#I'm pretty sure my future is 'dead' but yours can still shine bright with a cute tiny mini Vinci running around

[myheartxmyman]

Ich bin total Schlaflos. Gestresst & unglücklich. Nachdenklich.. Du meintest vorhins "ich will, dass du jetzt aussteigst. Wenn wir jetzt reden wird das nicht gut enden, das kannst mir aber glauben."

Wie hab ich reagiert?

Bin ausgestiegen, verheult und fertig wegen den letzten Tagen. Ich bin ausgestiegen und hab AKZEPTIERT was du gesagt hast. War dann noch so doof und hab gewartet, und für was? Für SILENT TREATMENT. Aber ich bin emotional missbräuchlich? Nur dass dus weißt, wenn man aufgrund von totaler Überforderung nicht mehr weiter weiß, und deswegen nicht schreibt, hat das nichts mit 'silent treatment' zutun. Wann habe ich mich sonst emotional missbräuchlich verhalten? Und wie hast du bisher reagiert, wenn ich meinte "wenn wir beide so aufgebracht sind möchte ich nicht reden, das läuft nicht auf ein konstruktives Gespräch hinaus." - hast du bisher nie, nicht EINMAL akzeptiert.

Wenn ich daraufhin gehen wollte, hast du mich entweder NICHT gehen lassen, mit ner Matratze ins Zimmer gesperrt, bist mir hinterher gefahren bzw gefolgt und wolltest teilweise ein Gespräch ERZWINGEN. Wenn das nicht geklappt hat warst DU derjenige der direkt von einer "Trennung" geredet hat.

Bestes Beispiel, nachdem ich schon deine Wohnung verlassen hab, mitten in der Nacht, nachdem ich schon gedöst hatte und immer noch todmüde war, selbst da hast du nicht akzeptiert was ich gesagt hatte. Im Endeffekt hatte ich das Gleiche gesagt, wie du heute. Du bist mir mehrfach nachgefahren, hast zig mal angerufen, und meintest dann "Wenn du jetzt weiter gehst dann schmeißt du das mit uns alles weg." in Kombination mit "alles deine Schuld, dein Verhalten,..." und etwas in Richtung von "das mit uns hat sich erledigt, ich würde es ja so wollen."

Weißt du, du meintest zu mir ich würde langweilig werden... das kann ich nur zurückgeben, allerdings versuch ich mich normalerweise zu beherrschen und sowas nicht zu sagen. Ich weiß, dass Worte stark verletzen können, und ich möchte dir keine Schmerzen, Wunden, Verletzungen zuführen. Apropos in eben jener Nacht hatte ich zusätzlich noch nen schönen blauen Fleck am Oberarm von dir erhalten. Immerhin war der die Zeit als ich im Krankenhaus war immer bei mir, ganz nah an meinem Herz. Selbst die blauen Flecken im Gesicht, welche durch nen dreifachen Kieferbruch und ne Operation entstanden sind, waren nicht so hartnäckig wie der blaue Fleck durch deinen Handywurf.. das muss Liebe sein.

Merke selber wa?

[qierxing]

Obligations

Yan! Zhongli x Reader

Word Count: 2,837

How long can a man talk before he runs out of air?

Scratch that. How long can this man talk before you decide to strangle him?

"...as such, the rivers, plains, and mountains that are said to have been the remains of what is left of the dead gods remains…."

The intonation of Mr. Zhongli's voice nearly puts you to sleep at the ornate dining table, and if it weren't for the fact that you were at an esteemed establishment (even if you two were in a private room), you surely would've face planted and fallen asleep right there on the mahogany wood. But you don't, because it would be an insult to the very man (and the food) who invited you on this outing.

Mr. Zhongli is a respectable man and apparently, a good friend in your family's circles. Even though you've never met the man till now, even you're aware of his shining reputation; aunties giggling on how he's so charming and polite, cousins admiring his knowledge and strength, and other relatives likewise praising him to high Celestia and above.

And he is, you suppose, very handsome. His face is beautiful; high, defined cheekbones, molten amber eyes that glow warmly, pretty curved pink lips and nose to match. A good face, your auntie would say if she was here. An auspicious face.

“And that is how the geography of Liyue came to be...”

You're sure anyone in your position would be swooning over how his voice flowed like the trickling rivers that ran through Guili plains, but you just wished he would shut up at some point. Not even the delicious spread of food at the glass carousel wheel could distract from his tirade, and that was saying something.

Speaking of, why did he order so much food for only the two of you?

'In Liyue, you can always eat till you drop!' A saying that always echoed among the locals, and still holds true today. But even then, the intricately painted línglóng porcelain holding the remnants of steamed egg soup, roasted duck, squirrel fish, and more and more food, are way too excessive, even if he wanted to impress you.

