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lilymoonstars · 1 year

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How Do I Love Thee?

Chapter 5 - Horrible Untrue Things

Note - In typical me fashion, I have once again become very inconsistent with posting updates! It's been a hectic few months but I'm getting back into the swing of things. Enjoy the new Chapter!

Somewhere between the edge of sleep and waking, a gentle hand carded through your hair. It was something your mum had done since you were young, to help you fall asleep and chase the nightmares away.

“Hey sleepy head. Time to wake up.”

Eyebrows furrowing, you stilled. That wasn’t your mum.

“I said GET. UP.” The hand tightened into a fist, yanking you roughly backwards. “Don’t make me ask again Parker.”

Blinking through the tears, your vision slowly cleared. Viktor was crouched at your side, smirking down at you. Slowly you remembered the woods. Screaming. Blood. Burning. That hadn’t been a nightmare. There were vampires in Crimson Beech and your mum had been left home alone with one whilst you were unconscious.

“W-where’s my mum, what have you done to her?”

Viktor’s laugh bounced off the stone walls as he stepped back into the shadows. “Oh no sweetheart, I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise just yet.”

“What do you mean? I won’t say anything about what I saw. Just please don’t hurt her.” You pleaded. The room was too dim, to see anything past its centre was a struggle. Your breath began to quicken, it was too dark, you needed to get out of here. The only light came from outside, seeping through the edges of the doors. You heard a low murmur of voices on the other side. Scrambling to your feet, you ran towards them, if there were other people here, they could get you out. Within seconds, silver eyes pierced you through the darkness and Viktor’s arms snaked around you, squeezing your bones to breaking point with his inhuman strength.

“No! GET OFF ME!” You yelled. In your panic, you managed to catch him in the head with your elbow.

The look in his eyes was pure murder. His fangs sprang from his mouth as he snarled, “you little- “

“Viktor!” It’s time, bring the girl through!” A voice barked beyond the door.

“With pleasure,” he snarled, grabbing you by the arm. “Welcome to the Nexus, little lamb.”

You trailed helplessly in his wake into the audience chamber. The room was ringed by marble pews which were currently occupied by several town residents, all of whom were focused solely on the two figures already on the chamber floor. When your gaze also settled on them, your stomach dropped. Cas stood at the end of the aisle, smirking in your direction and at his side stood principal Yao. Your talisman seared against your skin in warning.

“New students, nothing but trouble.” Astoria muttered. She looked at you with utter disdain before flicking her eyes towards an empty chair and turning back to Cas. Viktor caught you rubbing your wrist and snorted as he dumped you into the chair. Carefully avoiding the talisman, he grabbed your arm, waving it back and forth.

“Sweetheart, look around you, a little burn is the least of your worries right now.”

“What’s going on?” You asked, yanking your arm back.

“Cassie-boy here has been accused of hunting down a human inside town boundaries, which is very naughty.” He said, tapping Cas on the nose, who scowled at the nickname. “The Elders are very keen to get to the bottom of this.”

“So, am I some kind of witness then?”

Viktor laughed loudly, making your cheeks flush. “More like a loose end, little lamb. Astoria will be one of the judges in Cas’s case and believe you me, she’ll get rid of anything that puts him at risk.”

“Why is she so bothered by what happens to Cas?”

“Astoria is the head of one of the vampire families in Crimson Beech – The Venandi’s and Cas is part of her clan.”

Your eyes widened looking along the pews, there were at least 15 other people. Just how many other families were there? Hushed whispers broke out through the chamber. A man with Dark hair and blue eyes made his way to join Astoria at Cas’s side.

“Don’t worry little lamb. There might be a lot of us here, but there’s only one other family in Crimson Beech.” A darkness passed over his face as he tracked the new arrival. “The Clements, the champions of your pathetic kind.”

If that was true, then it was possible that you stood a chance of getting out of here in one piece. The burning at your wrist cooled a few degrees, taking the tension from your shoulders along with it. Your relief must have shown as Viktor didn’t allow you even a moment of peace.

