#oc: valerio

[archersartcorner]

ITS MY BOYS BIRTHDAY EVERYONE SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY VALERIO!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOOOVE YOU MY MOST SPECIAL BOYYYYYYYYYYYYY

[vmygdvlv]

After hours: echoes of a night !

Genre: angst. series / part.ii

Pairing: valerio x riccardo + (some edoardo & cesare in the mix) italian boys!au

Summary: valerio finds himself drawn into the world of his older university peers, eager to fit in and prove himself. When they invite him out for a night of drinking and revelry, Valerio is excited but anxious, knowing that the crowd he’s with is more experienced and reckless.

Warnings: emotional distress, substance abuse, peer pressure, aggressive behavior

The morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, harsh and unforgiving, as Valerio groaned and rolled over in bed. His head pounded, each throb a painful reminder of the night before. He rubbed his eyes, trying to shake off the fog that clung to his mind. Every part of him felt heavy, weighed down by a mix of regret and the lingering effects of too much alcohol. But it wasn’t just the hangover that made him feel sick; it was the memory of Riccardo’s furious expression, the disappointment in his voice. Valerio couldn’t forget it, no matter how hard he tried. As he lay there, trying to piece together the events of the night, his phone buzzed on the nightstand. He grabbed it, squinting at the screen. Some friends’s unread messages from the night before.

Cez : Ricky called me after he found you. Are you okay?

Edo: You good Val?? Rick said you were pretty out of it, man.

Valerio stared at the messages, his stomach churning. The last thing he wanted was to face everyone after how things had gone down. But there was no avoiding it. He knew they’d all be coming over soon—probably to hash out what happened, probably to lay into him, just like Riccardo had. He sighed, dragging himself out of bed. Riccardo, who had spent the night in the spare room, emerged into the living room, his expression tight with lingering frustration. By the time Valerio made it to the kitchen, Riccardo was already there, leaning against the counter with a cup of coffee in hand. His face was hard, but there was a trace of concern in his eyes. The air between them was thick with unspoken tension. Valerio hesitated in the doorway, unsure of what to say.

“Morning,” Riccardo finally said, his voice flat.

“Morning,” Valerio replied, avoiding his gaze.

He could feel Riccardo’s disapproval radiating from across the room, but he wasn’t in the mood to deal with it. Not yet. Before they could say anything more, the bell’s ring broke the silence. Valerio reluctantly got up to answer, revealing Edoardo and Cesare on the other side. Both greeted him with casual smiles, but there was an undercurrent of tension in the air, the aftermath of the previous night still hanging over them.

“Can we come in?” Cesare asked, his tone clipped. Valerio nodded, stepping aside to let them in. They filed into the living room, each of them casting glances at Riccardo, who still hadn’t moved from his spot in the kitchen. The atmosphere was tense, like a storm cloud ready to burst.

“Hey, man,” Edoardo said, moving closer. “How are you feeling?”

Valerio shrugged, avoiding eye contact. “I’m fine. Just tired.”

Cesare followed, his gaze flicking between Valerio and Riccardo, sensing the strained atmosphere. “We figured we’d check in on you, see how you’re doing after… everything.”

Valerio’s jaw tightened, irritation flaring up. “I’m fine, Cez. I don’t need a babysitter.”

Edoardo, sensing the tension, chimed in with a light-hearted tone. “Hey, we’re just here to hang out, no lectures. We all have our nights, right?”

Riccardo, who had been silent up until now, crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, his expression hardening. “Some of us know when to stop before things get out of hand.” The comment hung in the air, sharp and accusatory.

Valerio’s eyes narrowed, a defensive edge creeping into his voice. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” Riccardo began, his voice low and controlled, “that last night was a disaster, Vale. You were reckless, and your so-called friends took advantage of that. You don’t see it, but you were this close to being in serious trouble.”

Edoardo stepped in, his tone calm but firm. “Ricky, come on, it wasn’t that bad. Vale was just blowing off some steam with his friends. We’ve all been there.” His voice was calm, almost too calm, as if he was trying to smooth things over before they escalated. “I’m not saying it was smart, but he’s not the only one to blame.”

Riccardo’s eyes narrowed as he turned to face Edoardo. “You’re defending him?” His voice was sharp, cutting through the air like a knife. “You think what happened last night is just blowing off some steam? I don’t call that normal.”

Edoardo bristled, his own frustrations bubbling to the surface. “You’re overreacting. He didn’t need you to swoop in and save him. He’s not a kid, and he doesn’t need you controlling every aspect of his life.”

The words hit him hard, but his expression remained stoic. “I’m not trying to control him. I’m trying to keep him from making mistakes that he’ll regret later. But you wouldn’t understand that, would you?”

Before Valerio could respond, Edoardo’s voice cut through, low and heated. “And who keeps you in check, Ricky? You’re so busy trying to control everything that you’re pushing everyone away. Vale isn’t a project for you to manage.”

Riccardo’s temper snapped. “You think I’m trying to control him? I’m trying to protect him from ending up like you—drowning in mistakes you can’t take back.”

The words hung in the air like a slap. Edoardo’s eyes darkened, his expression a mix of hurt and fury. Edoardo’s face darkened, a hint of guilt flickering in his eyes as Riccardo’s words struck a nerve. “And now, what’s that supposed to mean uhm?”

Riccardo’s voice was cold, calculated. “It means I’ve seen how you acted on your nights out. You’re defending him because you see a bit of yourself in him. But this isn’t about you, and it’s not about being right. It’s about keeping him safe.”

Edoardo didn’t back down, his expression hardening. “And what’s your plan? To scare him into submission? You can’t control everything he does. None of us can—to be honest, you need to stop to control everything we do.”

Riccardo’s jaw clenched, the accusation striking a nerve. “You’re one to talk about control. You’ve got your own issues, Edo. Or have you forgotten all those nights where you didn’t know when to stop?” The room went still, the air thick with the weight of Riccardo’s words.

Edoardo’s thoughts had drifted elsewhere—back to his own battles with alcohol, to nights he wished he could forget. He knew what it was like to lose control, to let the bottle dictate your actions. And seeing Valerio now, caught in the same destructive cycle, brought an uncomfortable realization crashing down on him. It wasn’t that long ago when Edoardo himself had stumbled home after one too many drinks, his vision blurred, his mind clouded with poor decisions. There were moments—flashes—where he remembered Riccardo’s concerned gaze, the unspoken judgment, and the subtle way he’d try to steer him away from another drink. He had brushed it off back then, laughed it away with the same bravado Valerio had shown last night. But deep down, he knew Riccardo saw right through him, just as he was now seeing through the youngest boy.

Edoardo leaned forward, breaking the silence. “Look,” he started, his voice calm but edged with a quiet plea, “He made a mistake, sure. But we’ve all been there, right? We’ve all had those nights where things got out of hand. What matters is that he’s here now, that he’s okay.”

Riccardo’s eyes flicked over to him, a shadow of something unspoken passing between them. He knew exactly what his friend was trying to do, and the subtle tremor in Edoardo’s voice didn’t go unnoticed. Riccardo’s jaw tightened slightly as he replied, choosing his words carefully. “It’s not just about one night. It’s about the pattern, the choices. You can’t keep pretending it’s all just harmless fun when it’s starting to spiral.”

Cesare, who had been watching the argument unfold, finally stepped in, his voice steady and calm. “Guys come on, this isn’t the solution. We’re supposed to be here for helping, not fighting with each other.”

Valerio, who had been silent throughout the exchange, suddenly snapped. “You’re all talking like I’m not even here! I don’t need you fighting my battles for me, and I don’t need you treating me like I’m some kind of problem that needs fixing.”

Riccardo turned to him, his voice softer but still firm. “We’re just worried about you. Last night was out of control, and I don’t want to see you go down a path you can’t come back from.”

Valerio scoffed, his irritation boiling over. “You’re always worried. Always hovering, always trying to fix things. Maybe I just want to live my life without you breathing down my neck.”

Edoardo, sensing an opening, nodded in agreement. “He’s right. He’s old enough to make his own decisions. We all make mistakes, but he should be able to learn from them without you constantly watching over him.”

Riccardo’s jaw clenched, the frustration evident in his eyes. “I’m not trying to suffocate him, but someone has to look out for him. You weren’t there last night. You didn’t see how bad it was.”

Cesare, seeing the argument spiraling out of control, stepped forward, raising his hands in a calming gesture. “Enough. This isn’t getting us anywhere. We’re all friends here. Let’s just take a step back and talk this through.”

But Valerio, still simmering with anger, wasn’t ready to let it go. “You all think you know what’s best for me, but you don’t. I’m not some kid who needs rescuing every time things get a little rough.”

The room fell into a tense silence, the weight of Valerio’s words hanging in the air. Riccardo, feeling the sting of Valerio’s rejection, looked at him with a mix of hurt and frustration. “Vale, I just want what’s best for you. But if you can’t see that, then maybe I’m wasting my time.”

The words were harsh, cutting deeper than Riccardo intended, but the frustration of the last few days had taken its toll. Valerio’s eyes hardened, his expression unreadable. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, his phone buzzed on the table. Valerio glanced at the screen, and his face darkened as he read the name. It was one of the older peers from the night before, a reminder of the chaos that had started all this. Ignoring the tension in the room, he took the phone.

Andrea

Hey man, u good?? You kinda took off last night (11.04am)

Let me know when you’re free (11.07am)

Valerio’s grip on the phone tightened, his eyes flicking to Riccardo, who stood silently, his expression unreadable. The room felt charged, as if it was on the brink of another explosion. But this time, Riccardo took a deep breath, calming himself. “We seriously need to talk about this. But not like this. Let’s take a step back, cool down, and figure this out together.”

The words were reasonable, measured, but Valerio wasn’t ready to listen. The anger, the embarrassment, and the pressure all coalesced into a wall he wasn’t ready to break down. “Well, seriously, I don’t need your help. I can handle this myself,” his voice tinged with defiance. The argument wasn’t over—far from it—but for now, it simmered just below the surface, waiting for the next spark to reignite it. Valerio’s abrupt tone echoed in the room, hanging heavy in the tense silence that followed. He put his phone down with a finality that made it clear the conversation was over—for now.

