#damirae sauce week 2023 vampires | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

eleanore-delphinium · 10 months

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The Life of A Vampire & A Witch in the Woods

Disclaimer: Not smut more on domestic fluff. Mature.

Happy Sauce Weekend Folks: Vampires

Word Count: 8500 (I know it's so satisfying)

A03 Link for those who read there.

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Sauce Weekend 2023 Day 1 Vampires

The Life of A Vampire & A Witch in the Woods [ M ]

It was a moonless night; a long black-haired woman made her way through the darkness of the woods. She was cautious but nervous as evidenced by her constantly checking behind her. Lightning struck from a distance just as she turned her head, moving forward.

From the brief flash of the light, her eyes instantly widened when she saw a figure just before her. A hand covered her mouth as she muffled her scream.

The man before her studied her with interest. And as amethyst eyes met emerald ones, time appeared to slow down as they quietly stared at one another.

The man seemed indifferent; he wore black pants, and a white shirt under his black coat. His clothes seemed to be of the highest quality and he was in pristine condition even though the entire place was wet with dew.

Why was he here in the woods? He seemed rather out of place.

On the other hand, her long hair was a mess despite the braids that started from above her ears that crossed at the back of her head and kept most of her hair off her face. Her long black hair had become wavy as her hair had escaped the bun that she had on previously.

The hem of her dress was the dirtiest from soil and mud and her overall attire was a mess. Her hands were filled with dirt too and it didn’t help that her dress was made of an ivory shirt, a brown skirt with a black apron and to top it off from the cheapest quality linen. She really looked cheap in front of him.

Water started to fall from the sky and the woman could not help but look up. She had lost her bonnet as she ran through the forest.

The man looked up, “It will only rain harder.” The man extended his hand, “I found an abandoned cabin over there, we can stay there as we wait for the rain to pass.” He cocked his head to his left– her right and she stared at him.

Lightning struck again, and she was able to see his black hair and tan skin in that instance, then the thunder followed.

The woman nodded slowly as a shaky hand reached out for him. And as their skin touched, she couldn’t hold in the breathy exhale that came out of her lips. Her heart was pounding so loudly in her ears.

Just when she wanted to pull away, his fingers wrapped around hers. The exchange drove her mad.

“Come, I don’t want you to get sick.” He gently said and she noticed how deep his voice was. She nodded like a little girl as she let him gently drag her through the forest.

Her mind was elsewhere as he weaved through the forest, eyes locked at their connected hands. When she came to, the rain poured and she wondered why she wasn’t drenched. She studied her surroundings and was surprised to find herself inside what seemed to be an abandoned cabin.

How could she be so careless?

“You should be more mindful,” he said as he studied her in the dark and she frowned. But his thumb was caressing her tenderly, “We’ll have to work on that.”

But with each stroke of his thumb against her skin it just made her heartbeat and breathing even more erratic.

“You are mine.” He spoke clearly. “As I am yours.” He paused.

“I didn’t think I would have a Destined.” He spoke in a sad tone, which did not go unnoticed by the woman, however, her mind was more focused on his words. Which made her shudder, not out of fear, but because he knew, just like her, the moment they laid their eyes on one another– they were Destined.

Soulmates so to speak.

Two people who are destined to be together.

“I promise you; I will treasure you.” He spoke eagerly and he watched how her long black lashes fluttered over her beautiful eyes. He enclosed the hand he held with both of his hands.

Quite a gentle touch, she noted.

“Damian.” He whispered his name so enamored by her beauty.

And it took the woman a moment to realize that he was introducing himself to her, “Raven.” She shyly replied, her cheeks turning rosy.

His smile was bright even though they were surrounded by darkness. And she couldn’t keep her eyes off his lips.

Perhaps a natural thing due to what they are to one another.

“I have to tell you, I’m a vampire.” He confessed softly and he watched her lashes flutter again.

She nodded, “I’m a witch.”

An amused smile and then a chuckle came out of Damian’s lips, “Well, this would be interesting…”

And that was how they met, quite unconventional, they supposed, but they fell in love as it was natural for Destined to fall for one another. They then built a home in the abandoned cabin, where they exchanged names.

And that was where the two were the happiest.

It took time but Damian worked hard to rebuild the cabin and currently, he was repairing the roof due to a leak that he had noticed yesterday.

Raven was tending to the garden they made at the front of their house. She paused and looked up at the roof, “Please be careful.” She gently reminded him, her husband from his work on the roof.

The sweat from his torso dripped down his black pants as he glanced below and wiped the sweat off his forehead with his arm.

“Of course, beloved.” He answered back with a soft smile and she smiled back as she went back to tending the garden.

When he was done with his repairs and went down from the roof, his wife was no longer there and he frowned. The wooden door opened to reveal his beautiful wife and he instantly lit up, then noticed that she had on her brown wool robe.

“I have to go to town. I will go and sell some of my potions and buy us some ingredients and other necessities.” She told him and Damian was clearly sad.

He took a step closer, cupped her face, and kissed her forehead, “Alright, be safe. While you are away, I will go and gather some herbs in the mountains for you.”

She nodded and swiftly kissed his lips as she stood on her tippy toes and he was briefly startled but happy, “Be safe.”

He nodded with a smile in response.

“Be very careful, please.” She softly begged with doe eyes.

They had been together for three years but he was still absolutely smitten with her. She brewed her potions, ointments, and charms which she sold in the nearest town or village. He would help gather the herbs, especially the hard ones for her. Often their dates would be them picking herbs in the woods or other forageable items. And he treasured the simplicity in the act alone.

“I should go if you want me to come home before the sun fully sets,” Raven said and even though they have been together for years, she still gets rather shy around him. But he enjoyed it.

“I’ll get those herbs you need." He said and Raven glanced at him.

“You don’t have to…” Damian brushed his thumb against her lower lip making her stop.

“I’m a vampire, you are unnecessarily worrying.” He calmly told her.

“I’m your wife.” She stared seriously and he embraced her tightly. “I don’t want to be a widow.” She squeezed the words out of her mouth.

“I would never make you a window, beloved.” He pulled his head away to stare down at her.

Her face was red as she pushed him away, “I should go.”

“I'll be alright, be safe please, you know what to do if you need me.” He instructed and she playfully rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"I can take care of myself." She whispered and he smiled.

"Be safe. I will get you all the herbs I find." He said kissing her forehead again.

"I hope they will be herbs." She teased.

"I was taught by the best, is my wife not certain about her skills?" He pulled her closer.

"Of course, I’m certain!" She huffed and crossed her arms and he chuckled.

He reached out for her hood and adjusted it on her head, "I will return home. Don't worry, beloved."

She nodded and held his hand as they walked the pathway through their garden.

They stopped at the end of the path that merged into a slightly bigger path.

"Well, I have to go up the mountains," Damian sighed and she gave him a tight smile.

"And I need to go down." She answered back.

"See you in a bit." He squeezed her hand and she nodded and turned around.

