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it-happened-one-fic · 8 hours

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Strange - Neuvillette

Author Notes: Happy MerMay Genshin Impact! I cheated a little and used Neuvillette this year. (Honestly using Dottore was a bit tiring last year so I decided to play nice with myself and not go with someone quite so challenging). This fic didn't really have any specific inspiration beyond being a MerMay fic. As per usual, reader is gender neutral. I hope you enjoy!

Type: Gender Neutral reader/ MerMay/ Mermaid AU/ Merman Neuvillette/ fluff/ romance implied/ sfw

Word count: 1097

Neuvillette was widely accepted as an oddity. This was something that had been the case ever since he’d first shown up at my home. Washed up on the beach, supposedly from a shipwreck.

It had been alarming when I’d found the beautiful young man who went solely by his surname and had always struck me as not entirely normal. And he’d immediately become the talk of the town. And even today, it was that way. Everyone had some sort of story about the mysterious Monsieur Neuvillette.

Rumors continued to fly around about how he was an escaped noble, because apparently only that could explain the easy grace he carried himself with, or that he was a tragically amnesiac sailor, since that would supposedly explain why he seemed to speak of his home.

No matter the rumor though, it was a simple truth that Neuvillette, despite his strangeness, was well-respected.

Deemed both reliable and sophisticated, everyone trusted the strange man who’d washed up on the beach and whom I’d shared my home with until he’d gotten himself settled in town.

I wasn’t quite sure that Neuvillette would continue to be regarded as quite so reputable if the townspeople could see what I was currently staring at in silent shock.

To be fair, I did have to admit that judging a person solely based on the presence of a tail did seem wrong. Especially when Neuvillette had always proven himself to be unfailingly courteous. But there was the town’s seemingly infinite number of folktales about merfolk to contend with.

Simply put, most did not look kindly on the people of the sea. And, with all the stories about merfolk drowning the innocently curious or raising storms over petty grievances, I could hardly blame anyone for their less-than-kind view of merpeople..

At odds with all the horror stories, Neuvillette gazed at me with that calm expression of his that seemed to be almost constantly present as his less-familiar tail curled idly under him and his webbed hands rested calmly on the rock that the tide gently parted around.

In no way did he look like a monster, and in no way did I really fear that he would hurt me, even despite the horror stories of his kind and the shock that he, himself, was in fact a merman.

Neuvillette was a great many things, but cruel or evil was not any of them.

He was strange, quiet, gentle, kind, and surprisingly patient with the incessant rumors that circulated about him, but never cruel or evil.

If the merfolk in all of the stories mirrored the ocean at its worst, with violently destructive waves that hurled ships against sharp, unforgiving rocks then, Neuvillette was the sea at its most gentle, as it quietly flowed along the shoreline in the most perfectly inviting fashion.

I sighed slightly before walking forward, wading through the cool water that lapped at my legs until I reached the large rock he sat on, looking exactly like something out of a storybook that warned its readers about how the beauty of merpeople hid their darker, more malevolent intentions.

But despite such warnings, I sat down next to him with little to no concern. Glancing at him quietly and noting how his strange, slit-pupiled eyes no longer seemed quite so odd now that I knew he was a merman.

“Aren’t you afraid that I’ll tell someone?” Instead of reacting in surprise or panicking to the revelation that he was one of the finned creatures I’d been warned about since my childhood, my voice was utterly calm as I watched the man next to me.

And as if he were mirroring my lack of reaction, he was seemingly unperturbed despite the risk my seeing him could easily cause him.

If I were to decide to tell others, it would no doubt devolve into a witch hunt for the once-respected Neuvillette, and those who praised him would quite likely be loudly filling the air with chatter about how they’d always known he was horrible.

But despite all that risk, he simply shook his head. The motion causing the droplets of water that had been clinging to his long, pale hair to fling out around him, “I do not think you would endanger someone that you once saved.”

I felt my eyebrows lift at his words before I shook my head with a fond smile, “I hardly saved you, you could have easily crawled back into the safety of the sea if I hadn’t found you. And no one would just leave some poor person washed up on the beach to die. I just happened to be the one who found you.”

He let out a slight hum, his gaze continuing to rest on me in the same steady way that it always had, “But few from your home would choose to sit next to a merperson.”

I shifted, twisting so that I could better meet his gaze as I met his question with one of my own, “Would many from yours choose to come on land?”

A smile flickered across his face, gentle and amused, before he shook his head once more, “No. Few would.”

I hummed, laughing slightly as I nodded. Wholly unsurprised by his answer.

I didn’t know much about merpeople beyond the folktales, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all to learn that they were just as wary of people on land as we were of them.

I felt myself smile as I met his gaze once more, “I guess that means we’re both strange then.”

And it was true. He was Neuvillette, the man who’d washed up on a beach, remained an enigma to everyone in my town, and hid the secret of being a merman. And I was the person who’d found this strange man, brought him home despite the risk of who he may or may not be, and now I was also the person who would be keeping the secret of his true nature from my entire village.

A smile crossed his face again, this time staying there as his eyes closed in an amused manner as he nodded. Silently accepting the strange position we both shared and even seeming to welcome it as he responded in that easy tone I was so used to, “Perhaps so.”

And, as I sat next to him on the sea-beaten rock, I supposed it was fitting that it was me, the person who’d taken in a mysterious man whom everyone had regretted as strange yet respectable, who sat next to the strange yet respectable merman.

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it-happened-one-fic · 8 hours

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Dancing with Visions - Take the Heat - Polka - Chongyun

Author Notes: My first time writing Chongyun! I have to admit that it was rather interesting, especially since I'd never really imagined Chongyun dancing, much less doing the polka. I had fun writing this fic though. The performance this fic was by the Opening Committee Polka at the 2012 Stanford Viennese Ball which can be watched on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIkuoKyHGjg. Just like the rest of this series, reader is female. I hope you enjoy!

If you would like to read more of this series, the fics can be found here: Dancing with Visions Masterlist.

Type: Female reader/ dance/ fluff/ platonic or romantic/ sfw

Word Count: 1232

The entire matter came down to the cultural exchanges that was occurring between Mondstadt and Liyue, paired with Xingqiu having some fun at Chongyun’s expense. And at this point, that was hardly anything new. What was new was my involvement in the entire matter.

Though, at this rate, it was beginning to look like “The Victims of Xingqiu Alliance” really was going to become a thing.

Chongyun glanced nervously at me, wiping his hands on his pants for what had to be the thousandth time, and I sighed, resting my hand comfortingly on his shoulder, “It’ll be okay. We’ve taken lessons.”

Chongyun nodded before offering me his arm so that we could go on stage along with the rest of the dancers, “Yeah... the polka is just another dance. No biggie.”

I nodded, doing my best to keep a calm expression and not let my nerves show through. Keeping Chongyun calm was more important than my nerves, though. If I got excited or upset, I was just excited or upset, but if he got too excited or upset, he ran the risk of passing out.

“Did you have a popsicle earlier?” I eyed him carefully, checking for any signs of flushing on his pale face. At the very least, he appeared to be fine, which was a blessing in and of itself.

We were on stage now, in a line of people that was parallel to another group of dancers, so I really didn’t know what I’d do if something did go wrong. Someone would probably help if my partner did suddenly pass out, but I really didn’t want it to come to that. Both for my sake and his. Chongyun would be mortified if he passed out in front of all of these people.

He nodded, his expression becoming so determined that it made me smile slightly as he spoke, “Don’t worry, we’ll get through this together, and then we’ll get back at Xingqiu.”

He squeezed my hand slightly as I wrapped my other arm around him so that my free hand rested on his shoulder while his arm was wrapped around me. And, in perfect sync, we both turned to the side. Ready to start as soon as the music kicked in.

“I guess the best revenge would be to take the heat and pull this off successfully?” I whispered to him under my breath, and he nodded. A short, determined motion that had me smiling slightly even despite our situation, “Then I guess we don’t have a choice but to dance well.”

He was only able to manage a one-word response of agreement as the music started up, sending us polkaing to the side and through the gap in the line of people next to our line of dancers.

We turned midway across the floor, and he raised his arm, twirling me carefully as our formation broke apart and all the dancers formed a wide circle.

Off to the side, I could see Xingqiu in the audience, already grinning like a fiend as he watched us start off in our rotation.

“Looks like Xingqiu made it after all,” I spoke quietly, using conversation as a distraction from my nerves, and Chongyun nodded, that focused expression still present on his face.

He twirled me easily, but I knew exactly why he was focusing so intently. Just like I was, he was worried about passing out on me mid-way through our dance.

He wrapped his arm back around me, and I gave a little hop, letting him swing me over to the side with ease. But then it only made sense that Chongyun was strong considering the way he swung his claymore around when he was fighting.

We continued our rotation,, and when he lifted me again, I found myself giggling slightly at the weightless sensation as he spun with me. Using the momentum of the polka with practiced ease that no doubt made it look like we really did know what we were doing and weren't fresh graduates of a dance class.

He glanced at me, a smile darting across his face at the sound that bubbled out of me, before he cleared his throat and we separated. Each walking away from each other only to circle back towards the other one.

And it was then that the polka got more difficult, as the ring of people broke apart, with some dancers trotting across the floor to the other side. Changing the order of our dancers so that we no longer formed a massive circle, but instead a large plus across the floor.

All of the couples sashayed to the side, and I found myself focusing more closely on my steps as the couples formed a massive line once more, only to break apart and reform the gigantic circle again.

But then everyone stopped, and each lady was twirled in a way that created a staggered, domino effect, and I found myself smiling at Chongyun once more.

The arrangement of dancers on the floor kept changing after that. Forming two lines again, then a large circle, then two small circles, and then finally back to one large circle.

And despite all odds, as we danced, I found myself enjoying myself, and, even though I was still annoyed with him, a small part of me felt like I should thank Xingqiu. After all, if it weren’t for him, I doubted I would have ever gotten to dance with Chongyun like this.

And just as there was no denying that this particular cultural exchange was a success, there was no denying that I really was having fun.

But it was easy being with Chongyun. Trust was implicit and comfortableness was natural. Almost like I knew him just as well as I knew myself. And maybe I did.

I had certainly spent enough time hanging out with him, Xingqiu, and Xiangling. Getting pulled into the crazy adventures and, for better or worse, enjoying myself alongside each of them.

As the music came to a stop, I leaned to the side, both of my arms wrapped around Chongyun’s shoulders as he supported me easily. Smiling down at me with only a slight bit of a flush on his pale face.

I smiled widely at him as he pulled me back upright, and applause rang out around us as I stepped away from him, “You did great!”

My cheer was hushed, and he shook his head slightly, wiping his hands once more on his pants as if he hadn’t just led me through an entire dance with seeming ease and perfectly dry hands, “So did you, I couldn’t tell you were nervous at all.”

I laughed slightly as he took my hand once more and we both turned to bow, “So you did know I was nervous.”

He nodded quietly at my murmur as we straightened once more, glancing over my way with a slight smile, “I guess we both took the heat rather well, huh?”

I squeezed his hand, nodding slightly, “And showed Xingqiu that we can handle his little plots after all.”

He nodded, “I guess that’s a win for our alliance then.”

I bobbed my head, staying silent as I agreed with him. It was a win for our alliance and a surprising win for me as well. After all, I’d now gotten to experience dancing the polka with Liyue’s greatest exorcist.

If you would like to read more:

Next: Coming Soon!

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it-happened-one-fic · 7 days

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Bias - Cyno

Author Notes: @milanka1604 So this is the high-fantasy adventure fic that goes with the book that has been lovingly recovered in sun-faded fabric. I helped myself out a bit with the writing by listening to “Legendary Lovers” by Katy Perry which most certainly affected how this story came together. I hope you enjoy!