“I wouldn’t let my guard down just yet if I were you, sweetheart. Champions always want something in return.”

“Right, everyone, let’s get started.” The mysterious man announced.

“Why the rush Lewyn? Hot date?” Cas taunted, completely uncaring of the tension in the room.

Astoria shot Cas a look that that should have evaporated him on the spot. “Do you have any idea how serious this charge is, Cas? We’re not talking about a simple tap on the wrist, you could be banished for this.”

There was a minute twitch of Lewyn’s mouth as he watched Cas grow still. “The solitary life is an awful fate.” Cas bristled but wisely made no further comment.

“For pity’s sake Lewyn!” How many times must we sit through the same old song and dance routine?” An older man in a tweed jacket rose to his feet. “He never learns any respect or from his mistakes. Just get on with the punishment and then we can deal with the human.”

“You’d love that wouldn’t you, Giles? As long as Venandi blood is being spilled, you couldn’t care less!” Another voice chimed in.

Bickering slowly broke out in an angry buzz amongst the crowd.

“You know, you really are lucky, little lamb. Our families don’t see eye to eye on much these days but if we can agree on one thing, it’s how to deal with nosey humans who know too much. Your fate is in their hands just as much as Cas’s is.” Viktor breathed against your neck.

“Silence! You are elders of this council, not children. We are all governed by these laws, and we will proceed as ordered.” Lewyn’s tone left no room for argument. A few glared defiantly but all chatter ceased.

“Cas, you know the laws forbid the hunting of humans inside the town boundaries.” Astoria said.

“But she wasn’t a townsperson. She was just a tourist passing through.” Cas said exasperated.

“She passed through the boundaries though, did she not?” Lewyn asked.

“Ooops?”

Astoria darted between the two of them, having sensed just how close Cas was flirting with danger. “Our records show that you only just fed, so why were you hunting the girl?”

“His reasons do not matter Astoria. He savaged that girl and has shown no restraint. It’s clear you cannot control him. He’s a danger to every human in this town and by extension us.” For the first time during the trial, Lewyn’s frustration with Cas was written clearly on his face.

“Look, what happened, happened. If you’re going to punish me, get on with it,” Cas sighed.

The patience Astoria had displayed so far had reached its breaking point. Snarling, she gripped Cas and spun him so fast you half expected his head to come clean off his shoulders. “Foolish boy! You have broken one of our most sacred laws. You should be begging for mercy, but you think this is all one big joke. You’re lucky we left you alive long enough to give your side of the story!”

Cas stilled as Astoria finished her tirade. He firmly removed his arm from her grasp, “I won’t be begging you for anything.”

“Be that as it may, you better start coming up with more than just attitude and fast. My patience is wearing thin.”

Cas weighed up his options before releasing a weary sigh. “The hunt started outside of Crimson Beech, but the human got away. I had no choice but to kill her. If she’d have made it back into town, that would have put us all in danger, you said so yourself.” He said, nodding at Lewyn, whose eyes narrowed.

“If that’s truly what happened, why did you not say so when the trial first began?”

“Would you have believed me if I did? You Clements pile on me anyway, I just wanted to get through this as quickly as possible,” Cas huffed. “New Girl, you were there, you tell them.”

The silence was sudden or at least it seemed that way with how quickly the blood rushed through your ears. It was suffocating as every pair of eyes slid onto you. Silver searching your soul for any falsehoods.

“Is this true child? Do not be afraid, no harm will come to you.”

Your heart jack hammered against your chest. Even though Lewyn was smiling at you, there was something vacant in his gaze that you didn’t quite trust. You’d seen this evening how willing they were to toss Cas out of his clan, you weren’t naive enough to believe he placed a higher value on yours and your mother’s lives. So, you did what you had to, to give you both the best chance of surviving. You lied.

“I-I, uh,” you stuttered, “w-when I saw them, they were coming out of the trees, t-towards the town.”