Riccardo’s eyes narrowed as he processed Valerio’s words, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface. He was torn between wanting to shake some sense into Valerio and stepping back to let him make his own mistakes. But the protective instinct within him was too strong to ignore. Before the oldest could respond, Cesare cleared his throat, breaking the thick silence. He had been watching the tension escalate, hoping it would fizzle out, but it was clear that wasn’t going to happen.

“Look,” Cesare began cautiously, his tone diplomatic, “we’re all just trying to help here. Vale, we get that you want to handle things on your own, but maybe it wouldn’t hurt to listen to Ricky. He’s only looking out for you.”

Valerio shot him a look, the defiance in his eyes barely masked. “I’m not some project for him to fix. I know you guys think you’re helping, but this isn’t your problem.”

Edoardo, who had been quiet since Riccardo’s subtle dig earlier, felt the need to jump in, his loyalty to Valerio driving him to speak. “He’s right. He doesn’t need you playing the overprotective brother. Maybe if you backed off a little, he wouldn’t feel so cornered.”

Riccardo’s gaze snapped to Edoardo, his temper flaring again. “This isn’t about playing big brother, Edo. Last night was a mess, and it could’ve been worse if I hadn’t stepped in. You didn’t see what I saw—he was out of control, and those older guys were more than happy to push him further.”

Valerio bristled at Riccardo’s words, his temper flaring up once more. “I didn’t ask you to step in! You act like you’re the only one who knows what’s best for me, but you’re not. You’re just—”

“Just what?” He interrupted, his voice rising. “Just trying to keep you from doing something stupid? Just trying to make sure you don’t end up regretting things later? Yeah, Valerio, that’s exactly what I’m doing. Because someone has to!”

He clenched his fists, his voice hardening. “Maybe I don’t want your help! Maybe I just want to figure things out on my own without you breathing down my neck all the time!”

The room fell into a tense silence again, the argument teetering on the edge of something deeper, something that had been building for a while. Riccardo took a deep breath, trying to rein in his anger. He could see that Valerio was pushing back harder than ever, but he couldn’t just let this go.

Cesare, sensing that the situation was getting dangerously close to boiling over, tried to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Look, maybe we’re all just tired and stressed out. We’ve been through a lot these past few days. Let’s not tear each other apart over this.”

But Riccardo wasn’t ready to let it go, not yet. “You’re right, we have been through a lot. But this isn’t something we can just brush off. He’s not seeing the bigger picture here, and if he keeps going down this path, things are going to get worse.”Valerio, feeling cornered and defensive, shot back with an edge in his voice. “The bigger picture? You’re acting like I’m falling apart, but I’m not! I’m handling things the way I need to, and I don’t need you judging me for it.”

Riccardo’s expression darkened, his frustration reaching its peak. “Handling it? You call getting wasted with a bunch of guys who don’t give a damn about you handling it? Come on, you’re smarter than this. You’re better than this.”

Valerio’s eyes flashed with anger, his voice trembling slightly. “Don’t you dare lecture me about being better. You think you know everything, but you don’t. You have no idea what it’s like to feel like you’re constantly under a microscope, like you can’t make a single mistake without everyone jumping down your throat. It’s fucking exhausting!”

Riccardo’s temper flared at that, but before he could respond, Valerio’s phone buzzed again on the table, breaking the tension momentarily. Valerio grabbed it, his expression souring as he read the message. He muttered a curse under his breath, his frustration mounting.

“What now?” Riccardo asked, his tone sharp.

Valerio didn’t answer immediately, his eyes scanning the screen. Then he turned the phone toward Riccardo, showing him the message. It was from one of the older peers, another taunting remark, this time with a link to the video from the night before. The video was even worse than he’d imagined—Valerio, clearly intoxicated, egged on by the older students as they pushed him into doing more shots, the entire scene a blur of loud music, slurred voices, and reckless behavior.

Riccardo’s face went cold as he watched the clip, his anger mixing with a deep sense of concern. “This is what you call handling it?” he asked, his voice low, almost dangerous. “This is what you wanted to do last night?”

Valerio’s jaw tightened, but he didn’t back down. “It’s not your business what I do with my friends.”

“Not my business?” Riccardo’s voice rose again. “Valerio, this isn’t just some harmless fun. These guys don’t care about you. They’re just using you for a laugh, and you’re letting them.”

“Enough!” Valerio snapped, his voice cracking with a mixture of anger and something deeper, something vulnerable. “You’re not my dad, you’re not in charge of me. Just—back off!”

Riccardo opened his mouth to retort, but Cesare stepped in, once again, his voice firm. “Alright, stop it. You’re acting immature and this isn’t helping anyone. You need to cool down before you end up saying something you’ll both regret.”

But Riccardo’s gaze remained locked on Valerio, his frustration barely contained. He was about to argue further when he realized the futility of it—Valerio wasn’t going to listen, not now, not while he was this defensive. Taking a deep breath, Riccardo forced himself to step back, his voice strained. “Fine. You want space? You’ve got it. But don’t think this conversation is over.”

Valerio watched as Riccardo turned and left the room, his emotions swirling in a confusing mix of anger, guilt, and exhaustion. As the door closed behind him, Valerio slumped back onto the couch, staring blankly at the video still playing on his phone. The tension in the room was palpable, and for a moment, no one spoke. Finally, Edoardo, who had been watching the entire exchange with a troubled expression, shook his head and muttered, “This is messed up.” Valerio didn’t respond, his thoughts a jumbled mess. He knew, deep down, that Riccardo was right—that he had gotten in over his head. But admitting that, even to himself, felt like a defeat he wasn’t ready to accept.

The tension lingered in the air long after Riccardo left the room, his heavy footsteps echoing down the hallway. Valerio remained slouched on the couch, staring blankly at the phone in his hand. The video had stopped playing, but the scenes replayed in his mind, each frame a reminder of how far things had spiraled out of control. His heart pounded with a confusing mix of anger and shame. Part of him knew Riccardo was right, but admitting that felt like giving up some essential part of himself—his independence, his pride. Edoardo shifted uncomfortably in his seat, glancing over at Cesare, who was watching Valerio with a careful, measured expression.

Finally, Edoardo broke the silence, his voice softer than before. “You okay, man?” Valerio didn’t answer immediately. When he finally looked up, his eyes were hardened, his defenses back up. “I’m fine. Just tired of everyone acting like I’m some kind of screw-up.”

Cesare sighed, leaning forward. “No one thinks that. Ricky’s just worried. We all are. Last night—it got out of hand, and we’re just trying to make sure you’re alright.”

Valerio clenched his jaw, frustration flaring up again. “I don’t need everyone treating me like a kid. I know what I’m doing, alright? Let me breathe.”

Edoardo frowned, a pang of guilt tightening his chest. He could see so much of himself in Valerio—he knew what it was like to push back, to act like everything was under control when it wasn’t. “Look, I get it,” Edoardo said, his voice careful. “But Riccardo’s not wrong, either. Those guys… they’re not really your friends, you know?”

Valerio shot him a sharp look. “And who are you to say that? You barely know them.”

Edoardo hesitated, a flicker of something vulnerable crossing his face. “I know enough. And I know what it’s like to get caught up in that scene. It’s easy to think you’re just having fun, but it can turn on you fast.”

Valerio’s gaze narrowed. “You’re saying I’m just like you, huh? That I’ve got a problem?”

Edoardo stiffened, feeling the sting of the words. Before he could respond, Cesare stepped in, his voice calm but firm. “Alright, watch it. We’re not here to judge anyone. But you’ve got to understand that we’re coming from a place of concern, not control.”

He scoffed, but the edge in his voice was less sharp than before. “Yeah, well, I don’t need concern. I need people to trust me to figure things out.”

Cesare nodded slowly, choosing his words carefully. “We do trust you, Vale. But trust goes both ways. You’ve got to trust that when Riccardo, or any of us, step in, it’s because we care, not because we think you’re incapable.” There was a heavy pause as Valerio absorbed Cesare’s words. He looked down at his phone again, the screen dark and blank now, and took a deep breath.

“I get it, okay? But you’ve all got to back off a little. Let me deal with this.”

Edoardo exchanged a glance with Cesare, who gave a slight nod. Edoardo turned back to Valerio, his tone gentler now. “Alright. But just… don’t shut us out, man. We’re here when you need us.” Valerio didn’t respond, but the tension in his shoulders eased just a little. He knew deep down that he wasn’t handling things as well as he wanted to believe, but admitting that felt like crossing a line he wasn’t ready for. Just as the silence settled over the room again, Valerio’s phone buzzed, breaking the moment. He glanced at the screen and felt a jolt of irritation as he saw the name of one of his older peers flash across it. Without thinking, he answered the call, putting it on speaker.

“Valerio!” The voice on the other end was loud, almost obnoxiously so. “Man, last night was wild, huh? We’ve got to do that again sometime.”

His expression hardened, a mixture of embarrassment and anger tightening his chest. “Yeah, about that…” he began, but the peer cut him off with a laugh.

“Oh, don’t be a downer. You’re one of us now. Just need to loosen up a bit more, and you’ll fit right in.”

Riccardo’s words from earlier echoed in his mind, and a fresh wave of anger surged through him. “You guys left me at the club, remember? That’s not exactly how friends act.”

The peer’s laugh faded slightly, replaced by a tone of indifference. “Come on, don’t be so sensitive. We figured you could handle yourself. Besides, it was all in good fun.” Valerio’s grip tightened on the phone, but before he could respond, Riccardo’s voice broke through the tension. He had walked back into the room without anyone noticing, his expression dark and resolute.

“Fun? Is that what you call it? Getting him trashed and leaving him to fend for himself?” There was a stunned silence on the other end of the line. “Who the hell is that?”

“The guy who had to pick up the pieces after you bailed,” Riccardo shot back, his voice cold. “And let me make this clear—Valerio’s not your entertainment. He’s done with you and your bullshit.” Valerio’s eyes widened, torn between anger and relief as he watched Riccardo take control of the situation. The peer on the other end stammered something incoherent before the line went dead, leaving a heavy silence in its wake. Riccardo stared down at Valerio, his expression softening slightly, but the anger was still there, simmering just below the surface.

