Prewett, and you are going to stand up and get your arse the fuck out of here.” He demanded.

“What are you going to do about it if I don’t?” He was annoyed by Sebastian's sudden intervention.

The brunette’s gaze was focused on the way Leander had his arms wrapped around your shoulder and the way his hand was caressing your arm at the same time. Then he stared dead into Leander's eyes, “You don’t want to find out.”

Somehow you found yourself caught in the middle of the sudden hostility.

“Sebastian.” You warned him softly.

“Ignore him.” Leander didn't care for the threat. But Sebastian wasn’t having it and when Leander was ready to ignore him and continue his conversation with you, Sebastian grabbed him by his collar that it forced Leander to stand up, and he dragged the red haired boy away and slammed his back into a nearby pillar.

“I told you to fucking stand up and get out of here.” Sebastian scowled.

“Get your filthy hands off of me.” Leander attempted to shrug off Sebastian’s grip but it only grew tighter.

“Then you better get yours away from her.” His voice was so low and menacing. You had no idea what possessed him, because as aggressive as Sebastian could get he wouldn’t be so quick to resort to anything so recklessly physical unless it’s necessary— at least not anymore.

“Are you both out of your minds?” You stood beside the conflicting boys, “Stop being children or you will get into trouble.” The confrontation was drawing more attention from onlookers, and you could sense the tension rising.

A crowd started gathering around to see what the fuss was about. Students nearby paused and turned their heads, curious about the commotion. Whispers and side conversations began to buzz through the group as they watched the confrontation unfold.

You felt a bit awkward with the sudden attention. The whole thing was getting more dramatic than you'd anticipated, and you just wanted to find a way to sort it out before it got worse.

“What is your problem, Sallow?”

“You are the problem, Prewett. Can’t you take the hint?”

“It’s none of your business.” The Gryffindor boy was defensive— as anyone would be if someone just randomly shoved you into the wall and told you what to do.

“It becomes my business when you decide to harass her.”

“You are making a scene. Stop it.” You warned them, hoping they would steer away from the conflict. But they were still too busy with each other.

“Trying to be a big hero, aren’t you? Protecting her?” Leander was clearly taunting him. Sebastian wouldn’t usually allow himself to be bothered by whatever nonsense Leander would do. But this time was different, “She doesn’t need you. She can make her own decision.”

“And she did, when she said no.” Sebastian retorted sharply, “So back off.”

“If you are so worried about me taking her out then you should’ve asked her first. Don’t come here and act all heroic because you missed your chance.” Leander fired back, “If you weren’t such a coward—-”

There went the last cell of Sebastian’s brain that allowed him to think rationally when he decided to punch Leander in the face, sending the red-haired boy stumbling and his nose bleeding.

“Sebastian!” You stepped in between them, trying to push Sebastian back behind the line he just crossed. His eyes were glaring and breaths were rather ragged from the anger, “What the fuck are you doing?”

After being punched unexpectedly, Leander's pride and dignity were hurt. He wouldn't tolerate being attacked without retaliating. He mustered all of his anger and frustration to punch Sebastian with all of his force.

But before he could, Sebastian struck again, landing a second punch on his face. Leander stumbled backwards again, but this time he was quicker to get back on his feet and lunged forward, swinging his fists wildly.

Sebastian was able to dodge a few of his blows, but Leander managed to land a couple of powerful punches on Sebastian's cheek.

Sebastian stepped back, his face red from pain and anger. Now the two of them had no choice but to fight, and you had no choice but to look for some help. Luckily, it wasn’t long for you to reach Professor Hecat, because when you returned to the brawl, Leander was already pinned to the floor with Sebastian on top of him, landing more punches.

Professor Hecat swiftly casted a spell that immediately shoved both of them away from each other.

The two boys stood there with battered faces and were later sent to the same detention as you.

You had no desire in conversing with idiots, so when the three of you shared the space on one of the library aisle, organising books, you gave all your might to ignore them, especially Sebastian.

You thought he’d left his impetuous behaviour back in the catacombs two years ago, but clearly you were wrong. The way you aggressively shoved books into places allowed Sebastian to notice that you were furious.

“I know you’re angry at me.” He said, breaking the silence.

“Oh really? Didn’t think you’d notice. I was being subtle.” You replied sarcastically.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t know what had gotten into me.” His voice was soft but outright, “You know I don't fight muggle-style.”

You remained cold. There was nothing about his apology that made you feel better. So you continued to ignore him and he tried to speak up again.

“Can we talk?” He pleaded but you ignored him. You picked up a stack of books and moved to the next aisle to shelve them in their proper places.

Sebastian followed you behind, not backing down, “I’m really, really, sorry.”

He seemed genuinely apologetic, but you were reluctant to give in. After all, his actions had caused this entire mess and resulted in the two boys getting detention.

You didn’t want to argue with him, but you couldn’t resist making a point.

“Tell that to Leander and his broken nose.”

Sebastian let out a scoff, “I’m not sorry about that.”

“Seriously Sebastian? You hit him first. He just reacted.” You turned to face him this time.

"He was harassing you," Sebastian defended himself, "I had to do something."

"Did you have to punch him in the face? Repeatedly?”

“Why are you defending him?” His tone was rising, "What do you expect me to do? Just stand by and let him flirt with you?"

“What is so wrong with that?”

“Because—” Then he stopped himself. Eyes flustered and flicked between yours like he was trying to gather his own thoughts. Then he let out a frustrated sigh, “Leander is a self-oriented, self-indulgent, arrogant, selfish, insufferable jerk.”

You shook your head in disbelief and stared dead at him in the eye, “Well, right now it sounds like you were just describing yourself, Sebastian.”

Before you could say anything else, you left him alone in the aisle and this time he didn’t follow you.

—

It was Saturday morning, and while you had no classes to attend, you were still stuck with detention for a portion of the day. Not only did this eat into your weekend leisure time, but you also had to spend it without talking to Sebastian.

You sighed as you placed books somewhere in the corner of the library right where they belonged.

Couldn’t help but think that spending your weekend somewhere in the castle, perhaps the undercroft, reading books and being alone together with Sebastian was where you belonged.

Time sure felt lonely without his presence.

Then as if he could read your mind from miles away he showed up, “Do you like Leander?”

Shocked and confused by the sudden question you turned to find Sebastian standing at the end of the aisle.

His face was a patchwork of bruises and cuts, a visible reminder of the fight he had gotten into with Leander. A purplish bruise marred his cheek, and a small cut above his eyebrow was still fresh. Despite his battered appearance, his eyes were focused intently on you, filled with an intensity that made your heart skip a beat.

“What?” You asked.

“I spent the entire night thinking about you. I thought maybe you like Leander, because why did you defend him so much yesterday?” He rambled.

You opened your mouth to say something but Sebastian wasn’t finished.

“But then I thought, if you liked him, why did you want to repel him with the potion?” He continued, “And why did you reject him when he asked you out? Five times, over the past month.”

You opened your mouth again, but this time every single word you have learned seemed to have fallen over your head because not a single thing came to your mind.

There were two things that surprised you.

One, Sebastian spent the entire night thinking about you.

Two, Sebastian knew that Leander had been asking you out.

And your brain did not know which one to stress about first.

“You knew about Leander?” You finally said.

“We share every class everyday. You don’t think I’d notice?” He replied with another question, “He wasn’t subtle about it either. Was I not supposed to know?”

You fell quiet, unsure of what to say next. The more you opened your mouth, the more you found yourself with nothing to say.

Sebastian waited for your response, but when it did not come, he continued, “Why did you keep rejecting him?”

You shrugged, slightly flustered, “Simply because I don’t want to go out with him.”

“Why did you not tell me about him, then?”

“It wasn’t worth mentioning,” you replied, avoiding his gaze.

“You’re kidding me, right?” Sebastian stared at you, as if he couldn’t believe your answer.

“It was pointless,” Your tone was rising slightly, “It’s not like I would ever date Leander. I wasn’t even giving him a second thought. So It doesn’t matter.”