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ 600 followers event request/ fluff/ high fantasy adventure in a book that has been lovingly re-covered in now sun-faded fabric/ isekai/ romance implied

Word count: 1652

I honestly didn’t know how long I’d been out before I’d woken up, staring straight up at a bright blue desert sky and wondering how I’d ended up here when, mere moments ago, I’d been right outside of my bookshop with Cyno.

What made it even worse was the fact that I also had someone else’s memories dancing around in my head.

Initially, after realizing that there was far more amiss than just my location due to the strange, foreign clothes I had woken up wearing and the odd memories, I’d tried to leave the oasis. But I’d been unable to leave the side of the cool, clear water, and had eventually given up. Opting to instead ponder my situation and try to figure out what, exactly, was going on.

And that was how Cyno had found me, as he’d appeared atop a dune and almost immediately looked my way, like he was somehow honed in on my presence.

I stared up at Cyno from where I sat in the golden sand around the oasis, relieved to see him and finding myself fascinated by the strange clothes he wore.

Dark robes that were wrapped around him, making him look like he was some hero out of some high fantasy story as he pulled down the mask that had concealed all of his face but his bright red eyes.

“So this is where you were… I’d wondered if you’d gotten dragged into this book as well.”

I felt myself smile at his words, nodding slightly as I watched him walk over and plop down next to me with an almost surprising degree of nonchalance. But then Cyno was more used to being in the desert than I was.

But his words told me almost everything I needed to know. He’d reached the same conclusion as I. That we were stuck inside of a book.

The book that he’d spoken of was, in fact, something he’d been investigating as the General Mahamatra and was also quite likely the sole reason we were in our current predicament.

From what Cyno had told me when he’d first received his mission, an Akademiya researcher had recently flooded the book market with some less-than-safe novels that quietly dragged the reader into the story.

Before we’d ended here, wherever here was, I’d been giving Cyno a suspicious looking book that had just recently turned up in my store.

After that, all I could remember was a brilliant flash of light and then waking up in the desert. Each of us in different locations.

At this point, it seemed clear that the book I’d been giving him was indeed one of the novels that was pulling people into it. This one, in particular, seemed to deal with some sort of high-fantasy story set in the desert, if the memories I’d been gifted with were anything to go by.

I could only assume the memories were, in actuality, the backstory of whatever character I’d been slotted into when I’d been pulled into this story. Unfortunately, though, my character hardly seemed to be a fun one.

Apparently, my role was that of someone who had mystical powers that allowed them, or rather, me, to cause oases to spring into existence.

Though such an ability ought to have been a hot commodity in a desert setting such as this one, my character’s memories told a very different story.

Afraid of the mystical oasis-giving powers, the locals of my character’s home village had kicked them out and abandoned them in the harsh desert.

After wandering for an extensive period, my character had then run into a group of power-hungry adventurers who wanted to use my character’s powers to create a corrupt government where all would serve them.

So my character had fled before reaching this place and hiding, and, so far as I could tell, that was around when I’d appeared.

I could only assume that, judging from his rather fantastical outfit and notable sword strapped to his back, Cyno was the hero of this story. No doubt a lost prince or some such character that was off on a great journey and had stumbled across both me and this oasis.

I gazed at him carefully, tilting my head in slight amusement as I realized that Cyno actually fit his role amusingly well. Not only did he look the part with his pale hair and red eyes, he could easily handle any action scenes this novel would throw at him.

That didn’t change the fact that neither of us seemed to know what to do in this situation, though, and I could tell just from looking at him that the young man next to me was tense.

But there was no telling what he’d encountered in this world already if this really was some sort of adventure story.

The heroes of such stories always seemed to lead a hard life, and I could only imagine what Cyno might have already dealt with.

I sat back, letting my hands press into the sand beneath me, “So... What’s your character’s backstory?”

At my words, he looked my way immediately. His eyebrows lifting slightly, almost like he could tell that I was trying to ease the tense atmosphere.

But then he twisted, facing me as he straightened slightly, “I am an adventurer who has been traveling the desert….”

He paused, and I waited patiently, watching as he seemingly came to a decision and slipped into his role, causing me to smile as I watched him play up the drama of his story, “Wandering, in search of some meaning to my existence.”

I snorted, shaking my head at exactly how run-of-the-mill and dramatic he made his character sound. But then, with my character’s backstory, I was hardly surprised.

From the sound of it, we were stuck in a particularly tropey adventure story.

I leaned forward, though, finding myself grinning as I knowingly encouraged Cyno’s rather ridiculous antics in favor of agonizing over our situation.

I’d done that enough already.

“And what have you found in your wanderings, oh great adventurer?” I matched his play-acting, but felt my smile spread as I noticed the gleam in his eyes.

His face remained a staunch mask of seriousness though, not unlike how he looked when he told one of his jokes as he gestured out to distant sand dunes, “Ruins taller than any modern city, though they have long been lost to the sands of time while people remain unchanged. They contain echoes of the time of heroes and monsters… Artifacts from the ages of gods.”

He trailed off slightly, his arm dropping as he held my gaze, “But only one oasis within all of these wonders. One oasis… And you.”

I shook my head, smiling all the while, though I was half-impressed with his play-acting, “That almost sounded like a real line from a campy adventure novel… I’m guessing you’ve been doing some late-night reading?”

He nodded, leaning back and tilting his head as he relaxed once more, “The books I bought from you, yeah.”

He paused, shifting and staring at me thoughtfully before he continued, “I’m guessing you are what my character has been searching for?”

I lifted one shoulder in a nonchalant half-shrug, “Well, my character, yes. Though that would make this a romantic, high-fantasy adventure story.”

Cyno nodded slightly, his expression not changing even as amusement rippled through his voice, “The best kind, then.”

I felt myself smile again, not bothering to comment on the fact that I was relieved by his presence or anything else that might break the now relaxed atmosphere, “I guess you really are getting to live out our favorite cover story of being an adventurer here.”

He nodded, “I even have you as a companion this time around.”

I blinked at him slightly, but didn’t respond. Instead silently watching as he stood, straightening fully so that he cast a shadow over me before he held out his hand to me in a silent offer.

I tilted my head though, looking from his tanned hand back up to his face, “How long do you think we’ll be stuck in this book?”

My voice came out surprisingly soft, giving away my slight nervousness with this entire situation, but Cyno only shook his head, “I don’t know. My best guess is that we’ll have to finish this story’s plot and go where this adventure takes us.”

Where this adventure took us…. At least I wouldn’t be alone. I could relax with the knowledge that Cyno would be by my side. A thought that had me wryly wondering if perhaps I was a better fit for the token character in need of assistance than I’d initially thought.

I nodded slightly at his words, quietly reaching up and slipping my hand into his. Letting him pull me to my feet easily.

He watched me silently, his red eyes holding my gaze as the wind blew the sand across the distant dune, and I wanted for him to say something.

At the very least, it was the perfect scene for the hero to say something.

But Cyno wasn’t the true hero of this story, and he turned, half disappointed me even though his hand was still gripping mine in a way that reassured me that no matter what, things would turn out okay, “Let’s go.”

He was allowed one step forward before the wind whipped the sand around us into a glittering shield that seemed to give way to a blinding light that soon consumed everything around us.

I opened my eyes hesitantly before blinking in surprise, registering the familiar surroundings before I spoke up, squeezing Cyno’s hand excitedly, “Cyno! We’re back!”

It took me a moment to register the slight smile that flickered across his face as he nodded at me, “So we are….”

He trailed off, though, his eyes narrowing at something behind me and causing me to turn as he let go of my hand and stepped around me.

But there, lying as innocently as could be on the floor behind me, was the book that had started our entire, short-lived adventure.

“And here is our perpetrator,” Cyno knelt as he spoke, picking up the strange book that had been recovered in sun-faded fabric before he straightened.

I stared at the book in his hands, quietly frowning before I glanced back at him, “Why do you think it let us out? Because we just completed an important scene or….?”

I trailed off as Cyno shook his head, “I don’t know, but I’ll take this book back to the Akademiya to be examined. Maybe then we’ll be able to catch its author.”

He looked back my way, and I managed a smile, “Just don’t open it on your way there. We don’t want you getting literally sucked back into the story.”

He snorted slightly, a soft sound, but nodded nonetheless, “Agreed. I’ll be back later, though. Our little adventure left me wanting more. Though I’m not sure you’ll have any stories with better characters than ours had.”

I blinked at him in surprise before snorting at his words, shaking my head in quiet amusement, “I might not be able to find a better hero, but a better secondary lead should be manageable.”

He tilted his head, his eyes glimmering slightly with unsaid words, before he bobbed his head slightly, “If you say so…. Either way, I’ll see you later.”

I nodded, finding myself waving in a fond farewell and watching him stroll down the busy street and away from me. Struck once more by exactly how well the role of a high-fantasy adventure hero actually suited him.

But then… that was possibly my own bias showing.

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it-happened-one-fic · 7 days

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hello ~

Can I have a High Fantasy Adventure and A book that has been lovingly re-covered in now sun-faded fabric with Baizhu ?

(♥´∀｀)／

Hello and thank you for you request! So this is wholly my fault due to unclear instructions, and you are not the first person to have had this trouble, but the book selection in the event actually serves as the character selection. However, since I didn't clearly indicate that in the event instruction, I've written two fics for you. This one is Baizhu’s high fantasy adventure. I hope you enjoy!

Some Sort of Plot Hook - Baizhu

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ high fantasy adventure/ 600 followers event request/ fluff/ isekai

Word count: 1750

I blinked groggily as I opened my eyes and sat up with a slight frown.

This was not Bubu Pharmacy. Instead, this seemed to be a dock that couldn’t be anywhere close to Liyue Harbor, or even Chenyu Vale.

But then, I wasn’t quite sure that this place was anywhere in Teyvat either, judging from my bleary memories of that book that Baizhu received as a gift from that patient from Sumeru. A student from the Akademiya who had given us his newest creation in thanks for treating him.

He’d described the novel as “capable of letting you experience a story in a way that no other book could ever allow.”

I’d peered over at the book curiously and, after glancing over at Baizhu, had opened it. An action I now regretted since the book seemed to have sucked both of us into it.

I could only assume that we were now inside the strange book and serving as characters in its story since I had a gigantic battleaxe that I normally would not be able to lift and seemed to be wearing some sort of leather armor.

Baizhu, on the other hand, was dressed in pale flowing robes and had a weirdly ornate staff that was quite literally sparkling.

He glanced over my way, a half-smile appearing on his face as he let out a relieved sounding sigh, “You're up. I was beginning to worry that getting pulled into this book had injured you in some way that I couldn’t identify.”

I blinked at him before feeling myself smile. He’d no doubt already checked to see if I was hurt in any way while I was passed out.

I didn’t mention his caring nature or anything of the sort, though. Me and him had been with each other long enough that such things hardly seemed necessary at this point.

“Thanks, but what about you? Are you alright? And where is Changsheng?” I almost felt bad spouting out such rapid-fire questions, but I hardly seemed to bother the man next to me.

He simply shook his head lightly before responding in a surprisingly easy-going tone considering our current situation, “I’m fine, but I don’t think Changsheng will be joining us for this little adventure. She doesn’t seem to have been dragged into the book with us.”

I glanced around slightly before humming as I started to push myself up and off the ground, “Maybe the book couldn’t handle her power?”

He nodded slightly as I helped him up before we both looked down at the battleaxe that remained on the ground like it was taunting me since I somehow knew with astonishing clarity that I was supposed to be the one toting it around.

