#Like Vampire: We Don't NEED a Masquerade or something

[y-rhywbeth2]

While being undead is mostly downsides, at least you can visit that city in the Negative Energy plane. Bunch of towers built inside a giant metal sphere that drifted into the plane after their homeworld died then all the survivors died in a zombie apocalypse. Not a single living resident left and all the politicians are liches and vampires squabbling for power with a vampiric minotaur making all the factions shut up and get along while he encourages planar research in what is probably a bid for ruling the universe. It's probably a riot in there. Like dead evil Sigil without the philosophy, and it's a ball instead of a doughnut on a stick.

Unless an undead villain has a holiday home there I am not impressed.

[no-144444]

mclaren masterlist!

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oscar piastri

false starts and unthinkable mistakes Oscar comes to you at the end of a bad race

debuts and podiums how oscar celebrates after your first race, and first win.

mishaps online oscar accidentally posts a nude online the night before your big concert and launch. oops.

red flag you get in an accident on track

the disgraced pop princess oscar is your salvation after things so horribly wrong

-> his disgraced pop princess oscar is there for you through your first real GP weekend and everything else, of course

my girl fans made a youtube compilation of oscar and you being in love since your prema days.

slip-up oscar slips up about your wedding

pointe shoes and racecars you and oscar had grown up together, and grown apart. now you're teaching him ballet for a mclaren video. will you two reconnect?

family fights you and oscar were never meant to be together, lando made that clear. one night changes everything, then another changes it again.

accident prone oscar comes home one night hurt, how do you deal with it?

bad day you had an awful day, but at least you're coming home to him.

Stoic much? oscar might be too good at the whole 'keeping a secret' thing. like, really good.

wallflowers like flowers too you never thought you'd find love, especially not with your best friend at his sister's wedding.

chancer Can he figure out who you are at the masquerade ball before you leave forever?

mark my words mark (webber) 'slips up' about your marriage.

nothing bad! the sprint pisses you off, ted's notebook catches you at a bad time, you say some things, oscar posts some things, and it ends up being one of the most popular ad campaigns in history. oops.

quick tweet, big problem you and oscar are together, but the world doesn't need to know you're engaged. lando decides they do.

knowing me, knowing you you're a broadway star, and oscar has to know everything about a topic for the 'anything but F1' segment. win-win when his girlfriend is in the public eye.

gymming oscar doesn't want you going to the gym

then we can breaking up sucks.

first kisses being jack wolff's nanny is a pretty sick gig, especially when your old friend is an f1 driver and is interested in you...

-> first dinners being jack wolff's nanny is a pretty sick gig... only when your boss (/ father figure) isn't trying to interrogate your new boyfriend. (18+)

-> vampire oscar gets a new nickname...

guilt tripping oscar asks something of you that you know you can't do. you do it anyway and it ends in you two almost breaking up. almost.

farm girl what's a better way to a guys attention than shouting at him for being too slow?

sweating oscar has been acting strange

mixup oscar gets a bit jelly when you and franco get close

guilty oscar gets a bit worried about you when you start overworking yourself

lando norris

mistakes the aftermath of the Hungarian gp

family issues lando (and his mum) are there for you during a difficult time.

catch-up lando after monza

the break up of the century you and lando break up on horrible terms, could a new album and a special performance bring you tow back together?

making moves Lando and you don't exactly get along and now you're quitting, he'll surely take it well, right?

misguided mishaps One bed between you and your brother's best friend… what could go wrong? (18+)

was it casual? the seriousness of your relationship wasn't exactly clear... leading to unforseen circumstances... (18+)

3 minutes lando overshoots an overtake, and you go off the track. what then ensues is the most stressful and awful 3 hours of his life.

2 hands your stunt-driver pulled out the day before the shoot, good thing you're dating an f1 driver. (18+)

risotto brazil was shit

prince charming lando brings his niece to the ballet, who knew he'd find love?

holidate Y/n, who gets mocked for being single, finds the perfect solution when she meets Lando, an F1 driver. Now she has the perfect date for her holidays, but her heart starts yearning for something more.

"oh yeah?" you and lando go out to celebrate his win and the championship, but you run into someone...

prison, not a promise lando proposes and it doesn't go as planned...

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series

our favourite presenter, y/n y/l/n! f1 grid x reader x oscar piastri

Presenting… y/n y/l/n Tweets about our favourite F1 commentator!

Judgy McJudgy Pants or Osc? You decide! you and oscar are getting closer, or are you?

dangerous media things go downhill fast as you fall, and he has to catch you. what makes it worse is what he says after…

lies and flights you two have a moment, the moment ends, and so does something else...

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playing favourites masterlist

your first season as an f1 driver doesn't start the best, and you quickly realise McLaren doesn't like women very much. On top of that, your race engineer is as smug as the rest of them, and you have to deal with him all the time.

pairing: race engineer! oscar piastri x f1driver! fem! reader

warnings: lots of misogyny, lando is an asshole in this, illusions to ed behaviour, reader is not in a good head space, all of mclaren is super sexist, mentions of crashes and injuries.

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navigation for my blog :) (masterlist)

[steddiealltheway]

Happy Halloween everyone!! Here is some type of no upside down AU fic :)

Eddie drums his hands on the cafeteria table and looks around at his friends. "Alright gentlemen, what are we doing for Halloween?"

He instantly gets a sense that something is off when Jeff and Gareth exchange a guilty look. Eddie leans forward and props his chin up on his hand. "Want to share with the class?"

Gareth sighs and looks at the table for a moment before bursting out, "Well, my sister and Jeff's brother really wanted to go out trick-or-treating this year, and you know how they've gotten close. And the deal was that either Jeff and I would stay at our houses manning the candy bowl, or we would go out with the kids."

Eddie huffs out, "And let me guess, you chose free candy, torturous walking, and a cutesy group costume."

Jeff smiles guiltily. "You're looking at Shaggy and Scooby-Doo."

"Adorable," Eddie says with a big fake smile before turning to Frank. "You're not leaving me high and dry though, isn't that right, Frank?"

Only, Frank seems to be just as guilty-looking as the others.

"Frank... Don't do this to me, man," Eddie pleads.

Frank sighs, "I told my mom I would do a Halloween horror movie night with her. Sorry, Eddie."

Eddie looks between all his friends, wondering if they're pulling a prank on him and fulfilling the trick part of trick-or-treat. But he slowly realizes that they're not. "Shit," he whispers, "I guess I needed to book you guys early," Eddie jokes, trying not to feel too let down.

Jeff pats his hand and says, "Hey, you can come with us. We need a bad guy in a mask."

Eddie scrunches up his nose. "Willingly walking miles and dealing with kids on an endless sugar high? No thanks. But... I appreciate the thought." He sits back and picks up a few of his pretzels before dropping them back in the bag. What is he going to do? He has always loved Halloween, his friends know this. But what's the point in celebrating if he's alone?

"You could go to Harrington's infamous ball," Frank suggests. Gareth and Jeff immediately start laughing loudly. Eddie just glares at Frank, but he doesn't seem to be joking as he defends himself, "I'm not kidding! Come on, free beer and witnessing a bunch of shit drama."

Eddie snorts. "Yeah, because I would be so welcomed there."

"It's not like people will really notice. I hear his place is jam-packed with random people every year. Plus, you could wear your bat masquerade mask," Jeff interjects.

Eddie sighs and puts his head in his hands. "You're not seriously trying to convince me to go, right?"

"I mean... we're not not trying to convince you," Gareth supplies unhelpfully. There's an oof sound that Eddie's sure is the result of Jeff elbowing him in the side. "But seriously, you can wear the mask so no one will recognize you and your slutty vampire outfit-"

"It's not slutty."

"It has a tight leather lace-up vest, it's a little slutty," Jeff stage whispers to Eddie.

Eddie groans and dramatically thuds his head down on the table before quickly looking up. "Let me get this right. You want me to go to Steve Harrington's Halloween party in a mask as a Cinderella-type vampire because you guys are ditching me?"

"Precisely. Except the part where we ditched you because we clearly invited you-"

"Okay! Okay!" Eddie cuts Jeff off waving his hands.

"And hey, we all know that you would love to get some one-on-one time with Harrington, and what's a better time to do this than undercover?" Jeff asks.

Eddie dramatically shushes him and whispers, "I told you guys that secret while entirely way too high, you cannot hold that information against me right now."

"He's right," Frank says, "You can finally find out if Harrington truly isn't an asshole."

"And see if he has the hots for you while you're wearing your-"

"I swear, Gareth, if you call the costume slutty again..."

"Okay, but are you wearing it with your leather pants?" Jeff asks, eyebrows raised.

Eddie sighs and looks down at his lunchbox. "Maybe," he begrudgingly admits.

"Slutty!" Frank loudly says, and Gareth and Jeff immediately burst out laughing.

Eddie covers his face in his hands before joining in on their laughter. "Maybe it's a little slutty," he admits.

As the boys celebrate their win, Eddie feels someone staring over at him. He glances toward Harrington's table where he's sitting next to his ex and her new boyfriend and finds him staring directly at him. Eddie's heart beats a little harder when Steve slightly smiles at him before redirecting his attention to Jonathan.

"Jesus Christ, he looked at me again," Eddie mutters.

"Dude, you always say this, but we never see him do it," Frank groans.

"Yeah, because you don't obsessively check out his table," Gareth says with a laugh before he suddenly frowns and turns to Eddie. "No offense."

"None taken," Eddie replies as he chews on his bottom lip, thinking deeply. If he goes to the party, he can finally confront his crush on the guy he's never truly interacted with unless you count all the times they catch each other's eye then... they would be interacting somewhat often.

He can also finally figure out if it's all in his head or not.

"Okay. I'm going to the Harrington party," Eddie announces.

"Seriously?" Jeff asks incredulously.

"You guys are just so convincing," Eddie says with his hands over his heart.

"Bullshit," Frank says, "You're just going for a chance to maybe say two words to him."

Eddie crosses his arms and asks, "And what would those two words be?"

"'Slutty vampire' in response to 'What are you dressed as?'" Jeff quickly jokes, earning a shriek of laughter from Gareth and Frank.

Eddie thanks whatever entity is responsible for making the bell ring to announce lunch is over. "I need new friends," Eddie lies as he gathers his stuff up.

As Gareth and Frank rush off, Jeff lays a hand on Eddie's arm and says, "Hey, we can do a Halloween slasher night if you want to this weekend. Also, don't hesitate to call if you need help getting ready or need a second pair of eyes to make sure Harrington will approve."

Eddie gives him a genuine small smile and squeezes his shoulder, "Thanks, man."

"Don't mention it," Jeff says as he walks off with a bright smile.

As Eddie watches him walk away, he catches Harrington staring at him out of the corner of his eye, but as soon as he glances over, he looks away looking... angry? Eddie just sighs and shakes his head. He needs to stop thinking that Harrington in any way has thoughts dedicated to him.

Maybe this party will be good for Eddie.

-:-:-:-:-:-

Eddie stares at his reflection in the mirror and twists and turns. Maybe the leather is slutty, but he thinks the plain black cape does well to soften the look a bit. He stares at his hair and all the glossy individually finger-curled strands making his hair look a little more tame than usual. But hell, his arms and fingers ache. He just hopes it's all worth it.

He puts on the bat mask and frowns before taking it off and digging around for his eyeliner pencil he knows he has somewhere in the bathroom. He quickly finds it in a random basket and applies it before smudging it a bit. He puts the mask back on and smiles. He likes the way it has an elegant almost lace-looking quality to the plastic that offsets the leather of his costume.

He wishes he could call Jeff for a final look, but he doesn't want to take any precious time away from him and his brother although they're probably done trick-or-treating by now. Plus, he knows that Jeff would tell him that he looks great and not to overthink it. So, that's exactly what he's going to do.

He grabs the bright orange flyer he found on the floor at school for the Harrington Halloween House Party and cringes at the alliteration. He's pretty sure it's been the same thing for the past three years though, so it's not like Harrington has an option of changing it.

Gosh, he needs to stop stalling and finally leave for the party. He glances at his watch and sees that it's almost eleven, so people should be finally arriving an hour fashionably late. Better to be a part of that crowd to not draw much attention.

He drives over quickly, parking a little down the road when he starts seeing other cars, not wanting to get stuck if he wants to leave early. He takes a deep breath before glancing in the mirror again. He's not recognizable... right? Right.

He gets out of his van and quickly starts walking toward the intimidatingly large house. He's glad to find a group of people rushing inside and even more people outside on the front lawn who aren't sparing him a second glance. Usually, he would come to one of these things with his infamous lunchbox and upsell his stash, but he knew it would give him away tonight. Plus, it's nice to not be on edge the whole time, wondering who is approaching him for drugs and who is approaching him with a slur.

As he makes his way inside, he grimaces at the loud pop music people are wildly dancing to and the smell of alcohol that permeates the house. It's only a few minutes before someone is shoving a cup of mysteriously bright red liquid in Eddie's hand. He takes a tentative sip and shrugs. It's not horrible especially since Eddie likes terribly sweet things, but he definitely isn't going to waste time getting a second cup.

He's on a mission. And his mission is to find Steve and hope that he's not somewhere with his tongue down some random girl's throat. Eddie tries to shove away the thoughts telling him that he shouldn't expect Steve Harrington to not be doing exactly that at his party. Plus, why would he spare time to talk to Eddie of all people?

Eddie takes another sip of his drink and makes his way through the crowd, not finding a single glimpse of that Harrington mane that's usually easy to spot. He goes outside the backdoor and frowns at all the people making out in the pool before heading back inside.

He glances around a few more times before settling back in a corner, downing the rest of his drink before giving up on his search and settling on people watching. But god it’s boring.

These people are boring.

It’s just the same situation over and over again. A couple getting uncomfortably handsy with each other, or a guy and girl eyeing each other up across the room as their friends hype them up in a way that’s either grotesque or filled with squeals.

And the room is hot. So unbearably hot that his leather pants are starting to cling to Eddie in an uncomfortable way that makes him want to rip them off.

Instead, he settles on climbing the stairs and going to find whatever bathroom he can to splash some cold water in his face and hopefully get a moment to himself.

He looks at all the closed doors, pressing his ear against them before quickly backing away whenever he hears something gross. But then his ear settles on one door and there’s the distinct sound of nothing on the other side that puts him at ease.

He twists the knob and walks into the room, freezing when he realizes that, one, this is not a bathroom, and, two, someone with Steve Harrington's distinctive hair swoop is sitting in the room.

The man turns and makes eye contact with Eddie who instantly dies a little inside as he realizes it is Steve. "Sorry. I didn't mean to barge in."

Steve gives him a small smile and says, "I don't mind."

Eddie doesn't know what to do other than hover in the doorway of the dark room. Steve continues to stare at him and eventually asks, "Want to join me?"

Yes. Hell yes, he does. But also, Eddie has the distinct feeling that this either has to be a dream or a prank. But he still nods.

"Do you mind locking the door behind you? I just... don't want anyone trying to use this room as a place to hook up or something."

Now this definitely sets off a few alarms in Eddie's head, but there's a weird air of sadness surrounding Steve that makes it seem... genuine. So Eddie closes the door and locks it behind him, slowly making his way over to Steve. As he gets closer, some of the light trailing in through his blinds catches on the glittering crown that he's holding in his hands.

Eddie gestures toward it. "King Steve?"

Steve smiles sadly and looks down at the crown. "Something like that."

Eddie carefully sits next to Steve, trying to keep a respectable distance between them on the bed. His eyes trace over Steve's costume, a clearly expensive, gorgeous prince or king costume. "So, what are you supposed to be?"

"Prince Charming," Steve answers easily. He glances over at Eddie and shrugs. "Nancy thought that it would be funny because of my 'Harrington charm' mixed with King Steve, but I don't know. I kind of hate that nickname." He shakes his head and changes the subject. "What are you supposed to be?"

"Slutty vampire," Eddie says almost automatically, startling a laugh out of Steve as Eddie curses under his breath and puts his hands over his face. As his fingers press into the mask on his face, he's startled by the realization that Steve doesn't know who he is. "Sorry, my friends kept saying that, and I insisted it wasn't what I was going for. But they won that argument in the end I guess." God, he can't believe he actually said that.

"You look maybe a little slutty but in a good way," Steve rushes to say the last part. He runs a hand through his hair, getting a bit flustered. "I mean you look nice."

"So do you," Eddie admits honestly.

Steve holds his hand out to him. "Steve."

Eddie takes his hand and says, "Cinderella."

Steve laughs again. "Really?"

"I got the mask and everything," Eddie explains, not yet wanting to ruin things when Steve finds out who he really is.

"Cinderella then," Steve says with a smile that makes Eddie feel a little weak in the knees. Thank god he's sitting down.

"So, what are you doing in here in the dark all by yourself, Prince Charming?"

"I'm not by myself, I'm with you," Steve easily deflects.

Eddie raises his eyebrows although he's pretty sure the mask partially covers them.

Steve looks down at the crown again and raises it up. "I just wanted to not be this for a little bit tonight. Plus, the music was giving me a headache - too many concussions." He pauses before turning to Eddie. "And what were you doing escaping from things?"

"Looking for some quiet," Eddie says and looks down at his unnaturally bare hands. He wishes he would've kept on his rings so he could fidget with them. "I was thinking about leaving, but I wanted to stay in case I found you."

Steve shifts a little on the bed, moving to face him. "And now that you've found me?"

Eddie glances up at him and considers it for a moment. "I hadn't really thought that far."

Steve runs a hand through his hair. "Well, I hope I'm not too disappointing."

"Not at all," Eddie insists, "Actually I thought you'd be-"

"An asshole?" Steve interjects quickly, his expression becoming oddly stoic.

Eddie shakes his head. "Preoccupied with someone else. Anyone other than me really."

Steve face softens and he leans in closer, eyes tracing over Eddie's face as if trying to figure out what's under the mask covering most of the upper half of his face. "You know you can tell me your real name, right?"

Eddie swallows and shakes his head. "Maybe I'll just leave a clue behind or something. Not my shoe though. I always hated that plot line."

Steve smiles brightly. "If it fit perfectly then why did it fall off?"

"Exactly!" Eddie says clapping his hands together excitedly. "Plus, with all that dancing, I just know that shoe did not smell good."