Sebastian was silent for a beat before he spoke again. “It matters to me.”

Your pulse raced, and the air suddenly felt tighter.

Sebastian was staring at you, his eyes intent and penetrating. The silence stretched on, and you had to force yourself to look him in the eye

“Everything about you matters to me. You’re my best friend. We’re supposed to share everything, right?” He added, “Isn’t that what best friends do?”

As you stood there, guilt was eating you inside out. Your decision to leave him in the dark unexpectedly hurt him more than you thought. The look in his eyes was so unfamiliar you couldn’t pinpoint his emotion.

He took a step closer.

“Why do you care so much? It’s just Leander.”

“Don’t you get it?” He said softly, “It’s not about Leander. It’s about the fact that he’s been asking you out, flirting with you relentlessly, being so close with you.. in a way that is supposed to be only for me.”

You stood there, stunned. His words hit you like a bolt of lightning, and you felt a mix of shock and confusion wash over you.

Sebastian took another step towards you, his gaze steady and unbreaking, and it was piercing through your soul.

“It’s supposed to be just for me” He repeated the phrase as if he was talking to himself. The look in his eyes was intense, and you could feel how important this was to him.

A moment passed until you realised that you should respond. The longer you stayed silent, the worse it felt. So you spoke up, “Are you jealous?”

“Yes.” He simply replied.

His response set your body ablaze. You could feel your heart pounding in your throat.

“I was supposed to hate you, but instead I woke up that morning in the infirmary and I couldn’t be more sure that I am utterly and completely in love with you.” His voice dropped, “And when I saw you with Leander and hearing all the things that he said, I meant it when I told you I had no idea what had gotten into me but all I knew was every single cell in my body was on fire.”

You thought for sure your heart would explode as all of this sunk in. You had expected anything but a confession. Your heart was beating so fast and hard that you had to concentrate on breathing, or else it felt like you couldn't breathe.

“I spent the entire night thinking about all of the time we've spent.” He added, “I can't stop thinking about the sound of your laughter. The way you'd still genuinely laugh at the most unfunny joke I would tell. Or how your usual bright eyes would fall into a deep immersion when you read. And the way your delicate finger hovers over the edge of a page, turning it over.”

A smile tugged on the corner of Sebastian's lips as he recalled every little detail about you that only he would care about. The beat of your heart went faster with each syllable that came out of his mouth and every nerve in your body was shaking.

“I always wonder how the touch of those fingertips would feel on my skin,” There were so many things he wanted to say to you. Every detail of you that made him so desperately in love, “and how perfect your fingers would be intertwining with mine.”

For a moment, you were one-hundred percent sure this was all a dream. Because everything around you seemed so blurry and all of the sudden everything felt surreal. But when Sebastian took another step closer, and another until he was close enough to grab your hands and intertwine your fingers together, the haze dissipated. The way his touch alerted every single nerve in your body, you knew that this was real— he was real and he was in love with you.

The two of you stood there, inches apart, staring at each other with your emotions overflowing.

“We belong together.” You could see that his intensity and raw emotion was getting the better of him. His words were coming out quick and sudden, “I should’ve asked you out long before Leander did. Just another stupid mistake I made.”

He inched closer and closer until you felt Sebastian's breath on your lips, and your body trembled in anticipation. You took a deep breath and let yourself fall into the moment.

“You could’ve been too late, you know?” You whispered.

“Am I?”

You shook your head and smiled against his lips, “No, you’re not. I’ve been stupidly waiting for you.”

Sebastian's voice was soft and tender as he spoke again, “I’m glad we’re both stupid enough, then. And for many other things that make me glad you're finally mine."

“Even the potion?” You smirked.

“Especially the damn potion.” A smile spread across Sebastian's face.

Your breaths were laced with desire, and your thoughts went to the first kiss between the two of you were going to share. It felt surreal to have arrived at this moment that you had both anticipated for so long.

Your lips were close enough to touch. Your hearts were beating so loudly. And in this moment, it felt like a moment out of time.

When his lips met yours, the world seemed to melt away and everything else faded into the background. It was everything it had built up to be—hot and passionate and exciting.

You kissed him deeply and all was right with the world. Sebastian's hands wrapped around your back, and yours around his neck.

Your senses were all focused on Sebastian, on the kiss and the way he made you feel. This was what you had been waiting for, and it was everything you dreamed of and more.

When you pulled away, your eyes were locked and you found yourselves smiling uncontrollably. There was nothing left to feel awkward or unsure of, and it felt as if a weight had been lifted.

Sebastian brushed his fingers through your hair. You were finally getting your happiness.

"I love you," He whispered against your lips.

“I love you, too.” you replied softly, brushing your noses together.

You spent the rest of the day making out in the deepest corner of the library, neglecting your detention. And when Madam Scribner found the two of you some time later, all dishevelled, you were granted another detention time.

But neither of you cared. Because it was all worth it.

In an extremely rare case, the Revulsaroma potion could have an unprecedented effect, completely opposite to its intended repelling nature. Rather than nullifying or weakening, the potion might paradoxically amplify and reinforce any existing strong positive feelings that the drinker harboured towards the potion-maker. Due to genuine and deep-seated love for the maker, the drinker might experience a surge of intense emotions that can be both overwhelming and consuming, such as, jealousy, protectiveness, and overwhelming affection.

#hogwarts legacy fandom #sebastian sallow #hogwarts legacy #hogwarts legacy fanfic #sebastian sallow fic #hogwarts legacy mc #sebastian sallow fanfiction #sebastian sallow x mc #slytherin #gryffindor #fluff fic #sebastian x mc #sebastian sallow x reader #sebastian sallow fluff

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brunchable · 3 months ago

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𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥'𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐲 | Vampire!Bucky × F!reader × Vampire!Steve.

Pairings: VAMPIRE Bucky Barnes x f!reader X VAMPIRE Steve Rogers Themes: Allure and Danger, Mind-control, Seduction, Powerlessness. Content Warning: This story containes themes of horror, suspense and supernatural elements that may be unsettling for some readers. It includes depictions of blood, violence, predatory behavior, and dark themes of power dynamics. Do not read if you are uncomfortable with themes like this. Summary: Your great-aunt left you an inheritance, but it wasn't just an old castle—it was a dark legacy. As she explores its eerie halls, Y/N unknowingly awakens something ancient and deadly, turning her from an unsuspecting heir into the next castle's victim. A/N: OooOooOOoo Advance happy hallooween. . . If you really want to get in the mood, look up vampire music povs on youtube. they are chef's kiss.

The castle loomed before Y/N like a dark, brooding sentinel against the storm-ridden sky. Its towering spires disappeared into the thick fog that clung to the surrounding mountains, and the jagged stones of its walls seemed to be weeping from centuries of decay. She shivered as she pushed open the iron-wrought gates, the hinges groaning like some tormented beast. The wind picked up, sending leaves spiraling around her, and she clutched her coat tighter, pressing forward with her mind set on a singular goal: This place needs to turn a profit.

What had her great-aunt seen in this wretched estate to leave it to her? The thought weighed on Y/N as she ascended the stone steps, each footfall echoing ominously in the stillness. The wooden doors creaked open under her hand, revealing a grand foyer lined with cracked marble and dust-coated chandeliers that dripped cobwebs like ghostly lace.

The last time she’d set foot in this place, she’d been just a child—five years old and clutching her mother’s hand tightly, staring wide-eyed at the looming shadows and the way the old portraits seemed to watch her. She could still remember the way the cold air had nipped at her skin, how everything had felt too big and dark, swallowing her small frame whole. Now, returning as an adult, it felt no less daunting—just as haunted and hollow as her childhood memories.

She took a deep breath and stepped inside. The air was musty, stale, and laced with something metallic that lingered on her tongue. Still, Y/N’s resolve didn’t falter.

“I’m not going to be scared off by a spooky old castle,” she muttered to herself, voice too loud in the silence.

