ofbaator

[ofbaator]

BLOOD RELATED PROMPTS

requested by my bestie 

WORDS: 

“  is that your blood?  ”

“  woah—  hold up you’re bleeding.  ”

“  your bandages— you’re bleeding through them.  ”

“  shit,  i think i pulled my stitches.  ”

“  i’ll make them bleed for this.  ”

“  a little blood never never hurt anyone.  ”

“  why the fuck is there blood on the carpet?  ”

“  your nose is bleeding.  ”

“  you can make me bleed all you want,  i’ll never scream for you.  ”

“  you don’t understand,  i had to do it.  i had to kill them.  ”

“  stop fussing— this isn’t my blood.  ”

“  i did what was necessary.  ”

“  why are you bleeding?  what happened?  ”

“  who hurt you?  why is there blood all over you?  ”

“  i think you’ll look quite pretty when you bleed.  ”

“  who did you kill?  whose blood is that?  ”

“  i’m not usually a sadistic sort of person,  but i will take pleasure in spilling your blood.  ”

“  i don’t actually enjoy killing.  it’s messy.  the blood gets everywhere.  it’s just necessary sometimes.  ”

“  it looked kind of beautiful in a fucked up sort of way.  blood on snow.  the kind of thing you usually only see in stories.  ” 

“  i can’t get it off—  i can still feel it on me!  ”

“  just calm down.  breathe.  i’ll take care of this.  ”

“  hold still— you’ve got blood on your face.  ”

“  why is there blood on your knife?  ”

“  oh,  it’s just a little bit of blood.  don’t nutsack out.  ”

“  i’m going to drain every ounce of your blood.  nice and slow.  like you deserve.  ”  

“  i’ll kill anyone who ever makes you bleed again.  ”

“  your/their blood is just too pretty to keep inside.  ”

“  there’s something fascinating about blood.  it’s captivating. ”

“  blood of the covenant is thicker than water of the womb.  ”

“  you made me bleed on my shirt—  i fucking loved this shirt!  ”

“  leave me alone,  it’s shark week and i got blood on my sheets.  ”

“  should i be concerned about why there’s blood in the sink?  ”

“  do i ask questions or do i just help you clean up all this blood?  ”

ACTIONS: 

[ ALONE ]  for sender to show up on receiver’s doorstep covered in blood. 

[ ARRIVE ] for receiver to show up on sender’s doorstep covered in blood. 

[ CLEANSE ] for sender to find receiver trying to clean blood off themselves. 

[ DISCOVER ] for receiver to find sender trying to clean blood off themselves. 

[ AID ] for sender to help receiver clean blood off themselves. 

[ ERASE ] for receiver to help sender clean blood off themselves. 

[ ESCAPE ] for sender to find receiver after they’ve killed someone. 

[ SEEN ] for receiver to find sender after they’ve killed someone. 

[ HELP ] for sender to clean up the aftermath of receiver’s crime. 

[ ACCEPT ] for receiver to clean up the aftermath of sender’s crime. 

[ FOUND ] for sender to discover receiver covered in blood. 

[ EXPOSE ] for receiver to discover sender covered in blood. 

[ ATTACK ] for sender to stab or shoot receiver. 

[ WOUNDED ] for receiver to stab or shoot sender. 

[ BROKE ] for sender to punch receiver hard enough their nose bleeds. 

[ INJURE ] for receiver to punch sender hard enough their nose bleeds. 

[ WITNESS ] for sender to see receiver get hurt enough to bleed.  

[ WATCH ] for receiver to see sender get hurt enough to bleed. 

[ RETALIATE ] for sender to make receiver’s attacker bleed. 

[ DEFEND ] for receiver to make sender’s attacker bleed. 

[ SURVIVE ] for sender to realize receiver is bleeding after getting through a fight. 

[ FABRIC ] for receiver to realize sender is bleeding after getting through a fight. 