Steve throws his head back and laughs, and Eddie just watches him, filled with pride at being able to pull that reaction out of him. As his laughter dies down, Steve glances back down at the crown.

"You should put it on," Eddie blurts out. Steve looks up at him with his eyebrows raised. "I want to see the whole costume."

Steve reluctantly places the crown on his head and glances toward Eddie. It's strange, how it fits him so perfectly at first glance, but he can see how it personally affects Steve, as if it adds a weight to his entire demeanor.

"You look good, but I think I prefer you without," Eddie admits.

Steve quickly takes it off his head and places it behind him. "Yeah, that's because it messes up my best feature."

"That's strange, I didn't see it mess with your eyes, or your smile, or your nose, or your-"

Eddie's suddenly cut off when Steve leans in and kisses him. He just as quickly pulls away and says, "Sorry. I'm so sorry. I should've asked before I just-"

"Steve," Eddie says, laying a hand over Steve's.

Steve looks up at him nervously.

"Please do that again," Eddie says.

Steve sighs in relief and instantly closes the distance between them again, but Eddie is able to prepare for it, properly cupping his face and kissing him back. He feels like he's in a dream again as Steve deepens the kiss and runs his hands through the curls Eddie took so long to perfect. But he doesn't care at all.

There's a sudden loud ringing of a grandfather clock that pierces through the house causing the two of them to jump apart. "Jesus, I forgot that I told them they could play that creepy recording at midnight," Steve says and freezes. "Wait, it's midnight."

"And?"

"You're Cinderella."

Eddie tries to swallow down the pain of once again realizing that to Steve, he's just some random guy that he doesn't know. But Eddie smiles and says, "Well, lucky for you, the magic doesn't run out until one or two in the morning."

Steve smiles back and says, "Lucky me." But instead of kissing Eddie, he surprises him by asking, "Tell me something about yourself."

Eddie shrugs, trying to think of something that won't give him away. "I play the guitar."

"Oh, is that why you wear the..." Steve trails off, eyes flickering down to his neck before looking away. "Forget I said that. I thought I saw something."

Eddie's brows furrow, but he doesn't press him on it. "What about you? Tell me something most people don't know."

Steve thinks for a moment before smiling. "I almost didn't show up to this tonight. I was going to go trick-or-treating with some of the kids I sort of babysit. But Dustin told me they didn't need a babysitter tonight, so I ended up here."

The story twists at Eddie's heart a bit. Even with his disillusioned crush on Steve, he would've never guessed there was a group of kids he cared for so much.

Eddie reaches out and intertwines his fingers with Steve's. "I'm sure they miss you."

"I don't know. They were going in custom-made costumes for these characters they play as in D and D or something. They seemed really excited about it, so they've probably forgotten about me by now."

Eddie swallows down the entire spiel he wants to make about Hellfire Club and asking who the kids are so he might be able to recruit them and instead says, "Well, you're pretty unforgettable."

Steve smiles and opens his mouth to respond when there's a sudden loud knock on the door. Steve frowns and loudly says, "Occupied!"

A voice on the other side of the door loudly says, "I think your neighbors down the way ratted us out! Someone said the police are on their way."

"Shit," Steve mutters and runs his hands over his face. "I'll be right there! Just get rid of all the alcohol you can find and turn off the music. Party is over." He stands up and turns to Eddie offering his hand which Eddie takes.

They both stand up and Eddie realizes he's never stood directly next to him and is surprised that they seem to be the same height. God, it's so nice to be at eye level with him.

"I guess this is goodbye, Cinderella," Steve says sadly and tucks a strand of hair behind his ear. "Will you leave me with at least a kiss?"

"You're too charming to say no to," Eddie jokes before he leans in and kisses Steve again, lingering in the kiss for as long as he can before they both pull away as there's another loud knock on the door.

Steve squeezes Eddie's shoulder one last time and says, "I promise to find you." He rushes out the door quickly after and Eddie is left standing in Steve's room alone. He takes a deep breath before he leaves slowly, distancing the time they were seen with each other.

Luckily, things are in a bit of a frenzy as he leaves so he doubts anyone noticed him slipping out of the same room as Steve. But on his drive home, Eddie realizes he gave Steve absolutely nothing to identify him with. He curses and debates turning back until he sees Hopper's police car pass him.

Steve's never going to find him.

-:-:-:-:-:-

The entire weekend, Eddie's friends have the pleasure of hearing him share the story over and over again while simultaneously complaining about not leaving something equivalent to a shoe behind.

"Well, it sounds like you at least left him with a lot of your saliva," Gareth says one time, and Eddie has to get Jeff to hold him back.

Monday morning is the worst when he realizes he has to see Steve and pretend like nothing happened. Because there's no way he's going to tell Steve that he's Cinderella and expect him to not punch him in the face.

Okay, Steve doesn't seem the type to do that, but there's no way he would be excited to hear that Eddie's the guy he swapped spit with - god, he really needs to get Gareth's words out of his head. But Eddie thinks he'll be able to deal with Steve never knowing than Steve rejecting him.

He sees Steve here and there in the hall but is luckily able to divert his path so Steve never directly sees him. Unfortunately, Eddie knows Steve will be at the same table as always at lunch which is right in his line of sight.

When he sits down, his friends are already nudging him and cracking jokes about Prince Charming and whatnot that pisses Eddie off. It makes things worse when he sees Steve sitting with his back to him, which he's never done before. At one point, Eddie just snaps, gets up, and leaves the cafeteria saying he needs a minute. He rushes off to his locker, digging around for his spare pack of cigarettes when he hears a pair of footsteps to his left.

He sighs and closes the locker door, expecting to see a teacher who has followed him, expecting him to do something suspicious. Instead, he gets the shock of his life when he sees Steve walking right up to him.

As Steve approaches, Eddie dumbly says, "Are you looking to buy something?"

Steve runs a hand through his hair before shaking his head. "No, I'm not, Cinderella."

Eddie's eyes widen. There's no way...

"Did you really think I didn't know who you were?" Steve asks, and Eddie can't get a read on him, but he seems... upset.

"I'm sorry?"

Steve sighs and runs a hand through his hair again. “Eddie, I know it was you, and I want to know why you've been avoiding me all day. Like did it really mean nothing to you? Is that why you didn't tell me your name?"

Eddie's head spins a little too fast at the revelation, so he clarifies, "Wait, you knew it was me the whole time?"

"Yes. I thought you were just really pretending to be in character or something, but today you were icing me out. And I know we haven't really talked before Friday night, but I thought I was clear about wanting to change that."

"Then why did you face with your back toward me in the cafeteria?" Eddie blurts out without thinking.

"There was something on my chair," Steve answers easily.

"Oh." Okay, maybe Eddie is an idiot but, "Wait, you really knew who I was and still, "he lowers his voice and leans in, "...kissed me?"

A look of realization crosses over Steve's face before he smiles. "Eddie, I've been staring at you for weeks now, and I just hadn't gotten the courage to talk to you yet. You're pretty intimidating."

"Me? I'm intimidating? You're literally called 'King Steve.'" Steve frowns at the title, but Eddie continues, "I never thought I had a shot with you without the mask on - or even with the mask on. I was avoiding you today because I didn't want you to realize it was me and reject me."

"I thought you called yourself Cinderella because I was dressed as Prince Charming," Steve laughs.

"I didn't even realize that was Cinderella's prince!" Eddie nearly shrieks, laughing loudly along with Steve. "We're a disaster," he says through his laughter.

Steve takes a deep breath, trying to kill his laughter a little to say, "I think we should start over a little and go on a date. This time without fake names and the police showing up."

"No promises about the second one," Eddie says with a big smile.

Steve smiles and looks at him as if waiting for something.

"What?" Eddie asks.

Steve laughs anxiously. "Is that a yes to the date?"

"Oh! Christ. Yes! Yes, it is. Sorry," Eddie sighs and runs a hand over his face, noting the way his hands don't catch on a mask this time. Steve Harrington is fine with him being Cinderella - more than fine with it really. He narrows his eyes at Steve. "And this isn't a trick?"

"I thought it would be more of a treat," Steve jokes.

Eddie rolls his eyes and simultaneously laughs at the horrible pun. "Did you know that you're really charming?"

Another laugh is startled out of Steve who quickly tries to hide it. He looks down at the ground and says, "I'm having a hard time thinking of a joke about a slutty vampire."

Eddie groans, "Don't remind me."

"I wouldn't mind if you reminded me," Steve flirts.

"Christ," Eddie says, feeling a blush quickly rise on his cheeks.

The bell for lunch rings again, and this time Eddie wants to curse the entity responsible for it.

"I'll slip you my number later so you can call me later, Cinderella" Steve announces, walking back to the cafeteria where he left his stuff.

"I'm charmed," Eddie replies with a wink that has Steve getting slightly flustered.

As he rounds the corner and gets out of sight, Eddie can't help but think about how Steve really kept his promise about finding him. He also can't wait to have proof that all his friends were wrong, except maybe he was a little bit of a slutty vampire... But it definitely paid off.

And it definitely was a very happy Halloween.

[wisteriagoesvroom]

LOL I can imagine for vampire au Lando starting to third wheel Carcar and so even though turning Franco is a complete accident he can’t feel too guilty bc he uses it as an excuse to hang around someone else, and somehow he learns more about vampirism lore through a human grad student than he’s learned in his whole life (he’s lived a long time, lots of info to absorb). Then also, if you don’t mind my ask, what do they all do for jobs/how do they get money and would Franco keep studying ?

HELP this is so cute. ok. norpinto-frando vampire au for those who aren't up to speed...

Lando starting to third wheel Carcar and so even though turning Franco is a complete accident, [Lando] can’t feel too guilty bc he uses it as an excuse to hang around someone else -> screaming cus, absolutely. random associated headcanons for this... i'll rewind a bit:

carlos is the oldest vampire, like, moorish/medieval era. he met lando while they were both at a masquerade ball in the early 1600s and smelled each other right away (carlos like wood and ink, lando like gas lamps and wet stone).

lando is an tudor era vampire. like he actually knew shakespeare and said he was one of the best viral marketers of the era

oscar was turned in the early days of the australian penal colony, he's like first or second generation white australian but he refuses to be called british. he moved in to the house because the rent was cheap and he doesn't feel the need to live extravagantly -- even though he, too, is $$ loaded $$

oscar didn't move in until about two decades ago - very short by vampire standards, to them it feels like yesterday - but carlos and oscar are basically They Were Roommates atp even though they squabble con-stant-ly

their neighbours think they are a new age-y polyam group but because the people who live opposite them are students, nobody ever hangs around longer than a year to remember them or dig deeper

so franco definitely brings a fun funky fresh dynamic

he learns more about vampirism lore through a human grad student than he’s learned in his whole life (he’s lived a long time, lots of info to absorb) -> things that baby vamp!franco teaches lando include

tiktok trends, like how to make ur teeth comically large in photos. lando finds this hilarious

how to use venmo

creating a roster on google docs for who needs to do what house chores

jailbreaking an apple watch so it doesn't read their pulses (they don't have any), but it will remind them of the moon phases and when they might be extra hungry to feed

at one point franco actually puts his academic skills to use and helps lando hunt down some of his family tree, because since lando was turned and it's been so long, he doesn't remember much about them : ( so one of franco's little gifts to lando is helping him trace his heritage

what do they all do for jobs/how do they get money and would Franco keep studying ? -> i love how practical-minded you are. um well let's say this fictional supernatural creatures' market mostly runs on barter trades and goodwill agreements. the entire house sometimes just gets lazy tbh so lando or carlos will just dig into one of the old chests of random shit and pull out an antique and go: "do we think this is worth anything?" then they take it to an antiques dealer who is also a mage (alex albon) and there is a 1 in 25 chance that the antique is actually is worth something, so that bankrolls them for another half a year or whatever.

carlos makes a lot of noise about being "an art dealer" just because he sold a goya painting to a museum once.

oscar is a man of industry, of the "newer" world (australia) etc etc so he spent the 80s and 90s learning C++ and Java and Python so he legit just codes for a living. or when he feels like it. oscar has helped launch at least a dozen startups under various pseudonyms and one of them is even a blue chip company by now. he doesn't do it for money tho. he just does it cus he likes a challenge, and otherwise fights with carlos too much. when he isn't coding he likes to tinker and fix things just for fun. like, he legit knows how to fix a boiler and stuff. his familiar is definitely a grumpy orange neighbourhood cat.

franco keeps studying!! he is such a nerd that he's like "i can totally learn everything about anything now, and i could in theory do like 20 masters degrees, and nobody can stop me"!! then lando is like, "well you might get bored of it after a while or burn out". but franco insists he will not. in fact with his enhanced neurological abilities he goes on an academic bender trying to fast forward through an entire harvard's undergrad degree's worth of material in a week, and he ends up faceplanting on his desk. and then poor lando has to go and find a fresh chicken or something to kill and revive franco 'cus franco wore himself out too fast being a bb vampire with accelerated mind powers.

franco promises never to do that again (but of course he will continue to do it once in a while, and everyone still looks after him in his lil study hangovers because he is so very nice. also he taught them how to use venmo.)

and. one time. franco is like. "i can't find this rare sonnet do you know what library i could maybe locate it in" and lando is like "wait i know that one" and pulls out an honest to god original copy that he at some point got laminated in the early 80s. and franco is like. "um i think this should be in a museum??" and lando is like "yeah but i gave them a copy of this, cus i spilled ink on the corner of this in 1603 after a really good night out" and franco is like "???? ok ????"

then lando swans off to moodily stare at the moon or some shit.

[rwrbficrecs]

Hope you all enjoy our recs for November ❤️ (even though they're a little late!!) Incenatus by @missgeevious (book/movie-verse)

@suseagull04: I can't recommend this fic enough! If you love Twilight and The Phantom of the Opera, this fic is for you! A mysterious masquerade, a soulmate connection, and chemistry that's off the charts all culminate to make this one of my new all-time favorite fics!

Meaning Something by bleedingballroomfloor (book-verse)

@dot524: Really enjoyed this Liam POV that goes deeper into what actually happened with Alex and Liam, his relationship with Spencer, and how Liam reacts to Alex & Henry during the book. The feelings & coming out are really well done.

Needy & Greedy by @clottedcreamfudge (book-verse)

@heybuddy-drabbles: It's been HELL of a month in good and bad ways so I didn't have time to read much. I'm choosing to recommend a series of unconnected one shots, all steamy and delicious and fun and short for casual reading when you don't have much time to commit to a 70k fic. If you like smut tis for you!

Taste the Way You Bleed by @cha-melodious (book-verse)

@myheartalivewrites: a super fun What We Do In the Shadows AU, written for the RWRB halloween fest. Alex and Henry are oblivious vampires, pining for centuries, and the rest of the super-six turn up in hilarious mockumentary-style interviews. The summary alone had me HOOKED.

Camp Llwynywermod by bleedingballroomfloor (book-verse)

@myheartalivewrites: one of my go-to for comfort, all time fave fics. Alex and Henry as co summer camp counsellors, pining and bickering for years. The tension is top notch!

@dot524: It’s funny and I really enjoyed the camp setting and their journey from enemies to friends to lovers. This is a fun and cute fic.

Downburst by @cricketnationrise (book-verse)

@rmd-writes: an AU of The West Wing ep 'In the Shadow of Two Gunmen' - mind the tags, this is an angsty but beautifully written fic with very clever use of multiple POVs to tell several stories of love (including platonic love). This is so good I was mad I didn't write several lines in it myself.

@thesleepyskipper: Truly an incredible and unique work that was done with care. The way the various memories/flashbacks are done and how they are used as part of the storytelling absolutely blew me away. Loved that we got multiple POVs here too!

Underground by @zwiazdziarka (book-verse)

@suseagull04: An adorable kid, fantasy (including mentions of fantasy classics!) and a rescue mission make this such a fun read! The world building in this fic is phenomenal too.

A Long Way From the Playground by @three-drink-amy (book-verse)

@dot524: This is a getting-back-together AU where Alex & Henry were childhood friends who grew apart in college and then unexpectedly are neighbors. I enjoyed the slow burn here and the payoff — it’s just a comforting feel-good fic!

Five-Drink Henry by @whimsymanaged (book-verse)

@daisymae-12: I was honestly already hooked from the title and the fic did not disappoint – so much so that I’ve reread it so many times the past month. Loved everything about this fic!!

The Domestication of Household Spiders by @cultofsappho (book-verse)

@daisymae-12: This was everything I didn’t know I needed from a spiderman AU! Loved it so much. There’s also 2 new recent fics published in this series – plenty of spiderman Alex to read!!

you make it look so easy, i know it's not by @anincompletelist (book-verse)

@daisymae-12: A really fun fic about Henry’s first American Thanksgiving not quite going to plan. I was already laughing from the summary alone

The great turkey calamity? by @smblmn (book-verse)

@zwiazdziarka: This fic tells us what is actually means to talk turkey and this once Cornbread is a star he deserves to be. It's crack, it's exsistential crisis, it's hilarious. Oh, and Alex and Henry fall in love here too.

Lay You Down by ronans (book-verse)

@inexplicablymine: when I tell you the fluff is fluffing, Henry runs a sleep YouTube and Alex is in his comment section and in his DM’s and in his head. Do yourself a favor if you need a sweet treat today and read this work

@thesleepyskipper: OMG this could not be any cuter. I loved the way we got to see their relationship grow as they got to know each other online. Truly an adorable, well-written story that will plaster a smile on your face throughout.

Risk is Just a Board Game by @three-drink-amy (book-verse)

@suseagull04: Angst, domestic fluff, college AU, the holidays- this fic has it all! A look at why friends with benefits isn't always the best idea that culminates in an ending reminiscent of a Hallmark movie.

On My Mind (Let's Go) by @sparklepocalypse (movie-verse)

@zwiazdziarka: contrary to popular fanon, Henry can dance and here he uses that to get what he wants on New Year's Eve party. No notes, just go and read it.

check out our past Monthly Faves here ❤️

[alaritheaurora]

Hey so, what the fuck is up with Shilo and Emizel?

Like yeah, they're brothers. Confirmed twins by Condi. How???

It's been made pretty clear that Shilo is half human, or at least in those kinds of vibes. There is never once a mention of his turning, he seems pretty clueless on humans, he has aged to his current age. But then he can also somewhat digest food, and his aura looks like a human aura. Yeah, that's all good, checks out.

