#Via Cassia | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

ghouldump · 5 months ago

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To Be Loved | Armand x Reader

ෆ idolized and worshipped by your coven members, alive but not living, things quickly change for you when you move to Paris, and meet your soulmate.

requested via private messages, this was so cute, no manipulative gremlin armand.

What is Love? A feeling of deep admiration or likeness? Patience, kindness, unconditional forgiveness? It was hard to tell. The emotion had become so distant from you, a faint memory from half of a millennial ago. Love required trust, and you couldn't bring yourself to trust another.

“My lord, the sun has departed for the night,” Demetrius said, making you look up from your lap. Everyone kneeled before you, their heads down.

“You may go and hunt,” you dismissed them, closing your eyes. You could feel their stares lingering, hesitating, as they stood up, leaving you alone in the dungeon.

“How long will you starve yourself? At least feed on the rodents, you look like death,” hearing her voice, feeling her closeness, but refusing to face her, to acknowledge the concerned expression.

“Good, then I’m one step closer to dying for good,” you sighed.

“Y/n, don't be stupid, go drink, it is an order from your maker,” she ordered, making you open your eyes.

“Leave me,” you screamed, facing her, but she was gone.

Cassia, the reason you were here today, the last person you trusted. You were from a wealthy family, and your father, and his father, both swordsmiths, valued, oftentimes working alongside kings and their soldiers.

While he was never home, your mother was too immersed in raising your younger siblings to focus on you, nevertheless, you were loved. On birthdays and traditional holidays, you'd receive amazing gifts of all kinds, praised and advised on everything, you couldn't have asked for a better life. It wasn't until the mysterious young woman, Cassia moved close by, that your life changed.

You had been out later than usual, on your way home from a friend’s house, when you saw her. She stood outside of her house, reaching for the apples on the tree.

“Hey, could you lend me a hand, I can't reach these,” she called out, stopping you, just as you passed her short fence.

“I really need to get home,” you said, apologetically.

“It will only take a moment, please, come,” she said, watching as you awkwardly entered the gate. You didn't understand how she thought you could help when there wasn't a big difference in your height.

Jumping a few times, you managed to knock the apples out of the tree. Picking them up, you placed them in her basket, turning to leave, but she stopped you.

“Bring them in,” she told you, already walking into the house. Glancing down the road at your house, you picked up the basket, and you entered the home. It was much brighter than outside with all of the candles, neatly arranged.

“You can sit them on the table,” she said, turning to face you. Your eyes widened for a moment, she was one the most beautiful woman you had ever seen. Her skin was perfect, smooth with a few small moles, full lips, doll eyes, and glossy soft hair.

“Thank you,” she told you.

“You're welcome,” you said, turning to leave.

“How old are you? I heard your family a few weeks back, celebrating a birthday,” she said.

“Eighteen”

“And you aren't betrothed?” she asked, as she moved closer.

“No, my father will begin looking for arrangements later this year,” you explained.

“Good, whoever has you, will be lucky, you have a heart of gold,” she said, her hand going to your cheek. She was moving closer, making you uncomfortable, an eerie grin on her lips.

“Go, it is getting late, but come back tomorrow night,” she continued.

There was something intriguingly bizarre about the woman because despite how weird she seemed, the next night you found yourself, fidgeting with your fingers, in front of her door, contemplating if you wanted to knock. Just as you raised your hand, the door opened.

“Come in,” she smiled, moving out of the way.

“I don't believe I got your name, yesterday night,” she continued.

“Y/n,” you held out your hand.

“Cassia,” she raised an eyebrow, taking your hand into her own.

Awkwardly staring at your hands, while she gazed at you, she continued caressing her thumb against your skin. Clearing your throat, you took your hand away.

“What did you need?”

“I have a gift, for your generosity,” she said.

“No need, it was nothing-

“I insist, please, sit,” she pointed to the table. Gulping, you went to sit down, something peculiar about her tone sent a chill down your spine.

“I hope you like apples, I made pastries, it has been a long time since I’ve made anything like these, but I know they are delicious,” she smiled, setting the tray in front of you. The slice of fresh apple pie, along with cookies.

“Thank you, this really was unnecessary,” you shook your head, breaking a piece of the cookie.

“You were the first and only to help me, it is obvious that you have been chosen,” she told you, watching as you ate the cookie.

“Do you like it?” she asked, smirking as you nodded. Chewing, you began to cough a little, repeatedly clearing your throat, and staring into the cookie. Standing up, you made your way to the door, stumbling, Cassia slowly behind you, catching you, as you fell unconscious.

Waking up, you struggled to move, opening your eyes, confused to see Cassia, straddling your lap, placing a variety of ointments and oils onto your body.

“W-what is going on?”

“I am preparing your body for your death,” she told you before she started humming.

“My what? Release me,” you wiggled, stopping as her hand went to your throat.

“You have been chosen, do not ruin this,” she snapped.

“Cassia, please, what are you talking about?”

“Those who must be kept were cursed, damned to eternity on earth, and to live off of blood, but the creator showed them mercy, bestowing soulmates. A companionship stronger than any other, the perfect partner, meant only for those with the dark gift. My soulmate, Elias, was weak, he chose the sun, he chose death over me. I’ve prayed and prayed, and I asked for another soulmate, and you have come along, helping me and I have to turn you to ensure we have each other forever,” she said, your eyes widened in fear, shaking your head.

“You're mistaken-

“I haven't been more certain,” she told you, her fingers brushing over your lips before she bared her fangs.

“To us, and an eternity of our love,” she said, sinking her fangs into your neck draining the life from out of you.

Turning you, within a single night, you had lost everything. Your family, friends, life, everyone sensed how different you became. How you suddenly left home and would only be seen with the strange woman. The same exterior, but a different entity possessing the body they once knew. The new social discrimination you experienced didn't help, being shunned for your not-so-obvious relationship with Cassia.

She was a lonely soul and out of your kindness, she convinced herself you were her second chance at love. She would later explain how it felt when you would come across your soulmate. How you would love them no matter who they were, their shade, or where they were from. She didn't realize it until turning you, but she had been wrong, there was no second chance. She would've let you go, to find your way with the dark gift, but she couldn't.

After the side effects wore off, the way you looked at her, your maker, brought butterflies. She knew it was only the gift, bringing on the newfound lust, but she gave in anyway. It was nothing more than sex for you but after centuries of celibacy, it felt like lovemaking to Cassia. On the living room floor, until morning came, then reality came down on you. Pulling away, a hint of disgust in your eyes, she knew then. Running outside, you only made it past her fence, before you fell to your knees, screaming in agony.

“Cassia,” you cried out, confused why this was happening.

