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youlikefanficdontyousquidward · 1 year ago

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Teeth for hire

Summary: Blade takes you and Jack on his hunt for your sire. Cameos galore and a jealous Jack :3c

Warnings: Bad touch, mentions of blood, canon typical violence

Still using my own vampire mythology mixed with the blade one. So fangs, silver, stakes, speed, strength but sunlight just makes them very weak. Also some of Jack's comic abilities since I have no proof he can't do that in the film canon and I make the rules.

First/Next

Part 2

London was uncharacteristically sunny when you arrived. Despite the chill that clung in the air the sky was cloudless. You adjusted your hat and slipped your sunglasses on. Whilst sun wouldn't make you burst into flames it was still rather uncomfortable to be out in. Like walking around trying to operate with the worst flu of your life.

You'd been around Jack like this before at least and he'd thankfully taken your arm in his. First morning he'd been in a panic, flinging a sheet over your head when you wandered into the sunny kitchen. It was sweet and you'd laughed it off, explaining how weakened you were but that you'd be okay. He now lead you through the streets after Blade, aware of the vision loss those rays were causing.

"How come he's fine?" Jack whispered to you. You saw the way Eric's head shifted ahead of you. You'd have to explain the sensitive hearing at a later date.

"He's the daywalker, half vampire. Immune to sunlight, silver, hell even garlic." You explained. Jack stilled in your arm a second but your mind was still spinning in the glare.

"Wait garlic?" Jack squawked. You hissed lightly at the sudden increase in volume. Jack cleared his throat. "Lo siento, but garlic? Your allergic to garlic?"

"Violently." You answered.

"I've been cooking for you for months y/n. What if I poisoned you!" Jack whispered angrily. In his mind he was cataloging every dish he'd ever given you, try desperately to remember if he'd almost killed you.

"Never ate things that smelled like it, plus it really has to be more concentrated to do any real damage." You explained squeezing his arm. "I like when you cook." You hummed slumping your head against his arm. The dizzying heat was starting to make your mind feel fuzzy. Jack settled, enjoying having your near again.

He'd been feeling uncomfortable with your old friend around and not just because it was straining his neck. Something about Blade had him sure he didn't mean well, maybe the lack of explanation regarding his plan. Or maybe just the way he stayed primed to attacked at all times.

"We're here." Blade announced.

Ahead the British museum stood, gleaming white stone causing you to groan and advert your eyes. You followed Jack and Blade through the crowds of tourists towards a quiet area. Indoors you fared a little better, more able to walk on your own. Still you kept close to Jack for now. After all he seemed pretty agitated by all this.

"Contact should be here shortly. You holding up?" Eric asked. You looked up at him through your sunglasses grimacing slightly. He chuckled at you a second as he leaned on the wall.

"Hey can't be worse than Moscow right?" Blade smirked at you, glancing briefly down to Jack. You laughed suddenly, arm unlinking from Jack's as you pointed an accusatory finger to Eric.

"Oh I think you know why that was worse." You giggled again. Jack frowned beside you. He couldn't help glaring at Blade while you laughed together. He didn't have much time to stew however when a man cleared his throat.

Jack looked up at the new comer, curly haired guy in a flat cap looking off to the side before meeting his gaze. He was stern looking, sporting a fading bruise over an eye and some stubble.

"Got your lead Blade." The man grunted in an out of place Brooklyn accent. He seemed to mainly scowl at you and Jack. "I've got permission to end you lot if this goes south." He sneered.

"Sure you do." Blade said. "Night's safer with us in it, sure the big guy knows that too."

The man grunted but stayed silent for the moment. He turned to watch as some visitors passed by your group. Between Eric's leather, the mans injured appearance and your giant sunglasses, you couldn't be surprised you garnered stares. You were a rather eclectic group. Jack was about the only one of you pulling off a somewhat normal appearance. Well a very handsome appearance but far less jarring to the public in his shirt and slacks.

"Well he seems delightful." Jack whispered into your ear. You smiled softly at him and he grinned back.

"Caught him with a bad attitude, he's nicer when he's English." Blade responded.