[ofbaator]

[ofbaator]

[ 🖐️ ]ㅤ. ㅤwhat do their hands feel like: soft, calloused, trembling ?

Like everything concerning his body, that's up to whoever perceives him. Asmodeus was very intentional with his creation and gave Key all the tools for manipulation. While someone might see Key and mold him into a tall guy, someone else could have a thing for smaller men and fantasize that into existence. So it's really about who's into what. Key has no say in the matter. And because it's not an illusion but fantasy made reality it goes so far as to include senses.

[ofbaator]

[ 🪦 ]ㅤ ㅤwhat would they want on their gravestone but never admit aloud ?

❝ Gone to feed the roses ❞ is an excerpt from Dirge Without Music, a poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay. Key very much relates to the speaker and her resitance to the inevitability of death. He acts indifferent, but he does grieve. And as unlikely as it is that he's even going to get a gravestone, he would hope that he would be mourned.

[ofbaator]

@vulpesse  dared  a  glimpse  behind  the  mask  (  . . .  )  𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐃  𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐄𝐑. 

He  wouldn't  lose  her  this  time.  Warriors  at  his  side,  they  scoured  the  forest.  Bit  by  bit  they  spread  out  to  surround  the  mistress  of  the  forest.  ❝ Burn  it  down ❞  he  had  told  them.  The  scent  of  burning  in  his  nose,  he  ended  up  with  nobody  but  his  most  trusted  companion  at  his  side.  A  stallion  on  this  day,  Kylre  got  him  past  dangers  as  only  a  creature  like  him  could.  The  deeper  they  got,  Key  realized  that  he,  too,  was  surrounded.  This  was  her  domain  afterall. 

Hisses  and  growls  from  the  underbrush  made  him  tense.  Ready  to  defend  himself  against  anything  jumping  at  him,  he  rested  his  hand  on  the  hilt  of  his  sword.  Kylre  growled  back  every  now  and  then,  eager  to  fight,  but  they  couldn't  stop  for  every  movement  in  the  corners  of  their  eyes.  They  had  come  here  for  one  thing  only. 

He  spotted  the  soft  tips  of  several  tails  and  turned  the  stallion  around.  As  they  got  faster,  the  forest  grew  angrier.  Kylre  started  struggling  to  move  forward.  Branches  lashing  out  and  roots  slowing  him  down,  they  realized  that  her  warriors  of  feral  persuasion  were  moving  to  stop  them.  Companions  for  many  years,  they  needed  no  communication.  Key  jumped  off  and  went  ahead  while  Kylre  turned  to  face  their  pursuers. 

Furios  about  having  to  split  up,  he  forcefully  cut  his  way  through  the  forest.  He  spotted  her  every  now  and  then.  And  got  angrier  with  every  time  he  then  lost  her.  The  feeling  of  being  lead  somewhere  grew.  Confident  about  many  things,  but  not  stupid  enough  to  think  that  he  could  catch  something  like  her,  he  resignated  to  finding  himself  in  some  sort  of  trap.  Hours  might  have  passed,  but  he  his  determination  didn't  waver. 

And  then  finally,  there  she  stood.  ❝ Are  we  done  playing? ❞  Drenched  in  sweat  and  of  heavy  breath,  he  moved  to  face  her.  This  was  where  he  felt  most  himself.  Enraged  and  out  for  blood. 

[ofbaator]

Key seriously needs a backpack like this.

[ofbaator]

[ 🕸️ ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a favourite lie they like to hear ?

If it's not absolutely necessary and an emergency, he doesn't like to hear you failed. Key has an entourage of people around him who work either with or for him and he demands that everybody is aware of their responsibilities. His fuse is short, no matter if you're admitting to a small hiccup or an enormous mistake. Sticking to ❝ all is well ❞ is recommended until there's really no way around informing him.

[ofbaator]

✎ㅤ. . .ㅤ𝑯𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑪𝑨𝑵𝑶𝑵 𝑸𝑼𝑬𝑺𝑻𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺.