“I guess this is some sort of adventure story with me in the role of the bruiser….” I trailed off as I grudgingly knelt and hefted the battleaxe that I could, somehow, miraculously lift. I could only assume that it was the power of plot or something along those lines that enabled me to pull off such a feat.

Baizhu let out a soft chuckle, “An elven bruiser at that, judging from your ears.”

I tensed at his words, looking his way with widening eyes, before reaching up and carefully feeling at the sides of my head. And sure enough, my ears were far longer than they’d once been and had a distinct point to their tip.

I felt myself frown, an action that only seemed to amuse my companion more as he shook his head lightly. A motion that caused his hair to sway in elegant green ripples which had me frowning even more.

With his looks, he was doubtlessly better suited to the role of ‘elven beauty’ than I was. At the very least, he looked perfectly enchanting in those long robes with this hair hanging freely.

At odds with me, Baizhu seemed perfectly amused by this turn of events as he smiled at me, “Now, now. I think they’re rather cute, and frowning like that is bad for your skin anyway.”

Despite myself, I smiled at his words, shaking my head slightly, “Perhaps so, but more importantly, how do we get out of this book and back home?” I propped my battleaxe against a nearby wall before crossing my arms and looking around.

“If we’re supposed to finish the story, then we’ll have to find out what it is first….” I trailed off as I thought out loud.

Baizhu glanced around slightly before looking back my way, “Well, if we are adventurers, then perhaps we’re meant to find the story ourselves?”

I felt my eyebrows rise at his words, but they did make sense. In high-fantasy adventure stories, the characters often did go out and find their adventures. But there was also usually some sort of plot hook that started everything off. Something like a cursed ring, or an ominous prophecy.

But we had nothing of the sort. In fact, the only really odd thing we had that seemed magical was Baizhu’s sparkly stick.

“So… Do you think we should just ask around or wait for some sort of tragedy to come our way?” I gestured idly to the peaceful streetscape just beyond the dock.

Baizhu opened his mouth to respond, only to be cut off by a sudden cry from left-field “HELP!!”

I turned, blinking in surprise as a man stumbled to a halt, grasping my shoulders and shaking me, “You have to help me, great adventurer! PLEASE!!!”

I stumbled backwards and away from the shrieking man, my eyes wide as Baizhu slid between me and the other man with his customary calmness, though his tone was slightly more stern than usual as he blocked the man from reaching me, “Calm down, sir. What seems to be the matter?”

At odds with Baizhu, the man seemed to grow only more frantic as I stared at him in surprise from over Baizhu’s shoulder, “A- A MONSTER! There’s a monster in the bay that threatens to kill us all! PLEASE, brave heroes, you must stop it!”

“Of course, that’s what we’re here for… As adventurers,” Baizhu paused, glancing back at me with a small smile that told me he was thinking the exact same thing I was.

We didn’t even have to look for the adventure. It had come to us.

“Now, you hurry and go find a safe place and leave this to us,” Baizhu was already ushering the still panic-stricken man off, and, evidently enough, the fellow didn’t need any encouragement since he took off at a run.

“Well, at least we found our plot hook or central drama for the story,” I lifted my shoulder in a half-shrug as I turned to grab the gigantic battleaxe that went with my character before I faced Baizhu once more, only to find him frowning at me.

“I’m not sure about us fighting this monster, though… It’s a miracle that you can even lift that axe, and I’m not quite sure what my staff is for, plus I don’t have my vision,” Baizhu shook his head as he finished, looking my way with a persistent frown that had me sighing slightly.

But his words were to be expected. This was Baizhu I was with after all. And I couldn’t blame him for having misgivings, but I also wasn’t sure we exactly had much of a choice, and either way, I would have never left dealing with all of this entirely up to him. Vision or no.

“Well, we have to at least give it a shot, don’t we? If we don’t, we may just remain stuck in this book, and the monster might wreak havoc on the people here,” I reached out with one hand, taking his in mine, causing him to smile slightly.

Because me and him both knew he could never ignore the needs of others. It was part of his charm and part of what made him so incredibly frustrating.

He would always put others and their well-being over his own well-being. It was one of the reasons I remained by his side, admired him, and worried for him.

Of course, that caring nature of his extended to me as well. That’s why he was having such misgivings about this entire mess. He didn’t know that he could ensure no one got hurt, even if he were to sacrifice his own well being. And he knew I wasn’t about to let him sacrifice himself in any way.

I smiled, squeezing his hand lightly in mine, “Come on, we’ll do this together. We’re supposed to be adventuring buddies in this story, right?”

His face was a mask of fond exasperation even as he nodded, “I suppose so… But remember to prioritize yourself.”

I snorted lightly, letting go of his hand and stepping by him towards where the bay area appeared to be, “You too.”

He let out a soft chuckle, following behind me and trailing sparkles from his weirdly magical staff before he reached out, his hand landing on my shoulder and causing me to stop merely with his touch as he spoke in a suddenly wary tone, “Wait… Something isn’t-”

He was cut off by a flash of light that enveloped us both, causing us to shield our eyes until it faded back out of existence.

“Dr… Baizhu?” My eyes fluttered open at the sound of the familiar voice, and I stared directly at both Qiqi and Gui, who stared back at me with wide eyes.

I let out a startled laugh, turning back to grasp Baizhu’s hand in mine as he blinked around in surprise, “We’re back! We’re back in Bubu Pharmacy, Baizhu!”

“And where did you go exactly?? I’ve only been asleep for a few moments, and you’re exactly where I left you,” Changsheng lifted her head from where she was curled up on Baizhu’s desk, her voice tainted with distinctly groggy annoyance.

Baizhu ignored her, letting out a slight laugh and shaking his head, “It seems I should have trusted you more, Y/n.”

I almost wanted to argue with his smiling face. It wasn’t like I’d known that agreeing to fight some monster would get us out of the book. It had just seemed like the best course of action.

Either way though, we were back, and I wasn’t going to have to worry about Baizhu being able to handle the physically taxing nature of some sort of adventure.

Though I was going to miss his hair being down…..

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it-happened-one-fic · 7 days

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Hi! How are you?

I have an interesting request: "3

Can I request Baizhu with a half-adeptus reader (male, but , if you want, you can use gn) .

This is the story of a young Baizhu who saves a little bird from bullies. The bird, blind in one eye, recovered from severe wounds. The bird became a friend for Baizhu. Then... The bird suddenly flew away to freedom. Baizhu matured and became a doctor. Suddenly, a reader (blind in one eye) comes to “Bubu” and becomes an assistant for Baizhu. The reader loves to pamper Baizhu in all things and will complete even difficult tasks. The reader cares for Baizhu and truly loves him. As a result, they fall in love❤

The phrase will do here“You saved me when I was dying. You gave me the meaning of life. You helped me not to lose faith in the kindness of people...”(sorry about my bad Inglis... )

Hello Anon, I'm doing well, thank you! Also, don't worry about you English, you did a wonderful job with your request! I must confess that I wonder if you also write since you came up with such a complete plot for your request! Either way, I wrote this with a gender neutral reader since I'm not really comfortable writing a male reader, I hope you don't mind since you mentioned I could. I hope you enjoy!

Waiting - Baizhu

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ half-adepti reader/ fluff/ request

Word count: 959

Baizhu didn’t really know how long ago it was that he’d rescued a bird from a group of cruel youth that were toying with it. But watching Qiqi as she stared at finches with such gentle fascination reminded him of this little friend.

The bird had been blind in one eye, and its wounds had been severe. But he’d carefully cared for it. Feeding it and bandaging its injuries. Teaching it to fly once more, even though it had lost one of its bright little eyes.

It had been such a cheerful little bird. Always tweeting merrily and singing its lovely little song as it had perched on his shoulder.

Back then, he’d thought it would be his eternal friend, by his side till the very end. But it had flown away. Abandoning him for the freedom of the blue skies.

It was after that that Baizhu had become a doctor and met Changsheng, but he never forgot that little bird that had been his first patient.

And perhaps that was why he had immediately recalled the little bird when you’d shown up one day at Bubu Pharmacy and become his assistant.

Just like that little bird, you were blind in one eye and eternally cheerful. You would hum to yourself as you worked, adding an easygoing joy to the pharmacy.

Most everyone adored you. Baizhu’s gentle assistant, who doted on Qiqi, cared for patients equally, and seemed like an old friend to Baizhu from your very first day by his side.

Baizhu could rely on you for anything; no matter how difficult it was, you could do it. You were capable with medicines, swift with deliveries, and a source of comfort for those with the very worst of conditions.

You could even convince upset little children to take their medicine, and you never failed to have tea ready for Baizhu after one of his more intensive treatments.

It was obvious to anyone who saw you and him together, you doted on the doctor. Many whispered of your relationship, while others were satisfied to view you as another kind soul, perfectly matched to be by Baizhu’s side.

But Baizhu had noticed far more than your numerous charms. There were also your less-than-human traits.

Animals never fled your presence, and birds were known to flit over and sing along to your soft humming.

And then there was the way that you somehow knew numerous things about Baizhu from your first day at Bubu Pharmacy.

Be it his favorite tea, the candied fruits he used to help him handle the bitterness of his medicines, or his relationship with Changsheng, he knew them all.

But Baizhu was never one to look a gift horse in the mouth or question his own luck. Sometimes good things happen, and you just accept them. It was something Baizhu viewed as a lucky little blessing. And it was easy to view you that way, with how you doted and cared for the doctor.

But as he looked your way, he found himself tilting his head with a quiet smile, “You know, my first patient was actually a bird.”

You blinked in quiet surprise at his words, before you glanced over at where Qiqi stood, watching the finches silently, before looking back his way.

Baizhu chuckled at your silent surprise, “It was a long time ago, back when I was still very young. It had gotten hurt when some kids caught it.”

He glanced back over at the little girl by the window, feeling his smile turn wistful, “It left me not long after it had fully recovered, but that little bird inspired me… It’s probably why I went on to become a doctor. I don’t actually know how much longer it lived after it left me though….”

He trailed off, shaking his head at his own nostalgic musing, somehow feeling you might not like to be compared to such a fragile creature as the bird was, even if both of you were important to him now, be it as a fond memory or current companion.

But then you smiled, drifting closer before speaking to him in a quiet whisper, “You saved me when I was dying. You gave me the meaning of life. You helped me not to lose faith in the kindness of people…”

You trailed off, your gaze dropping towards the floor as Baizhu’s eyes widened, a thought entering his mind. Ridiculous and seemingly impossible, but unshakeable.

Perhaps there was a reason you and that little bird seemed so intrinsically linked within his mind, as laughable as it seemed.

But all at once, Baizhu felt like he was that little boy who had mourned the loss of his friend that had flown off into the blue sky once more.

“You…” He hesitated as you shifted, slowly meeting his gaze once more with the slightest of smiles.

“In truth, I am a half-adepti and capable of transforming into a bird… I would not have made it through those days if it weren’t for you, and I’ve never forgotten how you saved me,” You shifted, tilting your head in a way that perfectly reminded him of the bird as he stared at you in silent awe. Hardly able to even find the words.

“Thank you, Doctor Baizhu, and I’m sorry I kept you waiting for so long,” Those words were all it took for his breath to catch slightly before he felt himself smile. Still stunned, but somehow finding the words as his hands found yours.

His fingers linked themselves carefully as he held your gaze, eternally grateful that you had started him on his path towards medicine and that you had returned to him, as he spoke in an impossible soft voice, “And for you, I would have continued waiting for eternity.”

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it-happened-one-fic · 7 days

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Hours in the Moonlight: Fairest Midnight - 9. Nothing Good

Summary: There was really only one way to learn more about the world of the night, and now that it had all come to this, it was time you learned. You could only hope you'd be able to remember everything from Rook's exposition even as new questions seemed to be appearing every night.