Damian watched her go and stayed in his spot till she was long gone before he turned to go up the mountains. And in the shadows of the trees, the expression of a loving husband immediately disappeared.

“If my wife finds you, I will kill you myself.” He suddenly said with a cold voice.

And then two men stepped out of the shadows.

“Understood, young master.” One said as the two newcomers bowed.

“We do not mean any disrespect.” The other replied.

The two were wearing casual wear for commoners but Damian knew better. They were just trying to look unalarming in the case that his wife was to stumble upon them among other people. It was just simply to draw suspicion away.

“Young master, your mother has sent us to bring you back home.” The man in a blue shirt said.

“Home?” He gave them a cold glance. “I am home.”

The two pressed their lips together as Damian continued his way to the forest.

“Young Master, we insist. Lady Talia has demanded you be brought back immediately. She has stated that she is reaching her limit with your excursion.” Damian gave the man a deadly glare which made the man gulp to a stop.

“Pity, you will be going home empty-handed. I will not return with either of you. Don’t make me send your heads back to mother. It is quite sad that it took you this long to find me.” He glanced at them for a moment as he continued on.

One of them sighed and then the two both bowed.

“Young master has simply showcased his great abilities to be a master of staying in the shadows.” Another respectful bow. “However, young master, Lady Talia, said that you may bring the young lady home with you.” Damian stopped in his tracks upon hearing this. He turned and glanced at the one talking.

“Nonsense, my wife does not know who I am. And I have built a life with her here.” He narrowed his eyes warning them not to pry any longer and to ensure that the secrecy about his heritage remains a secret.

The two fell on their knees, “Young master, you are a Prince–”

“Enough!” Damian roared, “I swear this to you, if my wife finds you in these woods, I will not help you I will get rid of you myself.”

The two bowed even lower, placing their foreheads against the ground.

“We swear, young master, the young lady will not detect us.” They spoke in unison.

Damian turned around, “Well if you two insist on staying, I might as well make use of you two.”

Damian then gave them his instructions. He was going to utilize them to garner more affection from his beautiful wife.

When the sun was starting to set, he gathered the herbs from the two men along with what he had gathered himself.

“Well then, now that I’ve made use of you, you may go and report back to my mother,” The two bowed, “Oh, and if mother sends someone again, do know if you come as a threat, I will treat you accordingly. But if she insists on sending someone back here as anything other than a threat, I would love it if you bring me a couple of things. It would greatly help in putting me in the good graces of the young mistress.”

Damian smiled as the two listened to their master’s demands.

When Damian went back to the cabin, he had a lot of herbs and he felt proud of himself. He knew his dear wife would be very happy with his harvest. He opened the door to be immediately tackled by the small feminine figure.

“Did you miss me?” He chuckled but did not waste the chance to hug her in his arms.

“I do not.” She tried to pull away but he did not let her go.

“It’s okay to miss me.” He whispered into her ear and she shook her head.

“I just thought you would appreciate a welcome home hug after combing through the forest.” She said and was about to pull away but his strong arms latched onto her tightly or rather quite stubbornly.

“I would like a welcome kiss too.” He sincerely asked and she frowned as she tried to push him away.

“No.” She whispered, putting her hands on his chest to push him away. “I have known you for long enough to know that the kiss will become even more.” She rolled her eyes and he chuckled.

Damian leaned into her, his tongue brushing the side of her neck that she left exposed and her body stiffened, “Where else shall I seek to calm my desire? Are you telling me to look for someone else, my dear wife?”

His wife visibly frowned and pouted at the idea of him with someone else as he gave little kisses on her neck.

“My beloved, you smell so delectable.” His hand pressed and brushed the curve of her butt. His lips sucking on the skin of her neck.

She couldn’t control how her knees shivered and he held her firmly with his other arm.

“I need to check the herbs you brought.” She whispered helplessly.

“You can do it later…” He licked her skin again, his fangs retracting. “Beloved, I want a bite.”

She sighed and turned her head to him, making him pull away and he looked at her quietly.

“Fine. But you cannot look for someone else.” The pain was clear in her eyes and he cupped her face, brushing the corner of her eye with his thumb.

“Of course, I won’t, my wife is right here.” He studied her face and was hurt seeing her upset. “I’m sorry, I won’t make that joke again.”

She glanced at him and nodded, “I will check what you brought me later. You can have your bite.” She bore her neck for him by pointing her chin to the side.

He smiled then brought his lips near his, “But I want more than just a bite.”

She looked him straight in the eyes, “It’s always like that with you.”

“What can I say, my wife is rather irresistible.” He whispered, the lust in his eyes clear.

“I am more than your wife. I am your Destined.” She narrowed her eyes at him but the playful glint was obvious and it brought him joy to know that she respected their Destined bond even though it was clear that she was teasing him.

He smiled at her, feeling pride at her words, “That’s right, my Destined is irresistible.”

He seamlessly lifted her and brought her to their wooden dining table, placing her atop. He grabbed the hem of her ivory skirt, flipped it towards her, and hooked one of her legs with his arm as he leaned forward forcing her to lean back.

“So, irresistible.” His fangs appeared to shimmer. He wasn’t a werewolf but he still had a heightened sense of smell and he could smell her arousal.

He bit her neck which elicited quite the moan from her tender lips. He excreted the venom that was both an aphrodisiac and a chemical substance that made the victim more complacent and susceptible to suggestion. A good weapon for hunting for his particular subcategory of vampires.

Sometimes his wife would ask or ask more of the venom because the high was nothing short of intoxicating. She even said it made the sex even more intense.

He pulled away from sucking her blood and kissed her small wound and the general area of it but in a rather provocative manner. His saliva healed the puncture wounds. “I don't want to drink you dry.” He kissed her temple and she closed her eyes with a sigh.

The venom, even though quite little, settled into her veins. Damian was careful when using it as he had told her before, some of his kind would make their victims addicted to it. He didn’t want that for her.

Then his other hand hooked her other leg and with one pull brought her crotch against his, “I do want something else from you though.”

She bit her lower lip and his eyes stared at those lips.

He smiled waiting for her to finish chewing her lower lip before capturing her bitten lips for a kiss. And as the kiss progressed so was Damian’s advancements. He enjoyed his evening– or rather enjoyed the taste of his wife that was propped on the table. He enjoyed her moans, her soft whimpers, and taunting her to make her beg. And she would beg.

When the main event of the night was done, he brought his exhausted wife to bed.

His lips kissed her skin passionately, “I wish to put you in the finest of silks.”

She chuckled in return, “Only Kings can afford such a luxury.” Her pale fingers ran through his hair as she studied the man before her. He had pinned her to the bed which gave her the most perfect spot to admire his face, that is if he wasn’t kissing her body.

Her husband was quite handsome and she found that she could never get tired of looking at that face.

He stopped kissing her skin to look at her lovely face but she could see that he was unsatisfied with not being able to give her the best.