Her footsteps seemed to disturb the quiet, sending whispers of sound skittering through the corridors. With every room she entered, every piece of dusty furniture she uncovered, Y/N’s confidence grew. She could see the potential—a little restoration, a few modern amenities, and Castle Roghnan would become the most unique boutique hotel in the region.

The ground floor was fairly straightforward. She made notes on what needed fixing, where to add touches of elegance, and what to keep authentic. At some point during her exploration, she’d set her bags down in the dining hall, thinking she’d return there once she’d finished her tour of the castle. The dining hall itself had been just as eerie as the rest of the place—long, dusty tables, cobwebbed chandeliers, and a massive fireplace that looked like it hadn’t been lit in a century.

But what really stood out were the portraits that lined the walls, watching her with eyes that seemed to follow her every move.

They were old, their colors faded with age, but they were still striking—two men, both with unnervingly pale skin and eyes that seemed to burn with an intensity that sent shivers racing down her spine. One of them wore a black coat, his expression stern, almost cruel, his dark hair falling over his forehead in an unruly wave. The other, dressed in a dark brown suit, had a more refined look, his beard neatly trimmed and his gaze piercing through her like he knew every secret she’d ever kept.

These portraits had haunted her as a child, filling her nightmares with faceless, shadowy figures that chased her through endless corridors. She used to wake up sobbing, convinced their eyes were following her even after she’d left the room. Now, staring at them again, it was as if the memories resurfaced with a vengeance—the same chilling sensation that made her want to look away and run, just as she had all those years ago.

She hadn’t lingered long in front of the portraits, the oppressive weight of their gazes making her uneasy. But something about them nagged at the back of her mind as she continued through the castle, their faces etched into her memory.

The ground floor completed, it wasn’t until she reached the narrow, spiral staircase at the back of the castle—hidden behind a tapestry of snarling wolves—that she hesitated. The door at the bottom of the stairs seemed out of place—heavy, iron-bound, and covered in strange symbols she didn’t recognize.

Y/N bit her lip, holding her flashlight tightly. Just a quick look. It’s probably just storage or a wine cellar. She descended cautiously, the staircase spiraling down into what felt like an abyss. The temperature dropped with each step, the air growing damper, thicker. The door groaned as she pushed it open, the sound echoing down the long, dark hallway that stretched out before her.

She hadn’t seen anything yet that couldn’t be explained away as an overactive imagination or a castle abandoned for too long. But as she stepped into the basement, something shifted—a change in the air, a heaviness that settled over her like a cloak.

Her flashlight swept across the room—stone walls lined with shelves of ancient tomes and artifacts.

The cavernous basement seemed to pulse with a life of its own, the darkness growing thicker the deeper Y/N ventured. She could almost hear the castle breathe around her, its heavy silence shifting and settling like some ancient beast awakening from a deep slumber. With each step, her flashlight flickered, casting eerie shadows that danced across the stone walls.

At the far end, nestled against the wall, were three grand coffins, their surfaces adorned with intricate carvings and symbols.

Y/N’s heart pounded. What in God’s name were coffins doing down here?

She stepped closer, unable to tear her gaze away. The coffins looked… regal, almost. Like the final resting places of kings or warriors. But why were they here?

Each one was massive, carved from cold, unyielding marble that gleamed under the beam of her light. Veins of black and gray ran through the stone like blood vessels, and the lids were inlaid with symbols that twisted and curled like thorny vines. They were too pristine to be empty—an ominous, silent promise of what lay within.

Y/N’s hand shook as she approached the first coffin. She swallowed hard, trying to steady her breath. It’s probably just a container? There’s no such thing as monsters. But even as she thought it, her pulse hammered in her ears, and every instinct screamed at her to run. Ignoring the warning bells ringing in her mind, she squared her shoulders and reached out, fingertips grazing the frigid marble.

The lid resisted at first, but then, with a heavy groan that echoed through the chamber, it shifted. Y/N pushed harder, the weight of it making her muscles strain. With a grunt, she pushed against it, the lid sliding open with a heavy thunk, sending a cloud of dust billowing into the air. She coughed, the sound reverberating in the suffocating silence as the flashlight beam swept over the coffin’s interior.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Inside lay a man—perfectly preserved, as if he’d only just fallen asleep. His skin was as pale as moonlight, his features sharp and aristocratic. Dark lashes rested against high cheekbones, his lips—redder than they had any right to be—were parted slightly, giving him an ethereal, almost haunting beauty. If not for the unnatural stillness of his chest, she might have thought him alive.

A choked scream tore from Y/N’s lips. The sound bounced off the walls, mocking her fear. She stumbled backward, the flashlight slipping from her hand and clattering to the ground, the beam jerking and casting wild shadows that seemed to twist and writhe in the corners of the room.

She landed hard on her backside, breath coming in rapid gasps. Her eyes never left the coffin, the terror flooding her senses. But he didn’t move. Not a twitch, not a flicker of life. Just… a corpse.

“Holy—” she gasped, heart pounding like a drum in her ears. She scrambled back, pushing herself away from the coffin until her spine hit something solid.

The other coffin.

The carved marble felt colder against her back, sending a shiver through her bones. Y/N twisted around, panic seizing her chest as she caught sight of the ornate symbols etched into this second coffin’s surface. She could barely think, barely breathe, but she found herself moving, fingers searching for purchase along the coffin’s lid as if compelled by something beyond her control.

Just get out, a voice whispered in the back of her mind, but her hands moved of their own accord. Dust cascaded down in a soft cloud as she pushed the second lid, her fingers trembling with the effort. It was heavier than the first, resisting as if the very air around it thickened to keep her from opening it.

With a final, desperate shove, the lid shifted, scraping against the stone floor.

Y/N didn’t notice the way the first figure shot up from his slumber, his eyes snapping open with a flash of red glow. She was too focused on the second coffin, too wrapped up in the horror and curiosity twisting inside her like a living thing.

She leaned over the marble edge, heart hammering, and stared down into the face of another man. He was similar to the first in his unsettling beauty, but his features were sharper, more feral. His hair, dark as midnight, framed a face that could have belonged to a fallen angel. The moment she saw him, a wave of terror and fascination washed over her, locking her in place.

The silence was deafening. She took a step back, her foot catching on the uneven stone, but before she could regain her balance—

She sensed it before she saw it: a low, almost imperceptible rustle in the air, like a predator moving in the shadows. The hair on the back of her neck stood on end. With a gut-wrenching slowness, she turned her head, a chill of dread washing over her as her gaze fell back on the first coffin.

It was empty.

The man—the corpse—who had been lying so still and lifeless was gone.

Her breath hitched, and panic flooded her veins, drowning out all rational thought. She glanced frantically around the chamber, heart thundering.

Desperation clawed at her senses as she whipped around to look at the second coffin. It, too, was now empty.

The blood drained from her face. Her entire body shook as her mind struggled to process what she was seeing—what she wasn’t seeing. She stumbled back, gasping, her gaze flitting wildly around the room. They were gone. Both bodies—once so still and dead—had vanished.

Her flashlight beam swung crazily across the stone walls and floors as she looked around, frantic, searching every corner and shadow. But there was nothing. No sign of movement. No one in sight. Just her—alone in the dark, empty crypt.

She swallowed the scream clawing its way up her throat and took a shaky step back. Move. The command rang through her mind like a gunshot. She turned, muscles seizing with fear, and sprinted up the stairs, breath coming in panicked.

The sound of her footsteps echoed wildly in the narrow passage, and the air around her seemed to close in, thick and suffocating. She didn’t dare look back, didn’t dare slow down, heart slamming against her ribcage as she reached the top of the stairs.

Her fingers fumbled on the handle, slick with sweat. She yanked the door open and burst through, slamming it shut behind her with a bang that reverberated through the castle. Hastily, she shoved the lock into place, her hands shaking so violently she could barely hold on.