What about Emizel? It is very hinted at, if not stated that Jeffrey is not his real father, but that he found or adopted him when he was still a baby. If Emizel is half vampire like Shilo, wouldn't he show that? He would, yeah, at least a bit. But he hasn't.

Even if takes more human traits, like Shilo takes more vampires traits. But he hasn't. There are no vampire traits. He's not faster, not stronger, doesn't have enhanced senses. I'm sure he would've noticed by now if he could do some mind shit or thought that blood looked particularily yummy. Even appearance wise, while we don't know exactly what he looked like, it is said that he is going through the vampire transition, becoming paler, getting fangs, pointy ears, red eyes. That is changing, he did not have that before. He looked like a human, he acted like a human.

The only time when he's human that he acts vampiric is when they say that "in the streetlight, it's almost like your eyes glow red" (not a direct quote, AT ALL, pulled from my ass and memore) but that is in reference to the all of the Demons. The whole gang have symbolism in their eyes.

The other time is when Emizel has been bitten and has the urge to bite his soon-to-be-sire back. There is something urging him to bite the guy. But that isn't necessarily a vampire thing. Vampires don't really bite other vampires. And for all we know, maybe there's some dying instinct that recognizes that vampire blood could save your life if you've been bitten. Or hell, Emizel just seems like he's kinda just like that. It does not seem out of character for his last dying action to be to bite someone.

So like, wtf? Why is Shilo half vampire and Emizel not?

I still think that the queen is their mom. I don't think she'd give a shit about Shilo if he weren't her son. And Emizel seems like the one she's keeping tabs on.

So here's my Lil theory. It was mentioned that vampires could briefly turn humans to eat shit. Now I don't know the vampire masquerade mechanics or shit, but it seems to me like maybe that could aply to more than just eating food. So like, maybe miss Queen Vampire wanted a night on the town, or hell, maybe she wanted a kid. So she got it on with some human, maybe Jeffrey, maybe not.

Gurl gets pregnant, but oops, it's twins. And when they're born, after a bit it's achingly clear one of them is more human than the other. Turns out, maybe doing the do while human fucked shit up a bit, so while the kids could carry vampire genes, they also could not at all. In fact it was probably more likely for the kid to not be a vampire at all.

So now her Majesty has two sons. One who looks like a vampire, one who doesn't. She's worried about both of them because they are at the very least half human and humans tend to die easily. She says "Hey, I'll give it time, maybe Emizel will just take time to be more vampire like, it's possible it's not an instantaneous thing"

She waits. Shilo is clearly a vampire. He drinks blood, he has little fangs, his eyes are red. Emizel, decidedly does and is not. After a few months, it becomes clear that Emizel is not a vampire. Fuck. What do they do?

Her council (or whatever the fuck they are) suggest to just kill Emizel, he's human, besides she already has one son, why need another? Miss Her Majesty is like "I dealt with too much morning sickness to get kill this kid". So maybe out of suggestion of the council, maybe out of fear for his life, she decides to ship baby Emizel off the LA without telling anyone. There he can grow up with humans and live a human life and not be as in danger as in the castle. Besides, she can just keep tabs on him so that if he does end up being half vampire she can scoop him up and plop him with his brother.

At least that's what I think. It's possible that Emizel is just built different.

[stayteezdreams]

Halloween Requests - CLOSED

Status: CLOSED

These are requests for my 13 Days of Halloween in which I post 1 or more content posts every day from October 19th to the 31st. *some requests may not be written, and some may be saved to come out later on (if they are not strictly Halloween specific).

Who I write For: *will update if a member or group is requested too much

Ateez *No longer taking requests for Yunho!

Stray Kids

Seventeen

Tomorrow x Together

The Boyz

*all members of each group (x gn!reader)

13 Days of Halloween 2023 Masterlist

Things I do not write:

Detailed NSFW/Smut (suggestive content and PG13 is doable)

Pregnancy/child Content

Abuse/Member cheating

***Notes*** You can send in the number of the prompt(s) instead of the prompt itself if you want, but please specify which section it is from (dialogue, plot or scenario)

Feel free to send in your own ideas with or without prompts as well! These are just some ideas for inspiration :)

You can request 1-3 Prompts at once; feel free to mix and match or add a plot-line to your request.

If you are not sure who to request for, but like a prompt, go ahead and send a preferred group and the prompt and I will choose who to write it for.

*Crossed out Prompts are those I have received and are no longer available to request*

**No longer taking requests for** Ateez (all members) S.Coups Seungmin Bang Chan

Prompts under the cut!

Dialogue Prompts:

“I don’t think I’m alone in here.”

“This place creeps me out.”

“I thought I saw something.”

“Don’t you dare leave me in here alone.”

“You’re not scared of me?” “Should I be?”

"I don't believe in ghosts." "You will after tonight."

"If you say we should split up I will kill you."

“Love the costume but I’d rather see what’s under it.”

"Just because I'm not afraid of the dark, doesn't mean I like being in it"

"What do we do?" "Run!"

"Did you see that too?" "Yes." "Damn, I was hoping I was going crazy."

 “What do you do when a ghost has a crush on you? Asking for a friend.”

“I wonder, how many people are dead in that graveyard?” “Hopefully all of them…”

"Who needs a guardian angel when you can have a half-decent demon?"

"If I knew all it would take for you to hug me was a haunted house I would have brought you to one earlier."

"I've seen enough horror movies to know where this is going"

"If you get scared you can hold onto me." "Oh you'd love that wouldn't you?" "Very much."

"Are you scared?" "No." "Then why are you holding onto me so tightly?"

"I couldn't find a costume so I decided to come as your boyfriend."

"Where is that music coming from?"

"You look stupid" "I'm dressed as you."

"I know what you should be for Halloween." "What?" "Mine."

"Ghosts aren't real" "Then why is that person see-through?"

"I don't want you to wear that"

"Stop touching my hand." "I'm not touching your hand."

"Why is that guy staring at me?" "What guy?"

"Would you stop breathing so loudly!?" "I thought that was you"

"Why wont you come inside?" "You have to invite me in." "What are you, a vampire?"

"All the Angels were busy, so they sent me instead." "And what are you?" "Well I'm definitely no angel."

"Stop staring at me like that." "If you didn't want me to stare, you shouldn't have worn that."

"Are you and 'x' dating?" "No, why?" "Then why are you wearing a couples costume?"

Plot Prompts:

You get left behind in a haunted house and one of the cute actors helps you out and gets revenge on said "friends".

Meeting at a Masquerade

Lost in the woods

Carnival/Fair Date

A grabs B’s hand instinctively out of surprise or fear, and continues to hold it.

Finding out the "monster" costume they're wearing isn't a costume (monster/demon/supernatural au)

Visiting a pumpkin patch

Every Halloween you are visited by a stranger in your dreams, but this year, he shows up at your door in the real world.

Haunted House

Someone summoned a demon to take your soul, but the demon likes you too much to hurt you.

Choosing each other's costumes, and unknowingly matching.

You're scared and they try their best to comfort you.

Hearing a noise upstairs, but you live alone.

Ghost Hunting

Vampire Frat - you know the guys in the house beside you are Vampires. But they don't know you're a witch. Until Halloween, when your powers grow stronger, they can't help but notice odd things happening around you.

A cute guy shows up trick or treating with their younger sibling/family member, he comes back later just to see you again.

At a Halloween themed carnival/fair and the scary yet attractive actor wont stop following you around.

Cinderella/Masquerade AU: You recognize them but they don't recognize you. Don't tell them who you are and they search for you (college/office au - or something similar?)

You save a cat/dog/other animals on the street, only to wake up the next day to find a man in it's place instead.

You move into your newly purchased house, only to discover someone or something already lives there.

Every Halloween for the last 5 years, a package mysteriously shows up in your house. This year, instead of a package, you find a stranger waiting for you.

Halloween Date

You are invited to an office Halloween party, and someone in a monster mask seems to want to keep you company. But who is it?

Jealousy: You attend a Halloween party and 'x' can't handle the attention you are getting from others, this causes them to make their feelings known.

College Au Carnival Game: Bobbing for apples but the apple you manage to get indicates who you will go on a date with.

Cozy autumn camping trip with friends leads to confession from someone.

They mistake you as their friend at a costume party and accidentally kidnap you.

Seven Minutes in Hell: You lose a game and have to spend 7 minutes in a haunted house with 'x'.

Halloween Movie Night: You have a movie night with your friends and your crush takes the opportunity to get cozy with you.

Abandoned: You are left in the woods by a bad friend, you know there is something or someone in the woods with you, but you get the feeling they're watching over you.

Scenario/Headcanons Prompts: *will do multiple members or whole group if requested *some of these might include drabbles

How 'x' reacts to you wearing a sexy/appealing costume

How 'x' reacts to you wanted to wear a couples costume + what you end up dressing as

What you would do for a Halloween/Autumn themed date

You choose each other's costumes

*Crossed out Prompts are those I have received and are no longer available to request*

Feel free to send in your own ideas with or without prompts as well! These are just some ideas for inspiration :)

You can request 1-3 Prompts at once; feel free to mix and match or add a plot-line to your request.

[alphasunpup]

Feedist Kinktober Day 2- Masquerade Ball

You look at how the suit hugs your frame. Your girlfriend had thought you needed an upgrade and at first you thought she was just teasing you about your weight again. Now, you realize she was right.

Ever since you started t you had built up a lot of muscle but a lot of fat too. Both of which you loved but you were so unaware of your size at times. You hadn't noticed how shoulders had bulked in your shirts. How your biceps stretched out against your shirts, how your thick hairy legs made any pants you wore skinny jeans. Now you sat here looking like one hot fat butch but straining against your suit. You sighed. And there wasn't a chance in hell you were going to find a tailor before the Ball tonight.

"What's wrong baby?" Your girlfriend asks as she walks into the room.

She's stunning in the deep rogue dress she has on. The corset upheld her big boobs tastefully. The dress hugged the low hanging u-curve of her belly. You scratched your own belly, a twinge of primal lust taking over.

She giggles. "Already hungry big boy?"

She rubs your belly. You hadn't eaten yet. Your girlfriend promised you that she would feed you at the ball. It was one of those kinky balls where discretion was key. Hence the Masquerade element. One of her coworkers snagged tickets for herself and her partner but they got sick. So they kindly gifted the tickets to your girlfriend and you.

"Well if you're gonna tease a growing boy, yeah I'm feeling hungry." You giggle, nibbling on her lip.

"Hmmm, we'll see how well behaved you are. Especially if these buttons are already about to fall off." She giggles again. Her big, beautiful brown curls blocking out her eyes. You nod, almost dazed.

She loops her arms in yours as you travel to your car and get in. When you arrive at the mansion, it was already an hour drive. Now you were starting to get grouchy. That t hunger was something fierce and so was your sex drive. Upon arriving at the party, your coats are taken and you are handed masks.

Your girlfriend gets handed a traditional vampire masquerade mask. But you were handed a wolf's mask. You thought nothing of it as you were granted entry into the ballroom. You sniff the air and follow your nose to the buffet line. You don't even notice the other people gorging themselves and becoming more monstrous as they fed. Some part of you know what your seeing isn't normal but you don't care, you're hungry.

While some danced, your girlfriend couldn't help but notice the two pinhole pricks on their necks. The bloating and sloshing of bellies filled with a mysterious liquid. Red tint on their teeth, more like their canines. She's asked to dance by a woman even fatter by her and seeing you enjoy yourself, she dances.

As the night continues, you don't notice your more bestial transformation. As others dance, blood and music fills the air. But you're too concerned with stuffing yourself on expensive meats. Raw, roasted, smoked, grilled. If it's meat it ended up in your snout. Your suit jacket had already burst off. Your belly sat in your lap, heavy and full from how you were gorging yourself on the buffet table.

"Awww, look at my hungry boy," your girlfriend chuckled.

She walked over, snapping you out of your daze. You let out a long belch, and rub your belly. You don't notice the red staining her lips. The slight glowing red tinge to her eyes. Or the holes on her neck. She easily lifts you up and helps you to your feet.

You rumble softly. You sniff her. A new scent blended into her old one. The smell of spiced wines and blood. Something so sweet it had to be rotting. And something told you, you should've been concerned but you very much loved the new scents.

"Shall we dance?" She asked, her tongue licking at your neck. You growled softly. A belch escapes you and lasts a few seconds. You scratch your torn dress shirt with newly formed claws.

"In a bit, gotta digest... then we dance," you murmured. Your body wanted to just rest and sleep right then.

"Mmmm, then you don't mind me having a bit?" She asked, leading you away from the buffet table and dance floor.

She had you sit at one of the round tables in a dark corner. Where other masked women rubbed their butches bellies or even feeding on some; masks still on. Your girlfriend sat you down, mask still on, her newly sharpened teeth digging into your neck. You grunted softly and then moaned as you could feel her drink from you. Her u shaped belly had inflated from her time on the dance floor. Her hands scratched at the new found firmness of your belly.

"Don't sleep baby," she murmured, "You still owe me a dance."

[gorbalsvampire]

D'you have any player-facing or secret ST-eyes-only systems that you like to use for tracking SI exposure in your games? Or (shunting you a soapbox here) for seeding and making good on consequences generally?

So in general, my absolute favourite way to generate The Quencies is Succees At A Cost. "I'll offer you a devil's bargain," to quote the Master, Mr. Carl.

Kick enough Successes at a Cost down the trail and you can have them escalate into something quite spectacular, whatever that turns out to be. The same for Messy Critical consequences. "There's been a Masquerade breach, but I need to work out the details, so it'll be with you in a couple of sessions' time." That sort of thing.

I also like to frame story beats as poison chalices and sadistic choices. Yes, you can have the Dunsirns' help in covering up the assassination attempt on that Baron you murdered, but they want her property, her territory, and you to know exactly who took the fall for you and what that's worth.

What else? Every chronicle needs a character who's talked about more than they are seen. Telegraphy is key, but don't go too hard on it - we don't want players going "we've got a BADASS over here" about them. I think the trick is having other SPCs be afraid of them, or answerable to them, or clearly dependent on them.

In my Glasgow game, Miss Drake the scourge didn't appear very often, but she was mentioned in the context of "what keeps this praxis running?" and "why doesn't anyone hunt in the West End?" Sir Thomas Dunsirn - Big Tam to his family - was the unseen hand of the nocturnal economy and, more to the point, the hand holding Alistair's leash.

There's this horrid old man who somehow gets you to do whatever he wants. You first met him when he physically and psychically assaulted his way into your turf and your crime scene. You owe him your continued liberty. And he has a boss. At that point, player imagination is doing the work.

But while we're here, I'm also going to talk about Nemesis Points. I took these a late-series Fighting Fantasy gamebook, Night Dragon, and I love them. As you quest to find the location of the titular Night Dragon and prevent its resurrection by the cult who worship it, you have various avenues of investigation to pursue, some of which are of course dead ends: you also have various bits of side business, in accordance with custom. Every prevarication, every attempt made, even the successful ones, adds some Nemesis Points to your tally. If you haven't found the Night Dragon's lair by the time you reach a given Nemesis score, Your Adventure Is Over in a sense far greater than "you got mugged by three pirates and died again."

When I was running face to face games, I'd sometimes put one of those spindown - or in this case spin up - life counters from Magic on the table. Whenever my players prevaricated, overthought, faffed about or otherwise didn't make the most of our time together, the die would spin up a little.

I think something like that could adapt to Masquerade cockups very nicely. People love a meter.

I find the Response Algorithm and Institutional Conflict systems in the Anarch and Camarilla books are a bit of a headache, but they're there if you need them. Of course, Second Inquisition also has a chapter explicitly for doing this, for running your SI presence as an active and hostile force with its own goals - almost a solo side game for the ST.

This isn't something I've used - yet - as Wild Roses was very much me finding the transitions I needed to make out of Revised era thinking, and one of those was vampire-focus, less interest in what mortals want and are doing. The SI there was a cool threat that warmed up in the third story when I wanted to raise the stakes and do a cool bank heist opening session, and again when a returning player gave me the opportunity to tell a story about collaborators and how they should die in shame. I had ideas for how they served the vampire story and they were only developed in so far as they did that.

I'm not actually very happy with how I characterised and played my SI characters, and I'd like to do them justice with another outing. One where they actually have a project. It'll be more work for me, but if I'm going to do this Spy vs. Spy chronicle concept justice, I'm going to have to do that work, aren't I?

[wanderlust-psifang]

What a vampire is not:

A sociopath, although we may be indifferent on certain issues or have a morally grey perspective. This is a serious mental health condition and not a buzzword that should be thrown around to define something you fear or dislike. Same with narcicism (below).

A narcisist, although we value and love ourselves. In folklore vampires can't see themselves in the mirror so they had to develop self love in other ways.

A murderer, don't let true crime and Satanic Panic miasma poison the well. Yes, in folklore they were murderous stinky, disease ridden blood drinking monsters, but we've evolved. Don't let our past kick us in the ass (yes, a Blink 182 reference!).

A sexual predator, no means no, maybe means no, only an obvious and excited yes means yes. Consent is key from feeding to sexual intimacy. In folklore, vampires had to be invited in, remember?

An immortal, only if science gives us the tools to extend life, we die like everyone else. Spiritual immortality is an uncertainty and is largely based on ones spiritual beliefs.

A cult member, although we may be part of communities of like minded individuals, we worship no human nor god. I have been involved in a very real cult and am still healing from the trauma of it all.

A roleplayer, yes, they exist and they are part of the community. Being that the original public Vampire Community was based on Vampire the Masquerade, and other fictions, it only makes sense it would attract roleplayers, but not all of us are.

A Satanist, although I am a practicing Satanist, that is my personal choice. Vampires have a variety of religious and spiritual beliefs, some going as far as using the concept of vampirism itself as a spiritual practice.

What a vampire is:

A condition, where we need human lifeforce to sustain us. This need can stem from a variety of issues from medical, psychological, or spiritual.

A magical practice, where lifeforce is not a need but a way a witch may utilize human energy as a catalyst for their ritual. Some may use it as an offering in place of blood.

A philosophy, where life is meant to be lived to its fullest pleasure and potential. This philosophy can stem from a magical perspective or a mundane, LARP perspective.