Raven’s small hands cupped his face, “But I love what we have built here. It isn’t much, I know and I’m sure you want to give me the best, but I am more than happy here.” His gaze on her was enchanting and she smiled at him sincerely. “As long as you are here, I am more than happy, husband.”

His eyes crinkled at hearing her call him husband and he leaned to kiss her jaw just below her ear, “One day, beloved, I will put you in the finest of silks and give you the best of everything. The world would be under your feet.”

She giggled and placed her hands on his shoulders, “Well, then I look forward to that day, beloved, but for now, let us enjoy our time here, just you and me.” She pulled his face to hers and kissed his lips, making him moan.

The evening was filled with more moaning and groaning as two already sweaty bodies continued their enchanting dance of intertwining in each other’s arms.

The room was small and so was the bed, but it was enough to fit the couple. The cabin was rather small itself too. At first, there was no separation between the bedroom and everything else in the wooden cottage but he added a wall with his sheer hard work to give them privacy. It helped separate them from the kitchen, the dining area, her potion-making area, and the small hearth.

She was fast asleep and he brushed her black hair off her face, “One day, I will give you a palace.” He kissed her temple and he heard her sigh.

He then brought her into his arms, her back against his chest as he leaned his head onto her shoulder giving her another kiss, “For now, I am happy where we are too…”

When morning came Damian was long awake before she was.

“Good morning,” He greeted her, kissing her shoulder and she rubbed her head on his arm that she was somehow resting on.

She then turned and looked at him with sleepy eyes and a faint smile, “Good morning to you too.”

The two smiled at each other and shared a morning kiss.

Raven attempted to get up on the bed and he frowned, “Can’t we stay in bed a bit longer?”

She shook her head, “The garden will not water itself, and besides I have yet to check what goods you have brought me from the mountains.” Her eyes twinkled at the mention of the herbs and he reached out and brushed the corner of her eye.

“It seems like you’re more excited about the herbs than spending more time with your husband.” He pouted and she rolled her eyes playfully and shook her head.

She sat up, revealing her naked skin littered with his marks made of passion and he sighed following her lead. Since he was the closest to their small wardrobe, he directly went to it. Grabbing a white chemise dress first as she went to go around the bed to him.

“Here, let me help you get dressed first.” He said gathering the hem of the dress to help her put it over her head.

She complied as she said, “Wear your pants and shirt first.” The dress falls to just above her ankle. And she saw his objection on his face before he could say a word. “Dressing me will take some time, at least be decently clothed, I don’t want you to catch a cold.” She cupped his face.

“I’m–” He stopped as she raised a brow at him and he sighed. “Alright.” He grabbed his pants and a loose ivory white linen shirt. She watched him put them on and when the shirt was on him, her hand caressed his chest where his heart beat.

Raven was more familiar with the kind of blood-sucking creatures that were more dead than alive, but her husband did not fall into that category.

“When we first met you wore expensive clothes I–” She stopped when he cupped her face suddenly.

He shook his head, “It wasn’t that expensive.”

Truth be told, they didn’t know much about each other's past. What mattered was they met at the forest and their future after their first encounter with each other. She wasn’t sure who he was or what he did and it was hard to pinpoint when he seemed to be a jack-of-all-trades.

She knew that he was, as he placed it, 'the perfect vampire' and now he just wanted to forget about it. She knew that he went through genetic modifications to be the ‘perfected vampire’ that he was. It must have been traumatizing, though he doesn’t mention it. But it was clear that he was very different from the common vampires that she had met or read about. He even appeared and acted quite human and his bloodlust– aside from taking regular bites from her– was rather controlled. He could practically live with animal blood for months at a time.

“You had them remade for me…” She recalled.

Damian had taken the clothes he wore that night they met and reused the cloth for Raven, a gesture that had touched her heart.

“It was worth it.” He whispered back, brushing her cheek. “Now, let me help you finish up.”

She sighed but let him help her. Once he got her outer dress on her, he started threading the holes of her girdle that were at the front of her chest, “You know I can tie them myself.”

He stared at her seriously and she pressed her lips tight. “I like doing this for you.” He carefully laced the girdle and gently pulled the string. “Is it too tight?”

She shook her head but studied his face, “You’re staring.”

He moved his gaze to her eyes, “I can’t help it, it pushes your breasts really nicely.”

She chuckled, “Is that why you like helping me dress?”

He shook his head with a serious frown, “No, it isn’t.” He whispered his answer as he continued to attend to her girdle, tying the ends of the string neatly.

“I believe you.” She smiled at him and he smiled back.

"While I tend to the garden, I'm sure you will play with your stick." She teased and she was suddenly pulled toward him by the waist.

"Oh?" He asked her and she tried to pull away, rolling her eyes.

"You know what I mean!" She huffed and he chuckled letting her go.

"Let me help you with your hair." He stated, changing the topic.

And she sighed and turned to sit on the bed. He grabbed a hairbrush and carefully brushed her hair. He was adept with braiding her hair and after that, he gathered it all up at the back of her head.

"That will keep the strands away from your face while you garden and do other things." He smiled as he tied a white silk ribbon on her hair.

She turned to face him and gave him a quick kiss on the lips, "Thank you."

He gently smiled at her, "Well, the least I can do after last night." He teased and she shook her head giggling. "Oh, don't forget to check the herbs I painstakingly gathered."

At the mention of the herbs, her eyes lit up. And he couldn't help but feel jealous.

“But first let's put on our shoes.” He added softly trying to dispel the unreasonable jealousy that he was feeling. His wife hummed in agreement.

As usual, as it was something she was used to, Raven sat on the edge of the bed waiting for her husband to get her shoes while she lifted her skirt to her knees.

He smiled when he saw her and knelt on the floor as he always does. He lifted a foot and kissed it.

“My feet are dirty.” She whispered helplessly, just out of habit. He never listens to her remarks.

He chuckled and kissed her foot again simply shaking his head as he placed her sock on her foot. And he did the same with her other foot.

“Even if you are covered with mud, I can't help but worship you.” He whispered as he looked up at her with gentle eyes. A soft blush on her face.

Raven watched her husband put on her shoes quietly and he tied her laces with gentleness. She watched him put on his shoes and recalled how he didn't like it if she attempted to do the same for him, so instead, she'd watch him as he haphazardly put on his socks and his shoes as he always does.

He'd place his foot on the wooden edge frame of their bed and that was when she could tie his laces for him. Something she had to fight very hard with so that he'd allow her to do it.

“I don't like you serving me.” He told her.

“I'm your wife, who else should serve you?” She asked back and, in his eyes, there seemed to be so many things he wanted to tell her, but he ultimately sighed and that was the end of the argument.

She won her right to lace his shoes, just as long as she remained seated.

He would never allow her to kneel before him unless of course, it was for a very specific thing that only she could do for him. He used specific words as he brazenly pointed out to her– the only way she’d get to be kneeling between his knees.

When she was done, she got up happily.

"Oh! Let's see what you got me!" There was a jump in how she ran out to find the bag and he sighed, following her out casually.

