Wicktober prompt day 20 - Nightmares | event organizer @wickblr
Note: This idea just randomly appeared in my head, and I thought it could fit Santino and Acheron well. So, yes, here is a little ficlet about Santino having a nightmare, and his demon assistant Acheron helped him get through the tough night. Human form Acheron, btw ;)
Have some Santino & Acheron, enjoy! :]
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The night was long and insufferable, the air felt heavy, the room felt hot and almost claustrophobic. It was one of those nights, the long and terrifying ones that Santino had to get himself through alone.
Vivid memories mixed with nightmares, it felt so real, he was physically and mentally feeling everything that was happening in his mind and he couldn't do anything. He was shaking, hands clenching his pillow and sheets, his breathing hitched from time to time as if he couldn't breathe. He felt sick, he felt dizzy, all that while he was asleep, unaware of his surroundings, all he could focus on was the horrible nightmare. A nightmare that had some reality in it.
It was 4 am when it was happening, the halls of the D'Antonio mansion were dark, everyone was sleeping except Santino's best assistant, Acheron. He doesn't need sleep, only rest sometimes. Usually, during the night, Acheron would do some of Santino's paperwork to help him out, to make it easier for him. After all, Santino wasn't looking too good lately. He started smoking more, drinking before going to sleep without even eating anything, so sometimes he would wake up feeling sick and hungover. As far as Acheron knew, this evening, Santino drank only half a glass of the wine, he looked worried the whole day, and no one could really figure out why. Not even Acheron.
He just signed the last paper when he started feeling uneasy, like there was danger nearby, that something was wrong with Santino. He placed the papers back to their place and went to check out the situation.
There wasn't anything unusual while he walked through the halls, everything was silent, he could only hear his footsteps. Yet the closer he got to Santino's room the more he heard… whimpers? Sobs? Acheron tried to figure out the noise as he leaned his head closer to the door. His master’s noises sounded like he was struggling, like he was in pain and Acheron couldn't let him stay like that.
He carefully opened the door, silently sneaking towards Santino. He stopped right next to him, noticing how he was trembling, gripping the sheets, he really wasn't looking too good. Acheron thought about waking him up, he was struggling in his sleep, Acheron couldn't just let that continue.
“Master,” he whispered, gently rubbing Santino's arm yet he didn't react only winced but that was all.
Acheron stopped for a second, thinking what to do, he felt bad seeing his master like this, it wasn't fair that Santino had to go through another night like this.
“Master,” Acheron tried again, a little louder this time and shaked his arm a little more. “Wake up, it's okay.” He repeated it a few more times until Santino gasped softly, startled awake and disoriented.
The demon stepped back to give him some space, turning his head to look for a glass or a bottle so he could bring him some water. He heard Santino shuffling with the sheets, but he thought it was only him trying to regain himself. “I'm right here-” Acheron started when he looked back but stopped himself mid sentence when there was a barrel of a gun pressed against his forehead.
He could see it in Santino's eyes, they weren't clear, he was confused, he didn't recognize his assistant, his hand was shaking, he was still breathing a bit heavier. Acheron slowly raised his hands in surrender, “It's me, Master.” It didn't work, Santino was still holding the gun. “Acheron. Your assistant.”
That seemed to finally get to Santino, he blinked, sighing and slowly lowering his gun, but still looking at his assistant. D'Antonio looked terrified for a moment, like he couldn't process what just happened. “I’m sorry,” Santino whispered and Acheron took the gun away, placing it at the counter.
“It's okay, you're safe,” Acheron said, trying to sound reassuring, since he could see that his master was distressed.
“No, no, I'm so sorry,” Santino murmured, almost too quietly for Acheron to hear. “I'm sorry- I didn't mean to.” He rubbed his face and pinched his eyes closed in an attempt to fully wake himself up.
“I understand, it's okay.” At this moment, Acheron wasn't sure what to say, he wanted to give Santino some time to process everything. But he felt the need to tell him to breathe, seeing how panicked Santino looked, he couldn't let him have a panic attack. “Just breathe for me, okay? Slowly.”
Santino actually looked annoyed for a moment, just mostly at himself for reacting the way he did and now he was struggling to calm down his breathing. “Fuck, I really… I don't know why I did that.” Santino tried to inhale and exhale calmly, but it was still shaky and it was like he couldn't do anything. It was then when Acheron noticed a glistening trail down Santino's face.
The sobbing he had heard.
“Master, have you cried?” Santino looked up at him in confusion.
“What?” He breathed out, feeling his face and the wet spot. “No… I didn't. What is this?” He was so confused, in disbelief, and nothing was making sense.
“You probably had a nightmare that was too intense. It happens, though, especially if you were stressed out these days.” And, Santino was stressed out these days. Acheron thought it was something about work but now it looked like there was something more.
“What the fuck… I could've shot you.” Santino looked over at the gun on the counter, not really listening to Acheron.
“Well, I can't really die. Although it would hurt.” Acheron tried to use a little bit of his charm to help and calm down the tension. “And it would stain your bed and I don't want that.”
Somehow, that made Santino laugh, but it was a sudden chuckle that turned into more of a desperate laugh as he tried to stop himself, lowering his head to hide his face with his band. “What have I done?” He whispered when he got himself to stop.
“Nothing. Nothing bad happened.” Acheron took this as an opportunity to try and feel Santino's forehead in case he got a high temperature, but it was like Santino sensed that he was getting closer to him.
“Don't touch me.” D'Antonio warned, a hint of frustration in his voice.
“Okay, I won't.” Acheron stepped back. There was silence for a few seconds before Acheron tried again, however a bit hesitant, “I'm… not sure having a gun under your pillow is the safest option for you. Maybe in the drawer?”
“Just… shut up. I feel sick, stop talking.” For a moment, he thought he was going to be sick, and having his head down and then looking up made it worse. He cursed something in Italian, Acheron stood right there in front of him in case if he had to help him get to the bathroom. However, Santino managed to take some deep breaths, remembering what Acheron told him, to breathe slowly.
“Okay?” Acheron asked softly, studying Santino's face and body language.
“I… I think so,” Santino nodded slowly, voice barely above whisper. “What time is it?”
“Half past five in the morning.”
Santino sighed in frustration, his mind was racing with so many thoughts. “I can't believe this happened again.”
“It passed now. You're okay.” Well, it could still take Santino some time to fully regain himself.
“I think it was instinctive…” Santino paused to exhale, “To grab the gun. But I thought…”
“What?” Acheron asked softly.
“I thought you were someone else.”
Oh. Acheron was right then. That look in Santino's eyes told everything. Fear, confusion, disorientation, anger. The assistant guessed it was probably better not to ask him who he saw instead of him, but he knew it was only slow steps with Santino when it came to helping him open up about his emotions. No matter what reaction he would get from Santino, he could understand his feelings more that way.
“Do you want to maybe tell me who you thought-”
“No, no,” Santino cut him off, “I don't want to talk about it.”
Acheron nodded, sensing sorrow and misery mixed with anger in his master. Whoever he saw must've done something terrible to him. “How about I bring you some water? Or tea? Anything you'd like,” he offered.
“Water is fine,” Santino replied quietly.
While Acheron was getting him water, Santino got up, felt dizzy but supported himself on the counter to get to the window. He opened it and felt the cold fresh morning air, inhaling and exhaling it.
“Oh, Master, what are you doing?” Acheron asked, placing the glass on the counter and rushed towards him.
“I'm fine, I just need some air,” Santino replied. Sometimes, Acheron's worry would annoy him, even if deep down he knew he only meant to protect him. “Don't touch me.”
Acheron stopped, he was about to hold his shoulders in support. “Okay. I brought you water.”
Santino sighed deeply, closing his eyes, “Thank you.”
The demon stood on the side, waiting for Santino to take in some deep breaths. It took him a few minutes and decided to come back to bed after he shivered from the breeze. He was quiet, didn't say anything when he sat on the bed, took the glass and drank almost everything.
“Put the gun away,” Santino murmured quietly.
“I'm sorry?” Acheron asked since he didn't hear him properly.
“Put the fucking gun away, I don't want to look at it,” D'Antonio snapped, “Put it in the drawer.”
Acheron did what he was told, putting the gun in the drawer. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Santino stayed quiet again, swallowing nervously and looking down at the floor. “I almost pulled the trigger.”
“You didn't.”
“I almost did. You started talking and I stopped myself.”
“You wouldn't kill me, I can't die,” Acheron reminded him.
“I know. What if it wasn't you? What if it was someone else?” Santino looked at him, finally after some time.
“Well…” Acheron sighed, “It didn't happen, it's best not to think about that.” He was worried it would upset if they started talking about it.
“It could've have-”
“Master.” Acheron cut him off. “Everything's alright.” He had to snap him out of it.
Santino looked puzzled, but this time, he didn't snap back at him. Instead, he nodded and looked away from him. “Right… yes. I guess so.”
“You should feel safe in your own home. With me, I can guarantee that you're safe here.”