“This isn’t over. But for now, you need to figure out who your real friends are.” He met his gaze, the weight of Riccardo’s words sinking in. He knew Riccardo was right, even if he didn’t want to admit it. But there was still that stubborn part of him that resisted, that didn’t want to give Riccardo the satisfaction of being right. Before he could respond, Riccardo turned and walked out of the room again, leaving Valerio to sit with his thoughts. Edoardo and Cesare exchanged a look, unsure of what to say. They both knew this was just the beginning of a much longer conversation—one that wouldn’t be resolved in a single morning.

Valerio’s thoughts churned, each one crashing against the next in a relentless wave of frustration, guilt, and defiance. The silence stretched out, thick and uncomfortable, as Edoardo and Cesare exchanged wary glances. They were used to Riccardo’s overbearing nature, but the intensity of the confrontation had left even them on edge.

Finally, Cesare spoke, his voice cautious. “Vale, he’s just worried about you. You know that, right?”

Valerio stared at the phone in his hand, his mind replaying the events of the night before like a broken record. The drinking, the laughter that had turned hollow, the way his so-called friends had ditched him without a second thought. But what gnawed at him most was the way Riccardo had stormed in, taking control of the situation like Valerio was some helpless kid who couldn’t handle his own life. It made his blood boil.

“I don’t need him handling my shit,” Valerio muttered, more to himself than to the others.

Edoardo leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. “He’s not trying to handle it, man. He’s trying to protect you. There’s a difference.”

“Is there?” He shot back, his eyes flashing with anger. “Because it sure as hell doesn’t feel like it. It feels like he doesn’t think I can handle anything on my own.”

Edoardo bit back a sigh, recognizing the familiar tone in Valerio’s voice. It was the same defiance he had used countless times when people tried to tell him he had a problem. He had always pushed them away, too proud or too stubborn to admit he was spiraling. He could see Valerio was on that same path, and it terrified him.

“Look,” Edoardo said, choosing his words carefully, “I know what it’s like to feel like people are coming down on you, like they don’t trust you. But sometimes, they’re right to be worried. Sometimes you’re too deep in it to see how bad things are getting.”

Valerio’s jaw tightened. “I’m not you, Edoardo. I’ve got this under control.”

“Do you?” Edoardo’s voice was sharper than he intended, his own frustration bubbling to the surface. “Because last night didn’t look like control to me. It looked like you were being used by those guys, and you didn’t even realize it.”

Valerio’s eyes blazed with anger. “I don’t need a lecture from you, alright? You’re not exactly a saint. Nobody here is.”

The words hit home, and Edoardo flinched, the accusation cutting deep. But before he could respond, Cesare intervened, stepping between them like a mediator. “Okay, cut the shit,” he said firmly. “Drop the attitude Vale, because we’re not your enemies here. We’re just trying to make sure you don’t end up in a worse situation.”

Valerio crossed his arms, his anger still simmering just below the surface. “You’re all making it out to be more than it is. It was one night.”

“Was it?” Riccardo’s voice suddenly cut through the tension as he re-entered the room, his expression stony. He had clearly overheard the conversation, and the look in his eyes made it clear he wasn’t done with this discussion. “Because this feels like it’s been building for a while now.”

Valerio glared at him. “Oh please, you’re overreacting.”

Riccardo stepped closer, his presence imposing. “Maybe. But I’d rather overreact now than have to scrape you off the pavement later because you decided to trust the wrong people.”

Valerio’s chest tightened, the reality of Riccardo’s words hitting harder than he wanted to admit. But he couldn’t back down now, not after everything that had been said. “You don’t get it. You think you’re helping, but you’re just suffocating me. I need space to figure things out on my own.”

“And what about when that space gets you into trouble?” Riccardo shot back, his voice rising. “You think those guys care about you? They left you to rot as soon as things got messy. That’s not friendship, Valerio. That’s manipulation.”

Edoardo, sensing the situation escalating again, stepped in front of Riccardo, trying to defuse the tension. “Ricky, ease up. We’re all on the same side here.”

But Riccardo wasn’t backing down. “Are we? Because it seems like everyone’s just enabling him, pretending this isn’t a bigger problem.”

Valerio’s anger flared. “I don’t need you to babysit me!”

“I’m not trying to babysit you!” Riccardo snapped, his control slipping. “I’m trying to make sure you don’t end up in a situation you can’t walk away from.”

“Like what?” Valerio challenged, his voice rising. “What do you think’s going to happen?”

“Worst case?” Riccardo said, his voice deadly serious. “You get into a car with someone drunker than you are, or you get into a fight you can’t win, or you pass out in some alley and never wake up. That’s what I’m afraid of, Valerio. That’s what keeps me up at night.”

The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of Riccardo’s words sank in. Even Edoardo, who had been ready to argue further, couldn’t find a response. Cesare looked between them, his own concern etched on his face, but he didn’t know how to bridge the gap that had grown between them all. Finally, Valerio looked away, his anger replaced by a hollow feeling he couldn’t shake.

“I’m not that stupid,” he muttered, though his voice lacked conviction.

“I know you’re not. But you’re also not invincible. None of us are.” Riccardo’s expression softened, but his resolve remained.

Valerio didn’t respond, his thoughts swirling in a chaotic mess. The truth was, he didn’t know where to go from here. He felt trapped between his pride and the undeniable fact that Riccardo might be right. He couldn’t meet his gaze. The reality of the situation hit him like a ton of bricks. He felt sick, ashamed, but also angry at himself, at those so-called friends, and at Riccardo for being right all along. Riccardo handed the phone back without a word, then turned to leave the room, his patience finally exhausted.

“You figure out what you want. But don’t expect me to just stand by and watch you destroy yourself.”

As he walked out, the tension in the room remained thick and suffocating. He had never felt so lost, so conflicted. He wanted to lash out, to deny everything, but deep down, he knew the truth was staring him in the face. Edoardo shifted uneasily, his own guilt and fear gnawing at him. He wanted to say something, anything, to break the silence, but he knew Valerio needed time to process everything.

Finally, Valerio spoke, his voice low and strained. “I—I screwed up, didn’t I?”

Cesare, who had been silently watching from the sidelines, nodded slowly. “Yeah, Vale, you did. But we’re talking about Ricky, he gets aggressive when scared. You know he loves you and he will always, always, worry about you. About all of us. So it’s not too late to fix it.” Valerio looked up at his friends, the weight of their concern pressing down on him. For the first time, he realized just how far he had pushed them away, how much he had taken their support for granted. And now, standing on the edge of something he couldn’t fully understand, he wasn’t sure how to make things right. But one thing was clear—he couldn’t do it alone.

[valentine-cafe]

Valerio Agresta Callari, the retired hunter

[Afab reader]

Thinking about Valerio fucking you, a low-ranked vampire!!:( He'd have a hand tightly wrapped around your mouth so you don't get any ideas!! Your moans would be all muffled from his hand while his hips had set a punishing past against your pussy!! You'd stare up at him with wide and teary eyes as he finally let you have some of his blood! Only barely sinking your fangs into his skin because you didn't wanna hurt him!!:( But he'd push his hand onto your fangs even more, how he loved how you clamped down on his cock.

-🍄

˖⁺. ﹙ the retired vampire hunter x afab reader. ﹚ .𖹭 ݁

. . . dirty, fuckin' vampire slut !! 🍒 :  retired vampire hunter ˖ dilf﹙ vampire au 781 valerio. ﹚

ah, a hunter fucking a low rank vampire, it does not get anymore shameful than this for both parts.

“looks like I found a little slut in the woods. lucky me.”

his cock bullies your gummy walls. it's far too big for you to take and yet you do so with pride. your soft ass rippling with each jam of his hips into yours.

you're bent in front of a tree. one hand buries in your hair and the other reaching over to rub calloused fingers at your clit. get you off just as much. the feel of your clamping down on him is addicting.

much like the scent of his blood. you've already got a taste. and you are yearning for more. yet all you are subjected to is rough thrusts and his harsh words. large hands that caress, grip and manhandle you in every way.

a disgrace, that's what you are. taking a hunter’s cock in your tight cunny. an agresta’s cock no less.

but the way he grabs onto your breasts. pinches and uses the leverage to slam you back till his balls are tapping against your clit aggressively. . .

you couldn't care less.

“p-p — e-eaasee - hmngh!”

“please? yeah? is that all you know how to say? patetico.”

he'll click his tongue. shove his dick deeper. and fuck you harder to hear your whines and spill your tears into the snow.

[masschase]

I wasn't sure I'd be able to do one of these as I think I only completed about 20(?) pieces of art last year. But after going across this blog and my main 2 sideblogs, @chase-the-music and @lifeonthemurdersim(18+) I did in fact draw at least one thing a month which I'm quite pleased with. I've used a mix of quicker doodles, full pieces and outfit references!

It's no surprise my work is quite OC heavy so I actually picked works that all feature OCs! Most are mine but I've also chosen to include the OCs of four people I absolutely could not have coped through 2024 without.

🧡 March features @whoredmode's Anteros 💛 September features @snail-eggs's Xixi 💙 October features @cptsadist's Jet 💜 November features @vermillionth's Aveline

So much love to all the friends I've made through this fandom, however! I've met some fantastic people both last year and the year before who I hope to keep in touch with! Also, a massive thank you to anyone and everyone who has supported my work in any way, I appreciate every single like, reblog, comment and kudos and message so much! 😊

It's been a pretty tough year for me personally so I've swung between too burnt out to do what I'd like to and taking tremendous solace in my creative work, and while I'm optimistic for a calmer 2025, I'm definitely going to keep improving, creating, and generally being abnormal about my favourites!

Stay alt, stay queer, STAY CRINGE and have a good year!

Chase xxx

[nocturnal-bishop]

Commission for @chase-the-music !! I'm so sorry it took me so long, love, and I hope that you enjoy the result. I always love drawing Cade ♡

Close-up:

[ren-cerati]

All official designs for MMDC so far (WE HAVE RIE NOW!!)

