Work In Progress

And it wasn’t a virus or chemical weapons that started everything. Either of those might have been easier to deal with had that had been the case. No, the world ended because of a small thing that most people didn’t even pay that much attention to. Or at the very least figured could be defeated with a bottle of bleach. What was this insignificant being that managed to nearly decimate the human race? Mold. A weird new string of silver colored mold that somehow managed to turn people into violent, mindless zombies. Not necessarily the kind that wanted to consume human flesh—although that certainty started to happen fairly quickly—but more so just people that obviously weren’t normal anymore. They attacked without reason; beating and kicking anything within reach until it was dead. They didn’t recognize friend from family from foe. All they wanted to do was destroy.

Apparently the mold infiltrated their brains and literally started to grow in different areas like a sort of cancer. Well, if cancer made you hunger for devastation and flesh. People began to change physically too, growing red pulsing spores all over their bodies that oozed green goo. A month in and they didn’t even look like people anymore which just made everything all the more terrifying. While their bite or touch couldn’t turn you into one of them, they seemed to love forcing mold down the throats of their victims. So…that usually did the trick.

One alone wasn’t too bad but a pack of them? People lying about coming into contact with the mold, only to freak out later and attack someone? Needless to say the situation quickly turned into a cluster fuck that could not be contained. The mold was suddenly everywhere all over the world, and shit just went downhill at a pretty impressive speed. It was utter chaos for the first few years as civilization practically dissolved.

Yet somehow you managed to weather the storm when others around you failed. Yay.

As with most shit the rich ultimately came through in a matter of speaking. Well, they got tired of the state of things and worked to actively make it better as long as it benefited them the most. Huge swaths of cities and land were set on fire to get rid of the mold and the infected. You weren’t sure what was happening in other areas of the world, but in your neck of the woods walled cities started to pop up. Okay so cities wasn’t the best word. More like one high rise building was designated as rich people central and then a fortress was built around it. If you were lucky to be inside of the fortress you probably lived in a very small house—like a retrofitted shed or something—since only the Elite resided in the tower.

Starlight Tower as it was now known. Over time everyone split up into different factions by necessity really. It wasn’t something that anyone voiced out loud for whatever reason, but you’d came up with quirky titles one day to pass the time.

The Elite lived in their fancy tower with their fancy, pretty things. Running water, solar powered whatevers with fresh food and yadda yadda yadda. Most never left because why would they when they had everything they needed and more?

Next you had the Middlings which were basically everyone else; normal people trying their best to make it on the scraps handed down from the Elite. They tended to live in different shanty town-like places in the Outskirts—areas that were Molded free but sucky in their own way. A pasted together mix of broken shit; houses missing huge chunks, tents…that kind of thing. Yet somehow they made it work. Somehow they’d evolved and pushed through to have lopsided markets filled with things ready to be traded. If you had something that was really needed like toilet paper for example, you could do pretty good there.

Last and certainty least were the Scavengers though you’d always thought the crazy ass Raiders should be last. After all they were the ones that robbed, fucked or killed anything that moved. Scavengers actually provided a great service because they went into the dangerous places to get stuff. Condemned stores, areas teeming with the Molded, etc. Scavs risked their lives for shit but since most didn’t like to share, they’d gotten a bad rap. Though you could understand their way of thinking. Why share your haul with someone who hadn’t put in the work?

In the beginning you’d been a Middling. But over time you’d morphed into something else, something cynical and a bit selfish. Losing people that you cared about to the mold or starvation had a way of effecting one’s personality. When you realized you were the only one left you threw yourself into whatever you could to take your mind off the guilt and the sadness. Becoming a pretty good Scavenger turned out to be your reward for your stupid survival instincts. However maybe instincts had nothing to do with it since you were still dumb enough to go into infected dead zones. That’s what the land beyond the Outskirts was called where the Molded still roamed freely.

Unfortunately, that’s also where the best stuff was.

Sighing deeply, you hung your arms over the railing of the disused water tower and gazed out at the world as it was now. Nature had taken most of it back with weeds and excess greenery. It was almost pretty except for the fact that under all those bushes and ropey vines were entire abandoned towns and such. Cracked roads that led to nowhere in particular anymore. In the very beginning you’d have found dead bodies just scattered about like odd pieces of paper, but over time the earth had reclaimed them. Not even animals dared to move about freely anymore thanks to the Molded. Life now was like…living in a snow globe but without the charm.

Winter was better though. The Molded were slower when it was colder for some reason, which was a small mercy if you found yourself confronted with a gang of them. They didn’t venture into populated areas that much anymore. Maybe they knew they’d be shot on sight. However, you couldn’t help but wonder if they’d sometimes gaze up at Starlight Tower, trying to think of ways to get inside for the all you can eat buffet. One mistake—one fuck up and all of those people would be shit out of luck. Yet that didn’t stop others from desperately wanting to live there. You understood; you’d been one of those people once upon a time.

Back when you still believed in, well, anything to be honest.

“Y/N. Hello? Shit don’t tell me you’re out of range.”

You unclipped the walkie talkie from your side. “What? I’m busy.”

“Oh good you’re okay! I was worried about you.”

If anyone else had said that you would have scoffed, but you’d never known Kun to lie about anything. He was just that decent. “I’m fine. What’s up?”

“I hate to ask this but…do you think you could find some medicine? I—I know that’s highly unlikely and I don’t need any antibiotics but we ran out of over the counter stuff. And my herbal tea can only do so much… I’ll pay you what I can of course and usually I wouldn’t ask but—”

“It’s fine, Kun. I’ve gotchu. I’ll get what you need to you in a few days,” you replied slowly.

“Thank you so much, Y/N. You’re a life saver. Please be careful!”

“Yeah.” Turning the walkie talkie off, you tossed it into your backpack and exhaled deeply. “Careful, sure.”

In the time you’d be out on your own doing whatever you pleased, you’d met a few people that seemed okay. You wouldn’t have said they were your friends but you had no qualms about doing jobs for them sometimes. Qian Kun was one of those people. How he’d managed to stay wholesome in an environment where other people would sell their mothers for something good, you’d never understand. But he was funny and a bit of a dork, and he liked helping others. He ran a small shop near the edges of what poised for civilization where he cooked for people and sold stuff they might need. More than once he’d let you crash at his place, on his dingy couch with the one spring that constantly poked you in the butt.

You tended to help him because you often felt guilty afterwards if you didn’t. And because he could put a hurting on week old noodles.

“Okay,” you said to yourself. “Get your shit together, Y/N. Let’s do this.”

Getting up, you slowly made your way over to the metal ladder, climbing down as carefully as you could. It whined and groaned but didn’t snap in half so you counted that as a win. Once on the ground you hurried over to your truck and hopped inside, glancing at the array of stolen weapons in the passenger seat. Before the zombies you’d never even handled a gun before but now you were a pretty good shot. It became painfully obvious early on that weapons would become scarce so you five finger discounted any you came across.

Still looking for the crossbow that would mean you’re a true badass.

In seconds you were driving down the splintered street as the scenery flew by your tinted windows. Working vehicles weren’t as prevalent was they used to be since one couldn’t just order parts anymore, but you’d gotten your truck by happy accident. Okay maybe happy wasn’t the right word. However, the guy had been dead for at least a few days when you’d happened along, and it wasn’t like he needed it anymore. Besides you’d have been a total idiot to bypass a tricked out Ford that was made for surviving a Fury Road like apocalypse. Getting gas was tricky but worth it when you had nowhere else to sleep but under the wheel.

Before long you were easing off the road and stopping in front of what used to be a drug store. Perhaps it had been a CVS or Walgreens in its former life. Now it was a crumbling building with broken windows, half a door and a tree sprouting through its half caved in roof. You made a face and carefully peered out of your windshield, dark eyes taking in your surroundings. Everything looked quiet but you’d learned the hard way that wasn’t always the case. Anything could be lurking in the shadows.

You picked up your Ruger SR22 and SIG Sauer P238—two compact little pistols—and checked to make sure the magazines were loaded. Seeing that they were, you stuck one into the pocket of your oversized black jacket and kept the other in your hand. Grabbing your dirty backpack, you carefully exited your truck and walked around to stand in front of the store. There was no mold growing anywhere so that was a relief at least.

“Alright,” you whispered to yourself. “Advil. Tylenol. Expired is better than nothing.”

Next you were wedging through the slanted door and stepping into the store, bringing a hand up to your mouth because of the smell. Something had died in here; you’d probably run across the evidence in due time.

You took your time as you made your way down an aisle, wary of making too much noise. There was no power inside but the giant hole in the roof provided all of the light you’d hopefully need. Rusted shelves were overturned with items thrown here and there. Faded graffiti littered the leftover walls; everything was covered with layers and layers of grime. The majority of the food was rotten with roaches scurrying from one bag to the next. Some had even congealed into a hard lump. Still you shoved anything that looked mildly edible into your bag; canned stuff, bottles of water and the few bags of chips that you’d inspect later.

Stepping over what looked suspiciously like the remains of a human torso, you crept to the very back of the store where the pharmacy was. It hadn’t fared any better than the front, not that you’d expected it to. You stood in the middle of muted chaos, thinking things you’d rather not think before snapping yourself out of it. Seconds later you were checking the labels of leftover bottles and tossing them into your backpack. Anything that appeared to be of use you grabbed it, especially the stuff with words you could hardly pronounce. You also got Band-Aids, alcohol and peroxide.

You’re digging in a pile of tiny boxes of allergy medicine when a low clang caused you to immediately pause. You swallowed hard and gripped your gun, slowly rising to your feet. You’re hoping it’s just a raccoon or a rat but the tingling in the back of your brain told you otherwise.

It’s okay, you thought. You can handle this. You’ve killed these assholes before. Aim for the head or knees, anything that takes them down.

The clangs grew louder and you realized they were coming from over by the frozen foods. Very slowly you crouched walked towards the front doors, attempting to be as quiet as you could over all the broken glass. You were nearly there when a heavy thud sounded as a swinging light fixture crashed down to the right of you. Jerking up, you pointed your gun at whatever had caused it to fall, finger on the trigger.

“Wait, no! Please—please I’m—I’m human!” Exclaimed a harried looking young man with his hands up. His clothes were muddy and torn; he was missing a shoe. Black hair stuck to his forehead and there was a purplish bruise on the side of his jaw. “Please don’t shoot!”

Truthfully, you didn’t like meeting people out in the wild like this cause usually they were up to no good. Normal people didn’t leave their meager comforts to do what you did. Besides that, you tended to be naturally wary of everyone these days, that was just good business. “What the fuck are you doing?”

His chest heaved up and down quickly as a tiny bead of sweat rolled down the side of his face. “I—hiding. I—I thought you were…one of those things. A zombie.”

You arched a brow. “So you started making a lot of noise so it would find you sooner?”

He shook his head. “My foot got caught under a—a thing. Please.”

You squinted at him and lowered your gun. “Too much noise attracts them you know. Especially out here.” Huffing, you turned and walked out of the store. “Christ.”

“Wa—wait! Ah, fuck. Wait!” You heard scrambling behind you and glanced over your shoulder to see the young man stumbling after you with an obvious limp.

“You should really be…getting somewhere,” you said as you kept walking. “Somewhere safe if there is such a place. It’ll be dark soon.”

“I know. Look please can you just stop,” he begged. “I’m not armed. You can check if you want. I just want some water. I—I haven’t, everything in the store was gross and I just…”

No. Keep going. He is not your problem or your concern.

You stopped. Fine. But don’t come running to me when he steals all your shit.

“Dude I swear to god if you try to rip me off I will shove your balls down your throat.” Annoyed, you yanked a bottle of water out of your pack and tossed it to him. “Here.”

He nearly dropped it in his haste to get the top off. “Thank you! Thank you so much.”

You watched him gulp it down. “What are you doing out here anyway?”

“That is a long story,” he said lowly after draining half of the bottle in one go. “I’ve been hiding in the woods for the past, two weeks? It’s hard to keep track of time when you’re terrified. During the day I moved whenever I could and last night I found this place. Figured I’d be safe for a while. It gets so dark and sometimes it’ll be so quiet and then…and then…”

“You hear an ungodly shriek in the distance and wanna shit your pants. Yeah.” You tilted your head to the side. “The nearest settlement is like thirty miles north for what it matters.”

His face fell. “Which way is north?”

Nibbling on the inside of your cheek, you allowed your guard to drop just a little. There was something oddly familiar about this guy but you were certain you didn’t know him. It wasn’t a case of a friend of a friend since you didn’t have any friends anymore. And yet…

Staring at him, you were suddenly able to imagine him without all of the dirt and grass stains. You saw him in a black suit with a blue shirt, hair artfully styled and pushed off his forehead. He had several shining earrings in his ears and expensive necklaces draped around his slender neck. He was kempt and smiling and beautiful…and tossing a gift wrapped box directly at you.