₊˚⊹ ㅤa collection of character analysis/headcanon questions to learn more about your character and your partners'! writing/headcanon prompts requested by anonymous. feel free to edit these as you see fit.

[ 🖐️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat do their hands feel like: soft, calloused, trembling ? [ ☂️ ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they crave touch or fear it ? [ 🎐 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a sound, like a song or voice, that they associate with peace ? [ 🕊️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen did they feel the safest ? [ 💤 ]ㅤ.ㅤhow do they sleep ? curled up, sprawled, holding onto something ? [ 🦇 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a fear they never talk about ? [ 🔒 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a secret they’ve sworn never to tell ? [ 🪢 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen was the last time they broke a promise ? [ 🫳 ]ㅤ.ㅤwho do they feel they owe, but never paid back ? [ 💼 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat do they always carry with them ? [ 🧨 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the quickest way to set them off, even if they hide it well ? [ ⛓️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat does guilt feel like to them ? [ 💢 ]ㅤ.ㅤwho have they never forgiven and never will ? [ 🩸 ]ㅤ.ㅤis there something or someone that, if lost, would break them ? [ 🌧️ ]ㅤ.ㅤis there a pain they refuse to heal from ? [ 🪞 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen have they looked at their reflection and hated what they saw ? [ 📿 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat superstition or ritual do they cling to ? [ 🌊 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhen was the last time they cried ? [ 🐾 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo animals like them instinctively ? [ 🪶 ]ㅤ.ㅤhow do they laugh ? [ 🫀 ]ㅤ.ㅤwho taught them what love is ? did it hurt ? [ 💭 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they believe they’re worthy of being loved ? [ 🎀 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is their main love language ? [ 🔦 ]ㅤ.ㅤwho do they search for ? [ 📜 ]ㅤ.ㅤis there a story they love sharing with others ? [ 🌒 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a dream or goal they have given up on ? [ 🕯️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat memory do they replay when they’re alone ? [ 🌪️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s the one choice they regret (not) making ? [ 🧩 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat’s a truth about themselves they refuse to admit ? [ 🍻 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of drunk are they ? [ ✉️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of letter would they write but never send ? [ 🗡️ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat is a scar that they have but never talk about ? [ 🕸️ ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a favourite lie they like to hear ? [ 🪦 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat would they want on their gravestone but never admit aloud ? [ 🎱 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat kind of future do they crave, and who’s in it ? [ 🌀 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they have a recurring dream or nightmare ? [ 🍃 ]ㅤ.ㅤdo they feel like they belong ? [ ⚓ ]ㅤ.ㅤwhat does “home” mean to them ? [ 🧭 ]ㅤ.ㅤwhere would they go if they could disappear tomorrow ?

[ofbaator]

[ofbaator]

a collection of unfinished endings, of knives passed down instead of names. a study in monsters made by love, betrayal dressed like family, fever-dream roads and lives lived out of spite.  a love letter to the ones who ran, the ones who stayed, the ones who burned it all down  ⅋  to everything that came back wrong.

❪  21+ and mutuals only,  please  read  the  rules  BEFORE  interacting.  ❫  | ©

[ofbaator]

Careful  not  to  slip  across  the  pebbles  of  the  parking  space,  his  Yamaha  came  to  a  slow  stop.  He  had  braved  the  storm  as  long  as  he  had  been  able  to,  but  at  this  point  carrying  on  would  have  been  foolish.  Both  bike  and  Key  were  soaked  already,  but  a  rolled  close  to  the  exterior  of  the  locale  to  find  what  little  cover  he  could  get.  Might  as  well  go  in.

He  removed  his  helmet  as  he  stepped  in,  revealing  another  cover  underneath.  As  usual  as  it  was  for  bikers  to  wear  a  mask  underneath  their  helmet,  the  one  he  wore  bore  no  eye  slits.  Scanning  the  interior  on  his  way  to  the  counter,  he  made  note  of  the  man  in  the  booth,  but  had  no  plans  to  make  smalltalk.