"Not telling while the suckheads' here." He jabbed, turning back to you. Jack squared himself but your hand touched his gently. You have a warning look, slowly shaking your head.

"We'll meet you back at the hotel." You explained to Blade before taking Jack's arm and walking off for the taxi rank.

It'd be hours before sunset and there'd likely be a fight by the end of the night, always was with Eric. You took the opportunity to lay on the king sized bed and rest for the moment. Jack sat on the edge taking his shoes off, face set in a frown.

"Not like you to be so grumpy." You joked. Jack didn't laugh, just turning to you with a serious expression.

"Can we trust Blade?" He said sternly. You sighed and sat up, shuffling over to sit by him, resting a shoulder to his. You missed the comfort of the cabin, Ted, sitting warmed by the fire with Jack.

"No." You admitted. "Blade's...Eric... he'll do whatever it takes to keep people safe from vampires. If he thinks I'm a threat to them I'm done for."

"So why come? It seems too much to risk?" Jack asked his hand coming to meet your own on the bed as he turned to face you. His forehead creased in worry and you wished you could reach out and soothe him. Ruffle the fluffy salt and pepper locks like you would through the bars of the cabin's cage.

"My sires bad news. As long as he's out there people are dying. I've been after him for years..." You explained as Jack rubbed a thumb across your knuckles. "But hey don't worry, Blade'll have him dusted before we know it and we'll be back home before the full moon."

Jack knew there was more to this for you but didn't pry. He gave your hand a quick squeeze before heading to the rooms bathroom. He chose to focus instead on how you'd called the cabin home. Letting his thoughts run wild and butterflies dance in his stomach. Soon you'd be back there together engulfed in the honeyed mix of your scents that felt right. Not catching the sharp hit of something bitter off Blade around you.

When Eric returned he told you the next steps. You blanched, you'd need to go to a vampire safe house. A building that'd be full of other less friendly vampires with your mouth watering warm blooded friend.

"Look this is a vampire club, I just think it'd be best if you watched our backs." You pleaded from the bathroom mirror. The very idea of Jack stepping foot in that place made your gut twist.

"Actually it'll just be you." Blade interjected. "Dracula won't turn up if I'm there."

"No! no no, we can't just leave them in there alone." Jack bit at him. Even amongst others of your kind he didn't like it. He wanted to be with you in this, not out on the step waiting.

"Wait Dracula?" He asked turning to Blade.

"Excuse me?" You said indignantly peaking round the door. "I'll have you know I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."

"That's not what I meant...." Jack swallowed meeting your eyes. Your expression was set though he could tell his comment stung. He sighed before turning back to Blade.

"So we just wait out on a building near by, like a pair of idiotas" He asked.

Which is exactly what they were doing. Blade set up at the edge with thermal googles watching into the building. Jack sulked on the roofing peaking down at the painted over windows.

You'd emerged from the bathroom dressed up for this club in the least amount of clothing he'd ever seen on you. Tight leather cut short that hugged you just right. It took all his self control not to drool as he followed along. The idea of everyone in that place doing the same made his blood boil.

"So how long you two been a thing?" Blade asked suddenly.

"What!" Jack squeaked. "no, no we're not dating..." He babbled. "They, we just ran into trouble together. We're friends!" Jack cursed inwardly, he didn't even believe himself. Still Blade just hummed, looking back to the other side of the building.

"Just never seen Y/n so...happy." Blade added.

"Qué?" Jack frowned.

"Just always been... angry." Blade shrugged. "Always just on the hunt."

Jack thought about you. You were rather skittish when he first met you but he'd never have described you as angry. Hell he was half surprised you were actually a vampire, he'd never have believed it if he couldn't smell it on you. Or if your beautiful smile didn't flash a hint of fang.

"That how you met then?" Jack asked bitterly. He knew hearing the details on you two would only make him upset but the curiosity got the better of him.

"Yeah, knew my mentor. Stopped by a few times over the years, helped with the training. I'm not much for working with others." He explained. Jack soured, so you did have a lot of history together and from the slight smile Blade wore now he was fonder than he'd let on to you.