His master stayed quiet again. He should feel safe here, his reaction was out fear, instinctive and not the first time this happened. “I know. I'm sorry if I ever doubt you, sometimes I forget that you're a demon and immortal.”
Acheron chuckled softly, “It's alright, I understand. I just want you to feel like you're safe.”
“Yeah. You want that and my soul one day.” It looked like Santino relaxed a little, finally.
“I'm glad you're feeling better,” Acheron smiled. “Joking so early.”
“Don't get used to it,” Santino groaned as he felt the back of his neck. He probably got a little stiff while sleeping. He also noticed that his skin felt warm, so Acheron was right about his suspicion.
“Alright,” Acheron nodded, “Would you like any pills? Painkillers? However, I don't recommend drinking them on an empty stomach.”
“No, I'm barely drinking water. I'll be fine, thank you.” Perhaps chugging down water so quickly wasn't the right move, since now it was starting to make him feel sick again.
“Are you sure you'll be fine?”
“Yes, I'll sleep through it. Or… I don't know, stay awake. It wouldn't be the first time.”
“It's better to get some sleep, Master. The nightmare wouldn't continue, I'm sure.” Acheron couldn't promise it won't continue, he was just hoping his master would continue sleeping peacefully.
“We'll see. I'd like to be left alone now.” The sunrise started to appear and that didn't help Santino's sudden headache.
“Whatever you say, Master,” Acheron said and bowed his head in respect. “You can always call me whenever you need me.”
Santino only nodded in response and lay back down on the bed, hearing the door close when Acheron left.
Sleep through it. Acheron couldn't stop thinking about what his master said. Santino said that so casually, so he was doing it often and Acheron couldn't always tell when.
Santino even managed to trick his own demon assistant into thinking he was fine when he wasn't. ‘Impressive.’ Acheron thought.
In the morning, at 8 am, Santino woke up again. Or he never slept. Acheron noticed the dark circles under his eyes, and he just wasn't looking too well. It also took him a longer time to get out of his room, so the demon only thought of the worst, that his master was sick in the bathroom.
Santino was in the kitchen, drinking coffee, or attempting to since this time it tasted awful and made him feel nauseous again. So, he only drank a little bit.
While Santino was still there, Acheron went to his room and immediately noticed that the gun was on the counter again. Why? Acheron thought Santino wanted it out of his sight for at least a day.
Well, Acheron left it there, knowing Santino doesn't like when his things are being touched or put away. But it made him worried and he wanted to ask Santino about it, but seeing how tired he looked, he didn't do it. He didn't want to upset him.
“Acheron. Let's go, we'll be late.” He heard Santino calling for him and he obeyed, following his master and his orders like always.
Acheron wondered the whole day what was the nightmare that upset Santino so much to the point of almost having a panic attack. His master wasn't talking much with him today either, he was just doing the negotiations with people, being his usual self, trying to get the most with his charm and silver tongue. No one could see that he was drained and exhausted except Acheron and Santino preferred it to stay that way.
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Acheron crying for the first time felt so painful to him, emotionally and physically, that he almost gave himself a panic attack.
Like, I imagine him being confused about it, he couldn't stop his tears, no demon power can stop this. It was pure human emotion.
He wasn't hysterical or hyperventilating, he was just so confused and in pain. Yes, his breathing was shaky and he almost had a panic attack (which added to how scared he felt as well).
When it was over, he tried to collect himself, kinda just breathing and trying to process what happened. It scared him. Because he never felt such a strong emotion before.
This fic was inspired by this post by the amazing @thewhumpcaretaker <3
Relationship: Santino D'Antonio & Acheron
This got into 5k words of Acheron helping Santino out with a bullet wound and Acheron feeling more human than before with his master. I chose: "Holding their neck or wrist to feel their pulse but not squeezing in the slightest" but not in a nsfw way, this is pretty much whump, hurt/comfort but has deeper moments with Acheron and how he is trying to process his feelings. And how humans are complicated. I also changed my writing style a little, mostly with Acheron's inner dialog, those are written in italics. I hope it'll be enjoyable to read! :] | Line divider
Warning: This also contains a bit of graphic descriptions of a bullet wound and blood, a character being kinda fascinated by heartbeat and humans in general.
How did I miss it? I don't understand… I was right there. Right there, near the door– behind Santino. I… no, this wasn't supposed to happen. I'm supposed to protect him– my Master. What is wrong with me? Why didn't I predict it –
“A-Acheron...”
The demon snapped out of his thoughts after hearing his name being called in a strangled breathy voice. He looked up at his Master, whose breathing seemed to get heavier. He didn't look well either, his condition worsened.
Santino’s white shirt was painted with blood over his ribs and it looked like it was spreading more, so he was still bleeding even if he kept the pressure on.
“I'm right here, Master. I have to sterilize the tools– try to stay still.”
My hands are shaking. Why? This has never happened before. I need to calm down– he is losing a lot of blood! Santino– your Master– is dying right in front of you! Snap out of it!
Acheron's breath hitched for a moment and he could feel Santino's exhausted and confused look, though he didn't have enough strength to comment on it.
“Breathe for me, Master. In through your nose and out through your mouth. Come on– look at me–” the demon gently held his chin to make Santino look at him, to focus on him since he looked like he was drifting away for a moment. “We can do this together, okay? It's going to hurt, yes… but you're stronger than this.”
The Camorra prince tried to keep eye contact with him, tried to inhale for a deep breath but even that hurt. Every sharp inhale felt like stabbing, like the wound and the bullet pulsed within him.
“Fuck– it…” He choked and his body shook violently, but Acheron placed his hand on his thigh to let him know he was there. “H-hurts to breathe…”
Acheron cursed in his head, already thinking about other possibilities but he couldn't do anything if Santino didn't calm down.
“I know,” he sighed sadly, tapping on his thigh, “But, I need you to try to focus on breathing and me. Stay still, I'll breathe with you. It'll be over quickly,” Acheron instructed and started breathing the way he told his Master. Santino struggled to follow, but his assistant encouraged him and the way he was looking at him, with this comforting look yet there was still worry in his eyes.
Santino managed to inhale and exhale a couple of times while Acheron prepared everything. “Good, you're doing well,” the assistant praised as he got the tweezers ready. “I need to unbutton your shirt and disinfect the wound.”
“Fine…” D'Antonio muttered. Even if he was feeling vulnerable and weak, and the thought of him being exposed even more was terrified, he had no choice but to listen. His flight or fight response was triggered but another part of him kept reminding him that this was Acheron helping him. That he was allowed to relax and be vulnerable around him. He winced as his assistant got to the last button and the cool air against his feverish skin wasn't the most pleasant feeling.
“Let me see,” Acheron said softly, waiting for his Master to move his hand away from it. Santino shakily moved his hand off the wound and it bled out again, dripping down his waist which Acheron tried to wipe away with another bandage. He gently tapped the injury, trying to clean it enough to start the process.
The Camorra prince groaned in discomfort, but also let Acheron do what he had to. He wanted to push him away, yes, to order him to leave him alone. Yet a part of him wanted and craved his help.
“I'll pull the bullet out now… just breathe through it, okay? It'll be done quickly.” Acheron looked up at him, searching for his approval, to be sure he was still with him.
“Just get it over with…” Santino muttered, his exhausted eyes met his servant's but there was a hint of desperation in his fierce eyes.
Acheron nodded, murmuring some words of reassurance under his breath as he prepared the tweezers. He was holding them in front of the gaping wound, examining what would be the best way to get the bullet out. He had to think quickly and the sudden anxiety wasn't helping him either.
It was a weird feeling, his whole body felt tense, his chest felt heavier and painful and his hands were still slightly shaking.
You idiot… get yourself fucking together already. Just pull the damn bullet out!
He was screaming at himself in his mind and he took one deep breath to calm himself, and Santino.
“Breathe with me, Master. Look at me, focus on breathing and me.” He pressed the tweezers slightly into the wound, just to finally start and get his boss to work with him.
“Dammit, Acheron! I-I'm fucking trying–” Of course, Santino snapped a little and winced. Like a frightened animal and the demon could've guessed it was coming.
“Look at me and breathe,” Acheron urged, he sounded like he was the one giving orders now, but he had to calm him down even if it meant to sound strict. Though, he still had a gentle tone.
Santino cursed at him in Italian, but didn't fight back. He looked down at him, inhaling sharply only to be cut off by his own gasp when he felt the tweezers sinking deeper into his skin.
“Good, okay… getting there,” the assistant praised, giving a light squeeze on Santino's knee to ground him and not let him spiral. “You're doing well.”
D'Antonio bit back a whimper and gritted his teeth, gripping the sheets with one hand while the other one was holding tightly on his shirt. He felt how the bullet was slowly being pulled out and to him if felt like it was agonizingly slow. He could feel it inside his flesh, near his ribs, feel the cold tweezers in his burning wound… he was overwhelmed, his heartbeat racing almost too fast for his comfort.