You idly push around the Tianshu meat on your plate as he continues to drone on, wondering when you can politely excuse yourself without being rude.

-

"So, how was the dinner?" You internally groan as your mom's barely concealed excitement in her voice shows.

"Mama, we just sat there and talked." Well, Zhongli was the one doing most of the talking. But you weren't about to say that, not when you know a lecture awaits that answer.

"Isn't he a very handsome man?" Your mother's eyes gleam dangerously and a resigned sigh leaves your lips as she barrels on confidently. "Doesn't he seem like the perfect husband?!"

"Mama, it's ten in the morning…" What you wouldn’t give to eat your congee in peace.

"He is a respectable man, and quite knowledgeable to boot."

"Not you too, Baba!"

Your father merely chuckles as he continues reading the daily newspaper, and you roll your eyes as he continues chuckling behind the printed pages. Your mother swats at him to finish his porridge, turning to you with a frown on her wrinkled face. You brace yourself, knowing exactly what is coming next.

"[First Name], you're already of marriageable age, you should be looking for your future spouse! Your parents are growing old and when we die-"

"I will be perfectly fine without a husband." You cut her off, rubbing at your forehead. It was too early in the morning for this talk.

"Aiya, I don't want our only child to be by themselves! We will never know peace once we pass away, so much worry-"

You tune the rest of the lecture out, not even having the energy to refute her worries.

When you leave the house to take a walk, you meet the infamous Mr. Zhongli again.

"What a coincidence, I am also taking a walk to clear the mind. Would you perhaps like to join me?" And trapped by societal politeness, and the fact that this man did order you a three course meal the previous night, you agree.

So it's to your surprise that he does not immediately initiate dialogue as the both of you stroll leisurely through the stone gardens in Yunjin terrace, and a comfortable silence falls.

"You seem to have a lot on your mind." You turn to meet his gaze, and then away. Your frustration burns at you in the remainder of the morning's argument, but it dissipates at his concerned face. It is not his fault, you reason, that your mother wants you to court him for a possibility. For fortune. Despite the man's shortcomings, he is nothing but a gentleman.

"I don't want to pry but...I have heard that talking about your thoughts might ease your mind?"

You pause for a long time, breathing out your nose as you close your eyes.

"My parents want me to marry you." You've never been one to mince words, much to your mother's dismay at trying to teach you etiquette. "They think that you're a good match. And they're paranoid about me becoming a spinster."

There's silence for a moment and you open your eyes to not a face of disgust or shock, but rather one of musing.

"And you, [First Name]? What do you think?"

You turn your gaze to the water.

"Honestly? I don't know. I don't know you well enough to make that judgement. I know my parents are worried, but I don't want to get married for the sake of not being alone. I think it's rather selfish, to wish that solely for your partner."

The words tumble out of your mouth, one after another and you wonder how it is that it's easier to confess this to an acquaintance than your own parents.

"I was under the impression that people often like to pursue lasting romance in their lives. It's interesting to see this is not always true." Zhongli hums, hand coming to stroke his chin thoughtfully.

"Perhaps? I don't know. I've always been content with my friends." Shrugging your shoulders, you sigh. "Who knows? Maybe I have yet to meet the right person."

Zhongli hums again in response, seemingly in deep thought with a small frown pulling at his lips. A silence falls once again, and an awkward atmosphere falls upon the both of you.

"Oh yes, I never did thank you for the delicious dinner last night." You note offhandedly, half distracted by the swimming carp in the clear pond water. The water trails are hypnotic, and they help take your mind off the stressful morning you had.

"It was nothing. For my friend's precious child, that was the least I could do." He modestly replies, and you deadpan. It was nothing? A three course meal at Xinyue Pavillion, nothing? You know that squirrel fish did not have a low price tag.

"Regardless, I'm very thankful for your generosity." After all, not many tolerated your blunt, forthright personality, least of all the potential suitors your mother always brought before you. The memory makes you feel guilty at the irritation you had back then at the dinner. "The next time, I insist we have dinner at Wanmin--I've heard their black back perch stew is to die for. My treat."

He hums, and turns to you with a heartbreaking smile, a far cry from his previous countenance. "Is that a promise?"

You raise your eyebrow, "What are you, Morax? Yes, it's a promise, unless you hate fish, I guess."

His amused chuckles are soft but light a warm hearth in your heart.

-

Your mother is growing more daring than you remember.

She shoves you out the door as if you're some kind of fancy wrapped gift to offer to Mr. Zhongli, and there's a manic glee in her eyes as she eyes you and him standing together like a couple.

