*°• Moonlit •°*

❤                ━━━━━     numb   the   senses,   forget,   drown   beneath   the   tide   of   auras   that   swirl   within   the   tavern's   dim-lit   embrace,   such   is   lorraine's   silent   yearning.   world   presses   in,   cacophony   of   longing   and   deceit,   love's   honeyed   ache   and   tang   of   betrayal,   each   emotion   a   spectral   hand   clawing   at   her   consciousness.   she   is   too   easily   trapped,   too   susceptible   to   the   frantic   pulse   of   those   around   her.   perhaps   a   stronger   draught   will   grant   her   reprieve   from   the   relentless   avalanche.   

❝   i   wish   to   be   further   detached,   ❞   confesses,   emerald   hues   meeting   alucard's   golden   orbs.   ❝   it's   a   trial   to   remain   undisturbed   by   the   torrent   of   feeling   that   thrums   through   this   place.   ❞   with   a   single,   decisive   motion,   lorraine   empties   her   glass,   burn   of   liquor   a   temporary   balm.   ❝   i   would   rather   not   be   so   easily   manipulated.   otherwise...   ❞   a   sly   curve   tugs   at   cerise   lips,   mischief   flickering.   ❝   i   fear   i   may   become   too   much   for   you   to   handle.   ❞

"I do not believe spirits can grant you the distance you seek." He admits, blunt but earnest, his focus unwavering despite the playful challenge hidden behind the woman's wily smile. The corners of his own mouth lift by the barest fraction, a rare crack in his stoic countenance.

"As for becoming too much for me..." A soft, titter of laughter in between two short sips of his wine, head tilted at a slight angle as he studies her with an intrigued sort of amusement.

"You might find that to be difficult undertaking."

"Neither have you," she grumbled, giving Natusya's chest one last, weak punch. Now that the surprise was gone, there was another feeling stirring inside her chest. A sudden relief, as if she hadn't realised she'd been holding her breath since the day that idiot had left.

"Well, I'm sure you at least brought some omiyage... Right?" She asked, giving him a scolding frown. "When did you land? How long have you been back? Have you dropped your luggage home already?"

Her questions come one after another, and he fires the answers back just as quickly, counting them off on his fingers. "Landed yesterday afternoon, unpacked just enough that my suitcase isn't a tripping hazard by the front door anymore, and today was my first day back on campus." 

"And yes, I'm free." He slips his hands into his pockets, the fabric of his jacket pulling slightly as he rocks back on his heels.

"Ah." He blinks, almost comically owlish, when a massive black hoodie is easily divested and handed over. — With even less thought? The rabbit burrows inside it. Soaking up warmth and the faint smell of sweets for his trouble.

Blonde fluffy hair is stark against the dark material. He’s swallowed whole. It’s a dress on him. Momiji rather likes how their scents compliment. “Thank you.” A pretty face upturns towards the Ox, and he beams.

“Are you trying to dress me Haru-haru?” A soft, playful tsk. His trepidation has passed; a honey gaze gleams impishly instead as he bats his lashes.

"No, I just thought you were cold, Momiji...iji." Though, if he were going to pick anyone as a fashion muse, Yuki aside, then Momiji would surely be a solid option. He had those doll like qualities that made him the ideal canvas for almost any style.

And now…the observation has wrenched open a veritable Pandora's Box of opportunities in his wildly creative imagination. They were out already, and had some of that sweet Sohma Estate money to play with, why not put it to good use?

Liam leaned against his chair, eyes narrowing slightly at the mention of the student.

Something in the corner of his brain nagged slightly that it wasn't uncommon for UA to accept students from overseas to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries and diplomatic ties. It helped foster unity and cooperation between heroes across the world, in case a global crisis ever occurred.

Aoyama wasn't a late accept, but not an early one either.

"I'm going to assume you haven't reached out to his parents?" Liam did not want to immediately jump to conclusions that something was wrong at home, but... it was a possibility that needed to be observed and looked into.