“Fuck! Aah– just…” Santino groaned, panic kicking in, but Acheron was quick to react.
“Shh, I got it. Trust me… it's almost over.” He had to carefully pull it out, not to accidentally damage his ribs or anything else and he knew it was painful, but he didn't have any other choice.
The blood kept dripping down, but it wasn't an alarming amount, at least not yet. It just looked nasty, and enough to make Santino look away at the sight. His breath hitched and a moan from pain escaped him when Acheron pressed the tweezers deeper. He slammed his fist into the mattress from frustration and pain, it was from instinct, just trying to grasp at something– anything even if he would tear it apart.
“You're doing this on purpose, you bastard!” He muttered through his teeth, ready to throw more insults but all that came out was strained moaning.
“I’m not– but if you keep moving, it'll get in deeper.” The universe seemed to hear him at that moment and do exactly what he said. The bullet slipped from the tweezers hold. “Shit. It's okay– I got it.” Acheron was quick to grab it again but it sent a violent shiver through Santino's whole body.
“You idiot!” Santino groaned but involuntarily moaned when he felt the tweezers being retrieved back from his flesh.
“There we go,” the demon murmured and placed the bullet in a metal bowl he had prepared. It clinked and made the Camorra prince flinch, bringing him back to reality. “You're alright, Master, just stay calm.”
More blood was spilling out from the wound, it felt like it was pulsing which genuinely made Santino feel nauseous for a moment, but he exhaled shakily, trying to calm his breathing down.
“Should've left the bullet in…” He murmured, more to himself than to Acheron but his assistant heard him.
“Don't say such things, Master,” Acheron said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He felt guilt creeping up on him, the anxiety was still clawing deep inside him and now this? The way Santino looked absolutely defeated and sounded like he was about to pass out made his feelings feel more intense than ever before.
D'Antonio huffed a weak laugh, which turned into something similar to a choked sob, he squeezed his eyes shut, avoiding Acheron's gaze.
The demon didn't want to push him further, so he continued to treat his wound, murmuring soothing words and telling him everything he was doing.
“Keep breathing deeply like that,” he whispered and gently took a hold of Santino's wrist, not that his master had the strength to argue about it. He placed his fingers over his pulse, it was steady enough and the warmth of it felt… nice, alive, human like.
“I'm not dead, you know…” Santino said hoarsely and Acheron snapped back to reality.
“I know,” he replied quietly, carefully cleaning the blood around the wound. “I'll have to stitch it. But I can't have you passing out from… exhaustion. It's too dangerous… I can't just do it while you feel everything–”
“I've seen and felt worse… I'm giving you permission…”
Acheron met his eyes and he recognized that look. Santino was serious about it, pain was his whole life, yes, the demon was aware of it, but he really didn't want to cause him more pain.
“I refuse,” the demon said, keeping the pressure on the injury with a disinfected bandage. “You were in too much stress for me to use any ability… it would only harm you more… though you've calmed down now. I can try to numb the area so I can stitch it. But I won't let you get through more intense pain.”
D'Antonio only looked at him for a few more seconds and then exhaled deeply. “Do whatever you want.”
“I promise I only want to help you… but you also need to help yourself. And to help yourself, I'll need you to steady your breathing a bit more and focus on me,” Acheron instructed and was glad to see that Santino was trying. He was trying for him.
He took several deep breaths, occasionally glancing at Acheron who nodded in encouragement.
The other man felt his pulse again and was pleased with the process. “I'll use only enough to make you not feel intense pain. There might be discomfort but I'm afraid that's all I can for now.”
“You pulled a damn bullet out of me, this can't be worse, can it?” Santino smirked weakly, wincing as a short breathy laugh that escaped him sent a jolt through his body.
Acheron chuckled softly. “You don't want to find out.” He pressed his fingers around the wound and started the process.
Santino felt like the area was being poured with warm water, the pain was fading away, not entirely but just enough not to feel his own injury throb. It was much better.
“There. Do you feel my fingers?” Acheron asked as he lightly pressed near the wound.
“Kinda like pressure but… it’s not painful,” Santino replied, feeling slightly more drained but he knew that would happen if Acheron used his ability.
“Good. Just relax.”
The Camorra prince nodded weakly and let his assistant do his work.
It was more uncomfortable than painful, like light pinching from time to time and pressure going through his flesh. He bit back whimpers, watching Acheron work.
He really looked more human than ever. There was more emotion in his face, his movements were gentle– just like always but now his touch felt deeply comforting. Santino couldn't explain it in his mind, after all he was feeling exhausted, so nothing felt like it was making sense, but… Acheron was different now. Good different.
“Doing okay?” The demon asked softly, glancing up at him.
“Yes… just tired,” Santino murmured, shutting his eyes closed for a moment and focusing on his breathing and the quietness of the room.
Acheron hummed in agreement, piercing another stitch through his skin which made his master let out a strangled whimper but he also muttered to him to continue.
It didn't take long for the demon to finish with stitches, he worked better on it than most of the medical teams Santino had.
“This should be fine,” Acheron said as he finished the last stitch, examining if there was something he missed. “I'll heal you once you recover enough… you'll need lots of rest, Master.”
Santino sighed deeply and leaned back, his palms pressed against the mattress as he felt his body betraying him with exhaustion.
“I'll feel that in the morning…” He murmured with a faint smirk.
“Probably,” Acheron agreed and was aware of the struggles with healing from a bullet wound. “But I can assure you it'll pass. It'll take a few days but you should recover quickly.”
There was something heavy and burning in his chest the moment he looked at Santino. It wasn't like the anxiety he felt, no. This was something tempting, something warm that was telling him to feel him. His pulse.
He hesitantly took a gentle hold on his master's wrist, brushing his thumb over the warmth of his veins. He couldn't understand why he was so drawn to that, but he had a strong need to feel that pulse.
“Are you okay?”
Acheron blinked and let go only to meet Santino's tired but concerned look.
“I just have to make sure you're… not in any danger anymore.” That was true but not completely. But then again he wasn't even sure how to explain the emotions he was experiencing.
Santino was about to say something when the medical team arrived, out of breath and smelling like gunpowder. Acheron glared at them over his shoulder and they froze.
“We're sorry for the delay– the situation outside was–”
“There is no excuse for letting your boss almost bleed out!” Santino doesn't recall ever hearing Acheron yell at someone, not at his staff at least. He was mad, he could feel his frustration and how he was holding back not to transform into the demon wolf to tear them apart.
The staff winced and took a step back once Acheron got too close to them.
“There was no other way we could enter– everyone was shooting at each other.” That was true and Acheron could understand, but he believed that Santino's safety was the priority, nothing should stop him or the bodyguards from keeping their boss safe.
“Enough!” The demon snapped strictly and the room got quiet. Santino stared at him, amazed by his reactions. “I took the bullet out and stitched his wound. You can examine it and give him what he needs to feel better.”
The staff nodded and quickly moved past him, getting their medical supplies out. Santino let them examine him, he didn't really care anyway. He trusted Acheron more than anyone, he knew he did everything right with his injury. Then again, he could use some pills, he was feeling quite drowsy.
Acheron watched their every move, ready to step in if he had to, keeping an eye on his master's body language and expressions. He seemed fine, irritated, exhausted but alive and safe.
The medical staff injected anesthetic near the wound to numb the pain, as well as some sedative medicine that Santino wasn't very fond of drinking but he had no choice.
“He should be okay and heal in a few days. Wound is clean and stitched… professionally. Well done, Sir,” one of the medics explained and gave a respectful nod at Acheron.
The demon only hummed, pleased with their work and stood by Santino's side.
“And I'd recommend not moving too much, or at least for a day or two because of the stitches. Just in case…” The other one added and D'Antonio let out a frustrated sigh, ready to snap at them but Acheron stepped in.
“Alright. Thank you both. Now make sure the mansion is not under an attack anymore,” he ordered. The staff nodded, preparing to leave and do what they were told. Until one of them flinched when they felt Acheron's grip on their shoulder. “And don't let this happen again. Being late for your boss won't be tolerated. Understood?”
“Yes, Sir,” they replied nervously and made their way out.
Acheron watched as they scurried, sighing deeply and pinching the bridge of his nose.
“I'm starting to think I'm not the strict one here,” Santino chuckled weakly, buttoning his shirt.
“They failed to help you in time, there is no excuse for that,” Acheron said, wanting to help him with the shirt but his master murmured that he can do it himself.
“I didn't really care,” the Camorra prince muttered and accepted a glass of water his assistant brought him.
“You didn't, but I did.” Yet he still couldn't understand how he missed the enemy pulling out their gun and shooting his master right in front of him. The guilt sting deeply in him. “I… I'm sorry, Master,” Acheron apologized, though there was no pride in his voice, in fact his voice was quiet and soft.
“For what?” Santino asked, placing the half empty glass on the counter. He genuinely looked curious on what his assistant meant.