@astro-nomaly @highbookwormofthecentury @mother-spore-missa @flirty-anon @shadow-dwelling-anon thought you all might like to chew on these

[chase-the-music]

XII for the draw your OC meme, Cade ♡

Draw your OC- Ghost edition! (still taking and some errors are now fixed!)

XII. In another character's outfit (OC or canon)

(I'm assuming this is the one you meant, apparently I messed up the numbers on the last few so XXII was also listed as XII 🫣)

I was tempted to draw him in Perpetua's robe, but I thought Copia's red jacket look might suit him better... then I was like hang on... Dracade!

I actually like this hair on him so much that I'm keeping it for his new Advocatus look(after V takes over and he steps down as frontman).

Bonus sketch under the cut- I originally had him with his usual hairstyle and Copia's makeup but decided to switch the two, which I'm glad of bc... HANDSOME.

[lieutenant-amuel]

I had this idea for years and now when I’m not that scared of drawing anymore, I wanted to finally bring it to life.

The song is I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin.

[theesirenteller]

❝Wait- we’re having a baby?❞

Valerio Montesinos Rojas x F!OC Lolitá

"Valerio, estoy embarazada."

I'm pregnant .

"What?!" The Diplomat Heir yelled out from across the indoor pool room. The vibrant reggaeton music blared from the speakers; causing a vibration rattle to the glass walls and windows. The fluffy-haired male only shot her an intoxicated smile before continuing to sway his hips and dance to the music. Valerio jumped around as the beat sped up.

Lolitá sighed and chewed at the side of her lip. Her pineapple juice trembled within the flute glass that she held onto tightly. The familiar sense of nausea crept up the back of her throat. The in-between of her toes grew sweaty like her armpits and neck. Her head began to throb as her eyes grew blurry. Oh, how she wished she wasn't a coward. Lolitá had been with Valerio for over six months now and with both of their track records regarding relationships, that was the closest to serious either of them had ever gotten. She loved him. She loved him more than she ever thought she loved anyone, even herself. He was truly one of a kind. Not just as a lover but just as a person in general. So wild at heart, so upbeat, and felt his emotions deeply, embraced every and any emotion he felt. And Lolita didn't want to lose him. Or be the cause of breaking his sobriety.

The pair had met at an overpriced Rehab facility in Italy. He made the once dreary place turn to sunshine. They'd recovered from their addictions and as a result of that became addicted to each other. Valerio took her everywhere with him. Now that he managed Carla's winery, he was busy quite a lot. "Co- dependants" was what Lolitá's psychiatrist called them. The shrink was shortly fired after that. Lolitá lived in a blissful delusion when it came to her relationship. As long as they weren't cheating on one another or doing drugs…then they were perfect.

"Fuck." she cursed to herself and just as she was about to get from her seat, Lolitá was tackled onto her back by Valerio. "¡Idiota! You're gonna suffocate me!" she wheezed as he smothered her with kisses.

Valerio could be the living embodiment of the phrase 'Golden Retriever Boyfriend'. He couldn't keep his hands off of her. His palms gripped her breasts as he kissed her neck. His long fingers tugged at the skimpy strings of her bikini top as he playfully bit at her ear, "Aw mí flor no seas así." my flower don't be like that.

He then cupped her face in his hands as he placed a kiss on her forehead " Why so tense baby?" he asked with a thick accent.

This was it. It was now or never.

"Because…" she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, "I'm pregnant."

"Wait, so…we're having a baby? Un chiquito Valerio y Lolitá?" His questioning tone slowly turned to one that was filled with excitement. " Por favor, open your eyes, Litá." Valerio laughed.

And so she did. "You aren't upset?"

"Upset? No! This is amazing. Una regalo de Dios." it's a gift from god." He smiled. He then proceeded to place a soft kiss of reassurance to her lips. To which Lolitá kissed him with a passionate embrace. Her arms wrapping around his neck. Happiness vibrating off of the both of them.

Valerio pulled away for a moment to reveal to mischievous smirk. "We're gonna throw the biggest party to celebrate. Wait until Lu finds out she's going to be uná tiá."

[malsfefanfics]

OC Profile: Davi

Art by @cringeyvanillamilk, edited to icon size by me.

"We're not exactly sure where he came from, but he's become a fine member of the monastery. Davi has the heart of a knight, but he has a laid back side as well. I get the feeling he keeps us all at arms length, though. I wish to know him better. He seems particularly awkward around Felix, Dedue, and is actively avoiding Seteth and Flayn." -- Dimitri about Davi.

Full name: Davi Valerio Nicknames: Dava (by children), Vi, Brat (by Graham, affectionate) Birthday: 19th of the Pegasus Moon, 1164 Age: 21 (Pre-Timeskip), 26 (Post-Timeskip) Crest: [REDACTED] Family: Unnamed mother (deceased), unnamed father (deceased), Rui (twin brother, deceased), unnamed grandfather (deceased), Graham Govain (Adoptive Guardian), Chliodna Govain (Adoptive Guardian) Nationality: Duscur Titles: Crepuscular Commander, Warrior of the Mind Voice Claim: Jonah Scott (Legoshi from Beastars)

Interests: Weapons training, the Opera, Religious Studies Likes: Horses, Choir Practice, Training, Dancing Dislikes: Most of Faerghus, Crests, Heroes Relics

Favorite Meals: Onion Gratin Soup, Grilled Herring, Fruit and Herring Tart Liked Meals: Saghert and Cream, Beast Meat Teppanyaki, Pickled Rabbit Skewers, Derdriu-Style Fried Pheasant, Disliked Meals: Garreg Mach Meat Pie, Country-Style Red Turnip Plate, Gautier Cheese Gratin

Tea Preferences: Chamomile, Cinnamon Blend, Almyran Pine Needles

Liked Gifts: Fishing Float, Exotic Spices, Floral Adornment, Book of Sheet Music Disliked Gifts: The History of Fodlan, Legends of Chivalry, Book of Crest Designs,

Lost Items:

Strange Book of Music: A notebook filled with unfinished sheet music. The lyrics are in a language you don't recognize.

Traditional Kilt: A garment fit for a warrior. An elaborately weaved design colors it like the twilight.

Suppression Charm: A charm meant to suppress magic power. You remember seeing something similar in a Crestology book.

Starting Class: Commoner Preferred Class Path: Soldier/Monk --> Cavalier/Mage/Dark Mage/Priest --> Paladin/Wyvern Rider/Bishop/Dark Bishop/Warlock --> Wyvern Lord/Dark Knight/Holy Knight Strength: Lance Weakness: Heavy Armor Budding Talent: Faith Personal Skill: Merciful Pantheon - Increases nearby allies critical hit rates by 5% when their health is less than half.

Weapons Starting Levels:

Sword: C Lance: B Axe: E Bow: D Brawling: E Reason: D Faith: D+ Authority: C Heavy Armor: E Riding: D Flying: D

Base Stats:

HP: 30 Str: 12 Mag: 6 Dex: 7 Spd: 7 Lck: 6 Def: 8 Res: 8 Cha: 10

Learned Faith Spells: Heal (D) Nosferatu (D+) Recover (C), Seraphim (B), Aura (A) Learned Reason Spells: Thunder (D), Thoron (C), Bolganone (B), Excalibur (A), Agnea’s Arrow (A)

Recruit Requirements for Canon-Compliance AUs: 

Blue Lions: must complete the Paralogues "War for the Weak" and "An Ocean View", and have B or higher in Lances, Reason, and Riding

Golden Deer: must complete the Paralogues "Dividing the World" and "An Ocean View", and have C or higher in Faith and Flying

Black Eagles: must complete "True Chivalry" and "An Ocean View", have a B in Axes and Heavy Armor.

Black Eagles (Silver Snow): Must also have completed Ashen Wolves Paralogues and have a B in Swords and Authority

Potential Supports:

Byleth

Dimitri

Dedue

Felix

Sylvain

Ingrid (up to B)

Annette

Mercedes

Edelgard

Caspar

Dorothea

Bernadetta

Petra

Claude

Lorenz (Up to B)

Hilda (Up to B)

Leonie

Raphael (Up to B)

Ignatz (Up to B)

Seteth

Flayn

Manuela

Hanneman (Up to B)

Yuri

Constance

Hapi

Balthus

Crit Quotes:

By the grace of the gods!

Ashes to ashes, as they say.

This is my vengeance!

You are not much of a challenge.

My mentor calls.

You're in my way!

You shall regret crossing blades with me!

God of War, guide me!

You are a disgrace!

Defeat Quotes:

Apologies, friends. I must fall back.

This is too much. We must retreat.

I....I won't die here....not now....

Ah...so this is what Rui felt that day...

I'm sorry, Graham. I failed....

Don't weep....I....made my choice....

Skill Level Increase Quotes:

This will aide my people well.

This blessing will serve me well.

Blessings by the God of Wisdom.

Now this is curious.

Insightful. Thank you.

Level Up Quotes:

To grow is part of life.

Blessed by the God of War.

I know I can do better.

The Gods are testing me.

Gift Quotes:

Liked Gifts: You found something truly magnificent. I am grateful.

Neutral Gifts: This is delightful.

Disliked Gifts: Perhaps you should take your curses elsewhere.

[surnumanaja]

inkvisiitor magda, eesel milli jt

[archersartcorner]

OC meme cus I saw this goin around, enjoy my large-brown-eyed child :-)

[vmygdvlv]

After Hours: echoes of a night !

Genre: angst. series / part.i

Pairing: valerio x riccardo + (some Edoardo & Cesare in the mix) italian boys!au

Summary: valerio finds himself drawn into the world of his older university peers, eager to fit in and prove himself. when they invite him out for a night of drinking and revelry, valerio is excited but anxious, knowing that the crowd he’s with is more experienced and reckless.

Warnings: emotional distress, substance abuse, peer pressure, aggressive behavior

The tension in the small apartment was palpable. Valerio’s place, typically a haven of calm and order, had transformed into a raucous gathering spot. The cluttered living room was a stark contrast to its usual neatness, with snacks and half-empty glasses strewn across the floor. The sound of loud laughter and clinking bottles filled the space as Valerio’s older peers took over.