Conclusion and note on Otherkin and Alterhumanity

Vampires are still humans, we just have a set of needs and desires that make us different. Some may consider vampirism as a kin type, the vampirekin, but I personally do not.

I am not, nor ever have seriously been involved, with otherkin nor alterhuman specific communities. I am in shared spaces with otherkin and alterhumans and have no issues, but I do not consider vampirism and otherkin or alterhumanity mutually inclusive.

Picture sources: Krysten Ritter from the movie Vamps

[notquitedeadpod]

Don't know if it's been asked yet, but do you have any thoughts on vampires being a queer thing that you would like to share? I mean you've got everything from the inspiration and themes in Bram Stoker's Dracula, to Vampire: The Masquerade being the most explicitly queer ttrpg that i've ever seen, and your lovely podcast of course! What do you think makes us queer folk go feral for vampires?

so at some point i will be making a bonus episode type thing which will go into more detail and I'll be talking about queerness and monstrousness there, it's in draft for but this is something i think about a LOT and I have a lot of thoughts about it. here i'm going to talk about it in a specific kind of way. and i will speak here to a kind of nebulous 'us', but i'm speaking about myself, my own thoughts, and an imagined community, and i don't mean to include people in that 'us' who don't feel this resonates with them. this is a deeply subjective thing, and there are SO MANY reasons that vampires can be important to queer people, and everyone will have their own nuanced answer, I am sure. but this is mine:

vampires live on the fringes of society. the vampires i write (though not all vampires) could look, most of the time, like any other person. they blend right in. you'll only know what they are if they tell you. they are ASSUMED to be human. even the ones that don't actively pass for human, the people interacting with them are more likely to come away with an unsettling sense of difference they cannot fully articulate than a clear, definitive sense of 'they are a vampire'.

to be able to 'clock' a vampire, one needs to have some knowledge of vampireness. people will have this knowledge of vampires for one of a few reasons; they are also vampires; they have people in their life who are vampires who they love; they are fearful of vampires. if it's the third thing? to be recognised is to put yourself at risk of violence.

vampires have a vested interest, then, in being hidden. to be clear, they do not all play this game. some choose to create their own communities, entirely removed from non-vampires. others have communities which run adjacent to mainstream human society, overlapping of humans, not unwelcoming, but not directly inviting them into their spaces, either. some vampires live in plain sight, hiding what they are from everyone but a chosen few.

most importantly of all, though, vampires are thinking, feeling beings, who have personhood and identity that is the same as a human's personhood and identity, despite having a radically different experience of living, despite their experiences of the world being wholly divergent, they are still A Person in the exact way that a human is A Person, with a self, and a self-image, and a concience, and so on and so forth.

where queerness and vampireness diverge is important. vampires need to feed on the blood of others to live. they really CAN be a danger in all of the ways that those who are fearful of them believe. queer people are not dangerous just by virtue of being who we are except in that we challenge the status quo. we're dangerous only to people who think that basic human rights are something to be hoarded jealously, who think that because THEY are comfortable exploiting others, if they were to allow others to have rights and power will mean that they in turn will be exploited.

but EVEN THOUGH it's not true that queer people are inherently dangerous, i think many of us grow up believing people when they tell us we are. even before we know how to describe ourselves, or even begin to recognise sameness in places where most people only seem to see otherness, the seed of that fear is buried deep in our psyches. the fear we are frightening. we are monstrous. we are monsters.

and to me, it's about exploring that feeling, that fear of one's own monstrousness which is SO TIED to something as fundamental and gentle as who we are attracted to, or how we percieve our genders, or whether or not we feel certain kind of attraction at all. society says to queer people that the most INTIMATE parts of who they are make them frightening! and that's one of many reasons why i think vampires can hold such appeal as an analogue for queerness, and it's why they mean so much to me.

--- Eira xxx

[fckingsofthips]

Feedist Kinktober Day 2 - Masquerade Ball

This is about 1.7k words - I got a little carried away with this one. And of course a masquerade ball just had to turn into a vampire story for me.

Content: vampire, threat (kinda)

Marian and Juliet huddled together next to a display case of fine dinnerware, apparently imported from China, as Juliet told her a little dispassionately. It was Juliet's family's home, and she had insisted on this spot. They were taking a breath, skipping the present dance, and taking the opportunity to gossip. The display case was more than what it showed behind the glass - it also reflected enough for the ladies to see a good part of the ballroom, so they could discuss the goings on without staring.

"Which one do you think is Anson," Juliet murmured quietly to Marian, with a sly grin.

Young George Anson, a second son with no claim to his family's fortune. Handsome as anything and due to become an Officer of the army in two months. He'd been paying close attention to Marian lately, and Juliet was obsessed with the idea of her close friend becoming an Officer's wife. Travel, parties, and a husband who would always be fit and brave - what more could a lady want? As it stood, Marian wasn't expecting any better offers.

Marian hummed in response to Juliet's question, and studied the masked dancers. At a distance, and through a reflection, it was difficult to gather any distinctive features.

"Maybe he's the one in the red mask," she responded, "in anticipation of his red coat."

The ladies giggled, and then composed themselves as a gentleman walked not far behind them. He was closer to them than the dancers, and as such they could note the jiggle of his gut and the gaping of his waistcoat fabric between the shiny buttons. Marian's eyes lingered on the strained garment. They kept quiet, until Juliet had decided he was far enough away that he wouldn't hear her whisper under the music.

"I don't think we need to guess who's wearing the black and gold mask..." Juliet made a face.

"Count Ivelich..."

"He manages to show up fatter every year, I wouldn't envy his wife."

"I can't see that he has any interest in marrying, he only attends one social event a year and that's this one. I wonder what he does all day."

"Probably just sits around and eats like a pig all day judging by the fit of his waistcoat," Juliet sneered, and Marian flushed at how impolite her friend's words were. "And he's so sickly pale, he mustn't even get out to walk or hunt to keep fit. Not at all like your Anson, who's out riding every day! Oh, I just shudder to think what Count Ivelich does all day."

"Don't call him my Anson, that is incredibly presumptuous," Marian snapped, suddenly fired up. "And Count Ivelich is probably only attending the masquerade once a year to be polite - I imagine he must travel home rather a lot, to the company of countesses and princesses! Besides, I don't believe he doesn't hunt at all, when his grounds are so vast." And there was... something, about him. Marian felt instinctively that he was, indeed, a hunter of some kind.

They were both still whispering, but Marian took a discreet glance around the room to see if anyone was close enough to hear them. The closest to them was Count Ivelich himself, talking with some older men, but he would have to have supernatural hearing to have any idea they were speaking of him.

"Well, he can keep his countesses and princesses. You have a lot to look forward to - near nightly balls with all the handsome young men of the army." She sighed, wistfully. "Oh how I wish an officer could take a liking to me, too."

Marian felt her stomach twist. Placed next to the fantasy (far out of her own reach) of dancing alongside royalty, and the seemingly endless riches of a Count, the idea of suffering the company of rowdy and gambling soldiers every night seemed so very much less appealing.

A few moments later through the reflection of the cabinet, Marian and Juliet watched as the Count approached them again. Marian's breath caught as he stopped directly behind her. His reflection surrounded hers - inches of waist extending either side of her. Both ladies turned to greet him.

Count Ivelich stood before Marian, crowding into her space. Her eyes were on his lips as he spoke, her ears enchanted by the way her name sounded in his accent. Her whole body felt tense, as if threatened, but excited, too. She felt herself nod, and then watched as he walked away again. What had she just agreed to?

"Marian... What will Anson think, seeing you dance with him?" Juliet hissed.

"I rather feel he has no position to think anything at all about it," Marian responded haltingly. "As I have said, he is not mine, and I am not his. If a gentleman of Count Ivelich's status and connections wishes to dance with me, I have no reason to refuse."

"Well. Hopefully it will make Anson jealous enough to finally make a more certain move," Juliet only murmured.

The present dance finished, and there was a shuffle across the room as partners changed. Count Ivelich came to collect Marian, and in the meantime, Juliet had been offered a dance by a perfectly eligible bachelor.

The dance was slow, and Marian knew it well, but she was grateful for the confident and smooth lead that the Count gave her. The sparkling feeling of danger was running through her again, and her eyes kept drifting to the Count's lips, which he kept very tight at all times, barely opening them to speak. She needed to focus on anything else. She slid her eyes downward, to the crease where Ivelich's chin met his neck, stubble hiding it except in very close regard. She found her mouth watering as she imagined pressing her lips against it. Fighting that thought, she shoved her attention elsewhere again. This time, to the feeling of his warm, soft belly brushing and pressing against her body as the dance brought them closer together. With a start, Marian realised that she found him more attractive than any man she had ever danced with. Her hands, gripping Count Ivelich's arms as they danced, began to tremble. Feeling her every quiver, the Count held Marian a little firmer, keeping her up and guiding her through the dance. He began to make conversation with her, asking how she had spent her summer, sympathising with her complaints that the sun was up too long, sharing a fondness of wooded land as opposed to open fields for strolling in.

By the time the dance had ended, Marian felt light headed. Count Ivelich led her to a chair along the wall of the ballroom, helped her sit, and summoned a drink for her.

The Count attended her for a short while, until Anson found her and asked the matter. From then, the Count left rather promptly, leaving her in the care of Anson. He kept her glass full, and filled her head with enough dreary chatter, that eventually, Marian began to feel herself again.

"Where is Juliet?" she asked, beginning to search the room. Surely Juliet would not leave her to her faint headedness, unless she was still dancing?

"I cannot see her," Anson responded. "Perhaps she has gone for some air."

"Perhaps... Well, perhaps some air would do me some good also."

Marian stood, and Anson looked wary, as if he thought she might fall.

"Would you like me to accompany you?" He asked, anxiously.

"Thank you, but no. I shall appreciate a moment of quiet if I cannot find Juliet."

And so out of the doors she went, the ballroom leading into a grand garden, with statues, trees and hedges. In the dark, Marian could not see Juliet, but that did not mean she was not outdoors. Her favourite bench was behind the first row of hedges. As she made her way towards that spot, she thought she heard some shuffling. So Juliet must have stepped out. Marian picked up pace, rounded the corner, and-

Juliet was there. As was The Count. His belly was pressing Juliet into the stone bench, his head at her neck. Marian could not stop the gasp that left her mouth. After all that Juliet had said about him, she would-!

But at her gasp, Count Ivelich tore away from her friend, and in the dim moonlight, she saw something darken his lips, and a dark spot on Juliet's neck. Juliet, who wasn't moving. Marian felt herself tremble, worse than before, her fingers beginning to go numb. Terror coarsed through her.

"She's alive!" The Count exclaimed.

His mask was discarded, revealing wild, bright eyes. He quickly strode towards her, and though she took a step back, he continued and caught her by the hands, belly bumping into her, feeling hotter and firmer than before. At this distance, she could just about register the darkness around his lips as blood.

"She's alive, I swear. I didn't take enough blood to kill her. I... I was intending to resist, I fed before I left for the ball, I thought I would be satiated, but she was outside and alone, and I was just so hungry... You, made me hungry, with your beauty, and the rush of your blood in your attraction to me."

As he spoke, something glinted in the Count's mouth. Something sharp, something dangerous. And as he professed his hunger, his gut let out an agonising gurgle, but it didn't sound like hunger at all. His firm belly pressed harder into her, and the Count, who she had thought so regal, let out a sickly, overfed belch into her face. Marian tasted copper, and a shiver went through her, gathering heat between her legs.

"She will wake up, safe, with no memory of this. I have done her no harm. Please believe me, my sweet lady. Please do not run from me. I had wanted... After dancing with you, I thought to... But you were so faint, and I did not want to scare you. Though I see I only delayed your fear-"

"Feed from me," Marian choked out.

The Count's belly gurgled again as if in response. He looked confused.

"You said you were so hungry," she murmured, knowing that he could not possibly still be hungry as he digested. "But you only took a little from Juliet, to keep her alive. Feed yourself from me, until you are satisfied."

The Count belched again, and he moved his hands from clasping hers, up to cradle Marian's face.

"I had wanted to ask, after we danced. I have never met someone so drawn to me. And indeed, I have never met someone I was so drawn to. I will feed from you as often as you wish it, my dear, sweet, lady... Will you be my bride?"

"Yes," Marian breathed out, pleasure and relief filling her body.

She relaxed, as Count Ivelich embraced her, and she let her eyes close as his fangs sunk into her neck.

[their-pebble-bear]

Hi there! So, I had the idea: What if it's a KiriBaku x Fem!Reader, Kinda, "My Babysitter's A Vampire" Idea, where Reader is Human, and KiriBaku are recently turned Vamps (or the other way around if you prefer) and Reader is attacked by another Vamp, and the boys have a moment where they have to decide to either save the reader or let them be turned, but dooming them to a life as Vamps (again, can be the other way around.) And you can decide how it ends, cause I'd love to see your take on it. I hope your Day/Night is good, and that you're well. 😊

Kindreds (Vampires!KiriBaku X Reader)

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Note: Hey extra. Fucking had to write this cause the others were missing and left me to run the account.

Okay and we're back. Hi darling, of course I can indulge you. Get ready for an angsty fic because this goes real sad. If you wanted something different, feel free to request again ;)

I have never seen My Babysitter Is A Vampire so this will be inspired by the Vampire The Masquerade campaign I am in. (DND sort of roleplay) I rolled a d20 to get the outcome of this story.

Hope I managed to fulfil your desires.

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Masterlist - Requests: OPEN

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Summary: Newly turned vampires Kirishima and Bakugou struggle to hide their identities from their girlfriend. What happens when their secret has to be revealed too soon?

Warnings: Angst, blood, vampires, death, kidnapping, blackmail? Kind of? (I get lazy with warnings just normal vamp shit) No beta we die like men.

SPOILER ALERT TO RECENT MHA CHAPTERS

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The rush they felt after feeding was incredible, the bloodlust that made their eyes pulse, their fangs come out from their gums as their body trembled with adrenaline. Their unbeating heart had never felt more alive, pumping their body to move faster. They woke up the next morning tired, laid in a forest they don't remember stepping foot into. Their sire was interesting to say the least, a vampire who taught them to always respect the essence they received, to hide their tracks and respect the domain. They had met him a few times, Todoroki Shouto. He seemed the same age as them, but he reassured them he had been a vamp for far longer than he appeared.

They remembered their doting girlfriend at home, the one who always made sure they were safe and the first thing they checked was their phones. 10 missed calls each, 20 messages each and a few voicemails with a worried voice. They looked at eachother and panicked, Kirishima instantly calling their girlfriend as they started walking towards their shared apartment. She picked up on the first ring, "Where the fuck where you?! Do you know how worried I still am? Couldn't you have at least sent a text message?" She sounded so tired and her voice was slightly hoarse.

"We know baby. We're so sorry we just got caught up with Sero and Denki. You know how drunk they get haha." Kirishima laughed it off, hoping she'd let it go. Bakugou scoffed and called the two, vamps like them, hoping they'd get the message and go along if ever asked. They hated this, hated lying to their partner. She was their sunshine, their lifeline. They felt like they were cheating on her, like she was on the side as they lived their lives. They had managed to satiate their hunger for only three days before they had to leave. They were still fledglings after all. They needed more blood than the rest of the older kindred.

They got to their apartment, not seeing the gaze of a vampire behind them, as they closed the door behind them. Their girlfriend wasn't at home, probably at work. They threw themselves onto the couch and held eachother. "We have to tell her. We can't keep her in the dark. It feels so wrong. I can't do this anymore." Kirishima said as he was being pet by Bakugou. "I know shitty hair, but we can't risk her coming into this life either. You know her. She couldn't handle near killing someone just to satiate her own needs. She cries at the little ads to adopt a kitten or wild animal I have never heard of, none the less an actual human." He said, near grumbling as he used his free hand to angrily wipe his face.

A few hours passed by and they got a call. Bakugou instantly picked up seeing the calling ID being their grilfriend, expecting to hear their girlfriend's voice but instead hearing a random's voice. "So, come to the abandoned warehouse just outside of the city. Bring your sire. We have some...unsettled business." Before Bakugou could even get a word in the call cut. Kirishima was already calling Todoroki, getting their apartment keys and waiting for Bakugou to get up. They looked at eachother and started running, their speed making it much more efficient than a car. When they arrived Todoroki was already there without backing up and holding what seemed to be a wooden spike. A stake.

"Why the fuck are you being asked here? Why the hell were we not informed you had fucking enemies?!" Bakugou growled grabbing Todoroki by the collar and slamming him against the ground. "Of course I have enemies. Even brutes like you have a braincell or two to comprehend that such a long running Vampire clan has enemies." Todoroki said nonchalanty as he pushed Bakugou off him. "And the love of our life is there, with god knows who, because you fucking refused to tell us to keep her fucking safe." Todoroki stared deadpan at Bakugou and sighed. "And yet, I am here to fix my mistake, yes? So I suggest we stop blabbering and get to killing." He handed each of the boys a stake that they didn't see behind him and explained how they were going to go. They'd sneak in and find her. Only kill if necessary.

They split up and each found an entrance for themselves. Kiri took the back, Bakugou took the middle and Todoroki the front. There didn't seem to be any vampires, none they could hear or smell, but they knew better than to let their guard down. Suddenly Bakugou's eyes laid in the middle of the warehouse where the lights suddenly turned on and their she was, in the hands of a vampire he had never seen before. Their eyes shone blue, something he had never seen in a vampire before, except for Todoroki who had one blue eye. "Brother. Why must you be so brash?" Todoroki said as he jumped from the railing and landed in front of Touya. "Do not call me that Shouto. You are not my brother." Dabi growled as he kept his fangs just above her shaking body. Her hands were bound and she had a rag tied around her mouth to keep her from screaming. Her eyes looked puffy and red, her cheeks stained with tears that refused to stop. She looked tired, exhausted.