"[First Name] has been looking forward to this, haven't you, sweetie?"

The Liyuen hanfu she forced you into were a different cut than the modern cheongsam dresses of the current trends. Archaic, if you dare call it that. While some traditionalists still donned hanfu, it was not as common to see it in the streets. When she was shoving you in the under robes, she muttered about how it was something passed down in the family. Which explained a lot. These days, hanfu like this were something of a rich antiquity.

You sigh deeply, tugging your translucent pibo around you tighter as you decide to humor her, if only to get her to stop embarrassing yourselves and leave faster.

"Yes, quite."

Zhongli hums, and when you turn to face him, you're almost unnerved at how his eyes sharpen and scan over you, pupils slit like a dragon's. The moment is gone in a flash and he merely smiles at you gently before taking your hand in his gloved one.

"In that case, shall we get going?"

The nightlife of Liyue is in full swing and Zhongli tugs you closer, and there's something intimate in the way he presses you firmly into his side, the warmth he exudes sending pleasurable tingles down your body.

"Do forgive me for being so bold, [First Name]," He addresses you so tenderly, that you blush when you look back up from your joined hands, "You look absolutely radiant tonight."

How is it this man manages to say such an embarrassing thing so smoothly? What is his secret? He doesn’t seem like the playboys that often loiter around the downtown area of the harbor. You look away, unable to meet his eyes that reflect the lanterns and make his pupils glow.

"T-Thank you, Zhongli, you're too kind."

His eyes never seem to leave you, even when taking in the lovely scenery of Liyue at night. For the bright lanterns glitter and glow on the ocean waves, but his own pupils are glued to your being when you look in your peripheral.

“Is there something on my face?” Tearing your eyes away from the street in front of you, you turn to meet his gaze straight on.

He merely smiles.

“No.” He pushes a stray strand of hair behind your ear, the gesture innocuous, but leaving a burning trail where his finger tips touch your skin. “I believe we have arrived.”

Thankfully you can excuse the burning in your cheeks and neck away with the spices that the Li cuisine favors. If anyone asks, it was the black back parch stew making you look flushed and out of sorts. Never mind the fact that Chef Mao looks quite amused at the fact you’re sputtering in response to his cheeky questions about you showing up with a man to your favored restaurant.

When you look up from checking to make sure your hanfu didn’t get any stains, Zhongli is uncorking a white bottle and pouring it into your cups. At your questioning look, he replies, “Dàqūjiǔ. The Li technique ferments wheat for about two to three months. This one in particular, has a fine aroma after being fermented for a while.”

“Hoh…” You chuckle at his explanation, “You really do know everything.”

“Hardly. I cannot say I know as much as the regular scholar…nonetheless, to good fortune!”

Echoing his cheer, you raise your cup and drink.

The alcohol burns your throat, and you’re reminded of your low alcohol tolerance. Yet, your fellow friend refills your cup just as easily, and who are you to refuse him? By the time you’re on your fourth cup, your world is spinning and you’ve developed a headache.

“Ahaha…wow...everything...is...moving…” You slur incomprehensibly and slump onto the bamboo table.

“Oh dear, we best get you back. In this condition, you’re too vulnerable.”

“No way...if I go back with you...my mom….she won’t let me…!” You raise your head from the cool table, but the effort of doing that makes you groan.

Zhongli all too easily picks you up bridal style, and after bidding goodbye to Chef Mao with a hefty bag of mora, he walks down the now empty streets of Liyue.

“Won’t let you what, dear heart?” He hums, stroking your face gently with the pad of his thumb.

“Won’t let me...let...us...ugh…”

“[First Name], do you like me?”

“Mmh...yeah…” Is all he gets, but the stilted, jagged answer is enough for him. The content smile that breaks his face belies the haunting glow of his molten eyes.

-

When you step out of the door of your bedroom, you're accosted by your sobbing mother.

"Ma-Mama?! What's the matter?" You frantically ask, pushing at her shoulders.

"Oh my sweet child, oh I'm so happy for you! When were you going to tell me, you brat?!"

"Tell you what?!"

"That you're marrying Zhongli, sweetie! Oh, this is such a momentous occasion--"

You're too shell shocked that you do not hear her next words. What? Marry? Zhongli? What on Teyvat was going on--

"--Hurry up, he's waiting for you in the living room!" You're snapped out of your daze when you're ushered hastily into the room, casual robes and all, right in front of the very person you had so many questions for.

The door shutting behind you does not muffle the excited chatter from your parents and you wince when you hear your mother excitedly bantering with your father. Turning and meeting an intense gaze, you feel like you’ve stepped into an arena with a monster.

"Zhongli, why are my parents under the impression we're marrying?"