Waiting  for  a  waitress  to  take  his  order,  he  heard  the  stranger  call  out.  His  eyes  narrowed  and,  before  even  turning  back  to  face  him,  he  considered  if  he  wanted  to  ignore  the  guy  or  not.  Did  he  want  to  play  games  or  not?  Key  didn't  need  to  hear  another  word  to  know  what  he  was  in  for.

❝  Someone  like  me?  ❞  he  turned,  a  soft  chuckle  escaping  his  lips.  Instead  of  loading  the  question  with  what  usually  would  be  offense,  he  sounded  curios,  matching  the  stranger's  energy.  As  asked,  he  slid  into  the  both  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  table,  resting  his  dripping  helmet  next  to  him.

Key  rested  his  ellbows  on  the  table,  arms  crossed.  He  had  his  full  attention.  ❝  I'm  sorry  to  admit  that  it  was  just  to  get  out  of  the  storm.  ❞  Catching  a  waitress  sticking  their  head  out  of  the  kitchen  in  the  corner  of  his  eye,  he  turned  his  head  as  quickly  as  a  predatory  bird  would.  ❝  A  coffee,  please?  ❞

❝  You're  quite  dry,  though.  ❞  he  commented  and  turned  back to  look  at  him.  His  head  shifted  as  he  eyed  him  up  and  down.  Key  removed  jacket  and  gloves.  ❝  The  fries  must  really  be  good.  What's  your  name?  ❞

༘⋆ @ofbaator leaves a note beneath the cider jug for kai . . . (from here)              ↪      ‘ a [ restaurant / diner ] interior lights flickering under a fierce storm.’

THE  STORM  HADN’T  REALLY  STARTED  AS  A  STORM. It  had  crept  in,  slow  and  sulking,  pressing  its  humid  fingers  against  the  glass  long  before  the  sky  even  cracked.  By  the  time  the  power  hiccupped  and  the  lights  began  their  erratic  little  strobe  routine,  the  only  thing  louder  than  the  rain  was  the  dull  clatter  of  a  spoon  spinning  in  a  coffee  mug  he  hadn’t  ordered.

Malachai  had  been  sitting  in  one  of  the  corner  booths  for  a  while  now.  Legs  stretched  out  like  he  owned  the  damn  linoleum,  one  arm  draped  along  the  backrest,  fingers  lazily  tapping  to  the  rhythm  of  a  song  that  wasn’t  playing  anymore.  The  jukebox  had  died  three  power  flickers  ago.  Probably  for  the  best,  since  it’d  been  stuck  on  the  same  Johnny  Cash  track  since  he  walked  in.

His  gaze  slid  to  the  door  before  it  even  creaked  open.  Someone  stepped  in:  tall,  rain-slick,  and  all  wrapped  up  in  shadow.  The  storm  behind  them  surged  like  something  alive,  wind  clawing  at  the  hinges  before  the  door  thunked  shut  again.

Interesting.

Kai’s  fingers  paused  mid-tap.  He  tilted  his  head,  watching  like  a  cat  that  hadn’t  decided  whether  it  was  bored  or  hungry.  “ You're  either  very  lost ”,  he  called  out,  voice  light  but  cutting  through  the  thick  diner  air,  “ or  you’re  exactly  where  you’re  supposed  to  be ”

He  gestured  lazily  toward  the  seat  across  from  him.  “ Come  on,  Mystery  Man.  Have  a  seat.  It’s  not  like  we’re  getting  out  of  here  until  the  sky  decides  it’s  done  throwing  a  tantrum ”  A  beat. Then  a  grin,  wicked  and  slow.