"Let her fucking go." Bakugou said, jumping down beside Dabi while Kirishima did the same on his opposite side. "Wow. Has that ever worked?" Dabi smirked, licking the side of her neck. "Don't you fucking DARE." Kirishima growled his fangs sharpening and growing bigger. Their eyes shone brighter, turning into slits as they felt their anger pump adrenaline into their veins. "Oh? She must mean a lot. Tell me, fledglings, do you know what would happen if, I don't know, an emperial vampire turns a human? Or did the golden child forget that information?" Dabi turned to Shouto as he sighed and stared at his brother. "An emperial vampire turning someone would forever bind them to him, just like you are me. The only way of escape is to kill him but many cases have been that they would go crazy without their sire and start rampaging." Shouto explained his tone stern and his glare burning into Dabi. "That's right. And she smells so delectable. Like a vanilla ice cream in the Summer." Dabi licked her neck again, holding her tightly to his body.

Bakugou refused to control his rage and Shouto yelled at him to stop but his body moved before he could comprehend it. Kirishima moved with him but Dabi smirked and bit into her, quickly letting her go and disappearing as if he never existed. "Where the fuck did he go?!" Bakugou yelled as Kirishima grabbed her and laid her across his lap. "He's highly skilled." Shouto said as he examined her new bite. It would definitely take, and a vampire without a sire or a sire like Dabi would cause nothing but disaster to themselves and others. "I will allow you a moment. Do what is necessary." Shouto said as he stood and walked away, still in range enough to help if needed, but enough to not hear the conversation.

"No no, pebble...we're so sorry." Kirishima felt tears slide down his cheeks as he untied her, the wound was bleeding and her breathing was getting shallow. The process of dying, only to return has begun. Bakugou kneeled by them, blaming himself for not being faster, not being stronger, not saving her. They knew what to do, they just didn't know if they had the strength to do it. "Hey baby, we love you okay? My little explosion." Bakugou refused to cry, he had failed, he will save her. He grabbed the stake and held it above her heart, his grip on it shaking as he gathered all his strength to be able to push.

"I will always love you." A soft voice that sounded so broken said as he pushed it through. Kirishima's screams and Bakugou's sharp breaths as he laid on his knees looking at her body were deafining. Shouto gave them a few moments to grieve before coming back and ordering them to go home. He'll take care of the body. They stared blankly as Shouto commanded them to do so as their sire, a command they cannot go against, and waved them off. He cared of course, but he couldn't. He had a job and this was it. His hands trembled as they both gave her one last kiss and left.

The life of a vampire was not luxurious. It was not fun, it was not pleasant. Bakugou and Kirishima knew that, and that's why they had to use their so called powers and get revenge.

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Please note! This is all my original work! I do not give permission to repost, credit yourself or steal my ideas. Reblogs are appreciated! The picture is not to be saved and used! That is originally made by my fiancé!

[doshiart]

🖤fictional world tag game 🖤

hi so i just love reading about everyone’s fav movies and tv shows and fictional worlds and what not so here’s a little tag game if you’d like to participate!

thanks @creepkinginc for tagging!!!

ohh it'll be hard...

favorite fictional character from a movie? the Narrator from fight club,,, don't ask i like this selfcest movie…

favorite fictional character from tv? Marcus from 'Ginny & Georgia'

favorite fictional character of all time? I won't think too much about it, it's Mickey Milkovich.

if you could be irl friends with any three fictional characters, who? Debbie Gallagher, Marceline the Vampire Queen, Snufkin

favorite fictional couple: ian x mickey obviously

okay, you can only choose one fictional character to get stranded on an island with: Moomminmama, she has everything we need in her handbag, we will definitely survive.

one fictional world you would hate to be a part of: real life 'A Quiet Place'

one fictional world you would love to be a part of: life is strange?? idk… this one so hard.

your “HEAR ME OUT” fictional couple: not canon thing, but it's rare so,,, kaminari denki x bakugou katsuki (boku no hero academia) grabbed my heart, i love their dynamic and interactions so much

and finally, something you’re looking forward to this week? finish my masquerade art and start something new. yeah my life revolves around drawing…

tagging and to say hello 🖤 @jrooc @lingy910y @suzy-queued @blue-disco-lights @mybrainismelted @heymrspatel @deathclassic @gallapiech @sam-loves-seb @energievie @stocious @darlingian @vintagelacerosette @grumble-fish @ms-moonlight-inn @sgtmickeyslaughter  @mickeym4ndy @transsexual-dandelions @michellemisfit @crossmydna @too-schoolforcool @mmmichyyy @swiftfootedachilles @krysmiss @sleepyheadgallavich @astaraels only if you want to play ✨

[maspers]

Okay so I have an idea for a Halloween movie

Not a horror movie. A Halloween movie. Spooky tropes up the wazoo. Action-packed comedy, with a taste of camp. Banger soundtrack. I don't have all the details down, but the basic gist is a pair of monster hunters ala Supernatural engage in shenanigans. Other deets include:

-The Monster Hunters duo is a blonde woman named Jack and a guy of ambiguous race (Asian-Hispanic mix?) named Cygnus, both in their mid to late twenties. They speak with British accents, but are repeatedly identified as Americans. They take turns wearing the same pair of glasses. If the audience looks closely in a couple shots they will realize Jack and Cygnus are wearing matching wedding rings, but this is the only indication whatsoever that they are married, and the fact that both of them rampantly flirt with everyone else doesn't clarify anything. 

-Jack's name is not a nickname, and is established as being her actual name. Cygnus's name is actually short for something, but we never find out what. 

-Jack speaks directly to the fourth wall often, Ferris Bueller style. Often to supply witty commentary and exposition. Nobody else does this. Cygnus is the only other character to acknowledge the fourth wall's existence, but he never addresses it directly. Once or twice when Jack is explaining things Cygnus will say something like "don't forget to tell them X" or "you forgot x" implying addressing the fourth wall is exclusively Jack's thing. 

-Enough lampshading to make CinemaSins swoon. 

-The film starts with a very stereotypical castle owned by a (male) mad scientist. Cygnus is being held captive. He jokingly flirts with the scientist. But also very quickly mentions Jack, thus ensuring that the movie fails to pass the Reverse Bechdel Test. 

-Jack, meanwhile, is providing exposition to the audience and skillfully breaking into the place, beating up bad guys and loading an Igor ripoff into a catapult. "Skullcrusher Mountain" by Jonathan Coulton plays as the opening credits appear while Jack sneaks further into the building. 

-After Cygnus is rescued, both our heroes escape in a convertible. The castle is on fire. Jack assures the audience not to worry, as no American castles are real castles anyway. 

-The Villain is a very impressive politician, ideally played by Blake Lively. Her goal is to convince the monster populace to support her and help her win the upcoming election, supposedly so that she can make things easier for monsterkind. In reality she plans to tear apart the masquerade and expose monsters and trick the regular humans into destroying them. Rude. Jack and Cygnus aren't really aware of this plan at first but they do know someone is planning something with the less reputable parts of the supernatural world and so they want to put a stop to it. 

-Jack and Cygnus need to infiltrate a fancy party. The goal is to seduce a vampire hostess and steal something she is carrying on her person. Cygnus volunteers but Jack shuts him down because the last time he tried to seduce something (a succubus) he panicked and stabbed himself with a fork (flashback scene included, apparently happened in Topeka). So Jack goes to the party instead. 

-Band at party is playing an epic waltz version of the Monster Mash. Cue highly attractive dance between Jack and the Sexy Vampire Hostess. 

-Meanwhile Cygnus goes disguised as a member of the kitchen staff. Unfortunately all the Kitchen staff are secretly robots. They attack. Cue epic fight scene with comedic/awesome usage of kitchenware. "Coconut Mall" from Mario Kart is playing. 

-Cut back to Jack. She and the Sexy Vampire Hostess have moved to a side room. 

*Jack and vamp kiss*

"Oh my… Garlic-dusted lip gloss? Spicy. I like it."

"Oh, if you like that, then I have something even spicier."

"Do tell" 

*Jack stakes Vampire through heart*"SIKE" 

-Jack escapes down fire escape. Opens window to kitchen. Last lap version of Coconut Mall can be heard as Cygnus jumps out, his hair covered in Cheese. 

-I'm still shaky on the plot but they decide to go to Denny's to unwind and figure out where to go next. The postmodern jukebox version of Stacy's Mom plays as they pull up. 

-Meanwhile the villainess is scheming and is like "frick the monster hunters killed my vampire I need to bring in the big guns" 

-Also there's a police officer played by either Levar Burton or Samuel L. Jackson, who shows up right after Jack and Cygnus leave a place. Smooth jazz plays, and the lighting darkens. He seems to be familiar with our heroes, but whether he wants to help them or arrest them is unclear. Other cops are present, but are CGId to look like identical clones of ambiguous race and gender. The detective never talks to them directly, because that would require giving them personalities and we've got too many characters already. 

-So Jack and Cygnus arrive at Denny's, get in a brief debate about drinks (they order a lot of different kinds) when a motorcyclist dude shows up. Motorcyclist dude is a werewolf in the villainess's employ. He warns them to either stop hunting their lead or die. Jack and Cygnus are very sad about this, because the werewolf is not wearing a shirt under his jacket and has very attractive abs that they do not want to kill. They decide to fight anyway. Immediately everyone else in the Denny's turns around to reveal they are actually rodeo clowns. Classic wild west shootout ensues. Jukebox in the corner goes off and plays "Saturday Night". 

-Our heroes successfully take down most of the rodeo clowns but then the werewolf proceeds to wolf out (much to the joy of our heroes, as he reveals more muscles. Jack is visibly shown getting a nosebleed, and Cygnus swoons) and chase them out of the Denny's. Inexplicably, the Denny's looks different than it did when they first drove up. This is never commented on. 

-Car chase starring Cygnus and Jack in their convertible and werewolf on Motorcycle Ensues. They are forced to trick him into swerving off a cliff. Danny Boy plays dramatically as he falls. Our heroes Mourn the death of the abs. 

-Villainess has either a kindly father who looks like a college professor or an innocent husband who dresses like Makoto Naegi (if the latter, is played by Ryan Reynolds of course). They ask if villainess is going too far. Villainess responds by singing "Girls just want to have lunch" and ominously approaching father/husband. Screen blacks out before sounds of eating are heard. They are later seen with a large head bandage and muttering the chorus to the aforementioned song. 

-Detective enters and investigates the Denny's (which again looks different) and dispatches the remaining rodeo clown with a taser. 

-Heroes pull up to Villainess's fancy mansion. Various attempts at entering are foiled. Jack points out they need to enter in order to progress the plot, so they take the car and crash it directly into the front door. They then make their way through the rooms, casually dealing with a variety of supernatural threats. Reptiles and Samurai by oingo boingo plays. 

-Villainess is getting really mad that she hasn't even really been able to enact her plan yet at ALL (elections are still like a month away) and she wants the heroes gone. None of her traps have worked (even the pit trap, which Jack and Cygnus swung over Indiana Jones style, complete with the iconic music) so she goes to meet them herself in the main hall. 

-Jack and Cygnus enter main hall, with Jack playing Yankee Doodle on a piccolo and Cygnus accompanying on the drum. Villainess rebukes them for not taking her seriously. Jack tells her to put her money where her mouth is and challenges Villainess to a sword Duel. They proceed to have an epic, fully choreographed Princess-Bride-level swordfight (which just as much homoerotic tension) while an original Halloween song plays. The song heavily features an organ and electric guitar, which are being played in universe by the Villainess's father/husband and Cygnus respectively. 

- "Are neither of you going to take this seriously?"

"Of course not, have you even been paying attention to the film? This ain't Supernatural."

"Though to be fair, people like Supernatural." 

-Abruptly Villainess (just as she's disarmed) is like "enough I can't take it anymore" pulls out a gun and shoots at Cygnus, grazing him in the arm. Record scratch. Dead silence. Villainess rants about how Jack and Cygnus are being completely nonsensical and complains about a whole bunch of other inconsistencies in the story. Jack and Cygnus respond by poking holes in her own apparent evil scheme, Villainess loudly proclaims it would have actually worked. Jack and Cygnus open doors to reveal the Detective, who strides in to arrest Villainess. 

-Detective does have a legitimate warrant and I want there to be some kind of joke that it was easy for him to get one because of some other crazy sus things the Villainess was doing but I need to do more research on how Warrants work. He asks if our heroes would like to provide any commentary, but they both shout "we plead the fifth" and jump out a window. Detective chuckles and comments "Just like in Topeka".

-Jack and Cygnus ride a zip line down a hill to a nearby graveyard. They sit on a fence together, make a couple of bad puns, and Cygnus tries to soliloquize about the apparent lack of Skeletons in the entire film but is quickly cut off by Jack thanking the audience for watching. Credits roll as "Bittersweet" by Panic! At the Disco plays. 

Think it would be called "Pumpernickel" 

[moramaisis]

Pairing: Ascended Astarion x Arsenia (tav) M/F Status: Villain couple, vampire bride tav. Both are happy together and go on slaughter date nights. Bi chaos. Summary: Arsenia talks about her traumatic past, commits murder (that doubles as a heroic act) and fantasizes about evil things. The midnight ball proves to be eventful and the couple starts sowing the seeds of future doom. Also, furniture shopping :) If you know, you know! Warnings and tags: Usual warnings: evil vampire couple, dark humor, dirty humor, murder, gore, unhinged horniness, brief romantic cannibalism. To those who appreciate dark, lustful vampires and fleshy romance. Fun, dark, campy horror.

Fun fact: Aram Khachaturian - Masquerade Suite was playing on repeat during the dance scene.

Chapter 5 of this story. It's a part of a series. Title: Midnight ball

We returned to Oneressa's manor with our loot, changing back in the living-room. The dogs behaved remarkably well during our flight, they started sniffing around once securely on solid ground. Obreon placed the loot bag on the floor in our bedroom, he was as thoughtful as always. I offered to remove the arrow in Astarion's stomach and he agreed. I pulled it out and then removed the one that was in my hip. I snapped the arrows in half, tossing them into the fireplace. Blood was running down my leg and forming a puddle under my foot.

Merchant's dog wandered over to lick it but i stopped her with a loud command. She stared at me with sad wet eyes and i crouched down to rub her head.

The two-headed dogs ran around the room excitedly, then lay down near the fireplace.

„Are you sure this is safe?“ Obreon asked. „They are trained to kill.“

„It is. They're under my control.“ I replied scratching the dog. „Does anyone remember the spell that lets you speak with animals?“

„I do, what are you thinking?“ Obreon sat on the settee, watching us curiously and pouring himself a glass of wine.

„Lets ask the dog's name. We have to call it something.“

Obreon cast his spell on me and i spoke to the dog.

„What's your name?“

The dog wagged its tail.

„Ruby. Master called me Ruby.“

„Your master is dead so i want you to stay here with us.“

„Ruby likes you, friend. Ruby likes your smell.“

„Did your master treat you well?“

„Master fed Ruby. Ruby slept in his bed. Ruby was alone a lot.“

„We will feed you very well and you can sleep in our bed.“

Ruby's tail was brushing the floor excitedly and she lunged forward to lick my face. I stood up, walked to the table and picked up a plate with the remnants of our breakfast. These were all sweets and certainly not proper dog food, but they were good enough for today. I placed them on the floor and Ruby lunged at them eagerly. They were gone in a second and she licked the plate clean.

I glanced at Astarion almost hoping he'd display signs of annoyance towards Ruby, since i allowed her to sleep with us, but he was occupied with other matters. He had pulled off his shirt, bundled it up and was pressing it against his wound.

„Do you need help, dove?“ I asked.

„No, thank you, i'm just trying not to dribble my blood everywhere.“ He rolled his eyes. „It's starting to feel like the good old days. Throbbing wounds, parasites, apocalypse – ah, the nostalgia. We haven't been this occupied in a long time, have we, dear?“

I strolled over and placed my hand on his blood-soaked shirt, pulling it down to look at the wound.

„It does have a sense of familiar excitement, but the only one whose world shall end will be Cornelis.“

His wound was fresh, already displaying signs of healing, but still a bloody hole in his perfect flesh. A sting of bitterness washed over me, then a sudden wave of arousal – he was hurt by some lowlife whom i loathed, hurt yet still so beautiful. I could never get enough of him. I traced the outline of his wound with my finger.

„Next time hide behind me. I don't want you to get hurt.“ I spoke, unable to remove my eyes from that wound. „We have to coordinate our attacks. One shields, the other assaults.“

Astarion glanced up at me.

„I'm not going to use my consort as a shield.“ He stated calmly.

„I want you to. Use the momentum to slaughter. Make me proud.“ I looked at him with a seductive smile. My finger danced around his wound and pushed inside. It was a completely impulsive response. Something foul and indecent. My finger slid deep into the rawness of his flesh, his muscle felt soft and tender against my skin. I pulled my finger out and brough it to my mouth, sucking it eagerly, tasting his blood.

„I want you to avenge my pain. I want you to kill for me.“ I said passionately.

Astarion was staring at me in silence, the look in his eyes was captivating.

„I will avenge you in tenfold. All you have to do is ask.“ He uttered sensually.

He stuck his finger into his wound and reached out to my lips, enticing me with his blood. I bit his finger, then sucked it clean. Violence made me even more aroused than i already was. The taste and smell of blood awakened a feverish desire in me, both an unyielding hunger and lust. Astarion observed me with a gaze clouded by desire. Becoming a vampire had intensified all my vices and he adored that part of me. At times i behaved like a wild animal.

I got down on my knees and caressed Astarion's hips. His lips parted in anticipation. I pressed my mouth against his wound and pushed my tongue inside his flesh. The rich flavor of his blood made me salivate. I licked and slurped the fleshy orifice without holding back. Astarion shut his eyes and moved his hand to the back of my head. The sound that he made was something between a groan of pain and pleasure.

I tastes his blood like it was our first time, my tongue raking against his exposed flesh. All the lust and violence mixed inside my head, corrupted and unholy. Driven by a sudden impulse i bared my fangs and bit into his wound. Astarion gasped in sweet agony, succumbing to the pain and allowing me to ravage him. When he had enough he pushed my head away with force. I stared at the rough bite marks around his wound and licked my lips sweetened by his blood. My actions reached my brain and i stood up quickly, grabbing his face and coating it with kisses.

„I'm sorry, my love. Look what i did to your beautiful skin.“ I cooed as i was kissing his cheek.

Astarion let me apologize, staring at my bloody mouth.