Holy shit. “You’re an Elite.”

“A what?”

“It—you’re from Starlight Tower, right?”

He took a step backwards. “Are you from there?”

You snorted. “In these clothes? No way. Never even been inside the gates. You though, you’ve got their look about you. Anyone out in these parts is either looking for shit to sell or shit to blow up. Or they’re a zombie. And since I don’t see any Molotov cocktails on you…”

“I’m Ten,” he replied after a moment. “Ten Lee. And yes I do or rather I did live in Starlight Tower. Now I’m…I dunno what I am. I don’t even know how I’m still alive to be honest. I’m so tired.”

Against your better judgment, you sidled up next to him and gave him the once over. Not detecting any suspicious bulges—heh—you decided he was pretty much harmless. “I ask again then; what are you doing out here?”

Ten wet his lips. “I was kicked out. I got set up for something I didn’t do and kicked out. Brought here to die.”

Huh. “Don’t they have jail cells or whatever?”

He nodded. “They wanted me dead not just locked up. Dead men don’t talk.”

“That’s fucked up. I—” The bushes over by a rusted school bus with no wheels rustled and you lightly chastised yourself. Now wasn’t the time nor the place for a quick chat. “Sun’s going down and I do not wanna be out in the open when it does.”

Ten remained silent but his dark cat-like eyes watched you imploringly. He flinched when a groan drifted across the air, and you cursed yourself before latching onto his arm and yanking. He was taller than you but you were a fast walker—and he was injured—so he struggled to keep up with your quick pace. But with your hand wrapped around his bicep, you pulled him behind you until you were at your truck. You practically shoved him up and inside on the driver’s side, then hopped in and closed the door.

Not a second later a gnarled figure came trudging out into the open, skin green and beyond sickly looking. Pieces of bark grew out of its cheek and one of its eye sockets. In its twisted hand it dragged along a severed bloody deer head—fresh by the looks of it.

Ten gasped and you pressed your hand over his mouth to keep him from making any more sounds. He was trembling.

Probably the first time he’s seen a zombie since moving into the tower. Must be rough.

The Molded—as you’d named them—sniffed the air and looked right at the truck before baring its teeth. But you already knew it couldn’t see inside thanks to the tinted windows. At the very least it could probably smell you but once you were positive it was alone, you turned the key in the ignition, making the truck growl to life. It shrieked and took a step towards the vehicle but you were already throwing it into gear and speeding past it.

Watched it try to follow from your rearview mirror until you were thankfully out of sight. “Ew, like I know that used to be someone’s son or whatever but ew.”

Ten collapsed back against the seat. “You saved my life. That thing would have…”

You kept your eyes on the road. “Chewed the flesh from your bones? Probably. You never know which ones will eat you and which will try to turn you into one of them.”

He exhaled shakily. “You—you never told me your name.”

“Y/N.”

“Pretty.”

You snorted. “You don’t need to butter me up. I’m not gonna kick you out…though I should. I’m breaking my own rule here. Stupid. I don’t know you from Adam…”

“Well I’m glad that you are,” he replied. “I’ve been in Starlight for years now but I’m not an idiot. We get told how dangerous it is outside the walls. Especially where there are no more settlements. I don’t know how I’ve survived this long. No weapons, no real instincts. I had to eat random berries when I got hungry and I hate fruit. I wasn’t even sure I should reveal myself to you. You hear such terrible stories…”

You could only wonder what the rich tenants of Starlight were being told about the lesser people. “Don’t worry your virtue is safe with me.”

Chuckling softly, he shifted so that he was facing you. “You know what I mean. You said yourself people are only out this far if they wanna blow something up or steal something. You could have been the torturing type.” He winced and rubbed at his knee. “I take it you don’t go around saving people that often?”

There really wasn’t that many people that needed saving these days, at least not in the way he thought. By now boundaries had been drawn and if you were stupid enough to cross them, well, you kinda got what you deserved. In the beginning risking your life for someone in need was based on your character. But all these years later, if a good person turned their back, no one batted an eye.

“Believe it or not but I usually don’t see anyone out here. Especially not someone as…innocent as you.”

He gazed at you, blinking as his tousled bangs brushed his long eyelashes. “You think I’m innocent?”

Well… “Compared to the dudes that roll out here? Yes. If innocent offends you though I could use the word pampered. Spoiled.”

Ten laughed. “I’d argue but you’re not wrong so. At the risk of making you think even less of me; I was the art decorator and party coordinator of Starlight. People always wanted me to plan their events.”

In the past that would have made you angry but all you could muster up right now was apathy. People didn’t have clean water or diapers for their kids, but god forbid Elites not be able to have their fancy parties. “Must have been nice.”

“It was,” he said honestly. “Not so much the parties but the security. Knowing that when I went to bed at night there was no danger lurking around the corner. The day to day shit could be boring though so I started a charity drive for those outside the walls. Or I’d been trying to. The council was really dragging their feet getting me the stuff I needed.”

Naturally. “Do you think you’ll ever like, go home?”

His expression turned gloomy. “No. Not as long as—no. I’ll be arrested or worse. This is it for me. Y/N…” He smoothed down his torn dress shirt. “I realize that I have no right to ask anything of you—you’ve already helped me so much—but if you could just… I don’t know anything about being out here. I don’t know where the settlements are. I don’t know who’s good and who’s bad. I don’t have any money but I—I could watch your things when you’re not around or carry them if you need.”

Dumping Ten at the nearest community; that should have been the only answer to what he was suggesting. There were reasons you didn’t have a pet although you desperately wanted one. First, you did not have a set residence so there was no safe place to leave it when you went scavenging. Second, the idea of losing it to a zombie or some asshole chilled you to the core. You’d already lost so much over the years. You weren’t sure you had it in you to see one more thing you cared about viciously murdered. Third, you were faster on your own.

You just pretended the loneliness didn’t exist.

“Ten.” Your fingers tightened on the steering wheel. “You’d fair better around other people. This guy I know would no doubt take you in if I explained your situation to him. His name is Kun and he’s cool. He’d look out for you and get you settled. ‘Sides it would be a lot safer than running around with me.”

Ten rubbed at the dark circles under his eyes. “I…okay.”

Noting the utter devastation of his tone, you shifted uneasily. Why would he be upset? He barely knew you. You asked him as much. “Your reaction is…surprising. I mean it’s not like we know each other. Why would you wanna hang out with me? I could be crazy.”

“I have a good feeling about you,” he whispered. “For the past few weeks I’ve been petrified beyond belief. With you right now in this truck is the first time since getting kicked out of Starlight that I’ve felt…safe.”

“Sounds like you’ve imprinted on me like a baby duckling,” you joked to lighten the mood. “But I—it makes a small amount of sense I guess. I don’t know.”

“Can you at least consider it?” he asked hopefully. “Think of me as your apprentice. Show me the ropes and then I’ll strike out on my own if you want.”

If only it were that easy… The smart response to what he was implying would be a resounding no but for some reason you couldn’t get the word to slip past your lips. You kept seeing his smiling face, genuinely happy to be helping people. He could have been pretending but you knew phoniness when you saw it—had been able to scope that out even before the end of the world—and Ten had not been faking anything.

The asshole.

Tuning out the tiny voice in the back of your mind singing that this was a horrible idea, you groaned in resignation. “Fine. You can tag along with me for a while but you have to do everything that I say. And you stay in the truck when I go to get stuff. If something happens and I tell you to haul ass, you better fucking haul ass okay?”

His smile was ecstatic though tainted around the edges. “Okay. Whatever you say.”

You mumbled to yourself and kept driving, watching as the sun began to sink lower and lower on the horizon. It would be dark soon and that didn’t tend to bode well depending on where you were. The road could be a safe place but the Molded had learned several tricks throughout the years. One being that if you stopped a fast moving thing, you could possibly get to the squishy thing inside. If you thought accidents were bad before, just imagine passing a car on fire while the driver’s skull was being pried open by a crazed zombie.

Glancing in the rearview mirror to make sure you weren’t being followed, you eased to a stop and yanked a tattered map out of the unlocked glove compartment. “Let’s see here.” You spread it across your lap. “Hm.”

Ten peeped at what you were doing, sitting close enough that your shoulders touched. “What are you looking for? Are these red Xs good or bad?”

“Neither. They’re places I have been before.”

“And the black blocky crosses?”

“High infected areas.”

“I’m almost scared to ask how you discovered they were infected areas.”

“Heh. Same way I discovered shit about the other areas. I went there for supplies and nearly got my throat ripped out. Now I know not to go there again unless I have a death wish. Though the dead migrate so they could be fine now.”

“Oh my God.” He raked a hand through his hair. “All of this is—it’s just too much.”

You shrugged. “You get used to it. Ah!” Spying what you were searching for, you bundle the map into his lap and start driving again. “We are in luck.”

Ten arched a brow. “How so?”

You smirked at him but didn’t answer, instead offering up a wink. He snorted and turned his attention to his rings, using his nail to try and clear the dirt from between the stones. They probably cost more than what an apartment used to go for in New York.

Fifteen minutes later you were parking as close as you could next to a thick wire fence that surrounded a house that had seen better days. You made note of the white piece of cloth dangled over the chained gate and nodded, considering that a good sign. Outside the truck it was deathly quiet; not even crickets were willing to make any noise.

“Okay.” Slipping on your backpack, you opened the door and leaned out. “Coast is clear. C’mon.”

“Where are we going?” Ten inquired as he slowly climbed out, wincing as he put pressure on his injured knee. “Do you have a key or something?”

“Or something.” Feeling along the fence and pushing at the cool metal links, you find what you’re looking for when a small section gave way. Carefully you dropped down and crawled underneath it, staining your ripped jeans with dirt. “Your turn pretty boy. Maybe flat on your back?”

“Shit.” Ten growled but slowly maneuvered himself until he was on his back. He then inched his way bit by bit under the fence until he was on the other side. “I have never been this dirty in my entire life.”

You grinned. “Oh pfft. I once had to spend the three hours in swamp water; you’ll live. Up!” Clutching his upper arms, you hauled him up, arms winding around his small waist as he stumbled into you. “It’s worth it I promise.”

With his arm slung across your shoulders, you helped him to the house and off to the left where two large cellar doors rested. You got one opened, helped him down and then hurried back to close it, using a small pipe to keep it that way.

Ten leaned heavily against you, his cheek resting to the top of your head. “Are we gonna sleep in a wine cellar?”

Leading him to a rather randomly placed bookshelf, you pulled on the spine of Pride & Prejudice and watched as the entire shelf disconnected itself from the wall. After a few more steps you were both safely inside of a secret underground bunker, the lights dim and slightly flickering but on. The main room was sectioned off into smaller rooms sort of like cubicles with a kitchenette, bathroom, one bed for the bedroom and a long couch for the living room.

“Home sweet home. For tonight anyway.” Giving Ten’s side a squeeze, you helped him to the couch and gently deposited him there. “The guy who made this told me about it once. After stuff went to hell I popped in a couple of months later to see if he’d just been pulling my leg. He wasn’t.”

Ten toed off his remaining shoe. “Where is the guy?”

You dropped your bag and put your gun on the tiny table. “Dead. He was infected so I put him down and buried him out back. Figured it’s what he would have wanted. Anyway now I use this place as a bit of a stopover when I need to rest my head. Told a few other people about it and so they help me keep it up, and have made more like it in other places. The white cloth means it’s free. Shit…I should have removed it but oh well we’ll only be here until morning and I doubt we’ll have visitors.”

He hummed. “You’re really smart and capable. You must think I suck.”

You chuckled. “No I don’t. We’ve just had different lives for the past few years. Now you can get a lovely lukewarm shower if you want and I’ll be nice and fix you something not fruit to eat.”

Ten opened his mouth to reply but apparently changed his mind and slowly pushed himself up off the couch. He looked down at himself and nodded, limping past you towards the bathroom. But not before pressing his soft lips to your cheek for a kiss. You watched him go and sighed deeply, already feeling like you were in deep shit.

This is going to end badly. When has anything gone right for you? You should drop him off with Kun for his own sake.

You’re going to get him killed.

Your thoughts made you frown but they weren’t entirely wrong. Giving in to his request to stay close was dumb and you knew that. You took full responsibility for it. Yet that wouldn’t mean jack shit when some zombie fucker was clawing out his insides or turning him into a moldy freak. Why did he want to stay with you? He obviously didn’t remember you from that day so… Were you really that much more appealing than the relative safety of a settlement?