His golden eyes crinkle in delight at your blunt words, "Because we are, my dear heart."

D-Dear heart?!

"I don't understand."

"What is there not to understand?" You step back as he rises from the cozy armchair he was given. It only just occurs to you how ridiculously tall this man is, and he towers over you, like a mountain.

"I believe we share a mutual attraction. After all, last night only proved it." He leans over and you flinch as he gently cups your face with a small smile.

"We've only known each other for a couple days!" You protest, leaning your face out of his hands. His smile dips into a displeased frown, hands falling to his sides.

"Why need more time to prove what is already there?" He tilts his head. “If this is a matter about your dowry, I’m sure I can help--”

“This isn’t about mora! Zhongli, this is moving way too fast--”

“Is that so? If I’m correct, I believe that your family’s come upon some hard times, no?” And you’re left breathless, struck silent. “Not down to the pits, but just one little slip and...well, your father’s business is already taking loans, isn’t it?”

Your teeth are grinding so hard against each other to the point where it echoes in your head.

“Marry me, [First Name], and you won’t have to worry about any of that. After all, I’ve always had enough good fortune to share. Are you so willing to crush your parent’s hopes and dreams for their child?”

“I-” Your mother’s tears on her weathered face come to mind, wrinkles from stress deeply indented in her skin. Your father, weary, veiny hands covered in scars from hard manual labor, shoulders slumped from his strength sapping. And you realize with a bone chilling fear that this man, this man was threatening to destroy the very foundation of your life.

He smiles upon seeing your uncertain visage, gritted teeth, clenched fists and trembling body.

"You'll look beautiful in red and gold."

-

How numb you feel!

Having to sit there while being dressed, being fawned over by your cousins, cried over by your mother and aunties, and your father and uncles chuckling over your good fortune. All the while, you cannot bring yourself to bring even the fakest smile to your face, only being able to muster up a sheepish smile, but it is of no concern, as everyone seems to mistake it for a shy front for a person about to marry their true love.

At least that’s how your mother is spinning it to your giggling aunties. And even when the festivities are over, you know that this is not the end.

Bare fingers trace your cheeks and lift your veil as a chaste kiss is placed on your lips.

This was supposed to be a day of joy.

Said fingers begin to trail down your body, and more sobs begin to shake your body. When you think about it, this might be the first time you felt his skin touch your own. Zhongli has always dressed conservatively, even covering his hands with his gloves. Thinking about it longer makes your skin crawl.

This was supposed to be--

Zhongli hums appreciatively into your collarbone as he slips your wedding garb off your shoulders, your world collapses and dims, with only a haunting amber light as your guide.

[mizuuziz]

Dream of Me Pt 1. - San

Ft: Ex Hongjoong

Tags: Angst, Mentions of Dream Sequences, Mentions of Future, Mentions of Cheating, Mentions of killing, Mentions of Marriage, Strong Language, San x Reader (Gender Neutral)

Time Traveler San Au

2.4k

Smut in the next part

©Sleepyxhan All Rights Reserved

Do not repost on other sites that are not tumblr. Only use the repost button. No translations without permission.

Part 2 - Final

You were walking around the park when a man approached you, he told you his name. San explained your life story. No one else knew what you went through, someone who you barely knew told you all this. He was a stranger who you met mere minutes ago. He even spoke of your plans for a secret marriage to your boyfriend Hongjoong. No one knew, not even Hongjoong's friends. He even spoke of how you met Hongjoong as a kid. You both were in kindergarten, he even spoke of how you and Hongjoong got engaged. You were frightened, yet you felt like you knew San.

"I'll prove that I'm right, I'll show you your future." San looked at you dead in the eye, as he spoke to you.

"I believe you." The words came out of your mouth without hesitation.

"Do you want to know more? I'm warning you, it's all very hard to deal with. Are you sure you would want to know more?" San asked you, as he was sure to speak to you in a secluded area.

"I should, there's a reason as to why I met you. I should have listened to you if by chance I met you in the future." You nodded, as you only spoke the confirmation that San needed.

"If I stand corrected, your parents are opposed to this marriage, they don't believe that Hongjoong should be the one you marry. Well, you marry him, but you're only miserable. You believe that you know all of him, you even trusted him. For proof, I'll leave a detail out of how we met and something else, if you see it then you'll know that you were meant to know. As a result of your marriage, you were condemned." San waited for your response to what he saw you go through.

"What if I make a different choice? Can you see that other path I would choose?" You waited for San to respond to your visibly shaking hands. You started questioning your love really meaning something to Hongjoong.