„Don't worry, darling, i know you got very worked up today.“ He moved up to me and licked the blood that surrounded my lips. His tongue brushed my skin with self-indulgence, then his lips followed and he kissed me. Our kiss was needy and unrestrained. When it ended i glanced over at Obreon and found that he was observing us from the settee. He smiled to me as he raised his glass.

„Your flesh tastes so comforting to me. Your blood tastes like home,“ i mumbled lovingly as my hand brushed through Astarion's curls. „You're my savior, beloved. I might have become a little frozen back there.“

„I wasn't going to watch that beast rip your face off, flame.“ Astarion said. „You are my treasure, after all.“

„Mmm,“ i hummed kissing his forehead. „I know that.“

„Frozen in combat? That's so unlike you, my sweet.“ He cooed as my hands were relishing the softness of his hair.

„I have to agree.“ I said nuzzling his face gently.

Astarion was enjoying my touch, yet he pulled me away to look at me.

„Is everything alright, Arsenia? It's unusual for you to get stiff in battle.“

I was trying to cast that part aside and forget it, but Astarion made me remember. Images flashed behind my eyes and i blinked to get rid of them. „It reminded me of something. Something from the past. It's very old and not worth the time.“

Astarion frowned as he stared at me.

„Tell me. You can tell me anything and i will listen. I can't promise you any earth-shattering words of advice, but i will always listen.“ He spoke and i tried to fight the wave of memories that built up in my brain. The events of something that had happened so long ago were pushing against me, trying to be known. Haunting me. Was i ready to spill my most traumatic event?

I sighed and pushed my face against Astarion's shoulder, looking for comfort. His arms embraced me tenderly.

„You can tell me anything, my sweetest desire. I will not cast judgment.“ He added.

The pictures were lining up behind my eyes, ready to unwind and i was finally ready to let me roll.

„It's going to be a long story,“ i said.

„We have all the time in the world,“ Astarion replied.

I pushed my cheek tighter against his skin. I felt so small, so frail.

„It happened when i was twenty-one. We lived in the forest, in a wooden cabin my parents had built. It was small but they made an attic just for me. I had my own room and it felt like luxury. My father was working on another recipe. He wanted a sample of a manticore's venom. He knew it had paralytic properties and that it could be a valuable ingredient in potion making for healing purposes – for surgery, he said. He wanted to go after the beast but my mother wouldn't let him out alone. I wanted to join and so we left together.“

The events of that day returned to me, while simultaneously feeling fuzzy as if i was watching them through a warped lens. Reliving it felt hurtful, yet i was unable to cry. Time had dulled my memories, yet it was incapable of healing me.

„The journey was long, we traveled for days. Father questioned every farmer he met. My mother was really good at tracking and she led us to the creature. Locals had seen the beast, it had taken a few of their farm animals. My parents decided to set a trap. My father was against killing the beast. He wanted to sample its venom and set it free. Mother hunted some meat for the bait and set up the trap. We hung a net above the meat, it was going to trigger once the creature pulled the bait.

Father gave me a set of darts that were filled with a sedative and wanted me to launch them trough a blowgun. I was supposed to put the creature asleep once it was inside the net.

Mother tracked the beast for days, she sprinkled blood around the forest to lure it to the bait. The days were long and full of waiting. The time spent waiting for the manticore was honestly amazing, we sat by the fire, talked, father played the flute. One evening the creature approached and mother demanded we get in position. My parents hid behind a large boulder, while i was sitting behind an old tree.

The manticore walked carefully, sniffing the meat on the ground. The beast picked it up and tried to carry it away. The net fell down, covering the creature. It started rolling on the ground, thrashing around. I jumped out to shoot it with a dart but the creature rolled on the ground and discharged it's tail spikes at me. I had to dive down to prevent myself from getting impaled.

I heard a loud crashing sound and when i peeked out i saw that the creature had rolled over to the far right and the net got caught on a tree. The manticore stood up and slipped out from the net, it smelled the ground and ran in my parent's direction. I tried to fire another dart at the beast yet it was too fast and i missed. I started running away into the woods, screaming and banging against trees to lure it further away from them.

I heard my mother screaming, she was telling me to stop it an escape. She wanted me to save myself. My father yelled me to do it, to listen to her. I simply couldn't do it. I couldn't leave them behind. I ran to them as fast as i could. They were fighting the beast, using the boulder as a shield and the beast was chasing them around it. I reached them, cast a few spells, helped them. It all happened so fast. It's a blur, really.

The manticore jumped on top of the boulder and fired its spikes at us. I heard my father make this odd sound and when i turned to see there was a spike sticking out of his eye. Another one was right through his forehead and there was one in his neck. He teetered and fell. I rushed to him but my mother grabbed my arm and told me to run. I held her tightly and we both started running. There was a giant abandoned den close by and we were running to it.

The den went deep into the underground but the entrance was wide enough for us, it also formed a big cave before tunneling into the earth. I was the first one to reach it and i just slid in feet-first whilst holding on to my mother's arm. I pulled her down with me and i saw a smile of relief on her face. She fell in head first and i kept pulling her inside. Suddenly she grimaced in pain and something yanked her out. I held on to her arm and got pulled halfway out of the den. The manticore had its teeth in her legs and was tugging her away. I held on and cast a fireball at the beast's face. It screamed and discharged its spikes. I felt them hitting my face. I was so shocked and confused that i didn't even understand what was happening. I backed away into the den and pulled my mother back inside. I pulled and pulled until something released and i tumbled backwards into the den. I looked at my lap and saw my mother's arm, it was still clenching my hand, ripped cleanly from the socket. Then the sounds commenced, wet, ripping sounds of flesh and crunching of bone. I sat there, staring at the cave wall, just staring and listening.“

I saw the cave wall vividly in my mind, the dry earth and exposed stone. A lonely centipede crawling on the surface. I remembered the blood dripping down my face. The weight of my mother's arm in my lap.

„Is this how you got your scar on the cheek?“ Astarion asked tenderly. His voice pierced through the fog and brought me comfort.

„Yes. I just sat there, listening to the beast eating my mother. It returned to devour my father and i was too scared to go outside. I spent the night there. Then a day. I had to piss in the cave. I got brave enough to peek outside once it was twilight. My mother's bloody bones were scattered at the cave entrance. My father's corpse was also half-eaten. I stuffed them inside the net and dragged them home. By the time i reached it they were swarmed by maggots. I buried them in our yard. The buzzing of flies lasted day and night. Sometimes i can hear it in my sleep. The phantom buzzing.“

A sudden touch on my back surprised me and i glanced behind me. Obreon had moved from his comfortable spot and was embracing me. His head was pressed against my spine.

„What nightmarish memories you've been hiding, my love.“ Astarion sighed. „Why didn't you tell me?“

„They were my whole world. I loved them more than anything. When i moved to the city and started working as an assassin i showed no mercy to anyone. Life was unfair, cruel and unpredictable. If i had to lose the ones that i loved and deal with it alone, then so could others. The pain of others brought me a sense of fairness. If i had to suffer, then so must they. In many cases those who i killed were in a good financial position, they had a social status, money, lovers, things to live for. Though, it was not always the case. I was the bringer of death. The manticore.“

„Did you feel better after killing them?“ Astarion asked gently.

„I don't think so, it was a distraction. Sometimes i cried after finishing the job. It reminded me of my pain, of the look in my mother's eyes when the beast dragged her away, but i faced my pain every time i went to work. I punished myself for not sedating the beast.“

„Darling, catching a large beast is no easy task. You cannot blame yourself for the way things ended. You did more than most people. Anyone else would've run as far as they could. Not you, you tried to save them. You fought for your love.“

„Fought and lost.“

„You were young and stupidly brave. You risked your life. I cannot believe that i came so close to losing you. That there was a chance we would have never met. Dear, your parents would hate to see you suffer. They wanted you to live.“

My eyes burned, yet i was unable to cry. I pressed my face against Astarion and clenched his body. He accepted my pain, though he had plenty of his own. He was right, my parents wanted me to live, but i was grieving all the things they never got to see. They never got to meet Astarion. Obreon wrapped his arms around my waist and it made me choke. Even our spawn was compassionate towards me and i felt protective over him.

„I wish they could meet you.“ I whispered.

„I would've given them titles, money, anything to impress them. I would've tried my best to win them over and justify my love for their daughter.“ Astarion spoke softly.

„They would have accepted you once they saw how much we love each other.“ I said. „Even if they hated you for giving me immortality i would convince them to love you. They would like you once they would get to know you.“

„They would be proud of you if they knew you saved your city. If they knew how many temptations you refused.“

„They would not be proud if they saw what i have become,“ i smiled bitterly. „My father would not approve my assassination career. My mother would be worried for me. She wasn't overflowing with love towards humans and she was sceptical of elves and other beings. However, she would be scared for me. She raised me to be strong, to be a survivor, and that is what has led me to this point of my life.“

Astarion was rubbing my back.

„They gave you everything that you need to succeed.“ He said.

I could see things clearly now, there were no illusions anymore.

„My parents would not approve our plans or our lifestyle. However, they would want to see me happy. What they would or would not approve doesn't matter to me anymore. They're gone and i regret nothing. I will never forget or stop loving them.“

Astarion smiled.

„We should visit their graves one day. Make sure they have a nice resting place.“

„I'd love that,“ i smiled back.

Next few days were quite busy as we visited the tailor and a few accessory shops to organize our costumes for the ball. The big event was creeping closer and we decided to attend it dressed to the nines. It wasn't a simple soiree but a masquerade ball and it started at midnight. Oneressa warned us about lord Enwald's events, saying they had a tendency to go wild, that drinks poured freely and attendees who got overly excited didn't hold back. Enwald's events dragged out into early mornings and guests who got too drunk, or tired, were welcome to stay the night. It was also a good place to meet people, thanks to the unrestricted atmosphere, people were in high spirits and easily convinced.

„First party where we're invited to and it's one of those,“ i grumbled as we stopped at a small coffee and baked goods shop. It was a quaint place with wooden furniture and evergreen garlands decorating the counters and windowsills. We sat at a round table in the corner of the shop, drinking hot coffee and sampling our treats. The view from the window looked like a postcard – a snowy, romantic, old-fashioned street lit by lanterns.

„Oneressa thinks it's the best introductions to high society and i agree with her. Besides, we're going be masked, we can prowl and creep in private without approaching anyone.“ Astarion kept his gloves on as he drank his coffee. „I thought you would be more excited.“

„I'm just not in the mood. I don't like big crowds. When we visited Obreon's palace we were hidden by a spell. This time we will be out in the open.“

„You have nothing to worry about, dear. You're naturally charming. Flex that delicious biceps of yours and the guests will be at your feet.“

I was staring out the window and taking small bites from my pastry. I was far away, stuck in the night i killed that merchant and hunted the dog man. It had been such a thrill that the return to the mundane felt jarring. I was still in hunting mode and thinking about Cornelis, social climbing was the last thing on my list of priorities.

„I don't feel like talking to any titled folk. Will you lead the evening so that i can sulk in the corner and drink?“

„Of course, my flame, you can leave all the important things to me. However, i won't allow you to sulk. We will have fun. I'll find a way to entertain you.“

„I keep thinking about hunting. I want to go out tonight. Creep around the Inn. My hands have been itching for this. If only i could catch one of Cornelis' minions…i'd savor every second of squeezing the juices out of him.“

I pushed my thumb into my pastry, crushing it until the red jam filling spilled on the plate. It spread out much like the brain matter of that merchant. My stomach growled, i wiped the jam with my finger and stuck it in my mouth. It tasted like strawberries and vanilla.

„It's in the paper, dear.“ Astarion pointed at the newspaper he had bought with our coffees. „A gruesome robbery, killed with exceptional cruelty.“ He quoted the article, whilst sending me a mischievous peek. „It's always a pleasure to read your beloved's work described with such passionate acclaim. That robbery was a brilliant idea, by the way.“

„Mhm, the money won't be a problem, but the jewelry is useless. We must sell it elsewhere. I'm sure they have notified all the pawnbrokers in town.“

„There's no need to rush things. We can take care of it later.“

Later in the evening i changed into simple clothes and went out hunting. Astarion stayed home with the dogs. I returned to the Longhorn Inn and cast a disguising spell over myself. I tried to manifest a tall, muscular elven warrior woman and the result ended up pretty accurate, i checked my reflection on the window before entering the beloved establishment.

The inn was half full and the same innkeeper was hard at work behind the counter. I approached and ordered myself a jug of cherry beer. You could say many things about the Longhorn Inn but it was always clean and the drinks were good. As my drink was handed to me i put my hand on the innkeeper's wrist and leaned closer.

„I'm a traveler passing through. Would you know of any jobs available for me? I'm up for anything. As long as i get paid, everything's a deal.“

The handsome orc looked at me with a friendly smile.

„Not much now, i'm afraid. The city is looking for street cleaners and the Northern Star coach company is looking for staff in the stables. You may ask around the shops, sometimes they'll hire help if the season is busy.“

„Is that all? I was hoping for something more suitable for a person with my talents.“ I pulled a dagger from my belt and swung it around, then bounced it off the back of my hand and caught it swiftly with my other hand.

„Impressive,“ the innkeeper nodded, „the underground has been pretty quiet lately. We lost a patron not long ago. In a house fire. Dreadful stuff. He would've known people.“

„Tsk, tsk. Fire safety is no joke. He probably fell asleep with a candle on. Or he was smoking in bed.“ I shook my head, pretending to be shocked.

The orc nodded again as if agreeing.

„People were talking that he was half-eaten by his own dogs. Those beasts pulled their chains and ran off. Makes you shudder. Those beasts are too dangerous to be loose, so watch your back.“

„I have eyes on the back of my head.“ I grinned, drinking my beer.

We had a nice casual chat and once i had finished my drink there was nothing holding me there. I gave the orc my coins and left the building. The rendezvous ended in disaster but i was not ready to return home. Not that i enjoyed being on the streets but there was something tranquil about a late night walk. The city was quiet and peaceful, the houses with brightly lit golden windows appeared so inviting and nostalgic. So warm in the midst of the coldness and gloom. I strolled down a street without thinking where i was heading to.

As i was bassing a dark alleyway a muffled scream reached my ears. I glanced into the darkness and saw a man who had shoved a woman against the wall, his hand was covering her mouth. I took off running and tapped the man on the shoulder. As he turned his head i punched him in the face. He lost his balance and slumped against the wall. The lady stared at me with two ginormous eyes.

„Go! Now!“ I barked.

She gathered her belongings from the ground and ran off. The man straightened himself and turned to me with balled fists. His first right hook was aimed at my face. I caught his fist in the air, then kneed him in the stomach. He groaned and his upper body crumpled, yet i pushed him up again and kneed him in the crotch. This time he backed away from me, drooling and grunting from the pain. I made a few steps forward, lifted my right leg and kicked him in the head. The man fell over and stopped moving. I picked him up by his neck and slammed his head into the wall, repeating it again and again until his head caved in and his cheekbone obtained the texture of a soft cake. Pieces of bone tore up his flesh, leaving him unrecognizable. His face was covered in blood and it woke my appetite. I pushed my mouth to his face wound and drank his blood until i was full. I couldn't risk biting anymore, so this was a working solution. I dropped him in the snow and left, a small part of me felt satiated.

When i returned home Astarion was reading by the fireplace, wearing slippers. The sight of him embodied my domestic ideal and i greeted him with a kiss. He must've tasted blood on my tongue because he looked up from his book.

„How was the hunt? Did you catch someone, dear?“

„The hunt was a flop, but i came across a two-legged swine and smashed his head in.“

„Oh dear. You've been awfully peckish lately. You even took a bite out of me.“ He smiled suggestively.

„I don't do well on diets,“ i chuckled. „I need my regular portion of blood or i get cranky.“

„So much for absolving us of our weaknesses.“ He joked.

„Clearly, being hungry isn't a weakness.“ I stated playfully and left to change.

Oneressa visited us the next day. She froze by the door, taken aback by the gigantic hounds. The two beasts didn't even move an ear when the lady entered the room, but Ruby ran to greet her with a violenlty spinning tail. Oneressa watched in astonishment as the dog was smearing its snot and saliva on her dress, it was jumping around her and whining happily. Finally she snapped out of her stupor and crouched down to pet the dog. Ruby took the opportunity and licked her face.

„Come in, they're totally safe.“ Astarion yelled from the back.

Oneressa pushed past Ruby and joined us in the bedroom. Ruby followed her and jumped on the bed. We were in the middle of sorting our clothes. There was a pile for what needed washing and mending. Certain outfits needed to be ironed and stored together. We were both used to taking care of ourselves and Astarion didn't want anybody in his private business.

„Good day! I see you have acquired some household pets?“ Oneressa asked nervously.

„Yes, but it was more of a forced adoption rather a planned decision.“ I smiled, folding my nightgown.

„I dare not to ask any further questions.“ Oneressa shivered. „The midnight ball is speedily approaching. Are your costumes ready? I can send you to my seamstress, if there's a need.“

„They are about done. We should be able to pick them up in a few days.“ Astarion said, dusting one of his jackets and laying it on the bed.

„How wonderful. I struggled choosing mine. I don't think i want to stand out this time.“ The lady sat on the bed and Ruby attacked her with kisses. She fought the dog and got it to lay beside her as she was petting her head.

„That might be a wise idea,“ i said. „Will you take guards to the ball?“

„Absolutely! I'm taking my most trusted ones and i'm paying them generously. Should i notify lord Enwald? No! What a stupid idea! He mustn't know about the kidnapping. This will only lead to unnecessary questions.“ Oneressa sighed and held her forehead. She looked so anxious that i got up, walked to her and took her hand.

„We will be close during the ball. If you need to go anywhere then we will follow you. He won't have a chance to get close.“

Oneressa smiled gratefully and covered my hand with hers.

„Thank you. It's appreciated, however, it doesn't change the fact that he might try something. Things are unpredictable and that's what scares me. Even an army wouldn't make me feel safe when he's around.“

„We took care of one of his henchmen. So there's that.“

„Good. Good!“ She nodded. „I'll ask a servant to bring your dogs some food.“

„That would be great.“ I smiled.

„By the way, who are you going as? Any fictional characters? Classics or something improvised?“

„Improvised,“ Astarion said mysteriously. „We didn't want to stand out either. Dark gowns, skull masks. Very understated.“

„How tasteful! I was planning to dress in black as well. Maybe we should coordinate our outfits?“

„That would be fun.“ Astarion grinned.