“Well, I… failed to protect you. You shouldn't have gotten hurt in the first place. All because I…” Acheron exhaled, trying to find his words. “Didn't react in time. I don't know what happened… and I am deeply sorry for everything–”
“Acheron, you don't have to apologize. It wasn't the first time I was shot at a meeting,” D'Antonio smiled tiredly, but Acheron still didn't like the fact his master was kinda used to this.
“This will be the last time that has happened. I promise,” Acheron vowed, placing his hand on his heart and bowing his head in respect.
“But you didn't answer my question from before,” Santino groaned as he adjusted, “Are you okay? You seem… distracted today.”
He noticed… of course he did. He notices everything.
The demon hesitated, not even sure what to tell him.
I'm sorry, I felt more alive than before.
I felt like a human.
I was scared of losing you.
I failed you.
It wasn't supposed to happen.
“I… I'm not sure,” he whispered, avoiding his master's eyes. “I suppose I was distracted.”
The moment he looked at him, he could tell Santino wasn't buying that.
“I've never seen you nervous before. I felt it, you know. Your, um… fear? Or something, it was uncomfortable. But I felt that before. Like something is burning in your chest, pulling you, just… it's weird.” It was not often to hear him talk about his feelings, but when he did, the way he would describe them was as if they were monsters or something out of this world. “We humans are complicated… our feelings… but you're not human. Yet you felt it.”
There it was again. The same feeling from before, only not that intense. Acheron swallowed nervously before answering. “I, um…” He found himself fumbling with words, not sure what to say which has never happened before. It was scary, creeping up slowly, making his breath hitch. “I don't know, Master. I've never felt it before… I think I…” He hesitated, his eyes kinda burned and his vision got blurry.
Santino frowned in concern. He himself was bad with talking about feelings so he wasn't even sure how to help him express it or what to do. However, he seemed to understand what Acheron meant.
“Felt human?”
Acheron looked at him and his own heartbeat quickened. The feelings were terrifying, and his master knew that.
“I'm not sure– I guess so–”
“You don't have to explain, Acheron. If it's making you uncomfortable,” D'Antonio cut him off, and with a strained groan managed to lay down, sighing as he closed his eyes. “I often forget you're not human because… you seem so human. Your heartbeat is real, your hands are warm, your soul feels… pleasant. I wouldn't be surprised if you felt that way.”
The room fell silent, the demon only stood there, trying to process everything. Santino read him like a book, noticed every detail and that amazed him.
“It's a weird feeling,” he confessed quietly and decided that he should collect himself already. “But that doesn't matter. Your well being matters the most. How do you feel? Do you need anything?”
Santino huffed, but didn't make an effort to sit up. “Like I have no energy for anything… feels like I was beaten the shit out of me. A shower could be useful, but lying down feels better for now,” he explained, only opening his eyes enough to look at the other man.
“Okay. Let me know if you'll need anything else.”
Later that evening, while Santino finally got enough strength to get himself to the bathroom, Acheron patrolled around the mansion, observing how the rest of the staff was cleaning the mess of the attack.
Everything else seemed to be going back to normal, there was no sign of danger and he could finally relax.
By the time he returned back to Santino's room, he found his master already dozing off. He looked so peaceful, exhausted, calm. Not like a Camorra leader he was, but just an ordinary tired person. Human.
Acheron moved silently towards him, just to check on him to be sure when he heard a mumble.
“You don't have to sneak around…” Santino winced when he tried to stretch a little, he almost forgot about his injury.
“Just wanted to check how you're doing. It'll be better for you to find a comfortable position and rest,” Acheron murmured, giving him a warm smile.
“That's kinda what I'm trying to do,” the Camorra prince muttered. “Have you checked everything?” He sighed, giving up on finding a comfortable position.
“Yes. Everything is fine, the night should be calm,” Acheron answered, placing some boxes of painkillers and a glass of water on the counter next to Santino's bed.
“Good. Tomorrow's gonna be busy… because of that asshole and everything.” The pills and anesthetic seemed to start taking their impact on him. His eyelids started to feel heavier and his words got more slower, yet he was still talking. “Maybe I should shoot him… or something… bastard did this to me.”
His assistant chuckled softly, finding him this exhausted that he was babbling adorably funny.
“We'll figure it out tomorrow. Rest now.” He was about to leave, but D'Antonio stopped him.
“Wait. Stay a little longer.”
Acheron turned to look at him and nodded. He sat on a chair next to the bed, and prepared himself for Santino's tired babbling.
“Did you really have to press those tweezers that deep in me?”
The demon couldn't hold back a laugh that escaped him, he himself almost forgot about that.
“My apologies, Master. The bullet slipped away, I had no other choice. But you handled it well, listened to me and did whatever you needed to get yourself through it.” Even if it meant snapping and wanting to tear things apart.
“I did… insult you during it. I'm sorry…” To get an apology from Santino was… extremely rare. And now he seemed more vulnerable, being sedated and tired, he could apologize now but snap in a minute. “You're the best bodyguard I've ever had. I don't wanna make you feel–”
“Master, don't even worry about it. You were in pain, it was understandable, and right now you're exhausted. You need rest, I'll take care of everything else.” Acheron didn't want him to worry, the last thing he needed now was more stress.
They talked some more, probably for an hour since it didn't take long for Santino to start drifting into sleep again. Acheron stayed with him the whole time and admired him in this vulnerable state.
He looked beautiful, messy but still elegant. Yet something else also caught Acheron's attention.
Santino's pulse. His heartbeat.
He could hear it even from a distance if he focused hard enough. He watched how he was breathing, his chest falling and rising with each breath, how comfortable he looked for the first time today.
How could someone be so… stunning while sleeping? All he's doing is breathing. He's so vulnerable now… but clearly is trusting me to see him like this. I've never… never met someone like him. I can't stop looking at him, or listening to his heartbeat. I want to… feel his heart.
Acheron hesitantly reached for Santino's hand that was out and resting near his face on the pillow. He just wanted to feel his pulse, just for a little while. His touch was so light that his master didn't even flinch, he was deep asleep.
His pulse felt slow but not in a bad way, it was more in a comforting way. The demon gently brushed his thumb over his veins, just to feel his warmth and pulse some more. But he knew where he could feel his heartbeat even more.
His neck. It was exposed so beautifully, highlighted by the light from the moon coming through the window.
Is this right of me? I just want to feel his pulse. I don't know why I need to feel it, but something is not letting me have peace until I do so.
He carefully placed his two fingers over his neck, over the vein pulsing. It felt stronger than before, Acheron's breath hitched. He could stay like this for so long, just feeling how alive his master was, how warm he was, how his heart was beating so elegantly.
He wasn't sure how long he spent there, feeling his pulse, admiring him, but it felt like it was hours.
Santino slightly shifted in his sleep and Acheron took that as a sign he was standing here for too long. The reality of what he was doing made him uneasy, he felt weird, but one part of him was pleased.
He finally left the room, silently walking back to his own room while fidgeting his fingers. He could still feel the warmth of his skin on his fingerprints.
Humans are complex. How their heart beats so gently, how the blood is warm and rushing through their veins. Why does it amaze me? Or is it just my Master? I am so stunned by him, I cannot explain it… but every day I feel closer to him, like our souls are being connected more than before. Ah, I guess I'm just as complex.
Acheron spent the rest of the night thinking about everything, about Santino, his feelings towards him, just everything that could possibly come to his mind. It was a long night of just staring at his ceiling on the bed, alone with his thoughts. Then again, he could still feel Santino's peace, and occasionally hear his heart beating when he concentrated.
In the morning, at around 9 am, Acheron went to check up on his master. Santino was still sleeping, only changed his position a little but nothing else was different.
He checked again at 12 pm, when he heard a sleepy groan and saw Santino shift some more. D'Antonio looked a bit disoriented, rubbing his eyes in an attempt to fully wake himself up.
“Morning, Master,” Acheron greeted softly, letting Santino adjust to the light of the room.
“Fuck… what time is it? What day– ah…” He winced and whimpered when he tried to sit up, but felt his stitches stretch. “So it wasn't just a nightmare… Dammit, this shit hurts…” There he was, the Camorra prince being grumpy, the one Acheron knew very well.
“Don't strain yourself. It's 12 pm, the longest I've ever seen you sleep.” He had to playfully tease him just a little.
“I overslept? I have so much to do, I can't just stay here all day. Even if I want to,” Santino murmured, already being frustrated and having tons of racing thoughts.
“I'll take care of everything. If you're still tired feel free to sleep for longer. You went through a lot, it'll be better if you rest as long as possible.”
Santino was thinking about it, about his options. He was still very tired and the wound started to hurt again. He really just wanted to stay in bed.
“Fine… if you can take care of everything, you can have as much of my soul as you want,” Santino murmured with a light smirk. “And bring me some fresh water, will you? I'm dying of thirst.”
The demon chuckled and did exactly what he was told. It looked like Santino was coming back to his old self quickly, just as Acheron thought.
He spent some time with him, brought him breakfast, which Santino refused at first but eventually his stubborn mind decided he was hungry after all, and gave him painkillers.