Raven was quickly putting her mind elsewhere because it started to stray on how her husband likes her between his knees. The only way he'd allow it. And it was making her feel a little flustered and admittedly hot.

She had already started pulling out herbs and laying them on the table designated for her potion-making. And with each herb she pulled out of the bag, her eyes sparkled brighter and so did her smile. You'd think he gave her gold, jewels, and all the riches he could get his hands on.

Then suddenly it stopped which made him frown. She turned to look at him with watery eyes. He was confused.

"Where did you get this?" She asked with a purple plant in her hand. "This is so hard to come by." She placed the herb on the table and ran to him giving him a big hug.

He didn't expect it and took a step back at the sudden embrace. He steadied them as he pulled her to his chest. You'd think he just gave her the world.

Raven squealed, "The potions I can make with this– of course, once we sell it, the money can last us for months."

"Oh. That is great news." He smiled down at her.

"I can plant the roots in our garden as it's intact and use just a bit of magic to help it grow." There was worry in his eyes and she smiled at him.

Raven is a witch but she had to control her magic because of the people she was running away from when they met. She didn't say who she was hiding from and simply told him what matters now is their life together.

The same thing he told her. He supposed it just showed just how compatible they are with one another because they seem to be very similar in their secrecy and preference not to pry.

"Just a bit, the people I'm running from won't find me. I promise." She pouted at him and he sighed, brushing her hairline.

"Your husband is well capable, if they find you, I will handle it." He kissed her forehead then pulled away with a playful smile. "Like you said, I am good with my stick."

Although all he knew was that she was running from someone. Still, that won't stop him from defending her with his life if needed.

She laughed and when it ceased, he stole a kiss from her lips.

"Don't I get a thank you?" He asked, winking at her.

"Was last night not a thank you enough?" She asked him and he sighed loudly, implying that indeed he wanted more. "Besides we have chores to do, later help me go to the river to wash our clothes. We won't have any change of clothes if we don't."

"Yes, wife, your wish is my command." He bowed to her and she shook her head at his teasing.

"Oh, heat the porridge on the hearth, would you?" Raven instructed as she arranged her trove of herbs.

"I should hunt for meat," Damian commented but still went to the hearth to heat their pot of porridge.

"Tomorrow." Raven glanced up at her husband kneeling on the wooden floor. "We have our chores for the day already. And I think we need to bathe; you smell rather sour now."

He chuckled, "You can wash up first then, after we wash the clothes, and I will stand guard."

"Or you can wash up with me?" Raven asked with a demure smile on her lips, though the suggestion was not innocent.

"How could I say no to such a suggestion?" He smiled at her. "I will hunt tomorrow."

Raven was tending to her garden while Damian was on the main path with a long stick and shirtless practicing his blows. A sword rested against their wooden fence. He called the sword a katana. She thought it was a rather odd-shaped sword. But she cannot deny that he was well adept with it.

She was just straight out staring at him and his sweat-filled body. She had many guesses about what he could have been before they met. Judging from his clothes he was a wealthy man. But then he was way too good with his hands.

"If you keep staring, I won't be able to concentrate." She heard him say and she blinked at him and went back to removing the weeds, her ears red.

She stared at the silver-colored ring on her finger. He had crafted it himself. He was certainly skillful with his hands. He repaired the cottage and the fence, he hunted, and he was good with weapons. And there was an air of prestige even when he was just standing around.

Raven tended to her garden of herbs and vegetables as she recalled how her Destined came home one day covered in dirt.

“I found a cave with some minerals; I can make some jewelry for you. I don’t have gems–” She had run to him and dusted him off, thinking that he had been attacked, and carefully studied his body.

“I’m sorry to worry. I’m not hurt.” He immediately comforted her obvious worry.

“Me? Worried?” She pulled away glaring at the ground, but carefully stole a peek before he could find the words to say anything more. “You can make jewelry too?”

His face lit up when he saw that she wasn’t so upset to the point that she would outright ignore him.

“Nothing fancy, I can melt this and probably only be able to flatten this up and make a bracelet, but I would love to craft one for you.” He enthusiastically explained. He noted the smile on her lips.

“Let’s set that aside, for now, I do not need jewelry. But which cave did you find this at?” She asked and he told her everything.

"I'm done here." She got up and he froze from a thrust with his staff.

Even the way he practiced his combat was precise and it was clear that he was well trained.

"I believe most men do not train daily like you." She couldn't help but say, it wasn't the first time she did.

He smiled at her and grabbed his shirt, "Well, I have a wife to protect at home."

Damian attempted to grab her for an embrace which she easily evaded, "Well, now you smell worse!"

He chuckled and she added, "Let's go get the clothes."

"I'll carry the basket." He responded, putting his shirt on.

Damian carried the basket of clothes as they walked to the river a few minutes away from the back of their cottage. They talked as they made their way closer to the river, sharing laughter, kisses, and smiles.

"Oh, be careful," Damian told Raven and she rolled her eyes.

"You act like we haven't gone through this path a million times, every time." She chided but reached for his hand that was extended to her.

"I treasure my wife." He squeezed her fingers and she smiled.

"Oh, I hear the river." Raven's face perked up.

And he sighed. "It seems you love the river more than me." He drawled, sounding like a sad pup.

She turned her head to him, "How can I not love that river? We got married there."

He smiled at her and the memory. Twirling the ring on his finger that he made with his thumb.

Raven had her guard up with him even after months of being together. And he did his best to flirt and worm his way to her heart. She resisted even with the bond. But eventually, everything would change.

One day he had asked her if there was a way for him to marry her in her witchy ways. And maybe that was what made Raven fully trust and let him in.

"There is a spell…" She shyly told him. "Are you sure?"

"You're my Destined, I want no one else." He told her.

He then shared his desire to be able to reach her if she was in danger and she shared the same desire.

"There is also a spell for that." She ventured.

Thus, the ore found that one fateful day, the one he initially wanted to use for her alone, was used to craft a pair of rings.

Damian went to the closest blacksmith and asked to borrow their forge or pay if he had to and made the set with his bare hands. Smelting and cutting it himself, it showed that he was serious about her. And she crafted her spells and used the rings to anchor their desire to protect one another.

She asked him many times if he was sure about their shared plans and dreams of marriage and in a heartbeat, he would tell her that he was sure about her and only wanted her to be his wife.

"The rings need to be bathed in water from three separate full moons. And on the fourth full moon, we need to bathe in the waters of that moon. As we say our vows to the Moon itself. The Goddess herself." She told him.

"Sounds like the best wedding." He whispered to her.

No one in their area wore wedding rings, at least that is what Damian started calling them when someone asked about the twin rings the couple wore. Then her husband would go on an animated discussion about why it is important for others to know that they were taken.

He was proud to make people know that he was a married man.

She was rather embarrassed as it was far from the norm but more particularly how this goliath of a man turns to a child when faced with the topic of his wife.