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ Vampire AU/ romantic/ angst/ angst with comfort/ fluff/ platonic interactions too!

Trigger Warning: Vampire

Word Count: 1670

Hours in the Moonlight Master-List

“There are six clans in total for our area, as well as the head-vampire and those that work directly under him to oversee the clans.”

Me and Epel sat on the couch, attentively listening to Vil and Rook as they steadily began to explain the world of the night that the two of us knew so little about.

Vil had been less willing to explain to me, citing his concerns about me being further entangled with vampires. Rook, however, had decided I needed to know everything there was to know. Why, though, my ever enigmatic friend refused to say.

Either way, though, Rook took the lead in explaining everything. Walking around the room as he spoke, while Vil stood leaning against the wall beside the window that he usually entered from.

“The Heartslabyul clan has five members whose names I have either heard in conversation or learned by meeting them. Their leader is Riddle Rosehearts. Thus far, they have shown little to no interest in Y/n and are probably not the perpetrators of the attack on Epel. They look down on the hunting of mortals, and even have a law against it in the rules of their clan.”

I leaned over, my shoulder lightly brushing Epel’s and causing him to glance my way as I murmured, “Sounds like a decent bunch.”

He hummed lightly, nodding his response with raised eyebrows as we both turned our gazes back to Rook, who was already continuing without hardly taking a break.

“The Savanaclaw clan is the largest, though its numbers are constantly in flux due to the nature of their members.” My friend paused, shaking his head slightly, “It is difficult to bear with the weight of both vampirism and wereism. Many lose their minds and must be dispatched.”

I frowned slightly at his words, recalling that he was a vampire hunter and wondering, not for the first time, if he had possibly worked with the clans that he seemed to know so much about.

Perhaps he was the one who dispatched the vampires who did lose their minds….

But then, the idea of vampires ordering other vampires to be done away with was unsettling, to say the least. Even if there was a wide distance between the sane vampires, like Vil, and the insane, like the woman that had attacked me.

Rook continued on, blissfully unaware of my thoughts, “The older of two brothers leads the Savannaclaw clan, but he is known to travel frequently to confer with clans in different districts. The younger brother, Leona Kingscholar, is currently leading the clan in his brother’s place.” Rook shook his head with an almost mournful frown before finishing, “I know little about them despite theirs being one of the clans I have presently dealt with, since the Roi des Lions, Leona, is wary of me.”

Vil shifted slightly, drawing my attention to him as he spoke, “It isn’t them either. Me and Leona have an understanding. Plus they have no interest in turning humans. They just take in those who have already been turned.”

Rook’s eyebrows rose slightly at this, but he said nothing. Instead, opting to continue with his lengthy description, “The Octavinelle clan is small, and relatively young. But many are wary of them….”

He trailed off, looking towards Vil who frowned, nodding to himself slightly,“It could be one of them….” After a brief moment, he looked over at Epel, causing the younger man to straighten as soon as he was addressed, “Do you recall a pale haired man with glasses or two tall twins with black streaks in their hair?”

Epel shook his head, looking just as mystified as I felt, “No… I only remember one man, and he wore a mask. His eyes were bright though, almost glowing in the dark. Like little lightbulbs.” He grimaced as he spoke, but his words only made Rook and Vil frown more.

“I see…” Rook was silent for a moment before he looked up, a smile appearing on his face once more as he continued, “There is the Scarabia clan. A rich group, but it is undoubtedly not them with how friendly their head is. Plus, they do not turn others. Rather, their clan is made up of a family and a group of servants. It is worth noting that it is also the offshoot of another, larger clan and has been accepting new members. It is still led by the son of the main clan’s head, though.”

Vil let out an agreeing hum, a slight smile crossing his face that had me wondering what it was about the Scarabia clan that amused him so. But I didn’t have time to ask as Rook pushed on ahead.

“The Ignihyde clan is reclusive; they don't associate with other vampires or humans that I know of. They are, however, well versed in this modern age’s technology, and the clan head, at the very least, has flaming hair.”

Me and Epel exchanged a look at the comment on their hair before I looked towards Vil with raised eyebrows. Vil offered little more than an elegant shrug and a vague explanation, “They were supposedly cursed.”

I frowned at his less-than-satisfying explanation, but nodded as Rook continued., at last coming to a stop in his pacing, “The sixth clan is the Diasomia clan. An old, powerful group whose numbers are uncertain. That said, at least two of their members are ancient. Certainly older than Vil.”

At the comment on his age, I glanced towards Vil once more with an amused smile, only to find him already looking my way. A frown on his handsome face as he studied me.

As Epel began asking questions, I found myself standing with a frown and walking over to where Vil stood, “What is it?”

My voice was hushed as I questioned him, and Vil tilted his head slightly, concern slipping into his gaze as he held eye contact with me, “Are you certain you want to do this? Nothing good can come from you learning more about my world.”

I smiled slightly at his words. Nothing good. He might be right, but that wasn’t going to stop me.

“Yes, I’m sure, Vil. I want to support Epel, and I want to know what I’m facing. Rook said my safety depended on it, and….” I trailed off, falling silent as I once again realized that the decision I was making was irrevocable. There would be no going back.

But, as I held Vil’s gaze, something told me I was already in too deep to have a prayer of going back. I’d probably been in too deep for quite some time now. In fact, looking back on it, I’d started this way back when I’d first befriended Vil, and I wasn’t about to start regretting that decision now.

I rubbed my arm slightly but nodded, determined even if I was nervous as I kept a smile on my face in an effort to reassure the man in front of me, “I’m positive, Vil. This is what I want to do.”

Vil sighed quietly, his eyes closing for a brief moment before he nodded, “Very well, I’ll help you….” He opened his eyes, a half-amused smile working its way onto his face, “Even if I think you should be more careful.”

I relaxed slightly at his words, a more genuine smile finding its way onto my face as I playfully elbowed him, “As if I have to be worried. I’ve got you on my side.”

He snorted slightly at my lighthearted teasing but stayed silent as I turned to rejoin Epel, who was eyeing the two of us like he was suspicious. But if the way he was bickering with Vil when they’d shown up this evening was anything to go by, he didn't care for his newfound guardian.

I redirected his attention with ease, though, as I sat down on the couch and began to question him, “You said you had something you wanted to tell me about-” I paused, hesitating briefly before continuing, “About that night?”

Epel looked as if he had been bracing himself for this very moment all night as he started his explanation, “Yes….”

He inhaled, but met my gaze, obviously bracing himself before he got started, “I… Well, he knocked me out first, but when I came too there was only one thing he asked me about.”

Rook leaned forward from where he now sat next to me, and I shifted uncomfortably as Epel stared at me unflinchingly, “You. He wanted to know about you.”

I inhaled slightly, but somehow managed to keep my calm as I nodded, ignoring the way Rook looked over at me. Obviously checking on me and gauging my reaction.

But I supposed some small part of me had somehow expected this.

Vil had crossed the room and now stood behind the chair in which I sat, opposite from Epel, who still held my gaze as he continued, his words coming out faster as he spoke, “I refused to tell him anything. Told him right off that it wasn’t none of his business. I didn’t and don’t know what he wanted with you, but…. It can’t be good, Y/n.”

Epel scowled but continued, “That’s when he bit me. Said I would break once I changed, and that I would tell him what he wanted then. I told him it was a load of crap. Wasn’t no way I was talking to him about you.”

“So he thought that you would resent Y/n for your being changed and break?” Rook summarized in a soft tone, and Epel nodded. A deep frown set on his otherwise delicate face.

But then his eyes found mine, worry bleeding into his expression, “Do ya’ know what he wants with ya’?”

I shook my head, looking down towards my lap as that question rose again in my mind. A question that I’d been pondering ever since the vampires had first taken an interest in me.

What did they want?

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it-happened-one-fic · 7 days

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Hours in the Moonlight: Fairest Midnight - 8. Questions to be Asked

Summary: After your recent discoveries, there are numerous questions to be asked. Too many to tackle in one night. Especially when a reunion with a close friend is also in order.

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ Vampire AU/ romantic/ angst/ angst with comfort/ fluff/ platonic interactions too!

Trigger Warning: Vampire

Word Count: 1809

Hours in the Moonlight Master-List

I was curled up with Vil on the couch, leaning against him as I rested from the all-out sobbing fest I’d just completed.

A part of me felt bad for having so gloriously soaked the cape that went over his entire vampiric ensemble. But he’d simply ditched it when we moved to the couch, seemingly unconcerned about the tears drying on it.

He glanced down at me, an unreadable expression on his flawless face, as he watched me silently before at last speaking, “Are you ready to start questioning me?”

I smiled despite myself and the situation that had led to this moment as I looked up at him. I suppose at this point he really did know me well.

“So who, exactly, would challenge you?” His eyebrows rose at my question, but I kept looking at him expectantly. Because I knew that he knew exactly what I meant.

He’d proclaimed this apartment complex part of his turf last year, and since then, vampires hadn’t dared come near. Or at least they hadn’t until Epel went missing.

He sighed, apparently realizing that I wasn’t going to be budging on this question before he responded, “They might not have challenged me; your friend may not have been here when he was attacked.”

I nodded, not disagreeing with him since he might actually be right. There was nothing that actually implied or clearly stated that Epel had been near home when he’d been attacked. All we really knew was that he’d gone missing and been turned into a vampire.

“So you’re saying they might not have known?” I tilted my head slightly, watching him closely for any clues.

As I now knew, both he and Rook had long made it a habit to do their very best to keep me out of the vampire world as much as possible. Neither of them wanted me tangled up in any of it. But after what occurred today, I had a sneaking feeling that wasn’t going to last.

No matter what I, or they, wished.

Either way, Vil nodded, lifting one shoulder in an effortlessly graceful half-shrug “Well, it isn’t like I broadcast every little fact I know about you to the world.”

I felt my eyebrows raise at his words, noting the hidden meaning there, “Sooo… If they knew that Epel was my friend, they wouldn’t have bothered him because of my relationship with you?”

He snorted, looking away from me as he did so before responding, “I’m not that all-powerful, Tater tot. And even the stupid ones will still bother you, even if they know about our friendship.”

I grinned at him, because that was just the way Vil was. Confident in his ability to handle others while also recognizing he wasn’t omnipotent. And something had always told me he could back up his confidence.

After all, when he’d told me there wouldn’t be any other vampires coming near my apartment building, he’d been right. Or at least he had been until recently, if Epel had been in this area when he’d been attacked.

Evidently enough, Vil was either feared or powerful enough to keep the majority of vampires at bay.

But even with that knowledge, I couldn’t deny that I was still concerned.

Something had been going on around here recently. Something had changed, and not for the better.

I squeezed the pillow that I held as I thought more and more about this situation, frowning to myself before I spoke aloud, watching him carefully for a reaction, “Stupid…. Or maybe someone that isn’t afraid of you for a different reason?”

Amethyst eyes snapped over to where I sat holding my pillow, immediately locking with my eyes. But Vil wasn’t insulted. No. There was surprise in his eyes. Surprise and something else I didn’t like.

Agitation.The kind that always stemmed from when someone said something that perfectly hit the nail on the head.

There was someone who wasn’t afraid of him for a reason outside of stupidity. And that thought was unsettling.

“Vil,” My tone was cautious, perfectly giving away my concern as I steadily continued to push the subject and straightened from my previously curled-up position so that I could better watch his reactions, “Is there a vampire here that can challenge you?”

Vil didn’t get to answer since we were interrupted by the sound of my door unlocking. I turned to see Rook enter the room, pocketing the spare key I’d given him years ago, “Oui, Trickster. There are those that can challenge the Roi du Poison.”

