#gothic reader

When I was younger, I saw My daddy cry, and curse at the wind He broke his own heart and I watched As he tried to reassemble it And my momma swore that she would Never let herself forget And that was the day that I promised I'd never sing of love if it does not exist

Los Angeles was particularly peaceful at that time of year, which even has a funny taste in the mouth when considering that the City of Angels never goes quiet or gives a breather.

This was one of the reasons why you and the major crimes team were commanded by the lieutenant to share some beers and old stories, probably already heard and very fondly remembered that night. The thing is, since your first day, none of your fellow employees really knew your style, not that you didn’t explicitly demonstrate your preference for dark clothes and a variety of accessories... Between the practical clothes of the team and the colorful wardrobe of the recently hired consultant, your clothes seemed a little more customized besides the corporate goth style. All that and the tattoo that ornamented your spine. Identity is about who you are and how you choose to show yourself to the world, both privately and publicly, outside of what the LAPD considers to be one of the top agents in the last five years. Would it really be a good decision to portray yourself in this way? To choose once and for all to show your teammates who you authentically are?

In an attempt to brighten your psychological state, you decided to put on some CDs, emo songs that surrounded the apartment like a mantra. The upbeat melody swirled through your senses until your hair was styled, parted, and pinned in the middle; the dagger-shaped hair clip added an essential charm, highlighting the freshly touched-up color. Makeup was the key point; what else to expect on a Friday night? Digging through drawers of endless products, your skin would be what you normally used: foundation, concealer, and natural contouring, while blush and highlighter added more definition. For your eyes, the chosen eyeshadow brought a special enhancement to the color of your irises, along with black eyeliner and pencil shading. You only needed a few makeup adjustments when the doorbell rang. At first, it seemed like just part of the song, but even so, you got up, heading to the kitchen to get a glass of water while singing.

Then, the knocks on the door startled you, stepping behind the refined wood and looking through the peephole to check who it was before sliding open the door.

“Karadec.” your voice came out surprised, and he greeted you with a nod while making efforts not to take his eyes off yours. Truth be told, Adam had been quietly determined to get to know you better for years. Beyond the cordiality and friendliness at work, he knew that somewhere you were hiding something that no one would be able to contain. Even so, he agreed that some people enjoyed, or simply required, separating work and personal life. Disappointed with some attempts to make small talk, he kept it in the spectrum of mere mutual respect, even though you occasionally went out to get lunch or for ice cream together after a case. It was always a moment of meditation and understanding. So, he ended up gathering a mental list of everything you had mentioned or seemed to like, which would help him at least put some of the pieces of the puzzle together. “I... I presumed we were going to meet at the bar. What are you doing here?” fair question. He didn’t even know either. Providing him space to enter, you were so wrapped up in your own atmosphere that you forgot you were only wearing a cropped top and lace panties. Adam had noticed this, which made him stop in his tracks at the door and stare at the floor. He respected your space, and it wouldn’t be any different just because you were outside the police office. “Um... I remembered you telling me your car was in the repair shop, and since you didn’t pick up my calls nor receive my messages, I decided to come check if you were okay and if you could use a ride.” The information made sense in your head for the moment, considering that what was driving some insecurity was the fact that Karadec had always stared you in the eyes, from the very first instance. Why would that have changed now? Was it the music or the makeup? With a sigh, you walked back to him, holding one of his hands. “You came here to check on me, and you can’t look me in the face?” he glanced to the side, searching for paintings on the walls or any cracks in the dark ceiling. What he found was an apartment designed to house a gothic queen, he thought. A vampire. A countess, someone whose beauty transcended her pure essence. “As long as I truly appreciate that you feel comfortable with me, I don’t know if you’ve noticed... You’re close to being naked. That’s all.”