Viktor’s laugh rumbled against your back. “My, my, a few days in town and he has you wrapped around his little finger already.” He mumbled, winding a finger through your curls. “Perhaps I should give Cas more credit.”

Your stomach twisted at his words. You already felt sick to your stomach with your own lies, at the memories of the girl’s screams as you ran. Was that really why Cas had gone out of his way to talk to you, so you would be his alibi? Whispers passed through the elders as Cas and Lewyn stared at you, united in shock.

Cas was the first to recover, beaming brightly at you. “See! I told you it was the truth!”

Relief washed over Astoria’s face. Your admission had exonerated Cas and now the immediate danger had passed, she quickly rounded on Lewyn. “It seems clear to me that Cas was acting to protect the Coven. I know you adore your precious humans but some of us have to make the difficult choices. You and your clan need to realise where your obligations lie. I demand we end this ridiculous farce immediately.”

“I cannot deny that Cas may indeed have saved us some trouble by disposing of the girl, however, I can’t help but wonder if you are behind the other murders outside of the town.” Cas floundered as Lewyn gazed at him, his tone furious. “You said it yourself, did you not? You began your chase away from the town and the human here just confirmed that. Now, those murders have drawn attention. The human authorities are conducting all manner of investigations and I don’t need to tell you how dangerous that is for us all.”

His gaze lingered on you for a moment as he finished speaking. Was he talking about your mum? Did he know she was digging in further to those murders?

“That has nothing to do with me!” Cas raged and Astoria was quick to match his fury.

“I’ll warn you now Lewyn, think very carefully before levelling such a baseless accusation against a member of my coven without speaking with me first.”

They continued to stare at each other until eventually Lewyn backed down, sighing in resignation. “Very well but let this be a warning to whomever is responsible, that there will be consequences once you are found.” The promise lingered in the air over every member in the Nexus. “Tribunal, what is your decision?”

An elder from each family stood to deliver their verdict. “Cassius Harlow, we find you guilty of breaking our core laws. You are sentenced to punishment by way of the Silver Brand.”

“What!?” Cas was in pure disbelief, “but the human sa- “

Solemnly, the Venandi elder raised their hand. “A crime must have its punishment Cas.”

Dumbfounded, he didn’t even resist as he was removed from the chamber. Not that it made much difference, the heavy oak doors did little to muffle his screams of pain. You blanched at the thought of what were they were doing to him in there.

“Easy does it sweetheart, you’re up.” Viktor said, pulling you onto the spot Cas was in only moments ago. “Try not to worry too much, lover boy will be back in one piece.”

The burning sensation of the Talisman reactivating was your only warning before Astoria bared your throat to the room. “Must we really waste a trial on this? I say we follow Cas’s example and dispose of the human here and now!”

It took every ounce of your will power to remain still and gather your courage. “Are you really going to punish me for trying to stay alive? For putting my family’s survival first? Cas was ready to kill me in those woods and I wasn’t about to let him. If I had, Cas would have been on trial for two murders and would most likely be banished by now.”

Thank God your voice remained steady. Astoria’s breath fanned over your neck, considering your words. It felt like an eternity before Astoria she shoved you away. She was scowling but spoke to you with begrudging respect. “It’s not everyday you see a human stand their ground against a vampire, but the issue remains that you know too much and you’re a liability to us.”

“Now Astoria, were you not the one arguing moments ago for one of your own to plead their case? The girl is here, let us listen to her.” Lewyn reasoned.

“It’s clear to me that each of us value safety. You for your coven’s and I for my family. I’d be an idiot to repeat anything I saw here today.”

Lewyn smirked, “I think we have a smart one here.”

The two elders resumed their positions, delivering the second verdict of the day. “Parker Reese, we find you not guilty of crimes against the coven. You have showcased incredible bravery and courage today. To kill you would be a true crime.” The Clement Elder smiled down at you.

“This is insanity,” Astoria scoffed.