“Rook,” Vil’s voice was a considerably unsubtle growl, but Rook hardly seemed concerned.

Instead, he just looked towards Vil with that unconcerned smile of his, “It’s time they knew Vil; their safety depends on it.”

I tensed at his words, which confirmed my fears. I’d already known I was in danger. That had been obvious from the very first days when the vampires had started stalking me. But Rook’s words had just confirmed that the danger had gotten worse. And if he was now willing to tell me more about the world in which Vil lived…. Well, to say I was concerned was a bit of an understatement.

But at the moment, I had a larger concern that had me turning to Rook with a hopeful but nervous stare as I toyed with my fingers anxiously, “How’s Epel?”

Rook smiled at me, his eyes soft with affection, before he stepped to the side and gestured behind him with a slight bow, “Why don’t you see for yourself?”

I stared at Epel, who stood awkwardly just outside the door. Unable to enter until I gave him permission. He met my gaze, and a nervous smile crossed his pale face. He still looked weary, but… He at least seemed to be himself now.

“Hi, Y/n…. Can I come in? I promise I won’t- ” He stopped himself, and a pang of guilt went through me. It was going to be a hard change for him.

I had no doubts that he was horrified by what he’d become and what he now had to do to survive. I smiled, though, refusing to let my thoughts show as I stood and gestured for him to come in. I wanted to hug him to let him know that it was alright, but I was also worried.

I felt horrible for even pausing to gauge the safety of hugging my friend, but as I glanced back towards Rook, he nodded, his voice quiet as he spoke gently, “Go ahead, nothing will happen.”

I looked towards Vil, who smiled slightly and merely nodded. And that was all the go-ahead I needed for me to surge to my feet and race across the room to hug the nervous, young, but now immortal, boy who didn’t even stumble as I all but slammed into him.

“I thought it would be best to explain to them both at the same time,” Rook’s hushed words came to my ears as I hugged Epel tightly. Doing my best to ignore the two men behind me who were speaking of things that would irrevocably change my life.

Epel’s hands were shaky as he returned my embrace, but his grip was undeniably tight. Tighter than it had been before, a subtle bit of evidence that he hadn’t learned to handle his now-inhuman strength, “I’m sorry, Y/n. I almost-”

“It’s not your fault, Epel; you couldn’t help it,” I leaned back as I interrupted him in a soft voice, smiling at the young man reassuringly. “I know you would never hurt me. And you aren’t the first vampire I’ve dealt with.”

I chuckled slightly as his eyes widened, and I stepped to the side to jerk a thumb towards where Vil now stood, his arms crossed as he eyed the two of us.

Gone was the tender, relaxed Vil that was usually seen in my home. He’d been replaced by the more chilled, statuesque Vil that I suspected was who most people got to interact with.

Epel looked back towards me, and I lifted a shoulder with an awkward smile, doing my best to ignore the fangs that now peeked out at me when he opened his mouth in silent surprise. But we both had things we had to get used to.

“Yeah, I know, I’ve got a lot of explaining to do,” I smiled slightly as I glanced back towards Vil, whose gaze briefly met mine, something that I couldn’t quite place flickering in his eyes, before he went back to scanning my friend.

Despite my concerns, Epel, though surprised, only nodded as a certain determination entered his wide blue eyes, “I do too! I need to tell you what happened when I….”

He trailed off, but I had a feeling that I knew exactly what he meant. He was talking about when he had gone missing and had gotten turned.

He met my eyes, that determined glint still there even despite his hesitation, “You need to know what happened then, Y/n. What he said.”

I frowned at his words, not liking the way they sounded.

It seemed like my suspicions had been correct. I was somehow connected to Epel having been turned into a vampire.

“It seems like there are many questions to be asked and things to be explained. The night is almost over, though….” Rook looked towards me, a smile on his face, “May we meet back up here tomorrow evening, Trickster?”

I nodded, agreeing without any hesitation, “Of course, but where will Epel sta-”

“He can come with me,” I turned wide-eyed to look at Vil, and Epel mirrored my motions. Vil was calm though, simply scooping his cape up and off the chair before flipping it around and clasping it as he looked my way, “I’ll take care of him and teach him what he’ll need to know.”

I felt myself relax, smiling gratefully at Vil and not even knowing how to go about starting to thank him. But there was no need, as he looked away from me. His gaze found Epel, and a single eyebrow lifted as he addressed the younger man, “Does that suit?”

Epel tensed but nodded, straightening at a little as if he were taking on some sort of challenge. He glanced back my way though, a smile flitting briefly across his face as our eyes met, “See you tomorrow then, Y/n.”

I nodded, reaching out and squeezing the younger boy’s hand as I did so, “Vil’s a good guy. You’ll be in good hands.”

My voice was soft as I reassured him, and, though Epel looked like he definitely had his misgivings, he nodded at my words.

But it was true. Epel was in good hands so long as Vil was taking care of him. My only concern was about how much the two might clash.

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it-happened-one-fic · 7 days

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Hours in the Moonlight: Fairest Midnight - 7. Can't Control Others' Actions

Summary: Life is always hard for those who are different, and those around such people sometimes bear a suffering all their own. But when faced with impregnable guilt, you also discover those who are your closest allies and friends. You might face difficulty, but you aren’t alone.

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ Vampire AU/ romantic/ angst/ angst with comfort/ fluff/ platonic interactions too!

Trigger Warning: Vampire

Word Count: 1005

Hours in the Moonlight Master-List

I looked up wearily as a knock was lightly tapped out on my window.

I still hadn’t broken down in tears yet. Instead, that horrible numbness had persisted ever since Rook had taken Epel away.

I couldn’t cry, and at this point, it seemed like I couldn’t feel anything either. Instead of breaking down or feeling rage on my young friend’s behalf, I just had an overwhelming sense of guilt and numbness.

Nonetheless, I parted the curtains and opened the window since I’d already known exactly who it was long before I’d ever met Vil’s gaze.

A part of me wanted to offer him a faint smile when I saw the concerned expression he greeted me with, but I didn’t have the energy and instead just stepped aside. Letting him sweep silently into the room.

His every motion seemed careful. Like he was afraid anything could set me off or cause me to crumble in front of his very eyes. From the way he entered the room and looked at me, scanning my form for any injury, to the way he slipped out of my way as I quietly shut the window back.

“Are you alright?” His voice was infinitely soft, and I heard myself let out a rather bitter-sounding laugh that had a frown appearing on his face.

“I’m fine. Peachy-keen,” I met his gaze and felt all the will to keep up an image swiftly leave my person. There was no use around Vil after all; he would see through any act I put up anyway.

I sighed slightly before turning to face him more fully, wrapping my arm around myself, as if that could support me through this moment, “I’m more worried about Epel than I am myself.”

Vil pursed his lip slightly, looking unsurprised but no less worried as he approached me. He stood silently for a moment, watching me quietly as I evaded his gaze before he sighed, “It isn’t your fault, Y/n. What happened was horrible, but there was no way you could’ve-”

“Prevented it?” My voice sounded cold even to my ears, but I couldn't help it. I looked up, finally meeting Vil’s steady gaze again.

“This is my fault, Vil. I should’ve known better than to stay near others when vampires have been hunting me for over a year now.” He stayed silent as I slowly let out my pent-up emotions, giving voice to my guilty thoughts, “And now, since they weren’t able to catch me, they got Epel instead.”

I held his gaze, my hands curling into trembling fists as cracks slowly began to shut through the numb exterior that had been encasing me this entire time.

I wasn’t mad at him. In no way was I mad at Vil. But I was mad at the situation. Mad at this entire state of affairs and mad at myself for letting things get this way, “Can you really deny that Epel getting turned comes back around to me? Me and whatever it is that drew vampires to me in the first place.”

Vil glanced away, his frown deepening as, for once, he was the one avoiding my gaze. And for a brief moment, I felt bad. Because even if I wasn’t talking about him, he was a vampire too.

But then he at last spoke, his words a death nail in my resolve, “I can’t….”

My hands uncurled as the rage that had been coursing through me disappeared, and I was consumed once more by that horrible numbness as I looked down.

I almost wished my anger would return. At least then, I’d feel something.

But then Vil continued, his voice still quiet but also holding a firmness that spoke of conviction, “I can't deny that Epel becoming a vampire is connected to you. But I can deny that you are at fault.”

I felt his hand slip under my chin and lift my head so that I was looking at him as he continued with an incredible amount of sorrow in his eyes as he gazed at me, “You can’t control others' actions, and you cannot blame yourself for what others do.”

I swallowed, a tightness building in my throat the longer I held his gaze and the longer he continued, “I’m sorry this happened, and I am sorry you are in this situation. But none of this is your fault.”

He smiled slightly at me as his thumb briefly swiped its way across the edge of my chin, “You can’t blame yourself for merely existing, Sweet potato. Not when you matter to so many people. And if what you have told me about your friend has been anything to go by, then he doesn’t blame you either. No one does.”

I felt it the moment it happened. As the walls that even I hadn’t been able to pull down with smoldering rage or frozen grief crumbled like wet paper in the face of Vil’s soft words and saddened eyes. Almost like he could feel my sorrow just as deeply as I could and was thus the only person who could pull me free of the cage I’d built around myself.

I found myself slamming into Vil, who simply caught me, wrapping his arms around me as if he’d been fully prepared for this.

And maybe he had been. Maybe he had somehow known exactly what to say to free me from the cage of ice that I’d built around myself. After all, it seemed like Vil often knew exactly what to do in moments like these. Both he and Rook had become a bulwark for me, and I didn’t even know when it had happened.

But I didn’t question it or them as I felt hot tears begin streaming down my face. Instead, I just continued to cling to Vil as he reached up and carefully began caressing the back of my head, all the while murmuring soft reassurances and words of comfort that offset the muffled sobs that tore their way out of me.

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it-happened-one-fic · 7 days

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Chapters: 14/19 Fandom: Twisted-Wonderland (Video Game) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Vil Schoenheit/Reader, Rook Hunt/Reader, Epel Felmier/Reader Characters: Vil Schoenheit, Reader, Rook Hunt, Epel Felmier, Leona Kingscholar, Dire Crowley, Sam (Twisted-Wonderland), Heartslabyul Dorm Students, Savanaclaw Dorm Students, Octavinelle Dorm Students, Scarabia Dorm Students, Pomefiore Dorm Students, Ignihyde Dorm Students, Diasomnia Dorm Students, Vampire!Vil - Character Additional Tags: Vampires, Alternate Universe - Vampire, Vampire Hunters, Reader-Insert, Alternate Universe, gender neutral reader, Vampire Vil Schoenheit, Soft Vil Schoenheit, Romance, Fluff, Slow Burn, Some angst, Fluff and Angst, Drama, Comedy Series: Part 1 of Hours in the Moonlight Summary:

It’s been approximately a year since vampire’s had first taken a shine to you around last Halloween. Since then, you’ve become more prepared for handling your undead admirers and have acquired a certain talent for avoiding them. Save for the one you have befriended. Changes can happen quickly though. Who knows how long this peaceful time will last for something such as yourself when your hours in the moonlight with your vampiric friend are constantly ticking by. Life as someone who attracts vampires is never easy, and apparently the world has decided it’s time that your life take a turn from its peaceful dullness to something more chaotic.

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it-happened-one-fic · 11 days

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Flower Language Based Prompt List I made instead of writing 💐

I tried to make the prompts relate to each flower’s definition per the Victorian Flower Language without getting too repetitive.

The prompts are all fairly open ended and I figured people could use them for their own inspiration or request games!!

You know the “send me a ship and flower and I’ll write something.”