Itching into your thick dark hair, you opened your pack and started rooting through it, pulling out cans of beans and a small packet of ramen noodles. After opening them and making sure they hadn’t spoiled, you fired up the makeshift fire pit with its tiny exhaust pipe. Grabbed a pot from the counter, filled it with bottle water and nestled it into the steadily growing fire. Soon it would be boiling enough to soften the noodles and make them edible.

Taking off your jacket and sneakers, you flopped onto the sofa and listened to the water run.

You weren’t sure how long you just spaced out but Ten eventually calling your name brought you back. Your eyes shifted to him and for a moment you just stared, caught between your thoughts and reality. Ten was standing off to the side in nothing but a pale green towel slung very low on his small waist. His skin was damp from his shower, his hair sticking to his forehead. He—surprisingly—had several tattoos adorning his right arm from wrist to shoulder blade. And of course you couldn’t forget the artistic crescent around his left nipple.

Suddenly you realized it had been a very long time since you’d been with someone else. Not that…

You bit your bottom lip and let your eyes trail from his feet, along his chest and up to his face. Admiring the view and not even caring that your less than pure thoughts were probably flashing like a neon sign in your expression. But he was gorgeous, and he clearly knew it which just made him even hotter.

He seemed amused by it if his smile was anything to go by. “See something you like?”

“Depends. How much is it?”

That made him laugh; a lilted little giggle. “Seeing as you did save my life I think we could work something out. In the meantime, though…do you have anything I can wear? My clothes are way too torn and dirty for me to put back on.”

“Check the box in the bedroom. Might be something in there.”

Minutes later he returned in a long sleeved white shirt that was a tad big and black shorts. “This is so much better.” He sat down beside you. “What’s for dinner?”

“Noodles and beans.” You got two small chipped plates from the kitchenette and fixed him a serving once you’re sure they’re done, handling it to him. “It’s not lobster but you won’t starve.”

“That’s okay,” he said easily. “And for your information we only had lobster once a month.”

“Right.” You got your own food and began to eat with your pathetic little plastic spork.

Ten tilted his head. “Y/N this is perfect as far as I am concerned. Seriously, thank you.”

He’s a victim too, remember? “Yeah I—sorry. I just don’t exactly have a good impression of Starlight and what it stands for. Mainly the rich on top and everyone else on the bottom. It was supposed to be a symbol of hope but it’s not.”

“Why not?” he asked as if he was scared to know the answer.

Far be it for you to unload your issues onto him but he had asked. Besides if anyone could attest to Starlight’s problems now it would be him. “Lots of reasons to be honest. The council does the bare minimum so that no one riots. Hands out scraps to the people in settlements so everyone thinks they give a shit. Keeps the borders clean of infected so we’re all safe. These seem like good things and they are, but they’re surface level. A few cans of food for like twenty people when Starlight residents get fresh meat daily? What about medicine? Clothes?” Just talking about it made you angry. “Do you know why I was out there today? Advil and Tylenol.”

Staring down at his food, Ten took a bite before saying anything. “I figured things were rough but I’d never considered how rough. Fuck, I’m so stupid.”

“No, you’re not. You were a resident so technically there was only so much you could do anyway. And just the fact that you wanted to do charity means you thought more about us out here than others did.” You poked his thigh. “I’m not trying to make you feel bad, Ten.”

He nodded. “I believe you. And I did ask. I wish I could help though. If I wasn’t banished I could at least make some noise once I got back.”

You smiled. “You’re sweet. Despite it all people are making it however so it is what it is. The only difference is Starbucks doesn’t exist anymore.”

He groaned with unhappiness. “Don’t remind me! I’d kill for an Iced Americano.”

“Ew. And nothing of value was lost.” He pouted and you snickered.

The rest of “dinner” consisted of lighter conversation with you explaining an average day for you, and Ten telling you about his love for dancing and drawing. He briefly talked about his life pre apocalypse but you remained vague about anything of substance. He didn’t push and you really appreciated it. Afterwards you both moved to the bed, neither of you having an issue with sharing.

“By the way, how did you hurt your knee?”

Ten glared down at it. “I tripped over a tree root while I was running and banged it. I hope it gets better.”

You sat on the side of the bed and draped his leg across your lap, wiggling a tube of muscle rub in his face. “This should help. I keep it with me because I can be pretty active depending on what’s up.” Flipping off the cap, you squeezed a dollop onto your fingers and gently began to massage his knee. “Stinks but it’s effective.”

“Ah.” He watched you with tired dark brown eyes. “Tingles. Is it only for knees?”

“No it’s for all muscles,” you replied as you rubbed. “Why?”

He pointed to his neck. “Do you think you could…?”

You went over his knee for a second time and then slipped behind him on the bed, repeating the process but to his neck. With two fingers you rubbed the cream where shoulder and neck met; small circles over and over until his skin was slightly shiny.

Ten made soft sounds of enjoyment, body reclining backwards until he was practically collapsed against you. It was as if the days and weeks of exhaustion had finally caught up to him now that he had a moment to stop. He was heavier than he looked but you found that you didn’t mind so much. It was nice to be needed again.

“Ten…”

Your breath ghosted across the shell of his ear and he shivered. “That fe—feels good,” he whispered sleepily.

You shifted to get more comfortable and continued with your massage, lightly digging your thumbs into his tight flesh. He went limp, his head lolling off to the side minutes later. As his breathing evened out you peeped at his face; he looked serene in sleep.

What is my life right now? you wondered as you brushed silky strands of hair off his head. Your fingers lightly touched the fading bruise on his jaw; no doubt someone had hit him with the butt of their gun. Only a complete dickhead could do something so mean to someone so lovely.

“You shouldn’t be out here with the rest of us,” you said aloud, your voice low. “We destroy lovely things out here.”

In a way Ten sort of reminded you of the before times. Before zombies. Before mad men with guns roaming the back roads looking for someone to fuck up. Before you had to basically learn to live off parts of the land or die. He was like the guy that would hold the elevator open for you even though he was in a hurry. Or let you share his cab on a rainy day. Which kind of sucked because you were no way equipped to take care of such a valuable thing. Physically perhaps but emotionally? The jury was still out.

Letting out a yawn, you decided you might as well get some shut eye too so you’d be well rested for tomorrow. You gently inched out from under Ten and placed his head on a lumpy pillow before snuggling back down. You were asleep within moments.

The next morning you woke up to Ten clinging to you like a limpet, curled as close as he could get with his face pressed into the hollow of your throat. He was nice and warm, his right leg tangled between yours, his right arm across your stomach. You couldn’t remember the last time you’d been comfortable enough to let another person this close. You’d almost forgotten how…nice touch could be.

Don’t get used to this. You can’t get used to this, played like a mantra in your fuzzy brain. Of course telling yourself something and following through were easier said than done.

ᓚᘏᗢ

For the next three weeks you did what you usually did. The exception however being that Ten was now along for the ride. He followed your directions pretty well, though you could tell staying in the truck while you ventured into iffy parts unknown made him a bit agitated. The relief on his face when you returned always struck you; caused stupid flutters in your chest that you never looked too deeply into.

You introduced him to Kun and they appeared to get along fairly well. Ten point blank asked if you and Kun were “together” and the idea had made you laugh. Kun was a great guy but attachments weren’t really your thing. To which Ten had simply grinned and cuddled closer, resting his head onto your shoulder. You’d both been nestled away in an abandoned train car at the time to wait out a bad thunderstorm.

On days when you didn’t go scavenging, you taught Ten all you knew about surviving zombies and were to go if he needed help. You attempted to teach him to use a gun, and while he wasn’t a fan you stressed the need to at least be able to shoot straight. All in all, it wasn’t as horrible as you’d first assumed having him around. He was easy to talk to and against your better judgment, you found yourself letting your guard down with him.

So it then stood to reason that you should tell him the truth about why you didn’t ditch him with Kun. Well, half of the reason anyway.

Sitting in the cab of your truck as the rain drizzled down outside, you glanced around the area with keen dark eyes. The restaurant was probably nice in its heyday; the kind where you needed a reservation before you were even allowed to step through the front door. With fancy light fixtures trimmed in gold and tables with tablecloths imported from Paris or something. Now it was just a squat building with weeds coming out of the brick and huge cracks in the foundation.

All you cared about however was the kitchen.

“This seems…stupid.” Ten shoved his hands into the pockets of his gray hoodie. “Risking your life for pots and pans.”

He wasn’t wrong. “True but the guns we get in exchange are anything but stupid. I want that double barreled shotgun. Think of how many heads we’ll be able to explode! Also it’d be nice to have real silverware for a change.”

He made a face. “I guess but it still seems…stupid to me. But I don’t like it when you go into places like this anyway so.”

You nodded. “I know but I’m fast and small. And nothing has happened to me so far. Besides if it does you know the way to Kun’s now. Bad driving aside I think you could get there in one piece.”

Ten rolled his eyes. “You think this is about me being left by myself? As if I’d be okay with something happening to you?”

Biting the inside of your cheek, you reached over and tweaked his upper earlobe. “It was a joke, Ten. I don’t wanna die any more than you want me to die. And for the record I’d never leave you alone…with my truck.”

“Oh gee,” he said but he was smiling. That smile that now made you smile because it was so damn cute. “You should let me go with you.”

“That wasn’t part of the deal,” you reminded him. “You stay here and I go in.”

“How long is that going to be a thing? Six months? A year?”

“You—you plan to stick around for a year?”

“Yes. Why wouldn’t I? Why would I go anywhere?”

You rubbed idly at your knuckles, his words seeping deep into your brain. “I don’t know. I guess I just assumed eventually you’d get tired of me—of living like this—and want to do your own thing. You’re very smart and personable…you could have a shop or something.”

Ten leaned his head back to the seat and fixed his eyes on the roof of the truck. “I like being with you, Y/N. Why would I want to be by myself? I’ve been alone long enough.”

Not exactly wanting to continue this line of conversation, you couldn’t help yourself however. Perhaps it was just time. “What happened to your family? You’ve mentioned them but…”

He exhaled deeply and pulled one of his legs up underneath him. “I could ask you the same thing. Don’t think I don’t notice you changing the subject whenever things get too heavy.”

Fair. “It’s painful to think about, to talk about. Especially since I haven’t in years.”

“You don’t have to.”

You shrugged. “I mean, it’s probably the same story a lot of people have. I had a family, zombies popped up and bit by bit I lost my family. My big brother was the last to—to go. He got infected and, well, I wasn’t about to leave him that way.” Losing your brother was when you decided it was best to just be alone. Safer and it just made sense. “In the blink of an eye all of our plans went to shit. I went from bartending at night to help pay for veterinary school to this.”

“Y/N.” Ten scooted over so that he could put his arm around your shoulders. “I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine how that must have affected you.”

When you didn’t replay, he continued talking. “I was in the states for a friend’s wedding when everything went down. Tried to get back home but flights were cancelled pretty quickly. Because my friend was the son of a politician we were looked after pretty well. I was able to talk to my parents by way of a…satellite phone for a long while.” He cleared his throat. “Truthfully I’ve been more or less sheltered from the worst of shit because of my connections. It’s how I ended up in Starlight. Money talked even during the end of the world. Fuck.”

For some reason his curse made you laugh. “Wow. And here I thought we were about to trade like horror stories or something.”

Ten groaned and pulled his hoodie over his head, using the strings to pull it inward until his face was almost hidden. “Hey I have horror stories. Being chased and tackled by a mutual friend who’d just got infected with that mold stuff. Seeing the crazy ass look in his eyes as he tried to throw up or dig mold out of his own body so he could shove it down my throat. I had nightmares about that for weeks.”

Okay yeah that would give anyone bad dreams. “True. So what about your parents? Are they okay or…”

Shifting a little, he pushed down his hood and ran his fingers through his black hair. “Communication is spotty, and I haven’t seen them in years. But I’m allowed to have a brief chat every month. Or I was. I wonder what the council told them happened to me. A lie I bet.”

Your family was gone but you wanted to try to give Ten back his. “I might could get my hands on a satellite phone. I know a guy who trades in rare stuff. If I tell him to be on the lookout he’ll hit me up if he finds one. He’ll probably want like, my first born afterwards but it’s cool.”

“Why would you do that for me?” His voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

“Why did you want to stay with me instead of being safe with Kun?” you asked plainly.

“Honestly? I’ve felt a connection with you since the day we first met. Sometimes shit just goes that way.”

You sighed and tucked your long hair behind your ears. “Yeah. The funny thing is we met before. Before the drug store I mean.”

That made him look at you. “What? How—”

“It’s okay, you don’t remember and I don’t expect you to. I was just another face in the crowd on Lottery Day.” Lottery Day being when the Starlight council would pick one lucky person to join them in their paradise. It was supposed to be completely random; you fill out a small questionnaire and slip it into this big bucket, and on the day they’d pluck a name from it. Anyone who applied had a chance…or so they wanted you to believe. “It was actually the last one I went to.”