“ So what’s  someone  like  you  doing  in  a  diner  in  the  middle  of  nowhere,  huh?  Came  here  for  the  tasty  fries? ”

[ofbaator]

I've added to my RULES. I'd normally not point this out, but #9 is a topic I'm passionate about and felt important to mention. I've been made aware that there's people around, thankfully not in my direct circle, who heavily rely on AI and I'm simply not okay with that. I know the topic has nuance, but I will remain stubborn.

[ofbaator]

“My songs are filled with poison - Why shouldn’t that be true? My heart bears a nest of serpents And also, darling, you.”

— Heinrich Heine, from “My songs are filled with poison” (tr. by Hal Draper)

[ofbaator]

[ofbaator]

✱˚｡⋆ ↪ 𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐄 . ( a collection of lyric prompts based on various works by ashnikko . adjust phrasing as necessary , mature themes and language are present . )

attitude and the booze won't save you .

you fuck my life up then you say "my bad" .

you don't seem to see what a cliche you are .

repeat after me , "i'm over it" .

you don't ever cross my mind , what's a sheep to a tiger ?

i'm no prey , but i am pursued .

my best friend thinks that i'm a dumbass .

the world is burning and i laugh at the blaze .

on your horse so high , i swear to god i'm higher .

heard a rumor that you said you made me who i am .

i'm too healthy , wealthy , well fed .

i don't have the time to pretend you're funny .

self - made , self - paid , how dare you speak my name ?

i hate you so much right now .

you're not special , it's not cute .

hi , it's me , back again . here to remind you he's not worth it .

i slip up , i text you , i forget that you were so disrespectful .

they told me to be nice and i told them to bite me .

you don't want to see me bratty .

i put that teddy bear you gave me in a blender .

whiskey in my hip flask , nothing fruity .

i can see the desperation , i've got you right where i want you .

you can't stand to see me shine .

so lame that i'm your only claim to fame .

i like how you look when you really beg .

i need a new toy just to cleanse my palate .

it's gonna hurt , it'll sting .

only one strike , then you get the boot .

the only thing you seem to give me is sex .

you think you're the man , bitch please .

we both know it wasn't love , it was a big bad habit .

i only trust a fella for some light amusement .

unfortunately , you made the mistake of underestimating me .

you wish you could sway my attention .

tell me what you need .

there was potential in you .

i wanna make a couple bad decisions .

i'm no cinderella , but i like the shoes .

i do well for myself , nothing you do is extraordinary .

my dumb ass should be a little more cautious .

fuck a princess , i'm a king .

i say i won't do it , then i do it and i make myself sick .

you think you're worth all the fuss ?

to tell the truth , role models weren't around me much .

why am i such a sucker for a fuckboy's freckles ?

i say it's a no - brainer , now .

i'm crazy , but you like that . i bite back .

you already know i'm not shy .

what we did was childish , can we put this behind us ?

nothing was nice , but i loved every minute .

i don't give a fuck , i have more fun on my ones .

i've been predisposed to trauma since i was eleven .

you can keep the image of my butt as a souvenir .

being a bitch is my kink .

you're still taught the same shit .

i think she really likes me .

hide your back , she likes to stab them .

i hate that i'm so self depricating , more comfortable in bad situations .

i'm a little faded , you look like a fuckin' painting .

when i'm with you i have amnesia , got me without a mind .

i don't let a fucker on the internet tell me nothing .

this is all because you want to say you've done it .

i'm fresh out of patience .

you wish i missed you . back the fuck up .

i'm a sucker for a little devastation .

coulda , shoulda , woulda , but you did it .

i swear i'm not crying , the sun's just bright .

tell me why i need you over the next .

i'm eager to hurt more .

i swear my blue vibrator brings me more joy .

i gave your girlfriend cunnilingus on my couch .

you better stock up on tissues , jacking off to all my pictures .

fake it to the top .

typical of me to go and ruin the party .

i'm having the best time of my life .

i'm having the worst time of my life .