Your thin eyebrows furrowed and cheeks flushed with realization, which made you run to the bedroom to finally change clothes. Adam chuckled, taking half-steps to where the music was coming from, lowering the volume of the player a little before sitting on the sofa and waiting for you. It was almost comical how some pieces fit together; the endless CDs and books on the shelves surrounding the room were a reflection of your intellectual personality, yet a little cheeky and reserved. Some artificial plants formed illuminated silhouettes by the dim lights and candles; the detective let his curiosity guide him as the portraits on the wall revealed some people from your past, some he even recognized from photos posted on social media, and finally, the smile you kept in a locket, your mother’s smile.

“Okay, I believe I’m ready. What do you think?” you said, stopping at the door to finish putting on your bat earrings, twirling around to show off the outfit you’d chosen at the last minute. The detective’s eyes fixed on the chosen color palette, on how everything seemed to resonate with your smile, even the shine of the silver accessories. “You’re definitely going to turn heads with this look. I love it,” he declared, smiling as he offered you his arm. “Shall we, madam?” “We shall.”

But darling, you are the only exception

On Monday, you felt the need to dress up even more for work. This was partly due to the fact that everyone on the team seemed to love and approve of your style, but also because you knew Adam had been staring at you all night, becoming more clingy, always guiding you by the waist or arm, being receptive to your conversations, or ordering another drink before yours was even finished. Morgan's observation that Adam had a particular fondness for fictional vampires may have seemed absurd to you; however, upon an in-depth examination of your wardrobe, it was amusing to deduce that you may also have a fondness for grumpy, gentlemanly detectives. Your last experience wasn’t something you were proud of. You fell in love with an older woman who worked as a teacher at the police academy and started dating her before you realized you had just destroyed a home. However, the general put you in a tough spot and threatened to kill you if you didn’t transfer to a different precinct. The disapproval you received from your brother at the time was something you thought about a lot; besides, he was the only person you still had left. No matter how complicated life got, he was always there. Through fights, disagreements, disgust or pride, joy, and moments of despair and relief. It was a relationship where lessons were key.

On the way to the police station, you went to the central café, picking up two orders before finally parking at the station and marching towards the table of the particular person you had been hoping to see since Saturday morning, when you woke up hungover and he called to check if everything was fine. Just as you reached your destination, Daphne and Morgan caught your attention with whistles and a round of applause; your outfit had really stood out that morning.

“There’s our beautiful lady vampire!” the consultant flattered you with a positive comment and a broad smile.

Adam stood resting on the edge of his desk, canvassing the scene before him. The three smiling women suggested that it would probably be a good day, as everyone seemed to be in a good mood. As for you... Literally took all the oxygen he had and held it back, along with that shimmer in your eyes, as you walked towards him. Karadec was surprised when one of the packages was handed to him. You didn’t pay much attention to his reaction as you sat in his chair and took a sip of coffee, leaning back and pulling up your feet to rest them on the table, next to the thigh of the man who watched you with a huge question mark on his forehead.

With a slight nod, Karadec decided to simply accept his fate and opened the package, finding an espresso and the containers of his favorite dessert: apple fritters. He wasn’t the only one keeping notes. “How are you today?” You simply shrug, laughing a little. “Please, don't make me think about my life.” he appeared to laugh too but didn’t buy that weak smile of yours.

That moment was cut short when Selina drew the attention of all the agents to a new case; another week was getting started, and this time, everything would be quite different.

From that moment on, you seemed more open to bonding. It wasn’t just Adam you were generous enough to bring small gifts to. You may have occasionally babysat little Chloe when Morgan and Adam went out to work their brilliant minds’ abilities. Your job was to examine evidence and data, and you were outstanding at it, even if it was just an excuse to avoid going out so much. Oz and Daphne presented themselves as an elderly married couple of nearly one hundred years; it was funny to see them walking on glass when in reality they were committed to the same passion.

It was comforting to have the sensation of something so lovely surrounding that structure, which did appear to be laden with prejudice and cruelty.

When the two work-partners showed up at your office door, Chloe was lying down in your warm embrace while you read something on the computer. The toddler girl’s face was on your chest like a koala, a fluffy cloth preventing her drool from touching your silky shirt. The blonde prevented Karadec from entering completely, gesturing for him to be silent while your perceptions hadn’t yet detected them. Morgan scanned Adam’s face as he watched the unfolding scene; you’d obviously been in that position for a while and would kill every person who tried to take the little one from your lap, even if she were awake.

