hi i saw ur touchstarved requests are open... u should like lowkey (highkey) write an Ais x reader x Vere fic ๐๐๐ reader can be fem or gn idm, thank you boii
HII!!! iโm so sorry I know I got this request a few months ago and iโve genuinely rewritten it 10 times. Iโm not joking, I counted. It definetly got out of handโฆ and thereโs a few special guests involved in the fic ๐คญ I redid it so many times because this is actually my first time writing for anyone other than Vere, so I wanted to try and make Ais as accurate as possible (he might not be, but itโs the effort that counts right?)
Thank you @lord-shitbox for giving me those notes on Ais! they really did help, and I hope I wrote him at least somewhat in character ๐คand @uzmacchiato for the dividers!
This is mostly proofread, the grammar may not be great but Iโve read this WAYYYY to many times ๐ญ
CW: Sexual themes (thereโs no smut tho), power imbalances, objectification(?), alcohol, slight manipulation, confinement, themes of possesion, profanity, itโs really not that bad, but iโm trying to get better w my cwโs (all of the items listed are implied more than anything, except the profanity)
Word count: 9789, gn reader
The velvet curtains never quite kept the noise out. They muffled the laughter, the music, and the low murmur of High Townโs elite into something richer. Youโd learned to tune it out. You had to, working here.
Not on the stage, but behind it. There were guests who paid extra not to sit in the crowd. Your job wasnโt to perform under the spotlight, but you were still expected to play a part. Smile when needed, stay close when asked, even when the attendees leered.
You werenโt particularly excited, but work is work, right? This was far better than working in Elyonโs brothel, even though he owned the theatre too.
The call came quickly, but it was firm enough that you straightened without thinking. One of the floor managers barely glanced your way as they handed you a tray, two glasses, and a bottle that was so expensive you were suddenly very aware of your entire lifeโs financial situation. You were pretty sure one sip of it cost more than your weekly pay. Maybe your monthly payโฆ
โPrivate guest,โ they added. โBe polite.โ
You bit back a dry response. When werenโt you supposed to be?
Still, you nodded, adjusting your sleeves out of habit before taking the tray. The hallway behind the stage was dim, lit just enough to keep you from misstepping. The further you walked, the quieter it got. The hum of the main hall faded, replaced by low voices behind closed doors and the creak of floorboards under careful steps. It was the kind of quiet that wasnโt really quiet at all.
As you neared the end of the hall, a feminine voice slipped through one of the doors ahead, clearer than the rest.
โโฆbehave,โ someone said, low and tense. โIโm already at risk of losing my job bringing you here on the clock.โ
A second voice followed, sounding too relaxed for the warning they had just been given. You didnโt catch the words, but you caught the tone. Like this wasnโt a risk at all. You slowed for half a second, then forced yourself forward.
You stopped in front of the door marked three, then knocked.
You pushed the door open and stepped inside, tray steady in your hands, and immediately felt the thick tension in the room.
There he was. Lounged back, relaxed like this was all a game heโd decided to play for the evening. His gaze slid over you the second you entered, slow and deliberate, like he had all the time in the world. You would recognize that shitty personality and those fluffy ears anywhere.
The other turned at the sound of the door and froze. The reaction was instant.
Vere and Basilea? This might be the worst shift ever.
You stilled for half a second, then forced yourself forward, setting the tray down with practiced ease even as recognition settled in your chest. You kept your expression neutral as you straightened.
But the tension had already settled.
Basilea was staring at you like sheโd seen something she wasn't supposed to.
โWhat are you doing here?โ she asked, absolutely stunned.
Her eyes flicked over your outfit, your posture, the tray youโd just set down, and something in her expression tightened. You werenโt sure if it was judgment, disbelief, or excitement.
โI work here,โ you said simply.
A soft laugh filled the room, and you didn't have to look to know who it came from.
โWell,โ he said, his voice threaded with clear amusement, โthis is interesting.โ
You glanced over despite yourself. That was a mistake. Vere was already looking at you like heโd just been handed something far more entertaining than heโd expected.
โYou didnโt mention this,โ he added lightly, eyes flicking toward Basilea.
โI didnโt know this,โ she shot back, still staring at you. โI wouldnโt have brought you here if I -โ
โIf you what?โ he interrupted easily. โThought I might enjoy myself more?โ
You cleared your throat softly, cutting in before it could turn into something worse.
โIf thereโs an issue, I can request someone else.โ
Basilea hesitated, but didnโt contradict him. That was answer enough.
You exhaled slowly, settling back into your role.
โThen Iโll be just outside if you need anything.โ
โWill you?โ he asked.
Something in the way he said it made you pause. You glanced at him again. He was still smiling, but now there was something sharper underneath it.
โBecause,โ he continued, tilting his head slightly, โit would be a shame to waste this opportunity.โ
Your grip tightened slightly at your side.
โIโm not sure what you mean.โ
โMm. I think you do.โ
โEnough,โ Basilea cut in, quieter now but firm. She finally tore her gaze away from you. โDonโt start.โ
Vere didnโt even look at her. His attention stayed exactly where it had been since you walked in.
โStart?โ he echoed softly. โI havenโt started anything. Iโve only just found out whatโs been right in front of me.โ
The room felt smaller and hotter.
You straightened, forcing your voice back into something steady.
โIโll leave you to your evening.โ
โWhy so professional? You donโt need to pretend with us.โ
You stopped and slowly turned back.
Vere hadnโt moved. Still lounging like he owned the room, those pink eyes hadnโt left you for a second.
Basilea, on the other hand, looked like she was about two seconds away from dragging Vere back to work.
โDonโt,โ she said under her breath, more to him than to you. โSeriously, don't make me say it.โ
โWhat?โ Vere replied lightly, but his face didnโt match the tone of his voice. โIโm being polite.โ
โYouโre never just polite.โ
You exhaled through your nose, already tired.
โWeโre not,โ Vere cut in smoothly.
Of course you werenโt getting out that easily.
You forced your shoulders to stay relaxed.
โThen what do you need?โ
โMm.โ He tilted his head slightly, like he was considering something far more interesting than your question. โThat depends.โ
โThatโs not how this works.โ
โNo?โ His smile sharpened just a little. โFrom what Iโve seen, itโs exactly how this works.โ
Heat crept up your neck, but you refused to let it show.