“You know as well as I do, that the Tribunal’s decision is final Astoria. Even if you are callous enough to overlook the immorality of killing Parker, you can at least agree it will avoid any further undue attention coming our way. Her mother is quite tenacious and is already looking into these murders. If anything happens to her daughter, it will only add fuel to the fire.” Lewy stated.

“Count yourself lucky. For tonight at least, you walk free. I, however, will be keeping an incredibly close eye on you.” Astoria promised.

“Thank you both so much! I won’t breathe a word of this to anyone I swear! You’ll forget I’m even here.” Your growing relief was smothered as Lewyn edged closer to you.

“Do not mistake my kindness for weakness, Miss Reese. You and your mother will be watched very closely and if either of you put even one toe out of line, I will not hesitate to rip your throat out as she watches helplessly at your side. Do not disappoint me.”

The sick fucker smiled the whole time he spoke. Before you could even register the fear flooding through your body, your world faded to black once more.

Upset Cas didn’t defend, mad at him for how little he thinks of humans but no problem using one to save his own skin. Throwback that you did the same with your lie?..

End note : As always, you can also follow the story on my Ao3 account: How do I Love Thee? - Chapter 1 - MemphisBelle - Choices: Immortal Desires (Visual Novel) [Archive of Or Own]

#choices: immortal desires #immortal desires #choices stories you play #Parker Reese #cas harlow #gabe adalhard #spoilers #non canon #HDILT?

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lilymoonstars · 2 years

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How do I Love Thee?

Chapter 3 - Do you believe in Coincidences?

Your feet pounded against the ground in a steady rhythm, following the trails further through the trees. It felt as though you had been jogging for miles. You had woken up early that morning, hoping to be out of the house before your mum had left for work. No such luck. She looked exhausted, her clothes all rumpled, and case files strewn in front of her, most of which centred around attacks in these very woods. She had begged you to be careful. It was daylight outside and you promised to be a few hours at most. Eventually she had relented, unlike the crease in her brow.

Trees stretched for miles in varying shades of orange and yellow through the forest. Their leaves carpeting the forest floor muffling your steps. Boughs bent heavily overhead blocking out any trace of the sky above. The small pools of light breaking through the canopy above were the only signs it was still morning. Between drooping limbs, you glimpsed flashes of the lake in the distance. The water was cool and crisp on the morning air. Dirt paths eventually gave way to rocky shores. Pebbles crunched against each other breaking the quiet as you came closer to the water. Larger, moss-covered rocks decorated the lakes edge. You took everything in taking everything in.

Valleys of pine and maple trees surrounded the base of sheer cliff faces, reflecting perfectly in the serene waters below. Remnants of the early morning mist clinging to its surface. There wasn’t a cloud in the sky as you snapped a photo of the scene in front of you. It was so secluded and relaxing here. Being by the water had always calmed you. Closing your eyes, the world melted away until all you heard was the water gently lapping at your feet.

“Boo,” a deep voice said into your ear.

Startled you slid sideways off the rock and landed butt first into the icy water. Loud laughter broke through your shock as a smug looking Cas stood above you, admiring his handiwork.

“Very funny.” You snapped, hauling yourself up. The tops of your leggings were soaked and cold started to seep through.

“I certainly thought so.” He said, eyes flashing with mirth. “Funny running into you here.”

Rolling your eyes, you headed back towards the pathways. “Yet you found me.”

“I’m starting to think you’re not happy to see me?” Cas said following after you.

“Geeze, you think? What were you expecting? ‘Hey Cas, thanks for showing up and making me wet?’” A suggestive look crossed Cas’s face as you paused, realising what you had just said. “Not. Another. Word.” You warned.

“Don’t be like that New Girl, at least let me walk you back.”

Ignoring him you carried on. The cold was starting to seep into your skin, making you shiver. You’d barely taken five steps when strong hands gripped your hips, your back pressed firmly against a tree. Cas leant into you, his breath tickling your throat.