Luca, a tall figure with an air of effortless charm, was holding court. “Tonight’s going to be epic,” he declared, his voice carrying an edge of bravado. “And let’s not forget, it’s Andrea’s birthday. We’re going all out!”

Andrea, the birthday boy, grinned broadly, raising a nearly full glass in a toast. “Cheers to another year of living it up!” He downed his drink with exaggerated gusto, prompting cheers from the group. Valerio, caught between the excitement of the night and the unease of his disheveled home, tried to keep up the facade of confidence. His attempts to join in the conversation felt hollow, a stark contrast to the wild energy of his friends. He moved around, picking up after them, though his gestures were more resigned than enthusiastic.

“Hey, Valerio, don’t sweat it,” Marta said with a teasing lilt in her voice. She was perched on the arm of the sofa, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “It’s a party, not a library.”

Valerio managed a tight smile. “Yeah, I guess. Just trying to keep things from getting too crazy.”

Marta’s laughter was cut short by Luca’s booming voice. “Come on, let loose! We’re celebrating Andrea’s big day, remember?”

The apartment, once a serene sanctuary, now echoed with the sounds of unchecked revelry. Bottles clattered as they were opened and closed, music blared from a portable speaker, and the group’s loud conversation reverberated off the walls. Valerio’s initial excitement was overshadowed by a growing sense of anxiety. He was keenly aware of every misplaced item and every spilled drink, the mess a stark contrast to his usual orderliness.

A loud crash from the kitchen interrupted Valerio’s thoughts. He hurried over to find that someone had knocked a stack of plates onto the floor. The pieces were scattered, and the wine that had been spilled mixed with shards of porcelain. Andrea and Luca were in the middle of it, laughing as they tried to clear the mess with little regard for the damage.

“Ah, don’t worry about it,” Andrea said dismissively, stepping over the broken plates. “It’s just a bit of fun.” Valerio’s frustration bubbled up, but he forced himself to keep calm. “Can we try to keep it down a bit? It’s a lot to clean up.”

“Relax,” Luca replied with a dismissive wave. “We’re just having a good time. It’s not the end of the world.”

As the evening progressed, the energy in the room was infectious. The group’s laughter and animated chatter filled the space, creating a sense of camaraderie that Valerio tried to embrace. He put on a brave face, masking his anxiety with a veneer of excitement. He was eager to make a good impression and prove himself to his friends, even if it meant pushing his limits. In the midst of the preparations, Valerio’s phone buzzed with a message from Riccardo. It was a simple, straightforward text: “How’s everything going? Remember to be careful tonight.”

Valerio’s stomach tightened slightly. Riccardo, though well-meaning, had always been a bit overprotective. He was like an older brother, and while Valerio appreciated the concern, he didn’t want to appear as though he couldn’t handle himself. He quickly typed a reply, trying to keep it casual. He texted back: “Everything’s great! Just getting ready for a fun night out. I’ll be fine.” Valerio sighed and tucked his phone into his pocket, deciding to leave it behind for the night. He was determined to embrace the freedom of the evening, even if it meant temporarily disconnecting from his usual support system.

As the group finished getting ready, Valerio’s mind wandered back to Riccardo’s text. He knew his friend was just looking out for him, but the thought of him hovering in the background added an extra layer of pressure. He wanted to prove that he could navigate the nightlife on his own, without anyone’s interference.

“Alright, everyone, let’s get going!” Luca shouted over the din. “Time to hit the pub and keep this party rolling!”

The clock ticked closer to midnight, and the group decided it was time to head out. They gathered their things, with Valerio feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. His friends were chatting animatedly, and he tried to match their enthusiasm, though he could not completely shake the feeling of unease that lingered beneath the surface.

Before leaving, he glanced at his phone one last time. There was another message from Riccardo, this one more concerned. “Just checking in. Remember, I’m only a call away if you need anything.” He sighed and tucked his phone into his pocket, deciding to leave it behind for the night. He was determined to embrace the freedom of the evening, even if it meant temporarily disconnecting from his usual support system.

As the group spilled out into the chilly night air, their laughter echoing down the street, he took a deep breath, trying to shake off his lingering doubts. Tonight was about enjoying himself and proving he could hold his own. He pushed aside any lingering anxiety, focusing on the camaraderie and the promise of an exciting night ahead. Little did he know that the night would unravel in ways he hadn’t anticipated, setting off a series of events that would test his limits and the strength of his friendships. But for now, as they made their way to the pub, he was determined to enjoy the moment and make the most of the evening.

Across the table, his friends laughed loudly, already deep into their drinks. The bar was dimly lit, filled with the low hum of conversations and the clinking of glasses. Luca nudged him with an elbow.

“Vale, why so quiet? You’re not bailing on us, are you?”Valerio forced a grin, raising his glass. “Nah, just… trying to keep up with you guys,” he said, the alcohol making his words slur slightly.

Marta leaned in closer, her voice dripping with mock concern. “You sure? You look like you’ve had enough already.”

“Hey, let the kid drink!” Andrea, shouted, laughing. “He’s gotta learn sometime.”

Valerio’s phone buzzed, but he quickly shoved it deeper into his pocket, ignoring the concerned glances from his friends. He didn’t need anyone’s interference tonight. But deep down, a knot of anxiety twisted in his stomach, once he tried to drown with another gulp of beer. His vision blurred even further. He laughed along with the others, but it felt hollow, forced. He was barely holding it together.

Marta noticed, her smile turning a bit sharper. “You sure you can handle this? You’re looking a little worse for wear.”

He nodded too quickly, the motion making his head spin. “I’m fine, really. Just need to… sit for a minute.”

Andrea exchanged a glance with Marta, smirking. “Maybe he’s more lightweight than we thought. Should’ve stuck to soda, kid.” The teasing hit harder than it should have, and Valerio’s pride flared. “I’m not a kid,” he snapped, trying to steady himself. “I can handle it.”

Marta raised an eyebrow. “Prove it, then. One more shot?”

He hesitated, but the challenge was too much to back down from. He reached for the shot glass Marta slid over, trying to ignore the way his hand shook. Just as he brought it to his lips, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was a text.

Riccardo. Again. “Vale, answer your damn phone. I’m worried. Call me back.” He glanced at the message, a pang of guilt momentarily cutting through the haze. But he shoved it aside, downing the shot in one go. The liquid burned on the way down, and he nearly gagged, but forced himself to swallow. His friends cheered, but the victory felt hollow. Everything felt hollow.

A while later, he stumbled outside for air, the cool night hitting him hard. His head was spinning as he stumbled out of the club, the thumping bass still reverberating in his ears. The cool night air hit him like a slap, but it did little to clear the fog in his mind. He fumbled with his phone, blinking hard to focus on the screen. His vision blurred as he tried to dial Riccardo’s number. His hand shook, partly from the cold, but mostly from the alcohol coursing through his veins. His mind was a chaotic mess of regret and anger. He hadn’t wanted to call Riccardo—he knew how furious his older friend would be—but he didn’t see any other option.

The night had started innocently enough. A few drinks, some laughs with the older guys from his sound engineering program, an attempt to fit in. He had been eager to prove he wasn’t just the young, inexperienced student they all saw him as. But things had quickly spiraled out of control. The older students, with their easy confidence and their years of experience, had pushed him further than he was ready to go. Drinks kept coming, faster than he could manage, and before he knew it, Valerio was far past his limit.

Riccardo paced back and forth in his living room, the clock on the wall ticking relentlessly. It was past two in the morning and he hadn’t heard from Valerio since earlier that evening. The last text had been short, almost dismissive: “Heading out with some friends. Don’t wait up.” It wasn’t like him to be so vague. Usually, he was upfront about his plans, especially when it came to going out late. But something about tonight had felt off, and his instincts were screaming that something was wrong.

He grabbed his phone and opened the call log. The sight of his unanswered calls and unread texts only fueled his growing frustration. He’d tried to give Valerio space, tried to respect that he was an adult now, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that Valerio was in over his head. These older guys from university—they weren’t the kind of people he trusted. They were the type who saw Valerio as an easy mark, someone they could mold into their own image. He dialed Valerio’s number again, but it went straight to voicemail. He swore under his breath, running a hand through his hair. “Damn it, Vale, where the hell are you?”

He tossed his phone on the couch and sat down, trying to think rationally. He knew he couldn’t just storm in and drag Valerio home like a child. But the thought of him out there, possibly drunk and surrounded by people who didn’t have his best interests at heart, gnawed at him. He had seen this kind of thing before—he’d watched friends fall into bad crowds, make bad decisions, and end up paying the price. And he’d be damned if he was going to let Valerio end up the same way.

Now, standing outside the club, feeling the world tilt dangerously, Valerio cursed under his breath. He had ignored his friend’s calls earlier, too caught up in the thrill of the night to care. But now, as he swayed on the sidewalk, the weight of his mistake pressed down on him. He knew Riccardo had warned him about this group, had told him to be careful. But he hadn’t listened. He wanted to prove himself, to show he could handle it. Instead, he had ended up here—drunk, alone, and desperate.

The phone rang in his hand, and after what felt like an eternity, Riccardo picked up. His voice was sharp, tinged with a mix of relief and anger. “Where the hell are you?”

He swallowed hard, trying to keep his voice steady. “I… I’m outside the club. Need… need you to pick me up.”

There was a brief silence on the other end, and Valerio could almost picture Riccardo’s expression—tight-lipped, eyes narrowed in frustration. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” Riccardo finally said, his tone dangerously calm. “I’ve been calling you for hours. Hours. And now you decide to answer?”

“I… I’m sorry,” he mumbled, his words slurring together. “Didn’t… didn’t see the calls.”

Riccardo let out a harsh laugh, the sound devoid of humor. “You didn’t see them? Or you ignored them? Because I’m pretty sure you were too busy getting trashed with those so-called friends of yours.”

Valerio winced at the accusation, shame prickling at the back of his neck. He knew his friend was right, but admitting it felt like swallowing glass. “I wasn’t… I just—”

“Save it,” Riccardo cut him off, his voice hardening. “Just tell me where you are.”