"So you ever date?" Jack probed instantly regretting it. Blade didn't snap at him though just snorting at the thought. "What? Y/n's amazing it's not a stupid question." Jack huffed.

"I met them when I was 13." Blade explained turning to look at Jack at last. He flushed at the bemused expression Eric held as he stared down at him squirming. "They're basically family."

"Oh." Was all Jack could manage out before Eric clapped a hand against his head ruffling his hair and laughing at him.

"You really thought we'd...?" He snorted again. "Man you got it bad."

Jack grumbled avoiding meeting Blade's eyes as he stared down at the building bellow. Another vampire passed through the double doors into the neon glow inside but he wasn't their guy. Jack turned his attention to the passersby keeping his eyes pealed for groups.

"So Dracula?" He asked, hoping Eric wouldn't press him further on his feelings.

"Yup." Eric said not taking his eyes from his watch.

"Like, Dracula Dracula?" Jack pressed.

"One of them." Eric hummed.

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A shiver ran down your spine. The club was hot, bodies pressed in tightly and writhing to the music. It set your hair on end to be surrounded by them. Not least because of what Eric told you once Jack was out of earshot.

Tonight you were bait.

The Count had been seen around London in the last week, often hitting up blood banks and local night life. Supposedly he was on his best behaviour since the city had it's own protection. Still Blade knew him as well as you did, no way he hadn't killed already. Still he'd risk coming out here for you even if it drew the communities attention. Jack would've opposed to this plan, you knew he would. So he was out there in the dark with half the plan on his mind.

You pressed through sweaty dancers clad in leather and lace to the bar and flagged for a drink. To your left a couple kissed, teeth nicking each others lips and blood being passed by their clashing tongues. At least there were no humans here, no harm done.

Blade was watching from the opposite building, ready to send you a message if he spotted anything. So you were just trying your best to stand out, dance and hope someone sent word of your arrival sooner rather than later. You didn't think you could stomach being in this outfit for more than an hour. Not with the way Jack had stared at you when he saw you in it, your sure he thought you looked terrible. You thought that much with your bites visible.

"Not your usual scene y/n." A man spoke softly to your left. You didn't turn taking your drink and downing the lot in one go.

"Could say the same Doctor." You hummed. The man chuckled lightly before flagging for a drink himself.

"Got word our mutual friend was in town, so I'm leaving. Just stopping by for a drink and to warn you." He hummed into his glass.

"That what we are? Last I saw you, you'd left me to our friend." You hissed.

"He's on his way, if this isn't your plan. Run." He said leaving his drink and walking away through the crowd. You lost his dark hair in the crowd quickly. You wished you could just message Jack, take your mind off things for a little bit but no. If this was going to work you needed to appear like you were here for fun.

With liquid encouragement you went under the flashing lights. The music was odd but not without a good rhythm, so you danced. After a few songs you'd found yourself amongst a group of excited women that managed to tease a smile from you.

The comfort didn't last as a cold hand snaked its way around your hips and drew you back sharply. The girls went to hiss at the interruption but froze looking behind you. All at once the place fell silent and still, save for the cruel chuckle in the shell of your ear. One of the girls gave an apologetic look before they scattered.

The room was suddenly far emptier, dancers running out when the fun stopped and the threat unveiled himself. Now Vlad held you flush against him. You were alone on the dance floor with him, his loyal guards covering all the entrances. Blade would have noticed them, seemed like you'd just need to bide your time for his arrival.

"To what do I owe the delight of seeing you here darling?" He purred against your skull. His nose rubbed against you hair before he huffed and shoved you forward. You stumbled over yourself on the blood slick floor.

"Surely you know better than to be picking up strays?" He sneered bloodied lips curling. You cursed, of course Jack's scent would be all over you after spending all day so close. You fought back your own glare as you righted yourself.

"Well no one ever did teach me my manners." You quipped. Your phone was pressed close to your skin but you felt no buzz. Where were they? Fear shivered through your bones, a light tremble reaching your fingers.

"A mistake I've tried to righten time and time again." He said rolling his pale blue eyes. He stalked forward and circled around you, appraising you. You'd forgotten just how tall he was, practically stooping to not hit the disco ball. "Tonight I intend to do so, one way or another."