His brows narrowed. “We spoke?”

You shook your head. “Nope. You were up with some of the other fancy residents, clapping and smiling and looking so…untouchable. Before they plucked a name out of that bucket they started tossing care packages into the crowd. And you picked up this pink colored one and threw it right to me.” You paused. “I just remember your smile and how—you looked genuinely excited. I don’t know why that stuck with me. Maybe because everything else about that day was shit.”

He frowned and you could tell he was trying to remember. Trying to recall a day that was ultimately insignificant to him. “Was this recent?”

“Nope. A few years go.”

“Fuck,” he muttered. “Wait is that why you helped me? Because you remembered me?”

“Yes. I guess that is fucked up but you know how things are out here now. How you can’t just trust someone because they ask you to. My last Lottery Day was when I realized the system was rigged. That only people with skills ever won. It made me so angry I could have strangled someone.” Annoyed, you tightened your shoelaces and decided to say fuck the rain. You wanted this job done already. “If you’re mad—”

He squeezed your hand. “I’m not mad, Y/N. I’m thankful that I could give you a good memory for that day. Though now it all sort of feels like fate. That day and then us meeting again. To think I’d be dead if I hadn’t smiled at you.”

Laughing, you pinched his arm until he squirmed. “You’d also be dead if you had a creepy smile, for what it’s worth.” Opening the door, you slipped out and closed it behind you. “I’m glad you’re with me. Against the voices screaming at me sometimes, I’m glad I can keep you safe. You deserve to be safe.”

Without waiting for him to say anything, you darted across the parking lot and into the shabby restaurant. Man it was easier to pretend like you weren’t attached to Ten but deep down, you knew you were only bullshitting yourself. But sometimes that was necessary, right? Self-preservation and what not. One could not move like you had over the years—hating the world, hating yourself for making it—and then suddenly turn on a dime. Embracing joy almost felt like forgetting, and you could not forget.

Not yet anyway.

Yet you got the distinct feeling that life didn’t care what you were ready for. Never had. It had thrown Ten into your path without a single care for your morose disposition. All but dared you to take care of him, and perhaps let him take care of you too. The hidden truth—your hidden truth—was that you helped Kun because he was a good guy but also because it made you feel something. If you died getting him medicine or food, then at least that would be a worthy death.

“And yet I’m out here for a goddamn cookware set,” you murmured as you eased around a broken set of tables. “I mean I guess that’s still good. People use pots to cook and eat. People need to eat.”

You were making your way past lopsided tables and overturned dessert carts when the kitchen came into view. It was a straightforward walk to the back of the restaurant with nothing out of order. Until everything was out of order. The freezer or pantry door crashed open the moment you wrangled a set of pans down from where they hung over a grimy dishwasher. Something heavy that reeked of rotten meat barreled into you, tackling you to the floor, sending your gun out of sight. A disgusting figure that used to be a man shrieked in your face, its long nails clawing at any part of you it could reach. You did all you could to protect your face while frantically searching for anything that could help.

A piece of the cement floor gave way when you touched it so you yanked it up. You slammed it into the side of the rabid zombie’s head as hard as you could, knocking it to the side. It tumbled off of you and you forced yourself up, hands scrapping on the metal of the broken stove to help with traction. Grabbing up the nearest heavy object—a large rolling pin—you swung it like a baseball bat at the second creature lumbering towards you. It went down like a sack of potatoes, dazed but not out. Like an actress in an action movie, you all but threw yourself across the nearest table and made a beeline for the front door.

Your chest heaved as you sprinted out into the rain, sneakers slipping in the thick mud. Your back burned where that asshole had scratched you but you weren’t concerned with turning, just getting away. Behind you the sounds of the Molded regaining their bearings pinged your ears but you ignored them. Ignored them crashing into leftover furniture as they violently came after you.

When you reached your truck you wretched the drive side door open so quickly your fingers slipped off the handle. You climbed in as fast as you could, shutting the door minutes before a zombie slammed against it.

“Y/N!” Ten shouted in alarm.

You ignored him. You jammed the key into the ignition, wrenched the truck into gear and peeled out of the parking lot like the devil was behind you. Running clean over the zombie that had been own its way to try its luck.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck!” you exclaimed as you drove. “I’m gonna throw up.”

“What happened!?” Ten gripped at the dashboard when you took a curve too fast. “Ah!”

“Okay.” Shaking, you spotted a dirt path that pivoted off into the woods and pulled into it, cutting the engine. “FUCK! I hate those fuckers so much!”

Ten wrapped his long fingers around the back of your neck, turning your head to look at him. “Hey hey, what happened? Are you okay?”

You sighed. “Just—one was hiding in the pantry or something and it knocked me over. I dropped my gun and it tried to…” Unzipping your jacket, you shrugged it off and did the same to your ripped t-shirt. “Dick head clawed me. Thank god this can’t make us turn or I’d have a difficult decision to make. Now I gotta get the pots from somewhere else. Great.”

He frowned and reached into the glove compartment for the First Aid kit. “Does it hurt? It’s not bleeding so—so that’s a good sign right? It’s not deep enough I don’t think…”

Your heart was beating so fast you could see it jumping under your skin. The adrenaline was throbbing throughout your body; you’d have a bad headache when you eventually came down but you’d worry about that later. For now, you focused on the fact that you were alive. You were still moving and breathing and those sons of bitches hadn’t beat you!

Bewildered, you chuckled and glanced at Ten as he rummaged in the kit for the right bandage. Feeling your eyes on him, he looked up and your eyes dropped to his lips. So much of the world was like granite; hard and unyielding but Ten had never came off that way. Out in the wild with the crazy things and he still looked…ethereal. His skin was still perfect, his hair still silky soft and his lips still…

Maybe it was the nearly dying that made you reckless, but before you could dwell on why it was a bad idea, you’d already leaned over and pressed your lips to Ten’s. It just felt right. However, when he didn’t respond it felt less right, and you pulled back.

“Shit I—I’m sorry,” you stammered in embarrassment. “I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be.” Ten snapped out of his stupor and touched your chin. “Do it again.”

You fell against each other then, the First Aid kit forgotten. Shirt already off, you wiggled out of your jeans and panties in record time as Ten popped the clasp to your bra and slipped it off your arms. He didn’t even need to stop kissing you.

Everything flowed effortlessly after that with Ten hauling you into his lap so that he could kiss you again. In the past making out had been good but it had never been like this before. Ten kissed you like he needed you, like you were the only person in the world whose lips he wanted to taste. You sighed against him and slipped your tongue into his mouth, fingers in his hair as you moaned lightly. It had been so long since you’d made out with someone else, so long since their hands had cupped your breasts and rolled you nipples. God you’d missed this.

Ten reluctantly released your lips and ducked his head so that he could suck reddish marks into the hot skin of your throat. He bit down where neck met shoulder and you shivered, squirming on his lap. You fumbled with the button on his jeans as he sucked one of your nipples into his mouth, teeth teasing with just a hint of a sting.

“Ten,” you whispered faintly.

“You taste like rain water,” he said as he muscled you down onto your back.

You chuckled and watched him quickly strip, dropping his clothes to pool with your own in the floor. He was so fucking gorgeous; there was something oddly mesmerizing about his tiny waist that you couldn’t put into words. But you knew you wanted to bite it and mark it, much like you wanted to do to the rest of him. Ten had a dancer’s body—he was thin but there was obviously core strength there. Not to mention a nice sized dick, the tip already wet. Either way he was sexy as fuck and you desperately wanted him inside of you.

With one hand on your breast, squeezing and massing, he dropped the other between your spread legs. You were already hot and damp for him but he slid a finger inside of you anyway. Added another seconds later, curling and stroking until you were grinding down on his hand. When his thumb brushed your clit you gasped and accidentally kicked the passenger door.

He smirked, his dark eyes pinning you in place. “So responsive…” After a moment he brought his fingers to his mouth and sucked; a low rumble satisfaction echoing out of his chest. “Fuck…”

You pushed wet hair off your forehead. “How do you want me?”

Ten hooked his hands underneath your knees and yanked you to him with a grunt. “Just like this.” He crawled over you, resting on his elbows. “I don’t have…anything…”

“It’s fine,” you said reaching down to stroke his cock, grinning when he hissed. “I’m good. Fuck me, please.”

“Yeah…” He clamped slender fingers around your hip to hold you still and then pushed inside of you until there was nowhere else to go. “Again. Sa—say that again.”

“Please,” you whined when he didn’t immediately move. “Please Ten, please fuck me.”

He grinned and kissed your cheek. “You sound so sexy.”

Ten began to thrust and you wrapped both legs around his waist, grabbing onto his ears to pull him to you for another searing kiss. He bit your bottom lip and drove into you over and over, drawing the most delirious sounds out of you. It didn’t really make sense to say but his dick had your whole body vibrating; toes curling as your mind went delightfully blank besides anything other than this moment. He was nudging against your sweet spot and it was almost too much; had you arching upwards as your fingers scrabbled for something to hold onto. You’d never been this wet in your life.

“Te—Ten oh god! Don’t stop!”

Between one minute and the next—with more strength than you knew he had—he’d flipped your positions so that you were on top of him. From this angle he felt deeper and you were sure you were going to shake apart at the seams. You gripped the back of the seat and used it as leverage to move, sliding up and down on him, thighs trembling and breasts bouncing.

“Y/N,” Ten panted. A light sheen of sweat had broken out at his hairline. He caught your free hand and brought it to his lips, pressing wet kisses across your palm. “Slow down, baby. Slow.”

You moaned in disbelief but did as he asked, slowing the pace as much as you could stand. You rolled your hips in a lazy circle and just…enjoyed him. Watched his eyes close to mere slits as he enjoyed you too. It had been so damn long since you’d been with anyone, and now you knew it couldn’t have been anyone but Ten to break your drought. Ten’s hands, Ten’s mouth, Ten’s cock—your brain was a fog of Ten and only Ten.

You didn’t know it was possible to zone out with pleasure but somehow you managed. Yet when your pussy started to clench around Ten’s cock, his right hand shot up to lightly squeeze your neck. His legs bent at the knees and he fucked up into you with purpose, pulling you forward so that he could pound into you as demanding as he pleased.

Ten’s thumb brushing your clit was the end for you. You came hard, trembling and sobbing, endorphins making your head spin. The sounds—you honestly didn’t know your voice could go that high.

“Y/N!” Ten sat up and wrapped his arms around your waist, crushing your breasts to his chest. He pressed his face against your collarbone and spilled hot inside of you, breathing heavily.

When he was done he flopped back to the seat, bringing you down with him. You snorted playfully and wiggled a little, giving him one last squeeze before gently pulling his dick out of you. He huffed but he was smiling. “We’re gonna be all—all sticky.”

“Yeah,” you replied, voice raspy. “But fuck if it wasn’t one hundred percent worth it.”

“That was amazing,” he said rubbing your back. He sounded blissed out and happy.

You hummed and closed your eyes.

Ten brushed his sweaty bangs off his forehead. “Um…earlier you said you were good. I—I don’t wanna ruin the afterglow but…”

Ah. “I’m on birth control. Only good thing the Starlight council did for everyone.”

“Oh.” He kissed your temple. “Okay.”

Resting your head to his chest, you idly traced his crescent tattoo, feeling the raised skin of a scar mixed with the ink. “Tell me a story.”

Ten snickered. “A story? What kind of story?”

Snuggling closer, you let the sound of his beating heart comfort you even more. “One with a happy ending.”

ᓚᘏᗢ

The floodgates opened in the form of you and Ten fucking every chance you got for the next week. Usually in the truck because it was safer but sometimes you got dumb and did it outside. Against a tree that left scratches on your back from the bark or in a field where you ended up with grass stains on your knees. And once on the couch in Kun’s house while he was helping one of his customers. You didn’t talk about your feelings but there was a mutual understanding that you both had them.

That he wasn’t just some guy you’d saved and you weren’t just some girl who’d saved him. The feelings terrified you because so much could go wrong and then you’d be alone again. But you were in too deep to back out now. Not that you wanted to.

More dumbass moves.

“It’s easy!”

Sitting on the hood of your truck, you rested your chin on your knee and smiled at Ten where he’d slid down into a split in the middle of the road. You were several yards at best from the settlement where Kun lived. Had stopped just outside the area because you’d thought you’d had a flat tire. Thankfully that wasn’t the case but Ten had wanted to pop out and stretch his legs.

Heh.

“It looks easy for you.” You tilted your head to the side. “God you’re so freaking flexible. Why?”