you look dumb now that i've come to my senses .

what do you really mean when you're calling me nice ?

you wanna hold a gun but they made you a pinup .

i forget that you're still so disrespectful .

your love is not impressive .

tell it to my manager , he'll tell you "pay a fee" .

now that i can think rationally , i feel so stupid .

everybody says they love me but i'm still brokenhearted .

it's like i need a babysitter , someone to come get me .

god made me pretty , you made me mean .

say you want my body , let me give it to you .

i'm not in your circle , baby .

i just wanna push you to the edge now .

your sad life is never getting better .

what are you mad at me for , huh ?

i was living good until your locusts and your plague hit .

forgive me for the nasty things i say when i'm wounded .

so you're scared of me now , huh ?

women hold the weight of the world .

there's something to be said for a bitch who can top me .

if nothing matters , then i'll be fine .

you hate me cause you hate yourself .

dust yourself off , girl , keep your chin up .

he says i'm a lost cause and he might be right .

i'm that "fuck up your life" girl .

i would crawl through broken glass to get home .

i play my life like a video game .

i think you've gotta do way more if you wanna please me .

what's he doing ? i don't need a brave knight .

i deleted your number .

i'm not shy , i'll say it . i've been picturing you naked .

legs getting tired , can we switch positions ?

you put a knife in my back but you'll never be the death of me .

i could squash you like a little rotten fruit .

you could never , 'cause you're not clever enough .

we were good while it lasted .

my baby calls me bossy .

i don't really need a man , but sometimes i want one though .

i can't even wear my skin without them asking where i've been .

i can make you call remember me .

stupid boy thinks that i need him .

hate me 'cause i'm beautiful , bitch i don't like you either .

i think you know you can't replace me .

who do i have to kill to make everybody love me ?

i try to think , but it's no use .

maybe we can love until we're dead .

this is not an invitation .

how dare i have private desires ?

now you're crying and you're shaking ?

nothing about you is attractive to me , now .

am i fuckable enough for you ?

i don't want you and i don't want your homie .

please don't think that the sex is gonna cloud my view .

can't believe i let your hand inside my bloomers .

tell me how my ass tastes , little bottom feeder .

you don't know your way around a pussy .

i want it , i win it . call it ambition .

i don't need the dick - i need magic , i need money .

i know you think about me in the shower .

i've got several dummies that wanna get on me .

this is so small in the big simulation .

go find another bitch to hoover , count the days until you lose her .

i know you think about me with your hand down your trousers .

you don't know anyone else like me .

it's a therapist you need .

[ofbaator]

His  words  made  Key  cock  his  head  in  curiosity.  The  young  man,  Adrian,  was  being  coy  and  quite  obviously  and  reasonably  didn't  trust  Key,  but  the  words  slipped  out  of  him  anyway.  Out  of  fear  or  confusion,  he  didn't  know.  And  it  didn't  matter.  He  didn't  plan  to  use  them  for  anything.  Not  yet.  He  simply  made  a  mental  note  of  the  information  he  was  given.  Once  a  year.  What  for?  He  wondered,  but  didn't  spend  much  effort  or  time  on  it.  Adrian  kept  his  attention.  He  kept  giving  Key  little  crumbs  of  information.  Can  barely  keep  my  own  head  on  straight.  That  at  least  matched  the  rising  feeling  of  discomfort  and  panic  in  the  air.

❝ Dead? ❞  he  asked.  It  was  humorous  once  again,  but  also  genuinely  surprised.  Key  had  limited  knowledge  of  the  power  or  curse  somebody  was  bestowed  upon  being  touched  by  Arca.  He  tried  to  remember  his  predecessor,  but  frankly  hadn't  given  the  guy  much  time  to  demonstrate.  ❝ No,  are  you? ❞

No  straight  answers.  That  was  his  curse.  It  felt  good  having  the  upper  hand  in  any  given  conversation.  Key  enjoyed  how  it  made  him  feel  surperior,  but  he  hated  the  aftertaste  of  guilt.  Sometimes  he  got  frustrated  at  the  feeling,  but  mostly  he  was  glad  to  own  something,  feel  something  that  wasn't  of  his  father's  making.  Even  if  it  was  guilt. 