Wearing a cloak, she grabbed a blanket and rushed out to save you, carrying you back into the house. From that point, even if you weren't hers, she loved you and felt a need to take care of you. After a few decades together, you eventually accepted her, but she knew it was only a matter of time before you came across your soulmate. That is why, a century into your companionship, she finally surrendered to the sun, leaving everything to you.

The last person to love you had left you alone. Her wealth and dark gifts, she passed, but you were utterly alone. You became a vagabond, you had no one to keep you settled in one place. You attempted to surrender a few times, but Cassia’s spirit wouldn't seem to leave you alone, talking you out of it every time. You formed a bitterness towards her, she claimed to love you, yet she brought you into this lonesome life, just to leave you.

Eventually, you found yourself in Rome, Cassia’s homeland. She and her soulmate were both turned and met here. You acted as if you hated her, but found yourself in the very place she was born. Buying a large home in the countryside, you were satisfied with the large dungeon in the home.

Not long went by, before your encounter with the local vampires. They came to you on a night you stood near a cliff, trying to pray. You had been trying for so long, you didnt have an end solution. For God to make your life less lonely, to bring your soulmate, to help you finally end your life, you were sure he wasn't listening, but it helped pass the time.

As they surrounded you, you didn't bother facing them, maybe they could kill you, but then Cassia came, telling you to show them your power. You had inherited all of the gifts and were much older than them. Begrudgingly, you turned to them, flying above them, watching as they quickly submitted to you. Then, one of them pointed out that you were praying, perhaps you were their saint, a mediator for the damned to god himself.

You denied their claims, but they didn't listen, asking to reside with you, which was the beginning of your coven. Eight young vampires, you grew closest to Demetrius, Jonah, and Marianne. Three centuries came and went and they all remained devout. Even though, for the last few years, you would be off and on starving yourself for weeks at a time.

“My lord?”

“Yes, Demetrius?” you answered, slowly turning to look at him. On his knees, his head bowed, he held a box.

“For you, you shouldn't starve yourself like this,” he said, as you took the box, surprised to see the trapped rats inside.

“Thank you,” you said, grabbing one of the rodents, and biting into it.

“The others are too afraid to mention this, and asked me to bring it up with you,” he said, nervously.

“Well, out with it,” you told him.

“We want to leave Rome, a few locals have gotten suspicious, and the talk has made its way to the city. We could easily kill them, but it would cause too much attention, so we think it is best to leave,” he said.

“Stand up,” you told him. You found it so bothersome having all of them bowing and crawling at your feet.

“The others are aware that they are able to leave this coven, I will not stop any of you,” you told him, as he stood in front of you.

“Yes, but we want you to come, Marianne thinks we will be safe in Paris, but we want you to join us,” he said.

“Go with them, Rome no longer serves you any purpose, you only await death here,” Cassia told you, as you stared at Demetrius.

“How soon did everyone expect to leave?”

“As soon as possible”

“Then we will leave for Paris, and you all can come out from hiding,” you said, watching as your coven members slowly revealed themselves.

“Thank heavens, there is one more thing, Demetrius hasn't told you, my lord,” Jonah said, making you face him.

“And what is that?”

“We have hopes of blending in with society”

“Very well-

“I think they mean everyone”

“I mean everyone, and with the utmost respect, you will also have to adjust, or you will look out of place, Marianne can take care of your wardrobe,” he said nervously, glancing at her.

“Tell them yes,” Cassia said excitedly.

“If these are the plans, you all will need to prepare, as soon as possible,” you said, watching as everyone’s faces lit up, dropping to their knees, they worshipped you.

“This is good, you need the change, you can finally take steps towards living your life,” Cassia told you, as you lowered your head.

Hopefully. How long would your life continue like this? The vain worship, as if you were their god. You couldn't remember the last time someone looked into your eyes and saw you as an equal. Maybe Paris could change the agonizing lifestyle you felt trapped in.

“I hope I haven't overdone myself, my lord,” Marianne said, her head down, following you into the large castle-style home.

“It is perfect, I can't remember the last time I saw coffins this nice,” Cassia clapped, walking next to you.

“You have done well, everything is pleasant,” you told her, patting her head as she thanked you profusely.

“Amazing, we have our own coffins?” Alexander, one of the younger, newer members of the coven exclaimed. He was also Marianne’s soulmate.

“Yes, I apologize for my negligence as a coven leader over the years, in the dungeon, I felt no need for coffins, being that it was dark, but coffins are much more comfortable than the cold floor,” you told him, you didn't realize until after speaking, everyone stared at you with such admiration in their eyes.

“We chose you as our leader, and we accept any conditions, as long we can stay with you, although we are very thankful for the upgrade,” Jonah told you, everyone agreeing.

“Enough of the praise, there are still a few hours left in the night, go hunt, and travel together, until you are familiar with your surroundings,” you waved them off.

“You're not coming?”

“Perhaps another time, go on,” you told them, turning away, and going to your room.

It had only been a few hours since arriving in Paris, at the large house. Demetrius took care of finding the place, while Marianne furnished it, before your arrival. You couldn't lie, you felt uncomfortable, your usually unruly appearance had been completely changed, replaced by fitted trousers and a soft turtleneck.

You refused to be walking around in the strange dresses of the age and preferred androgynous pieces of clothing.

“Will you hunt tomorrow?”

“Cassia, why is it that even in death, you force yourself into my life, I am not yours,” you told her sternly.

“You are my fledgling, my blood flows within you, I can not leave you to die, not when you have so much potential and when you haven't given yourself a chance to find your soulmate, even in death, I love you more than myself”

“Then why did you leave? All you wanted was for me to love you, and when I did, you left,” you faced her, pointing accusingly.

“I made a mistake turning you, out of my own selfishness you were created. I couldn't keep you, and deny you the vampire meant to be yours. You can hate me, but I knew what was best, and trust me when I say, that coming to Paris was for the best, what’s yours is soon to come, sooner than you think,” she said, vanishing.

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and Cassia never spoke to you. It was refreshing, not having her in your ear. Other than the praise and worship, Paris seemed like the change you needed. No one encountered any other vampires, and they all were beginning to blend, amongst the mortals, as they originally wanted.

“My lord, please help,” Marianne burst into your room. You were levitating, attempting to pray, but opened your eyes.

“What is it?” you asked, furrowing your eyebrows at the blood smeared all over her face.

“Alexander is in trouble; he wandered off while we were hunting and came across a few other vampires, they followed him here and they're much stronger than the others, please do something,” she said, her voice filled with urgency. Nodding, you let your feet touch the ground, before following her.

Just as the door opened, you could see the vampires surrounding your coven, taunting them. Lifting from the ground, with only a flick of your finger, fire sparked around them, making them confusing look around looking up at you.