“You should propose to her before I do.” the baby’s mother whispered, jokingly, but tempted to cry at the thought that for once in her life she wouldn’t really have to feel concerned about Chloe’s safety or whether her children would be loved by people she considered family. Her friends, who would be more family than those who left her behind, something she had in common with you. She could easily identify that pattern of protection and loving attention from several miles away.

Your focus was shifted to the two individuals waiting in the doorway, and you simply pointed out that they might enter. “I helped prevent a murder today!” you told them, setting a couple of papers in the middle of the table to sign before the workday ended. “Really? How exactly do you do that?” Adam observed, sitting down in one of the leather chairs while Morgan positioned herself at your desk and stretched out her arms, ready to take Chloe from you. “Self-control. Oz had attempted to steal this lovely, petite creature from me.” Morgan hesitated to do what she had previously intended, but you only maintained a serious expression for a few seconds before laughing and handing the baby to the blonde.

Karadec couldn’t contain a broad grin at seeing you so open to the possible outcomes of friendship such as this; his chest vibrated, and he barely caught sight when Morgan said goodbye to him, leaving the two of you alone in the room where you were doing your investigative alchemy. Your fingers snapped in front of him.

“Hey. You seemed lost there for a minute, huh?” your eyes searched his, focused on something you couldn’t quite put your finger on yet. He ran a gentle stroke through his beard, closing his eyes for a moment. “Long day... And it’s refreshing to come here and see you being so affectionate and protective with a child.” he confessed, not believing what he had indicated. Your eyebrows lifted, still digesting his words. “What does that mean?” you picked yourself up, crossing the room and standing behind the chair where Adam was reclining, gently pressing your hands on his shoulders, offering a still, calm, exploratory massage with your fingertips. Clearly, he was tired and needed to allow his mind to rest. “You can talk to me, Karadec.”

The man remained so still throughout the massage that he turned out to be purring beneath the skillful fingers that somehow reassured him that he could feel calm again. When his eyes popped open, he held your hand and placed a kiss on your palm, searching for your face and smiling with genuine gratitude.

“You made me realize something. Thank you for that,” he confessed, and you sat beside him, still holding his gaze as if breaking it would shatter a spell. “Oh, and you’d definitely stay away from Morgan; she threatened to put a ring on your finger when we came in here.” You chuckled and shook your head. “She can try. Despite the fact that I also enjoy women, my personality type is entirely different from Gillory's.” with your admission, Karadec understood your frustrations and anxieties, which had previously caused you to distance yourself from other peopl⁹e's opinions. “Must be the baby.” he thought aloud, standing up and bidding you farewell with a kiss on the top of your head.

Maybe I know somewhere Deep in my soul, that love never lasts And we've got to find other ways To make it alone or keep a straight face And I've always lived like this Keeping a comfortable distance And up until now, I had sworn to myself That I'm content with loneliness Because none of it was ever worth the risk

Morgan observed an unusual occurrence the morning you and Karadec failed to exchange greetings. Karadec was preoccupied with his work and did not use his lunch break as an opportunity to observe your smile, as he always did. In contrast, you elected to assume responsibility for a case with Oz that necessitated spending the entire day conducting investigations, recording alibis, and locating suspects. At the end of the workday, Morgan got on the elevator last, so you and Adam got in at the same time.

His smile didn’t even reach his eyes; your stomach tightened at that. It was as if, from one particular moment to the next, your sense that everything could possibly ever be in harmony had been distorted by something you probably did. Since there was still one floor of the parking garage to go, you decided to talk.

“Hey, I—I know you’re not the homophobic type, so I am confident that my bisexuality did not cause you to abruptly distance yourself from me today. So please, tell me what you need or what I did wrong, so I can fix it or listen to you.” Adam realized your words sounded heavier, more emotional than usual, and certainly replete with uncertainty. He didn't have time to speak before you practically ran towards your car.