They got by the river and Raven tied the hem of her dress, her mind recalling how they decided to get married. And her husband recalled that beautiful night as he watched her fuss over her dress.

She wore her chemise dress and he, his pants and shirt, as they stood in the water by their ankles staring at one another with love. This was the first time she let him see how much she adored him. He didn’t think he had such a firm place in her heart until that moment.

He placed a flower crown he made himself on her head, "I'm sorry this is the best I could give you."

"I love it." She said as her fingers touched a flower.

He smiled at her words, "Shall we get married?" He lifted his elbow to her and she nodded.

"Beloved, where is your mind straying?" Raven tugged his shirt.

"Well, I understand why you love the river." He smiled and she smiled back then his tone changed, "We had many lovely and passionate times here."

She pushed him playfully and turned to stomp down to the river, "Unbelievable! I can't believe we're married!"

He laughed and steadied her the moment he saw her trip a little.

"Let's wash your dresses first." He said and she sighed. "I’ve been thinking. I think we should get you more."

"Damian, no. We should get you more clothes." She scolded him.

"I can mix and match my clothes. But it pains me to see you wear the same dresses. You–"

"Deserve to have so many dresses that you can't possibly wear them a second time." She cut him off. She had heard that many times before. "I don't want riches, just you." She skipped back to him, pulling him to the water.

"Now you better be helpful and wash the clothes with me." He pouted at her a bit and then sighed, letting her pull him with ease.

"Fine. No funny business, beloved." He promised her and she smiled back.

The two started washing and eventually, he discussed his plans to hunt, "I rather you stay home."

"What? I can join you. Didn't you teach me so I can hunt too?" She looked up at him with a frown.

"The forest hasn't been safe recently." His eyes brushed the forest, certain his mother's men were there. They better know not to look when they start bathing.

"Then the more I should be with you." Raven looked at him with genuine concern.

He sighed, "Alright."

She smiled and he added, "But if there is trouble, run."

"I know, I know." She pouted.

"I want you safe." He said and she looked at him.

"I want you safe too." She rebuked softly.

He leaned to his wife and kissed the side of her face. “I know. And I will always come home to you.”

Raven couldn’t look at him, so she cast her gaze down to the water, but the soft pink color on her cheeks did not evade her husband’s sharp eyes. He smiled at her reaction softly.

When they were done washing their clothes, he placed them in the basket.

"Let's take a bath." She urged him and he kept his eyes on the forest.

"Let me check the perimeter first,” Damian said, grabbing the hilt of his katana.

“You always do that, no one is in this forest other than us.” She reminds him every time he does his checks.

“It’s a habit, beloved.” He started looking at the forest with a frown.

“No one else is here but us.” She begged, but she saw how his hands tightened on his katana’s hilt and she sighed. “Why don’t we go back for now and bathe when the sun sets, I know it will bring you more peace if we do that.”

He sighed in relief and looked back at her, “Yeah, I would prefer that.”

Her hand was raised to him and he smiled as he reached for her hand to help her out of the water. She had become more reliant on him and he was sure that she wasn’t aware of just how much. He was nothing but happy with her reliance on him, it was quite different from the first few months they were together. Her resistance was obvious just as much as how the bond made her feel for him.

And the sparks whenever their skin touched were always there. Most times their minds won’t register the sparks because they have gotten so used to it. But it was always there.

She hopped to his side, “Well, we have to dry our clothes anyway.”

His eyes watched her breasts bounce and she clicked her tongue at him. He quickly looked away with her disapproval. He recalled always telling her to wear a partlet over her breasts but she insisted that it was too hot to do so and besides they were alone in the forest. He was thankful when she’d cover up more when they went to town.

He put on his shoes and she did the same, her foot propped up on a large stone, bending down and from his vantage point the upper part of her breast was quite beautiful.

She cleared her throat, “I can see and feel you watching.”

This time he cleared his throat, “You act as if I wasn’t worshiping your breast last night.”

She stood up and put her hands on her hips, “And you could be right now if you didn’t insist on checking the area first.”

He did not respond to her remark, instead, he said, “Well, let’s go back home and hang our wet clothes.”

Raven pressed her lips; she knew him long enough. If it was her safety involved, he would not budge. He had never broken his habit of checking the area before she bathed in the river.

“Well, then, let us go home.” She stepped into place, right beside him. And he picked up their basket.

The trek back was the same, a lot of laughter, kisses, skinship, and loving gazes.

“I love the smell of the forest.” Raven said, “Don’t you dear husband?” She turned to look at him.

“Wow, be careful.” His free hand was already on her waist.

“You always overreact.” She placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I do not.” He kissed her forehead and she closed her eyes.

“Since we still have a lot of time, I can start and brew some potions. I would need an assistant.” She studied his face.

“It would be my honor.” He gave her a small bow of his head.

She licked her lips and nodded, “Thank you.”

"Let's go, let's go!" She suddenly pulled him by his wrist.

"Okay." He smiled, letting the small woman drag him about.

When the two got home they hung their laundry on the line behind their house. And shared a kiss when everything was done. Held each other's hands as they made their way to the front.

His eyes brushed their garden, "Should I pick some stuff up?"

She followed his gaze thoughtfully and gave him a sideways hug.

"I can make do with what we have inside." She answered gazing up at him and he smiled, squeezing her back.

"Okay." He nodded, kissing the top of her head and she giggled.

The two entered their home and got to work. After a few hours, Raven looked up.

"I think I should make more of my contraception potions too, I'm running low." Damian deeply sighed at her words and hugged her from behind.

"One day we won't need it." He placed a kiss on her shoulder. His wife's hand reached out to caress his face.

"Hmm… one day." She bumped her head a bit against his, an act of affection. "But for now, I need it, especially with your high libido." She loudly sighed for exaggeration, pouting. She felt his chest rumble against her back.

“I am very controlled just so you know.” He huffed while tightly hugging her from the back and she laughed. He then rubbed his stubble against her face.

“Stop that! It hurts!” She wailed with a smile.

~.~.~.~.~.~

Later when the sun had set, the two went back to the river hand in hand. Damian took the lead in the dark, his katana strapped to his waist, and Raven holding a small basket with their fresh change of clothes.

“I can see well in the dark.” She reminded him for the millionth time.

His free hand touched the hilt of his sword as he stopped and watched the surroundings before turning to her with a smile, “I know but I love holding your hand and taking the lead and making sure the path is safe for you.”

She squeezed his hand. “Damian, do you get tired of the forest and our small house?”

“What?” He took a step closer to her and cupped her face with both hands. “Why would you say that?”

She smiled at him vaguely, “You always mention big things for me.”

He leaned his head against hers and adored that she closed her eyes as if relishing his presence, “Because I think you deserve all the riches of the world.” He quietly told her.

Damian remembered the night they went out through the same small trek into the forest to the river to say their vows and do the spell.