“Seriously, with all these attacks, who knows what’s lurking out there, hmm? Best we stick together,” he said, hid thumbs lingering against your skin. That shiver was nothing to do with the cold. In a daze, you stood there dumbfounded as he draped his jacket over your shoulders. It hung off your frame, his scent clung to it as you pulled it closer, wild and fresh.

“I didn’t take you for a gentleman,” you said.

“Who said anything about being a gentleman? I’m just giving a chance for you to ogle me a little longer.” He said, winking at you. “I’m much more interested in you though. How about we play twenty-one questions? I ask, you answer, no exceptions.”

He expected you to say no. He was looking at you the exact same way he did at the clothing store and just like then, you took the bait. Jutting out your chin, you stared at him defiantly, “I’m in.”

He looked at you for a long moment before he pushed himself away. “What’s your favourite colour?” He asked, not looking back.

“Blue?” You answered unsure, caught off guard. That was not what you expected his first question to be.

“What do you do for fun?” He said, helping you up a small slope.

“Umm, cooking. My mum’s specialty was TV dinners so unless I wanted to turn into one, someone had to step it up. I love anything that gets me out of the house, photography, hiking, stargazing. It’s nice to get lost in another world for a little while.”

“Where’s your dad?”

At least he cut to the chase. “He left my mum when I was 10. Nothing exciting or original, my mum worked long hours to support us, and my dad didn’t like it. He’s always been very traditional and stubborn. He met another woman; they have their 2.5 kids and the daughter from the failed marriage doesn’t really fit in. I get a card here and there but that’s about it.” The two of you walked in companiable silence, a mutual understanding passing between you. Sensing the shift in mood, Cas turned on a charming smile.

“Now, don’t say everything at once but what do you like about me most?” He asked, rolling back his shoulders and stretching his chest beneath his shirt.

“Well, it’s definitely not your modesty,” you snorted.

“Laugh all you want; I know you got a good look the other day.” He said it so casually it made your cheeks burn.

“You’re real,” you told him. “You’re honest about your thoughts and feelings – good or bad.” There was something admirable about that. For a brief second surprise flashed across his face as you continued through the woods answering more of Cas’s questions.

“Is there anything that you’d change about yourself?”

“My hair,” you said immediately. “The colour, the curls, it never does what it’s supposed to-.” Cas reached for your hair, tucking a wayward strand behind your ear.

“I kinda like it.”

Your face officially blended into your hair. Jolting in surprise, you tried to pull yourself backwards to put some distance between you, but Cas’s grip remained firm. The look on his face was devious asked his next question, “Who was your first kiss?”

This was the type of question you expected from him. The one you had dreaded. Who wants to tell people that they’re the 17-year-old who hasn’t been kissed yet? You avoided looking at him as your brain scrambled to come up with something. “Umm, w-well. I-. “

Cas chuckled next to you. You ducked behind a curtain of your hair, bracing yourself for his teasing. It’d be nothing you hadn’t heard before. “Was that entire city blind?”

Dumbfounded, you reflexively pulled away and this time he let you go, his gaze slid over you playfully. He had an annoying habit of overwhelming you.

“My friends are throwing a party tonight; do you want to come?”

“Thanks, but I already have plans.” He didn’t need to know they were with your pyjamas and TV.

Cas stared at you incredulously, “are you blowing me off?”

“I don’t think we’re quite there yet,” you quipped, “but I’m afraid so, even you can’t get what you want all the time.”

“Well, if you want to die of boredom be my guest, go ahead,” he pouted as you reached the edge of the forest. “I’ll be seeing you around New Girl, that’s a promise.”

***

“So just how hot are we talking here?” Tess asked with a serious expression from your phone.

“Like Jess Mariano meets Spike levels of hot.”’

Tess let out a long whistle, “Wow, you are in trouble! Is it bad that I wish it were me?”

“Down girl,” you laughed, “it was so bad Tess! I looked like such an idiot! I landed ass first straight in the water. If he hadn’t given me his jacket-”

“W-w-w-wait a minute! Hold the phone!” She said sitting up ramrod straight, “he gave you, his jacket!? It’s a sign!”