Your apartment was freezing; the moment you locked the door, your senses were triggered by the icy airflow from the window you had not remembered to close that morning. Taking off your shoes, pants, and jacket, you tied your hair back and walked towards the kitchen to start making dinner. The soundtrack for the evening was going to be something extremely dramatic by the band Paramore, and your voice made everything more enjoyable. Now was your moment to disconnect and let go of any feelings that had left you forgotten. Perhaps returning to being a “lonely vampire,” as Daphne described it? Take on another unit to work in and avoid Karadec and his friends altogether? This was a challenging concept, particularly in light of the previous days' exchanges and affection, which were intended to foster enduring friendships.

What you didn’t know was that Adam was on his way to your house with an apology and answers with your favorite flowers. His brain had short-circuited the previous night; aware he would never have that with anyone else. Even when he tried to marry the supposed love of his life, he would never find someone like you. Someone he had always admired, whose every step he paid attention to since the first glance. Your smile always made him because it wasn’t like any others. Despite the quiet spirit, you were similar to an avalanche, inebriating and bringing even more chuckles. You brightened practically every place you passed by, and for five years, Karadec had been trying to name the feeling that was growing slowly in his chest. Watching you expose yourself to have friendships, letting him enter your life equally, all that time was worth the wait. Because witnessing you in that room, working and holding with such care a child you have no responsibility for, made him understand.

Not focusing on belonging to someone, but about setting aside his own personal preferences to please others... You proved to him that affection is linked to letting the other person spring up in your presence and on their own. It's understanding that sometimes what one might need is a moment of calm and someone to be there watching you blossom, not cutting off the roots of a beautiful flower.

Well, you are the only exception

The notes, ice cream, coffee, the silence, the comforting partnership... All of that led to the confirmation he needed, and inevitably, he remembered the night you two showed up at the bar together, well, just a few minutes before that.

Adam wasn’t blind; he often caught himself admiring your body from across the room. Considering the more formal clothes you wore, the dark colors sculpted your figure sensually to his eyes, accepting that you might not even notice. So, seeing you come through the door in just panties and a thin blouse made him lose his mind; his heart raced violently. A crush of many years in that situation would certainly shatter his heart, and it didn’t stop there.

He took you to the bar and made sure not to leave your side, paying attention to your words, laughing at your jokes, and guiding you tenderly through the night, then making sure you got home safely.

Your fragrant scent hung around in his car, something noticed the very next morning; that perfume smelled of red flowers yet still had a distinctive impact. His lunch order was similar to yours, and in the mornings, he started ordering two coffees while you brought the donuts and apple fritters. You had become essential in his life, and for these reasons, the night before, Adam dreamed of something that his respect and moral code didn’t align with, given its utter hypocrisy.

He could say and guarantee that the other night he didn’t look directly at your body, not even at the low-cut blouse you chose to wear, and yet, his brain made him dream of an entirely libidinous situation with you. Where your bodies danced in perfect rhythm, where your eyes darkened with passion and your chest tightened, melting into love. Adam woke up sweating, frustrated that something like that had crossed his mind, because it was you, because of his respect, because he had enjoyed it so much, and because he had craved it so profoundly. Karadec wasn’t sure if you wanted the same, if you felt the same affection for him as you did for Lev, or not. Somehow, he was searching for answers, too.

As soon as he rang the doorbell, his hands sweated with anticipation; diverse feelings raced through his head, including the notion that he didn’t want to lose you and he would let that passion fade if that meant he got to keep you in his life. All of that melted away when you appeared. Clean face, loose hair, and low light made your features even more captivating.