“Get away from them,” you warned them.

“You and your coven are in claimed territory, you’ve been here for months and haven't made your presence known,” one of the vampires spoke, his back had been turned to you the entire time.

“Careful,” Cassia spoke, you looked over at her. This was the first time seeing her in over seven months.

“I do not answer to other vampires,” you told him, going back to the ground, as he began to turn around.

Fire appeared in his hand, making you do the same, and just as he faced you, both of you froze. His eyes widened, while you shook your head in disbelief. Your heart was racing, goosebumps on your skin, as you stared at this beautiful creature. Your heart was reaching out to him, yearning to be loved and cherished by him, he was your soulmate.

“Enough, let them go,” he spoke to his coven, making them look at him confused.

“We can't just-

“Enough,” he raised his voice, and immediately they stopped, moving away.

Your coven slowly came to you, each of them bowing their heads at you. Alexander looking the most apologetic.

“I am sorry, my lord,” he started.

“You have done nothing wrong,” you reassured him.

“I am Armand, What is your name?” the man spoke, making your eyes shift back to him. As much as you knew for sure he was your soulmate, you refused to give in. To be used for his personal pleasures, like Cassia.

“That is none of your concern,” you said, and immediately he was in front of you. His eyes softened, reaching for your hand, but you took it away.

“You are my soulmate,” he started.

“And if I wasn't, what would have happened? You threatened my coven and me, I am quick to forgive, try again another time,” you spat, turning away, your coven following.

“You're just letting them leave,” Santiago asked, frowning.

“Yes, for now, we must go, the sun will be out soon,” he said, walking toward their bikes.

“Why would you deny him, deny yourself love?” Cassia asked.

“The sun will be out within the next hour,” you announced.

“You would rather be alone, and sulk until you die”

“Stop talking,” you muttered.

“You have followed in my footsteps with your selfishness”

“Cassia shut up,” you yelled, as your coven members shared looks of concern, seeing you yell at what seemed to be nothing.

“Everyone to your coffins,” you said, clearing your throat and going to your room.

“It is not my intention to hurt you, my love, but I don't want you to do this to yourself. If you could have seen from another perspective how he looked at you, he didn't want to harm you, if he comes back, give him a chance, please, for the both of us,” she told you, holding your cheek, before disappearing.

Going to your coffin, you blocked everyone out as they talked among themselves. Whispering questions, and ideas. As the sun came up, you fell asleep easily, all of them leaving your mind as you gave in to the well-needed rest.

Just as the moon covered the sky, you opened your eyes at the sound of a knock on the front door. Getting out of your coffin, you began to leave the room. You could see Demetrius at the door, it was only cracked, but you knew who stood on the other side.

“If I may speak with your leader”

“I don't think that is a-

“It is okay, Demetrius,” you told him, watching as he bowed, opening the door more to reveal him, holding a bouquet of roses.

“Are you sure?”

“I am, thank you,” you said.

“Good boy,” the youthful man said, tauntingly, while Demetrius slowly walked away, growling at him, as he disappeared into his room, as you approached the door.

“Is there something I can help you with?” you asked.

“You told me to try again another time, these are for you,” he said, holding out the flowers for you to take.

“I didn't think you would come so soon,” you said, making them fly across the room, landing on the nearby table.

“You are my soulmate, I couldn't go another moment knowing you are out there, away from me. I apologize for my coven and my behavior, we have been aware of your people for some time now, waiting for any of you to reveal yourselves,” he said.

“I too am at fault, I sensed the presence of another older vampire, but I didn't realize you would be so close,” you admitted, you couldn't decide if it felt odd or refreshing, as he stared into your eyes, nodding after each word that came from your mouth.

“Fate has a way of working, come with me, somewhere more private,” he said, holding out his hand. Hesitantly, you accepted his hand, exiting the house. Wrapping his arm around your waist, he lifted from the ground, flying through the sky.

He didn't stop until he was at the famous art museum, freezing security, slowly lowering to the ground. As your cold feet touched the floor, his hand went from your waist to your hand, leading you up the stairs.

“Your coven, they worship you as if you are their god, Y/n, it took a lot of digging to find out your name,” he started.

“They have convinced themselves I am some sort of saint for the damned, I have denied the title, but now I think they have simply chosen to be loyal to me,” you shrugged.

“And your faithful servant, Demetrius?” he asked in a tone you didn't like.

“What about him?”

“He is only your devout worshipper? He seemed to care-

“He is loyal, but if we had anything going on, it wouldn't be any of your business-

“Y/n, don't act like that,” Cassia appeared.

“Would you be quiet,” you started, but froze, realizing you spoke to her, in front of Armand.

“Are you…alright, darling?” he asked, glancing at you.

“My maker insists on haunting me, to make up for her mistakes,” you confessed.

“Her mistakes….”

“She thought I could potentially be her soulmate, so she turned me, but when she realized I would eventually meet my soulmate, she went into the sun,” you said, as you focused on the artwork along the walls.

“I’m sorry”

“Centuries, I have been alone, honored but unknown to my coven, it was her, who had convinced me to come to Paris”

“Then I should be thanking her, for bringing you to me,” he smiled, keeping his eyes straight ahead.

“Armand, I can’t be with you, I hardly know you-

“You and I, we are more alike than you think, untrusting, hurt, a wall built around us, in hopes of protecting what was once wounded. I’m not asking for you to jump out of your comfort zone, but rather, I’d like to invite you to visit my theatre. You have to get to know someone to decide if they are worthy of being trusted,” he said, making you glance over at him.

This beautiful man, your soulmate, the deepest parts of your soul pleaded to give into his words. Fall into his embrace and exchange your love, but the emotional scars held you back.

Clearing your throat, you walked away from him, towards the next piece of art. “I’ll think about it,” you said, hearing his small chuckle, before he followed behind you.

“Where did you reside, before coming to Paris?” He asked, making you slightly frown.

“Why?”

“I’m only curious to know more about you, your background, how did a woman as beautiful as you, become a coven leader, with such powerful gifts,” he said.

“I could say the same, you look very young, how old were you?” you asked him.

“Ladies first,” he smirked. Looking into his eyes with a straight face, you searched for deception, any reason to not trust him, but you could find none. His body language was completely defenseless and open to you. Sighing, you opened your mouth, starting from the beginning, you shared your story with him.

From the windows, you could feel the eyes of your coven members. Lowering to the ground, with Armand, you held on comfortably, as the two of you continued talking.

The coven couldn’t deny how different you already seemed. This was the most they’d ever seen you speak, occasionally laughing at whatever the man had said. The sun would be out in less than an hour and here you stood out in the open, with the mysterious man.