"I cannot see any other alternatives, I'm a time traveler, I can only see what you went through when I met you. I loved you then, even when you dismissed my opinions on Hongjoong. You said that I was only jealous of him. I never wanted to see you suffer. You never even invited your parents because they opposed it, it was wrong. I am only given a chance to time travel in this time for now to stop you." San sadly glanced at you. You didn't know why your heart was aching for San.

"I'm sorry." You got up to hug San even if it's for a mere moment. You forgot about Hongjoong at the moment.

"I created a time machine, so I'm here. You both married in my presence, we had already met at the time. You also won't be able to wake up until you see your future, it's an effect to seeing your future. Y/n, he even cheated on you before the wedding. That sick in the head dared to." San looked at you in the eye with tears threatening to fall out.

Hongjoong cheated on you, yet San was the most affected. He saw you go through that. You approached San and wiped his eyes.

"Don't, I'm still not over you." San sadly backed away from you. You didn't know how to respond. You couldn't find another way to break the silence.

"San, tell me more." You worried more and more about what situation you got yourself into.

"Y/n, he had a baby. You married him without knowing that he had a son with a woman. You found out and wanted to get divorced. Hongjoong refused to let you go, even when you applied for a divorce. He was controlling. He even had the kid and the woman living with you." San looked down in sadness.

"You one day had enough and decided to kill him for taking away your youth. You told him that you both wouldn't divorce if he came to the apartment building rooftop. Everyone was living in that apartment building, you pushed Hongjoong off the rooftop. You were taken to prison for First-degree murder. Even after his death, you were tormented. My advice for you now, follow him today at night to prove my point." He finally spoke about what he could tell you.

"Thank you, I wish I would've listened to you before. I also hope that I could meet you at this point of my life." You started crying because there was someone who truly cared. You were determined to take the bind off your eyes.

"In two days, at 9 am was the moment we met. I have to go now." San hugged you until he disappeared.

You finally took off to your place while taking a fresh breath of air. The day became sad after San left. You didn't want to believe what you were told, but you shouldn't be fooled any longer. You would finally know who was lying. Hours passed and you finally got in touch with your fiancee. He called you to make sure you were okay.

"By the way babe, my friends are coming over tonight, I can't go see you. I'm sorry, I'll make it up to you." Hongjoong apologized over the phone. He seemed nervous, and you were apprehensive.

"It's fine babe, see you tomorrow." You responded in the usual manner.

You decided to use an excuse to go to his place. There was still light in the sky for you to go observe him. You took your car and waited at a stop that was out of sight to watch Hongjoong. You grew bored, but you needed to know. Good thing you didn't confront Hongjoong without proof when he called you. You waited until it was nighttime. The night stars beamed, you wanted to shine bright like those stars. You hoped to meet San again, you didn't want him to dissipate from your life. Then all of a sudden, you found your answer. Hongjoong ran out of his place to come to get a woman who was as young as you both. You never even met her before. To take away any doubts, Hongjoong even ran to her arms and kissed her on the lips. He was holding hands with her. That was your cue, you got out of your car. You approached both of them from behind and tapped on Hongjoong's shoulder.

"What the fuck, are you doing Hongjoong?" You were now mad that you were betrayed.

"Were you stalking me? Y/n, you're a psycho!!!" Hongjoong screamed even in front of that woman.

"You're a psycho for wanting to marry me even while having an affair, I don't deserve this. Now here's your stupid ring!!!" You finally threw your engagement ring on the street.

"No, you're not doing this to me!!!" Hongjoong gripped onto your wrist so tight.

"I called the police, now let her go!!!" A man came to your rescue and led you out of the situation. You recognized him immediately, it was San. Times changed, you were supposed to meet him in two days. You guessed that events changed since you caught Hongjoong cheating.

"Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" This present time San was just as kind as future time San. You stared at San in awe, he was right.

"I'm okay, thank you." You thanked San and asked for his number just in case Hongjoong came by again.

You drove home and called your parents to apologize. If San was right about this, then it's only right to reconcile with your parents. Now all you needed to do was go to sleep. You snuggled on your bed and slept.

You had dreamt about that future life. You met San at the grocery store when you went to go buy cereal and he was in that same aisle. He helped you reach the cereal you wanted. You both started meeting more and more until he found out you were getting married. He even told you that was walking to his house at night and saw Hongjoong with another woman kissing. Just as you saw them when you confronted them in this time because you changed time, but you dismissed San even when he told you what he saw. You even said that he was jealous and never wanted you to be happy. That same moment, he confessed his love for you, and you told him that you didn't want his worthless love because you loved Hongjoong. You couldn't recognize yourself, you became a monster. You didn't believe San and that led you to your doom at that time. You also saw how San created the time machine and wanted to use it the day of your wedding, but it failed. You committed a crime and were thrown in prison, you would refuse to see San. You also saw every single detail that future time San told you. That was all you could see.