I've got a tight grip on reality But I can't let go of what's in front of me here I know you're leaving in the morning when you wake up Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream, oh

“May I come in?” he handed you the flowers and waited for you to let him in. As soon as he entered your apartment, his nervous hands found the pants pocket. You placed the bouquet in one of the empty vases next to the front door, observing that the flowers weren't cut. It was something you truly cherished about the detective: how he always listened to everything and always paid attention, and you didn't need to say anything twice for him to understand. “I had a dream we fucked,” he admitted. Your facial response was one of surprise before you burst into laughter, having to sit on the sofa to catch your breath. Adam sat down beside you. “You know that flowers are usually for before or after romantic activities, right?” your words were pure teasing, although you found the underlying purpose of apologizing charming. Adam seemed unusually nervous. “Relax, Adam... It was just a dream.” He scratched the back of his neck, taking a deep breath. “Huh. Yeah... I wouldn’t fuck you.” definitely not the first time he could possibly sleep with you. Adam Karadec was a lover at heart; he would cherish every part of your body, from the gentle curve of your ear to the hollow of your foot, if he could. He noticed a certain hesitation in your eyes. As if two cautious wolves were on the hunt.

You are the only exception

“You wouldn't?” it was your turn to finally make a point about something you both have been thinking about for a long time. That's when you moved toward the older man and raised your hand to his freshly shaved beard, caressing it while focusing into his eyes in a way Adam swore he had never witnessed before—a look filled with hunger and desire. “I mean, unless you want to—” he began, but you were already a step ahead, pressing your lips to his in a steamy kiss. Adam smiled mid-kiss; it was everything he had ever wanted, everything he had hoped for, and everything you could never have imagined experiencing with just one kiss. Your limits were removed, your walls completely destroyed, and finally, Miss Vampire would no longer sleep alone in that eternity.

And I'm on my way to believing Oh, and I'm on my way to believing

⸻ english is not my first language, but I hope you enjoyed it. constructive feedback is always welcomed! let me know if you want to be tagged in future fanfics. thanks for reading! 💞

I’m accepting requests! if you enjoy my writing and want to read a story about a specific character, I’ll do my best to make it happen!

Despite your off-putting appearance to most of the preppy Shiz kids, you were a badass with a heart of gold. Your reputation at Shiz preceded you in more ways than one. Among the myriad of things you were known for, you were known as the face of the organization that threw the best parties on campus. You and your Vice President Elphaba were convinced that no one could even attempt to throw better parties than the ones your org came up with. While everyone knew it wasn’t solely you to throw these large events on campus, you were often associated with said events as you were President of the Campus Life organization. It was quite ironic from the outside looking in: you and Elphaba were quite introverted. Not to mention the way you and Elphaba communicated with others was quite different.

You couldn’t speak for Elphaba, but you definitely had the type of autism that gave you an chronic RBF and made your default tone sound nonchalant and borderline rude. It only seemed that Shiz students truly got to know you after 1) Galinda “adopted” you and Elphaba as her resident introverts and 2) when you punched a football player for getting too touchy with Galinda. After that, people stopped seeing you as the rude President of Campus Life and more of a kind-hearted and borderline chivalrous person. Although, despite this, there were very few people that got to see all sides to who you were. Usually it was only Elphaba and Galinda, but there was someone that recently started to enter the mix of your guys’ dynamic that was curious about you: Fiyero Tigelaar.

Fiyero transferred to Shiz during the middle of the semester and managed to adjust quickly within the three days he got here. It was a bit scary to you, as someone who took almost a full semester to feel truly comfortable in your classes just to repeat the same process over and over again. While he had been properly acquainted with Elphaba and Galinda due to the three having similar schedules, you never even formally met him. However, much like you, his own reputation preceded him: the hot, charming, spontaneous, unruly Winkie Prince. Elphaba mentioned how Fiyero managed to have a party in the Shiz Ballroom on a whim, which very much terrified you. But, undoubtedly intrigued at the same time. You wanted to get to know Fiyero with no sort of pretense. You had hoped that this one time your reputation wouldn’t precede you, but to no avail. As you and Elphaba were putting up for the Shiz Halloween Bash that your organization was putting together for this month, you felt someone tap your shoulder.

“Hello Elphaba. And you must be the nice party planner Galinda was referring to.” Fiyero spoke warmly.

“Hello Fiyero.” Elphaba said casually.

“Yes, were you wanting to reserve for an event or something?” you responded in your usual monotonous tone.