“A sign of what? That he forgot his jacket?”

“Aww, my poor, sweet, innocent Parker. Wake up and smell the cute-guy coffee! He wants an excuse to see you again, it’s textbook! Let’s review the facts, shall we? First, he turns up in the forest, where you just so happen to be. Second, he scares you just enough to make you land in the water. Third, after you refuse to go to a party with him, he leaves his jacket. Remind me to beat you over the head for that the next time I see you.”

“Tess, I love you but please put the corkboard and string away. I told you that I had plans already anyway.”

“With your pyjamas and blanket Parker! When a hot guy asks you out you go! It’s senior year and you promised to get out there and try new things. Do not stay small just because it’s comfortable, yes? Good. Now the next time you talk to me, it better be with a mouth that’s been locked with his, byeeee.”

***

Everything was ready and in T-minus 5 minutes, there’d be hot, fresh pizza. All the snacks were on the coffee table with extra gummy teeth and marshmallow ghosts for the occasion. The threadbare blanket covered the back of the sofa ready to shield you from harm. Every year the run up to Halloween meant it was time for a movie marathon. All the old classics dusted off and tonight it was the holiday’s namesake, which as it happened was also one of your favourites. Grabbing it from the top shelf, a shadow passed the window, the moonlight painting a silhouette across the floorboards. Your eyes met Cas’s through the glass. For the second time that day, you ended up in an undignified heap on the floor, a high-pitched squeak escaping your throat.

“Jesus Christ Cas! Are you trying to give me a heart attack!” You yelled, flinging the door open and marching through it, straight into his chest. Strong hands steadied your shoulders. “How did you-. You were just…” You trailed off, pointing at the window. Cas placed a finger against your lips with a gentle shush.

“Relax, New Girl. My divine presence has been known to render people speechless. Don’t blame yourself, you’re only human after all.”

Glaring at him, you swatted his hand away. “Next time, just use the door like a normal person.”

“There’s gonna be a next time?” Cas pondered, quirking his eyebrow.

“What do you want?” You asked sighing heavily.

“My jacket, the one that you stole.”

“Technically, you gave it to me,” you said, “come in.” Peering around, you spotted a vintage black Ford Mustang. “Huh,” you wondered aloud, “I got more of a motorcycle vibe.” Having made himself completely at home in the kitchen, Cas placed his elbow on the breakfast bar and propped his chin in his hand.

“Is that so?” His eyes held yours unwaveringly, your stomach fluttering nervously.

“The boots, the jacket, the chains. I’ll admit that the car matches your aesthetic though.” You told him as you placed the pizza on the counter.

A deep chuckle rumbled through his back. Resting his arms against yours on the countertop, “guilty as charged. I find there’s nothing better than a pretty lady purring underneath you. But the car is practical, we should go for a ride sometime.”

Damn him. How did he always find a way to make you flustered? Any ability to act like a normal human being flew out of the window when he was around. At least he knew you did a great impression of a skittish tomato. Some point during your mid-night crisis Cas had made his way over to a set of photos at the bottom of the staircase.

“That’s when me and my mum went whale watching, I’d badgered her for ages. I thought it was hilarious when one of them sprayed her, not so much when it happened to me,” you said nodding at the last frame. Your mum held you tight round your waist as you tried to flee. Spray rained down drenching you both. Hair stuck to her face; a bright smile covered your mum’s face whilst you screamed at the injustice of it all. Next to you Cas had grown quiet through your story. He was looking at the pictures with a mixture of anger and curiosity.

“Are you ok?” Quiet wasn’t something that you associated with him.

“You and your mum seem close,” was all he said in reply.

“It’s just the two of us, we have to be. But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. What about you parents?”

His face immediately darkened, jaw ticking. “They aren’t around anymore.”

Way to put your foot in it Parker! “Cas, I’m- “

“So, New Girl, when are you giving me the rest of the tour? You’ve been a really bad host so far.” Clearly your previous conversation was over.