“Thank you, Acheron… for everything, really. Ah, see? You're so human… and I think that's not bad, you don't have to be afraid of that feeling,” D'Antonio said after he watched him for a few minutes.
“Always, Master. And I suppose I could… try not to let this feeling get the best of me. I'll work on it,” Acheron promised, and Santino could tell there was determination in his voice.
“Just don't let it destroy you. Trust me.” The Camorra prince gave him a wink as he sipped on his water, wishing it was wine.
Acheron understood, Santino just didn't want him to suffer the way he did. Humans suffer every day, fight their own demons within them, no wonder his master was warning him about it.
Human or not, feelings could be strange. They could feel overwhelming, strong, painful, scary, like a monster clawing deep inside you.
Acheron had many masters before Santino, but he never felt this way with any of them. Their souls have a deeper connection, he could feel that and he liked it actually. Just that emotions were still a bit scary to process.
I REALLY enjoyed this one!! I could feel Acheron's confusion and his struggle with human emotions. I like how physically all of that was described, and how it paralleled the pain of the bullet. Okay, quotes!
I'm supposed to protect him– my Master. What is wrong with me? Why didn't I predict it –
^OH ACHERON NOOOO he's so hard on himself about this awwwww
like the wound and the bullet pulsed within him.
^this is such a cool description
“Good, okay… getting there,” the assistant praised, giving a light squeeze on Santino's knee to ground him and not let him spiral.
^I just love the way Acheron talks to him and helps him through it <3
The way Santino looked absolutely defeated and sounded like he was about to pass out made his feelings feel more intense than ever before.
^IT MADE MY FEELINGS MORE INTENSE TOO
Santino felt like the area was being poured with warm water
^This sounds like a really nice feeling :3
Santino doesn't recall ever hearing Acheron yell at someone, not at his staff at least.
^Fierce Acheron yaaaaaaaaay!
Like something is burning in your chest, pulling you
^Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaggggh Acheron
Acheron understood, Santino just didn't want him to suffer the way he did.
^Awww they're so kind to each other.
And thank you for using another of my prompts!!! I'm so glad I could inspire you.
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I changed some things about him so I will talk about him again! 🖤
⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽ ☆ ☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅
"𝑨𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒊𝒔𝒉, 𝒎𝒚 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓."
✧ Acheron's main form is human. A bit taller than Santino, dark fluffy/curly hair, potentially red/green/blue eyes. Here is his face claim :]
✧ Red eyes when he is in the "demon mode" meaning: uses his abilities.
✧ His second form is a demon wolf with red eyes. However, bigger than a normal wolf, so yeah... he's big. Also, some like "shadow mist" seem to show up around him then.
✧ His relationship with Santino remains platonic even if to some (Santino's staff members lol) it seems like they're romantically involved. They're just soul bonded because they share each other's soul and Acheron has a part of Santino's soul. They share this trust and emotional intimacy, they seem to understand each other more than anyone else could ever understand them. I mean, they can have intimate moments or those moments just appear intimate. Listen, they are tragic and complicated.
✧ Acheron can feel Santino's emotions and his pain. Also, Acheron kinda drains Santino's energy when he uses his abilities, so he has to be careful not to overdue it to hurt Santino, + that goes for healing Santino or himself. For example: if Santino is really hurt, he has to let him heal "mortal way," meaning with medical help. Get enough energy to help him.
✧ Acheron can get hurt, bleed, be in pain, but he can't die. He is immortal. However! If he gets hurt too much, loses lots of blood for example, he can pass out for hours or days - depending on how badly he is injured and can't heal himself.
✧ While he can do anything since he's a demon. He has his limits. But most importantly, he will do anything Santino orders him to.
✧ Since they are soul bonded, Santino has this need to have him close. Just his presence is enough sometimes.
✧ Acheron is Santino's demon, and Santino is his Master. Their souls are connected.
Wicktober prompt day 20 - Nightmares | event organizer @wickblr
Note: This idea just randomly appeared in my head, and I thought it could fit Santino and Acheron well. So, yes, here is a little ficlet about Santino having a nightmare, and his demon assistant Acheron helped him get through the tough night. Human form Acheron, btw ;)
Have some Santino & Acheron, enjoy! :]
◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈
The night was long and insufferable, the air felt heavy, the room felt hot and almost claustrophobic. It was one of those nights, the long and terrifying ones that Santino had to get himself through alone.
Vivid memories mixed with nightmares, it felt so real, he was physically and mentally feeling everything that was happening in his mind and he couldn't do anything. He was shaking, hands clenching his pillow and sheets, his breathing hitched from time to time as if he couldn't breathe. He felt sick, he felt dizzy, all that while he was asleep, unaware of his surroundings, all he could focus on was the horrible nightmare. A nightmare that had some reality in it.
It was 4 am when it was happening, the halls of the D'Antonio mansion were dark, everyone was sleeping except Santino's best assistant, Acheron. He doesn't need sleep, only rest sometimes. Usually, during the night, Acheron would do some of Santino's paperwork to help him out, to make it easier for him. After all, Santino wasn't looking too good lately. He started smoking more, drinking before going to sleep without even eating anything, so sometimes he would wake up feeling sick and hungover. As far as Acheron knew, this evening, Santino drank only half a glass of the wine, he looked worried the whole day, and no one could really figure out why. Not even Acheron.
He just signed the last paper when he started feeling uneasy, like there was danger nearby, that something was wrong with Santino. He placed the papers back to their place and went to check out the situation.
There wasn't anything unusual while he walked through the halls, everything was silent, he could only hear his footsteps. Yet the closer he got to Santino's room the more he heard… whimpers? Sobs? Acheron tried to figure out the noise as he leaned his head closer to the door. His master’s noises sounded like he was struggling, like he was in pain and Acheron couldn't let him stay like that.
He carefully opened the door, silently sneaking towards Santino. He stopped right next to him, noticing how he was trembling, gripping the sheets, he really wasn't looking too good. Acheron thought about waking him up, he was struggling in his sleep, Acheron couldn't just let that continue.
“Master,” he whispered, gently rubbing Santino's arm yet he didn't react only winced but that was all.
Acheron stopped for a second, thinking what to do, he felt bad seeing his master like this, it wasn't fair that Santino had to go through another night like this.
“Master,” Acheron tried again, a little louder this time and shaked his arm a little more. “Wake up, it's okay.” He repeated it a few more times until Santino gasped softly, startled awake and disoriented.
The demon stepped back to give him some space, turning his head to look for a glass or a bottle so he could bring him some water. He heard Santino shuffling with the sheets, but he thought it was only him trying to regain himself. “I'm right here-” Acheron started when he looked back but stopped himself mid sentence when there was a barrel of a gun pressed against his forehead.
He could see it in Santino's eyes, they weren't clear, he was confused, he didn't recognize his assistant, his hand was shaking, he was still breathing a bit heavier. Acheron slowly raised his hands in surrender, “It's me, Master.” It didn't work, Santino was still holding the gun. “Acheron. Your assistant.”
That seemed to finally get to Santino, he blinked, sighing and slowly lowering his gun, but still looking at his assistant. D'Antonio looked terrified for a moment, like he couldn't process what just happened. “I’m sorry,” Santino whispered and Acheron took the gun away, placing it at the counter.
“It's okay, you're safe,” Acheron said, trying to sound reassuring, since he could see that his master was distressed.
“No, no, I'm so sorry,” Santino murmured, almost too quietly for Acheron to hear. “I'm sorry- I didn't mean to.” He rubbed his face and pinched his eyes closed in an attempt to fully wake himself up.
“I understand, it's okay.” At this moment, Acheron wasn't sure what to say, he wanted to give Santino some time to process everything. But he felt the need to tell him to breathe, seeing how panicked Santino looked, he couldn't let him have a panic attack. “Just breathe for me, okay? Slowly.”
Santino actually looked annoyed for a moment, just mostly at himself for reacting the way he did and now he was struggling to calm down his breathing. “Fuck, I really… I don't know why I did that.” Santino tried to inhale and exhale calmly, but it was still shaky and it was like he couldn't do anything. It was then when Acheron noticed a glistening trail down Santino's face.
The sobbing he had heard.
“Master, have you cried?” Santino looked up at him in confusion.
“What?” He breathed out, feeling his face and the wet spot. “No… I didn't. What is this?” He was so confused, in disbelief, and nothing was making sense.
“You probably had a nightmare that was too intense. It happens, though, especially if you were stressed out these days.” And, Santino was stressed out these days. Acheron thought it was something about work but now it looked like there was something more.
“What the fuck… I could've shot you.” Santino looked over at the gun on the counter, not really listening to Acheron.
“Well, I can't really die. Although it would hurt.” Acheron tried to use a little bit of his charm to help and calm down the tension. “And it would stain your bed and I don't want that.”
Somehow, that made Santino laugh, but it was a sudden chuckle that turned into more of a desperate laugh as he tried to stop himself, lowering his head to hide his face with his band. “What have I done?” He whispered when he got himself to stop.