"Is there anything regarding his behaviour that you've noticed? Changes in diet, reactions, participation in class... how he is with other students?"

"No, I haven't contacted his parents, I don't have enough to justify it yet."

If he called home every time a student seemed distracted or had an off week, he'd spend more time speaking to parents than doing any actual teaching. Hero students were under constant pressure. They had bad days, lost sleep, and pushed themselves too hard after training. Most of the time, they recovered on their own.

"Aoyama has always been...conspicuous, but lately it feels rehearsed."

still, he hopes that they don't have to stay too long. he's more than sure that shinsou feels the same-- honestly, he was probably ready to leave the moment they'd arrived.

at least for now he was enjoying his company. shinsou was always easy to be around. he was calm, his presence relaxing, he put him at ease-- he made events like this easier. and denki hoped that, in his own way, he maybe did the same for him.

'was that a question?' he responds over the music, somewhat teasing, a hint of amusement laced within his words. 'seriously, though, you're welcome.' he continues, his expression softening, genuine. 'you really need to stop sounding so surprised. you really do look good. plus your suit is way cooler than mine.' he reaches up, fingers gently tugging at the other's sleeve in emphasis.

There's a sudden, ominous surge through the crowd then, as several reporters seem to notice them standing together, sharks catching the scent of blood! One shoots a finger in their direction, another calls something Hitoshi can't quite make out over the deafening thrum of the DJ's turntables, and everything else. A familiar sensation prickles at the back of his neck, his instincts screaming; it's time to flee.

And then…all of them descend upon the unsuspecting duo at once.

Three photographers appear first, cameras raised, flashes popping before either hero has a chance to react. A woman with a press badge hurries forward, expertly swerving between two guests before planting herself directly in front of them. Another reporter isn't far behind, microphone extended so close that Hitoshi has to lean back half a step just to avoid having it clonk him in the teeth.

"Shinsou! Kaminari!" The first reporter's smile is unnervingly wide, her teeth gleaming under the strobe lights. "Could we just get a quick comment?"

Hitoshi's shoulders slump, resignation settling in. Escape is no longer an option, they're both well and truly trapped in a net of curiosity and sensationalism.

"We've noticed you've spent most of tonight together." She continues without missing a beat. "Fans online have been calling you one of the gala's best dressed couples."

Hitoshi's soul is desperately trying to evacuate his body by this point.

Another microphone appears from somewhere over her shoulder. "So we have to ask, which one of you takes longer to get ready before a date?"

Hitoshi stares, gaze distant as if looking through them as opposed to at them. Surely an explosion or something roundabout now would be a great distraction…Where's Bakugo's vile temper when you need it?

"........"

❤                ━━━━━     defensive,   he   attempts   to   be.   how   endearing,   inoue   muses,   the   way   he   fumbles   for   scapegoats,   as   if   words   could   shield   him   from   the   gentle   onslaught   of   her   gaze.   naivete,   perhaps,   still   adheres   to   her   soul,   but   life   has   engraved   its   philosophies   firmly,   and   she   has   learned   to   wear   both   innocence   and   wisdom   as   twin   veils.   she,   too,   is   guilty   of   gazing   upon   him   with   that   same   mesmerizing   wonder,   conjuring   forbidden   daydreams   into   the   quiet   alcoves   of   her   mind.   who   could   fault   her   for   it?   the   prince   is   breathtaking,   and   what   maiden   has   not,   at   least   once,   craved   for   a   prince   to   call   her   own?   so   she   lets   her   thoughts   meander,   insatiable   and   untamed,   though   alucard   will   never   glimpse   the   riotous   gardens   blooming   behind   her   eyes.   