“It’s hard to host when you didn’t invite said guest to begin with. The ‘tour’ ends here anyway, upstairs is off limits.”

“Maybe that next time you talked about?” He said, sinking into your sofa as he scrolled through his phone. “What are we watching?”

“We’re not watching anything,” you said, throwing his jacket to him. “I’m watching a movie and you’re going to your party.”

“I already told them I had other plans, I’m yours all evening.”

“Lucky me.” You relented sitting next to him and pressed play. The opening score soon made the hairs at the base of your neck stand on end and you were soon lost in Haddonfield, until the lights went out.

“That’s better,” he said, curling an arm around your shoulders. “Scary films aren’t the same with the lights on.”

You didn’t answer him, you couldn’t. You dug your fingernails into your thighs, knuckles turning pure white as the bone strained against the skin. Panic clawed its way from the pit of your stomach and up your throat. Faintly, you registered Cas calling your name beside you, but your heart was beating like tiny fists against your chest, drowning him out. Now was not the time to panic. There was no way to explain a fear of the dark at your age. It would stop soon, it always did, you just needed to ride it out.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” Cas said softly, cradling your face in his palms. “I never thought I’d say this but you’re not looking so hot.”

You chuckled weakly, “damsels in distress not your thing?” Your chest tightened, aching as though it was bruised. It was taking a lot of effort to speak.

He wasn’t giving up easily. His grip tightened on your face. Looking slightly uncomfortable he asked, “Do you- do you not like the dark?”

You shook your head, turning away from him. It wasn’t something you were comfortable talking about. You’d never spoke to anyone about this, not even Tess. The idea of him seeing you so vulnerable made you uneasy. Yet as much as he enjoyed teasing you, he’d never been cruel. Even now he hadn’t laughed or made you feel like an idiot. Risking a glance back toward him, Cas still had the same tenderness as he watched you.

“Nothing will get you whilst I’m here but just to make sure,” he broke off, lifting you effortlessly into his lap with your legs laid across him. He picked up the blanket from the back of the sofa and enveloped you in it, drawing you against his chest.

Okay, he was definitely trying to give you heart attack because this was not helping you at all.

He bent towards you and murmured “Like I said, you’re only human.”

Throughout the rest of the movie, it was impossible to concentrate. Cas was a distraction and he delighted in it. He found any reason to touch you, whether if was massaging your calves or his thumbs tracing the bottom of your back. It’d have been easier to be mad at him, but the dark was less of a problem with him around. It made you much jumpier, but he just used it as an excuse to hold you tighter each time. There was light at the end of the tunnel as the film was drew to a close. You’d been doing so well until Michael popped out from behind the couch and Cas chose that moment to brush his fingers against the back of your neck. Popcorn tumbled to the floor in an avalanche as you yelled burying your face into his neck. You breathed him in, the same wild scent that clung to his jacket. Hands threaded themselves through your hair, calming you. Nervously, you peaked out between your curls to find him grinning down at you.

“I’m not too sure spooky is your thing.”

“It’s not my fault you distracted me!” You protested.

“His brow furrowed in mock thought, “I’m pretty sure that is your fault, but let’s go back to how distracting you think I am.”

He was the literal worst, a nightmare in human form and he loved it. Amusement flooded his features as he gripped your chin, tilting your head back to him. He nuzzled closer to you, his mouth inches from yours when his phone rang. Untangling yourself you quickly shuffled to the other end of the couch. Anger flickered across his face before he answered. You needed to create some distance before you did something stupid. Val said this was what Cas did, he played around with new people until he was bored. You wouldn’t hold his attention for long and had no intention of being made a fool of.

“Sorry New Girl, we gotta call it a night. I have to swing by that party and pick up my friends. I’ll see you Monday? If you’re in need of my tour services, let me know, I know all my best spots.”

“On campus or off?”

“Psht, like I’d spoil the surprise.”