Valerio gave him the address, his stomach churning with a mix of guilt and nausea. He heard Riccardo mutter something under his breath before the line went dead. The abruptness of the hang-up left him standing in the cold, the silence pressing down on him. He shoved the phone back into his pocket, feeling more alone than ever. Minutes passed like hours, the cold seeping into the bones as he waited. He tried to ignore the looks from passersby, their judgmental glances only heightening his sense of humiliation. He knew he had messed up—badly. And now he would have to face Riccardo’s wrath. When he car finally pulled up, his heart sank. He could see the tension in Riccardo’s posture even before he got out of the car. The older man’s face was a mask of controlled anger as he approached, his eyes locking onto him with a look that could burn through steel.

“Get in the car,” he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Valerio didn’t argue. He could feel Riccardo’s fury simmering beneath the surface, and the last thing he wanted was to set it off. He slid into the passenger seat, his movements sluggish and uncoordinated. The door slammed shut beside him, and the sound echoed like a gunshot in the quiet street. Riccardo got in behind the wheel, his hands gripping it so tightly his knuckles turned white. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the silence thick with tension. Valerio could feel the anger radiating off Riccardo, a palpable force that made the air in the car feel stifling.

Finally, Riccardo broke the silence, his voice cold and sharp. “What the hell were you thinking? Going out with those guys, getting drunk off your ass… What were you trying to prove?”

Valerio stared at his hands, his shame battling with the lingering buzz of alcohol. “They said it would be fun.”

“Fun?” Riccardo spat the word like it was poison. “Does this look like fun to you? Being so drunk you can barely stand? Having to call me to bail you out?”

“I didn’t want to call you!” Valerio snapped, his frustration boiling over. “I knew you’d react like this!”

Riccardo’s eyes flashed with anger. “React like what? Like someone who gives a damn about you? Because, believe me, I’m the only one who does! Those friends of yours left you out here to rot. They didn’t care what happened to you, and you’re too damn blind to see it!”

Valerio clenched his fists, the words cutting deep. He wanted to argue, to defend himself, but he knew Riccardo was right. The truth was hard to swallow, and it left a bitter taste in his mouth. “I’m not a kid. I can make my own decisions.”

“Yeah? Well, you made a hell of a decision tonight, didn’t you?” Riccardo’s voice was laced with sarcasm, his anger barely contained. “You think you’re proving something by getting wasted with people who don’t give a damn about you? You’re only proving how easy you are to manipulate.”

Valerio’s chest tightened, the words hitting harder than he expected. “I just… I wanted them to take me seriously.”

Riccardo let out a bitter laugh. “And did they? Did they take you seriously when they left you out here? When they pushed you to drink more even though you were clearly out of your depth?”

The question hung in the air, heavy and suffocating. He didn’t have an answer. He knew Riccardo was right, but admitting it felt like a defeat. Instead, he turned his gaze to the window, staring at the passing lights as the car sped through the empty streets.

The silence stretched on, thick and oppressive. Valerio’s thoughts were a tangled mess, the alcohol making it hard to focus. But one thing was clear—he had messed up, and there was no easy way to fix it. When they finally pulled up to Valerio’s apartment, Riccardo turned off the engine but didn’t move to get out. He sat there, his hands still gripping the wheel, his jaw clenched tight. Valerio could feel the tension radiating off him, the anger that had yet to fully dissipate.

“Valerio,” Riccardo began, his voice softer now but still laced with frustration, “I need you to understand something. I’m not just angry because you got drunk. I’m angry because you put yourself in a situation where you could’ve been seriously hurt. And for what? To impress a bunch of guys who don’t give a damn about you?”

Valerio swallowed hard, his throat dry. “I didn’t think it would go this far.”

“That’s the problem,” Riccardo said, his voice tinged with sadness. “You didn’t think. You were so caught up in trying to fit in that you forgot to take care of yourself.”

Valerio nodded slowly, the weight of Riccardo’s words pressing down on him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for it to get this bad.”

Riccardo finally released the wheel, turning to look at Valerio. The anger had faded from his eyes, replaced by a deep concern. “Just… promise me you’ll be more careful next time. I don’t want to have to come find you like this again.”

Valerio met his gaze, the guilt gnawing at him. “I promise.”

The late night air was crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the warmth of the arguments and emotions that had filled the previous night. Valerio, now sober but visibly drained, shuffled out of the car and leaned against the passenger side, taking a moment to steady himself. Riccardo watched Valerio with a mixture of concern and frustration. He had insisted on staying the night to ensure that Valerio was safe and had a chance to reflect on the events of the previous night. There was an unspoken understanding between them—Riccardo’s presence was both a gesture of support and a necessary intervention.

“Let’s get inside,” Riccardo said, his voice softer now but still carrying an edge of determination. He nodded, though his expression was a blend of embarrassment and resignation. He led the way into the apartment, unlocking the door with a trembling hand. As they stepped inside, Riccardo glanced around, noting the disarray of the living space. Empty bottles and takeout containers were scattered about, remnants of a night that had spiraled out of control.

Valerio dropped his keys on the kitchen counter and sighed, clearly exhausted. “I didn’t expect you to stay over,” he said, trying to mask the vulnerability in his voice with a note of defiance. Riccardo closed the door behind them and followed Valerio into the living room. “I wasn’t going to leave you alone after everything.” he replied firmly. “You need to take some time to calm down and think about what happened. I’m not going to let you do that by yourself.”

Valerio rubbed his temples, the weight of the previous night’s events pressing heavily on his shoulders. “I get it,” he said, sounding more resigned than defensive. “I’m just… tired.”

Riccardo nodded, a heavy silence settling between them. “Good. Now get some sleep. We’ll talk more in the morning.”

He knew things would be different after this—his relationship with Riccardo, his view of his so-called friends, and his understanding of what it meant to make the right choices. As he collapsed onto his bed, the room spinning around him, Valerio couldn’t shake the feeling that tonight had been a turning point. And as much as he hated to admit it, he was grateful that Riccardo had been there to pull him back from the edge.

[valentine-cafe]

last one for today. promise. 🥺

(valerio, vampire au, trans masc reader) frequenting the bar for some occasional fun, your eyes always seemed to latch onto valerio. he was a regular, as were you, but... you never seemed to interact much, he seemed intimidating.

eventually you got the courage to sit right next to him the next time you came in. and it happened again, and again. soon you became casual acquaintances, he was a lot less intimidating than you thought, and you began to understand the subtle emotions and intent he meant with his words as time went on. slowly but surely, you began feeling affection for him, but you weren't exactly sure what to do with it. sure you guys had some tension, but he was Alessio's father, and easily 25 years your senior, that'd be a little.... awkward.

well, everything ended up changing one time when you were drinking with him. unfortunately, you were being careless and not watching your drink while being all buddy buddy with valerio, maybe flirting just a little.. while you were distracted, someone slipped something into it. you noticed much too late, valerio had left to use the restroom, the drug kicked in and the man next to you tried to snatch you up and drag you out. you were nearly powerless to stop him. "h-hhh--" it was hard to even speak, thank god that he noticed and took action before who knows what would've happened. after all was said and done with, you couldn't help but hopelessly cling on yo him. "mm...h-help- I'm... h-hot, it's weird...." you'd whimper to him, trying not to make him uncomfortable, but the feelings were almost painful being unsatiated. the unfortunate side effect of the drug (unrelated to muscle weakness and dizziness) was that of an aphrodisiac. you wanted the touch of that man off you, have it covered, have the sweltering heat stemming from between your legs dealt with, and have it done fast...

valerio was just the right man to do it.

(i keep like totally overdoing these rqs and I am so sorry skandkzmnsnxjd we deserve to fuck the damn dilf immediately but I want backstory waaahh TwT)

˖⁺. “ drunk hazes !? ” :

﹙ top vampire hunter x bttm t.male reader ﹚.𖹭 ݁

. . . vampire au valerio x t.male reader !! 🍓 : ﹙  vampire hunter ˖ dilf character ﹚

you've always found the retired hunter quite attrative. so after a night in the bar, you consider getting a bit more bold. unfortunately for you, it seems someone slipped something into your drunk . . . 

﹙ cws ﹚: explicit content ˖ spiked drink ( not by val ) ˖ rough sex ˖ penetrative sex ˖ bone-rpone ˖ creampie ˖ manhandling ˖ overstim ˖ age difference ˖ reader has afab genitals bc historic au | wc : 1.8k 

﹙ receipts ﹚: lucieenn! gonna tag you here so you see this <3 @sanguinehoney

꒰  other treats : guidelines ˖ m.list ˖ characters ˖ our lore  ꒱

Blurry, so much noise. Too much noise.

The pair of pretty peepers in your pounding skull turn to take in the surroundings of the bar. People yell for the man to 'fuck out of the bar'. Beating him up to a pulp until he himself is unable to walk. Forced to crawl out of the bar instead.

See what it's like to be incapacitated in the way you are, laid in the vampire hunter's arms. Breath raspy and heavy.

As you slink your head to the side, vision wobbly like your movements. Lungs stagger when bright emerald eyes meet your own. Your brain processes everything so slowly. With only the exception that you flick to states of nausea that throws you into a state of mind where the world spins so fast, you fear you will die.

"Val-" You hiccup, a hand extended to his shoulder so that you may attempt to cling onto something once more. Speech slurred as you repeat some of your previous words. Alas what coherence can they be compared to?

Shame was a bird that has long since flown out the window, and you struggled with a different problem now that made you desperate to get the touch of the previous man off of you. Feel something, anything to remove the phantom hands that grope and feel you up.

"I know. Fuck— Just stay here with me," he grunts back, resting a hand on your forehead to feel for any sort of rise or drop in temperature.

The last thing needed was for an unfortunate soul like yours to pass away in the cold conditions of the reality outside of the bar.

Suddenly a weight pulls at your shoulders slightly. His large winter coat drops on top of you and is curled around your body. Only for his heavy cape to follow.

Quiet whines falter his expression, hooded eyelids shift as he looks back down at you, eyes barely open yet just enough to keep you in his vision.