❝   adrian,   you're   such   a   terrible   liar.   ❞   his   real   name,   not   the   mask   he   dons,   slips   from   her   lips,   soft,   vernal,   a   melody   spun   from   spring   itself.   with   an   elegance   habitual   to   her,   she   rises   from   her   seat,   compelled   by   an   ineffable   force   that   draws   her   towards   him.   palms   enclose   his   angular   contours,   discerning   the   porcelain-like   texture   beneath   attentive   thumbs.   orihime   compels   him   to   meet   her   gaze,   her   own   countenance   suffused   with   a   roseate   hue,   perhaps   intensified   by   the   wine   that   has   empowered   her   faculties,   bestowing   upon   her   the   ability   to   manifest   the   contents   of   her   heart   in   their   most   unadulterated   form,   without   verbal   expression.   indeed,   words   are   superfluous   when   gaze,   imbued   with   saccharine   hues,   conveys   a   profundity   beyond   words.   a   single   glance   can   convey   what   lips   may   never   adequately   express.   ❝   if   curiosity   afflicts   you,   perhaps   i   can   help.   ❞   she   inclines   closer,   inspired   by   a   nascent   curiosity   of   her   own.   ❝   i   might   be....curious   about   yours.   ❞

She accuses him of being a terrible liar, and she's not wrong.

"Forgive me." Comes his murmured apology, a self conscious laugh escaping beneath his breath. "I was staring far longer than was polite."

She leans closer still, the distance between them dissolving until it exists merely as a shared breath.

"Orihime…"

His heartbeat, so often slow and measured, stumbles once. He is not so green as to miss the crumbs of attraction scattered before him, a veritable feast for one as famished as he for any scrap of physical or emotional solace. It's tempting to peck away at them, he has vision, Orihime is beautiful, and should he drift so much as a centimeter forward, their lips would surely collide.

But--He reasons, the girl is certainly in no right state of mind, judgment and actions clearly clouded by an excess of his father's finest vintage. And so, ever the gentleman, he slowly retreats, easing back into his seat, carving inches of safer distance between them.

Her suggestion to bring something back for everyone earns her a  look of quiet admiration. Even with the prospect of ice cream dancing in front of her, Kisa's first instinct is to think of everyone else, a most sweet girl.

"That's a very kind idea, I'm sure they'll appreciate that, Kisa." As she frowns over Tohru's favorite flavour, Kazuma pauses, one hand resting on the doorknob, contemplating the question with surprising seriousness.

"Hmm...I think Tohru's the sort of person who's grateful for anything someone gives her, even if it isn't her favorite." Spoken with a knowing air, having seen firsthand the way Tohru accepts every kindness with that radiant, humble smile. 

"But, if I had to guess...I think she'd like something mellow, vanilla, maybe strawberry." Prying the door open, he gestures for Kisa to follow, his phone already in hand, the screen lit up with his assistant’s number.

@kisumshi // Alucard and Mavis

Mavis had always been curious about the things adults warned children to avoid. The woods surrounding the great castle were said to be filled with monsters, shadows, and creatures that would make any sensible person turn back. Yet the orphan never saw the forest as something frightening, only as a place filled with mysteries waiting to be uncovered. She walked between the trees with wide, fascinated eyes, carrying the belief that every strange path led to an even stranger story. “There has to be something amazing out here,” she whispered to herself, looking around with excitement. She had spent so long hearing stories about magic that she refused to believe the world had run out of wonders.

The castle rising beyond the trees was the most incredible thing the girl had ever seen. Its enormous towers reached toward the sky, and its dark stone walls looked like they belonged in one of the fairy tales she loved so much. Instead of running away, she stepped closer, her curiosity overpowering any fear she might have felt. “A place this big has to have something magical inside,” she said, pressing her hands together in excitement. She barely noticed how far she had wandered until a gentle voice called out to her. When Lisa found her alone near the castle grounds, Mavis looked up at the woman without hesitation. “What are you doing out here all by yourself?” Lisa asked, surprised to find a human child so close to the castle. Mavis tilted her head, completely unbothered by the question, before giving her honest answer. “I’m looking for a fairy!” she replied brightly, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. Lisa seemed caught off guard by the response, perhaps expecting a frightened child or someone searching for help. Instead, she found a little girl whose only desire was to find something magical. Mavis smiled up at her and added, “I heard fairies are real, and I wanted to meet one someday.”