„I'll be wearing a skull mask too.“ Oneressa promised.

The evening of the midnight ball was hectic. We bathed and groomed ourselves to perfection, rubbed perfume on our necks and chests. I asked Astarion to fix some iridescent gems into my hair and his handiwork was marvelous. Two hundred years of neglect had made him proficient in many self-taught skills. Our costumes were home, freshly ironed and perfumed.

My dress was floor-length and a deep blue color, the shade close to nighttime sky, and with a deep neckline that reached down to my waist. Two long slits on each side engaged the viewer with a delectable peek of my thigh as i walked. The fabric of the dress was shimmery, catching the light in beautiful silvery waves of shine. My nech was encircled by plentiful rows of black iridescent stones and my earrings were made from the same stone, yet impossibly long. I wore a black skull mask that molded to my horns. My fingers, wrists, horns and tail were decorated by lavish silver jewelry.

Astarion wore a shirt and suit from the same material, his plunging neckline was as bold as mine, it was decorated with tiny black iridescent beads. His shirt was slightly more blue, providing the viewer a subtle contrast which framed his pale chest. The jacket was tailored impeccably and closed with a row of large ornate silver hooks. The fabric around his shoulders and decolletage was emblazoned with stylish beaded embroidery made of black iridescent stone. It also framed his back, accentuating his shoulders. His trousers were slightly tighter than necessary and the fabric glimmered with silver each time he moved, highlighting his shapely thighs. He, too, was wearing a black skull mask. Astarion had pierced his ears and was wearing silver earrings, as well as, many silver rings on his fingers.

We looked beautiful together and it was by design. Oneressa knocked and slid in through the doors while looking slightly anxious. She was in her full costume and it was spectacular. She wore a long black gown that was covered in thousands of tiny sparkling glitters. Her gown was very structured around her torso and open to show off her magnificent soft curves. It had long sleeves which were decorated with beads and the gown itself was very formfitting. She wore a narrow skull mask and a black lace veil.

Oneressa told us that she will arrange our ride to the ball and that we didn't need to worry about anything. Seeing her in our room made me think that it was time to leave, yet her ladyship wasn't in any hurry. She took a few deep breaths and approached us.

„You two look incredible! I love your outfits!“

„Astarion chose the colors, but the masks were my idea. I love your gown, you're glimmering like a diamond.“ I said, unable to turn away from Oneressa's delicious curves which were emphasized by both the tailoring and spellbinding glimmer of the material.

Oneressa smiled warmly. „It's the beetle wings. There's a farm that grows beetles and harvests their carapace when they die. They have them in all sorts of colors. These beetles live about two years, so it's very luxurious. I'll give you their address.“

„Sharing your secrets with us, milady? Aren't you afraid that we might outshine you one day?“ I asked flirtatiously.

Oneressa eyes glimmered playfully through her veil.

„It takes a lot more than a sparkly dress to outshine me, however, i welcome competition. A little excitement will do me good.“

She walked around me to admire me from all sides. Oneressa seemed to relax and the tension from her shoulders faded away.

„I like your hair! Did one of my servants do it?“

„It was me,“ Astarion said, „we help each other get ready.“

„How romantic. Lord Ancunin, you have many hidden talents.“

„Oh, i do,“ Astarion replied alluringly. „There's plenty more to discover.“

Oneressa gazed at him, being absolutely enchanted.

„I was planning to have a glass of wine before we go. Will you join me?“

„Why not? I'm all for picking your poison.“ I agreed.

„Wonderful!“ Oneressa walked to the door and pulled the cord. A servant knocked not long after and took her orders. He brought us a silver tray with three glasses and an open bottle of wine. We took our glasses and clicked them together to celebrate the evening. The wine was exquisite and sweet. The welcomed feathery buzz spread around my body. It will dissipate soon as vampires sobered quickly, so i enjoyed it when i could.

„I needed this. It's not the wisest thing to look for bravery at the bottom of a wine glass, but i shan't be wise tonight.“ Oneressa smirked.

„We will be close to you and you will stay close to us,“ i said.

„It will be an easy task. I must introduce you to everyone.“ Oneressa finished her glass. „Ready yourselves. There will be many new faces tonight and they shall all adore you.“

Lady Melidrient took us outside where a lavish sleigh pulled by two decorated stags was waiting for us. A second sleigh with her private guards was already there, awaiting command. We drove quite far outside the city. Lord Enwald's estate was surrounded by a tall stone wall with spikes, the building itself was made of dark grey stone and elegant. It was pretty common to see elaborately designed manors around these parts. The snowy garden was ablaze with lanterns, decorated with evergreen garlands, ribbons and brightly-colored glass baubles.

The garden was also full of sleighs and arriving guests. We drove to the gardens and waited for the newest sleigh to leave so that we could ride closer to the main doors. Servants greeted us and invited us inside, taking our coats and assigning them a paper tag with our names. We presented ourselves as married and sharing a name, once again. Astarion bent his arm and offered it to me. I slid my hand into the crook of his elbow and we walked to the ballroom. Oneressa was beside us, smiling and looking for her friends among the crowd.

The ballroom was magnificent! The music was playing, drinks were pouring and the candles were lit. The giant glass chandelier held an unholy amount of candles and their combined glow reflected through hundreds of dainty glass hangings, which covered the room in glimmering dapples of light. The ballroom was giant, decorated with flowers and more evergreen branches. Tables pushed against the walls were full of foods and drinks, all served on immaculate tableware. I was astonished by all the grandeur and effort that went into this soiree. The costumes of the guests, however, were on a level of their own! Oneressa touched my arm gently.

„There's lord Enwald himself, let us meet.“ She guided us to a handsome elf in a dark green costume and a mask with antlers. He was draped in jewelry.

„Good evening, dear friend,“ Oneressa cooed. „You hosted this party just to show off your costume, didn't you?“

Lord enwald's face lit up as he recognized his friend. He rushed to give her a kiss on the cheek and Oneressa kissed him back.

„Looks like you came to show off, as well!“ He laughed. „You're stunning! And mysterious.“ He added meaningfully, dropping his voice.

„These are the friends i was talking about. Lord and lady Ancunin.“

„How enchanting to finally meet you.“ He said, greeting us with a nod.

I made a light curtsy and Astarion graced him back with an elegant nod.

„Oneressa spoke very fondly of her new renters. I have yet to meet any refugees from Baldur's Gate. I heard it went through brutal carnage.“

„It's early to call us refugees, we're still looking back at our beloved town. We're simply traveling, trying to put the ghosts of past behind us.“

Astarion took over the entire conversation just as he promised. I had to do very little and could look around the room. Look for something out of place, but it was all cheerful and calm.

Their conversation was lively and dragged on for a while. Then lord Enwald excused himself to meet another guest and promised to return to us later on. Oneressa brought us to another set of nobles that she knew and we spent a long time greeting new faces and engaged in small talk. It went surprisingly well but i got tired pretty quickly and my mind started to wander. Astarion was superb at charming others, carrying the heaviest load in the conversations. All i had to do was smile and add a confirmation here or a compliment there. My eyes scanned the crowd until a familiar feeling tickled the ends of my nerves. I sensed a presence and tapped Oneressa's arm to whisper to her that i will be leaving them for a short while. She nodded to me and i left.

I followed the smell of a familiar perfume like an animal. It took me to a white-haired elf in a white costume. I put my hand on his shoulder and the elf turned around with a frightened surprise.

„It's nice to see you here,“ i grinned.

„I decided that i had to come.“ Obreon said in a low voice. He was wearing a white owl mask and all of his jewelry was a blood red color. His eyes slid down my costume, stopping briefly at my deep neckline. „Where's Astarion?“

„He's social climbing with Oneressa.“ I chuckled.

Obreon started at me intently.

„Oneressa bedded you, didn't she?“

„Or we bedded her? Why does it matter? Do you want to join the fun?“ I glanced at him darkly.

Obreon blinked slowly and looked away with an annoyed expression.

„As long as she doesn't know about me, it doesn't concern me. Was she even good?“

„She's creative and generous. And lonely. Overall a good asset to possess.“ I said without giving the topic a deeper thought. Obreon pressed his lips together and narrowed his eyes.

„She may have kept your secret but we must keep an eye on her. Telling her was a great risk.“ He whispered.

„It was, but she's returning the investment. She's helping us meet the big noses. You seem to have an issue with her?“ I glanced at him and Obreon looked me in the eyes with a worried expression.

„They're telling all sorts of tales about her. That she's a seductress and a cheater, a schemer and a snake.“

„Tall tales. She told us that they were both cheating in the marriage. She got tired of the game a long time ago. She knows about the stories, Obreon.“

„I'm sure she does. She's very smart. I'm just worried about you.“ Obreon whispered.

„I appreciate it.“ I looked at him with a smile, then noticed a glass of wine in his hand and took it. I drank it swiftly and placed it on a servant's tray that ran past us. „You don't have to feel jealous.“

„Wh-hat? Why should i?“ He frowned quickly.

„I know jealousy when i see it. There's no need for it. We chose you for a reason. You're our special one. You belong to us. Forever.“ I said quietly as i leaned closer to his ear.

Obreon blushed under his mask.

„Alright, maybe i was…a little. But for good reason.“

„You're our favorite.“ I uttered as i bit and tugged his ear.

Obreon gulped and touched my arm.

„Even Astarion said how much he admires you. You've grown so much.“ I added and Obreon clenched my arm passionately.

„Really? That's….sweet.“ He mumbled and i could hear the flurry of emotions and desire in his voice.

I kissed his neck and pulled away quickly before anyone noticed. Obreon tried to hide his smile.

„So, do you attend such parties often?“ I asked to drive the conversation in a new direction.

„Not really. I have been here a few times in the past. Lord Enwald knows me. Do you…?“ Obreon leaned closer to me and i stooped down. „Do you think he might come here?“

„We suspect it. Oneressa is very scared of him. We're staying close just in case he pops out of someone's skirt. She brought bodyguards, who are disguised in the crowd, but we're still watching.“

Obreon nodded and snatched a glass of wine from a passing waiter. He drank it greedily.

„Very well then.“

„Did you get an invitation?“ I smiled deviously.

„I asked for one.“

„You naughty boy.“ I mumbled and Obreon gazed at me with a playful smirk. I was glad he was here – at least one person i knew among the sea of strangers.

„Nobody knows i'm here. I don't want to stand out. Someone might recognize me, though.“ He said.

„Should've dyed your hair.“ I smirked.

„I thought about it, but forgot. I got very busy.“ He shrugged. Suddenly his eyes fixated on something in the distance and his gaze followed someone in the crowd. „I can't believe it! It's…him.“

I looked in the direction he was staring at. A tall, broad-shouldered, handsome elf in a dark red costume was walking around the room with confidence that was hard to ignore. He was wearing a simple black mask. His hair was white just like Obreon's, reaching to his waist.

„It's my brother.“

„Does he attend such soirees?“

„Oh, he's a regular. He's trying to distract himself from his pitiful existence.“ Obreon said with contempt.

We observed him greet a lady elf, the two exchanged a few words and playful glances. Obreon's brother was a bold flirt, he carried himself elegantly, with a hint of smugness, yet something in his posture seemed stiff. It appeared very overplayed to me.

„What an asshole.“ Obreon cursed.

„Tell me about him. What's his name?“

„It's Amadorn and he's life mission is to make everyone feel like they're beneath him. It's comedic to say the least, as if he could trick his own flesh and blood. I know him better than he knows me. We drifted apart a long time ago, he treated me like dirt when we were younger and he continues that tradition. He was the one who clung to our mother's skirt the most. Used to fight me for her attention, until i stopped trying, that is. He never did. He's trying to drown himself in wine and romances, trying to look confident and capable, but he's starved for love and attention. He feels abandoned. Always has. Always will.

He has the biggest crush on powerful women and he thinks i don't know about it. Of course i do. He reads romances with strong female leads and fondles himself every night to the point that i'm scared to enter without knocking. The bastard has a problem with intimacy, i think. I bet money his love life isn't as colorful as he makes it look.“

Obreon was clever and observant, i trusted his opinion without a doubt.

„Is he single right now?“ I asked as my eyes remained glued to said elf. He was younger than Obreon, but his demeanor was brave and grand. It was like looking at a peacock shaking its tail. His face was even more angular than Obreon's and his eyes were dark brown, but they looked so much alike! The family resemblance was strong.

„He's single. Has been for a while. His last mistress got tired of his antics. He was ignoring her for long periods of time, you see, then returning with a puffed chest. I'm not quite sure what happened there but my brother tends to lose interest rather quickly. Anyway, that moron was sulking for a month, drinking alone in his room. He hates getting rejected.“ Obreon was rejoicing when talking about his misery.

„You said he treated you badly.“ I asked.

„He did. Amadorn has called me many things – a pushover, weakling, know-it-all, childish. Once i started working for my father he called me a bootlicker. He was bursting from jealousy when my father told me he was proud of me. He never understood why i stopped craving for my mother's affection or why i pulled away from everybody. He was always jealous of my father referring to me as his oldest child.“

I watched Amadorn as he took a glass of wine and smiled to another lady with a deep decolletage.

„He sounds so broken. Do you think i have a chance at messing with his head?“

„A cupboard in a corset would have a chance with him. You're just his type. He'll cum in his trousers at the sight of you.“ Obreon scoffed.

„Should i torment him a little?“ I grinned widely.

„Oh, please do. Make him suffer. It would make me happy if you knocked him down a peg.“

„Lets go. I want to run into him.“ I said evilly, eating the target with my eyes.

Obreon chuckled loudly, he was staring at his brother with viciousness that was comparable to mine.

„He's going to the hallway.“ Our spawn noted.

Obreon wanted revenge and i was glad to provide it to him. It also fit into our plans with Astarion. I was bored and deadly.

Amadorn was heading to the hallway which led to the bathrooms. We circled the area and Obreon remained in a position suitable for a private viewing. He watched with a glass of wine in his hand. I ran around with my vampirical speed, darting into the bathroom he was heading to.

Amadorn opened the door and as he rushed inside i jumped out to meet him. The noble elf walked straight into me, his face smashed into the deep cleavage of my gown. Amadorn froze in genuine astonishment, i felt his hot breath between my breasts. The elf shifted his face up to stare at me. I gazed down at him with my full regal coldness. He was tall but still not tall enough to be at eye level with me. His eyes widened in horror and he backed away from me with such vigor that his feet tripped on the carpet and he fell backwards against the wall. I watched as he struggled to regain his balance but failed miserably, sliding down the stone wall until his rear hit on the floor. The elf looked terrified, though, my intense staring did nothing to help the situation. It must've been unnerving.

I leaned forward, placed my hands on his waist, and lifted him up as if he weighed close to nothing. I held him in the air for just a second longer than necessary, before putting him down on his feet. Amadorn was speechless during the whole ordeal, staring at me with his huge brown awestricken eyes. His expression reminded me of the way children looked at statues depicting old forgotten heroes of the past.

„Madame! I'm deeply sorry for running into you. “ He finally spoke.

„You're forgiven, though i must admit that it was entirely my fault. I didn't see you entering. You're really swift for someone your size.“ I replied alluringly.

„My size, madame?“ Amadorn smiled awkwardly, gulping down my backhanded compliment like a starving suckerfish.

„Tall people have a tendency to be clumsy,“ i explained with a twinkle of evil in my eye, while touching my chest as if referring to us both.

Amadorn followed my hand but was unable to notice anything other than my cleavage.

„That is an unflattering stereotype, madame. Tall people are no more clumsy than your average person. Such slander angers me, as an appreciator of statuesque builds. I'm Amador Anvegg.“

I reached my hand to him and he pressed it to his mouth, lingering against my skin while barely touching it, then kissed it affectionately. He didn't let go of my hand, holding it gently instead, allowing me to slide it out of his grip in my own pace. I pulled away without a hurry as our eyes caressed one another.

„Arsenia Ancunin.“ I smiled sweetly, sensing his excitement.

„I haven't seen you before, i would've noticed someone of your grandiose beauty.“ Amadorn was back in the saddle, back to being his usual charming and friendly persona.

„You have a good eye! I'm vacationing here and attending this soiree with my husband.“ I smiled back to him, enticing him to keep talking and looking in my eyes.

„Aah! And where is your dear husband? I would like to meet such a lucky man.“ Amadorn wasn't taken aback by me being married, not one bit. What a little shit.

„We'll have plenty of time to meet him. I got bored and was left to peruse the crowd.“ I grinned. „Lord Anvegg, i'm holding you from your companion. They must be searching for you by now.“

„You mustn't worry. I came alone and i'm completely free to accompany you.“

„Hmm, it proves to be a fortunate night. I will leave you to attending your needs, lord Anvegg. I'm sure you're excited for some privacy.“ I made a few steps to the door, then turned to smile over my shoulder. „I'm looking forward to meeting you in a more dignified setting.“ I left him in the bathroom and walked over to Obreon. He was beaming with joy and anticipation.

„How'd it go?“

„It went well. He couldn't take his eyes off me and wanted to meet my husband.“ I smirked as we started moving back to the ballroom.

„He has fallen in headfirst. Meeting the partner of his conquest is a dead giveaway.“ Obreon laughed. „But he was destined to. If you pick up a sword and show off a few of your fighting moves he'll be propped up by three legs. Strong, warrior ladies are his fantasy.“

„It's almost terrifying how well you know your brother.“ I teased.

„How else am i supposed to humiliate him?“ Obreon sent me a playful glance.

I spotted Astarion and Oneressa in the middle of the crowd, we started making our way toward them. It looked like the social climbing had been paused.

„I'm going to wait by the window.“ Obreon whispered and disappeared into the crowd. I stood beside Astarion and the vampire observed me with a curious little smirk.

„You were absent for a long time. Did you meet anyone interesting, darling?“

„I was fishing and you have no idea who's on the hook.“ I looked him in the eye and he was immediately intrigued.

„Shopping around, my lovely? There are many fruits to be picked here, though, most are, at least, somewhat rotten.“ Oneressa added.

„The rotten ones make great compost. I'm shopping around for new furniture, so the attendees are safe from me.“ I replied with a smile and sent Astarion a meaningful look. He cocked his head, emitting waves of burning interest. No doubt he could sense my excitement.