You finally woke up, two days later. It was 6 am when you realized that there would be another encounter. You got ready even if there was still time. You realized the true meaning of love, Hongjoong only made you suffer in the long run. You tried to make things the same to not alter too much. You still dressed in the time you did before when you had to go for groceries. You finally drove to the groceries and went inside and went in just a bit before 9 am. He only said you both saw each other at 9 am. You approached the cereal aisle at exactly 9 am and there he was. He was with another woman, you thought that you should just leave. Then all of a sudden, he called out to you.

"Excuse me, I saw you yesterday. Don't go." San called out to you. You stopped for a moment before turning around.

"Oh hi, thank you for yesterday." You nervously replied as you approached him.

"No worries, but meet my sister Ha Neul." He grinned ear to ear as he introduced his sister and looked at you. You forgot that he didn't tell you his name even when he gave you his number. He only said his name in the future time, but at present time San didn't even have your name.

"I'm Y/n, what's your name?" You grinned as well as you asked San. You forgot that he never told you his name at present time.

"Omg, I'm sorry I didn't tell you my name. My name is San." He was soon told by his sister that he should've introduced himself before. She is pretty just like him.

"I didn't call you because I lost your number. You didn't put a contact name and I accidentally saved it without having your name." You replied. It was indeed true, but you also had been asleep for 2 days. It was all a supernatural experience that you wouldn't forget.

"Y/n, do you have a boyfriend?" Ha Neul asked you and San whispered to his sister to not ask such things.

"No, I got out of a relationship with someone who I realized that I no longer loved because they were bad to me." Both San and Ha Neul apologized.

"I'm over it, San actually saved me. And I took pictures of my arms." You told both of them. You also explained to Ha Neul what happened yesterday.

"Well I have to go now, thank you both." You smiled and said your farewells to the siblings. They both waved and you noticed that San was blushing. It seems like his sister was teasing him about you from the way his sister was looking in your direction.

You decided that you weren't going to break San's heart. As soon as you walked out of the grocery store, you felt like a weight was taken off your shoulders. The sun was shining bright today and you had no regrets. You walked out and embraced the sun rays that blinded your sight at the moment. The fact that San loved you all throughout the future time was comforting, you only wished that you chose him instead of Hongjoong. He loved you enough to save you from your doom, he never intended to make you fall for him. He even respected your decision to not accept his feelings in the alternate future. You planned to change your future.

Everything you saw in the alternate future took place in a span of years, but you fell for San in a span of days. All you needed to do was make him fall for you, he must not love you at the moment. If nothing happens, then it's not meant to happen. You will always be grateful for San since he saved you in both worlds. You refused to go down without trying even once. San said that you hurt him, your heart must have ached for a reason. You must have realized your faults too late and only pushed San away. You refused to make the same mistakes, you were almost involved in a poisonous marriage. There were small details that changed like the first time you both met and you even met his sister when you didn't do so in your alternate future.

You walked to your car as you felt the trees rustle on the shade your car was parked on. You were afraid that San wouldn't love you in this life. If he has no meaning for a time machine, there probably won't be one in the life you changed. All throughout the drive home, you worried that the changes could make it impossible to be with San. It may seem ridiculous, but you were going to go to the end of your newfound love for San. After all, he made so many sacrifices for you and you only hurt him in your alternate future. You finally rolled down your car windows because you felt overwhelmed already. The drive home felt like an eternity, then you noticed that it seemed like you would be getting new neighbors. The moving trucks were parked in the next-door neighbor's driveway.

You felt quite sad these days. You decided to just lounge around your house, you had nothing to do. You were laying down on your couch and were watching a series. Your doorbell rung, you don't have anyone to visit you which only makes you nervous. You look through the peephole and notice Ha Neul and San. Why are they here, could they be the new neighbors? You wondered if what you changed, had an effect on San's life.

[romericasecretsanta]

a marvelous night for a moondance

Read on FFnet here! This is for the awesome @aph-american-sin can-sin, who I don’t think I can tag in a submission? Merry Christmas have some Romerica!!

[Soundtrack: Moon Dance/Moondance]

—

a marvelous night for a moondance

Lovino had been turned back in the 16th century at the young age of 23. His sire had been an affable Spanish man, appearing to be in his mid-30s, who Lovino had met before and hadn’t thought to be threatened by until it was too late. He’d awoken from a bloodfever haze six days later, and immediately known what he’d become and what it meant for him.