For a heartbeat, she stood there, chest heaving, back pressed against the door as if her weight alone could keep whatever was down there trapped. The silence pressed in around her, thick and oppressive, broken only by her ragged breaths.

Stay there. Please, stay there.

She squeezed her eyes shut, praying to whatever force might be listening that whatever she’d just unleashed wouldn’t follow her. That whatever she’d left behind would remain in the basement—where it belonged. But even as she stood there, trembling and afraid, a cold certainty gripped her heart.

They were awake. And now… they were free.

× × × ×

With one last glance over her shoulder, she sprinted down the corridor, the muffled sound of her boots pounding against the aged wooden floors echoing through the empty halls.

She burst into the grand foyer, chest heaving, and then—almost instinctively—turned toward the dining room where she had dropped her bag and coat earlier. The chandeliers overhead flickered erratically, casting long, spider-leg shadows on the walls, and the air was different—thick and humid, saturated with the acrid scent of old wood and metallic.

Get your things and leave. Get out of here. Don’t look back. The frantic mantra repeated in her mind as she raced through the hallways, the feeling of being watched never quite leaving her. She reached the threshold of the dining room, skidding to a halt as her gaze swept over the familiar space.

She froze.

The once dark and desolate dining room was now bathed in an eerie, flickering glow. Dozens of candles, which she was certain hadn’t been there before, lined the walls and tabletop, their flames casting an unsettling dance of light and shadow. The long mahogany table was set with dusty, ornate china, as if in anticipation of a grand feast that had never happened. A low, haunting melody drifted through the air, the eerie sound of an organ playing a dirge that sent chills skittering down her spine.

But that wasn’t what made her breath catch in her throat.

Sitting casually at the far end of the table, sitting as if they’d been expecting her all along, were the men from the portraits—the corpses.

Steve lounged in one of the high-backed chairs, his boots propped up on the table as if he owned the place. He toyed lazily with a silver coin, flipping it up into the air and catching it with ease, his eyes tracking the motion with a hint of amusement. The candlelight played across his face, highlighting the sharp angles of his cheekbones and the unnatural glow in his eyes.

Beside him, Bucky sat sprawled in an equally regal chair, his posture relaxed, hands resting leisurely on the armrests. He watched her with a smirk that sent a jolt of fear through her veins. He tilted his head slightly, a lock of dark hair falling across his forehead, his gaze almost mocking as it roamed over her disheveled appearance.

“So nice of you to join us.” Bucky’s smile was charming, almost disarmingly so, but the sharp edge of his teeth glinted in the candlelight. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the arms of the chair, fingers steepled as he regarded her with a look of feigned politeness. “I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about us.”

Y/N’s heart stuttered in her chest. Her fingers clenched around the strap of her bag as she stood rooted to the spot, unable to tear her eyes away from the two men who—by all logic—should not have been there. Should not have been alive.

She swallowed, forcing herself to speak, but her voice came out a broken whisper. “What… what do you want?”

Steve’s gaze slid lazily over to her, the coin flashing as it spun through the air and landed neatly in his palm. He chuckled softly, the sound low and almost intimate.

“Isn’t it obvious, sweetheart? You woke us. And now…” He gestured grandly to the table and the candlelit room around them, smirk widening. “We’re making the most of your hospitality.”

A soft inhalation from Bucky drew Y/N’s attention, his eyes darkening to a shade of red as his nostrils flared. His gaze drifted over her throat, lingering as if he could see every pulse and vein beneath her skin.

“You smell so good,” he murmured, almost to himself, the words a low rumble in his chest. “So… tempting.”

Steve’s lips twitched, the coin spinning lazily between his fingers.

“We were getting a bit… lonely down there,” he said with a note of amusement, though his gaze never left her, as if he were savoring every breath she took. “It’s been centuries, you know. One tends to get a little… restless.”

Y/N’s breath hitched as she took a small, hesitant step back, her gaze darting between the two of them. The door was only a few feet behind her, and if she could just make it outside, get to her car—

“Leaving so soon?” Steve’s voice cut through her thoughts, sharp and mocking. He swung his feet off the table, leaning forward with his elbows resting on his knees. The coin slipped from his fingers, landing on the table with a soft clink. “We haven’t even had dessert.”

Her gaze flickered to the door and back. “I—”

“—don’t want to go just yet, do you?” Bucky finished, raising an eyebrow. His smirk widened, eyes gleaming with a dark, predatory light. His nostrils flared again, and a soft, appreciative hum left his lips. “We’ve hardly had the chance to get acquainted.”

Y/N stumbled back another step, her back hitting the doorframe. She flinched, the sudden jolt snapping her out of her stunned daze. “I—I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

“Didn’t mean to wake us?” Steve interjected, voice smooth and dangerous. He rose to his feet in one fluid motion, his gaze locked onto her like a predator stalking its prey. “Well, that’s a shame, sweetheart. Because now that you have…”

Bucky shifted, his form blurring at the edges like smoke dissipating in the wind. Before Y/N could blink, he was no longer seated but standing inches away from her, his tall frame towering over hers. The shadows around him seemed to thicken and swirl, like tendrils of darkness coiling in the air.

“You don’t get to leave now, darling,” he whispered, voice a soft caress that sent shivers racing down her spine.

Y/N gasped and tried to step back, but in a blink—less than a blink—Steve was behind her, his presence a cold draft at her back. She whirled around, heart hammering, only to find his face inches from hers, his eyes glowing a brilliant, blood red.

“Going somewhere?” he drawled, lips curling into a smile that showed off sharp fangs glistening in the candlelight.

Y/N’s breath came in short, shallow gasps. Her head swiveled from side to side, searching for an escape that no longer existed. Their figures seemed to flicker like a mirage, shifting closer without moving, surrounding her with no more than a thought.

“Don’t be afraid,” Bucky murmured from beside her, his voice laced with something that almost sounded like concern—if not for the hunger burning in his eyes. “We’re not going to hurt you.”

“Much,” Steve added with a soft chuckle, his gaze dropping to the hollow of her throat, where her pulse beat wildly beneath her skin. “But you do smell… exquisite.”

They exchanged a glance. With a flash of movement too quick for her eyes to follow, Steve’s fingers brushed her hair aside, exposing her neck. She flinched, but he only hummed softly, as if savoring the sight.

Bucky leaned closer, his breath a chilling whisper against her skin. “I wonder… how fast will you run if we give you a head start?”

Steve’s smile widened, fangs glinting. “Ten seconds?”

“Five,” Bucky countered, gaze flickering back to hers, the scarlet in his eyes deepening with each passing second.

Y/N’s pulse roared in her ears, the organ’s haunting melody blending with the sound of her panicked breathing. They were toying with her, their words teasing and light, but the threat was real—so real she could taste it, like metal on her tongue.

“Run,” Bucky whispered, voice low and full of promise.

Y/N hesitated for a split second, but that was all it took. The shadows around them twisted, their forms dissolving into hazy tendrils of smoke that coiled and writhed through the air.

“Run, little prey,” Steve’s voice floated through the darkness, echoing around her as the hazy mist of his form flitted across the room like a ghostly apparition. “We’ll catch you.”

Y/N didn’t wait to hear more. She spun on her heel and bolted out of the room, the sound of their laughter—a dark, delighted sound—echoing behind her as she fled.

As she sprinted down the hallway, the walls seemed to close in, the air thickening with each frantic breath she took. She could feel them—sense them—moving in the shadows, trailing her like wolves stalking their prey. Every glance over her shoulder revealed nothing but flickering candlelight and empty space, yet she knew—knew—they were there.

Their voices whispered through the air, soft and seductive.

“Run, little prey.”

“Run.”

But no matter how fast she ran, how desperately she tried to escape, she could feel their presence closing in, the scent of her fear and blood drawing them closer.

They were right behind her.

And they were hungry.

× × × ×

The organ’s mournful melody chased Y/N through the hallways, the haunting notes twisting around her like ghostly fingers. She ran, legs burning and chest heaving, every instinct urging her to flee faster, to not look back. The heavy shadows seemed to move with her, shifting and swirling as if they, too, were alive.