He had just checked the perimeter and got the flower crown that he secretly made for her, his other hand holding his katana. And his breath was blown away at the sight of the woman who would become his wife. Although to be honest, the moment he laid his eyes on her, he saw her as his partner– his wife. There is no reason for him to deny destiny.

Raven had turned to him, hearing the rustling of the leaves from a bush he had passed by. She was almost mid-calf in the water. She lifted her dress a little, even though the hem was already wet as she smiled at him.

The sky appeared bluer than it usually was. The water seemed to glisten like silver as the moonlight kissed the surface. Her hair was down in soft waves as she had let it down from the strong braids that he had laced for her.

Raven could have been mistaken as the water nymph of the river.

And he fell in love with her more that night. He didn’t think it was possible. But every day with her was just falling for her even more than he thought he could.

Tonight, he had made his rounds to check the area hand-in-hand with his beautiful wife. And now the couple was by the river and he watched her step into the water which reminded him of that night yet again.

“What are you doing?” She looked up and gestured for him to come closer.

“Just admiring my wife’s beauty.” He smiled at her and she rolled her eyes.

“Always the flirt.” She muttered but there was a soft smile on her lips.

He removed his boots, eyes tracing her figure even through the chemise dress.

“Will you wash your hair?” He asked and she touched the bundle of hair that he had braided atop her head earlier that day.

“I suppose it is time…” She muttered and he got into the river.

“Let me help you then.” He got close to her and she turned so that the back of her head faced him. His fingers gently undid the braids as he combed her tresses with his fingers too.

Watching how her hair had become wavy made him recall their wedding night again. Where they placed the enchanted rings on each other’s fingers and shared a kiss under the sky with the moonlight that made her skin glow.

“Done.” He whispered and she turned to look at him, hands reaching out to his abdomen and she smiled at him.

“Then we should remove all these clothes.” She whispered looking up at him with her hands slipping under his shirt.

Their eyes were locked on one another, a gentle smile on his lips as the two lovingly looked at each other.

But good things always come to an end.

However, that story will be saved for a different time. For now, what matters is their time in the woods.

A vampire and a witch who met by chance and were destined to be together. Who lived a very blissful life in the shade of the forest that they knew as home.

Where being in each other’s arms was comparable to all the riches of the world.

Where the sparkle in their eyes showed the love, they had for one another that was comparable to the finest of jewels.

A place where two lovers could not possibly be touched by the cruelty of reality.

Don’t you think this is a great way to end a story? Just a little before the protagonists could possibly meet a tragedy.

~.~.~.~.~.~.~

You have no idea how many times I have edited this and then added more little bits in this fic… if it looks and feels Frankenstien-esque, know that it kinda was. Also, Prince Damian had been plaguing my mind for days. You have no idea the kinds of shit he does to Raven.

And sorry not really smut.

And if anyone wonders about the spacing, every time I edit in doc from google drive it changes the spacing. I am too dumb to try and figure it out, sorry.

68 notes · View notes

abyssal-ali · 10 months

Text

Project #68 [Operation Concupiscence] - 1

Pairing: Damian Wayne x Raven Roth

Rating: M (Chapters 1-3 are merely suggestive but overall this is a smutty story;) ) Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 ao3 Masterlist | Day 1: Vampire

WC: 3.5k

TW: Demon AU

A/N: For the 2023 @damirae-sauce-week. This is a Demon AU x Hogwarts AU. Moone's Institute of Magic and Mythos has three Covens (aka Houses): Demon Coven, Mage Coven, & Witch Coven. There are several subspecies of demon; for example, Damian is half Samaeline (wrath/judgement demon aka Bruce) and half Azraeline (incubi/lust demon aka Talia). I mixed canon and my worldbuilding quite thoroughly, so please don't expect much canon adherence ;) In this AU, Damian was raised with the al Ghuls before he began attending MIMM; family dynamics are not a part of this AU.

Concupiscence: definition: noun. 1. sexual desire; lust 2. ardent, usually sensuous, longing

“Now, as you Year Eights hopefully already know, the basis of any type of magic is a give-and-take system, whether it’s demonic, arcane, or natural. Today, you will be choosing one specific subsection of magic to study with your partner and will record your findings on how the give-and-take affects your experiments. No, it does not matter which Coven you are from and which substudy you choose. Your partners and substudies will be chosen at random. Half of you will be called to pick a name from this cauldron; the other half of you will choose the substudy from that cauldron. Everyone understand the objective?”

“Yes, Professor Zatara,” chorused the roomful of students.

The professor read off a list of names from a scroll, dividing the room into two. “Okay, students in line A, please select your partner. Line B, please choose your subject. I’ll call each pair up and we can discuss the specifics of your assignment once everything is settled.”

Raven shuffled along Line B, her gaze flicking over to Line A. More specifically, a classmate in Line A, with spiky black hair, deep green eyes, an insufferable smirk, and an unquenchable need to one-up others.

“Raven!” the person behind her hissed, jolting her out of her thoughts. “It’s your turn.”

Ignoring the person stepping up to Cauldron A beside her, who was smirking at her being caught daydreaming, she stepped forward, reaching into the depths of Cauldron B.

She moved back to her seat, uncurling the strip of parchment. Lust magic .

Scoffing inwardly, she yanked the hood of her cape over her head, only her glowing purple eyes showing from its shrouded depths. Freaking lust magic. Of course it was the one subsection of magic she had completely ignored in her studies and knew the least about.

The heavy weight of a stare that could only belong to one person settled on the back of her cape. Whirling, she glared at the boy sitting at the table behind her. “What do you want?” she growled, letting a little of her demon rasp leak through her tone.

The annoyance smirked, green eyes piercing through the shadows she had wrapped around her. “Guess who was lucky enough to choose the school’s ice princess as their partner?”

~~~

The glowing violet slits that were Raven’s eyes blinked out as she closed her eyes in frustration, causing his smirk to widen.

The violet appeared again, along with the flash of a white fang or two. “I could only be so fortunate that it was the school’s ice prince?” Her tone was heavy with sarcasm.

“Got it in one! I do hope that brilliant mind of yours will survive throughout our partnership.”

“Oh, shove it where the sun doesn’t shine, al Ghul,” she grumbled, turning away.

“So, your cape, then? Don’t mind if I do,” he returned snarkily, knowing he’d won that round.

She growled again.

“What are we studying, partner?” he leaned over her shoulder, attempting to peer at the parchment that she slapped her hand over.

He chuckled. “Oh ho, what a visceral reaction. How intriguing…why would you attempt to cover our assignment from your partner?” He tapped his chin, imitating thinking hard. “I’m sure you wouldn’t hide it to be petty, because your grades would go down and that would be unacceptable. Could it be…!” He gasped, eyes widened dramatically. “Is it perhaps love magic, and you don’t want to admit you’re in love with me?”

The violet of her eyes gained a distinctly red hue, signalling her irritation.

Damian smirked and dropped the subject.

“It’s lust magic, you dolt.”

“Ah, often closely used with love magic. I can see why you hid it now…it’s even more embarrassing to admit that you’re attracted to me.”

Raven raised her arm, a rolled-up scroll of parchment in hand, prepared to thwack him.

“Raven and Damian!” called Professor Zatara.

The classroom erupted into whispers as they walked up to Professor Zatara’s desk. The Head Boy and Head Girl, bitter rivals since they had joined Moone’s Institute of Magic and Mythos eight years ago, were partnered together for this project.

“Your subject for this project?” Zachary Zatara raised his eyebrow at the two of them.

“Lust magic.”

“Good thing you two don’t get along, so I don’t have to worry about you testing this on yourselves, huh?” Professor Zatara leaned back in his chair, a hint of a smile on his lips.

Damian could sense Raven’s irritation through her stiffness.

“You can choose how you’ll present your findings; the due date is in four weeks. Potions, charms, curses, anything is on board. You’ll be studying the levels of give-and-take, such as seeing if there’s an exponential increase of take from what’s given. Capisce?”

Damian and Raven nodded.

“Good luck with your studies. Garfield and Jaime!” Professor Zatara dismissed them, calling the next pair up.

“We can discuss the project while we do our rounds this evening?” suggested Raven as they walked back to their tables.

“Sounds fine, Roth.”