“Exercise. It’s good to be limber.” He touched his toes on either foot. “Starlight has a gym. I worked out there twice a week.”

Of course it has a gym. Probably has a sauna too. “I guess it would be good out here too. Cardio and stuff. I feel like you being able to get your legs so far apart is wasted on me though.”

He arched a brow and sent you a flirty grin. “Yeah? Use your imagination.”

You laughed a little louder than intended. “Great. Cut to me risking my life in a sex shop for vibrators and a pink strap on.”

Ten stood, brushing off the back of his pants. “Why pink?”

“I like pink.”

Amused, he climbed up to sit beside you. “I’ll leave it up to you. Though I wish I did more to contribute.”

Kissing his cheek, you shrugged. “If I get that strap you’ll contribute a lot.” He giggled and you continued. “But seriously we’ll find something you’re good at out here. Oh I almost forgot! My guy with the rare shit contacted me last night while you were napping and he thinks he might have a lock on a satellite phone.”

Ten’s expression brightened. “That would be great. Unless what he wants for it is too much then don’t worry. I’d rather have you alive and unharmed instead of a satellite phone. It’s been like a month or two; my parents probably think I’m dead anyway.”

“But you aren’t. They should know the truth.” You nuzzled at his jaw, pressing kisses down the side of his neck. “Kun seems to think give it a few more years and we’ll be chartering planes again if we’re careful. You could actually see your family. Wouldn’t that be wild?”

“I’d love that. You could come with me.”

“I—you’d want me to?”

“Of course. I think they’d like you.”

“Even though I’m a poor?”

He rolled his eyes. “We’ve never cared about that shit. We judge people on their actions, and you’ve been nothing but awesome. My mom would hug you so tight after I tell her about you helping me.”

You chewed on your bottom lip. “That sounds nice. Here’s hoping it happens one day.”

The sounds of a vehicle approaching from the right cut your conversation short as you and Ten looked to see what was going on. A heavy black armored truck—the kind that used to transfer money to and from banks—popped over the hill and grew closer before slowing to a stop beside you. Instinctively your hand went behind you to the gun tucked in the band of your jeans.

Two men jumped out in matching tactical vests and Ten went deathly still beside you. Okay that can’t be good.

“Mr. Lee,” the first man said. His nametag read Carter and he was tall, blonde and handsome.

“What are you doing here? How did you find me?” Ten inquired slowly.

Carter’s shoulders straightened. “Intelligence in this area informed us about your whereabouts.”

“Ten who are these dues?” you asked warily.

Ten frowned. “They are from Starlight Towers. Part of the council’s security detail.”

That made you frown. “Oh really? Well I don’t know what you bitches want but wasn’t kicking him out enough? Just leave him alone.”

The second guy—Vincent, a strapping brunette—answered. “Actually Mr. Lee you’ll be happy to know that the charges against you have been vacated and your name completely cleared. Mrs. Lange admitted to lying and falsifying those documents in your apartment because of her…infatuation with you. She has been dealt with accordingly and will no longer be a problem.” He gestured to their vehicle. “The council welcomes you back to Starlight Tower.”

You blinked. “Wait, what?”

Ten stared at the two men as if they were aliens. “I… Just like that? She frames me because I wouldn’t have sex with her because she is married to a council member, I get kicked out of my home and now it’s all water under the bridge when I said at the very beginning I was innocent? That’s bullshit.”

Carter folded his arms across his chest. “We’re just following orders, sir. They want you back and we’re here to collect you.”

Sliding off the hood, you shook your head. “Wow. Just—wow.”

“I won’t go back if I can’t bring Y/N with me.” Ten hopped off with you and stood close.

Carter glanced at you. “She’s not a resident of Starlight. We can’t just let her in.”

“Then I’m sorry guys but you came all this way for nothing.” Ten smiled at you. “I’m not leaving without her.”

You heart fluttered and although you knew you should have been pushing him to go home, you couldn’t bring yourself to say the words. You couldn’t let him go.

Carter obviously wanted to argue but ultimately the decision was taken out of all of your hands. The sound of motorcycles broke through the quiet as about five or six tore through the settlement, heading your way. Before you could even grasp what was happening, bullets were flying, hitting the ground all around you. Striking your windshield and busting out your headlights.

“Ten look out!” You screamed and shoved him as hard as you could out of the way, gasping as a bullet tore through your side. Your back hit the grill of your truck and you sunk to the ground, blood pouring out of your wound.

“Y/N!” Ten scrambled to you, pressing his hand hard against where you’d be hit. “It’s okay! You’ll be okay! Kun can help you!”

“We gotta go!” Vincent yelled. He and Carter were returning fire; picking the raiders off one by one. “Now!”

Carter cursed and grabbed Ten’s upper arm roughly, literally dragging him away from you and towards their truck. “C’mon Mr. Lee! We have to get you to safety!”

Naturally Ten fought against him, trying to get free. “No! Let go! Stop! We—we can’t just leave her! Y/N! Let me go!”

You watched as Carter tossed Ten rather unceremoniously into the back of their truck before jumping in himself. The door closed with a loud clang. You watched as Vincent jumped under the wheel and performed a violent U-turn before heading back the way they’d came. Ten’s panicked face appeared in the small window and you watched as the truck grew smaller and smaller before disappearing out of sight.

You frowned. “Our job is to kill creatures that we know have broken the pact. Not to just start stabbing and shooting just because someone happens to be a vampire or whatever. Do you want a war between the factions?”

Jeremy rolled his eyes. “Oh don’t be stupid, Y/N. Every vampire has broken the dumb pact at least once or twice. Especially when they were fledglings and not able to control their thirst. Killing one without concrete proof that they have done something bad recently means nothing because either way they’re guilty so we’re in the clear. I’d have been doing the world a favor not to mention my job.”

“Well I don’t operate that way,” you told him. “As the senior member I get to dictate how our patrols go. We don’t just beat the fuck outta some dude because he has fangs.”

“Heh senior member. Right.” He spat the words out as if the very taste of them offended him. “You know what? Screw this I’m outta here. Since you’re so freaking powerful you finish up on your own.”

As you watched him stalk off into the woods you thought about calling him back but ultimately decided against it. Jeremy was an asshole and you were better off without people like him just making things worse. Besides you were right and he was wrong; he just couldn’t stand being called out by a Sangre Pura. As if that were your fault. As if you could control something that happened to you in the womb.

With a deep sigh you looked up to the bright full moon, admiring the way it threw white light throughout the forest. While other people your age were out partying or binge watching their favorite shows on Netflix, you were out ridding the world of things that went bump in the night. Werewolves, vampires, wendigos, wraiths—if it targeted humans then it was your job to slay it. The creature features were easy however because they were the true monsters. All they wanted to do was rip people apart and make a feast of their entrails. Vampires and werewolves—basically anything with a functioning brain—weren’t as simple. Those were usually dealt with on a case by case basis. You couldn’t kill a werewolf because once upon a time he might have killed someone; especially if it happened before you were even born. What if now he was reformed? What if these days he just wanted to live a normal life with his Pack?

It was something people like Jeremy refused to take into account. Sure not judging a supernatural by their cover often made the job more dangerous, but it was a risk you were willing to take. You didn’t want to accidentally kill an innocent and start a war. Of course Jeremy probably figured if there was a war, your side would easily win because of the magic you possessed but you weren’t so certain. Not everyone had the same power level or skill, and going up against an Ancient or an Alpha was no joke.

A fact that often caused contention between members of your organization.

When you’d came upon Jeremy he’d been in the process of repeatedly punching a vampire with brass knuckles made of silver. The vampire hadn’t fought back, instead he’d simply tried to shield himself as Jeremy continued to beat on him. At first you’d assumed Jeremy had found the mark you were both after but quickly realized that couldn’t be true. The thing you were hunting was deadly and unreasonable; it would have been lashing out like a dog gone rabid not backing away in surrender. As Jeremy yanked out his dagger and prepared to stab the vampire in his heart, you’d practically threw him to the ground before he could strike.

Needless to say that had not gone over well…not that you cared. Jeremy had taken off deeper into the woods cursing a blue streak and you’d been forced to follow, leaving the broken vampire shivering and bleeding on the old ground. Broken but alive so all things considered you figured things would be okay. And if someone showed up at the manor asking questions you would not hesitate to rat Jeremy out. Fuck him and his prejudice ideals.

Years before being switched over to active duty you’d always thought nothing in your world was as black and white as some wanted it to be. As the Elders obviously wanted it to be. If a human could be a remorseless serial killer then surely a witch could be a healer. People and supernaturals were more than their monikers. They were their intentions, and more than once you’d ran across a fairy that just wanted to enjoy a latte at Starbucks.

No matter what you tried your best to be fair. After all what was the point of having so much power if you just behaved recklessly with it?

Pushing up the sleeves of your trendy leather jacket, you started the long walk back to the place you currently called home. A large towering mansion with more rooms than people; you’d lived and trained there for most of your life with people just like you. Quite a few you thought of as family but more often than not, they were just phantoms roaming the halls until it was time to fight. They’d adapted the philosophy that attachments only made someone weak. That you could only depend on yourself, hence Jeremy being perfectly fine leaving you in the dark woods with a ferocious creature on the loose.

Good thing I’m not scared, you thought to yourself. You’d always liked the dark for some reason. Maybe because you knew you’d be able to light the way if you had to.

You weaved through the heavy brush, pushing branches out of your way as the sounds of the forest skittered around you. Your keen senses could detect deer playing together in the distance while a fox tiptoed up to a stream for a drink. With how calm everything seemed you figured there were no predators. At least nothing that made a grizzly look like a duckling.

A fat little rabbit hopped across your path and you smiled, watching as its nose twitched in your direction before disappearing under a thick set of bushes. You’d half a mind to follow it when a stick snapped behind you and the hair on the back of your neck stood to attention. Before you could reach for the knife in the hostler across your chest, a hand wrapped around your throat and you were lifted off the ground. Feet dangling, you looked down to see a handsome young man and a pair of red eyes glaring up at you.

Vampire, your mind supplied hastily.

“Did you honestly think you’d get away with it?” He tilted his head to the side, watching you as if you were a peculiar sort of specimen. “That you could attack a member of my Coven—unprovoked, might I add—and that there wouldn’t be a reckoning?”

“I—” But you couldn’t get the words out. His hand was like a vice grip around your neck, sharp nails digging into your tender skin.

You latched onto his wrist, fingers tingling with your magic, sending white bursts of electricity down his arm to try to dislodge him but he just winced. Gave you a little shake and tightened his fingers until you were seeing spots dancing across your vision.

“Powerful. Impressive but you’re still so young. You can’t contend with me,” he said lowly. “Try that again and I’ll reconsider making your death quick. I was simply going to snap your neck but perhaps now I will take you back to my Coven. Let everyone have a taste.”

“I—I—”

“I always thought this pact business was just a load of bullshit, but to have one of my friends attacked so brazenly? Beaten with silver and left for dead…” He growled, perfect fangs descending. “And for it to be Mark of all people. One of few among us who advocates for your kind? Well…at least now he knows the truth. The Pantheon cannot be trusted. You should all be wiped out so that you don’t cause even more damage.”

Comprehension came slowly as air began to become a factor but you sluggishly realized that this vampire was apparently the leader of the one Jeremy had been wailing on. The one you’d stopped Jeremy from killing. And now you were going to die for that asshole’s crimes. Perfect.

“Pact be damned.” The vampire shook his head and squeezed so hard you were pretty sure you heard a tiny crack. “If it’s war you want then I will give it to you. I’ll give it to—”

“Ten! Ten stop!” A body came barreling out from between the overgrown trees, tall and lanky but with clear defined muscles. He put a hand on the shoulder of the vampire choking you. “Ten, stop.”

Ten—apparently— glanced to the newcomer. “What are you doing out here, Johnny? I told you take Mark home. I’m dealing with this.”

The newly named Johnny snorted. “Ah no you’re about to kill an innocent girl. Which hey, if that’s your thing then I kinda don’t wanna stand in the way of that but you do always go on about being fair.”

“She attacked Mark!”

“Nope. If you’d stuck around you would have gotten the full story buut…there was another one. Some dude with bad hair attacked Mark and she stopped him. She’s about to pass out by the way.”

“Fuck…” Ten huffed and dropped you like you were nothing more than a sack of potatoes.

You hit the ground with a heavy thump and groaned, curling into a ball as your lungs fought to suck in fresh air. Your throat was so sore it hurt to swallow. Your head was pounding, your vision hazy around the edges had you barely able to make out anything that wasn’t fuzzy shaped. It was quite possible you’d still pass out and that thought actually caused a spike of fear to run down your spine. Losing consciousness in the woods never worked out for anyone.