Almost there. She could see the grand foyer ahead, the large double doors she had left ajar when she first entered. The cold night air wafted through the small gap, carrying with it the promise of escape, of safety.

Her heart leapt as she pushed herself harder, fingers outstretched toward the door that seemed both impossibly close and unbearably far. Just a few more steps, and she’d be free. She’d be—

A flash of movement blurred in front of her, a gust of wind that sent her hair flying. Y/N skidded to a halt, the scream caught in her throat as a figure materialized out of thin air, solidifying in front of the door in the span of a heartbeat.

Steve.

He stood casually, his hand resting on the edge of the door, which he shut with a single, effortless motion. The heavy wood slammed into place, the sound reverberating through the grand hall like the final toll of a death knell.

“Oops, there goes your exit.” he murmured, voice low and taunting, a dark smile curling his lips as his gaze raked over her with predatory delight.

Y/N staggered back, blood roaring in her ears. She spun on her heel, only to collide with a solid wall of muscle and cold flesh. Her breath hitched as she looked up, eyes widening in horror as Bucky’s smirking face loomed above her, his hands braced loosely at his sides, but every line of his body radiating power and menace.

“Careful,” Bucky drawled, a dangerous light dancing in his scarlet eyes. “You might hurt yourself, darling.”

Fear sent a surge of adrenaline through her veins, and without thinking, Y/N swung her fist at him in a desperate attempt to break free. But Bucky moved faster—far faster—his hand snapping up to catch her wrist with a grip like iron. She gasped as he twisted her arm gently but firmly, pulling her closer until her wrist was just inches from his face.

He inhaled deeply, the sound almost like a purr, his eyes fluttering shut as if savoring the scent of her skin.

“Mmm,” he hummed, his lips curving into a wicked smile. “You smell… absolutely delicious. It’s turning me on.”

Y/N struggled, trying to wrench her arm free, but Bucky’s grip tightened, holding her firmly in place. He lowered his head, lips brushing against the sensitive skin of her wrist, and a soft, dark chuckle rumbled from his chest.

“Oh, sweetheart,” he murmured, the words sending a shiver through her entire body. “You’re making this so much more fun.” He glanced up at her, his gaze heavy with hunger. “Do you know what it does to us when you fight?”

She tried to pull away again, her heart slamming against her ribs, but Bucky only chuckled, a low, intimate sound that sent heat flooding through her veins. He turned her wrist slightly, pressing his nose against the pulse point, his fangs just barely grazing her skin.

“Stop!” Y/N choked out, her voice shaking.

Steve’s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with a predatory light.

“I can hear your heartbeat,” he murmured, his voice a soft, seductive whisper that seemed to coil around her, tightening with every breath she took. He took a slow step closer, head tilting slightly as if to savor the sound.

“It’s racing—your blood rushing so fast… it makes you more…” Steve paused, his gaze dropping to the frantic flutter of her pulse in her neck. “Irresistible.”

Bucky hummed in agreement, his tongue flicking out to taste the skin of her wrist, his lips brushing lightly over her veins.

“Mmm, yes,” he murmured, the words a low purr against her flesh. “Like a sweet, ripe fruit ready to be plucked.”

Y/N’s body trembled, fear and confusion warring with the strange, unwanted heat curling in her stomach.

“Please, let me go,” she whispered, the plea breaking on a sob.

Steve’s gaze locked onto hers, a dark smile curving his lips as he leaned in, his breath ghosting over the curve of her throat.

“Let you go?” he whispered, voice filled with dark amusement. He shook his head slowly, the gesture almost pitying. “Oh no, sweetheart. You’re too… delectable for that.”

He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly over her racing pulse, and Y/N gasped, jerking back. But she had nowhere to go—no escape. She was trapped between them, the air around her thickening, stifling.

“I can feel it, too,” Bucky murmured, his grip on her wrist tightening slightly as he drew her closer. His gaze was heavy-lidded, the crimson glow in his eyes deepening as he stared at her with a hunger that sent a fresh wave of fear crashing through her. “The way your blood sings to us.”

“Begging to be tasted,” Steve added softly, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear, his voice a low, dangerous murmur. “Every heartbeat… every breath… makes us want you even more.”

He leaned closer, his mouth hovering over her throat, and Y/N’s heart nearly stopped as the sharp tips of his fangs just barely grazed her skin.

“Careful now, Steve,” Bucky murmured, his tone darkly amused. He tugged her wrist gently, but his strength was undeniable, forcing her to take a step back. “If you keep taunting her like that, she’ll faint before we even get her upstairs.”

Y/N stiffened, terror flooding her veins like ice. “Upstairs?” she echoed, voice shaking.

Steve pulled back just enough to meet her wide-eyed gaze, his smile slow and deliberate. “That’s right, sweetheart. You didn’t think we’d let you run around down here all night, did you?”

Bucky’s fingers brushed against her pulse, the touch both possessive and deceptively gentle.

“We’ve been waiting for so long,” he murmured, his gaze sliding down her body with a look that made her skin prickle. “We want to… enjoy you properly.”

She tried to pull away, but Bucky’s hold only tightened, his smile widening. “Oh, don’t be shy. You’ll look lovely in something a bit more… suitable.”

He glanced at Steve, something dark and knowing passing between them.

“What do you think, Stevie?” Bucky’s voice dropped to a seductive purr, his eyes never leaving hers. “Should we take her upstairs? Dress her up nice and proper before we really have some fun?”

Steve hummed softly, his gaze trailing over Y/N’s trembling form.

“Definitely,” he agreed, his voice a low, velvety murmur that sent a fresh wave of fear—and something darker—curling in her stomach. “A delicate, white nightdress, perhaps. Something soft. Something… pure.”

Y/N’s mouth opened to protest, to scream, but before she could utter a word, the world around her twisted and blurred.

The shadows swirled, and the ground seemed to fall away beneath her feet. A dizzying rush of cold air engulfed her, squeezing her lungs and making her head spin. It felt as if her entire body had been caught in a whirlpool, pulled in every direction at once. She gasped, vision darkening at the edges, the sudden pressure and cold lancing through her mind, making her feel like she was being torn apart and put back together all at once.

The sensation was sickening and exhilarating, a chaotic mix of terror and euphoria that left her senses reeling. She wanted to scream, but her voice was swallowed by the disorienting void around her, the sound crushed and muted. Her stomach twisted violently, nausea rising in her throat as the world spun faster, faster—

And then, as abruptly as it began, it stopped.

Y/N staggered, her knees buckling as her feet hit solid ground. The world snapped back into focus, the swirling darkness giving way to dim light and soft, suffocating warmth. She swayed on her feet, her head throbbing and her vision swimming as she tried to catch her breath.

“Oh, darling,” Bucky’s voice purred from somewhere nearby, the sound reverberating in her ears like a sweet, sinister lullaby. “You look a little pale. The first time’s always a bit rough, isn’t it?”

Y/N blinked, her vision slowly clearing. She glanced around, confusion and fear flooding her senses as she realized they were no longer in the dining room.

They were in a bedroom—a large, opulent chamber shrouded in shadows and bathed in soft, muted candlelight. Heavy velvet drapes covered the tall windows, casting the room in shades of deep crimson and black. A massive four-poster bed dominated the space, its dark wood gleaming dully in the low light.

“What… what happened?” she croaked, swaying on her feet as she tried to get her bearings. Her entire body felt like it was floating, her skin tingling as if she’d been electrified. She raised a trembling hand to her forehead.

“You’ve never been teleported before, have you?” Steve’s voice was closer now, a low, intimate murmur that seemed to curl around her like smoke. He appeared beside her in a blur of movement, his hand slipping under her elbow to steady her. “I suppose it’s a little… disorienting.”

A little disorienting? Y/N’s stomach churned, and she fought back the urge to vomit, the sensation of being torn through space and time still lingering like a phantom ache in her bones.