“You should go, the sun will be out soon, and my coven, they are watching us”

“Intensely,” he agreed, making you snicker.

“You look so beautiful when you smile,” he continued, watching as you bit down on your lip.

“I have to go,” you said. Turning to leave, he reached for your hand, stopping you. Pulling the card from his pocket, he slipped it into your fingers.

“Come to the theatre, you and your coven,” he smiled.

“Sleep well, Armand,” you told him, walking away. You could feel the wind blow, as he flew into the sky.

Entering the house, your mood changed, seeing your coven shift their eyes from you. You knew it was out of respect, but you saw them as equals, and this was growing tiring.

“If any of you are up for it, we have been invited to Théâtre des Vampires, I’ll be going tomorrow,” you told them.

“And if you expect to blend in, then there will be no bowing or titles, we are going to enjoy ourselves, save your worship,” you said, turning to go upstairs.

“My lord,” you heard, as you were about to enter your bedroom.

“Yes,” you turned, facing Marianne.

“He’s your soulmate, isn't he?” she asked, a small smile, on her face.

“I’m afraid so,” you said lowly.

“Give him a chance, you deserve to be adorned with love and kisses. Just looking at him, I’m sure your heart flutters tremendously,” she said.

“Is that how you feel about Alexander?”

“From the moment I looked into his eyes, I fell in love, and it hasn't faltered since then, please, you deserve this,” she said, for the first time, meeting your eyes differently. Not as a devout worshipper, but a friend.

“Get some rest, Marianne,” you smiled at her, turning to leave her, going into your room.

“She’s right, you know,” Cassia spoke, as soon as the door shut.

“I thought you were done for the night,” you told her, as you removed your clothing, changing into your pajamas.

“I will be leaving you soon,” she smiled, looking down at her hands, two wedding rings decorated her finger.

“Giving me another break?”

“For good,” she said, as you snapped your head her way.

“What do you mean?”

“You have found your soulmate, you may not see it now, but Armand is persistent, and he loves hard. You will give in to his love, and finally, this void within you will be filled. Meaning, my work is done,” she smiled, a bloody tear dropping from her eye.

“Where will you go?”

“I am damned, so I would assume hell, not that it matters,” she laughed, bitterly.

“You don't have to do that, you can stay-

You began to protest, coming up with possibilities, while she stood, shaking her head. Approaching you, you began to cry quietly. You held a resentment towards her, yet you couldn't deny how much she meant to you, at this moment.

“You don't have to go,” you whispered.

“I may be damned, but I’ve done well with you, my greatest creation, my love, my angel — you make the dark gift shine beautifully in the night. You will always be the best thing that happened to me. All I ask is that you live, and continue to flourish, no matter what. No more dungeons, starving yourself, isolating from the world, do you understand?” she asked, smiling sadly, as you nodded.

“Yes,” you managed to speak.

“As much as I’d love to savor your lips, I will save them for your soulmate. Even when I’m not here anymore, I will live on through you. My blood flows in you, leaving a small piece of me with you, for an eternity. Goodbye, my sweet y/n,” she said, slowly fading. As she completely disappeared, you noticed the teardrop blood stain, right where she stood. Proof that she hadn't been part of your imagination, but actually with you, throughout the years.

Opening your coffin, your mind shifted between Armand and Cassia. Love. You still didn't what it was, but perhaps he could be the one to show you — with Cassia gone, what did you truly have to lose?

“We're trying to assimilate and these pricks are blatantly doing this, acting like it's a play,” you could hear Demetrius grumble, as you all sat, attempting to watch the play. The play that you all quickly realized, was one, terrible, and two, their way of killing humans in front of other humans.

“Exactly, but these mortals are just as pathetic because they find it scary,” Jonah laughed, as the curtain closed. The young girl could still be heard screaming, her voice growing faint.

“I see him,” Marianne bumped your shoulder, making you look over. He sat in a booth, facing you, and as soon as you met his eyes, he smiled. You almost returned the gesture, but instead, you kept a straight face, making his face falter for a moment.

Turning back towards the stage, you listened to Jonah, Demetrius, and Alexander go on about how terrible the play was, going as far as making jokes about the actors. You could feel his gaze, but you ignored it, watching as humans began to leave the theater.

“That was almost two hours of my life wasted,” Alexander whined to Marianne.

“Look who decided to show his face,” the familiar man spat, standing in front of you all, his eyes on Alexander.

“He doesn't want any problems with you,” you told him, as his eyes sharply shifted to you.

“Their dear coven leader, you have all of them afraid of you, but perhaps it's because you haven't met your equal, or someone stronger,” he hissed at you, as you stood up.

“Is that supposed to be you?” you tilted your head, fire sparking from your fingers.

“Enough, Santiago,” Armand spoke up. The man rolled his eyes, but obeyed his orders, backing away from you. The action seemed to catch the attention of all of his coven members, as they stopped what they were doing to watch the scene unfold.

“Y/n is my soulmate, disrespect to her is disrespect to me, and it will not be tolerated. Do I make myself clear?” he raised his voice, and many of the members nodded in agreement. Santiago remained quiet when Armand grabbed him, choking him.

“Do you understand, Santiago?” he asked him, watching him struggle to nod, muttering an embarrassed, “Yes”.

“Good,” he shoved him away, his eyes moving to you.

“Come,” he held out his hand to you, watching as you slowly accepted it.

Looking down at your hands, his fingers intertwined with your own, you looked back at your coven. They smiled excitedly, Jonah giving you a thumbs up.

“I was surprised you came, what did you think of the play?”

“It was awful, but in a good way, I guess. I enjoyed the ending,” you said, laughing at his surprised expression.

“At least you're honest,” he sighed, his thumb brushing against your hand.

“I thought of you throughout the night, I hoped that you would show up,” he admitted, as he led you in the direction of the park.

“Yeah”

“All I wanted was to see your beautiful face again or smell your scent. I’ve never met any-

“Armand, this is difficult for me. I haven't experienced this kind of passion, for over half of my vampiric life. I didn't know how to love, or what it even means to,” you told him, but he only shook his head.

“Do you feel the same way, when you look at me? As if time stops, the compelling force to do or be anything your soulmate wants, as long as they will have you. The elation of just looking at your soulmate, because they look nothing but perfect in your eyes, do you feel this way too?” he asked, relief when you hesitantly nodded.

Pulling you closer, his eyes shifted from your lips to your eyes. He seemed a bit hesitant, making you think of Cassia and Marianne. Their words replayed in your mind, you thought of the same saying from the previous night, what did you truly have to lose?

Standing on your toes, your lips pressed against his own, immediately, his arms were around your waist. Moaning into the kiss, you could feel the almost static connection between the two of you, just as your skin touched for a kiss.