โMy job is to serve drinks,โ you said flatly.
โAnd look exquisite while doing it,โ he added.
Basilea made a small, pained sound.
โPlease ignore him. Itโs nice to see you, even if itโs... here.โ
It was a poor attempt to divert the conversation, and the jab at your job and the theatre was unnecessary, but you appreciated the sentiment nonetheless.
โIโm trying. Itโs quite nice to see you too.โ
โTrying unsuccessfully,โ Vere said.
You shot him a look. He looked delighted by your plight.
โThis isnโt funny,โ Basilea muttered, finally stepping forward.
Her voice dropped slightly when she spoke to you again.
โYou shouldnโt be in here. I mean, you can, obviously, but -โ
She stopped, clearly struggling to phrase it.
โYou know what I mean.โ
โYeah,โ you said dryly. โI do.โ
That was a lie. You werenโt sure what she was talking about, but it was best to go along with it anyway.
Awkward didnโt even begin to cover it.
Vere, however, seemed to be having the time of his life.
โYouโre both very tense,โ he observed. โItโs a little insulting, actually.โ
โNo one is insulting you,โ you said in an eerily calm tone.
โYouโre acting like Iโve done something wrong.โ
โYou will if you keep talking.โ
He laughed softly, unfazed.
Then his gaze slid back to you again, slower this time.
โYou really didnโt think Iโd notice?โ he asked.
His eyes flicked over you, your clothes, your stance, the careful distance you were trying to keep.
โWhere you ended up.โ
You crossed your arms before you could stop yourself.
โIโm sure you did.โ
Something about the way he said it made it sound like he didnโt believe you at all.
Basilea sighed, rubbing her temple.
โCan we not do this right now?โ
โYou brought me somewhere interesting, with someone interesting,โ Vere replied. โWhat did you expect?โ
โI expected you to behave.โ
โYouโre absolutely not.โ
You huffed out a quiet breath, then reached for the bottle, deciding you were done being part of whatever this was.
โDo you want the drink or not?โ
โPour,โ he said, like it was a challenge.
You did. Carefully. Steady hands, measured movements. If nothing else, you were good at this part.
You handed him the glass without meeting his eyes.
He took it, but his fingers brushed yours.
You pulled back immediately.
โStill so careful,โ he murmured.
โOh, thatโs it,โ she said, stepping in. โDrink your stupid expensive booze and stop making this weird.โ
โIโm not making it weird,โ Vere replied, taking a slow sip. โIt already is.โ
He glanced at you over the rim of the glass.
And there it was again, that look.
Like he knew something you didnโt, or something you didnโt want him to.
โYou can go,โ Basilea said quickly, shooting you a look that was half apology, half urgency. โIโve got it from here.โ
For a second, you considered leaving, escaping this entire situation before it got worse.
But there was an odd look in Vere's eyes. His tail had gone limp, and if you didnโt know any better, you would think he was afraid.
Itโs not like you really knew what happened behind closed doors. As funny as the banter between Vere and Basilea was, she was still his handler.
The sensible option was to leave. It was safer. It would have kept you out of whatever this was turning into.
Basilea was already watching you like she expected you to agree.
Vere, on the other hand, looked like he was waiting for you to do the opposite.
โโฆIโll stay,โ you said.
โYou donโt have to -โ
โI know,โ you cut in gently.
Then, a little more firmly, which made her pause.
Vere didnโt say anything right away.
But his expression changed. The tension in his posture eased slightly, like something heโd been holding onto loosened.
โIf I leave the room too early, my manager will notice.โ
You hesitated, then added, a little more honestly:
โTheyโve already been on my case about it.โ
โOn your case about what?โ
You shifted your weight slightly, suddenly very aware of how ridiculous this sounded out loud.
โNot spending enough time with guests.โ
It was higher-pitched than his usual practiced laugh. It was moreโฆ fox-like.
It was certainly amusing, but you needed to keep your poker face.
โSo,โ he said lightly, โyouโre staying because your manager wants you toโฆ spend more time with guests?โ
You immediately regretted staying.
โThatโs not -โ you started.
But he cut in before you could finish your rushed explanation, still amused.
โAnd here I thought you were just being polite.โ
โI am being professional,โ you corrected.
โMm.โ His smile sharpened slightly. โYouโre doing very well at it.โ
Something about the way he said it made it sound like a compliment he didnโt fully mean.
It was hard to tell with his lying ass.
โThis is going to get worse, isnโt it?โ
โProbably,โ Vere said cheerfully.
Something in her head had finally clicked into place, and she didnโt like what it meant.
โโฆshit,โ she muttered.
She ignored him, already stepping back toward the door.
โI have a meeting,โ she said quickly, like the words were chasing her. โI completely forgot. Of course I did, because this is my life.โ
โNow?โ you asked, surprised.
โYes, now!โ she said, already half-turned away.
Then she looked back at you, her expression softening immediately.
โIโm sorry. I really didnโt mean to dump him on you like this.โ
โItโs truly not a bother.โ
โI meanโฆ itโs better than creepy drunken guests that I donโt know.โ
Then she sighed, running a hand through her hair.
โI swear this is not how I planned my evening.โ
You huffed a quiet laugh.
โItโs not,โ she said, then softened again when she looked at you.
Then she gave you a small, genuine smile. Warmer than anything sheโd shown since you walked in.
โThank you for your patience.โ
Your expression softened slightly despite yourself.
That seemed to satisfy her.
Then she turned her attention fully to Vere. Her tone shifted instantly.
The door clicked shut behind her, and just like that, the room changed again.
You exhaled slowly, looking at the door for a second too long, like it might reopen and fix the situation.
โRelax,โ Vere said lazily.
โThatโs not reassuring coming from you.โ
He was still lounging on the couch, but now it felt different. Less like he was performing for an audience, more like heโd settled into waiting for you.
That thought was irritating.
You turned slightly away.
โSoโฆ Iโll stand outside and pretend this didnโt happen?โ
โYou could,โ he said. โBut Iโd be bored.โ
You let out a quiet breath through your nose.
You glanced at him again despite yourself.
He was watching you properly now.
Not teasing in the same way as before.
โYouโre staring,โ you said.
โWhat? I canโt look?โ
You wanted to slap that irritating smirk off his face, or kiss it off. Whatever worked.