❝ My  name  is  Key, ❞  he  finally  answered  seriously.  He  turned  away,  his  eyes  glancing  along  the  chipped  paint  on  the  walls  and  ceiling.  ❝  Are  you  guys  planning  to  celebrate  your  anniversary  for  much  longer  or.. ❞  His  footsteps  sounded  horrible  on  the  creaking  floor.  The  silence  wasn't  peaceful  by  any  means,  but  breaking  it  felt  like  stepping  on  bones.  He  still  did  it  confidently  and  walked  over  to  a  wall,  patting  it  like  you  would  your  friend,  hoping  to  rile  them  up.  Of  course  they  weren't  friends.  But  Key  did  want  a  reaction.  ❝ Are  you  leaving? ❞

He  hadn't  gotten  what  he'd  come  for,  but  meeting  Adrian  somewhat  surpassed  that.  Arca  had  never  been  keen  on  sharing  secrets,  but  mortals  didn't  hold  onto  them  that  tightly.  Whatever  Adrian  knew,  Key  was  very  interested.  And  he  made  sure  to  show  his  curiosity.  As  much  as  he  was  able  to.  Hidden  behind  the  mask  his  eyebrows  were  raised  and  he  regarded  him  with  attentive  eyes. 

Adrian didn’t remember coming here. 𝐇𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐝𝐢𝐝.

It was always the same on that day. He fell asleep in his bed and the next second, he was back in the House. Back in that hallway where the ceiling flaked like dried skin, where the shadows clung too long and the smell of piss and vomit never left. Where Jona had screamed from the other side of the locked door. Where something had buried them both for three days. Adrian had no idea why he believed it would spare him this year. 𝐉𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐞’𝐝 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐬𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬? Fuck this.

On top of that, 𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐞. For the first time in years, he wasn’t alone in the House. This masked man was sitting there like he belonged. Like the House hadn’t noticed him yet. Adrian stood stiff by the doorway to the dining room, blinking hard like that might reset something. If he would walk out of the door now, would he be in Chicago again, where he belonged for several months now or would he be back in Tennessee, where the House initially stood? He didn't like the way this mans eyes followed him, like he was measuring him for a box, with a hint of.. amusement? “I’m not here for long. Technically.“ he added the last word silently. “Not really. The House brought me today. Every year on the same day. I wake up and... I’m here again.“

He didn’t answer the other questions at first. He just looked at the man in the mask and felt the dry heat of panic starting in his chest. It always started there. „𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧.“ he said finally, voice flat, like it didn’t belong to him. Adrians eyes flickered to the wooden planks in front of the windows. Too familiar. The second question sat heavier in the room. That smug little line about urges and world-ending schemes. Adrian huffed something like a laugh, but it didn’t quite make it all the way out. It felt rather flat. The nervousness about being here again crept up on him. He shouldn’t be here. 𝐇𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠. “No.” he muttered. “No urges to overthrow anything. I can barely keep my own head on straight, let alone... reshape the world.” Was that the truth? Adrian knew there was something in him. Evil? No. Something that could’ve fought back, could’ve torn Jona free from the House’s unrelenting claws, but he’d never been the kind to follow through, never bold enough to turn wanting into doing. 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐭. 

Adrian tried shifting the weight on his shoulders and focus on something else. “𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮? 𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝?” He thought he shouldn’t say that to someone like him. To someone who looked at Arca like it was a familiar beast, not a cage. Adrian folded his arms and looked away from the mask, to keen on leaving this place again once he figured out why a strange figure was sitting in it today. Exactly seven years after Jona and him had entered it for the first time.

[ofbaator]