“I-I want this, but I’m not ready,” you told him, feeling guilty, as you pulled away.

“There is no rush, as long as you remain close, we can take as much time as you need,” he said, holding your hand, and placing a kiss on it.

“And our covens?”

“They will learn to coexist, or they are free to leave,” he shrugged.

“I think we should get back, and maybe share this information with them,” you said.

“Anything you say,” Amrnand said, holding your hand, as he led you back to the theatre.

On your back way, you passed through the market, a young girl catching for attention. She stood next to a tent, holding a sign, in front of a crate of apples.

“Would you like an apple, mademoiselle?” she asked, reminding you of Cassia.

“I-no thank you,” you smiled, before looked back at you in confusion.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yes, we should hurry back,” you said to him, as he continued walking, pulling you close, leading you back the the theatre.

An eternity, you had an eternity with your soulmate. You could see now, that you would enjoy his company, he was protective, considerate, and kind. An eternity of being with Armand, perhaps then you would could finally begin to learn what it meant, to be loved.

i had to end it here bc y'all know i would go on and on 😂

#interview with the vampire #armand x reader #amc iwtv #amc armand #armand the vampire

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2nd2ndalto · 1 month ago

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seeking solace in a bottle (and possibly a friend)

I had too many ideas for my holiday fic exchange, so I ended up writing two. This one is for @stressedanime . (I don't think it meets your wish list requirements, but hopefully you enjoy it anyway.)

The man who enters is familiar, someone Will’s seen around campus, maybe. Most people in New Rome are at least passingly familiar. He can’t remember the guy’s name, though, and he thinks he should. Nick, maybe? Will honestly doesn’t remember much right now. Which was kind of the plan when he came in here.

Will’s not really sure why he’s here, apart from the fact that he couldn’t bear to be alone in his apartment any longer, and this little bar on Via Cassia stays open later than all the others in New Rome.

The only thing he is sure of right now is that he doesn’t want to be sober. He’s been making a half-hearted attempt to nurse the rum & Cokes he’s been drinking since eight, but the fact remains that eight o’clock was five hours ago, and Will’s always been a lightweight.

The bartender approaches with a look that’s equal parts wry and sympathetic. “Sure you want another one?”

Will just nods. What else is he supposed to do? What comes next, when you’ve just abandoned what you always thought was your entire life’s purpose?

The door to the bar opens. Will glances towards it, reflexive. Even though each time he does, it’s with the accompanying dread that it’ll be someone he knows.

A moment later, the dark-haired man heaves himself to a barstool a couple of spots down from Will. They make eye contact for a fleeting second when Will glances over, a quick nod.

“Hey, di Angelo,” the bartender greets the other man. “What can I get you?”

The answer is too low for Will to make out, but he remembers the name now. Di Angelo. Nico. They’ve had at least one class together. Something in first year. One of those tiered theatre-style lecture halls in the oldest buildings on campus. Something forgettable like intro sociology, maybe. Will has vague memories of a leather jacket and messy dark hair a few rows down from where he sat. Someone quiet, thoughtful. Didn’t speak up much.

Will stares into his drink long enough that his eyes unfocus and he starts to feel a little dizzy. It’s just a little too warm in here, and that combined with the dim lighting (and okay, the alcohol) is making him sleepy. Maybe it’s time to call it a night.

“Hey,” says a voice, and Will looks up blearily to see Nico di Angelo standing right next to him. It takes Will a second too long to focus on his face. But when he does focus – wow. The guy is really fucking pretty. Big dark eyes standing out in a pale face. And his mouth. Will very suddenly wants to trace the line of those lips, wants to see those eyes flutter closed and –

Oh shit the guy said something. Will thinks he makes a questioning noise in response. He’s not really sure.

Nico’s lips twitch, amused.

Will is mesmerized.

“You dropped your jacket,” Nico says. His voice is low and a little rough.

“Oh. Thanks,” Will says stupidly, accepting the garment.

A hint of a smile, and then Nico heads back to his seat.

Will watches him until Nico turns, quirking an eyebrow.

“You should move over here,” Will says, deciding he’s too drunk to be coy about it. He attempts to pat the stool next to him. Misses.

That half-smile again. Tired, maybe, but curious.

“Yeah? Why should I move over there?” Nico asks.

Will’s not a great judge of… anything at the moment. But he thinks Nico might be a little drunk too. Probably not as drunk as Will is. But Will’s definitely an above-the-curve drunk at the moment. So it’s a high bar.

“Because,” Will says, making a concerted effort not to slur, “I’m a little drunk, and if I try to come sit next to you,” he points waveringly at the stool beside Nico, “it’s gonna be awkward. I don’t know if I can stand right now.”

“Hmm,” Nico says, thoughtful. His eyes flick over Will’s face. After a long moment, he stands, taking the few steps over to the stool beside Will.

“Damn it,” Will realizes aloud as his words float back to him in pieces. “I was planning on not telling you how drunk I am.”

Nico’s laugh is low and soft. It makes Will want to lean in closer, ask him to do it again. He wants to feel it on his skin.

“No offense, but you weren’t doing a great job hiding it,” Nico says. “Maybe time to switch to water?”

“Yeah. You’re probably right.” Will pushes the rest of his drink over to Nico, being extra careful not to spill it all over his lap. That definitely wouldn’t help him in his current quest to appear flirty and suave.

Nico waves down the bartender and asks for a glass of water. He passes it over to Will when it arrives, and Will takes several large gulps.

“Your name’s Will, right?” Nico asks.

“Yeah.” Will blinks at him, managing to focus on the wave of dark hair falling over his forehead, his stubbled jaw. His brain is working slower than usual, and it feels as if it’s only able to process Nico in bits and pieces. But the bits and pieces are stunning. Tattoos peeking out at one wrist and at his collar. The mouthwatering contrast of his pale throat against his dark shirt. “We had a class together. Right?”

“Yeah, I think so,” Nico drops Will’s gaze, eyes dipping to his own drink. (Gods, his eyelashes are gorgeous, a gentle brush against pale cheekbones.) “But – I actually remember you from the student health centre.”

Will stares at Nico. He sways a little. Then a little more. Nico reaches out to steady him, his smile growing.

“Right!” Will says. His brain’s running a little slow right now, okay? “You had – you came in for all those vaccines!”

Nico nods. “Yeah, that was me. I um – I managed to miss most of my childhood vaccines. And like, all the – modern ones.” He looks awkward now.

“I remember now,” Will says, softer. “You were the one with the –”

Nico wrinkles his nose. “Yeah, seventy years in the Lotus Hotel.”