~~~

Damian turned the corner of the Witches’ Coven and stopped short, avoiding Raven with a move that had no right to be as graceful as it did.

Stupid Azraelines and their stupid sensual grace.

“Ready to tackle the project?” He greeted her with a cordial nod.

She turned to walk with him, nodding in agreement. “How do you want to divide the work?”

“We can both do the research since that will likely require the most time and energy. It would be best to wait until we have a better idea of what this project will entail before we divide the work between ourselves. Does that work for you, Princess?”

“Sounds fine. I just turned in two reports, so I should be free to get a head start on the research while you practice your swordsmanship.” A brilliant solution, in her mind, to her little problem. She could gain at least a rudimentary understanding of the magic before they had to knowledgeably discuss it together.

Damian nudged a stack of books in the Witches’ Common Room into order, rescuing them from falling at the slightest breeze. “You suggested it, so don’t say I didn’t do my share of the research if you have a problem with me later.” Speaking to the air, he activated his Coven magic. “Raven Roth is voluntarily beginning the research phase of Project #68, also titled Operation Concupiscence.”

She scoffed, brushing her shoulder-length hair behind her ear. “I’m not such a tyrant that I’d keep track of the seconds we each spend on this. Also, concupiscence? Really?”

Damian mumbled something likely uncomplimentary under his breath, holding open the door to the hallway leading to the Mages’ Coven.

Deciding to ignore the insult and take the olive branch (see, she could be gracious), she strode towards the doorway. At the last second, he let it slide shut in her face.

Nevermind. She was going to end him once this project was over.

~~~

Raven sat in the library’s restricted section, thankful for the perks afforded by the Head Girl and one of the students fluctuating between first and second-ranked academically throughout the whole school.

Only a handful of students were allowed in the restricted section, and her nemesis was currently occupied with the duelling club, which he headed.

Satisfied with her privacy, she began collecting the tomes she’d mentally taken note of during earlier strolls through the stacks and carried the armful to the table in the middle of the area.

Pulling out her scroll of notes for this project, she weighted the edges down with the covers of the open books, stopping the curl of the paper that made it difficult to completely fill the parchment with notes.

Dipping her quill in the ink, she began.

Project #68

Due Date: Imbolc Eve

Partner: Damian al Ghul (Demon)

Thesis: Interchange in Lust magic.

References:

Raven flipped to the title page of the first book, making sure she didn’t accidentally knock over her ink bottle.

Drat, she’d grabbed For the Love of Lust I, not For the Love of Lust II.

She took the book back to its shelf and retrieved the sequel, checking its title page while she was there to ensure no mix-ups occurred a second time. She had a limited period of uninterrupted time here, after all.

Returning to her desk, she picked up her quill and began marking her reference books.

Her hand paused over the final title.

Project #68 (Operation Concupiscence)

Due Date: Imbolc Eve

Partner: Damian al Ghul (Demon)

Thesis: Interchange in Lust magic.

References: For the Love of Lust II, The History of Love Deals and How to Avoid Scams, Nymphomagick: A Volume, How to Fulfill Sexual Summonings, So You Think You’ve Been Put Under a Love Spell, Sensual Creatures and Their Abilities + Uses

“Al Ghul!” she growled, spotting the addition.

How he had found the time to tamper with her scroll, she wasn’t sure, but she was going to give him heaven when she found out. That blessed sneak!

~~~

Damian sneezed violently, his instinctual defensive parry blocking his opponent’s blade as his eyes automatically closed.

Recovering, he disarmed his opponent with a flourish, a smirk taking over the usual no-nonsense set of his jaw. Roth must have found his addition. When he had declared the name of their project earlier, his Coven magic automatically completed it if some were left out. She’d never been able to harness the Coven magic and understand it like him, which was a shame, considering her heritage and raw potential. It made certain things so much easier to keep track of.

~~~

Raven angrily flipped through Sensual Creatures and Their Abilities + Uses, the final book in her pile and so far the least helpful. She could think of a handful of beings known for their sexual appeal and not one appeared between the pages of this out-of-date volume!

An illustration caught her eye and she turned back three pages to see a strange slew of lines, faded red colouring, and lots of sharp-looking marks that she guessed were fangs, or maybe stakes?

‘Vampyre, 1214, illustration by an eyewitness recollectione’, was its title.

The vampyre, or, as some call it, the vampire, is a creature of the night that subsists almost entirely on blood.

Skipping the paragraphs about the beings, she scanned the page for anything that would further her digging.

Some suggest that there exists a select group of these creatures which have managed to survive by feeding on others’ sexual energies, instead of consuming their blood. This maye be a confusion between vampyres and liderc, or perhaps incubi, or perhaps vampyres have truely changed enough that blood no longer sustains them. Feeding off of sexual energies could stop the rashes of vampyres and their bloodbathes that have steadily grown more common this past sixteenth century.

Finally, something useful! Mentally giving a cheer, Raven pulled the book closer and began studying.

~~~

Damian paused at the sight of Raven, fast asleep in the restricted section. Her head was on her arms, the hood of her cloak pushed back, and she looked soft in the warm glow of the library light.

Raven always kept a neutral expression, but until he saw her relaxed like this, he had assumed it was her default face setting. Now he saw why; she was far too delicate when she relaxed, and to a rule-stickler, top student, and Head Girl like herself, she couldn’t afford to show any softness.

He didn’t know all the details about her backstory, but he knew enough that he understood why she pushed herself so hard and strove to be the best at everything. They were similar in that aspect–in fact, the more he pondered it, the more similarities he found between them.

Shivering at the uncomfortable realization, Damian turned to leave.