„I'm going to get some champagne. It's right at that table in your field of view.“ Oneressa sighed tiredly as she pointed at the table that was a few meters away from us, pushed against the wall.

„We'll be watching,“ i smiled and Oneressa left. As soon as she was far enough Astarion leaned closer to me.

„What furniture did you find, my love? Is it expensive or another fixer-upper?“

„Obreon's brother is here – the serial bedder of forlorn spouses. Obreon painted me a picture with all the pitiful details. Mommy issues, problems settling down, a kink for warrior women, general volatility. We already met and he showed great interest in my cleavage.“

„Ah, another fixer-upper it is then. So, Obreon is here? What a crafty little bugger.“ Astarion laughed. „And why did he come? To feed us his brother?“

„No, he was just worried. Amadorn is a regular at soirees and Obreon gave us his heartfelt blessing to torture him.“

„There's nothing like sibling rivalry. Does anybody even like each other in that mighty Anvegg household?“ Astarion added sarcastically.

„I hope not, it would make it easier for us.“

Oneressa was back with three glasses of champagne.

„Take them or i'll drink myself under the table.“ She said flirtatiously.

We took our share and tasted the drinks. Musicians ended their piece and started playing a cheerful repeating tune, signifying the start of the first dance. All three of us watched as people freed the center of the room and couples talked to each other. Needless to say we weren't planning to join.

„Thank gods my dancing days are over,“ Oneressa said, sipping from her glass. „I still remember the time someone stepped on my train and ripped a hole.“

„I thought nobles excel at dancing?“ Astarion chuckled.

„Not when they're drunk and horny.“ Oneressa said evilly.

„Yes, it must be hard to dance when a pole is pushing you apart.“ I added and Oneressa laughed.

A figure was making his way to us. I couldn't believe my eyes! Amadorn was bolder than i thought, or simply too eager, and either thing suited me very well. Amadorn stopped in front of us and his eyes inspected us without even a hint of shame. He was wearing a pleasant smile and his eyes were radiant.

„Lady Ancunin, may i have this dance?“ He asked with a flirtatious tone.

„I don't dance.“ I said seductively, as our eyes were glued to one another.

„Please, you would make me very happy, if you did.“ Amadorn's smile lingered on his lips. „ You ran off so suddenly, many unsaid things need clearing up. Would you indulge me, my lady?“ Amadorn reached me a hand.

„Go on, love. Give him some happiness.“ Astarion said with a devilish glint in his eyes.

I took Amadorn's hand and he walked me to the dance floor. Couples had circled the area and the musicians started playing a waltz, it was an oddly dramatic piece, full of beautiful melodies, but with an eerie underlying tone of anxiety. Amadorn placed a hand on my waist, i put my hand on his shoulder and our free hands squeezed together. Amadorn pushed us off the floor and we started twirling around the room. Everything merged into a colorful blur. Amadorn was good at leading us, even though he was shorter than me and his face was awfully close to my cleavage, his eyes remained fixed on mine.

„You're good at dancing.“ He said with a smile.

„So are you.“ I smiled back and Amadorn looked down at my cleavage. Something in his self-indulgent stare was predatory, devoid of any shame. I felt his hand squeezing my waist and sliding down to my lower back.

„You look stunning in this dress, you know that? I could only dream of getting this close to your beautiful curves.“ He purred in a low tone. „Your man knows how to dress you. I'm almost jealous that he gets to sleep next to you.“ His indecent stare was devouring me and something about that felt painfully familiar.

„Cornelis? You dragged yourself here, you bastard.“ I chuckled in disbelief.

Amadorn grinned widely.

„I saw that fella run face first into your tits. I can't say that i'll be able to forget that image…ever.“ His eyes were glinting.

„Why are you here? Did you get lonely sleeping in your garbage heap?“

Cornelis uttered a little laugh.

„You killed my man. Tsk, tsk, Arsenia, i saw the body and it was not pretty.“

„I don't know what you're talking about.“ I replied with the widest of grins.

„I know it was you, no need to be modest. I know that you got my message too. What did you do to him? To your spawn?“ Cornelis gazed at me with sadistic passion.

„We killed him,“ i smirked.

„How callous! I thought you cared about your spawn. I guess not all spawn are equally important, not all can work in high places.“ He said meaningfully.

I squeezed his shoulder, but Cornelis tried his best to hide his pain behind a smile. I felt the pressure of his hand on my lower back. Finally, his face twitched in agony and i eased my grip.

„You know what i want, Arsenia. I won't leave you alone until i get my money. I will pick off your spawn, everyone you care about, one by one, until you give it to me. I'm getting impatient, girl.“

„You mean broke, Cornelis? Are you even wearing anything if i take off that spell?“

„Do you really want to know?“ His voice was barely a whisper and suddenly i felt a gust of breath against my face. Cornelis was taller than me, yet the spell masked him as someone shorter. His cheek touched mine and i felt his breath on my ear.

„I wouldn't recommend you to do anything rash. We have Amadorn and my friend is going to tip the palace about a possible vampire spawn. I know you turned one of Anvegg's sons. Gods, that was bold.“ He moved his hand to my hip.

„I'm not the only one whose friends are getting picked off, Cornelis. Now you're here, in my arms. You're begging me to strangle you, aren't you.“ I cooed back to him.

„Are you going to burn this ballroom down? Beat the crap out of Anvegg's son? You're cornered, girl. It's okay to admit it just this once.“ He laughed. „And, as you mentioned it, i prefer being strangled with legs.“

„Do you want to seduce or blackmail me? Make up your mind, chicken brain.“ I said evilly.

Cornelis gave me a deep indecent stare, meanwhile a smug smile danced on his lips.

„Why not both? I saw you with Amadorn and what's with the sudden interest? Are you planning to turn him too? That's quite nasty, Arsenia. I take my hat off. I'm giving you two days to decide. Come to the post office on Lethran's street, there will be a letter addressed to you with instructions inside. Bring the money and we will be even.“

I couldn't let him go now that he was so painfully close. However, i also couldn't risk exposing myself to the crowd. My mind was working quickly, i needed a distraction. I focused my energy on the table with drinks and candles. A flame sprouted on the tablecloth, growing fast and spreading along with a bright flash. Gasps and murmurs breezed through the crowd and heads tarted turning. The fire had nearly engulfed the whole table and started climbing up the wall. Guests began moving away from the blazing wall and rushing to the center of the room. Someone yelled „Fire!“ The music stopped playing and i could hear the creaking floor.

Now that the crowd was distracted i used the moment to kick Cornelis in the legs and trip him to the floor. He lost his balance and fell. I pretended to fall alongside him and grabbed his head, slamming it into the floor. Since he was under a disguising spell my hand touched the air. Cornelis groaned and tried to push me away but i didn't move. Suddenly the shape of Amadorn started shimmering underneath me and faded away. I was staring right at Cornelis in the flesh, he was wearing simple clothes – dark leather trousers and a brown linen shirt. He stood out like a sore thumb among the elaborately costumed people.

Cornelis pulled out a dagger and pushed it against my stomach.

„You know it's not going to harm me, but if you ruin this expensive dress i will crush your head like a pimple.“ I warned him.

Cornelis grinned widely, the tip of his dagger moved up until it was between my breasts. He tilted his head as he was looking at me with amusement. He was playing with me, testing his limits.

I snatched his wrist and tried to twist his dagger away, yet he pushed me to the side, rolled over me and wrapped his forearm around my neck, pulling us both up. He pressed his dagger against my neck. People close to us gasped and moved away. Cornelis turned us around, inspecting the crowd. The fire had been put out and a large blackened stain dirtied the wall.

„Move aside or i will cut the lady.“ Cornelis barked with a manic grin. He started moving to the entrance, using me as a shield. „Stay calm now, you don't want to blow your cover.“ He whispered in my ear as we scurried to his freedom.

I spotted Astarion's face in the crowd, his red eyes narrowed as they studied us, then he vanished.

„What is this? Who are you?“ Lord Enwald yelled, rushing toward us through the people.

„What are you planning to do next, you criminal mastermind?“ I asked Cornelis quietly. „A dagger on the throat? You have a serious lack of imagination.“

„I figure it's not the first time you felt it, since you're such a connoisseur?“ He purred.

„It's how i met my husband, actually.“ I said.

I felt Astarion's emotions, he was somewhere close, so close, in fact, i could sense his perfume. I didn't move, leaving him all the glory of saving me. Then it hit me, a subtle motion of air. Cornelis froze and inhaled sharply.

„Shit.“ He groaned and fell down behind me. I turned on my heels and there he was – my Astarion. He was standing next to Cornelis, who was lying on his side with a dagger sticking out of his spine.

Astarion was looking down at him with a look of finely crafted disgust, then he averted his eyes to me.

„Sorry that i made you wait,“ he said.

„You're just on time.“ I smiled and hugged him.

Lord Enwald ran up to us with a worrisome frown.

„Are you two unharmed?“

I nodded, rubbing Astarion's arm.

„I must call the guards,“ lord Enwald started but i cut him off politely.

„Please, could you wait? We need a room, something private, to question him.“

Lord Enwald seemed confused, but Astarion rushed to explain.

„We have enemies and this is an assassin sent to collect our heads. It's important that we ask the necessary questions. We'll deal with him ourselves and we're deeply sorry to have caused such a fuss at your delightful party.“

Lord Enwald pressed his lips together with a hint of understanding in his eyes.

„It is i who should apologize for not having the appropriate security. I will show you a room you can use.“

„Thank you.“ Astarion snatched Cornelis' collar and pulled him up, then hoisted his arm over his shoulder and supported his waist.

Lord Enwald was surprised to see Astarion lift such a tall, heavy man, but said nothing.

„Please, return to enjoying yourselves, dear guests. This mess shall be cleaned up shortly!“ He yelled to the crowd and the music started playing again.

Lord Enwald guided us to a room in the back of the palace, although not too far away from the ballroom, it was still far enough to have total privacy. He opened the door to a large room with a stone floor. It was a simple space with minimal furniture and a fireplace. Astarion and i dragged Cornelis to a chair, then Astarion yanked out the dagger from his back, and we seated the man down.

„Let me know if you need anything.“ Lord Enwald left and shut the door.

Cornelis was glaring at us intensely, being paralysed from the waist down made him completely helpless.

„This is the second time you thrust something into me, lord Ancunin,“ Cornelis smirked impudently whilst trying to hide his anger. „Did you know that daggers and knives are considered phallic symbols?“

„And i will happily do it again. This isn't going to work on me, so you can end your moronic yapping.“ Astarion stated coldly. „Don't embarrass yourself more than you already have.“

Cornelis stared at him with intensity that was hard to describe.

„He knows about Obreon and threatened to expose him. Gave us two days to pay and they have Amadorn.“

„Oh my, another kidnapping? Aren't you overcompensating your failures?“ Astarion smirked. „I'm assuming you brought a friend? A little bitch named Amara, who cast a spell on you. Where is she?“

„Do you really think i'll talk?“ Cornelis raised an eyebrow. „You're just a pretty mattress.“

Astarion lowered himself to eye level with him.

„Do you think you can handle pain? Time starts moving really slowly once i start ripping your flesh from bone. Every minute feels like an eternity.“

They stared at one another and something dimmed in Cornelis' eyes.

„And what happens if i tell you? You give me a quick and painless death? Looks like i have nothing to lose.“ He smirked bitterly.

„The only person who wins from this is Amara. If you don't give her up she will continue blackmailing us. Obreon is a valuable asset and we're keen on keeping him alive. We might feel the urge to pay her and since you'll be dead she gets all the money. Do you really want her taking your reward?“

Cornelis' face turned serious, his piercing eyes cut into me with loudness.

„You know what's going to happen, right? She'll be walking around, boasting how she cheated some dense oaf out of his grand prize. Maybe she's already doing that, maybe it was her plan all along? You do remember that she used to work for The Watch and stole from them, before changing her field.“

Cornelis's muscles twitched.

„She left that part out, actually,“ he said with contempt. „The lass told me she bought the rope from someone.“

„You talked our ears off with your praises for loyalty. It's hard to find it in the gutter. Every man for himself.“ Astarion smirked. „Maybe she won your trust by other means?“

„I didn't fuck her,“ Cornelis hissed.

„She was using you and you didn't even notice,“ Astarion gloated.

Cornelis grimaced, baring his teeth.

„Maybe we can make some sort of a deal?“ He asked after a pause.

„Sorry, no deals for you. Not after your little games. It's either a quick death or a painfully slow one.“ I stared at him.

„And the satisfaction of knowing that Amara dies screaming.“ Astarion sweetened the pill.

Cornelis looked away with a bitter look on his face. Little did he know we could read it all. The disappointment of his failed endeavor, the sourness of betrayal, the fear of death. His masseter muscles were dancing under his skin.

„Where is Amadorn?“ I asked calmly.

Cornelis kicked his head up.

„He's in the closet upstairs. Second floor, left side, room with green walls.“

„And where is Amara?“ Astarion added.

„I have no idea. She's disguised as a servant.“

„Come on now,“ i wrinkled my nose. „Give us the details. Man, woman? Hair color? Height?“

„A blond elf girl, medium height. Green eyes.“ Cornelis looked tired and worn.

„What a good boy,“ i grinned, walking around the chair and standing behind him. I pushed both of his arms tightly against the armrests. „My beloved, you know what to do.“ I glanced at Astarion.

The vampire hesitated for a second.

„Are you sure, dear?“

„Absolutely.“

Astarion sat on Cornelis' lap, clutched his shiny black hair, pulled his head to the side and bit his neck. Cornelis struggled underneath him, he was fighting instinctually against the overbearing death, yet this was a battle he was destined to lose. I held him still and soon the man's head fell limp. Astarion got up, wiping his lips.

„He tasted nice, i'm pretty surprised. Thought he'd taste like a pound of bile and venereal disease.“ He frowned.

„I'll get Amadorn, lets meet at the ballroom entrance,“ i said kissing him on the cheek and running out the door.

I flew up the staircase and opened every door on my way until i found the one that Cornelis described. The room was dark and smelled like old furniture. A giant wooden closet loomed in the back of the room, swallowed by darkness. The handles were tied together with rope. I walked up to it and touched the rope, setting it on fire. It fell apart and i smothered the flame with my foot. Then i reached for the handle to open the doors.

Amadorn was sitting in a fetal position, pushed against the wall and appeared to be sleeping. I grabbed his shoulder and shook him. Amadorn woke up slowly, he couldn't see anything but my glowing eyes and it made him gasp. The elf pulled away from my hand, the fear in his eyes gave him a childish, vulnerable expression.

„It's me, lord Anvegg. I was looking for you.“

„Madame Ancunin?“ His voice was high and strained. „Where am i?“

„There was an incident in the ballroom. A couple of assassins were sent after us and you got in their way. You were taken.“ I offered him a hand, touching his fingers in the darkness to help him find me. „We caught one of them and questioned him.“

Amadorn accepted my hand and i pulled him out of the closet. A light glow was seeping in through the window, coming from the lanterns outside, which made us look as nothing more than hazy apparitions. Yet, i could see him clearly, he was gazing at me with admiration.

„Assassins?“ He asked with concern. „I didn't know you had such bloodthirsty enemies.“

„We gained many enemies in Baldur's Gate after defeating the Elder Brain.“ I dropped that fact casually into the conversation and it worked like a charm. His eyes widened in pure awe.

„You were in that battle?“

„Indeed, me and a few of my friends. I'm surprised you've heard of it.“

„Of course i've heard of it! That city must be cursed! I can't believe that i'm standing face-to-face with one of its heroes.“

„Shh, it's our little secret.“ I smiled.

„It's safe with me.“ Amadorn took my hand and brought it to his lips. „Saving must be your second nature, madame. I thank you for finding me.“

„Do you remember who kidnapped you?“

„Hmm,“ he furrowed his brow as he tried to remember, „someone hit me in the back of my head. I tried to get up but darkness washed over me. She must've put me under a sleeping spell.“

„She?“

„An elf woman in a servant's uniform. I didn't see her very well.“

I asked him a few additional questions and told him to remain in that room for a little longer. I needed him to stay out of my way. Then i ran to meet Astarion.

Astarion was standing near the entrance to the ballroom, hiding behind the wall. I accompanied him in the shadows.

„He's safe and sound. I told him to wait in that room. You should've seen his face. He was looking at me like a starving puppy.“

„So, you liked my plan after all,“ Astarion smiled. „Sinking your claws into the prey.“

„I'm sowing seeds for the future harvest. Did you see our thunder girl?“

„No and if she was in the room during Cornelis' little flop then she'll know that their plan has failed and try to escape.“

„Amara knows how to open portals, but she will need a private space. She could be anywhere right now.“ I sighed, looking at the dancing couples. The ball guests had recovered from the dramatic hostage situation and resumed their merrymaking.

„Exactly. If i were her i would be out of here at lightning speed. It's safe to say we have lost her.“

„She'll find her way back to us. No one can resist the tang of money.“ I smirked.

„I think you're right, my flame. Lets bury the body. If we'll be quick nobody will even notice our absence. I got a sudden urge to dance.“

We picked up Cornelis and changed into our bat form, making sure to cast the invisibility spell before leaving. We carried him to Crow's Call, buried him in the yard and returned to the ball. The night was still young and our detour didn't rob us of anything valuable. As we entered the room with my hand in the crook of Astarion's arm, we were approached by a small crowd of concerned people – Oneressa, lord Enwald, as well as some other fresh acquaintances made at the beginning of the night. Obreon was standing nearby, peering at us curiously. Amadorn was out of his confinement and peacocking about with a glass of wine in his hand.

„How was your endeavor? Did you find what you were looking for?“ Lord Enwald was the first to ask.

Astarion calmed our host, explaining that we had, indeed, learned all that we needed to know and the unwanted guest has been dealt with. He was more than happy to hear it and left us with Oneressa, who was visibly shaking. Lady Melidrient was as upset as i thought she'll be, it took a lot of explaining to reassure her that the evening was safe. She wasn't too thrilled to hear that Amara had escaped but nothing could be done about it. She asked us to stay in her palace for a while longer, to which we agreed. Our new acquaintances were also glad to hear that we were safe.

Astarion invited me to dance and we dominated the waltz. It was time to enjoy the evening.