“No darling, I just wanted to talk.” Fiyero responded in a charming way.

“Well you’ll have to talk and walk, we need to get the rest of these flyers approved before we put them up.” Elphaba retorted playfully.

“Why do you need to get a piece of paper approved?” Fiyero asked confused.

“If we don’t the building can take the flyer down and that’s less eyes on our event which is bad PR.” you answered bluntly.

“Why can’t you just rely on social media? I’ve heard it's quite popular these days.” Fiyero teased.

“Not everyone has social media, Fiyero. And not everyone follows our social media even if they do have social media.” you respond.

“Mm, that’s fair, but getting a piece of paper approved is quite ridiculous, no?” Fiyero asked.

“It’s stupid, but we have to do it in order for people to show up.” you answer.

“Are you always this blunt?” Fiyero asks.

“Yes, that’s just how they talk, I promise they don’t hate you.” Elphaba jokes.

“How do you know I don’t hate him?” you joked dryly.

You earned a laugh from Elphaba and a chuckle from Fiyero. The three of you continue to converse, although, it’s mostly you and Fiyero bantering with a couple interjections from Elphaba. While it took a moment for Fiyero to adjust to your monotonous and blunt nature, he appreciated it all the same. He had been so used to people throwing themselves at him. It was obvious to see the unnatural smiles, the tones of politeness and flirtation, and the straightening of their postures. But you talked with him as if you already knew him. To be fair, you sorta did. He immediately picked up how funny you were, how smart and diplomatic you were, and how determined you are in under 30 minutes of following you and Elphaba. But the most impressive thing was that you didn’t flirt with him not once. And whenever he’d blatantly charm or flirt with you, you’d respond with ‘I’m flattered, but I just met you’ or something along those lines.

This was the first time he’s experienced repeated and steadfast denial and rejection from someone, yet he couldn’t be more intrigued. You and Elphaba eventually parted ways with Fiyero so you could study for your Art History exam and Elphaba could study for her Political Science exam. As he waved the two of you goodbye, he couldn’t help but stare at you. You captivated him in so many ways, and you probably didn’t even realize. In 30 short minutes, you’ve managed to enamour a prince. And he planned to equally captivate you the same way you’ve enamored him.

Over the next few weeks, the Halloween party had quickly approached. You blinked and it was time to pull off yet another big party on campus. And while you usually didn’t have too much fun while hosting these events in the Shiz Ballroom, you allowed yourself to have fun this one night. After welcoming guests in after the first hour, you decided to join the fun. You were dressed as Fran Bow, which was a more niche costume. However, with the fake blood you covered yourself in, everyone could at least discern you were a creepy child. Most people either guessed you were going for a vague Victorian doll vibe or one of the twins from the Shining. You just nodded, learning that most people rather not hear you ramble on from Galinda. However, you managed to talk endlessly about your costume choice with your other friends. You were so engrossed in conversation that you didn’t notice Fiyero walk in.

“Didn’t take you as a Shining fan.” Fiyero jokes before hugging you from behind.

“I’m not a twin from ‘The Shining,’ I’m Fran Bow.” you corrected bluntly. When you turned around, you weren’t quite expecting him to be in a Spiderman suit.

“Didn’t take you as a Marvel fan either.” you retort.

“I am. Did you not expect me to be a MCU fan?” Fiyero teased.

“Not really, no. Is Spiderman your favorite?” you asked.

“I like Spiderman, but I’m more of a Deadpool guy. However, I think it’s quite tasteless to dress as the same character three times in a row.” Fiyero responded.

“Fair.” you retorted bluntly.

You two unexpectedly talked about the MCU for a while during the party. While Fiyero was more the type to dance the night away with random people, he didn’t even think about pulling himself away from this conversation with you. It was probably the most emboldened and passionate he’s ever seen you speak, which only drew him into you more. You had such strong opinions about everything, and you relayed them with such vigor and evidence that it even made Fiyero willing to yield his own opinions if they even slightly differed from yours. Fiyero barely blinked, much less looked away from you the entire night. And it became more evident the more drunk you two got how much Fiyero genuinely liked you. He’d continue flirting, continue turning up his charm like he did with everyone… but the adoration in his eyes was very noticeable, even to someone like yourself that missed a lot of social cues. And as the party started to end, you two ended up drunkenly walking to your dorm. While you and Fiyero had hung out at your place many times before, this time was different.