Rather than sending her away, Lisa decided to bring the child inside the castle. Mavis followed eagerly, looking at every hallway and room with the wonder of someone stepping into another world. “Wow, this place is huge,” she said, spinning around to take in the towering ceilings and ancient decorations. She had expected a monster’s home to feel cold and terrifying, but there was something strangely peaceful about it. When she learned the castle belonged to Dracula, she only became more curious. “Dracula? Like the Dracula from the stories?” she asked, her eyes widening with interest rather than fear. When the young child was finally brought before Dracula, she stared up at him quietly for a moment. She could feel the immense power surrounding him, but she also noticed something else beneath it. Lisa explained how she had found the girl and why she had brought her there. “She said she wanted to meet a fairy,” Lisa explained, glancing toward the child. Mavis nodded eagerly and looked toward Dracula. “Do you know where I can find one?”

The question left the room silent for a moment. Most humans would have been terrified to stand before Dracula, but Mavis only looked at him with innocent curiosity. She did not see a monster from a frightening legend as she saw someone who might have answers to the questions she had carried for so long. Dracula studied her carefully, unsure what to make of such a fearless child. “You’re not afraid of me?” he asked, his voice carrying the weight of centuries. Mavis shook her head. “Why would I be? You haven’t done anything scary to me.” Something about her honesty seemed to surprise him. After a long silence, Dracula allowed the child to remain within the castle, though even he seemed unsure why he had agreed. Mavis, however, was thrilled by the decision. “I knew it! I knew something was interesting here!” she exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. She had come searching for a fairy and instead discovered an entire world hidden away from ordinary humans. She did not know it yet, but this castle would become the place where she found a friendship far more meaningful than the magical creature she had originally been seeking.

As the married couple brought the girl deeper into the castle, she was bouncing around with excitement until her emerald eyes landed on a tiny figure in a hallway. The human girl gasped with enthusiasm as she rushed forward, jumping on the stranger who looked like a young boy her age, but she knew better.

"I caught you, fairy!" A wide grin spread across her lips as she clung to the boy as the woman chuckled and the adult vampire sighed heavily. "Sorry, Mavis, but that's not a fairy, but our son." As the girl listened to the other speak, she slowly unwrapped her arms, which had been around the boy's waist, but her smile remained. Pushing herself up, she held out a hand towards him, "I apologize, my excitement got the best of me. My name is Mavis."

"I caught you, fairy!"

Such a strange declaration only deepens his bewilderment.

For a short while, the young dhampir simply stands there, stiff as stone, gaze seeking either one of his parents for some silent explanation. First to Lisa, whose quiet laughter trickles through the corridor like a gentle stream, and then to his father, Dracula, whose familiar sigh carries the weight of centuries of exasperation.

"Fairy?" Adrian repeats quietly, with genuine uncertainty.

When Lisa explains the misunderstanding, the boy looks back toward the strange human child, who releases him almost immediately. 

Humans were not supposed to be here. Yet here one stood, after having marched straight through the halls searching for fairies, throwing herself at the first child she saw, now beaming up at him as if they'd been old friends all along…a familiarity that both unsettles and intrigues him.

Carefully shifting his books beneath one arm, Adrian reaches forward and accepts her hand with surprising gentleness. His grip is light, hesitant, almost as if afraid of hurting her without meaning to.

"I'm Adrian…It's nice to meet you, Mavis."

The corners of his lips twitch into the faintest hint of a smile, small enough that one might need to squint to fully perceive it. "I've never been mistaken for a fairy before…"

Angling his head ever so slightly, he hones in on her bright emerald eyes, searching for the fear he has grown accustomed to seeing reflected in humans, but all he finds is boundless wonder.