Steve’s hand tightened slightly on her arm, his gaze intent as he studied her face. “But it does have its perks.” His lips twitched into a faint, teasing smile. “We get to move you wherever we want… whenever we want.”

Bucky’s laughter, low and dark, echoed through the room.

“And right now,” he murmured, his voice like velvet as he stepped forward, the crimson glow in his eyes sending a fresh wave of fear—and something disturbingly close to anticipation—coursing through her veins. “We want you here.”

Y/N swallowed hard, her gaze darting around the room. The bed loomed in the center of her vision, its silk sheets and plush pillows looking far too inviting. Her pulse pounded in her ears as she tried to back away, but Steve’s grip on her arm held firm.

“Easy now,” Steve murmured, his voice low and soothing, though the amusement in his eyes belied the gentleness of his tone. “Don’t hurt yourself. We’re not going to bite… yet.”

Bucky’s smirk widened, shadows curling around him like living tendrils, drawn to the darkness that seemed to bleed from his very being. He wore a stark black shirt, the fabric almost blending into the darkness itself, its high collar emphasizing the unnaturally pale skin of his throat and the strong column of his neck.

Every step he took was a predator’s prowl, his gaze locking onto you with an intensity that made your stomach drop. His lips curved, exposing just a hint of his sharp teeth, and it was in that moment you realized: Bucky wasn’t just dangerous.

He was death itself, dressed in human skin.

“But we will have you dressed properly,” he murmured, gesturing to the far side of the room.

Y/N’s eyes followed his hand.

Hanging from a delicate gold hanger beside the vanity was a nightdress—white and sheer, the material almost translucent in the flickering candlelight. The lace trim and delicate embroidery only added to the impression of fragility, of purity… of something meant to be ruined.

“Put it on,” Bucky commanded softly, his voice firm but oddly gentle. He raised an eyebrow when she hesitated, his smile sharpening. “Or shall we help you?”

Y/N’s breath hitched, every fiber of her being recoiling at the idea.

“No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “No, I won’t—”

Steve’s eyes locked onto hers, the crimson depths suddenly brightening with an unnatural, otherworldly glow.

“Yes, you will,” he whispered, his voice sinking into her mind like a hook, the words wrapping around her senses, squeezing tight.

A cold and insidious sensation slithered through her thoughts, wrapping around her consciousness like a vice. Y/N’s body stiffened, her limbs freezing in place as if invisible chains had locked her in place. She tried to shake her head, to pull away, but she couldn’t move—couldn’t think—couldn’t breathe.

The world around her blurred at the edges, fading into a hazy, dreamlike fog. Her limbs felt heavy, sluggish, as if she were underwater. She watched in growing horror as her own hand—moving of its own accord—reached for the nightdress.

“No…” she whimpered, but the sound was distant, muted. She could hear herself speaking, could feel the resistance building in her chest, but it was as if she were watching herself from the outside, trapped behind a thick pane of glass.

“Good girl,” Bucky murmured approvingly, his voice a soft, dark purr. He stepped back, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he watched her fingers close around the delicate fabric. “Don’t fight it. It’ll only make things harder for you.”

Y/N’s hands moved mechanically, unbuttoning her shirt and slipping it off her shoulders, the cool air prickling her exposed skin. Her fingers trembled as they tugged at her pants, the motions stiff and jerky, her mind screaming in protest.

No, stop it—stop—this isn’t me!

But no matter how much she struggled, how much she screamed inside her own head, her body continued to betray her. The nightdress slipped over her head, the soft fabric brushing against her skin in a way that made her shudder. The lace clung to her curves, the sheer material leaving little to the imagination.

“There,” Steve murmured, stepping closer, his hand cupping her chin and tilting her face up to meet his gaze. “Isn’t that better?”

Y/N’s lips moved, but no sound came out. She felt trapped, helpless, as if she were caught in a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. Bucky’s gaze roamed over her slowly, hungrily, the dark smile on his lips widening.

“Absolutely perfect,” he whispered, his voice a low rumble that made her skin prickle.

Y/N’s mind screamed, tears spilling down her cheeks as she tried to break free from the invisible hold on her body. But Steve’s hand tightened on her chin, his thumb brushing away the tears with a gentleness that only made her feel more trapped.

“Shh,” he soothed, his voice a dark, dangerous lullaby. “There’s no need to cry, sweetheart. We promise it won’t hurt… much.”

The softness of his touch a cruel mockery of the horror swirling inside her. The spell that held her body in thrall made her movements sluggish and uncoordinated, as if she were a puppet dancing on invisible strings. She could feel herself trembling, feel the rapid beat of her own heart hammering against her ribs, but she couldn’t control a single thing. Couldn’t even speak.

“Look at me,” Steve murmured, his voice a silken command that echoed in her mind. Her eyes snapped to him of their own accord, pupils wide and glazed. His gaze held hers captive, locking her in place. “You’re not going to fight anymore, are you?”

A part of her wanted to scream, to tell him that she would never give up. But her mouth betrayed her, the words that slipped from her lips a soft, obedient murmur. “No… I won’t fight.”

× × × ×

She was aware—painfully, terrifyingly aware—of every movement, every breath that came too fast, too shallow. Her limbs felt heavy and distant, her mind caught in a strange, numbing haze.

Move. Run. Do something.

But her body refused to obey, her muscles unresponsive to her control. All she could do was watch through her own eyes as Bucky and Steve moved closer, their forms looming over her like shadows.

Y/N struggled to form a coherent thought, her mind spinning as their mouths brushed over her skin—soft, lingering kisses that sent shivers racing down her spine. Every time she thought she might catch her breath, Steve’s mouth would graze her ear, or Bucky’s fangs would scrape lightly over her collarbone, drawing a gasp from her lips.

“You taste as good as you smell, I bet,” Bucky mused, his lips curving into a wicked smile. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a slow, teasing kiss. His tongue brushed over her lower lip, coaxing her to open for him, and Y/N’s body betrayed her—responding with a soft, helpless whimper.

And then he bit her—just a light, almost playful nip, enough to break the skin and let the faintest hint of blood well up on her lip. Y/N froze, shock flooding her senses as the metallic taste filled her mouth.

Bucky pulled back slightly, his tongue darting out to catch the tiny bead of blood. His eyes darkened, the red in his irises flaring with sudden, unrestrained hunger.

“Oh,” he breathed, his voice rough with desire. “Sweetheart, you taste—”

“—divine,” Steve finished, his gaze fixed on the tiny cut. He leaned in, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both soft and demanding. The taste of her blood mingled with his tongue, sending a shudder through him. He groaned, the sound vibrating against her lips. “So sweet. I just had to have a little taste myself.”

Steve’s mouth was on hers again, his kiss deeper this time, interlocking hers. His hand cupped the back of her neck, holding her still as his tongue explored every inch of her mouth, tasting, savoring. When he pulled back, his eyes were practically glowing, a wicked smile curling his lips.

“Mm, delicious,” he murmured, licking his lips. “I think we’ve been missing out, Buck.”

“Definitely,” Bucky agreed, his gaze never leaving her face. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her jaw, her cheek, her throat—teasing, taunting, making her breath hitch and her pulse race. “But don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll make up for lost time.”

Y/N’s body trembled beneath their attention, her breath coming in ragged gasps. “Please… don’t…”

“Don’t what?” Steve asked softly, his lips trailing down to her collarbone. “Don’t kiss you? Don’t touch you? Or…” His teeth scraped lightly against her skin, drawing a shudder from her. “Don’t bite you?”

Bucky chuckled darkly, his fingers sliding up her side, brushing against the thin material of the nightdress.

“Poor little thing,” he murmured, his voice filled with dark amusement. “You don’t even know what you want, do you?”

Steve’s laughter was soft, almost indulgent. “But that’s okay,” he murmured, his mouth hovering over the delicate curve of her throat. “Because we know exactly what you need.”