Will does remember, now that Nico’s reminded him. It had been a run-off-your-feet kind of a day at the health centre, Will’s part-time job. Each patient had blurred into the next. Nico would have stuck with Will anyway, because of the bizarre story of his past. But that’s not the only reason he remembers, he realizes now.

“Your hair was longer,” Will blurts out, just as Nico opens his mouth to speak. “You – you had a ponytail. And – an eyebrow piercing.” Will reaches out unthinkingly and manages to brush his fingers over Nico’s eyebrow without jabbing him in the eye. He can’t tell if Nico is impressed by this, per se, but he does go a little pink.

“Yeah. You have a good memory,” Nico says, soft.

Yeah, because you were hot, Will manages not to say out loud.

Nico looks down, turns his drink in his hands. He has beautiful hands, too, Will realizes. Slender, pale fingers, a silver skull ring on the middle finger of his left hand.

“I was kind of hoping I’d see you at the health centre the next time I came in, actually,” Nico says, raising his eyes to Will again, then keeping them there, soft. Almost defiant. “But when I came back for my second round of shots, you weren’t working.”

“Oh,” Will says, utterly disappointed in his past self. “I – I um –”

Nico glances down again, clears his throat. “My sister. Bianca – have you met her?”

Will pictures a woman with Nico’s delicate features, his mesmerizing quiet. His long lashes and pale skin. Female, but just as breathtaking. He’s pretty sure he’d remember someone like that. “I don’t think so,” he says.

Will’s not sobering up, exactly, but this conversation – and the beautiful creature across from him, of course – is proving to be an excellent distraction from his own miseries. He’s very glad he came in here tonight.

Nico’s lips quirk. “She should have gotten all her vaccines, too. We both missed them. But she joined Diana’s Hunters, right after we got to Camp Jupiter, when we were kids. Apparently that gives you a pass.”

Will nods in understanding. “Being an immortal teenager has its perks.”

Nico rolls his eyes. “Apparently.” He looks fond, though.

“Do you see your sister often?” Will asks. There’s a sudden, intense desire to know everything about the man next to him. Keep him here, keep him talking. It’s a welcome distraction of course, but there’s also a weird feeling that they should already know each other. And that doesn’t make sense – Nico grew up in New Rome, and Will’s only been here since he started attending college.

“Yeah, we manage to meet up a few times a year, when she gets a break from hunting down monsters.” Nico huffs out a laugh. “I was so fucking jealous of that magical bow and arrow when I was a kid.”

Will grins. “Those girls are pretty cool. They’ve got that whole – otherworldly feminist aesthetic going on. You’ve got the cool black sword, though,” he adds, gesturing at Nico. And then looking closer and realizing there’s no sword in sight.

But Nico just smiles, so maybe Will’s not making a complete fool of himself. Either that, or Nico gets off on that sort of thing. Will decides he’s fine either way.

“You do have a good memory,” Nico says.

It’s a tiny little compliment, but it makes Will’s heart swell in a completely stupid way. They gaze at each other for a moment, Will wracking his brain to think of what clever thing he might be able to say to keep Nico talking.

Nico’s watching WIll carefully, like he’s looking for something he can’t quite grasp, But like he wants to. And maybe it should make Will nervous, but it just feels warm. Comforting, almost.

“I haven’t seen you in here before,” Nico says.

“No, I think this is only the second time I’ve been here.” Will clears his throat. “Do you come here – often?”

Nico’s face breaks into a slow smile. Breathtaking.

Will laughs. “I didn’t exactly mean for that to sound like a line.”

Nico quirks an eyebrow. “Exactly?”

“Well.” Will shrugs, grinning. He manages to hold Nico’s gaze until Nico looks away.

There’s still a smile playing around Nico’s lips as his gaze drops to the polished wooden bartop. “My apartment is just down the street,” he says. “I come in here to study a lot.”

Will nods. “It’s a nice little place. Cozy.”

Nico makes a sound of agreement. “It’s a good change of scenery,” he says.

Will runs a thumb down the side of his water glass, drawing a line through the condensation. “I actually came in here because I was – trying not to run into anyone I knew,” he admits. “I um. I dropped out of med school. Today.”

It feels like the floor is falling out from under him as he says the words out loud for the first time. And he’s not completely sure why he’s telling Nico this. But it feels right.

“Really? Today?”

“Yup. That’s why I’m –” Will gestures to himself, “not so sober.”

“Well, shit,” Nico says.

Will looks up to see Nico surveying him with sympathy.

“It’s a good thing,” Will assures him. “I’ve – it’s been coming for a long time. I just finally got up the nerve to do it.” He stares down at the bar top for a long moment, swallows hard. Nico’s hand suddenly appears in his field of vision, gently removing Will’s empty water glass and replacing it with a new one.

“Sounds like it was a tough decision,” Nico says, soft.

Will nods. He is not going to cry in front of a complete stranger. Probably. Will blinks hard. Nico’s hand appears again, this time a gentle squeeze to Will’s wrist before retreating.

“Speaking as an almost-complete stranger, I’m proud of you,” Nico says.

Will lets out a wet laugh, looks up to a warm, gentle gaze. “Thanks,” he whispers.

And then, somehow, he starts telling Nico everything. What it was like growing up at Camp Half Blood. Learning to save his friends’ lives as a literal child. The way he’d sob half the night in his cabin sometimes, desperately homesick. How, just as he started to feel like he was getting his footing at Camp, he lost Michael, and Lee, and so many others. The way so much responsibility fell to him, and he just took it. Because what else was he supposed to do?

The way everyone just assumed he’d be a doctor someday, and the way Will just accepted it, too. The way it never really felt right, and how very long it’s taken to make sense of that.

And Nico, an almost-complete stranger, listens. And seems to care, to understand.

When Will’s throat is dry from talking more than he has in months, Nico shares, too. He fills in all the blanks Will’s wondered about – his childhood at Camp Jupiter and the years before, at the Lotus. Losing his mother. Losing his memories. Being raised by his sister – the only one in the world who knew him – and then having her leave, too.

Nico’s brow is furrowed, and he’s twisting the ring on his finger. “I felt like it wasn’t even fair for me to complain about it, you know? I still had my sister, she was just – off with her new friends. So many other kids at Camp had had their siblings actually die. Well – like you did.” His eyes flit to Will’s for a second, hesitant.

Will can’t help the impulse to touch, to offer comfort. It’s kind of in his DNA, after all. He reaches a hand out, laying it over Nico’s. “You’re still allowed to be sad even though bad things happen to other people too,” Will says, gentle.

Nico nods, his gaze on their hands. He seems to take a moment to collect himself, then turns his hand to hold Will’s back, a gentle squeeze. Nico’s hands are smaller than Will’s, a bit cooler. It’s an awfully nice fit, Will can’t help but think. Comfortable.