“Nothing. Nothing bad happened.” Acheron took this as an opportunity to try and feel Santino's forehead in case he got a high temperature, but it was like Santino sensed that he was getting closer to him.
“Don't touch me.” D'Antonio warned, a hint of frustration in his voice.
“Okay, I won't.” Acheron stepped back. There was silence for a few seconds before Acheron tried again, however a bit hesitant, “I'm… not sure having a gun under your pillow is the safest option for you. Maybe in the drawer?”
“Just… shut up. I feel sick, stop talking.” For a moment, he thought he was going to be sick, and having his head down and then looking up made it worse. He cursed something in Italian, Acheron stood right there in front of him in case if he had to help him get to the bathroom. However, Santino managed to take some deep breaths, remembering what Acheron told him, to breathe slowly.
“Okay?” Acheron asked softly, studying Santino's face and body language.
“I… I think so,” Santino nodded slowly, voice barely above whisper. “What time is it?”
“Half past five in the morning.”
Santino sighed in frustration, his mind was racing with so many thoughts. “I can't believe this happened again.”
“It passed now. You're okay.” Well, it could still take Santino some time to fully regain himself.
“I think it was instinctive…” Santino paused to exhale, “To grab the gun. But I thought…”
“What?” Acheron asked softly.
“I thought you were someone else.”
Oh. Acheron was right then. That look in Santino's eyes told everything. Fear, confusion, disorientation, anger. The assistant guessed it was probably better not to ask him who he saw instead of him, but he knew it was only slow steps with Santino when it came to helping him open up about his emotions. No matter what reaction he would get from Santino, he could understand his feelings more that way.
“Do you want to maybe tell me who you thought-”
“No, no,” Santino cut him off, “I don't want to talk about it.”
Acheron nodded, sensing sorrow and misery mixed with anger in his master. Whoever he saw must've done something terrible to him. “How about I bring you some water? Or tea? Anything you'd like,” he offered.
“Water is fine,” Santino replied quietly.
While Acheron was getting him water, Santino got up, felt dizzy but supported himself on the counter to get to the window. He opened it and felt the cold fresh morning air, inhaling and exhaling it.
“Oh, Master, what are you doing?” Acheron asked, placing the glass on the counter and rushed towards him.
“I'm fine, I just need some air,” Santino replied. Sometimes, Acheron's worry would annoy him, even if deep down he knew he only meant to protect him. “Don't touch me.”
Acheron stopped, he was about to hold his shoulders in support. “Okay. I brought you water.”
Santino sighed deeply, closing his eyes, “Thank you.”
The demon stood on the side, waiting for Santino to take in some deep breaths. It took him a few minutes and decided to come back to bed after he shivered from the breeze. He was quiet, didn't say anything when he sat on the bed, took the glass and drank almost everything.
“Put the gun away,” Santino murmured quietly.
“I'm sorry?” Acheron asked since he didn't hear him properly.
“Put the fucking gun away, I don't want to look at it,” D'Antonio snapped, “Put it in the drawer.”
Acheron did what he was told, putting the gun in the drawer. “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
Santino stayed quiet again, swallowing nervously and looking down at the floor. “I almost pulled the trigger.”
“You didn't.”
“I almost did. You started talking and I stopped myself.”
“You wouldn't kill me, I can't die,” Acheron reminded him.
“I know. What if it wasn't you? What if it was someone else?” Santino looked at him, finally after some time.
“Well…” Acheron sighed, “It didn't happen, it's best not to think about that.” He was worried it would upset if they started talking about it.
“It could've have-”
“Master.” Acheron cut him off. “Everything's alright.” He had to snap him out of it.
Santino looked puzzled, but this time, he didn't snap back at him. Instead, he nodded and looked away from him. “Right… yes. I guess so.”
“You should feel safe in your own home. With me, I can guarantee that you're safe here.”
His master stayed quiet again. He should feel safe here, his reaction was out fear, instinctive and not the first time this happened. “I know. I'm sorry if I ever doubt you, sometimes I forget that you're a demon and immortal.”
Acheron chuckled softly, “It's alright, I understand. I just want you to feel like you're safe.”
“Yeah. You want that and my soul one day.” It looked like Santino relaxed a little, finally.
“I'm glad you're feeling better,” Acheron smiled. “Joking so early.”
“Don't get used to it,” Santino groaned as he felt the back of his neck. He probably got a little stiff while sleeping. He also noticed that his skin felt warm, so Acheron was right about his suspicion.
“Alright,” Acheron nodded, “Would you like any pills? Painkillers? However, I don't recommend drinking them on an empty stomach.”
“No, I'm barely drinking water. I'll be fine, thank you.” Perhaps chugging down water so quickly wasn't the right move, since now it was starting to make him feel sick again.
“Are you sure you'll be fine?”
“Yes, I'll sleep through it. Or… I don't know, stay awake. It wouldn't be the first time.”
“It's better to get some sleep, Master. The nightmare wouldn't continue, I'm sure.” Acheron couldn't promise it won't continue, he was just hoping his master would continue sleeping peacefully.
“We'll see. I'd like to be left alone now.” The sunrise started to appear and that didn't help Santino's sudden headache.
“Whatever you say, Master,” Acheron said and bowed his head in respect. “You can always call me whenever you need me.”
Santino only nodded in response and lay back down on the bed, hearing the door close when Acheron left.
Sleep through it. Acheron couldn't stop thinking about what his master said. Santino said that so casually, so he was doing it often and Acheron couldn't always tell when.
Santino even managed to trick his own demon assistant into thinking he was fine when he wasn't. ‘Impressive.’ Acheron thought.
In the morning, at 8 am, Santino woke up again. Or he never slept. Acheron noticed the dark circles under his eyes, and he just wasn't looking too well. It also took him a longer time to get out of his room, so the demon only thought of the worst, that his master was sick in the bathroom.
Santino was in the kitchen, drinking coffee, or attempting to since this time it tasted awful and made him feel nauseous again. So, he only drank a little bit.
While Santino was still there, Acheron went to his room and immediately noticed that the gun was on the counter again. Why? Acheron thought Santino wanted it out of his sight for at least a day.
Well, Acheron left it there, knowing Santino doesn't like when his things are being touched or put away. But it made him worried and he wanted to ask Santino about it, but seeing how tired he looked, he didn't do it. He didn't want to upset him.
“Acheron. Let's go, we'll be late.” He heard Santino calling for him and he obeyed, following his master and his orders like always.
Acheron wondered the whole day what was the nightmare that upset Santino so much to the point of almost having a panic attack. His master wasn't talking much with him today either, he was just doing the negotiations with people, being his usual self, trying to get the most with his charm and silver tongue. No one could see that he was drained and exhausted except Acheron and Santino preferred it to stay that way.
This was SO GOOD!! Acheron is so attentive and Santino is just having the worst time :( Beautiful!
He was shaking, hands clenching his pillow and sheets, his breathing hitched from time to time as if he couldn't breathe. He felt sick, he felt dizzy, all that while he was asleep
^This description reached through my screen and punched me (in a good way) </3
He just signed the last paper when he started feeling uneasy, like there was danger nearby, that something was wrong with Santino.
^I absolutely love when characters can feel each other's emotions through some special bond aaaaa favorite trope!!
Yet the closer he got to Santino's room the more he heard… whimpers? Sobs?
^OMG NOOOO Acheron save him!!!
there was a barrel of a gun pressed against his forehead
^AAAAAAA OH NO!!!
Santino actually looked annoyed for a moment, just mostly at himself for reacting the way he did and now he was struggling to calm down his breathing. “Fuck, I really… I don't know why I did that.”
^Don't be mad at yourself Santi T_T
“Don't touch me.” D'Antonio warned, a hint of frustration in his voice.
“Okay, I won't.” Acheron stepped back.
^Acheron being so considerate and giving him space <3
“Just… shut up. I feel sick, stop talking.” For a moment, he thought he was going to be sick
^Aaaaaaa Santino </3 it's so awful for him, being that scared and then feeling sick on top of it.
This was so intense and made me so stressed for Santino. They both felt so real to me in this. I loved it!!! Thank you for your writing as always Blue!
✧ For @tobytheeggo for Orin's and Santino's wedding!
✧ I wish you all the best! I hope you'll be happy together and take care of each other until the end. I'll be here whenever you'll need me.
✧ Here is my gift for you, I hope you'll like it! ^ ^
❀ Colorful Flowers ❀
“Do you think the roses would look pretty in the garden?”
Acheron looked over at Santino, watching the garden that was once colorful with different flowers, but after everything that had happened, the colors faded away. The sunset made them look colorful only for some time, but it wasn't real.
“I think so, yes. You used to have roses, if I remember correctly?” Santino told him about how he used to help his mother with the roses, and how beautiful they were. From darker red ones to lighter ones.