Anywho, if anyone does end up using this I’d love it if you’d tag me so I can read what you’ve written!! Either way, I hope someone can get use out my procrastinating 💖

Click here to view an unedited version of the document: The List

#For possible future things #writing prompts

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it-happened-one-fic · 13 days

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The Three-Eternal-Companions give me feelings, particularly after Nabu Malikata died/disappeared. Also, I'm honestly just not over the Sumeru feels yet.

The designs for Nabu Malikata (the goddess of flowers) and King Deshret are my own.

*Song: Water Under the Bridge - Adele

*Content: Genshin Impact

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it-happened-one-fic · 14 days

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Dancing With Visions - Unwilling to be Parted - Argentine Tango - Zhongli

Author Notes: I was really quite delighted when I spun the wheel of fortune I use to decide who dances what style and Zhongli got the Argentine tango. I must confess that I have always personally loved to watch performances of Argentine tangos, so that possibly shows up a bit in this fic. The performance in this fic was heavily inspired by Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Meryl Davis’s Argentine tango to “Montserrat” by Orquesta Del Plata on Season 18, week 10 of “Dancing With the Stars.” I also listed to "Montserrat" while writing and editing this fic. Just like the rest of this series, reader is female. I hope you enjoy!

If you would like to read more of this series, the fics can be found here: Dancing with Visions Masterlist.

Type: Female reader/ dance/ fluff/ romance implied

Word Count: 1905

Zhongli was respected by everyone and, in the eyes of the populace at large, seemed to know everything there was to know about anything. And perhaps that was why he was asked by an orchestra to perform an Argentine tango while they played, as a part of the overall performance.

After all, it was a song specifically written to be danced to, so they did not want to lose that aspect of the music. Though admittedly, it wasn’t exactly what I had initially expected when I’d heard it was going to be music written for a tango.

But then, it wasn’t music for a ballroom tango, it was music for an Argentine tango, and there was, evidently enough, a distinct difference between the two dances.

The Argentine tango was the more intimate, melancholic sister to the dance known as the ballroom tango. Or at least that was how Zhongli had described it to me when he’d asked me to be his partner for his performance. A request that I had hesitantly accepted only after much reassurance from my current partner.

I couldn’t deny that Zhongli’s description of the dance was accurate, though. While the ballroom tango and the Argentine tango held much in common, there were very distinct differences.

It honestly felt like there was more connection between the two dancers for the Argentine tango, which was more moody than aggressive, as the ballroom variant so often was.

I glanced over at where Zhongli sat, ever patient in the chair at the table on the opposite from where I stood.

In many ways, I’d been surprised to learn that the orchestra had set up such a performance area for us. But, as both they and Zhongli had asserted, Argentine tango music was music made for dance. It was only natural that the dance took centerplace as the orchestra performed their moody, careful sounding piece.

The music started and I stepped towards Zhongli, stepping up into the empty chair beside me and then onto the table between us. Adjusting my skirt as he looked towards me, his head turning in perfect time with the plucked strings of the music.

We’d practiced this dance numerous times, but his gaze never failed to startle me. I didn’t know what it was about his amber-colored eyes with slightly inhuman pupils that gave me the slightest of pauses, but it never seemed to fail. I was just lucky that my hesitation matched with the music.

I straightened, pushing myself up and off the chair and pivoting on the foot that rested on the table as I twisted, letting myself fall easily into Zhongli’s arms where he sat.

I looked up at him calmly as I stretched my arms back and over my head in the most languid manner possible. Slowly cartwheeling off his lap as he watched with quiet interest. Holding my hand as I stood just as he turned to look back out at the crowd.

Still seated, he twirled me across the floor until I stopped in front of him, his hands tracing their way up the side of my legs.

I inhaled slightly at the motion but let my hands rest over gloved ones, taking a gentle hold of them before pulling them off me and tossing them into the air before I stepped forward and turned. Leading with my head as I faced him and he stood.

I lifted my arms, easily sliding into our dancing hold as he almost immediately began to walk me backwards and across our stage.

Our steps were light, and almost stealthy as he pushed me backwards, pausing only to let me lean back to the lilting of the violins before he turned with me. His posture ever upright and strong as he twisted, placing me at his side and stepping lightly in place with me as we faced each other.

As if we weren’t having to concentrate on our intricate footwork at all and instead one another’s eyes were far more important.

And though I couldn’t speak for him, that certainly was true for me. Zhongli’s eyes were eternally interesting and beautiful.

His gaze was still one of pointed interest that seemed to make it impossible to look away from him.

I forced myself to break our eye contact though, as I turned the side, only to get swung lightly through the air as if I weighed nothing. Landing in a crouched position with one leg extended and my one arm still stretched out so my hand could stay in his.

Almost like it was locked in place, either by his grip or my unwillingness to let go. That was up to our viewers to decide.

The room was perfectly silent save for the music around us as he stepped lightly around behind me and I twisted on my toes. Pulling my legs under me as I looked up at him and he spun.

My hand left his only for a fraction of a second before he was taking it once more in his firm, but surprisingly gentle grasp.

He tugged lightly and I launched into the air, spinning elegantly so that my back was to his chest as he caught me against him. Wrapping an arm around me and holding me there as my legs curled backwards and split to lock around him as he stepped backwards.

But that was the nature of both this dance and Zhongli himself. Each motion flowed into the next effortlessly. As if each step were a natural progression.

This was a dance that told a story. A romance filled with sophisticated maturity and a sort of nostalgia that could only come with time.

I reached back, my hand brushing against Zhongli’s temple before he swung me forward, my legs kicking up into the air and flaring out my skirt before I touched down.

Zhongli immediately stepped back and away from me, placing a potent distance between as I turned to look back towards him. Almost as if I were drawn to him while he placed careful distance between us.

But his eyes never left me.

Though separate, we stepped forward together, our arms reaching towards each other in a sweeping, graceful motion.

My hand found his as our other arms wrapped around each other in a loose embrace. Close, but not close. Separate, but never far.

He shifted me so that I was in front of him once more, our gazes holding one another as our steps lagged slightly with the tempo of the music before he began pushing me backwards and across the stage once more.

Our steps turned fast as we twisted from side to side. Almost like we didn’t have time to waste, but also couldn’t bear to be rushed in this intricate dance that spoke of deep emotions.

We reached the edge of the stage, Zhongli stopping me before twirling me lightly so that we could shift back the other direction. Me still retreating as he pushed and guided me ever backwards.

Trusting me to stop with him just as I relied on him to guide me to halt before it was too late and the edge of the stage was passed.

This time we pivoted, shifting so that we were both technically facing the same direction with our heads turned to look at one another rather than in the direction we moved.

We released on one side, me spinning out as his arm stretched, teasing at letting me go but apparently not quite able to before he pulled me back towards him.

Twirling me in as I lifted my leg for him to catch at the last second, before he lifted me into the air and spinning effortlessly with me.

He paused though, facing the crowd and tossing me into the air lightly. And I spun lightly before landing safely in his arms once more.

He leaned with me, dipping me towards the ground as I extended my arm and looked away from him even as one of my arms remained wrapped around his shoulders.

He swung me down easily, his arm remaining wrapped around me as my feet touched down and I spun to look at him. Finally letting go of him as one hand pressed to my chest. Holding him at a slight distance as I looked up at him once more.

He met my gaze, his stare somehow unshakeable as he reached out with one hand. A silent request that I accepted with my hand slipping carefully into his.

We moved at the same time, him stepping towards me just as my other hand reached towards him, and the distance between us was closed once more.

I swallowed as his hand slipped from behind his back and wrapped around my shoulders as he spun me dramatically to the side. My one leg extended behind me as I looked away from him yet again.

He pulled me back up into an upright position swiftly and we shifted to the side, our footwork speeding up once more as he spun me once more, and I paused. Kicking up one leg before he spun me out. Letting go of me with one hand that I tugged back and pressed to my chest as we looked towards each other for a fraction of a second. Me leaned back and relying on his support while he gazed at me, supporting me with one arm but also holding me at a careful distance.

He shifted, holding out his free arm as he pulled me towards him and I spun. Launching into the air and landing safely in his embrace. Our sides pressed together with my legs curled under me and his arm wrapped steadfastly around me as our hands remained entwined.

He spun with me that way, my position shifting subtly as we rotated. My hand released his so that I could reach up and cup his face as I curled towards him. One of my legs shifting so it curled around him instead of just under me.

I was no longer pressed merely to his side, but holding onto him in a sort of loose embrace as his other hand cupped my shoulder.

His gaze flickered over to mine and I swallowed, forcing myself to hold eye contact with him as he paused for a moment and I uncurled my legs. Straightening them out so that the toes of my shoes barely touched the ground as he walked backwards. Inclining his head towards mine as my hand slid down the side of his face to rest against his neck.

We were hardly even an inch apart when he came to a stop. Letting me step closer to him before letting go, almost reluctantly and standing off to the side of the stage as he turned and sat. This time in the chair that was on the side of the table closest to me.

Applause erupted around us and I exhaled a breath I hadn’t even realized I’d been holding. I looked towards Zhongli quietly, half-stunned by the noise around us as he met my gaze and smiled softly.

His stare was no longer one of intensity now, but I still found my eyes lingering on his before I at last looked away. Smiling awkwardly at the audience as Zhongli stood and joined me.

His hand finding mine as our fingers entwined themselves together once more. Seemingly unwilling to be parted.

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it-happened-one-fic · 21 days

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So due to some general life stuff that has come up, I'm going to end up closing this event week from today on Friday 26th (sorry!!!). So this is going to be a last call. There are three fic slots left open, so if you would like a fic from this event, please feel free to send in an ask using the stuff above. Thank you again for helping me reach this follower count!!!

1 fic left!

CLOSED! I'll try to get the remaining requested fics posted this upcoming Friday!

600 Followers Event: "Once Upon a Time..."

Books have a certain magic about them that can transport the reader to an entirely other world, where they can live out the adventures of the protagonist from the safety of their favorite chair. However, what of a magic book that really can transport you, and perhaps even a companion, to another world entirely so you really can experience such a magical tale?

Sit back and experience such a story of your choosing. All you need to do is choose that special book and start reading. And how do such tales start?

Ah, yes. "Once Upon a Time....."

600 Followers! And I’m actually ready for an event this time! In celebration and as a thank you to everyone, I came up with this event. You can send in requests by choosing a fandom, story type, and book from the lists below and I'll write a corresponding fic! I’m aiming to do six fics total and I'll provide a countdown with scored out numbers to show how many fic requests are left. I look forward to your requests and hope everyone enjoys themselves!

Choose a Fandom: Twisted Wonderland or Genshin Impact

Choose your Story:

A Martial Legacy

A High Fantasy Adventure

A Gothic Romance

A Seafaring Voyage

A Charming Fairytale

A Courtly Drama

Choose the Book:

A softly bound leather book that falls open the moment you pull it from the shelf.

An aged tome with a heavy metal clasp that holds it tightly shut.

A book that has been lovingly re-covered in now sun-faded fabric.

A thick, newly printed novel whose story is yet to be told.

A freshly printed hardcover with blood red pages.

A tome whose binding is slowly unraveling as the cover attempts to fall away and reveal the yellowed pages beyond.

A timeworn novel whose title is unreadable from the number of hands who’ve held it.

6 fics left! 5 fics left! 4 fics left! 3 fics left!

#Follower count #600 followers #requests #fic slots #Twisted Wonderland #Genshin Impact #Twst #genshin #twst imagines #Twisted wonderland imagines #Genshin impact imagines #genshin imagines #Genshin x reader #Genshin Impact x reader #Twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader

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it-happened-one-fic · 21 days

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Genuine With You - Kalim

Author Notes: Someday, I will feel comfortable writing Kalim, but today is not yet that today. In all seriousness though, I wrote this while listening to "Romantic Flight" from the How to Train Your Dragon OST. I really can't quite decide how I feel about this fic, but I sort of thought it was time for me to post it. As per usual, reader is gender neutral. I hope you enjoy!