Johnny knelt down beside you. “Jesus Ten, this was overkill even for you. I know you have a…complicated relationship with the Demios but, well, it’s not like you to be cruel.” He ran a hand through his dark brown hair.

You managed to look up just in time to see Ten lick his fingertips. You’d thought his nails had pierced your skin but you weren’t sure until now. “She’ll heal,” he said distractedly. “It’s a talent all members of the Pantheon possess.”

Johnny arched a brow. “Oh well then I’ll just take a kidney for the road.” He sighed deeply. “We can’t just leave her here. Any manner of wild animal could stroll by and make a meal of her.”

Ten blinked slowly, his red eyes fading to a rather warm dark brown. “Bring her to the road. We’ll get a car to stop and I’ll compel the driver to take her home, no questions asked.”

Johnny hummed and slipped two strong arms underneath you, picking you up effortlessly. Your head lolled off to the side, the world swam like a merry-go-round and darkness claimed you a second later.

~oh you, you terrible thing, you~

Hands braced against the ivory sink, you stared at your reflection in the oval shaped mirror and exhaled deeply. Three weeks since your encounter with those vampires and the bruises around your neck were still as angry and stark looking as ever. A set of perfectly slender fingerprints branded purple into your soft skin; so violent not even makeup could cover them up. Somehow a badge of honor and carelessness there on your flesh for all to see. Jeremy had cackled and you’d broken his nose. You were no longer patrolling partners.

After passing out in the arms of that Johnny guy, you’d woke up in your own bed with your best friend Elizabeth hovering over you. Your healing magic had already started doing its job, so you’d been able to slowly whisper to her what had happened. And she’d word vomited everything she knew about Ten and the Neo Coven of which he was the leader. Evidently he was a Master vampire—hence your magic having near to no effect on him—who usually kept to his own kind unless it was for feeding. He was mysterious and very powerful but not the type to cause trouble.

“At least not anymore,” she’d said absently. You’d wanted more details but Elder Cross had come in to talk to you about the incident, and that had been the end of that.

Sort of.

While you were fine now and even patrolling again, you couldn’t shake the odd feeling that sometimes crept up your back. Perhaps it was how close you’d came to death, or the fact that people now whispered when you walked by. Some thought you were brave for standing up to Ten though you hadn’t exactly done that. Others thought you were an idiot for interfering with Jeremy’s duty. It didn’t escape your notice how the split was shaping up but it was a bit alarming. Were the people just taking sides to be trendy?

“Fuck it.”

Stalking out of your bathroom you grabbed your jacket from a nearby chair and shrugged it on. Technically you were supposed to be studying but you knew you wouldn’t absorb anything tonight. You were too deep into your own head. Not to mention you’d been fighting for years now so it was safe to say you could tell a ghoul from a soul eater.

You crept over to your window and pushed it open, throwing one leg over the sill. Staring down at the ground three stories below, you grinned and jumped, landing perfectly on your feet. And then you were running across the lawn and through the large iron gates; the world a colorful blur around you. By the time you made it into the city you were flushed and panting but happy, blood pumping and magic singing. If so inclined, you could have probably knocked out every light on several blocks but that would have just been showing off.

With no real plan in mind you just wandered around for a bit. Dipped into this store and that store without buying anything but made mental notes to come back later. You checked on a few people you’d saved in the past—ones that now knew about the supernatural world—and dodged their questions about your bruises. Assured them you were fine before moving on, boots thumping on the pavement as you strolled along.

You ended up sitting on a bench overlooking a lovely lake; the lights from the high rise buildings across the way dancing on the water. One by one the stars popped into existence and you slouched, eyes drifting to an elderly couple enjoying two giant cones of ice cream. For a brief moment you thought about your parents but quickly pushed those thoughts away. Looking at the intricate rune tattooed onto your palm, you dragged your fingers through your long hair as you remembered the pain from getting it. How it had ached for weeks afterwards. How proud you’d been. How it was supposed to mean something.

Much like the marks around your neck you couldn’t remember exactly what any of it meant now. Everything was so…distorted.

Or maybe it’s just me that’s all twisted up.

“Hello.”

Jerking back to attention, you blinked at the person suddenly sitting beside you. The hairs on your arms tingled and you realized belatedly your internal warning was a couple of seconds too late.

Schooling your features back to neutral, you pursed your lips. “Hi…”

The vampire—Ten—smiled at you. “Sorry if I startled you. I thought you heard me coming.”

You shrugged. “My…mind was elsewhere. And it seems by the time I sense you, you’re already here so…”

He nodded. “You’ll get better at it, sensing me I mean. Your kind always does.”

That made you frown. “Well if you’re just here to say your kind like I have some sort of disease, I’m gonna be on my way. Not in the mood for that kinda shit right now.”

“Actually…” He shifted to face you, right arm resting on the back of the bench. “I came to apologize.”

You squinted at him. “Apologize?”

“Yes.”

“To me?”

“Yes.”

“For almost killing me?”

“Yes.”

His words gave you pause, your brain shifting between different things that you could say. But as you gazed at him you got the feeling that he was being sincere. His expression was open but impartial, dark eyes giving nothing away. He appeared to be completely at ease. He was also extremely and incredibly gorgeous but you were going to overlook that because he had choked you. It shamed you to admit it wasn’t easy however—there was just something about him. About the silkiness of his black hair, the smoothness of his skin, the way he carried himself like he had the world on the tip of his fingers. Only someone who feared nothing could be so composed. That or he was great at faking it.

Biting your bottom lip, you cleared your throat. “Well…thank you.”

“I—I shouldn’t have jumped to conclusions the way I did but after seeing Mark...” He sighed. “He’s like a baby lion; he wouldn’t hurt a fly. I suppose that’s why he didn’t fight back against your friend.”

“Jeremy is not my friend,” you replied with a scoff. “He’s a dick and Mark should have slapped the taste out of his mouth.”

“Hm. I’m thankful that you saved my friend. I care about the members of my Coven a great deal.” His eyes drifted to your neck. “Are—do they still cause you pain?”

Without thinking you touched your bruises. “No. I healed in a couple of days but the—the bruises always take longer for some reason. It’s like the magic figures they’re just cosmetic or whatever so why bother.”

“You must think me every bad thing your Elders have ever said about vampires,” he mused though his tone was dry as sandpaper. “The way I just went at you.”

“That really sucked but you were upset. And I mean I was the only hunter around so it kinda made sense for you to suspect me.” You folded your arms across your grey shirt. “But yeah maybe next time slow your roll and get the facts before going off halfcocked.”

His lips twitched. “Believe it or not but I usually do. I have to considering my position in the Coven. What happened with you was, well it was less about you and more about my own issues.”

You snorted. “Ah the old it’s not you it’s me spiel. I get that you probably have a lot going on but it doesn’t make what you did any less fucked up. From what I hear you’re not a fledging, so you should have better control over your emotions.”

Ten finally allowed his grin to manifest fully. “Are you always this sassy with someone who’s tried to kill you?”

Well… “Quipping is a part of the business.”

Chuckling, he absent-mindedly played with the gold ring on his finger. “The monsters must love that. On the verge of death and having to listen to some beautiful girl’s puns.”

It wasn’t the first time you’d been called beautiful, but it made you smile just a little all the same. “You know I have to ask you. Why do you hate the Demios so much? I just get the feeling we’re not your favorite people in general.”

Ten sniffed. “To tell you that story I’m going to need a stiff drink. There is a bar right around the corner if you’d like to come with me. My treat. I do owe you and I’d like to make what happened between us up to you.”

Chewing on the inside of your cheek, you mulled his offer over. A tiny voice whispered that it was a bad idea but you already knew your curiosity was going to get the best of you. “Okay. As long as you aren’t hitting on me.”

He stood and shoved his elegant hands into the pockets of his black jeans. “What if I was? What would you say to that?”

“I’d say you know fraternizing between Demios and vampires is expressly forbidden.” You stood as well, enjoying the back and forth. “And that I don’t trust you as far as I could throw you.”

“Smart. And yet we both know you’re coming with me,” he said stepping into your space, voice slipping lower. “Because you’re a curious little kitten, aren’t you?”

Wetting your lips, you forced yourself to stand still even though the strength of his power flowed over your skin like rain water. You’d never interacted with a Master vampire before; never felt this type of overwhelming energy nipping at your heels. All of your training told you to be terrified—to go get back up—but you somehow knew that wasn’t necessary. Besides if Ten wanted you dead, you’d be dead. He wasn’t the kind of guy who played with his food. Besides that, it didn’t feel threatening…it felt…sensual.

“Don’t call me kitten,” you replied coolly. “How are you so sure I’m coming with you? Is it confidence or arrogance?”

“Both.” Very slowly he brought two fingers up and brushed them across the marks on your throat. “That…and your pulse is racing.”

“Maybe it’s racing because the vampire that tried to kill me is currently standing in front of me.”

He threw his head back and laughed. “Ten. My name is Ten.”

You nodded. “I know. I remember. I’m Y/N. Is Ten your real name?”

“It’s the name I chose.” He held out a hand for you to shake, and after a minute you did. “It’s a pleasure to formally meet you, Y/N. So…about that drink.”

Against your better judgment you followed him to the bar he’d mentioned earlier—a dimly lit hole in the wall where jazzy music groaned from a vintage jukebox—and took a seat across from him in a booth with tattered pleather seats. He ordered red wine and you got the same, finding the whole thing a bit on the nose.

“If I answer your questions you’ll have to answer mine.” He fiddled with the stem of his glass.

What could he possibly want to know about me? “Okay but I gotta warn you I’m pretty boring. I also don’t know any of the Pantheon’s secrets.”

Ten snickered. “That’s fine. I want to know about you. For instance, you’re Sangre Pura. Pure blood. Blood pure. Born with your gifts instead of having to be taught them like others. I didn’t recognize it at first, not until I tasted you. Just a tiny sip…yet it’s what I imagine swallowing the sun tastes like. I have to say I’ve never tasted anyone like you before.”

“Well this conversation escalated quickly,” you joked so that you could gather your bearings. Not like it was every day a gorgeous vampire talked about tasting you. The way he made it sound so sexy; your traitorous mind wanted to wander but you reined it in. “I am Sangre Pura. I came into my powers at three years old so I was sent to the Pantheon to…do my duty.”

He leaned back in his chair. “Lightning, yes? That’s a rare power to be able to call upon.”

You tucked strands of hair behind your ear. “Didn’t do fuck all against you though.”

Ten scrunched up his face; it was kinda adorable and you hated it. “Yeah but I’m…old. Not to mention your Elders would never teach you anything that could threaten their stations. You can defend yourself when you need to yet still be managed. It’s a shame really because if you harnessed the lightning like I’m sure you can…wow. A demi god indeed.”

“I don’t—”

Suddenly he was leaning in close and laying his hand palm up on the scratched table top. “Show me.”

Nervously your eyes darted around at the patrons inside but they were too busy drinking and playing pool to be paying you any mind. It wasn’t exactly forbidden to show your powers in public—after all you did use them to save people—but the Elders frowned on frivolousness. Your magic was in service to a greater good. Something you’d been told over and over again since you were three.

But it was your magic which meant technically you could use it as you saw fit. You’d be lying if you said you’d never thought about how far you could take it. How much damage you could do if properly motivated.

Gazing into Ten’s eyes, you placed your hand into his, fingers curling upward. Your magic started as a tiny spark between your fingertips, almost like a bit of static electricity before coalescing into a glowing white ball of pure crackling energy.

Ten’s expression was jubilant. “Incredible. What does it feel like?”

“It—it’s hard to describe. It’s…normal? Like any other part of me.” You exhaled shakily. “Just more.”

“And how do you control it? What’s stopping it from exploding?”

“I don’t want it to explode,” you explained softly. “So it doesn’t.”

Ten pressed his thumb into the ball and let out what sounded suspiciously like a giggle as it shocked him. “Mm. I wonder if you’d still be able to summon it if you were turned?”

You snatched your hand back—the light dissolving—folding both together in your lap. “That is a question that I’m afraid will never have an answer. I have no desire to ever become a vampire.”

Ten smirked. “Fair enough. I was just thinking out loud by the way. A vampire with your abilities would be a thing to behold. Though I guess it would also be a waste. The blood wouldn’t taste the same. I’d need more to really understand however.” Picking up his glass, he took a long sip of his wine as his eyes became bright red. “Why fix what isn’t broken?”

Feeling a shiver tickle your shoulders, you looked away from him. You heart was pounding in your ears but you’re at a loss as to why. Could it have been the predator in front of you? Could he have been trying to use his compulsion on you? It wouldn’t work; you’re thankfully immune. Or perhaps it’s because this was the first time you’d had such a frank conversation about such things. It dawned on you that Ten would answer your questions about your own existence truthfully.