โYou can, but I canโt tell if youโre trying to eat me or eat me.โ
Vere stared at you for half a second.
It slipped out before he could stop it, warm and surprised, like youโd actually caught him off guard for once.
โOh,โ he said, still smiling. โThatโs a new oneโฆ though Iโm sure you would enjoy either option.โ
โIโm not so sure about that.โ
Vereโs smile didnโt fade.
If anything, it got worse.
โYouโre doubting yourself already?โ
โIโm doubting you,โ you corrected immediately.
โI think youโre underestimating my preferences,โ he stated matter-of-factly.
โโฆyour preferences?โ
โMm,โ he agreed. โI wouldnโt bother with the boring option.โ
โโฆthe boring option,โ you repeated slowly.
He really expected you to figure out what the boring option was?
Heโs a monster, for fuckโs sake!
Neither of those options sounded like they would be boring to him.
You tried to fill in the blank politely, but you failed immediately.
The only thing worse than his tone was the fact that he looked completely serious about it.
โYouโre talking like Iโm supposed to guess what counts as โboringโ for you.โ
Vere blinked once, then gave a small, almost patient smile.
โI thought it was obvious.โ
That made your stomach drop a little.
โโฆno,โ you said flatly. โIt really isnโt.โ
He leaned back again, looking almost disappointed in your lack of imagination.
โThe boring option,โ he repeated, like he was explaining something simple, โwould be quick.โ
Vereโs gaze drifted away for a second, like he was thinking it through properly now instead of just teasing.
โThat kind of thing doesnโt take long,โ he added. โThereโs nothing worth staying for anyway.โ
The way he said it made it sound less like morality and more like disappointment.
You let out a slow breath.
โThatโs a very strange way to phrase something like that.โ
โI know,โ he said immediately, almost pleased.
โSo what, you prefer things that areโฆ not quick?โ
He hummed, like you were finally circling the right idea without quite landing on it.
โWell, arenโt you eloquent?โ
โYouโre an asshole.โ
โAnd my hair is red,โ he said matter-of-factly.
โDonโt worry, your little secretโs safe with me.โ
โYour job, and your cute little outfit.โ
โThatโs reassuring,โ you said, though it didnโt feel like it.
He picked up his glass again, as if nothing had happened. As if he hadnโt just tilted the entire room on its axis.
After a moment, he glanced at you over the rim.
โYou can relax,โ he said. โI wonโt bite.โ
โUnless you ask nicely.โ
You turned away before he could see your reaction.
But his quiet laughter followed you anyway.
The tray in your hands felt heavier today, even though it was empty. Elyonโs orders had been simple: keep to the floor, avoid trouble, and above all, stay polite. Polite was second nature now, a reflex honed sharper than any blade, but you couldnโt shake the feeling of eyes on you.
You were halfway through grabbing drinks from the wine rack when Elyon found you.
โAh, there you are,โ he said, his voice smooth but heavy with that undertone that always made you straighten up. He leaned against the edge of the rack, arms crossed. โI was beginning to think youโd vanished into the floorboards.โ
โI know, itโs been a while,โ you said flatly, keeping your tone even, like you always did.
You never knew what kind of mood heโd be in. Some days, he thrived on banter and sass, and those interactions could beโฆ entertaining. Other days, when the employees from the brothel managed to rile him up, even the smallest mistake felt like it could set off a storm youโd rather not think about.
โGood, youโre preparing the beverages.โ
If by beverages, he meant drinking borderline rubbing alcohol.
His eyes scanned the rest of the bottles behind you.
โWe have aโฆ delicate arrangement tonight. I need you sharp and presentable.โ
โSharp enough to serve drinks or sharp enough to survive the guests?โ
You decided to test the waters. It had been a dull day so far. Cleaning the theater wasnโt exactly thrilling, especially when you were used to chatting up the guests in the private rooms upstairs or mingling with those lounging on the balcony below.
To be honest, the private rooms werenโt exactly prime seats. They were far from the stage. You couldnโt blame the people who paid for them, though. The music carried well enough, and, of course, there were plenty of other perks that made the price worthwhile. Someโฆ you werenโt too keen on providing, but a handful of your coworkers didnโt seem to mind.
โBoth, ideally. But donโt worry, youโll manage. You always do.โ
Before you could respond, your manager appeared, brisk as ever.
โI assume youโve reminded them about the private guests tonight?โ
โOf course,โ your manager said smoothly, then glanced at you. โI merely came toโฆ ensure everything is running smoothly.โ
You tried not to roll your eyes.
โAnd remember,โ your boss added, stepping closer and lowering their voice, โif anything goes wrong tonight, itโs on you first. Elyon second.โ
โNoted,โ you said, trying to keep the edge out of your voice. โIโll be fine.โ
โDonโt be so sure,โ Elyon murmured, watching you as your boss walked away. โThe special guests do all my dirty work. Good luck, and donโt fuck it up.โ
You tilted your head slightly, setting the bottle back into place.
โDonโt worry, I can handle it,โ you said, letting the words hang - half warning, half challenge.
Elyonโs eyes glinted, amused but calculating.
โOh, I have no doubt.โ
The moment you stepped into the hallway outside Room Five, something felt wrong. Not dangerous, exactly but you felt like you were being scrutinized by something you couldnโt see.
The door opened before you had the chance to announce yourself. Warm amber light spilled across the floorboards, carrying the scent of smoke, expensive liquor, and something faintly metallic beneath it all. The air inside felt heavier somehow, dense enough to press against your lungs.ย
Then you saw that ridiculously smug smirk. โSparrow?โ
โHere to serve,โ you said automatically, setting the tray down with practiced care. You couldnโt even muster a smile, itโs not like you had to anyway. Itโs just Ais.
Ais didnโt move when he saw you, he was slouched into the couch like he owned the space. One leg was hooked lazily over the other with his glass perched between two blood-tipped fingers.
He grinned when your gaze caught his hand.
โDonโt worry, itโs not mineโฆ Probably.โ
You find it alarming that he canโt tell the difference between his and someone elseโs blood, but questioning Ais is pointless. The table beside him had a bottle you couldnโt name it was expensive though, which is shocking considering heโll drink Leanderโs concoctions. The thought of those โdrinksโ, if you can even call them that, make you shiver. They always look thick, and you suspect they taste worse than sewage. There was a red smear on the rim of his glass, and you felt like a rabbit staring at a snake.