Maybe Nico feels it too, because he keeps talking, now with his hand in Will’s, punctuating with the occasional squeeze or stroke of his thumb. He talks about struggling to accept himself – his parentage and his sexuality. Being forced to come out before he was ready, and then losing Jason Grace, the first friend who Nico felt had really accepted him without question.

“I was supposed to meet up with them tonight,” Nico says. He finished his drink at least half an hour ago, and he hasn’t ordered another. “My friends – the ones who were closest to Jason. We meet every year on the anniversary of his death, to remember him. And I know it’s good for me to go. But I just…” Nico shrugs. “I’m not always good. With people. So I blew them off and came here instead.”

“And you ended up having to listen to my sob story all night,” Will says. A little regret seeps in as the effects of the alcohol start to fade and he realizes just exactly how much he’s talked Nico’s ear off.

Nico shakes his head.“No. I’m glad. That I ran into you.” He looks up, shy, but solemn.

“Me too,” Will says, soft. They gaze at each other for a long moment, something warm fizzing between them, their hands still joined. Will’s sure Nico’s gaze darts to his mouth.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything else?” the bartender asks. “Last call.”

Will binks, startled out of the little bubble they’d been sinking into.

“A shot of nectar?” Nico says.

The bartender nods.

“Make it two,” Will says. It should stave off any impending hangover. It’ll sober him up a little faster, too. He’s spent the last hour certain in the knowledge that he wants to kiss this guy he just happened to run into at a bar on one of the worst nights of his life. And he thinks he’d like to be sober for that.

They’re the only two left in the bar, and as they step back out onto the street, Will hears the door locking behind them.

“Where do you live?” Nico asks. His face is bathed in the golden light still shining from the bar. It catches on his hair, the shine in his dark eyes.

“Oh, I’m – across town,” Will says. “It’s okay, though. It’s a nice night for a walk.”

Nico nods, his gaze flicking over Will’s face. “It is.”

Now that they’re both standing, Will has the opportunity to appreciate the height difference between the two of them. He likes it. A lot. Nico is several inches shorter, delicate everywhere Will can see. Slight shoulders, narrow waist. Will wants to scoop him up in his arms and carry him… somewhere. Somewhere softer and more private.

There’s a beat of silence in which Will struggles to tame the butterflies in his stomach enough to make some kind of a move.

“Walk me home?” Nico asks with a small smile.

Will grins, a trickle of relief. “Yeah. Okay.”

Nico’s apartment is only half a block away, and the walk is over far too quickly. They pause again at the steps to the building.

Will is not exactly bad at flirting, but at points like this, where it feels as if the pressure’s on and he just needs to do something – well. These aren’t his smoothest moments.

They’re standing close. He thinks Nico opens his mouth to say something. Will can only think of a single thing he wants.

“I’d really like to kiss you,” Will says in a rush. After all, the worst Nico can say is no. And the past few hours aside, Will’s already having a terrible day. Getting rejected by this beautiful boy won’t really make it that much worse.

But Nico looks up, a slow, shy smile. “Okay.”

As first kisses go, Will would put it in his top three, definitely. It’s soft, and sweet, and when they both sway closer for a second attempt, Will takes a half-step in, and Nico’s hands rise to Will’s arms, a light grip that sends heat sparking across Will’s skin.

Nico pulls back first, just enough to speak. “Do you wanna come up?” His breath rushes over Will’s lips. There’s only one possible answer.

It’s anything but soft and sweet when Nico finally fumbles open the door of the apartment. They reach for each other immediately, falling against the inside of the door, Will pinning Nico to the solid wood with a soft thump. Nico’s hands are everywhere – cradling Will’s face, and then smoothing down his arms, tracing the shape of him, gripping his waist. Twisting into the belt loops of his jeans and pulling him closer.

Will’s mouth is everywhere, licking and sucking at Nico’s plush lips, then mouthing messily at the angle of his jaw, working at Nico’s neck until Nico moans.

Will decides in that moment that he doesn’t ever want to let his mouth part from Nico’s sweet skin, and he covers every exposed inch with kisses, Nico’s pale throat and the hollow of his collarbone, the line of his jaw and the soft skin under his ear until Nico’s gasping, tilting his head back against the door, fingers clutching at the waistband of Will’s pants.

“I – I don’t usually do this. If that matters,” Nico gasps.

It doesn’t, but – “me either,” Will manages between kisses. And it’s true, but he can’t imagine this night ending any other way, like it was promised from the beginning. From the moment he stepped into the bar tonight, or maybe earlier, maybe always. That’s probably a stupid thing to think, but Will’s brain isn’t exactly in top form right now.

He loses still more brain power as Nico yanks Will’s shirt up, presses cool fingers to his stomach, smooths over his waist. Nico’s hands rise higher, caressing Will’s chest, over the flutter of his heart.

Nico’s touch is impatient but startlingly gentle, like Will’s something precious. It brings a swirl of emotions that Will definitely isn’t going to unpack right this second. Especially when he feels Nico’s fingers fumbling for his belt, then his fly. Will thinks Nico’s hands are shaking. He thinks his might be, too. This, stupidly, feels far more monumental than a random hookup probably should.

Will clumsily kisses his way back to Nico’s beautiful lips just as Nico shoves a hand into Will’s boxers, gets a good grip and squeezes. Will whines into Nico’s mouth and Nico kisses it away, hot and wet and persistent, his tongue sliding against Will’s.

“I want you in my mouth. Is that okay?” Nico gasps.

Will can only nod, then make an absolutely stupid sound as Nico drops to his knees.

He thinks Nico mutters, “fuck, you’re big,” but then he’s not thinking much of anything, because Nico’s mouth is hot and wet and he’s sucking and stroking and pressing closer like he’s never wanted anything more in his life.

Nico doesn’t have roommates, does he? Hopefully not, because Nico doesn’t warn Will to be quieter – and Will is being loud frankly. Nico is, too, making the most obscene wet noises as he sucks and mouths at Will’s cock, little whines that zip heat through Will’s veins.

Will’s hands settle lightly on Nico’s head. Gods, his hair is soft, and the way it slips between Will’s fingers sends a fresh wave of heat crashing over him. He tightens his fingers, just a tentative grasp, but Nico moans around him, his rhythm stuttering. Nico’s hand flies up, closing over Will’s and squeezing, encouraging. Will holds tighter, eliciting another beautiful moan, Nico’s mouth working over him, everywhere.

Everything is fuzzy and heat and beautiful little bursts of sound coming from both of them, wet noises, sighs and moans. Will’s so lost in it, his world narrowed down to Nico’s hands and Nico’s mouth and the pleasure pulsing through his body, incandescent.