"S okay. C'mon, we're gonna get you out of here." His deep-voiced croon passes through your ears. Finally, some words seem to make sense in your ears.

You try to nod, yet you're not sure if you even shift your head in the slightest. It's hard to feel yourself.

Sweep and stand. You feel the shift in gravity as the man pulls you into his arms and stands up to march outside

Cold air bathes the both of you. Face bitten by the harsh frost whereas the man carrying you feels the harsh cold grip onto his biceps and forearms. To which it tears through fabrics with ease the second it kisses against his skin that would have you jealous if not for the fact you had no idea you were currently wrapped in his robes.

Yet despite the circumstances he takes it all in a tight hand and continues to walk. Homebound be the both of you.

Only halfway through the walk to his home. With you still in his arms. Do you notice he lacks his coat and cape. "Why. . . why aren't you wearing, your coat." You manage.

"You're wearin 'em."

The little scoff makes you look down at yourself.

He spoke true, you wore his attire indeed. How could your brain have processed that far anyway. His gestures were ones of concern and they fluster you to the grave, you swear. Laid in his arms with lightheadedness and fluster that clash and collide with the drugs that throw your system into disarray

What remains of the walk home blurs in and out of your vision. Each path, street, parts of the snowstorm.

None of it stuns Valerio's determination nor his pace. He wanders through the storm as though it was any other day.

The warmth of his home stings at your cold face most uncomfortably and draws a little noise of discomfort or two out of you.

Meanwhile he melts into the heat and lays you down on the bed with a hushed groan. Rids you of his cape and coat. Following along soon after is your own robes. Until you were bare before the man above you. Yet in no way did he look at you with lust.

"Where did he touch?" He asks quietly. Gently brushing your hair back to calm your muscles.

"Everywhere. . ."

Each small sound of a weep triggers something inside of the man. The hunter should have killed the other guy instead. The disgust is almost too much to handle.

But when you look into his emerald hues, they sink into concern once more, if not to immediately return to their stoic gaze as you know them as. He wants to show you he stays strong for you.

With the small click of his tongue he leaves you in hides and blankets to fuel the fire of the fireplace. Grab a mug.

His movements are swift. He's home, he's in his element. It's facsinating to see. Yet even so, you notice a certain tensity in his shoulders. You suppose that a vampire hunter always needs to be prepared. .

Oh god, Alessio doesn't live here at home anymore right? You don't have to have to live through the awkward moment to him arrived at home to see his father with you right?

Caught up in your thoughts you notice not valerio, as he makes his way over to you with a mug of tea. Not until sis calloused, warm and veiny big hands take yours in his and dwarf them to pass over the ceramic. Crooning: "Drink."

You look up at him with big eyes, blink a few times and take the cup, hands barely able to lift themselves. So the pair wrapped around them aid them in the task of strength.

Sweet tea moves down your throat to do its work and clears your head up just slightly. Suppose it must be a remedy of sorts, because, ever so slowly your vision lessens in the blur it was caught up in and you are able to take in the dimly lit surroundings of his abode.

Dark oaken walls and floors, and an atmosphere full of the scent of spices from foreign lands. Tapestries woven intricately hung upon the walls. Old. One unfinished on awaiting a weaving it will never recieve.

Focus moves back to him. Your swollen pair of lips part to take in another sip of the warm beverage inside of the cup. Although it takes the top of the nausea off, it comes nowhere near close to cure out the drugs that sear away at your abdomen and between your legs.

Such an uncomfortable feeling, gods. You'd do everything right here and now to get the touch of the previous man washed off, and feel something else to distract you from the discomfort.

"Valerio."

Breathlessly you grab onto him and let out a small sob, eyebrows furrowed in an attempt to help you focus on proper formulation of your next words.

"I still feel him, Valerio please can't you help?"

"You sure you want this?" He whispers in response, voice gruff. Gaze full of question and in need of answers. You've never seen him so serious. Which says a lot, he is always serious. Under these circumstances you were not surprised though. But the stinging and the heat is too unbearable to take.

"I want— I want it to stop, Please."

"I don't want to take advantage of you like this."

"I need you"

So much desperation. There is so much desperation in your voice and he doesn't know what to do. He wants to help you. He just wished it wasn't in this way the two of you would be together. Fuck, you look amess.

Though despite his own internal conflict, with a clenched jaw and a simple shift next to you, he takes off his shirt and rids himself of his pants. There's no time to waste at all. The bed dips at his heavier weight. His athletic physique flushes against you quick, heated kisses trailing down your throat. While his hands cascade onto your waist like hot water.

Small gasps emit from your throat, as your hands shoot up to grip at whatever they can find to weakly hold onto.

A large thumb moves to brush across the scars below your chest. Trace at the beauty that has been hidden from him for so long. Before he guides it to your nipple. Circling the perky pebble to draw a few noises out of you.

"Prettiest boy I've ever fuckin' seen. 'Nd this is how the first time has to go." He sounds bitter, as much as he tries to sound loving. He sounds bitter.

This was in no way the way he had intended for the two of you to be with each other for the first time. You had a little bit of experience, he knew that much. The two of you had spoken about it briefly before. Yet it still bothered him. Circumstances considered. He'll have to make up for it again whenever you've recovered.

His left hand glides up your waist. Tickling away at the soft skin before he gently grips at the plush to guide you below him a little more.

The weight of his large dick sends shivers up and down your spine, as it grinds down against your boy pussy. The tip of it does not miss a single flutter and slight squeeze of your throbbing hole as it teases at the entrance to collect all of the slick and arousal your body has been producing the past 30 minutes.

What delightful noises and gasps you give him though, each time his tip catches against the hard pearl between your legs your hips buck feverishly.

"Valerio please—"

"I know-, I know baby I know. 'M sorry, just prepearin' ya. . ." He grunts. Dick lined up to your hot hole.

As he spouts his small reassurances to you when he starts entering, rough fingers move down to rub away at the sensitive clit that has awaited him to join it in the dance of pleasure you arch your back and let out the most pathetic whimper you've ever heard escape your lips.

"O- Oh m—m-mygod--!! A-Ahh hah."

Moans disperse any silence that dared remain.

And the walls greedily soak in them after the lack of years of such noises sung to them.

Valerio's large dick slowly sinks itself into you before he makes a slow paced thrust to aid your walls adjust to him and mould with each vein and the size.

The second you start to squirm from the slight overwhelm of the pangs of pleasure, he in turn puts his weight down on you to prevent any running away, his arms wrapped around your smaller body, hands feeling you up. While the pace gradually builds

"Valeri-oh!"

"Doing- hah doing good, amore. Don't. . . mngh. . . don't run from it."

Angling his hips, his hard dick starts to plunge into your sensitive walls the second it bottomed you out, in search for the spots that sends you into the delirious and pleasured state your body desires to be in.

Each thrust trades a moan out of you, legs spread far apart by his. Chest heaving, only to stutter when his nipples begin to rub against yours. The friction slacks your jaw and rolls at your eyes and sends you straight to the sky high up above.

Squelches join your erotic noises soon enough. Caught in a dance with the slap of your skin, his groans, your moans. What beautiful symphony the both of you create when you're together.

The feel of his hard cock kissing your cervix over and over is something that has haunted your dreams for weeks now, you thought briefly you would never have the chance to try it and yet here you are below him. You admit, a part of you was worried too that he'd think it was weird considering the gap between the two of you.

You had no clue of the nights where he jerked off to the thought of you. The image of your legs spread, lips parted and moans ringing in his ears, has had him cream himself over and over. He'd deny himself entry to ever tell it to you. . . Maybe one day, but not today.

"Mind if I move you onto your front?" He pants heavily in your ear. Each thrust remains the same, calculated plunge. It never slows down, even when he talks to you now. Drawing out moans from you like it was his job.

"M-Mm— n-no, a- ahh, val— v-va—"

Squeals dance around the room as he lifts his weight off of you momentarily and pulls out of you to flip you onto your front. Pin you down against the mattress and put you into the bone prone as before.

Fucking hell, how much has he been spilling inside of your pretty boy pussy?

Streaks of cum cling onto his tip and trail down to your messy hole, that soon hugs around his large length once more and sucks it in with happy welcome.

"Look at how he's flutterin' f'me." The man grunts against your ear and lands a harsh slap onto your right ass cheek, graciously steals a yelp from you like it's nothing. Before you know it his dick angles once more and suddenly starts roughly fucking into one of the sensitive bundles of nerves that had waited for him to tend to them.

The prominent vein on the underside of his dick and the tap of his balls against your ass sends you into a state of cock drunk, fucked out bliss. Boy pussy squirting cum mixed with his. That seems to spill and shoot inside of you like it is nothing.

His lungs stutter each time. Your pretty hole nurses away at his dick so well, the same his large member fucks away at you and treats you to the best fucking of your life. Hitting all of the spots it needs to. You've forgotten everything about why you were here in the first place.

Your walls flutter around him, and you feel your lungs and their slow betrayal on you, as you try to catch your breath in the messy pace the two of you have going on.

"V—Val- I'm, I'm gonna — u-um!"

Cry out you do, and it sounds like the bliss of the world all at once. So much so the man in all of his determination to make you feel good moves his hand below your body to rub hard and quick paced circles on your clit and press down on it a few times to encourage the oncoming orgasm to wash over you faster.

"Come on. That's it, pretty boy— Pretty pretty pretty boy, let me give it to ya." The deep rasp of his voice and the sloppy thrusts of his hips is more than enough for you to break into cries and moans as the orgasm washes over you.

"More!" You whine into his forearm, biting onto the skin while you sob and moan along to the rhythm. "M— more please!"

"Gonna give you 's much as you need— hah"

A gasp abruptly interrupts your moan, as you feel his cock shoot a heavy load of cum into you. His own orgasm washes over him. Strands of hair clinging to his forehead from the sweat, as he continues to fuck into you hard. Fingers roll the pretty pearl around intact to the desperate grinds and thrusts.

"Ain't— Ain't fuckin stoppin' soon I promise ya that. . ." His hands pick you up and manhandles you into a leapfrog position. Hips jackhammering into you, and you thought he couldn't get any faster. Your body shakes with pleasure and overwhelm.