You swallowed the urge to back toward the door. Aisโs lazy grin sharpened at the edges as he lifted the glass to his mouth. โYou look nervous sparrow, you should smile more. Itโs more appealing to your customers.โ
You donโt know why heโs taunting you, but the best solution in your mind is to castrate him. Itโs a two in one, he wonโt ever be able to do one of his favourite โactivitiesโ again, and his ego will literally be cut off.ย
โI work in a theater,โ you said. โI see strange men every night.โ
โMm.โ His gaze dragged over you thoughtfully, โAnd am I strange?โ
You snorted before you could stop yourself. โYouโre drinking mystery liquor alone in a locked room. What do you think?โ
Ais hummed thoughtfully, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. The red smear along the rim stretched with it.
You moved to straighten the bottles on the tray just to give your hands something to do. His eyes tracked the movement instantly. His eyes made everything look predatory. โI can practically hear your mind wandering, Sparrow.โ
You side eye him. โYouโre unsettling.โ
Is he serious right now? โIโm forced too, itโs literally my job.โ
Aisโs mouth twitched, he clearly finds this entertaining.
โOh, poor Sparrow. Canโt handle a little staring?โ
โYou say that like you arenโt the problem.โ
His honesty threw you off more than the smugness did. Most men puffed themselves up, danced around accusations and pretended they were misunderstood. Ais wore his flaws like expensive jewelry. Openly, proudly, even. He seems that he would rather scare people off early than deal with the disappointment of losing them later.ย
Your eyes narrowed slightly. โYou know, most people try not to sound incriminating.โ
โMost people are boring.โ The room had gone quiet except for outside. Muffled music from the theater drifted through the walls in warped little bursts. It all felt very far away from this shitty room. You lied, itโs actually a very nice room. But youโre sick of these so-called โluxuriesโ Elyon has to offer.ย
You became acutely aware that the door had shut behind you at some point. Your gaze flicked toward the door, and Ais noticed immediately. โYou wanna leave?โ
The question shouldโve sounded mocking. Instead, it came out flat. If you said yes, heโd let you. You still hesitated to answer. That was the wrong move. Aisโs mouth curved slowly at the edges. โThought so.โ
โYouโre the one still sitting there.โ
You opened your mouth to argue, then stopped. You didnโt want to admit it, but he was right. In a. attempt some to end this pointless conversation, youโd finally stood up. You start to question your choices. Was it really a good idea to work here? Maybe you should have just stayed broke and leeches off Leander. Aisโs grin widened slowly, sharp enough to cut. โThere it is.โ
You mentally roll your eyes, here we go. โWhat is it?โ
โThat look again.โ He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow against his knee. โWhatever realization youโre having is amusing.โ
You narrowed your eyes. โAnd what exactly am I realizing?โ
โThat you like me a little.โ
You barked out a laugh so sudden it startled even you. โOh, you are insufferable.โ
โMhm.โ He looked deeply pleased with himself. โNot denying it though.โ
โYou want honesty?โ you shot back. โI think youโre weird, vaguely threatening, and probably one bad day away from killing everyone in Eridiaโ
โThere is no โandโ, that was it.โ
Ais tilted his head slightly. โYou do this with everybody?โ
Why does he as so many questions? Youโre sick of his nosy ass. The banter is kind of fun though. โDo what?โ
โAct like youโre one inconvenience away from biting them.โ
โIโm not biting anybody.โ
Oh! alright then. Heat crawled up your neck so fast it almost hurt. As annoyed as you were, you couldnโt bring yourself to spit out a smart quip. You narrowed your eyes at him in what you hoped was a threatening manner. Judging by the way his grin widened, it absolutely was not.
โYouโre disgusting.โ
You grabbed the tray from the table just to create an excuse to leave for a while, or better yet, an escape plan. The second you stood taller, Aisโs gaze dropped slowly to where your sleeve had slipped slightly down your wrist.
Ais leaned back into the couch, watching you like you were the only interesting thing in a room full of knives. The candlelight caught the edge of his glass, the faint red smear still circling the rim when he tilted it. You hated that your attention kept drifting there.ย
โStop looking at me like that,โ you muttered.
โLike youโre waiting for me to do something stupid.โ
Aisโs smile tilted. โIโm always waiting.โ
You scoffed and shifted your weight, setting the tray down harder than necessary just to break the tension he kept building on purpose. This poor tray, you donโt know how many times youโve fiddled with it today. You wouldn't be surprised if it's scratched at the bottom. The sound echoed in the tight room. He didnโt even flinch. Instead, his gaze dipped briefly to your hands again, then back to your face.
โYouโre braver when youโre annoyed,โ he said.
โIโm not brave. Iโm employed.โ
Ais barks out a laugh, itโs sounds like more of a scoff than anything. But itโs hard to tell with him. โThat doesnโt make any sense.โ For a moment, Ais went still. It felt like the air shifted, and his face almost became moreโฆ feminine?ย
โAis?โ you said, more carefully now. He didnโt answer right away, his eyes unfocused. Not away from you this time, but away from everything. Like something else had stepped into the space behind his gaze and briefly taken the lead.
His voice became softer, with an almost airy tone. โHello.โ
Ais blinked once, slow, and exhaled through his nose like heโd been mildly interrupted mid-thought. The tension didnโt vanish, but it folded back under his skin.
His voice went back to normal for a moment. โIris,โ he muttered.
What? Iris? like the cute and slightly creepy girl with the braids? โIs she invading your body right now?โ That sounded way worse than you intended.ย
Ais stared at you for a second like youโd just said something wildly incorrect. To be honest, you didnโt blame him. That didnโt sound right at all.ย
โDonโt phrase it like that,โ Ais said again, quieter this time. But the twitch at the corner of his mouth stayed, like he couldnโt fully decide whether to be amused or annoyed.ย
You narrowed your eyes. โThen how am I supposed to phrase it? โCongratulations, Iโm being perceived by your haunted brain passengerโ?โ
Ais huffed under his breath. โThatโs one way.โ His eyes were unfocused again, then he spoke. โHelloโ Judging by the tone, that was Iris again. This is getting confusing, it was way easier to tell when Ocudeus was around. At least his sclera were black. Now you need to scrutinize Aisโs face for tiny details. Like fuller lips and slightly larger eyes.ย
Ais, or, Iris smiles at you. โYou look nice, dear.โ
Your stomach did a small, unpleasant flip. โโฆOkay,โ you said slowly. โThatโs new. Thank you though.โ
โWe don't get to speak very often,โ Iris said. Her voice came through him cleanly now. Sheโd finally settled in. Aisโs fingers rested loosely around the glass again, but he wasnโt really interacting with it anymore. More like holding it out of habit.