“Yes,” Santino sighed, “I think I want to have them again. I fired all gardeners… maybe I should bring them back.” It was an act out of anger that he fired them, once the flowers withered, he lost hope the garden would ever look the same.
“Of course,” Acheron agreed. “Until then, I can help if you want to.” He smiled, knowing he has the power to help him.
“Right, you can do anything. I almost forgot,” Santino said. Sometimes, Acheron would act more like a real person than the demon he was. A friend Santino could trust with his life. “I'd like to see what you can do.”
“Alright, how about we start tomorrow? It'll be a nicer day,” Acheron offered, patting Santino’s shoulder.
“Sure, tomorrow it is.”
Santino wasn't exactly sure what he was expecting, he knew what Acheron was capable of but he kept surprising him with new things. He was looking forward to tomorrow. Perhaps it was time for a change.
The following morning, Santino had a meeting in two hours and he had to get there early, he didn't even check where Acheron was, he was just getting ready and tried to finish his first coffee of the day. He wanted to get some fresh air before going to the meeting, and the garden was the best place for that, but this time, he paused and wondered if he was still dreaming.
“Good morning, Master. I managed to make the garden feel more alive.” Acheron was standing in front of a new bush of red roses and next to them and all over the garden were flowers Santino thought he would never see again.
“What…” Santino murmured, looking around in disbelief, but there was something else he was feeling. Happiness, it felt a bit weird after so long, but it was a warm feeling he wanted to embrace. “This is amazing… this… it looks just like it used to.”
Acheron chuckled, fixing his own tie. Seeing his master happy was the best thing he could wish for. “I'm very glad you like it, I tried my best.”
The roses were the ones that caught Santino's attention the most. He walked closer to the bush, gently touching the petals, admiring them. “Fascinating, they look exactly like the previous ones.”
“I made sure they did.”
Finally, the garden looked colorful and happier, like it used to and it looked. Acheron walked through the garden with Santino, listening as his master talked about the good sides of his childhood and how he used to spend a lot of time here.
“Thank you, Acheron. It would've taken much longer to grow everything again and they probably wouldn't look like this. This is perfect.” Santino couldn't stop looking at every flower he noticed.
“I hope you'll spend more time here. I think it could help you relax from work,” Acheron said, “Also, it's a new beginning. Who knows what the future will bring us.”
“You're right. It's a new start,” Santino smiled, “You always amaze me with your abilities.”
Acheron chuckled softly, “And I'll continue to do so, Master.” He bowed his head in respect, admiring his master as they continued to talk and walk… until Santino remembered he had a meeting.
I love how they’re so comfortable with each other and how much trust Santi has in Acheron, it just makes this piece all the cozier
I find it pretty funny that Acheron can do pretty much anything too, just imagining him do the absolute most but being so good at it is just a wonderful though
If my motivation peaks I’ll probably draw a little doodle of this :3333
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✧ For @tobytheeggo for Orin's and Santino's wedding!
✧ I wish you all the best! I hope you'll be happy together and take care of each other until the end. I'll be here whenever you'll need me.
✧ Here is my gift for you, I hope you'll like it! ^ ^
❀ Colorful Flowers ❀
“Do you think the roses would look pretty in the garden?”
Acheron looked over at Santino, watching the garden that was once colorful with different flowers, but after everything that had happened, the colors faded away. The sunset made them look colorful only for some time, but it wasn't real.
“I think so, yes. You used to have roses, if I remember correctly?” Santino told him about how he used to help his mother with the roses, and how beautiful they were. From darker red ones to lighter ones.
“Yes,” Santino sighed, “I think I want to have them again. I fired all gardeners… maybe I should bring them back.” It was an act out of anger that he fired them, once the flowers withered, he lost hope the garden would ever look the same.
“Of course,” Acheron agreed. “Until then, I can help if you want to.” He smiled, knowing he has the power to help him.
“Right, you can do anything. I almost forgot,” Santino said. Sometimes, Acheron would act more like a real person than the demon he was. A friend Santino could trust with his life. “I'd like to see what you can do.”
“Alright, how about we start tomorrow? It'll be a nicer day,” Acheron offered, patting Santino’s shoulder.
“Sure, tomorrow it is.”
Santino wasn't exactly sure what he was expecting, he knew what Acheron was capable of but he kept surprising him with new things. He was looking forward to tomorrow. Perhaps it was time for a change.
The following morning, Santino had a meeting in two hours and he had to get there early, he didn't even check where Acheron was, he was just getting ready and tried to finish his first coffee of the day. He wanted to get some fresh air before going to the meeting, and the garden was the best place for that, but this time, he paused and wondered if he was still dreaming.
“Good morning, Master. I managed to make the garden feel more alive.” Acheron was standing in front of a new bush of red roses and next to them and all over the garden were flowers Santino thought he would never see again.
“What…” Santino murmured, looking around in disbelief, but there was something else he was feeling. Happiness, it felt a bit weird after so long, but it was a warm feeling he wanted to embrace. “This is amazing… this… it looks just like it used to.”
Acheron chuckled, fixing his own tie. Seeing his master happy was the best thing he could wish for. “I'm very glad you like it, I tried my best.”
The roses were the ones that caught Santino's attention the most. He walked closer to the bush, gently touching the petals, admiring them. “Fascinating, they look exactly like the previous ones.”
“I made sure they did.”
Finally, the garden looked colorful and happier, like it used to and it looked. Acheron walked through the garden with Santino, listening as his master talked about the good sides of his childhood and how he used to spend a lot of time here.
“Thank you, Acheron. It would've taken much longer to grow everything again and they probably wouldn't look like this. This is perfect.” Santino couldn't stop looking at every flower he noticed.
“I hope you'll spend more time here. I think it could help you relax from work,” Acheron said, “Also, it's a new beginning. Who knows what the future will bring us.”
“You're right. It's a new start,” Santino smiled, “You always amaze me with your abilities.”
Acheron chuckled softly, “And I'll continue to do so, Master.” He bowed his head in respect, admiring his master as they continued to talk and walk… until Santino remembered he had a meeting.
Summary: Santino was hurt, and it brought him back to his childhood with how his father hurt him in a similar way. John helped Santino heal, of course.
Rating: Mature, hurt/comfort
Relationship: Santino D'Antonio/John Wick
Note: Okay, finally putting this on ao3! This was a prompt from @starkiller-queen , and it's also posted on tumblr right here. You can also read it there if you want to. Thank you so much <3
☆ SPECIAL THANKS TO @mrssimply ☆ for beta reading and helping!!
｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ
Snippet
“Let me see,” John insisted.
“Fuck… no! It'll pass,” Santino gritted through his teeth.
Broken ribs with potentially broken few fingers would not in fact just pass.
“Santino, don't be stubborn. I saw what they did to you, I killed them, you're really badly injured. Let me help you.”
John could be a pain in the ass sometimes, literally. They were both stubborn, just in their own way. He refused to show John his injuries in the car and now at home, too.
“I… listen, it used to pass on its own, so just leave me alone!” Santino wanted to storm off but John already caught him by his arm, which made Santino yelp in pain.
“That hurts!” Santino snapped.
“I’m sorry, but please let me see. I just want to help you. You know you're safe with me, right?”
Santino sighed in slight annoyance. He knew John wanted only the best for him, he was just really frustrated from the pain.
“I know,” Santino murmured, “It just hurts.”
John nodded, taking a hold of Santino's other hand, “I'll help you. You don't have to be in pain.”
Summary: Santino's father gets drunk and hurts Santino as he's preparing to go on a secret date with John. The following day, John tries to make it better.
Rating: Mature, hurt/comfort
Relationship: Santino D'Antonio/John Wick
Note: August 31st (31.8.) 2023 was the day I posted my first fic, "I Heart you." It's a lot, it was my irl besties idea and honestly I still like it. Just... yeah, I've improved a lot since that AHAH. It's been a year, and I literally can't believe. My first fic was posted A YEAR ago, that's like... wow I can't believe it lmaoo.
This fic is a gift to @thewhumpcaretaker because you've helped me out so much, you wrote all my silly prompts, and that always brings me joy, AND MADE FANARTS I'm so thankful for that! I really love your fics and art and everything. You also inspire me, and I want you to know I appreciate everything you've done for me! This beautiful piece of artwork inspired me for this fic. Everyone should check out Santino with ice cream RIGHT HERE! Beautiful! The song "Me Gustas Tu" by Manu Chao was one part of the inspiration, too :). Thank you for being an amazing friend and support, I hope you'll like it! 💖
☆ SPECIAL THANKS TO @mrssimply ☆ for beta reading, helping out with everything, giving me suggestions that I ate up and making Santino suffer even more EHEH <3
Enjoy hurt/comfort with the sillies ^ ^ 💙🖤
✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦
Snippet
Summer was really hot this year in Italy, and it was the perfect time to go there. An opportunity to visit the young Camorra prince again.
Four months ago, John met Santino D'Antonio, second in line of the Camorra family and he hadn’t expected to actually fall in love with him. Not with someone higher rank than him, someone so beautiful and younger than him.