At the exit of the restricted section, he paused and turned again.

~~~

Licking her lips, Raven ran her fingers through her hair and sat up, momentarily confused at her surroundings until she remembered how tired she’d been after she finished the day’s research.

She hooked her hands over her shoulders, grabbing for her hood, but pulled something else up instead.

Raven stared at the dark green, almost black, cloak, one hand absently stroking the soft material. She immediately missed the warmth from her back.

~~~

“What’s Roth doing?” Dane, a Year Six student from the Demon Coven, leaned forward to see past Damian at the breakfast table.

Damian turned his head, watching as Raven stalked silently up and down the aisles of tables, something in her hand that she periodically shook her head at.

She turned and started down the next row of tables, and Damian saw his cloak in her hand.

Half-stifling a smirk, he turned back to his breakfast.

“Something funny, al Ghul?”

He glanced up at Raven’s raised brow.

“Nothing more than the usual; your face,” the taunt slipped out, a habit from years of bantering.

Her lips pursed, a minuscule amount that likely no one but he would notice, but she gave no other reaction. Usually, they didn’t attack each other’s features, but he was still a little unsettled that he’d willingly given her his cloak (and now she was making something out of it), so he didn’t apologize and instead squished the tiny shred of guilt.

“What’s the matter? You look a little peaked today…could it be? Has the stick up you-”

“Al Ghul,” her withering tone and pointed look at the younger students, who were all thoroughly invested in their drama, reminded him where he was. “I simply found this cloak and was attempting to return it to its owner.”

“Ms Moone has a lost and found box, you know,” he drawled, raising his eyebrow as he stood, collecting his dishes.

A faint colour covered her chest, spreading around the edges of her leotard, and his thoughts immediately wandered to curiously wondering how far it spread, if it could get any darker and just how he’d accomplish tha-

“It’s cold out,” Raven interrupted the salacious turn his mind had wandered to. “I didn’t want a student to freeze. I’ll unfortunately see you in Advanced Runes.” With a swish of her cloak, she stalked out of the room, the picture of regal grace.

~~~

As Year Eight students, Damian and Raven were among the oldest students attending Moone’s Institute of Magic and Mythos. Most students graduated once they completed Year Seven, but particularly studious or talented students sometimes stayed another year or two, taking the equivalent of university prep and university courses, appreciating the safety the school afforded them.

Moone’s Institute of Magic and Mythos was a neutral ground for any and all magical creatures and wielders and had a strict no-discrimination policy. Even the students’ parents, guardians, or mentors were not allowed to interfere in anything relating to the school or its students while they were on its grounds, no matter how powerful, influential, or connected they were.

For that reason, some of the students who didn’t have the most stable backgrounds were eager to jump at the chance to further their studies and linger in the relative safety of the Institute before they joined the harsher worlds out there.

It was practically announcing that something was wrong if you took a Year Eight, but most students preferred to keep their cards close to their chest about the specifics of why they were staying since information was power, and once they graduated Year Eight, any information gained about them from their Institute years was fair game to everyone else.

Raven knew why she was taking a Year Eight, but she didn’t understand why Damian had. Even though his family was the most powerful Azraeline clan, they were what some, including her so-called family, might call decent.

She’d never interacted much with his family, though, as students did not typically receive visitors throughout the school year, and also, why would he want to introduce her to his family. Who knows, maybe the al Ghuls were just as bad as the Trigons. It wasn’t like she particularly cared about him, anyway. Shaking her head, Raven discarded her rambling thoughts about her partner and opened another volume that she hoped would provide her with more information on lust magic.

“Hard at work already, Roth?” the unpleasantly smooth voice of Damian al Ghul sounded behind her.

She glared at him as he slid into the seat perpendicular to her, setting out his books and note scrolls neatly.

“I was trying to before you interrupted me.” The restrictions on the restricted section of the library needed to be tightened, she decided.

He ignored her pointed jab and unscrewed the lid of his ink jar.

“Sounds like you might need to try some of these potions I’ve come across in my research. Maybe if you got laid, you’d be more pleasant to be around…oh, I see, it’s a catch-22; your unpleasant demeanour drives off anyone who would help you with that problem you have. My apologies, Roth,” he muttered faux-sympathetically.

“I see my ‘unpleasant demeanour’ still hasn’t driven you off,” she retorted. “Seems like you’re my last resort.”

Shifting in her seat, she leaned closer, letting her cape drop as her hand rested on his knee.

Damian’s widened green eyes dropped to take in her long legs and his mouth parted slightly, tempting Raven, but she restrained herself just before her nose brushed his. “If you still stick around after I’ve been so unpleasant, either something is wrong with you, or you’re more attached to me than I thought,” she whispered, her breath skimming his cheek.

This close, she could hear the rapid thump of Damian’s heartbeat and smell the saffron and rose water that she’d only ever gotten a hint of before. The delicate strength of the aroma was not one she’d have thought Damian would wear, but the strange pairing worked for him.

Sitting back abruptly, she returned to her studying, but she noticed with a pleased twist of her lips that Damian sat unmoving for several minutes before he recovered himself.

Maybe he had a point…

~~~

Year Five

Raven’s cape snagged, pulling her into a dark alcove in the Institute’s halls in the Demon Coven.

“Sh!” The whisper behind her and the hand covering her mouth could only belong to one person.

Damian wrenched his hand away from her with a silent yelp that she could feel him let out as she bit down hard on his flesh.

“What do you want, al Ghul?” Taking a step back, she let the cool stone of the wall she leaned against calm her sudden spike in heart rate.

“You know I’m not trying to insult you, right?” he muttered, shaking his hand in the air as if the breeze would heal his pain.

“It seems kind of hard to interpret the sneers and jibes as anything other than insults,” Raven answered dryly, raising an eyebrow.

Damian tutted, leaning back against the wall opposite her. “I mean, I don’t actually mean what I’m saying. I simply appreciate the mental stimulation of a good verbal spar. It’s come to my attention that I perhaps am making you feel bad, which is not my intention.”

Pursing her lips in slight surprise at Damian’s words, Raven let him stew for a few moments.

“No, I’ve never particularly felt personally insulted by your words. I prefer to pay as little attention as possible to things beneath me.”

Damian huffed and she smirked.

Taking pity on him, she straightened. “No, I don’t mind. I also enjoy our little altercations. I appreciate your attempt to clear this up. See you around, al Ghul.”

“Wait!” Damian’s fingers gently closed around her wrist.

She looked down at their joined hands, then back to Damian. The moonlight sneaking through the slits in the walls revealed a slightly flustered look on his face, though his tone also gave his discomfort away.

“Sorry, it’s just- the other students have some bets on our…interactions. Neither of us particularly wants their attention, and if we were suddenly-”

“Relax, al Ghul.” She peeled his fingers away from her wrist with her free hand. “Just because we’ve now acknowledged that we don’t take each other’s words to heart doesn’t mean we need to act all friendly. Keep up what we’ve been doing and everything will be fine.”

With a swish of her cape, she resumed her stroll, a grin playing on her lips as she recalled Damian’s unusual flusteredness. It was kind of cute.

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