Being turned so young had been both a blessing and a curse. No wife or children yet, but he’d had a bright future ahead of him that now had turned dim, moonlit instead of sunlit. Being forever young — he didn’t think it was vanity to say he was very attractive, which in some ways made his life easier. He never had any difficulty luring prey. On the other hand, it made him more memorable. He was never able to stay in one place for more than a few years. He’d also never had any difficulty finding work as a stone mason or dock worker, frozen in the prime of his life, a strong and healthy young man, albeit one who kept weird hours. But he would never look old enough for more respectable work, at least not in Italy, where tradition permeated the very stone of the buildings, and seemed to linger in the very air that Lovino didn’t breathe. So, in the early 20th century, he left Rome for New York City.

By that time, Feliciano was long dead.

America was different; it had its own unique mix of new customs and Old World traditions. Lovino had always been a fast learner, so he had little trouble adjusting. Especially among the vampires, there was a set of guidelines for interaction to help prevent disputes over territory or prey. Their kind tended to be fairly solitary anyway.

Which was why it threw Lovino for a bit of a loop when he wandered into a secluded part of Central Park one night and spotted another vampire (they were always immediately recognizable to each other). He was even more surprised when, rather than the traditional solemn nod, the other vamp gave him an enthusiastic wave.

Taken aback, Lovino stopped and gaped a little, which was apparently all the invitation the stranger needed to approach him.

“Hey what’s up haven’t seen you around before my name’s Alfred you can call me Al!”

All one sentence. Spoken without pausing for breath, obviously, but also without even the slightest acknowledgement that there should be pauses between sentences, dammit.

“How old are you?” Lovino demanded instead of introducing himself, which was terribly rude, but the other vamp had started it.

“Uh in like human years or vampire years?”

Oh he had to be recently turned. “Both.”

“Okay, well, I was 19 when I got turnt, haha, but it was back in 1986 soooo I guess I’m 51? Gettin’ up there!”

“Excuse me?”

“What, why, how old are you?”

Lovino felt what little blood he had left from his last meal a few days ago rush to his face in an attempted blush. “What kind of a rude question is that!”

“You asked me first! Hey, are you Italian? You sound kinda Italian.”

Lovino tried to collect himself. “My name is Lovino Vargas, I'm several hundred years old, and yes, I’m originally from Rome.”

Alfred rolled his eyes, causing a fresh wave of resentful blood to course through Lovino’s withered veins. “Oh, one of those old types. Y'all are such sticklers.”

“How is it you’ve been turned for 30 years but your sire or somebody hasn’t taught you any manners?”

“Ha! He tried but I told him noooo thank you, following rules is the opposite of why I got you to turn me into a vampire so you can leave me alone with that nonsense. He was old and British, so you know, if you’ve ever met a British vampire? They are every stereotype you could possibly think of.”

Which, there was a lot to unpack there. But the first thing that came out of Lovino’s mouth, for some reason, was, “Like in the original Dark Shadows TV series.” Incredibly embarrassing, but for some reason this made Alfred light up.

“Yeah! Not the weird movie remake, which I have strong opinions about.” Yeah, Lovino did, too. “Man, I knew you looked cool! Have you watched a lot of vampire stuff? Like What We Do in the Shadows?”

Lovino puffed up a bit. “Of course I have! I’ve seen and read every major and minor piece of vampire media made in the last 200 years. I find it very important to know what the current trends and misconceptions in human media are. You never know when they’ll actually catch on to something.”

Alfred squinted at him, which was ridiculous because they both had perfect night vision and the moon was full, besides. Lovino squinted back.

“That’s a whole lot of media…” Alfred said slowly, sounding exaggeratedly suspicious.

“Well, I have a lot of time on my hands,” was his dry response.

This actually made Alfred laugh. “And he jokes!”

Sometimes, Lovino would actually make jokes about garlic and being Italian when he got food at his favorite pizzeria at 2AM. No one was ever around to appreciate those jokes, though. And he wasn’t about to tell Alfred about it.

Alfred rocked back on his heels, delighted grin on his face. “Every single piece of media, huh? I call bullshit.”

“I have —” he started to protest, but Alfred flapped a hand at him.

“I’m not saying I don’t believe you’ve done it, I’m saying I don’t think it was research. Anyone who watches the 2004 Van Helsing movie willingly is doing it because they’re really into that stuff.”

Direct hit. “Better than Twilight,” he muttered, crossing his arms and looking away. This just made the other vamp laugh again.

Wait.

“Hold on just a damn minute, did you say you deliberately got turned?!”

“Yeah, so I could fly!”

Lovino deliberately took a deep breath, turned around to collect himself, and immediately spun back around and shouted, “We can’t fly! Are you nuts?!”

“We can in Castlevania,” Alfred told him matter-of-factly.