Most likely. He definitely wouldn’t stifle your growth.

“If Demios are so yummy why do you hate us?” you asked him. “Why go all murder-y? Why not make a buffet out of us?”

“I said you were yummy.” He glanced out of the wide square shaped windows. “My history with the Demios is long and twisted to be honest. Once upon a time—before the pact was in full affect—they took someone very dear to me. I suppose I’ve never forgiven them. Things are better now but old habits are hard to break. People like your Jeremy don’t help the situation either. For every you there is a jerk out there that just wants to kill. How am I to know which is which?”

You sighed, digging your boot heel into the floor. “I get it. I find myself wondering the same thing about some supernaturals. But you—you have to hope I guess. And look for the good when every fiber of your being is telling you there is nothing but bad. I try to do that; it’s how I’m able to sit here with you.”

Ten pulled at one of his small hoop earrings. “Well you don’t have to worry about me anymore. I won’t be laying a hand on you again unless you ask me to.” You opened your mouth to say excuse me but he continued speaking. “Do you think you have more empathy because you were born different? A freak? I mean as opposed to those who learn their craft…”

You took a slow draw from your wine glass as you pondered his questions. “Not really. Plenty of Learners know what we do is about keeping people safe, not how many nonhumans we stab. Honestly I don’t really like fighting night after night but someone has to do it. Might as well be the ones with a better chance of surviving. One of my ancestors or what have you had powers and for some reason they decided to pop up in me. I guess I could’ve ran away but what would be the point? The Pantheon would have found me again eventually.”

“They sound more like prison guards than an organization for the gifted. You’re an adult, you should be deciding how to use your talents.”

“True but by now it’s slay demons or join Cirque Du Soleil.” You watch him crack a tiny smile and it made you do the same. “Ten…you’re right to be cautious but you shouldn’t let that stop you from new experiences with hunters. Maybe you should consider being less isolated? Yeah some of my teammates are dick holes but not everyone is. I’ve always felt that there is good and evil in everyone. The world is a lot grayer than anyone wants to let on. I’m sure your friend Mark has probably drained someone before and while fucked up, he still didn’t deserve to be staked just because he’s a vamp.”

Pulling his attention back to you, he almost appeared to be a bit sad. “Would be nice if more Demios thought as you did. Anyway Y/N I am truly sorry for choking you. I’m glad you accept my apology and were willing to have a drink with me.” He dug into his pocket and threw a few dollars onto the table. “If we meet again no doubt it will be under better circumstances.”

“You’re leaving?” You couldn’t keep the disappointment out of your voice. “Daylight isn’t for another few hours. I was hoping we could talk more. There is still so much I don’t know about you.”

“My Coven needs me.” He inched out of the booth and stood, gazing down at you with that placid expression he’d had when you’d first met. “And the less you know about me, the better. Your Pantheon wouldn’t like it.”

“Since when do you care what they think? Earlier you were—”

“That was earlier,” he interrupted. “I have to protect me and mine no matter what. It’s a lesson you obviously still need to learn. Won’t be much of a hunter if you don’t.”

Caught off guard by his sudden brusque manner, you huffed and rolled your eyes. Getting your feelings hurt had no age apparently. “Okay. I’ll make sure to keep that in mind the next time someone tries to snap my neck.”

Between one second and the next Ten was gone, and you weren’t sure if the touch you’d felt to your shoulder was real or imagined. However, the gold ring sitting in front of you was very real; you’d admired it on Ten’s finger as you’d conversed. Frowning, you picked it up and stared at it, finding that it fit your thumb but just barely. Would probably make more sense to wear it on one of your chains…if you decided to wear it of course.

Did he leave this for me? Why? And with that good-bye?

“Y/N! Hey I thought that was you!” A fellow Demios—Becky—skipped up to your table. “I was wrapping up my patrol and saw you sitting here. What’s up? Drinking alone? That doesn’t seem like you.”

“I—uh yeah. Just needed a breather.” You plastered on a convincing smile but your thoughts shouted Ten Ten Ten like a drum in the back of your mind. Had he seen her coming and left to protect your reputation? Or now that his curiosity had been sated was he just done? So many questions.

The main one being; why did you even care?

You enjoyed school for the most part and you enjoyed your classes, but really you couldn’t wait for it all to just be over. Two extra years and your master’s degree in linguistics was almost within your grasp. You still weren’t one hundred percent what you planned to do with it (teaching was definitely out) but either way you were ready to dive into the real world. To no longer be stressed out about exams and papers and boring ass professors that constantly seemed to have a stain on their tie.

And to get far, far away from your stupid ex, Adam.

“Uh oh you have murder face,” Amy said as she peeped around to look at you. “What’s wrong?”

You shrugged. “Just in my head I guess.”

Amy hummed. “I get it. That’s why we are here though! To get fucked up and do something we regret in the morning.”

You laughed. “Guess we’re Uber-ing home.”

She grinned and grabbed your wrist, pulling you over to a table loaded with different types of alcohol. The guy ‘tending bar’ as it were winked as you two approached. “What can I get you for?”

“Something with alcohol but where we can’t taste the alcohol!” Amy exclaimed happily. “Oh! And if you’ve got any little umbrellas I’d like one of those too.”

He did finger guns and proceeded to cook something up in two red cups, sticking in two pink umbrellas when he was done. You and Amy took your drinks and after a cursory sniff, took a sip. The tequila wasn’t as strong as with a single shot but you could still detect it just not enough to make you stop drinking. Unlike Amy you didn’t plan to get completely fucked up but you weren’t going to say no to a nice buzz.

Cups in hand you migrated onto the dance floor and fell in with everyone else, bopping to the beat and scream chatting over the loud music.

“I really needed this!” Amy yelled. “Statistics is kicking my cute little ass!”

“I know what you mean!” You shouted. “But hey! Soon we’ll be done and actual jobs will be kicking our cute little asses!”

Laughing, Amy bounced up and down, sending her blonde hair flying. “Is that why you’ve been so grumpy lately? Or is it…he who shall not be named?”

With a sigh you took a big sip of your strawberry margarita. “Yeah. He keeps fucking calling me and leaving me these stupid ass messages, apologizing and shit. I’ve blocked him but he just uses someone else’s phone.”

Amy’s eyes stretched wide. “That’s like stalker behavior! Or maybe he really is sorry for what he did.”

You snorted. “Sorry for having sex with his ex in the backseat of my car? As far as I am concerned he can take his ‘sorrys’ and shove them so far up his ass they come out his mouth as safaris!”

Amy choked a little on her drink, hitting you hard on the arm in admonishment after she stopped coughing. “I hate you! I could have died!”

Her words made you smirk. “But did you? No but for real, fuck Adam. Fuck Adam and anyone who even looks like Adam!”

“Woo!” Amy threw both hands up into the air, yelping as liquid sloshed down onto her head. “Oh shit! Drink emergency I’ll be right back!”

Before you could say anything, she turned and hurried back towards the drink table. Alone in the middle of a dancing crowd, you didn’t know whether you should slink over to a corner or just keep dancing. That last thing you wanted was some random dude trying to groove with you. Of course if you decided to hold up the wall nothing would stop some random dude from trying to hit on you either. At a bit of a loss you drained the rest of your drink and did a I don’t really know anyone two step, hoping Amy would return soon.

The tequila settled nice and warm in your stomach, making you feel more at ease. Most of the people at the party were from your school but not ones you associated with on like, a daily basis. Sure you recognized a few faces from the library or cafeteria but there was no one you’d had more than a surface conversation with.

And then your eyes landed on him. Ten.

Ten was a…different sort of person altogether. He was the kinda guy CW shows thought actually existed in college, except he was very real. And very much fucking gorgeous in that unattainable way CW shows also loved. However, that sort of did him a disservice because as far as you knew, he was just a decent guy who happened to be able to do some pretty awesome things.

For example, he was an amazing dancer. The kinda dancer that just freaking mesmerized you when he moved. Had you wondering how in the hell had he taught his body to do that shit? One minute he was in total sync with everyone else and the next he was performing his solo and blowing your mind. He’d done some show a few months ago with a friend and you’d nearly flipped out of your chair watching him work. The body rolls, the attitude, the way he’d just commanded the stage…whew. Was it possible to be a fan of someone who wasn’t famous?

Then there was his art; things he designed himself or drew from memory. Art class was essentially where you’d sorta came to be acquaintances with him. You weren’t exactly good at drawing but you liked it enough that you wanted to improve, plus it helped you de-stress after particularly hard days. Ten on the other hand excelled and just like with dancing, it was interesting to watch his process. He’d described himself as a sensory artist so he wasn’t always as concerned with the end product as the professor sometimes wanted him to be. From your eye though he’d yet to create anything that wasn’t remarkable. In fact, more than once you’d wanted to ask him to design a tattoo for you, but felt it would be kinda weird. He had no idea what you were into after all. So far your conversations with him had consisted of colors and that one time he’d asked to borrow one of your brushes.

You were pretty sure he’d sold something to an art gallery.

Anyway so Ten could dance and he could draw and he could sing and he was fluent in several languages; as far as you knew the only thing he was kind of shit at was cooking. But who hadn’t set a class kitchen on fire once or twice? Or three times…

If he were an asshole—well people would probably still crush on him—you’d count that as a major flaw and want to keep your distance. But the kicker was that he could do cool things and he was nice. Dorky even especially when it came to cute animals. Was always posting pictures of himself at the animal shelter playing with the kittens and the puppies, or just acting like an idiot with friends. Yet it was that confidence that made him seem untouchable, and also made him sexy as fuck. More than once you’d fantasized about biting his Adam’s apple.

Heh.

Shaking your head, you fanned lightly at your face with both hands. Maybe stepping outside for some fresh air would be a good idea.

“Y/N!” Amy nearly tripped over her pretty sandals in her hurry to get back to you. “Weewoo weewoo weewoo!”

“Um…”

She grabbed your shoulder. “It’s a police siren! We have a code red situation here, I repeat a code red! Adam just walked in!”

“What?” You blinked and immediately looked towards the doorway, brows narrowing when you saw she was right.

Standing there in a white t-shirt in his formerly handsome glory was your ex-boyfriend, Adam. Once upon a time you’d thought the world of him; thought he was the kinda guy you could probably marry someday. The kinda guy you’d introduced your family to. Turns out he was the kind of guy that hooked up with his ex in your car repeatedly until finally being caught in the act. Sure it had been gratifying to make him and her walk home half naked but it had done nothing to quell the pain left behind. Thankfully though your pain quickly turned to anger and now you usually focused on not murdering him when he popped up. There was a lot you could forgive but cheating was firmly in the do not cross zone. Everything you’d felt for him evaporated the moment you saw him with her.

And he’d promised he was over her. Lying piece of shit, you thought to yourself.

“What the hell is he doing here?! Does he even know anyone here?” you asked with a frown.

“I dunno!” your friend said slowly. “It’s possible, big campus and all. Do you want me to help you climb out of the bathroom window?”

“Yeah my boobs aren’t fitting through one of those skinny ass windows,” you replied wryly. “Though to be honest I’m almost willing to risk it. C’mon let’s—”

It was too late. Adam spotted you like an arrow searching for its target, eyes registering shock and then elation. He reached you in three quick strides, opening his arms for a hug that he was damned crazy to expect. “Y/N. Wow you—you look amazing. I’m so glad we ran into each other.”

You huffed. “I’m not. I told you we’re over Adam. Or does me blocking your calls not get the message across?”

He exhaled deeply. “Look I know I messed up but I’m sorry. Classes were just really tough and—and Lucy and I would reminisce about old times…”

“Do I look like I give a shit? You cheated on me and we’re over.” The lie came so easily. “Besides, I’ve moved on.”

“Yeah!” Amy poked him in the chest. “She’s moved on so suck it!”

Adam arched a brow. “You’ve moved on?” He sounded skeptical and that made your blood boil. “Since when? And with who?”

You’d once heard that Hippocrates came up with the saying drastic times call for drastic measures though it wasn’t something you’d be willing to bet money on. However, standing there with your ex eying you like he just knew you were lying brought a whole new meaning to the idiom. You would one hundred percent be damned before giving him the satisfaction of gloating.

Tequila’s kicking in…

Without missing a beat, you put a hand on your hip and motioned to Ten. “Him. I’m seeing him.”

Amy made a sound like a cat having its tail stepped on while Adam gaped at you. “What? I—no. No way. You’re totally lying. I’ve seen the people he’s dated and you’re not his type at all.”

This bitch.