His lips brushed against her pulse, the softest hint of his fangs grazing her skin, and Y/N’s entire body stiffened, a small, choked sound escaping her throat.

“Shh, shh,” Bucky soothed, his hands caressing her gently, almost lovingly. “It’s alright, sweetheart. We’ll be gentle… at first.”

Steve’s fangs grazed her neck again, the sharp tips just barely pressing into her skin, and Y/N’s breath caught, fear and something dangerously close to anticipation tangling together in a twisted knot in her chest.

“You’ll like it,” Steve whispered, his voice a dark, seductive promise. “You’ll like the way it feels when we sink our teeth into you… when we drink from you…”

Bucky’s mouth curved into a wicked smile, his gaze locked on her face as he leaned down, his breath cool against her throat.

“You’ll ask for it, darling,” he murmured, his fangs glinting in the low light. “Ask us to bite you… beg us to make you ours.”

Y/N’s heart pounded wildly, her mind a chaotic whirl of fear and confusion and something else—something dark and thrilling that she couldn’t quite push away.

“Let us in, sweetheart,” Steve whispered, his mouth moving lower, kissing the spot where her pulse fluttered frantically beneath her skin. “Let us make you feel… alive.”

Bucky’s lips brushed against her ear, his voice a low, velvety murmur that sent shivers racing down her spine. “Let go, darling. Just let go.”

And as their fangs grazed her skin, as their voices whispered promises and lies against her flesh, Y/N felt herself slipping, surrendering to the darkness that beckoned.

“Just one bite,” Bucky murmured, his voice dripping with wicked pleasure.

“Just one taste,” Steve echoed, his mouth pressing against her pulse, the sharp points of his fangs sending a jolt of fear and excitement racing through her.

When their fangs sank into her skin—Bucky at her throat, Steve at her shoulder—the pain was sharp and sudden, a piercing sting that shot through her body like a lightning strike. She gasped, eyes flying wide as her body stiffened, every muscle locking tight in anticipation of agony.

But the pain never came.

Instead, a strange, overwhelming euphoria spread through her, radiating out from the points where their teeth broke her skin. It was as if a wave of warmth and pleasure crashed over her, drowning out everything else, leaving only a dizzying, intoxicating sensation that made her gasp again.

Her body reacted on its own, arching off the bed, pushing up into them as if seeking more. The nightdress, so pristine and delicate just moments ago, now pulled taut across her skin, the sheer fabric doing nothing to hide the way her body shuddered beneath their mouths.

“Ah—” The sound escaped her lips before she could stop it, a moan choked with pleasure and disbelief. She could feel every pull of their mouths as they drank deeply, every flick of their tongues against her skin sending pulses of heat spiraling through her veins.

What… what is this? The question tumbled through her mind in a daze, but she couldn’t hold onto it, couldn’t grasp any thought that wasn’t focused on the dizzying mix of sensations flooding her senses.

The venom, or whatever it was they were releasing into her bloodstream, felt like liquid fire, like every nerve in her body was lighting up with an unbearable, exquisite pleasure. She should have been horrified—terrified—at the way her body reacted to them, the way her back arched off the bed, her lips parting in soft, breathy gasps. But all she could feel was heat, need, and the dark, aching desire for more.

Bucky’s mouth moved lower, his teeth scraping over her collarbone, leaving a trail of red in his wake. He bit down again, harder this time, and Y/N cried out, her body jerking as another wave of euphoria crashed through her.

“Fuck, she tastes good,” Bucky growled against her skin, his voice rough. He licked at the fresh wound, his tongue swirling around the bite marks as if savoring every drop of blood. “So fucking sweet.”

Steve’s hand slipped under her jaw, tilting her head back further, exposing more of her throat to his hungry gaze.

“Good little prey,” he murmured, his breath cool against her flushed skin. He leaned in, biting down just below her ear, and Y/N’s vision blurred, a soft, helpless moan escaping her lips.

“More,” she whimpered, the word slipping out before she could think, before she could stop it.

Their answering laughter was dark and delighted, a sound that sent a shiver racing down her spine.

“More?” Steve echoed, his lips curving against her skin. “You want more, sweetheart?”

Y/N’s fingers twisted in the sheets, her chest heaving as she struggled to breathe through the overwhelming sensations.

“Please,” she whispered, her voice breaking on the word.

“Mm, that’s what we like to hear,” Bucky murmured, his mouth descending on her shoulder, his fangs sinking in deep. He drank greedily, his tongue lapping at the fresh flow of blood as he groaned low in his throat, the sound vibrating through her body.

“You taste like fear and fire, darling,” Bucky drawled, . “Sweet like honey laced with venom. I could drink you forever and still crave more.”

Steve shifted lower, his lips trailing down her chest, brushing over the swell of her breasts. He bit down again, and Y/N’s body jerked, her back bowing as the pleasure spiked, her head spinning.

“Such a good little thing,” Steve whispered against her skin, his voice dripping with dark satisfaction. “So sweet… and so willing.”

Their mouths moved over her with a ravenous, chaotic hunger, biting and sucking, drawing blood from every inch of exposed skin they could find. Her shoulders, her arms, the delicate curve of her collarbone—all of it was fair game, all of it marked by their fangs and painted with her blood. Each bite sent a fresh surge of pleasure crashing through her, the venom making her feel drunk, delirious, lost.

Her nightdress—once so white and innocent—was now stained crimson, the thin fabric clinging to her like a second skin. Bucky’s hand fisted in the delicate material, pulling it down further, baring more of her to their hungry eyes.

“Look at you,” Bucky murmured, his gaze dark and fevered as he leaned back, his mouth and chin smeared with blood. “Such a mess. So fucking beautiful like this.”

Steve licked his lips, his eyes practically glowing as he looked down at her. “Covered in your own blood… our own little masterpiece,” he murmured, his voice a soft, dangerous caress. He leaned down, his tongue flicking out to trace the curve of her jaw, licking up the blood that dripped down her neck. “Fuck, I can’t get enough.”

Their mouths descended again, a frenzy of bites and kisses and nips that left her gasping, her body writhing beneath them. She could feel herself slipping further, falling into the dark, twisted pleasure they offered, every part of her aching for more.

Steve’s fangs sank into her shoulder again, harder this time, and Y/N’s body arched, a sharp cry tearing from her lips. Bucky shifted lower, his teeth scraping over the delicate curve of her wrist before he bit down, his fangs piercing the soft flesh. The pain was sharp and sudden, making her fingers twitch and her back arch as the sensation shot through her like a live wire.

Blood welled up from the fresh punctures, thick and warm as it pooled around his lips. The scent hit them both immediately—a heady mix of iron and heat, rich and intoxicating—filling the air and making Bucky groan softly against her skin. He drank deeply, his mouth moving against her wrist with a ravenous hunger, the velvety liquid sliding down his throat in a way that made his entire body shudder in dark satisfaction.

Steve’s mouth pulled greedily at her shoulder, his tongue swirling over the puncture marks as he drank deeply, the taste of her blood flooding his senses like the richest wine. The thick, coppery warmth coated his tongue, sliding down his throat in a way that made his body vibrate with the sheer pleasure of it. It was more than just sustenance—it was power, each drop surging through him like fire, seeping into every corner of his being, fueling a primal hunger that clawed at his insides.

Their hands roamed over her feverishly, holding her down as they fed—Steve’s grip tight around her waist, Bucky’s fingers digging into her wrist, their mouths relentless as they drew more and more of that precious liquid from her. The blood gushed over their tongues, soaking their lips and chins, the scent of it filling the room with a heady sweetness that made them both groan.

Steve tore his mouth away from her shoulder, his lips and bearded chin smeared with crimson. He tilted his head back slightly, the blood dripping down his throat as he let out a low, breathless sound of satisfaction. The metallic tang lingered on his tongue, each taste making his eyes burn brighter, his gaze dropping back to the fresh wound with a predatory gleam.

Bucky’s teeth dug deeper into her wrist, his tongue lapping at the fresh flow of blood that oozed from the punctures, the sensation making Y/N’s body shudder violently.