Type: Gender-neutral/ fluff/ romance

Word Count: 881

It wasn’t the first time you’d taken Kalim’s hand to join him on a magic carpet ride through the night sky. But something about it felt different this time.

When your hand had slipped into his warm one and he’d tugged you through your window and onto the surprisingly soft fabric, you’d felt strangely shy.

Kalim seemed like his normal self, though, if perhaps a little quieter, as he steered the carpet to take you up higher until you were sailing above the clouds and could see the moon in all its pale glory.

You wrapped your arms around yourself in a feeble effort to protect yourself from the cool night air, “Does it ever get old?”

Your eyes were stuck on the moon even as Kalim looked over at you with a surprised expression that soon melted into one of understanding, “Never. It’s just as magical everytime.”

You smiled, oddly comforted by his words. Somehow, being up in the sky with Kalim by your side made everything feel just a little bit simpler. Your problems seemed distant and far away, with even the school itself appearing tiny.

But perhaps distance had a way of putting things into perspective. While NRC often seemed larger than life, it was just a small part of this great, big world.

Amusingly, you never felt closer to anyone than when you were with Kalim, sailing through the sky high over the sleeping campus. There was a strange serenity, and though Kalim was always joyful, his happiness seemed easier and more relaxed when it was just the two of you.

It wasn’t like you thought he put on for others, but he did seem a little more genuine when it was just you and him. After all, it was only when it was just you and Grim around that you’d ever truly heard him voice any sort of complaints.

“It’s funny; you’re easy to be around,” Kalim’s voice interrupted your musings and spoke your thoughts aloud. You turned to look at him with no small amount of surprise, and he had the good grace to look slightly embarrassed, “I know it's an odd thing to say…. But I really do feel that way.”

You felt a smile creep onto your face at his words, feeling both touched and relieved that he felt the same way. “It’s not odd; I feel the same way about you.”

Now it was his turn to stare at you with wide, disbelieving eyes that had you letting out a laugh, “Is that really so surprising?”

He let out an almost sheepish chuckle and actually nodded, startling you even as he began to explain, “Yeah, it is. A lot of people seem to think they have to put an act around me because of who I am. Even Jamil….”

He trailed off, looking down as the smile on his face faded at his friend’s name. You’d known for quite some time that the events of winter break…. Jamil’s overblot was still weighing heavily on Kalim’s mind.

And though you entirely understood why that was the case, it pained you that everything that had happened during that time still bothered him so much. But you had no words to comfort the young man, even though you desperately wanted to. So instead, you decided to distract him by continuing on with your previous vein of thought.

“I’ve never felt that way,” You responded honestly and almost immediately regained Kalim’s attention. He no longer looked as sorrowful as before, and the longer you continued speaking, the happier he looked.

“I’ve always thought you’re one of the most comfortable people to be around at this school. I’ve never felt like I needed to be wary or put on an act around you. I can just… exist.” You glanced back at him, a smile on your face as you awkwardly lifted a shoulder.

“You just strike me as a really genuine guy, and I guess I want to be just as genuine with you as you are with me.”

It was like your words had opened some sort of door for Kalim. His eyes shone with both unshed tears and joy, and the next thing you knew, all the cold air that had been blowing around was blocked by his body as he tugged you into a tight embrace.

Because, despite the fact that Kalim was a carefree boy who seemed to do little work, he was by no means small or weak.

You let out a tiny, half-startled laugh as you wrapped your arms responsively around him and received a tiny squeeze in return as you reciprocated his affection.

“Thank you, Y/n; that means so much to me.” The young man leaned bac and you wished you’d had time to brace yourself for the unadulterated affection that shone in his garnet-colored eyes.

“I feel the same way. It’s easy being with you, and I’m so glad you’re here. Even if you aren’t originally from Twisted Wonderland, you mean the world to me.”

He held your hands in his, maintaining eye contact in a way that felt incredibly meaningful, even though you could never read the myriad of emotions that floated through his gaze, though you did catch a few.

Gratitude, honesty, joy, and pure, unfiltered love.

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it-happened-one-fic · 21 days

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Hours In The Moonlight: Fairest Midnight - 6. Shatter to a Billion Pieces

Summary: Questions always came with answers, and sometimes they were answers you wouldn’t like. But sometimes it's hard to realize quite how bad a situation is until something smacks you in the face with the reality of it all. And reality can be the harshest thing in the world even when you're surrounded by creatures that ought to be pure legends.

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ Vampire AU/ romantic/ angst/ angst with comfort/ fluff/ platonic interactions too!

Trigger Warning: Vampire, Blood

Word Count: 1570

Hours in the Moonlight Master-List

Despite Rook’s suspicions, the murders continued even after my run-in with the vampire woman and her subsequent death.

And the matter had gotten far worse than it had been. While there had previously been no incidents, murder or otherwise, around where I lived, that had changed swiftly and to a degree that had been beyond upsetting.

Especially since I’d stepped out of my apartment building to head off to work one morning only to find officers across the road talking to the crying Felmier family.

It hadn’t taken me long to trot across the street, immediately wrapping my arm around Granny Felmier and softly questioning her while the officers talked to Epel’s distraught parents.

“What happened?” I’d looked down at the old woman worriedly as she’d hugged me tightly, pressing her face into my shoulder, before she at last pulled away and looked up at me with teary eyes.

“Epel’s gone.”

Her tear-choked words had almost caused my heart to stop right then and there as I went cold all over.

Epel. Epel was missing.

By now, it was a well-known fact in the neighborhood, with missing-person signs hanging on almost every wall. Constant reminders that my young friend had disappeared amid all the bloody murders that had been taking place.

I sighed slightly as I took the bags that Rook had insisted on carrying for me after he’d bumped into me at the store. A ‘pure and joyous coincidence,’ as he’d put it. But he and I both knew that wasn’t the case.

I’d been seeing more and more of Rook since Epel went missing, which only made me feel more and more like the recent attacks in town had some sort of connection to the fact that vampires were after me.

The only question was, why now? What had changed?

I was still living in this same area that Vil had declared his zone, so if this was a vampire, they weren’t afraid of challenging Vil at the very least.

There was something going on in the neighborhood that Rook wasn’t telling me. And with the knowledge that he was a vampire hunter, whatever Rook was hiding couldn’t be good.

I could only hope that his suspicions and my fears weren’t true. Because if the vampires were the ones causing the numerous missing persons along with the murders, then Epel…..

The thought of him being attacked by vampires sent a pang of worry coursing through me.

It was probably for the best that I’d bumped into Rook, though. Vil probably would’ve had something to say if he’d found out I’d been out shopping after dark on my own, despite the potential risks.

I glanced at Rook clandestinely, wishing I could ask him about everything but knowing he wouldn’t answer. Rook had many secrets, only one of which had been his status as a vampire hunter.

“Thanks again for carrying my bags, Rook, though you really didn’t have too,” Despite my words, I knew exactly what response was coming as Rook looked over at me fondly.

“Non, non, Trickster! I could never let you carry your own bags when I am here,” He smiled blissfully, and I shook my head slightly at his grandiose words. So like him in an undeniably comforting manner. Almost like he knew exactly how much time I’d been spending preoccupied with my own fears and concerns for Epel.

I waved slightly before turning to go and head into the apartments. But I only made it a little ways before I froze in place without even rounding the corner and coming into sight of the doorway to the apartment building.

I stared wide-eyed at what, or rather who, was kneeling by the wall, trembling from the cold with a blood-stained scarf wrapped around his throat.

I would recognize that soft-looking, pale purple hair anywhere.

I breathed out his name in both relief that the missing boy had been found and fear that stemmed from the sight of blood on his person, “Epel.”

He flinched and looked up slowly, a glazed look to his large blue eyes that had me going tense all over. Something was definitely wrong. Something that had me feeling oddly chilled to my innermost core. But all I really knew was that he needed help.

I dropped my bags and dashed towards him, “Epel! What happened? Are you hur-”

My words ended harshly in a shriek as I was yanked backwards, just in time to be pulled away from Epel’s sudden wild dive. He stopped short, staring at me with bared fangs as he hissed, his fingers curling into his palm in an almost inhuman way.

And I stared in horror, my eyes wide as I gazed at him. But this wasn’t the Epel I knew… The short-tempered but sweet young man who was always holding open doors and greeting me with a wide smile.

This one was…

Rook’s solemn, almost cold words said it before I could even finish the thought, “He’s not human anymore, Trickster… And he’s at his limit.”

My blood had turned to ice in my veins the very instant I’d registered the fangs that now replaced the boy’s once-human canines. And yet a part of me still didn’t want to believe the truth, even as it stared me in the face, “But he…”

I trailed off, my voice cracking slightly, and Rook’s grip on me tightened slightly before he gently turned me so that I was no longer facing the once-human boy.

My eyes were wide, even though the only thing I could see was the fabric of Rook’s coat as he rubbed my back soothingly and murmured words that I hardly even noticed.

I was oddly unable to cry. Instead, that frigid numbness that started in my veins now seemed to spread throughout me in an almost condemning way.

Epel was a vampire now. And even though I didn’t know how, some small part of me whispered that it was my fault.

I’d known that vampires were after me, and yet I’d still lived so close to other people. Rook had told me that vampires were the ones causing the murders, but I’d stayed. I’d let myself believe that Vil’s words would be enough to drive away other vampires. And now it was my fault that Epel was cursed in such a way.

“Y/n?” I froze at the quiet, hesitant voice that I recognized all too well. Rook’s motions had stopped, and he let me turn but kept a steady grip on my shoulder as I made eye contact with the now-lucid-looking Epel.

“Y/n… I didn’t…?” He trailed off, his voice cracking weakly as he looked down at his hands with wide, too-wet eyes.

My heart began to break as tears began to trail down his pale face, and he shook his head, burying his face in his hands as he broke.

His muffled sobs were like reality’s way of smacking me in the face. There was no going back after this. My life was that of someone who was surrounded by vampires and who knew what other monsters.

Even those who were close to me weren’t safe.

I attempted to start forward, to go and comfort the crying boy, even though it was my fault he was like this, but Rook wouldn’t let me go. Instead, he held me tightly to his side as he responded in a quiet, remorseful tone, “They are unhurt, Monsieur Cherry Apple. You did not bite them.”

The young man lifted his head, sniffing slightly, “That’s good, I thought…. I was afraid….” He trembled slightly before crumpling forward.

“I’m so sorry, Y/n…” His voice broke even as he continued to speak. Apologies spilling from his mouth even though I was the one who was truly at fault here, “I didn’t mean to, I’m just…. I’m so hungry, but I can’t… I won’t…!”

He shook his head, his hands curling into trembling fists on the pavement as I attempted to swallow the raw feeling in my throat that was slowly trying to choke off my ability to speak.

Rook inhaled slightly but nodded, rubbing my shoulder and giving it a squeeze before at last letting go, “He hasn’t lost his way yet, but… He needs to eat. I'm going to take him with me.”

Rook’s green eyes met mine, a concerned and serious look in their green depths that told me he’d had the same thoughts that were currently threatening to overwhelm me. Epel hadn’t been a target. He’d just been unfortunate enough to live near me.

When Rook spoke again, his voice was solemn, “You need to go inside and not let anyone enter, Trickster.”