He’s so close now, his hips beginning to jerk unevenly as he fights to stay still. He needs something more than his fingers in Nico’s hair to keep him upright, and he falls heavily against the door with one hand above Nico’s head.

Nico stills a little, the motion of his hand slowing. He’s breathing hard, carefully trying to take Will deeper. Will’s body floods with heat, not to mention appreciation, and he tries very hard to stay still, his own breath coming in sharp little gasps.

Will’s sure he hits the back of Nico’s throat. Nico makes a choking sound, but doesn’t stop, doesn’t loosen his grip, swallowing again and stroking, stroking. Will focuses all of his strength on not letting his knees buckle. He’s shaking everywhere, teetering on the edge.

“Nico –” It’s the only warning Will manages before he’s pulsing, spilling into Nico’s throat. “Sorry –” he gasps, but Nico just hums, shakes his head, swallows again and again until Will whimpers, loosening his grip on Nico’s hair.

Will drops to his knees then, cradling Nico’s face, kissing him hard, licking his own taste out of Nico’s mouth until Nico moans with it. One handed, Will hikes his jeans back up. They’re both still wearing shoes for gods’ sake, but, careful as he can, he lowers Nico onto the thick, expensive-looking runner in the front hall. Nico goes down easily with a little whine, tugging Will on top of him and bucking up against Will’s thigh when he presses it between Nico’s legs.

Will desperately wants to make a good impression here, but the truth is he’s so wild to get at Nico’s bare skin that he’s not sure he does a great job, grinding into Nico where he’s so hard against Will’s thigh, mouthing at his collarbones while he shoves a hand under Nico’s shirt, probably leaving stubble burn and maybe a hickey or two behind. Nico doesn’t seem to mind, anyway, arching and gasping and clutching at Will’s shoulders.

Will moves lower, wet, clumsy kisses down Nico’s body, simultaneously fumbling with the fastenings on Nico’s jeans. He shoves jeans and underwear halfway down Nico’s thighs. Will finds himself very much hoping there’ll be a next time, when he can get them both undressed properly. When they can take their time.

For now, Will takes a brief moment to admire everything he’s uncovered before diving in, nuzzling into the crease of Nico’s thigh, against his balls, pressing quick kisses up Nico’s dick until he sucks the head into his mouth. Nico keens, hips shifting, restless.

Will licks everywhere, ensuring everything is nice and slick before adding his hand, too, firm slow strokes that make Nico let out a long moan. Will tries, then, to do what Nico did for him – because it was really fucking hot – tries to steady his breathing, take Nico as far in as he can, mouth and throat working.

But he comes up spluttering and gagging, eyes watering.

Nico props himself up on an elbow, brow furrowed. “Shit, sorry –”

“My fault,” Will gasps. “I was trying to impress you.”

And Nico’s expression falls into something so fond that Will nearly dives right back in to give it another try.

“I was already impressed, sunshine,” Nico says. His chest is rising and falling rapidly, lips swollen from their kissing. He levers himself up a little further, strokes Will’s face. “You were doing great. I don’t need anything special.”

You deserve everything, Will wants to say, but that’s far too intense a thing to say to this guy who he’s only known for a few hours, so he lowers his head again and gets back to work. He must be doing okay anyway, because before long he’s got Nico panting and making these intoxicating little thrusts with his hips and a second later Nico cries out, the sound echoing through the little apartment. Will loosens the grasp of his hand, sucks Nico gently through the aftershocks until he groans, collapsing back onto the floor.

“Fuck,” Nico breathes.

Will’s in complete agreement, collapsed against Nico’s thigh, breathing him in, floating back down. One of Nico’s hands fumbles to Will’s head, stroking through his hair, careful.

There’s quiet for a few blissful minutes, the slam of a door somewhere down the hallway.

The apartment is dark, but there’s enough light filtering from between half-cracked blinds for Will to make sense of his surroundings. It’s a cozy little space, old like most of the buildings in New Rome, and it’s cluttered with bookcases and papers, photos and trinkets. All the little bits of Nico that Will thinks he’d like to learn, eventually. There’s a dark sword lying across the coffee table, and it catches a line of soft light shining from the window.

Nico clears his throat. “I’m sober enough to take you home. If you want. But you’re welcome to stay. I – have a bed. It’s a lot more comfortable than the floor.”

When Will lifts his head enough to see Nico’s face, there’s a quiet fire in his eyes, something sure and simmering.

“Are you okay with me staying?” Will asks. He thinks he could probably sleep right here, face pressed to the crease of Nico’s thigh, feet from the apartment door. Mostly, he’s not quite ready for this evening to end.

“Yeah,” Nico smiles.

They prepare for bed together. And maybe it’s just the lingering effects of the alcohol, but Will keeps double-taking at how normal this all feels: Nico hanging Will’s jacket for him and giving him a quick tour of the apartment. Showing Will to the bathroom, and digging out a spare toothbrush. Idle, silly conversation as they prepare to climb into bed together. Nico’s in flannel pajama pants now, Will in his boxers and t-shirt.

There’s a little flutter of nerves as they climb into bed, but only because Will’s not quite sure what happens now. They settle on their sides, facing each other. Pale moonlight catches the shine of Nico’s hair.

“I’m glad I went to the bar tonight,” Nico whispers. He keeps saying these little things, low and earnest, that make Will’s heart throb in his chest, make his throat tight. Will’s probably reading too much into it, though. It wouldn’t be the first time. And besides, it’s been a long, emotional day.

“Me too,” he manages, and Nico smiles at him in the dark.

Will reaches a hand across the small space between them and Nico takes it, automatic.

“Full disclosure,” Will says, “I’m a bit of a cuddler.”

Nico’s smile becomes something warmer and fonder. “I’d be up for some cuddling.”

They shuffle towards the middle of the bed, feeling each other out, finally settling against each other curled like commas, Will with an arm snug around Nico’s waist.

This is so far from how Will expected this day to end. It's pretty damn far from anything he ever thought his life would look like, in fact: med school drop out, no concrete plans for what to do next, curled up in bed (and possibly half in love) with a guy he met a couple of hours ago.

But he presses his nose into Nico’s hair, and Nico sighs and settles against him, and for the first time in so long, Will doesn't feel like he's on the wrong path.

Notes:

1. Thank you to @anything-thats-rock-and-roll for the beta! 2. Title is from the Indigo Girls' Closer to Fine 3. I've been waiting for an opportunity to use the "unvaccinated Nico di Angelo" tag :)

#my writing #rated adult #Nico di Angelo #will solace #solangelo #canon divergent #New Rome au sort of #I hope the setup isn't confusing #holiday fic exchange #fluff and smut #and a little angst #unvaccinated Nico di Angelo

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