Twirling on your black heels, you strolled across the room to where Ten sat in an arm chair, chatting with a few of his friends. Before you could talk yourself out of it, you straddled his lap and leaned forward to whisper in his ear. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I know this is awkward as fuck—I’m so sorry—but if you just play along I will owe you big time. I’ll give you anything. You need a kidney? You can have a kidney.”

Ten’s friends had gone mute and as you sat back to gauge his reaction—or to possibly be thrown off of him—you bit your full bottom lip. His dark eyes were watching you calculatingly, his own lips pursed together like you were a riddle he needed to solve. Up close he was utterly breathtaking, all smooth skin and silky black hair that fell artfully across his forehead. He smelled incredible.

And then he spoke.

“There you are baby,” he said wrapping an arm around your waist. “I’ve been looking for you.”

That was when you figured you owed him your first born but it was fine. “Well, you found me. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

He chuckled. “You’re worth waiting for.”

His friends still looked confused though they didn’t have time to voice their opinions. Adam stalked over seconds later like a man on a mission. “So it’s true? You and Y/N are together?”

Ten tilted his head to the side and you saw the moment the lightbulb went off for him. “Yeah we’re together.”

Adam huffed. “Since when? For how long? Where did you two meet?”

Ten smirked. “Are you taking a survey or something?” He brushed his lips across your jaw, making you shiver. “The only thing that matters is that she’s mine. Let’s dance, Y/N.”

“I would love to,” you replied with a smile. You were also grateful he’d remembered your name.

You climbed off of his lap and took his hand, sending Adam a you thought look before pulling Ten out into the thick of the crowd. Your heart was beating a mile a minute but you felt too giddy to pay much attention to it. Plus, you knew Adam was watching you like a hawk and you didn’t want to let on how nervous you actually were. If he found out you were lying he’d never leave you alone and consider you pathetic to boot. Besides the nice buzz that was finally creeping down your spine told you everything would be fine. How could it not be?

Ten’s hands settled low on your hips and he gave you a little tug, pulling your back to his chest. You fit rather perfectly with him, his chin brushing the top of your head. Picking a rhythm in the song that thumped with bass, you began to move together. You rolled your ass against him and leaned your head back to rest on his shoulder, focusing on his breath as it ghosted across your neck. A silver of light wouldn’t have been able to get between you.

Normally you wouldn’t have dared to do something like this with a near stranger but your desire to make your ex suffer was bigger than your nerves. Besides Ten appeared to be all in on the ruse; his body twisting and curving in sync with yours, fingers on his right hand sliding up between your breasts to wrap lightly on your throat. His teeth nipped at your earlobe and you gasped. Reached around to his side to clasp his shirt for an anchor. You heard him chuckle and suddenly you were spun away from him only to be reeled back in, this time face to face.

The room felt like it was two hundred degrees. You weren’t exactly wearing much—a slinky black dress with tiny ties at the hem—but even that seemed too much. Without missing a beat though you and Ten continued to grind with one another, his thigh just barely pushed between your own. Every time you swayed forward to meet him the denim of his jeans rubbed deliciously against you, sending sparks sprinting through your veins. Both of his hands were on your ass as if helping to guide you, and as you met his gaze you couldn’t help but bite your lip at what you saw there. Desire, lust, hunger—no one had ever looked at you like that before. Like they could just devour you and still not have enough of you.

It made you feel powerful.

You grinned and wrapped an arm around his neck, fingers giving his hair a little tug. He hissed and lowered his head so that he could mouth at your bare shoulder, hands squeezing your ass so hard it nearly hurt. You weren’t sure when you started to get wet—maybe it was the moment you sat on his lap or he decided to play along with your dumb stunt—but you could tell it now. Your panties were sticking to you, your skin was on fire and it was becoming difficult to think straight. Honestly however you didn’t want to think at all, especially not if it meant not being in Ten’s orbit.

“Ten,” you whispered into the skin under his jaw.

He hummed, the sound vibrating through your body. You plastered your hand to his chest and pulled it down, nails catching on the thin material of his shirt until they were brushing along the zipper on his jeans. You gave him a quick squeeze—he was hard and straining—and he cursed loudly. Between one second and the next he was dragging you down a dimly light hallway, past kissing couples and one guy passed out drunk in the doorway of someone’s room. He swung you both into the first vacant room he came to; a lavish bathroom at the very back of the house. The door was closed with a swift thump and the lock clicked shut.

You licked your lips as he crowded you back into the counter, looking down at you with a tiny smirk. That part of your brain that yammered on about bad decisions was surprisingly quiet, so you figured it was beyond okay to pull him down for a kiss. As with most of the stuff he did, Ten was a damn good kisser. His mouth was soft and warm, his tongue playful and coaxing. He kissed you like he’d been waiting to kiss you for a long time. Until it grew deep and sensual. Until you were both panting with the need for air but neither wanting to let go of the moment.

With a gasp you tilted backwards a bit, your knees suddenly weak. “Fuck me,” you said absently.

“Can I?” Ten asked, chest heaving. “Can I fuck you?”

“God yes,” you replied, already pulling your dress up until it hitched around your waist.

Ten hooked his thumbs onto the band of your pink panties and slid them down your legs, laying them next to the sink. He looked you over with that same eye he used for his art but you could tell he liked what he saw. You grabbed his hand and brought it between your legs, spreading them wider for him. Two of his fingers slipped inside of you without any resistance to find you damp and aching, already so hot for him. He started a lazy rhythm—in and out, in and out—like he was in no hurry at all. Like he wasn’t driving you crazy all the way down to the tips of your toes.

He kept his eyes locked onto yours as he touched you, lips slightly parted like he couldn’t believe this was happening. That rang true for both of you. Never in your wildest dreams did you think you’d ever really be friends with Ten, let alone about to hook up with him. It was like you’d stumbled into some alternate universe.

Bringing his free hand up to your cheek, he smoothed his thumb across your lips, pressing lightly until you let him in. You sucked his thumb into your mouth and gave it a little nip, smiling when he smirked. When he deemed it wet enough, he pressed it to your clit and you moaned, your hips stuttering upward with a will of their own. He began a firm massage, working your clit this way and that, fingers still thrusting in their maddening motion. Of course he’d be great with his hands. Of course he’d be able to play your body like a finely tuned instrument.

Pressure started to build low in your stomach. “I—I’m…”

“Turn around.” Ten took a step back and made a show of sucking his fingers into his mouth, tongue darting out to lick between them like he wanted to savor every drop.

You whimpered but did as he requested, your eyes finding his in the wide silver mirror. You watched as he unzipped his pants and pushed them along with his dark colored briefs down to the floor. You hadn’t seen him pull out a condom but he had one; ripping open the packaging with his perfectly straight teeth before rolling it onto his hard cock. It was a delicious looking thing you had to admit, long and thick with a slight curve. If you’d had the time you would have gladly went to your knees for him.

A low breath shuddered out of Ten’s lungs as he pushed inside of you, his hands gripping your waist so strongly you were bound to have a few bruises later. “Fuck, you’re tight.”

It had been a while since Adam and nobody after him until now.

When he assumed you’d adjusted to the size of him, he pulled nearly out before driving back inside of you. You moaned and pushed back to meet his thrusts, feeling the pleasure shattering through you. Your breasts bounced as he moved and he reached a hand forward, tugging down the top of your dress so that he could cup one. He rolled your nipple between his fingers and pinched, bending over you so that he could bite down onto the tender skin of your shoulder. The motion sent him even deeper and you both groaned at the feeling.

“Te—Ten,” you stammered, losing your train of thought when he rolled his hips liked he did on the dance floor. “Oh fuck! Fuck!”

The picture you made in the mirror was a very erotic one; you could see every single expression on Ten’s handsome face. The utter enjoyment he was obviously finding in fucking you was written all over it; there was nowhere for it to hide. His head was tipped back, eyes fluttering closed only to pop back open so that he could watch himself shove into you over and over again. He had you up on your tip toes, nose just an inch from the mirror itself. He was always sexy but tonight that word took on a whole new meaning.

All you could do was try to give as good as you got.

You slapped a hand onto the sink to steady yourself and clenched around him, reveling in the low whine that escaped his throat. It kinda sounded like your name.

And then he was pulling all the way out, dick bouncing as he stumbled backwards. You blinked in confusion. “Wh--what’s wrong?”

Ten ran his fingers through his hair. “C’mon. I want you to ride me.”

He sat down on the closed toilet seat lid and you straddled him without a second thought, sinking down onto his dick with a full body shudder. With your dress around your waist and your breasts jiggling in his face as you bounced up and down on his cock, he traced his tongue around your nipple before lightly biting down. You tangled your fingers in his hair and panted out his name, letting out a squeak when his palm connected with your ass for a hard slap. Planting his feet on the floor, he leaned you backwards a bit as he drove into you repeatedly, eyes watching how well your pussy took him.

“You’re beautiful,” he murmured against your collarbone. “Gorgeous—you feel so good.” He bit you again, this time on the side of your neck. “So good.”

With one hand on his shoulder to brace yourself, you rose up and let yourself come down hard over and over again, feeling him pound so deep it was almost criminal. Had the music not been so loud you knew exactly what you would have heard; the sound of skin hitting skin as Ten fucked you like he owned you. Just for tonight, maybe he did.

You weren’t sure how long it went on but when you came it still managed to take you by surprise. Your body lit up like a Christmas tree from the inside out and you cried out Ten’s name, clenching around him, your nails digging into his shoulder blades. He muttered a drawn out fuuuuck and pinched your clit with this thumb and forefinger, making you jerk so hard you nearly tumbled off his lap.

“Ah! Ten!” You shouted as he kept it up. “I—no—oh god—”

Your pussy tightened around him again and he shivered, thrusts growing erratic as he came with a grunt. You trembled through a second orgasm almost in disbelief—usually the only thing that could get you off twice in a row was hidden under your bed in a shoe box.

Seconds later you flopped against him, attempting to catch your breath. He was still rolling his hips just a tiny bit, making all the too sensitive areas ping.

“Whoa,” he said breathlessly, wrapping both arms around your waist. “That was…”

You chuckled softly. “Yeah…” Chancing a look at him, you admired the way strands of his dark hair stuck to his sweaty forehead. He was glistening, shirt sticking to his chest. He smelled like hints of your perfume and you smelled like hints of his cologne. It was all so intimate.

Reluctantly you sat back and gazed at him, wondering if things were about to get awkward. But Ten just smiled and ducked his head a little, a barely there blush creeping up into his already flushed cheeks. It was so adorable you couldn’t have resisted kissing him if you tried. From the way he melted into you, he’d had the same idea.

After a few minutes of just enjoying the feel of his lips against yours, you forced yourself up off of him. Your legs shook; you had to grab the counter to keep from tripping in your heels. You could already tell you’d still feel him tomorrow and the thought made you kinda dizzy, but in a good way. Blinking at your reflection—your hair was a dark mess—you knew there was no way you’d be able to hide the love bites that adorned your skin. They stood out stark red and purple like a bruise.

Ten remained slouched on the toilet for a couple of moments before removing the condom and tossing it into the trash. He dabbed at his dick with a handful of toilet paper, and then pulled up his underwear and jeans. “So…can I ask you something?”

You fixed your dress. “Sure.”

“Who was that guy?” he inquired with a grin. “The one you obviously wanted to get away from.”

Oh shit you’d forgotten all about Adam! “Oh he—he’s my dumb ex. He jumped stupid at me and I—I wanted to show him that he’s an idiot. That I’m totally over him. I—I’m sorry for getting you involved.”

He laughed as he patted down his hair. “No complaints from my end. I think he got the message though.” Reaching behind you he handed you your panties. “Don’t wanna forget these.”

It was ridiculous to be embarrassed considering what you’d both just done, but you couldn’t help it. You took them from him and pulled them on, keeping your eyes on the ground. “Thanks… Look Ten—”

“I’m hungry,” he said interrupting you. “Have you ever had grilled dried pollack?”

“Um yeah once I think,” you replied uncertainly. “It was pretty tasty.”

Ten motioned behind him. “I know a place that makes it if you wanted to go. And…maybe afterwards we could just hang out. Talk.”

That sounded amazing. “I’d love to. But…”

He picked up on your meaning. “Y/N I sit next to you in all of our art classes. I make conversation with you for no reason. Do you really think I of all people forget my brushes? Honestly I’ve wanted to ask you out for a while but you’ve always seemed…disinterested.”

You were dumbstruck by his admission. “Me?! That’s just my face! You’re the unattainable ingénue or whatever!”

Ten chuckled, folding his arms across his chest. “Oh please the only thing standing between me and being a serious cat dad is having an apartment that allows animals. However, this conversation is pointless. You owe me and I’m collecting…if that’s okay?”

You huffed but couldn’t stop grinning. “It’s perfect.”