You frowned slightly. โAnd Ais isโฆ aware of this?โ
That alone made your skin prickle a little. You actually didnโt mind Iris, but she was a little scary.ย
You studied him, or her, or whatever this was. The expression was still soft, but it had a strange precision to it.ย
The moment you stepped into the hallway outside Room Five, something felt wrong. Not dangerous, exactly but you felt like you were being scrutinized by something you couldnโt see.
The door opened before you had the chance to announce yourself. Warm amber light spilled across the floorboards, carrying the scent of smoke, expensive liquor, and something faintly metallic beneath it all. The air inside felt heavier somehow, dense enough to press against your lungs.ย
Then you saw that ridiculously smug smirk. How could someone manage to look that smug? โSparrow?โ
โHere to serve,โ you said automatically, setting the tray down with practiced care. You couldnโt even muster a smile, itโs not like you had to anyway. Itโs just Ais.
Ais didnโt move when he saw you, he was slouched into the couch like he owned the space. One leg was hooked lazily over the other with his glass perched between two blood-tipped fingers.
He grinned when your gaze caught his hand.
โPaint,โ he said, bland as a weather report. โProbably.โ
What is he on about? You know damn well itโs not paint. But questioning Ais is pointless, heโs so cryptic. The table beside him had a bottle you couldnโt name it was expensive though, which is shocking considering heโll drink Leanderโs concoctions. The thought of those โdrinksโ, if you can even call them that, make you shiver. They always look thick, and you suspect they taste worse than sewage. There was a red smear on the rim of his glass, and you felt like a rabbit staring at a snake.
You swallowed the urge to back toward the door. Aisโs lazy grin sharpened at the edges as he lifted the glass to his mouth. โYou look nervous sparrow, you should smile more. Itโs more appealing to your customers.โ
You donโt know why heโs taunting you, but the best solution in your mind is to castrate him. Itโs a two in one, he wonโt ever be able to do one of his favourite โactivitiesโ again, and his ego will literally be cut off.ย
โI work in a theater,โ you said. โI see strange men every night.โ
โMm.โ His gaze dragged over you thoughtfully, โAnd am I strange?โ
You snorted before you could stop yourself. โYouโre drinking mystery liquor alone in a locked room. What do you think?โ
Ais hummed thoughtfully, swirling the amber liquid in his glass. The red smear along the rim stretched with it.
You moved to straighten the bottles on the tray just to give your hands something to do. His eyes tracked the movement instantly. His eyes made everything look predatory. โI can practically hear your mind wandering, Sparrow.โ
You side eye him. โYouโre unsettling.โ
โAnd yet you came in.โ
Is he serious right now? โIโm forced to, itโs literally my job.โ
Aisโs mouth twitched like he knew exactly what you were thinking and found it entertaining.
โOh, poor Sparrow. Canโt handle a little staring?โ
โYou say that like you arenโt the problem.โ
His honesty threw you off more than the smugness did. Most men puffed themselves up, danced around accusations and pretended they were misunderstood. Ais wore his flaws like expensive jewelry. Openly, proudly, even. He seems that he would rather scare people off early than deal with the disappointment of losing them later.ย
Your eyes narrowed slightly. โYou know, most people try not to sound incriminating.โ
โMost people are boring.โ The room had gone quiet except for outside. Muffled music from the theater drifted through the walls in warped little bursts. It all felt very far away from this shitty room. You lied, itโs actually a very nice room. But youโre sick of these so-called โluxuriesโ Elyon has to offer.ย
You became acutely aware that the door had shut behind you at some point. Your gaze flicked toward the door, and Ais noticed immediately. โYou wanna leave?โ
The question shouldโve sounded mocking. Instead, it came out flat. If you said yes, heโd let you. You still hesitated to answer. That was the wrong move. Aisโs mouth curved slowly at the edges. โThought so.โ
โYouโre the one still sitting there.โ
You opened your mouth to argue, then stopped. You didnโt want to admit it, but he was right. In a. attempt some to end this pointless conversation, youโd finally stood up. You start to question your choices. Was it really a good idea to work here? Maybe you should have just stayed broke and leeches off Leander. Aisโs grin widened slowly, sharp enough to cut. โThere it is.โ
You mentally roll your eyes, here we go. โWhat is it?โ
โThat look again.โ He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow against his knee. โWhatever realization youโre having is amusing.โ
You narrowed your eyes. โAnd what exactly am I realizing?โ
โThat you like me a little.โ
You barked out a laugh so sudden it startled even you. โOh, you are insufferable.โ
โMhm.โ He looked deeply pleased with himself. โNot denying it though.โ
โYou want honesty?โ you shot back. โI think youโre weird, vaguely threatening, and probably one bad day away from killing everyone in Eridiaโ
โThere is no โandโ, that was it.โ
Ais tilted his head slightly. โYou do this with everybody?โ
Why does he as so many questions? Youโre sick of his nosy ass. The banter is kind of fun though. โDo what?โ
โAct like youโre one inconvenience away from biting them.โ
โIโm not biting anybody.โ
Oh! alright then. Heat crawled up your neck so fast it almost hurt. As annoyed as you were, you couldnโt bring yourself to spit out a smart quip. You narrowed your eyes at him in what you hoped was a threatening manner. Judging by the way his grin widened, it absolutely was not.
โYouโre disgusting.โ
You grabbed the tray from the table just to create an excuse to leave for a while, or better yet, an escape plan. The second you stood taller, Aisโs gaze dropped slowly to where your sleeve had slipped slightly down your wrist.
Ais leaned back into the couch, watching you like you were the only interesting thing in a room full of knives. The candlelight caught the edge of his glass, the faint red smear still circling the rim when he tilted it. You hated that your attention kept drifting there.ย
โStop looking at me like that,โ you muttered.