His large slender hand suddenly flung up to your cheeks. Vlad's bruising icy grip wrapping round your skull making it harder to stand your ground. You kept your eyes locked on his, some prey instinct kicking in to keep a predator in sight. He turned your face to the side leaning in to your neck.

Your skin itched with adrenaline the burn to lash out, to fight him. It was so unlike the last time someone was this close. When Jack had fallen asleep watching VHS's in the cabin and slumped onto your shoulder. His hot breath fanning out against your throat as he slept peacefully.

It was not too dissimilar to the first time Vlad went for your throat. You'd fought him then, fragile human hands clawing at his eyes and legs kicking. It didn't save you from the bite then, 10s of scars littered you from him and his brides to prove that.

Before lip or tongue met your skin you were being launched across the room. Warm firm arms clasped you close to a heaving chest as a roar sounded out above you. Jack landed on his heals keeping you pressed to him.

The count laughed across the room, clasping his hands in a loud clap. His guards had weapons drawn and a ways into the building you could hear gun fire.

"Oh delightful you brought your pet." He sang. "Be a good dog and put what's mine down won't you?" He mocked.

"Nothing yours here, gilipollas!" Jack snarled over growing fangs. He placed you to your feet by him as the guards approached.

"Pity, guess I'll have to put this dog down y/n." He tutted. Jack lunged at his claws swiping but he shifted. Undeterred Jack dove low and swung his foot out but Dracula was quicker backing up out of his strike.

The first of the guards reached for you. The small silver stake you'd hidden was in your hand and embedded in their chest in a moment. Behind you a gun cocked but you leapt before the first shot, the volley of bullets hitting other guards instead. You flipped over the gunman and got him in the back. Heart pierced he burned to ash in seconds.

You heard Jack cry out, a pained yelp as he went flying. He crashed hard against the bar, struggling to get up. You moved to help but another guard shifted into your path. You cursed swinging at him but he caught your hand and slammed a fist into your nose. Pain blinded for a second you leapt back. You vision blurred as tears rushed to your eyes over your broken nose. You saw him rushing you regardless and rolled out of his path. The abandoned gun suddenly within reach you grabbed it and fired.

It wasn't silver but he was downed for the moment, crying and writhing on the dance floor. Jack slammed into the ground by you and you rushed to him. Crouched over his prone and groaning form you shot at your sire. He was quick, far quicker than you or the gun and blurred between poses until the clip was empty. His face was a mask of rage, twisted far beyond recognition.

"You'd have this foul creature over me?" He hissed. Vibrant blue veins popped against chalk white skin as he slicked back waist length hair.

Silver stake in hand you kept your protective position over Jack. His groaning had ceased but he didn't move. You listened intently to his steady breath and his pattering heart. Alive.

"In every life and in every death!" You screamed back to Vlad. He snarled but it was from behind you felt a sting of pain. Confused you reached to its sourced at your neck, needle falling and clattering to the ground. Your hand gripped the surrounding skin as it burned then numbed. A heavy feeling pushed down on you and you found yourself crumpling down over Jack.

"No..." You breathed out as a black haired figure entered view. "Michael?"

"Sorry y/n..." He said softly as the shadows over took your vision.

#jack russell x reader #werewolf by night #my fics #blade #teeth for hire

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victorluvsalice · 9 months ago

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AU Thursday: Valicer In The Dark -- Duskwall Slang

Since we did a VITD lookbook yesterday, I figured we might as well keep the train going today and talk a little bit about some of the worldbuilding I've done for the Valicer In The Dark version of Duskwall (the main setting of Blades In The Dark). Specifically, I've decided to share the short list of slang that I've come up with for people to use! Because that's always fun, right? :) The first entry on this list is taken from the book itself (page 42, specifically) and adapted a little bit, but all the rest are purely my own invention:

-->“Flashing a/their/your Coin” and variants – making an ostentatious display of wealth, to the disgust of everyone around them (the term "Coin" itself is in fact slang for a large sum of money, taken from the days when the Imperial treasury would actually mint large solid gold coins intended to cover major transactions; most people these days rely on small silver pieces called "slugs"). Example: “You spent all that money on THAT outfit? Really flashing your Coin, huh?”