He carefully knelt, carefully collecting Epel, even though he was putting himself at risk by bodily supporting a starving vampire. But he hardly seemed concerned about that; instead, his eyes stayed on mine, “I will send Roi du Poison to you. Until then, stay inside and stay safe.”

His gaze softened slightly as he glanced down at Epel and then back to me, “He will be alright. I promise you.”

I distantly nodded as I let that numbness swallow me whole. Freezing my emotions and allowing my brain to take over.

I would handle my grief and guilt later, when I was alone. When Epel wouldn’t see me shatter to a billion pieces over the horror I’d brought into his life.

His now immortal life.

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it-happened-one-fic · 21 days

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Hours In The Moonlight: Fairest Midnight - 5. Far More Charming

Summary: In a lot of ways, you couldn’t blame Vil for being annoyed with you, even though getting attacked hadn’t really been your fault. Nonetheless, you also weren’t simply going to let him fuss at you just because he could, and you had some questions for him anyway.

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ Vampire AU/ romantic/ angst/ angst with comfort/ fluff/ platonic interactions too!

Trigger Warning: Vampire

Word Count: 1174

Hours in the Moonlight Master-List

“You got attacked?” That question, bitten out with a special sort of venom, was how Vil greeted me that evening.

I stepped back from the window, letting him enter the room even as I sighed slightly to myself. Because there was no questioning it now. He was mad.

I could only assume that Rook had told Vil, and a tiny part of me was almost tempted to fuss at my friend the next time I saw him. But in the end, I knew it was for the best. Especially since Rook had just told me that one of the reasons he’d introduced me to Vil was so that I would be better protected.

Which was something I really didn’t want to think about.

The fact that I apparently needed protection was beyond concerning, even though I’d already known vampires were a little overly interested in me. This new information only emphasized how bad that could be, though.

My voice was calm as I responded, attempting to calm Vil’s annoyance, “Yes, but it’s okay… I didn’t get hurt and now I even know about Rook’s secret.”

My attempt at lightening the conversation fell flat, and Vil’s eyes were still hard with anger that wasn’t entirely directed at me. Though it did feel distinctly like my words had upset him further rather than calming him.

“And what if it hadn’t been okay? What if you had gotten hurt?” His voice was hard and I let out a sigh as my arm fell away from where it had been wrapped around me.

“Vil, you know what-if’s don’t help anything. I got attacked. It happened. There is no changing it now. But everything turned out alright and that’s what matters.” I held his gaze, fully understanding that this was just one of his ways of showing concern, but also refusing to let him run me over in such a fashion.

He stepped closer, closing the distance between us with a simple motion, “Why did you go in that building?” His voice was quieter now, more controlled than it had been but that irritation was still there in his eyes.

“Because I wanted to talk to the driver of the delivery truck and I thought I’d seen him standing there.” My voice held a levelness that was similar to Vil’s. Carefully firm but not argumentative.

Vil let out a sigh, running a hand through his carefully done hair in a way that threatened to actually send a few locks out of place.

And I felt myself frown as I watched him, letting my stalwart position crumble just a little bit as I stepped forward to catch hold of his arm, “Vil… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to put myself in such a situation, but-”

“It’s alright,” He cut me off, surprising me as he looked down at me. A frown was still present on his face, but there was far less annoyance in his expression, “It wasn’t your fault just… Please, be more careful.”

A faint smile worked its way onto my face as I looked up at him, “I’ll try.”

His lips twitched up into their own smile, his hand coming down to hang by his side, “Hopefully more than you have been. Your track record is hardly the best.”

On the contrary, my track record up until today had been pretty good. I hadn’t seen a vampire other than Vil for quite some time. But what Rook had said today about that vampire having a hand in the murders was worrying. Enough so that I did understand Vil’s concerns and even felt a little guilty for worrying him.

I frowned for a moment as I continued to consider what all Rook had told me today, “Vil, when Rook introduced you to me….”

Vil sighed as soon as I trailed off, nodding as he looked away from me, “Yes, one of the reasons he did so was so that I could protect you.”

He paused, an amused grin working its way onto his face as he seemed to remember something, “As I recall, I told him that I didn’t need any new friends, and that I certainly didn’t need one that was going to require my protection.”

A distinct gleam entered his purple eyes as he continued to look back towards me, that smile still curving across his face, “I wonder if he knew I would accept after meeting you?”

I grimaced slightly at the memory of our first meeting, with me waiting until Rook had excused himself before immediately accusing Vil of tracking me down like food while brandishing a knitting needle like it was a knife.

I could still see his expression as clear as day. Purple eyes had rolled before he’d stared me down and spoken, “Please. Vampires don’t eat potatoes like you. I have no interest in attacking you.”

Judging from the way Vil was grinning at me, he knew exactly what I was recalling. I shook my head slightly, as if to clear my thoughts, before speaking once more, “Why did you decide to stick around?”

Vil blinked down at me in silent surprise before a smile crossed his face, “Do you remember what you said after I told you that I wasn’t after you?” I nodded slowly, because of course I remembered. I’d told him that if he was after Rook, I wasn’t going to stand by and take it before I’d asserted, with some impressively false bravado, that he would regret it if he crossed me.

“Your threat caught my attention. I suppose you could say I was intrigued.” I all but gaped at both his words and his reasoning for sticking around. Conversely, Vil just smiled at me in amusement. Either at my reaction or the memory of our meeting.

I slowly recovered, mumbling to myself petulantly, “And here I’d thought it had been because of my numerous charms.”

He laughed at me, causing me to scowl up at him as he spoke in a teasing tone that I often wondered how frequently he used when he was with others, “Rook is far more charming than you.”

I eyed him as I crossed my arms in an almost defiant manner, hardly able to resist when he left me with such an opening, “True… Perhaps I should spend more of my time with Rook than I do with you then.”

Vil snorted with a surprising degree of inelegance at my words, seeing through me in a second even as he played along, “Well, I suppose I don’t have to come by as often if you wish, Tater tot.”

The endearment rolled off his tongue in an almost mocking way, and I frowned, “You know I don’t mean it.”

He nodded with no small amount of smugness even as he turned to head back out the way he came, throwing a smile over his shoulder at me right before he disappeared through my window and often into the night, “Tomorrow night then?”

I smiled despite myself at him and waved, “Sleep tight.”

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it-happened-one-fic · 21 days

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Hours in the Moonlight: Fairest Midnight - 4. A Vampire Hunter or Something

Summary: Faced with your old friend rescuing you and killing a vampire, you were left with more than a few questions. Some of which having to do with his actual reasons for befriending you…..

Type: Gender-neutral reader/ Vampire AU/ romantic/ angst/ angst with comfort/ fluff/ platonic interactions too!

Trigger Warning: Vampire

Word Count: 1141

Hours in the Moonlight Master-List

It was a little bit before I was able to manage any words. But after a moment, I finally made an attempt.

“Rook, you-” I trailed off as my friend leaned against a wall, panting slightly as he continued to look at me.

“Ah, you caught me, Trickster. Would that I could’ve kept the secret a little while longer,” Despite the energy he’d just exerted and the fact that he’d just killed a vampire, his words were as blithe as ever, if a little weary. But there was remorse in his eyes as I stepped closer to him, watching as he pushed himself off the dusty wall and knelt to pick up the ring that the vampire had left behind when she’d died.

“Are you alright or-” Rook’s hand caught mine, stopping me just short of reaching his arm as he smiled at me.

“Oui, I am unhurt. As are you, and that is what matters.” He straightened, his hand squeezing mine slightly, before he let go and instead offered me his arm, “If you would, I would feel more comfortable walking you the rest of the way back to your apartment after what just happened.”

I nodded silently, accepting his arm and falling in step with him as we exited the building and started off down the street. Apparently pretending that I hadn’t just been attacked by a vampire and then promptly saved by Rook, who seemed to have been just a little too prepared for this to have been a total coincidence.

To a degree, my heart was still pounding after what had just occurred, but before I could say or do anything, Rook spoke, “I would avoid dark areas from now on, Trickster. It seems that there are vampires who are foolish enough to attack you even during the daytime.”

I nodded, staying silent as my brain raced back through the events that had just occurred, replaying them like a horrible movie for my personal viewing.

I’d had no idea that stepping into the shadowed building would result in a close encounter with the fanged creatures I’d been avoiding.

Well... save for Vil. I could hardly say I was avoiding him when I was the one who’d invited him out for a nighttime stroll through town just last night.

“Why did you go in there?” I glanced over, my gaze meeting Rook’s as he gently questioned me, and I exhaled.

“I came to check on the delivery truck for the Felmier’s, and, when I got here, the driver was nowhere to be seen with the truck just sitting there on the side of the road. I happened to see movement in the shop and… Well, it looked like the driver had gone into the building to get out of the wind or something while he waited.”

I paused, swallowing as the image of the man slumping to the ground, revealing the vampire who’d just feasted on his lifeblood, surfaced in my mind. Shaking my head, I continued, “When I went in…..”

I trailed off, but Rook finished for me, his voice as calm as ever, “The vampire was waiting for you.”

I nodded, affirming his words, before forcing myself to loosen my grip on his arm, which I’d only just realized I’d been clinging to as I looked his way uncertainly, “What about the body?”

He held my gaze, a carefully neutral expression on his face, before he looked away once more, his voice quietening, “The police will find it and there will be news of another murder.”

I nodded again, words leaving me as I fully released him and wrapped my arms around myself. Not actually cold from the wind, but rather what had just happened.

It wasn’t my first time being attacked by a vampire, but it was the first time it had happened in quite some time.

It had already been reasonably rare before I’d met Vil, since I’d learned how to avoid them by that time. And since I’d befriended Vil, it hadn’t happened at all.

“How long have you known about them?” A small smile made its way to Rook’s face at my quiet question.

“Longer than you have, Trickster. I’ve known about them since long before we met each other. And I knew you were being followed before you did. Had I known it would get worse then…..” He trailed off, shaking his head slightly as the smile disappeared from his face.

I found myself bumping him with my shoulder and causing him to look my way. I smiled slightly as his gaze met mine, “It’s okay, but I have to ask. How did you know she was there?”

He tilted his head, almost as if he were trying to get a better look at me, before he responded, “I’d been pursuing her for quite some time now. I think she may have, in part, had a hand in the recent murder cases.”

I frowned at his words. Pursuing meant he’d been following her, and then with the wooden stake….

“So you….?” I trailed off, not entirely sure how to phrase my question.

He chuckled slightly at my hesitation, finishing my sentence for me before going on to answer, “Hunt them? Yes, Trickster. You could say it’s been a life’s pursuit of mine.”

I frowned slightly, only more confused by his admission that my suspicions were correct, “Then why did you introduce me to Vil?”

His expression softened almost immediately at my question, “Because you needed more protection than I could offer, and he needed a friend. I told you when I brought Roi du Poison to meet you, I thought you would like him.”

I smiled at him because it was such a Rook thing to do. Always worrying for others and taking care of them.

“Okay, one more question.” He nodded immediately at my words, eyes bright as he awaited what my question would be. “Did you befriend me because you knew vampires were following me, or whatever it is they’ve been doing?” It wasn’t a question I’d entirely wanted to ask, but it would make sense if that were the case.

Rook merely shook his head, though, his hair swaying with the motion as he answered. Unconcerned as ever, “Non. I befriended you because I wanted to. You are a charming person, Trickster. I needed no reason to wish to be your friend other than your personality.”

He smiled, reaching out and taking my hand so that he could pat it affectionately as he finished his explanation, and I found myself smiling, despite everything that had just occurred, in return.

I tilted my head slightly though, “So you’re like a vampire hunter or something? Kind of like from Dracula?”

He grinned, a distinctly playful gleam in his eyes that had narrowed in amusement as he nodded, “Oui, I am.”

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