โLike youโre waiting for me to do something stupid.โ
Aisโs smile tilted. โIโm always waiting.โ
You scoffed and shifted your weight, setting the tray down harder than necessary just to break the tension he kept building on purpose. This poor tray, you donโt know how many times youโve fiddled with it today. You wouldn't be surprised if it's scratched at the bottom. The sound echoed in the tight room. He didnโt even flinch. Instead, his gaze dipped briefly to your hands again, then back to your face.
โYouโre braver when youโre annoyed,โ he said.
โIโm not brave. Iโm employed.โ
Ais barks out a laugh, itโs sounds like more of a scoff than anything. But itโs hard to tell with him. โThat doesnโt make any sense.โ For a moment, Ais went still. It felt like the air shifted, and his face almost became moreโฆ feminine?ย
โAis?โ you said, more carefully now. He didnโt answer right away, his eyes unfocused. Not away from you this time, but away from everything. Like something else had stepped into the space behind his gaze and briefly taken the lead.
His voice became softer, with an almost airy tone. โHello.โ
Ais blinked once, slow, and exhaled through his nose like heโd been mildly interrupted mid-thought. The tension didnโt vanish, but it folded back under his skin.
His voice went back to normal for a moment. โIris,โ he muttered.
What? Iris? like the cute and slightly creepy girl with the braids? โIs she invading your body right now?โ That sounded way worse than you intended.ย
Ais stared at you for a second like youโd just said something wildly incorrect. To be honest, you didnโt blame him. That didnโt sound right at all.ย
โDonโt phrase it like that,โ Ais said again, quieter this time. But the twitch at the corner of his mouth stayed, like he couldnโt fully decide whether to be amused or annoyed.ย
You narrowed your eyes. โThen how am I supposed to phrase it? "Congratulations, Iโm being perceived by your haunted brain passengerโ?โ
Ais huffed under his breath. โThatโs one way.โ His eyes were unfocused again, then he spoke. โHelloโ Judging by the tone, that was Iris again. This is getting confusing, it was way easier to tell when Ocudeus was around. At least his sclera were black. Now you need to scrutinize Aisโs face for tiny details. Like fuller lips and slightly larger eyes.ย
Ais, or, Iris smiles at you. โYou look nice, dear.โ
Your stomach did a small, unpleasant flip. โโฆOkay,โ you said slowly. โThatโs new. Thank you though.โ
โWe don't get to speak very often,โ Iris said. Her voice came through him cleanly now. Sheโd finally settled in. Aisโs fingers rested loosely around the glass again, but he wasnโt really interacting with it anymore. More like holding it out of habit.
You frowned slightly. โAnd Ais isโฆ aware of this?โ
That alone made your skin prickle a little. You actually didnโt mind Iris, but she was a little scary. You studied him, or her, or whatever this was. The expression was still soft, but it had a strange precision to it.
โI donโt like that answer,โ you said carefully.ย
Iris tilted Aisโs head in response. Or she tilted her head? You werenโt quite sure.
You hadnโt seen Ais or Vere in a week.ย
That should have been a relief to you. Every time the theatre doors opened, your eyes flicked up before you could stop them. Every private booking made your stomach tighten for half a second. As much as they pissed you off, you almost missed them. Even Basilea had stopped by twice during the week, and you hadnโt even ran into Ais or Vere in lowtown.
Now the theater buzzed louder than usual. The air was thick perfume and cigar smoke thick enough to choke on. Someone important was attending tonight, which meant Elyon was in an unusually โpleasantโ mood. That alone was enough to put everyone on edge.
Your manager, like usual, intercepted you from halfway down the corridor.
You blinked. โI thought six was closed tonight.โ
โIt was.โ They shoved a folded note into your free hand. โChange of plans.โ
You unfolded the note, all it said was โPrivate Request.โ with no name on it. Your stomach sank instantly and you frowned.
โWhat?โ your manager snapped.
The hallway to Room six sat was tucked deeper into the upper floor where the richest guests preferred privacy over being able to actually watch the play. By the time you reached the door, your pulse had already started climbing. You knocked three times, then entered the room.
The room was dimly lit, all of the candles were pink with red flames. Elyon loved using magic to flare up his establishments, but your attention locked onto the two figures inside almost immediately.
Ais lounged across one couch like heโd been poured onto it, his arm was draped lazily over the backrest. Across from him was Vere. His legs crossed neatly and his pink eyes already fixed on you with terrifying interest.ย
The second you entered, both of them smiled. One was mischievous, the other was cocky. They were both different expressions, but still equally awful.
โโฆabsolutely not,โ you said immediately.
Vere laughed first. โOh, this is already better than I imagined.โ
Ais tilted his head slightly from the couch. โYou look disappointed.โ
Vere looked at you through his lashes, "Aren't you happy to see us? We certainly wanted to see you.โ Great. Heโs mocking you.
โNo shit.โ You hold up the note your manager gave you.ย
Aisโs mouth twitched immediately. โWe considered writing something friendlier.โ
โYou, considered writing a threat,โ Vere corrected lazily. โBut as usual, I had to be the voice of reason and stop you.โ He says that as if he actually did something, but whatever. You narrowed your eyes at both of them before setting the tray down carefully near the table. The glasses clinked softly in the heavy silence. Neither of them stopped staring at you.
โYou booked an entire private room just to corner me?โ you asked flatly.
Then Vere blinked slowly, expression smoothing into something almost offended. โWhy would we ever do that? Iโm sure thereโs better people who could serve us.โย
You stared at them. โYou two literally sent a private request.โ
โFor service,โ Ais replied smoothly.
โYou requested me specifically, how else would I have gotten this note handed directly to me?โ You huffed. This was going to be a long night.ย
Vereโs smirk didnโt fade, but his tone dropped to something softer, the kind that slipped effortlessly under your guard. โMaybe we missed your company,โ he said, resting his chin on one hand while the other gestured lazily toward the table. โBe a dear and pour us something strong, wonโt you?โ
You eyed the crystal decanters waiting beside the glasses. They were expensive, Elyon only brought this out for guests he wanted to impress. You donโt know why he wanted to impress these two, but it is what it is. You could never question Elyon unless it was for a business inquiry. โYou plan to drink yourselves senseless before the second act?โ
Ais laughed quietly. The sound was low, amused, and worn with something almost fond. โDepends on how long you plan to stay.โ He held out his glass without breaking eye contact. You donโt know what he was drinking before, but he must have chugged it while you werenโt looking.ย
You hesitated only long enough to make him wait, then filled it halfway. His fingers grazed yours just enough to send a spark up your arm. You withdrew before he could notice, but his crooked grin said he did.