Lovino stared at him. “Are you referring to the video game that came out in 1986? That Castlevania?” Then it hit him. “Oh my God, you are. You said you went out and got turned in 1986. Because of Castlevania?!” He was vaguely aware that he was practically screeching, but he was too riled up to care.

“Well yeah, the game was awesome!” Alfred said defensively.

At this point, Lovino devolved into cursing extravagantly in Italian.

Alfred seemed unfazed. “Man, you sound like my brother. Except he yelled at me in French instead of Italian.”

This brought him up short. “You have a brother?”

“Yeah! We’re twins!”

Like him and Feliciano.

“He’s…still alive?”

“Yeah! I always joke he’s waiting until he looks like the older brother before he lets me turn him. Well, now he looks more like my dad when we’re hanging out together.”

“You're in contact with him?”

Out of this entire strange interaction, this was what hit him. It was just so different from what he’d done. He’d been turned into a monster, someone who would never fit back into society. Rather than subject his twin to that, he’d run, and he’d watched from afar, and Feliciano had mourned him and then gotten older and fallen in love and lived happily and then died. And Lovino had never spoken to him that whole time.

This guy had deliberately gotten turned into an immortal, for a power they didn’t even have, after playing a goddamned video game from the 80s. But. He still talked to his brother.

Overwhelmed, Lovino started to take a step back. Alfred must have seen something in his face because suddenly he reached out to grab one of Lovino’s hands in his.

“Oh, but wow, I’ve been so rude!” he exclaimed in a faux-repentant voice. It made Lovino pause long enough, because yeah he had, that Alfred was able to also grab his other hand. “Do you wanna dance?”

Lovino was speechless yet again. “What?” he finally spluttered out. “What kind of manners did this asshole teach you, what the fuck.”

“You’re the one swearing,” Alfred said primly. “Anyway, I took some ballroom dances when I was in college in the 80s, I mean obviously I’m doing night school and online coursework now, but I had the dancing thing down pretty good, at least by college standards. So! Wanna dance?” He phrased it like a question but by the time he was finished speaking he’d already dragged Lovino into a basic waltz.

“You’re out of your mind,” Lovino told him dazedly, unconsciously following the steps as he stared up at this blond madman. “Castlevania.”

Alfred laughed and graced him with another smile — it was quite a nice smile, actually — but didn’t say anything for a minute. “You know,” he said quietly once they’d gotten into a rhythm, cutting over damp grass with light steps, “We always joke about it but I’m pretty sure Mattie’s going to stay human.” Another pause. “At least I have this time with him. I’m a little scared of what I’ll do after he…well. After.”

Lovino considered this with the seriousness it deserved. “Well. You keep living, I guess. Or not, as the case may be.”

Alfred blinked, surprised, and then snorted. “You really do have jokes.” He said it softly. It sounded almost fond.

They were still dancing, but Lovino started to notice the ground felt odd under his feet.

He looked down.

The grass glistened darkly in the moonlight, several yards below them. They crested near the tops of the trees, and Alfred spun him in a way that made the shining lights of the city around the park, just for a moment, look like stars whirling around them.

They were actually flying. The air under his feet was not quite solid; it had a strange sort of give to it but also an elasticity that seemed to push him back up every time he took a step. Lovino gasped, a breath he didn’t need, and then felt a laugh burst out of him in a way that hadn’t happened in at least a few decades.

“You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you?” he asked Alfred when he’d managed to contain himself to just a smile. It felt a bit flirtatious on his face, which his dance partner must have picked up on if the way he waggled his eyebrows was any indication.

“You bet! Are you feeling something in that cold, dead heart of yours?”

Lovino looked down and then up through his eyelashes, something he usually did for luring prey. This was more genuine.

“Maybe sometime we should…get a drink. Go dancing again.”

Alfred mock gasped. “Excuse me, I’m only 19 and it’s not legal for me to drink.”

Lovino felt himself snort. At the moment he didn’t care that it was inelegant.

As they started to descend, still slowly turning in circles, Alfred smiled. “I’d love to dance with you, though. If you think you can keep up with me.”

“How rude. You know, as your elder —”

They touched down back on the grass just in time to hear a sharp gasp, the kind that came from someone who actually used the air they took into their lungs.

A man stood on the edge of the clearing they were in, staring in amazement.

Alfred and Lovino looked at each other. Then, graciously, Alfred stood back and indicated he should go first.

Lovino grinned at his companion, feeling his teeth start to elongate.

For the first time in a long time, he felt the burning ember of hope deep inside of him — hope for the future, the centuries stretching out in front of him seemingly without end.

Because maybe he wouldn’t be alone.

With Alfred humming a Van Morrison song from behind him —

— he lunged.