However, Santino had to keep their relationship a secret from his family, since his father was really strict and the thought of his son dating another man was never an option. So, Santino would lie, say that he was going out with friends and somehow that always worked. He was actually seeing his lover who would always take him somewhere beautiful on a date.
Another problem was, John was living in New York and he was coming to Italy for business reasons which was how he met Santino, but he promised he would visit him more often. And he did, like now where he’d taken some free days off work.
Santino was just getting ready, everything seemed like it was going as planned until his father decided to get drunk.
“Where are you going?”
Santino sighed and turned around to see his father.
“I'm going out with friends,” he replied, catching a hint of alcohol from his father.
“Really? Friends?”
Santino paused for a second, his father usually didn't care, why was he so suspicious now?
Summary: Santino's father gets drunk and hurts Santino as he's preparing to go on a secret date with John. The following day, John tries to make it better.
Rating: Mature, hurt/comfort
Relationship: Santino D'Antonio/John Wick
Note: August 31st (31.8.) 2023 was the day I posted my first fic, "I Heart you." It's a lot, it was my irl besties idea and honestly I still like it. Just... yeah, I've improved a lot since that AHAH. It's been a year, and I literally can't believe. My first fic was posted A YEAR ago, that's like... wow I can't believe it lmaoo.
This fic is a gift to @thewhumpcaretaker because you've helped me out so much, you wrote all my silly prompts, and that always brings me joy, AND MADE FANARTS I'm so thankful for that! I really love your fics and art and everything. You also inspire me, and I want you to know I appreciate everything you've done for me! This beautiful piece of artwork inspired me for this fic. Everyone should check out Santino with ice cream RIGHT HERE! Beautiful! The song "Me Gustas Tu" by Manu Chao was one part of the inspiration, too :). Thank you for being an amazing friend and support, I hope you'll like it! 💖
☆ SPECIAL THANKS TO @mrssimply ☆ for beta reading, helping out with everything, giving me suggestions that I ate up and making Santino suffer even more EHEH <3
Enjoy hurt/comfort with the sillies ^ ^ 💙🖤
✦•┈๑⋅⋯ ⋯⋅๑┈•✦
Snippet
Summer was really hot this year in Italy, and it was the perfect time to go there. An opportunity to visit the young Camorra prince again.
Four months ago, John met Santino D'Antonio, second in line of the Camorra family and he hadn’t expected to actually fall in love with him. Not with someone higher rank than him, someone so beautiful and younger than him.
However, Santino had to keep their relationship a secret from his family, since his father was really strict and the thought of his son dating another man was never an option. So, Santino would lie, say that he was going out with friends and somehow that always worked. He was actually seeing his lover who would always take him somewhere beautiful on a date.
Another problem was, John was living in New York and he was coming to Italy for business reasons which was how he met Santino, but he promised he would visit him more often. And he did, like now where he’d taken some free days off work.
Santino was just getting ready, everything seemed like it was going as planned until his father decided to get drunk.
“Where are you going?”
Santino sighed and turned around to see his father.
“I'm going out with friends,” he replied, catching a hint of alcohol from his father.
“Really? Friends?”
Santino paused for a second, his father usually didn't care, why was he so suspicious now?
LISTEN BLUE!!!!! When I tell you that this is one of my favorite fics ever...I'm so serious.
It has everything that I love and so many references and it's exactly how I picture this kind of thing happening!!! You dove right into Santino's trauma (just like he dove into that saltwater lmao okay that was a really dark joke but I had to). I'm about to quote SO MUCH!!!!
How do I even thank you aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa... and CONGRATULATIONS ON A YEAR SINCE YOUR FIRST FIC!!! What a big milestone. I'm always happy to write asks back and forth, and make fanart and inspire each other!! You inspire me so much too and always make my day better 💖💖💖💖
Oh and thank you to @mrssimply too, for helping out with this!!! Now quotes:
Giovanni wasn't done just yet, he grabbed Santino by his shoulder and pushed him so hard into a wall that the paintings almost fell down. Santino cried out again, he almost blacked out from the unbearable pain, and he felt like he couldn't breathe at all.
^NOOOOOOOOOO! We gotta protect Santino aaaaaaaahaaaa oh no…I hate you Giovanni :(
If they didn’t intervene between them, Santino could end up in a hospital.
^Ffffff this line hits so hard. John come save your future husband!!!!!
“What am I going to do? I don't know… I am lost,” He whispered to himself and paused when he heard a notification which helped him find his phone.
^John helps him even without knowing it, it's perfect.
“It's okay, you don't need to if it's too much. I hope you're safe.”
^He's so UNDERSTANDING!!! <3 <3 <3
He flinched at first, his tired mind immediately thought of the worst, that it was his father trying to get into his room.
^Poor traumatized Santi, his mind immediately goes to the worst possibility…
Santino wished he could stay here all night, just talking with his lover, or even getting down to him.
^They're so Romeo and Juliet!!!!!
What didn't help was how he actually looked like he was sick. He got a slight fever from the pain, to the point one of the staff members asked him if he was okay and he admitted that he wasn't feeling the best, but he just needed pain meds and some fresh air.
^Nooooo he has a fever so bad everyone notices :( He's doing so badly, my heart…
Oh, the way John's brown puppy eyes were looking at him with empathy. He couldn't resist that look.
^The best description of John. I can picture that exact look and it's so sweet.
“It's fine, I don't want that to ruin our date.”
^Heartbreaking foreshadowing
“I…” Santino looked down in embarrassment. “I did,” He admitted quietly.
^AASDFJADSFKDADSFJ this is so good. It's like, even though he was alone at the time, now he's not anymore. John sees his pain and is there for him eventually no matter what.
“Fuck! I don't know!” Santino was frustrated with himself, he couldn't believe what stupid accident this was.
^This is so in-character for him, snapping because of a small mistake and then everything comes out. Aaaaaaaaaaaa I feel so much for him!!!!
“Let me go, John. I'm going.”
“I'm coming with you.”
^YESSSSS PROTECT YOUR BOYFRIEND!!!!!
They stayed in their embrace for some time, John holding him against himself, giving him gentle kisses on his head. It felt nice to be this close to John, to his lover he has to meet in secret.
^AWWWWWWWWWWW the little head kisses…my heart's gonna explode <3
“You don't have to. I don't deserve it, I was being dramatic today.”
^POOR SANTINO!!! He's still mad at himself. But John makes him happy again.
Santino hummed after licking some of the chocolate syrup off his lips, and John couldn't stop looking at how Santino's lips glistened from his saliva and the sun reflecting on them. He looked as sweet as that ice cream and that little cherry on top.
^HASKDFASADF THIS IMAGE IS SO CUTE AND HOT!!! And the ice cream reference to my drawing (I think) aaaaa it's perfect
“John,” Santino whined playfully, “What are you doing?” By the time he asked that, John already took the picture.
^OMG THE PHOTO JUST LIKE HELEN!!! John will take cute pictures of his lover no matter what AU he's in.
That was beautiful. It was so perfect from start to finish. Thank you Blue!!!! What a wonderful gift!! I was not expecting that at all even when you mentioned that you were going to post something special. Made my day as soon as I woke up. Thank you for being such a good friend! 💙
As Acheron sweeps up and down hallways of the estate, Santino in one of his daily fashionable suits approaches him calmly, handing him a small maroon and gold card.
“I would be very happy if you joined all of us, just for one evening?”
He gave him a small smile and patted the assistants head before walking off down the hall.
Oh, of course! It would be my pleasure. I'm very happy for you, I'm sure it would be beautiful.
Acheron wagged his tail happily, looking after Santino with a smile.
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Main reason why I wrote A Dog was because I was feeling like that a lot. It's just a feeling that comes and goes but will forever stay with me.
I used Acheron or Santino for that because I thought it could fit them, too. But yes, it was based on my personal experiences and emotions. But I did enjoy writing it a few months ago since it was a good way to express myself and not just keep all that in my head because it would just eat me whole and put me back at the beginning.
Ooc: This is something I wrote months ago, and I decided to share it. Idk why I want to use Acheron for "poetry" if this even is poetry. Just feels good to express myself and it could fit Acheron and/or Santino in some way. Good way to practice writing something different as well.
A Dog
Love like a dog.
But not in a cute way. A dog that has been sitting on rain all day and waited for his master, his owner, to return for him. A dog that gets happy with head pats from random people and wants to follow them. Follow people who gave him scraps to eat. Wanting their attention, their love, their affection.
Begging for it. "Please love me, please don't leave me, I'll be good for you, I'll do anything. I'll eat out of your hand, I won't bite, I promise. Please, please, please."
So needy, so desperate for attention.
Some people ignore that, just walk by, maybe leave a little comment to him, "How cute." How cute indeed to beg for someone's attention. To beg for love.
Watching other dogs have a happy life, get what they want, play with their owners and other dogs. That must feel nice, right?
No matter how many times this dog got hurt, he will always come back.