Vere leaned forward next, holding out his glass with deliberate care. โDonโt pretend weโre the only ones enjoying this,โ he murmured as you poured. The light caught on his pink eyes and on the smirk you wanted to wipe off his face.
โIโm enjoying the thought of leaving early,โ you said, setting the bottle down harder than necessary.
Ais raised his glassย โHow about a toast to unexpected reunions.โ there it was. That stupid devilish smirk again. Vere snickered across from Ais.ย
Vere clinked his own against Aisโs. โAnd to ill mannered hostsโย
You rolled your eyes, but the tension in the room shifted. It felt less like you were trapped and more like you were playing a game. They began to drink, and you caught the faintest trace of smoke and some sweet spice curling through the air.
Ais leaned back, watching you over the rim of his glass. โYou could sit, you know. We wonโt bite.โ
Vereโs laugh was soft, too knowing. โUnless you ask nicely.โ
โWhatโs with you two and biting?โ youโre already exhausted. You wish you could drink, even if it wasnโt alcohol. Anything would be enough to distract you for a moment.ย
Ais pressed his lips together like he was physically restraining himself from answering that. Vere had no such restraint. "It's a very effective way to get someone's attention," Vere said pleasantly, as if he were commenting on the weather.
"You already have my attention, Unfortunately."
"Unfortunately." Ais repeated the word like he was tasting it. "Is that really how you feel about our company?"
You crossed your arms. "Yes. I canโt wait for the show to be over."
Vere tilted his head, pink eyes catching the low candlelight in a way that was frankly unfair. "And what would you call it if you were being honest?"
"Being professionally obligated to pay attention to you two so I donโt lose my job."
Ais made a noise somewhere between a laugh and a scoff. "That's a lot of words to say that youโre entertained.."
You opened your mouth. Then, instead of speaking, you poured yourself a glass of water from the small side pitcher. "You two are exhausting."
"We've been told." Vere didn't sound particularly troubled by your comment.
You watched them and felt the traitorous corner of your mouth twitch. You smoothed it immediately. But of course, it wasnโt fast enough. Ais caught you trying not to smile, of course he did. All he did was scoff.ย
ย He gestured vaguely in the direction of your face. "That almost-smile you keep killing before it can breathe."
"You were thinking about it very seriously." Vere pressed his glass to his lips to hide his own. "We'll take it."
Ais set his glass down and tilted his head toward the empty space on the couch beside him. The gesture was casual, like it meant nothing. You know better than to believe that though. "Sit down. You've been hovering by the table for ten minutes."
"You're standing still," Vere said. "Which is not the same thing."
"Alright then Iโm available to work."
"Then come be available over here," Ais said. "The couch is comfortable. I'd know."
You looked at the couch, then the door. You sighed and looked back at the couch. Youโve been on your feet for at least four hours without stopping, your shoes had slight platforms and they werenโt exactly the most comfortable. Considering your aching feet and burning back, you sat down. Your decision didnโt have anything to do with them of course, you were simply in pain.ย
Vere relocated immediately. He settled onto the couch on your other side. You registered the move just a second too late.
"You planned that," you said.
"Weโll look at you catching on to our tricks," Vere replied pleasantly. โtoo bad you didnโt catch on before.โ
That was when Ais stretched, a long, unhurried roll of his shoulders, and dropped his arm along the back of the couch behind you. That was so corny. You couldnโt believe that Ais, the man who was seemingly one of the smoothest people in Eridia, stretched just to rest his arm behind you. Thatโs got to be one of the oldest tricks in the book, but heโs not necessarily young compared to human standards.ย
"Comfortable?" he asked, and the word had entirely too much warmth in it.
"Hm." Ais didn't move his arm. Vere swirled his glass and leaned slightly closer under to reach for the decanter on the side table. Instead, his hand settled lightly at your waist. "You know," he said conversationally, "for someone who claims to find us exhausting, you're not moving very fast."
"I'm in pain and I havenโt sat down in hours."
"And?" Ais asked. โIโve watched rabbits lose their shit trying to escape princessโs fangs and theyโre already half dead.โ
You looked left. Ais looked completely unbothered and there was a small smile sitting at the corner of his mouth. You looked right. Vere's hand rested at your waist with assurity of someone who has never felt shame. His pink eyes were watching you with that knowing look that you were beginning to resent.
You stared straight ahead at the flickering pink candles and said nothing. The sounds of the theatre drifted up through the floor somewhere below you. It was odd to think that there was a full house below you that was completely unaware that you were up here. being slowly cornered on a couch by two people with no concept of personal space and apparently infinite patience.
You were still holding your water glass. You hadn't actually managed to drink any of it, because every time you'd gone to raise it something had distracted you, usually one of them saying something that required an immediate response or you'd lose ground. Your throat was dry. The glass felt heavier than it should.
Ais noticed. He always noticed things in that quiet, unhurried way of his, cataloguing details before you even knew he was looking. Without a word he reached over, easy as anything, and took the glass from your hand.
You blinked. "What are you-โ
He raised it to your lips.
The audacity. The sheer, breathtaking audacity of this man.
"Drink, Sparrow" he said simply. He was now holding the glass of water to your mouth. His eyes were steady on yours, and his other arm was still resting behind your head.ย
You leaned back half an inch. "This water better not turn red when I drink it."
Vere made a sound against your shoulder that was very clearly a suppressed laugh failing catastrophically at its job. Ais's expression cracked, just slightly, the corner of his mouth pulling up despite what looked like a genuine effort to stop it.
"Drink" he said, and his voice had gone rougher with the laugh he wasn't allowing himself to have.
You held his gaze for another second out of principle, then tipped forward and drank. The glass was steady in his hand the entire time. When you pulled back he lowered it without comment and set it on the side table within your reach. Youโre shocked that neither of them even attempted to tease you.ย
Vere shifted beside you. It was a small movement, subtle enough that you almost didn't register it, but his shoulder pressed closer against yours and the arm around your waist drew you incrementally closer, closing the last sliver of distance that had still existed between you. He rested his head against yours, light enough that you could pull away, deliberate enough that you knew it wasn't accidental.