***

“Parker, what were you thinking? You can’t be alone in those woods, not with the attacks. I’ll go with you.”

“Gabe, that’s sweet but it’s fine. It was light and I’m in one piece.” You said, distracted by the zombie hoard in front of you. “But, if it makes you feel better, I’ll bring you next time.” GAME OVER flashed on the screen as a zombie tore into your neck. “I just hope you’re a better protector in real life.” He threw a cold French fry at your head as you continued through the arcade, looping your arm through his.

Gabe had invited you to the arcade earlier that morning. It was his workday, but he wanted to show you around a little more. His face had been alight as he showed you his favourite games. Admittedly your heart had turned to mush when he helped a little girl win a stuffed bear from the grabbing machine.

“Sorry, about that, I promised Alicia, I’d help her get one of those for a while.”

Shaking your head, you waved away his apology. “Don’t be, it was really sweet. Are you this good with all kids or is it just the girls who find you adorable?” You teased.

“Actually, I met Alicia when I was volunteering at the hospital. I spend a lot of time on the children’s ward, so I learned on the job how to deal with them.”

“How long have you volunteered?”

“3 years give or take. I mainly help out telling them stories, singing silly songs. Anything to put a smile on their faces.”

“You’ll have to play one for me sometime.”

“Y-yeah, sure.” He stammered. Was there anyway he could be more adorable?

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t angel Gabriel. Is this your latest charity case?”

The boy looked a few years younger than you. He was accompanied by a red head around a similar age to him and an older by who looked to be your age, with jet black hair and dark eyes that lacked any of the playfulness in Cas’s.

“What do you want Scott?” Gabe’s earlier carefree attitude had disappeared. He moved in front of you, sensing your unease.

“Nothing from you, Adalhard,” he spat. The red head placed a hand on his arm, a warning look crossing her face.

“We just wanted to settle a bet.” She said confidently. “Cas said there was a newbie in town and wondered how long it would be before your co-dependency kicked in. It seems I gave you too much credit. I was sure you’d at least make it to the first day of school before slobbering all over her.”

Scott snorted from her side as Gabe’s hands clenched at his sides. Taking a step forward, Gabe’s arm darted out before you could get closer. “I’m not sure what your problem is but Gabe has been nothing but kind since I got here. Maybe if you tried getting your own life, you wouldn’t feel the need to stick your noses anyone else’s.”

Anger coursed over her face as she bared her teeth in a snarl. “You might want to find a leash for your pet Adalhard, you’ll want to be keeping an eye on her.”

Before you could reply, a calm voice broke over the storm, “Margo, that’s quite enough. We need to go.” The older boy said to the others. He clearly held some authority as the girl shut up immediately and unwillingly the two younger ones followed him out of the arcade.

“Who were they?”

Gabe was quiet for a moment until they were out of sight. “That was Scott, Margo and Viktor, They’re part of the Venandi family.”

“I don’t understand why they were so rude to you?”

“The Venandi’s like to cause trouble for anyone who isn’t part of their family. You need to stay away from them Parker, they’re dangerous. Promise me.”

“After that warm welcome, I’m not exactly in a rush to spend time with them.”

Worry was still etched in Gabriel’s brow, but you were determined not to let them ruin your day. Linking your arm back through Gabe’s, spinning him round. “Come on, before the Addams family interrupted us, I believe you were gonna show me your moves.” You said with a playful twirl and shimmy. It seemed to work as the tension drained from Gabe as he laughed at you.

“I’ll agree to anything if it get you to stop doing that.”

With an offended gasp you pulled him in the direction of the DDR machine. “It’s so on Adalhard!”

As always, you can also follow the story on my Ao3 account: How do I Love Thee? - Chapter 1 - MemphisBelle - Choices: Immortal Desires (Visual Novel) [Archive of Our Own]

#choices: immortal desires #immortal desires #choices stories you play #Parker Reese #cas harlow #gabe adalhard #spoilers #non canon #HDILT?

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