-->“Moving to Six Towers” – indicates that the person said to be moving was previously rich and important, but has fallen on extremely hard times and is on the verge of ruin (referencing the fact that Six Towers USED to be one of the richest neighborhoods in the city, but has turned into a bit of a slum with most of the nobility previously living there moving into Brightstone). Example: “The Everglots’ leviathan ship hasn’t had a good haul in six months. Think they’ll be moving to Six Towers soon.”

-->“Scavenging in the Lost District” – indicates that the person said to be scavenging is taking an INCREDIBLE risk in the hopes of getting a high reward (due to the Lost District being an abandoned neighborhood outside the lightning barrier keeping the city safe and guarded by the Spirit Wardens...but also having many lost riches within its bounds). Example: “You want to rob Lord Mayor Powerwallet? Talk about scavenging in the Lost District!”

-->“Living Coin to Coin” – living paycheck to paycheck, as the average weekly wage in Duskwall is equivalent to a Coin’s worth of money. Example: “Poor old Tom – what with his sick mother and five children needing feeding, he’s living Coin to Coin.”

-->“Only good for mushrooms” – indicates that the thing being talked about is absolute shit. Example: “Don’t order the ‘special ale’ at the Withered Talon, it’s only good for mushrooms.”

-->“You want to call the crows?” – equivalent of “You want to get us killed?” in response to a risky course of action (referencing the Deathseeker crows that find corpses for the Spirit Wardens). Example: “You want to FIGHT Lord Mayor Powerwallet’s bodyguards? You want to call the crows?!”

-->“Barrowcleft approved” – indicates the item in question is homemade but of very high quality (Barrowcleft being a poor, rural neighborhood with one of the best, and fairest, markets in the city). Example – “You carved this yourself? Why, this is Barrowcleft approved work and no mistake!”

-->“Dust Day fare” – an extremely meager meal made from poor-quality ingredients, referencing the popular nickname for the fifth day of the week from Charhollow, which itself references the fact that poor people’s food stores are the thinnest on this day. Example – “Canal water soup with potato peelings. This is Dust Day fare, all right.”

-->“Crit Six/rolled a crit six” – means that something is exceedingly good, or that something that you have done has succeeded beyond your wildest dreams; references the most popular dice game in Duskwall, where rolling double sixes is an automatic win. Example – “I went to open the safe, and I rolled a crit six – the door practically came off in my hands!”

-->“Welcher” – a term for someone who hires a criminal or crew for a job, and then not only refuses to pay them, but actively tries to murder them (directly or otherwise) to avoid doing so. Only one of the highest leaders of the most well-known crews may declare someone a Welcher, and then only after receiving sufficient proof, as the term is a death sentence – the scoundrels of Duskwall do not take kindly to their clients trying to stiff them, in both senses of the word. Example: “All right, I’ve seen enough – I’m ready to declare that Lord E.A. Bethesda is a Welcher. Hope he’s prepared for every scoundrel in the city coming for his ass...”

Further updates to come if and when I think of more stuff! Which I probably will, as this is fun. :)

#valicer in the dark au #blades in the dark #slang #okay okay the 'crit six' one is actually a reference to the fact that rolling double sixes in the RPG itself is a critical success #I couldn't resist the meta fun XD #and 'welcher' comes from the fact that the GM is actively encouraged NOT to have anyone who hires the scoundrels betray them #as that is good for a story but doesn't make for good gameplay #I wanted to explore WHY people might not want to screw the PCs over #and came up with 'anyone who does it winds up very very dead'#poor Lord EA Bethesda :p #that's a real character in my Duskwall by the way #maybe I should do a character list for a future update #I actually have a decent amount of worldbuilding ready to go #though I still have to finish up a few more sections #like a few more details on how ghosts work #the book keeps a lot of stuff deliberately kinda vague and sketchy so you can fill in the gaps with your group #free real estate for fanfic writing purposes that's for damn sure :D #queued

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