The feel of your velvet walls fluttering and squeezing around him once again is enough to send him off into another flurry. Oh he's gonna come back here definetely.

He's not giving this pretty boy up to anyone.

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[lifeonthemurdersim]

Ardens Aeturnum- Chapter 1: Castitas Fandom/Universe: Ghost (band) Characters/Pairing: OC x OC AO3 Link(full tags, warnings etc here) Word count: 1,805 words Synopsis: "Whatever burns, burns eternally..." Author's Note: This fic is comprised of a collection of little moments from Dante (@nocturnal-bishop's OC) and Cadence(my OC)'s time at the ministry together. Only Chapter 1 is part of GKtober, the rest will be uploaded on AO3 and possibly on @chase-the-music. More about Gorekinktober on my pinned post here! Kinktober prompt(s) used: Wax Play Goretober prompt used: N/A

MARCH 2020

Drip. Gasp.

Drip. Gasp.

Drip. Gasp.

Hot wax drips ever-so-slowly from the flaming end of a wide black candle in the Bishop's hand onto the Advocatus Angeli's back. Not an unusual pasttime for the two of them at all. Dante recalls it from as far back as their first night spent together. He knows how much the other loves it. He loves it too.

Cade's hair is tied up in a messy bun on top of his head, revealing his smooth, toned back covered in copious spots of wax already. They take longer to cool on him than anyone else Dante's done this with. Such a beautiful man. It's funny how arguments between the two often devolve into this. But how could Dante ever resist the way this little fireball melts under his touch?

His gasps and hisses of pain are so soft, subtle, yielding, so contrary to the disgruntled comments he was making throughout the Papa's anointment ceremony. Dante's not surprised that left him in a bad mood, but he's not opposed to providing a distraction. It's not like he hasn't needed the same at times.

"F-faster..." Cade urges, shifting his shoulders a little. "Please..."

"I'm sorry darling, I can't control the speed at which the candle burns." Dante teases lightly. Cade lets out an unusually frustrated growl into the pillow in front of him.

"Dante, please!" he replies.

"You seem to have lost the ability to talk back now, gattino." he comments of the other's begging.

"Shut uuuuup..." Cade whines, startling the taller man somewhat. He frowns down at him, but he's not overly offended considering he knows he's presumably only out for punishment.

"Oh dear, perhaps not." he replies, tutting at him and flicking the candle hard, delivering a larger splash of wax which has Cade cry out in a mixture of pain and pleasure, suddenly breathing a lot more heavily, while Dante too draws in a deep, aroused breath.

"Closer, closer, bring it closer!" Cadence urges, and it's... strange. It's not the hazy, soft murmur he lets out when he's in so much pleasure he can barely speak. It's hard, angry, still very much the tone he had when they were arguing and it leaves Dante a little... concerned.

"...Cade?" he asks, actually raising the candle up a little so the melted wax remains at the top.

"More... harder... closer... more, please, Dante!" the other insists, his voice cracking with the desperation. While that sweet begging would normally stand to urge Dante on all the more, it's something he's used enough to hearing to know that right now it actually sounds... extremely off. He places the candle back in it's holder, bending down slightly beside the bed and turning the younger man's face to look at him.

There's pleasure in those hazel eyes, yes, and anger too, but there's also a tremendous amount of hurt. Not physical pain, but pain Dante heavily suspects he's trying to counteract with physical pain. "You're... not OK, are you?" Cade doesn't look away, he holds his stare but looks on the verge of breaking into tears. "Aspera." Dante says softly.

"I didn't say it." Cade replies in a quiet, choked voice.

"I'm saying it." Dante says, pulling him up and into a tight embrace. At first Cade tenses up further, but then his body softens and begins to shake as he starts to sob against Dante's shoulder. "Idiota..." he scolds gently. "Don't ever use me to hurt yourself." Cade nods against his shoulder.

"I'm... sorry..." he replies. "Just... it's everything at once, Copia being anointed and... and my dysphoria's been really fucking bad recently and... and I... I haven't been sleeping well at... at all..."

"It's OK." Dante assures him, stroking the back of his neck and letting him speak.

"I'm... worried that I'll lose my job b-because I won't be needed anymore." Cade continues. "And I've... I've really started to love it here, Dante!" The fact he's so passionately upset about this is actually heartbreaking.

"You're an excellent asset to the Ministry, Cade." he assures. "The Clergy all agree your role here is secure."

"Really?" Cade sniffs, leaning back a little to look him in the eyes, arms still draped over his shoulders. Dante's not used to seeing him looking this vulnerable, not in a platonic sense anyway. "I... kind of thought maybe... no-one liked me."

"Your role is divisive by nature." Dante points out.

"Think I'm divisive by nature." Cade suggests.

"Perhaps... it's a little of both." Dante agrees with a fond smile. "But the Ghouls like you a lot now you've come out of your shell." he reminds him. "The Papa likes you too, even if he's loath to admit it."

"I find that hard to believe." Cade mutters, but Dante suspects that deep down even he knows it.

"And not to overinflate my significance." Dante finishes, putting a hand to his bare shoulder. "But I think I like you most of all."

"...Why?" the Advocatus asks, some genuine bemusement in his expression. "I... I've been such a dickhead to you!" Dante chuckles slightly but shakes his head.

"Never more than I could bear." he assures. He feels he's very much responsible too, he knows he's found it hard to control his temper at times. "I know we've had our differences, Cade." he points out. "But you're passionate, dedicated, loyal..." His hand slides from Cade's shoulder up his neck and to his face, where a very slight smile is breaking at his kind words. "You've been there for me through some of the hardest times of my life." His thumb slides across the other's cheek. "Despite all we've been through, I have to say, you're still my closest friend here."

"Dante..." Cade says with a soft, affectionate look in his eyes, bringing his hand up to rest against Dante's. It's a look he recalls well from the other man when they first became friends. It's less common now. He misses it. "I feel the same, I..." He looks down and sighs. "I just wish we weren't so in opposition professionally sometimes."

"We don't have to be." Dante tells him softly. "Not anymore."

"What?" Cade looking back up at him curiously. "In... what sense?"

"I no longer have to ready the Papa for his role, from this day forth I merely protect him." he reminds him.

"Oh... right... and... I don't need to challenge his suitability..." Cade realises in response. "Only everyone's loyalty to the Ministry."

"Precisely." Dante agrees, nodding slightly. "So unless you have doubts about me in that regard..."

"Never!" Cade interrupts with another slight laugh. "You're like... the most dedicated person I know!" Dante smiles. "Wow, you're right, we can just... go back to the way we used to be." He looks to the side, smiling to himself a little. "Well... almost..." Dante gazes at him for a moment, but can't easily ascertain what he means by that.

"...Why almost?" he questions, unable to avoid the curiosity. Cade gives him a slight grimace; the kind of look that suggests he knows this is awkward but intends to go through with it anyway.

"Look... Dante... erm..." he begins, taking the hand that's on his face back down to rest against his thigh, holding it in hus more fully. "While we're sort of starting anew, I... I want to confess something. I've dropped hints before but..." He takes a deep breath. "When you were with... well... OK maybe not really with..." he rambles, glancing at Dante and then seemingly restarting his sentence entirely. "There was a time... before things became so complicated between us..." He pushes his bangs off of his face. "Fuck, I'm just going to bloody say it. I used to be in love with you."

Dante looks at Cade. He looks entirely serious, and Dante is... somewhat shocked. Because the truth is, he did suspect that back when they'd only been friends for a few months, Cade's feelings for him weren't at all platonic. He was never the most subtle with it, after all. Dante had been attracted to him too, in a way that extended beyond mere sex if he was completely honest. He guessed in the back of his mind he saw Cade's feelings the same as his; an initial infatuation that would fade with time.

Because Terzo was his absolute world back then. Cade could have given him anything and everything, in fact maybe at times he tried to, and still the fact he liked him rather a lot would have never been able to compare to his love for the now late Papa. "You... did...?" he asks slowly.

Cade nods. "Tried to tell you, too..." he says with an embarrassed laugh. "The shit you always tease me about."

Ti amo. He'd said ti amo, and Dante had assumed he was mistranslation rather than ask, because... well maybe because he didn't want to hear it. Didn't want to have to let him down. Because he'd liked the way things were, he supposed. The same reason he'd let the incontestable flirting and the closeness and eventually the sex happen in the first place. "I'm... so sorry if I hurt you..." he murmurs softly. Cade shrugs.

"They do say all's fair in love and war." he replies. "I could have ended things at any time but I chose to take every moment I could with you." Dante exhales softly, not quite a sigh but very close to one, squeezing the other's hand tight. There's something so lovely about Cade that he's not sure most people appreciate.

"You are... telling me all this in the past tense, yes?" he asks curiously.

"Oh, one hundred percent." he assures hastily. "I mean, don't get me wrong, you're amazing, Dante. I'm never going to stop admiring you, you're an incredible friend and... well I'm all for us continuing to mess around together every now and again because you're hot as fuck." He shakes his head, letting out a soft laugh. "But I don't think I would put myself through all of that again."

"Yes, that's... understandable." Dante replies with a slight nod, giving a polite smile back. It makes perfect sense of course. So... why does he feel almost... disappointed?

"I do love you though, Dante." Cade says fondly, smiling. "Ti voglio bene." Dante smiles slightly despite his mixed feelings.

"The "o" in "voglio" is... a little longer." he advises him a little uncertainly. "Ti voglio bene, Cade." he repeats with the correct pronunciation.

"Right." Cade says. "I'll work on it." He looks at Dante a moment more, and then pulls him into a tight embrace. "Thank you." he says earnestly against the Bishop's neck.

"You're very welcome." Dante replies. But with the unease that's stirring at the centre of his chest... he's really not so sure he is.

End note: honestly super excited to continue this in November/December 😊

[nocturnal-bishop]

"You Will Never Ever Walk Alone..."

THE BRAINROT FOR THESE BOYS HAS BEEN BAD!! OCs are Bishop Dante Armani (mine) and Cadence Valerio ( @chase-the-music )

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