โYou were not this close to me thirty seconds agoโ
He let out a long dramatic sigh, and moved his head down to your shoulder โItโs freezing in here, and youโre warm. Is there a problem?โย are we serious right now? You were basically half clothed and Vere wants to complain about being cold?
"You're a monster and you practically have a built-in blanket.โ you gesture towards his tail.
"Thereโs like 16 candles in here."
"A good host shouldnโt question their guests's actions.โ Vere looks way too pleased with himself right now. You couldn't tell if it was because of the quip, or how close he was to you. You decide not to argue with him, all that will do is cause a headache. The grass could be blue asย long as Vere believe it pissed you off.ย
On your other side, Ais sank lower into the couch cushions, the arm behind your head dropping slightly so it curved closer to shoulder. The warmth of him bled through the space between you.
You were, you realized with a kind of tired resignation, completely trapped. Vere was at your side with his head against yours and his hand settled at your waist like he owned you. Ais sprawled with careless intention at your other side, his arm a loose, warm weight hovering just behind you.
"I want it noted," you said to no one in particular, "that I came in here to do a job."
"And that I'm only still sitting here because my feet hurt."
"If lying to yourself makes you more comfortable, by all means, go ahead darling," Vere said pleasantly, his lips pressed against your hair.
You side eye him, then continue. "And that neither of you are as charming as you think you are."
A pause settled over the room, comfortable in a way you didn't want to examine too closely.
"That one," Ais said, "we're not going to agree on."
The silence that followed was softer than any of the ones before it. It was less like a standoff and more like quiet resignation. The play below shifted into something slower for the second act, the orchestra was composed of drawn out notes that bled up through the floorboards and settled into the room like smoke. You could barley see the show from here, but at least the music was good.ย
Vere's thumb moved again at your waist. You still werenโt going to say anything about it. Then he moved, lifting his head from yours just slightly, "You said your back hurts," he said.
"Wow really?โ You pretend to be shocked.ย
"You've been tense since you sat down."
You had been. You hadn't realized you were so uncomfortable until he said so, and now you were acutely aware of the dull burn sitting between your shoulder blades that four hours on your feet in poor footwear had left behind.
Vere lifted his hand from your waist. You registered its absence for exactly one terrifying second before it settled on your shoulder instead, light and deliberate, his thumb pressing a slow circle into the muscle just below your neck.
The fact that you didnโt let out any kind of sound. You were very proud of yourself. It was embarrassing, but you truly felt like one of the Gods strongest soldiers.ย
His voice dropped an octave "I couldโฆ" his hand moved closer to your spine "fix that."
"You could keep your hands where I can grab them."
"They are where you can stop them." He pressed another slow circle, slightly deeper this time, and something in you made the decision to simply give up "I'm very good at this."
"I'm sure you tell everyone that."
His other hand joined the first, settling at the base of your neck with a patience that was almost worse than if he'd been obvious about it. "Let me."
You stared ahead at the candles. The flames swayed, unbothered. Ais had gone very quiet beside you, and you didnโt like it. Why isnโt he saying anything? He was a quiet guy but this was certainly out of the ordinary.ย
"I wouldn't mind you continuing" you said carefully, Vereโs tail perked up. "if I knew you weren't going to try and stick your hands between my legs."
The silence that followed lasted approximately five seconds.ย
Then Ais let out a raucous laugh. He tried to turn it into a cough with zero success. Vere's hands had stilled on your shoulders. When you glanced at him, his expression was caught somewhere between absolutely delighted and conflicted, which was a combination you had never once seen on his face and filed away immediately as a personal victory.ย
You were about to laugh, but a knock cut you off. The door swung open before you could stand up.ย
Elyon stepped inside and his gaze swept across the room.ย
You were trapped between Ais and Vere on the couch. Ais had one arm stretched along the backrest behind you. Vere was pressed against your side. Three half-empty glasses sat on the table.
Then, Elyonโs eyes landed on you.
"...This is a surprise.โย
You immediately blamed it on Ais and Vere.
"They dragged me in here."
"An outrageous accusation," Vere replied.
Ais lifted his glass. "In my defense, it was available."
Elyon's eye twitched and you were suddenly very aware of your position between Ais and Vere. You stood so fast that it almost made you dizzy.ย
You had worked for him long enough to recognize the warning signs. Unfortunately, Ais and Vere either didn't notice or didn't care. Vere looked genuinely delighted and Ais looked seconds away from laughing.
"I leave you alone for twenty minutes," Elyon said carefully, "and somehow you've turned a private suite into a brothel."
โYou mean a hostage situation?" Elton knew you werenโt brave enough to work in the brothel, but as usual, heโs feeling petty. A part of you wonders if itโs jealousy. Of who, you arenโt sure.
Elyon pinched the bridge of his nose. The gesture carried the exhausted energy of a man confronting a problem he no longer had the strength to solve.
"Why," he asked nobody in particular, "do I continue allowing either of you into my establishment?"
"Excellent taste?" Vere suggested.
"We spend a lot of money," Ais added โand I do your dirty work for you.โ
"Unfortunately, that's true."
Elyon sighed. Then his attention shifted back to you.
"You're supposed to be working."
You immediately glared at the men sitting on the couch.ย
"Successfully," Vere corrected.
Elyon looked at him and Vere smiled.
"Five minutes," Elyon said finally.
"Five minutes. Then you're back on the floor."
Your hope died instantly.
"But watching you squirm and try to blame everyone has improved my mood considerably."
โI was bored, and this is just as entertaining as it is troublesome.โ
You buried your face in your hands. Elyon turned toward the door.
"Try not to cause any incidents while I'm gone."
"That wasn't directed at you."
"It should have been," you muttered.
Elyon paused at the doorway. Then glanced back one final time. The sight apparently annoyed him enough that he immediately left without another word. Why wonโt he pick a damn struggle already, how is he amused and annoyed at the same time?ย
"I think he likes us." he considers the glass in front of him for a moment. โor you.โ
"Not happening" you said immediately.
my other fics are tagged as #foxyfics..