“Fuck,” He pulled back slightly, his mouth slick and red, a faint trail of blood seeping down his chin. The scent of it was overwhelming, making his entire body hum with raw, unbridled hunger.

Steve let out a low moan, his body trembling with the force of his hunger as he bit down harder, the taste of her blood flooding his senses.

“More,” he muttered, his voice a low, desperate growl as he buried his face in her skin, fangs sinking in deeper, deeper.

“More,” Bucky echoed, his mouth descending on her again, his teeth scraping against her throat. He drank greedily, his body coiling tighter with every pull. “I need more.”

Y/N’s vision blurred, the room spinning around her as her body shuddered beneath them. She could feel her strength draining, her limbs growing heavy, but the pleasure was too much—too overwhelming. She couldn’t stop herself, couldn’t fight it. All she could do was gasp and moan as they devoured her, every bite, every pull of their mouths sending fresh waves of euphoria crashing through her.

“Buck, stop,” Steve growled suddenly, his voice low and fierce. He lifted his head, blood dripping from his lips as he glared at Bucky, his eyes blazing. “Stop, you’re going too far.”

Bucky ignored him, his mouth still latched onto her skin, his body trembling with need. “Just…” he muttered, his voice thick and slurred, like he was drunk on her blood. “Just a little more—”

“Enough,” Steve snarled, his patience snapping. He grabbed a fistful of Bucky’s hair and yanked him back with a force that made Bucky stumble, his head jerking back, blood splattering across the sheets. “I said enough!”

“What the hell, Steve?” Bucky snapped, a wild, feral look flashing in his eyes as he licked the blood from his lips. He didn’t look guilty or apologetic—instead, he looked like he wanted to rip Steve apart. “She’s mine to feed on too!”

“She’s losing color,” Steve snarled back, his voice a dangerous growl. He shifted, his body shielding Y/N from Bucky’s hungry gaze. “I won’t let you fucking kill her because you can’t control yourself.”

Bucky’s nostrils flared, his chest heaving with labored breaths. He took a step back, eyes narrowed, but there was no hint of remorse in his gaze—only dark, simmering annoyance. “I wasn’t going to kill her.”

“Well, I’m not letting you drain her dry,” Steve snapped, his gaze flicking down to Y/N’s face. Her skin had taken on a ghostly pallor, her breaths coming in and out shallow. “She’s too weak. We’ll need her alive if we want to keep this fun.”

Bucky’s lips curled into a sneer, but he forced himself to take another step back, eyes lingering on the fresh bite marks marring Y/N’s throat.

“Fine,” he muttered, his voice laced with frustration.

With one last glare at Steve, Bucky spun on his heel and stormed across the room, his movements sharp and agitated. Steve sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly as he looked down at her, his gaze softening just a fraction.

Bucky turned back to face them, he brought his blood-stained fingers to his mouth, his gaze locked on Steve’s as he sucked the crimson liquid from his fingertips one by one. He hummed in satisfaction, the sound low and almost sensual, as he savored the taste of her on his tongue.

“Don’t act like you’re not thinking the same thing,” Bucky said, his voice a soft, dangerous drawl. He pulled his fingers free, licking his lips. “You felt it, didn’t you, Steve? How much more she can give?”

Steve’s jaw clenched, his eyes darkening as he glanced down at Y/N’s pale, still form. Covered with bite marks against her throat, forearm, wrists. She looked fragile, almost broken—but there was a faint rise and fall to her chest, proof that she was still hanging on. Barely.

“Don’t get sloppy, Bucky,” Steve muttered, his voice a low, dangerous growl. His fingers brushed over one of the deeper bite marks, smearing the blood there. He brought his hand up to his mouth, tasting the crimson streak with a flick of his tongue, a shudder running through him. “She’s not some plaything to bleed dry. I’m not interested in breaking her too quickly.”

Bucky’s lips twitched, a cruel smile curving his mouth. “Too quickly?” he echoed, his voice laced with amusement. “I see. You want to draw it out, don’t you? Take her bit by bit until she’s begging for death.”

Steve’s gaze flicked back to Bucky, a cold, mirthless smile playing at the corners of his lips. “Maybe,” he murmured softly. “Or maybe I just want to keep her.”

Bucky’s eyes flared, he took a step closer, his gaze sliding back to Y/N’s face, lingering on the smear of blood on her lips, the way her chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths.

“Most humans would’ve passed out by now… or died. But she’s still hanging on.” He leaned down, his fingers brushing against the bite mark at her throat, smearing the blood there. “It’s almost like she wants more.”

Steve’s smile widened, his gaze glittering with cruel amusement. “You think she can take more?”

“I know she can,” Bucky breathed, his gaze locked on the steady pulse fluttering weakly at her throat. He dipped his fingers into the blood pooling beneath her collarbone, his eyes hooded as he brought them to his mouth, licking them clean with a satisfied hum.

Steve’s eyes followed Bucky’s movements, the way his tongue flicked over his fingers, savoring every drop.

“Careful,” he murmured, his voice soft, a dangerous edge to his tone. “If you keep pushing, you’ll drain her completely.”

Bucky’s smile widened, a wicked, dangerous curve. “You really think she’s that easy to break?” He glanced at Y/N, his gaze dark and calculating. “Look at her, Steve. She’s not some fragile little human who’ll shatter at the first touch. She’s still here… still breathing.” He leaned down, his mouth brushing against the shell of her ear, his breath cool against her skin. “Still ours for the taking.”

Steve’s gaze darkened, his fingers digging into the sheets as he watched Bucky trail his tongue along the curve of Y/N’s neck, lapping up the blood there with a slow, almost languid motion. He let out a low, breathy sigh, his lips grazing her ear.

“Next time, darling,” Bucky whispered, his voice a low, dangerous promise. “I’d like to have you for myself.”

Steve’s eyes flared, his body tense, coiled tight with barely restrained hunger. He reached out, grabbing Bucky’s wrist and yanking him back with a vicious snarl. “Stop playing with your food, Bucky.”

Bucky straightened, his smile turning sharp and mocking. “Oh, so that’s how it is?” he murmured, his voice a soft, dangerous drawl. He glanced down at Y/N, his gaze lingering on the fresh bite marks, the bruises forming beneath her pale skin. “Afraid I’m going to break your little toy?”

Steve’s grip tightened, his eyes blazing. “She’s not yours alone to play with.”

Bucky’s smile widened, his teeth gleaming in the dim light. “Maybe not,” he murmured softly, his gaze flicking back to Y/N’s face. “But I’ll be damned if I let you have all the fun.”

With a low, mocking laugh, he wrenched his wrist free from Steve’s grip, his eyes gleaming with dark delight. He turned on his heel, his movements sharp and predatory as he made his way back to the door.

“Let her rest then. But the next time I get my hands on her, I’m going to see just how much she can really take.” He paused at the doorway, glancing back over his shoulder, his gaze lingering on the pale, bloodstained form sprawled on the bed. “And I’m not going to stop… even if she begs.”

Steve watched him go, his gaze dark and simmering with barely restrained hunger. His eyes flicked back to Y/N’s face, the faintest trace of a smile curving his lips. He leaned down, his lips brushing against her ear in a whisper of a kiss.

“Rest up,” he whispered, his voice a soft, dangerous promise. “You’ll need it.”

And with that, Steve pushed off the bed, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned and strode out of the room, his steps silent, predatory.

The room fell into silence, the air still and heavy, the faint scent of blood lingering like a dark memory.

Y/N lay there, her body limp and drained, every nerve still singing with the lingering echo of pain and pleasure. Her mind swam in a haze, consciousness slipping in and out as darkness closed in around her.

But even as she drifted into the oblivion of sleep, a single thought lingered at the edge of her mind—an unspoken fear, a dark anticipation that sent a shiver racing down her spine.

They weren’t done.

And when they came back… she didn’t know if she’d survive it.

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