For one, Elphaba ended up going back to Galinda’s dorm, which left the two of you alone. And although it seemed impossible, Fiyero became even flirtier with you the when you two were alone. He used you to balance himself while drunkenly rambling on about how much he liked you. While you were extremely flattered, you found yourself very confused. You knew as well as everyone that Fiyero was just the flirty type of person and could very well just be complimenting you. But more importantly, you weren’t someone that people flirted with. So even if he didn’t mean it in a romantic way (which wasn’t likely), you didn’t know how to respond to his comments. You made a mental note to yourself to actually ask Fiyero directly about his flirty comments tomorrow morning when the two of you sobered up. But for now, you decided to allow yourself to enjoy the compliments. Even if you didn’t show that you liked them on the outside. After you helped Fiyero onto your bed, you attempted to walk back in your kitchen area to get both of you some water. But, Fiyero was insistent on staying next to you.

“Don’t leave.” Fiyero mumbled as he hugged you from behind.

“I’m only getting us water, just in case.” you mumbled back.

“Let me come with you.” Fiyero whined.

“I’ll only be gone for a minute… it’s not even that far…” you whined softly.

“I don’t care… I don’t want you to leave.”

“It’s only a couple steps away…” you murmured.

“Don’t care… I need you close to me…” Fiyero spoke softly.

You slowly turned around to face him, seeing his red face look up at you. You couldn’t tell if it was the alcohol or just the way he was looking at you, but you never felt so vulnerable in your life. Your eyes widened in awe and confusion, wondering why you felt your heart start to beat even faster. It almost felt like your entire body was on fire, but you refused to let go of Fiyero. He didn’t try filling in the comfortable silence with flirtation either. The two of you just stayed there, holding each other and staring into each others’ eyes. The silence paired with the liquor made this short minute feel like an eternity. But, you managed not to get sucked into his eyes, and decided to softly speak up.

“Do you wanna watch a movie or something then?” you asked softly.

“Uh, yeah.” Fiyero responded in a soft voice.

After you turned off the lights and got comfortable in your bed, you and Fiyero managed to watch “The Amazing Spider Man” as the two of you dozed off. This was extremely new for you. You hadn’t even been this close to Galinda or Elphaba before, and you considered them your best friends. To be so close with Fiyero was surprising to you. It was surprising, but not unwelcome. The two of you ended up as a tangled mess of limbs, with his head resting on your chest as both of you eventually fell asleep.

Fiyero surprised you in a lot of ways. But, mostly in the way of disproving each and every last assumption you had of him. You fully expected him to be gone by the sunrise, as you were used to preppy guys like him leaving with no goodbye. But not only did he stay with you, but he made you breakfast and ordered your usual order from your favorite coffee place. He sat peacefully with you and ate breakfast with you while bantering with you like he always did. But as you slowly started to wake up and remember the previous night, a question was gnawing at you. And being the notoriously blunt person you were, you didn’t internally struggle for long.

“Fiyero, were you just flirting in a friendly and teasing way last night?” you asked bluntly and curiously.

“What specifically are you referring to?” Fiyero jokes.

“You kept going on about locking me in a tower so no one could behold my beauty or something along those lines.” you laughed, hearing how ridiculous it sounds in your sober mind.

“Ah… well, I was only partly teasing… I am not above locking you away in a tower.” he teased.

“So you were partially serious?” you asked confused.

“Of course I’m not locking you in a tower.” Fiyero retorted.

“Of course not dumbass, I was referring to the flirting.”

“What made you think I wasn’t ever serious when I’m flirting with you?”

“You flirt with everyone.”

“I only flirt with everyone else to get my way… I mean everything I say when I’m flirting with you.”

“So you’re not flirting to get your way with me?”

“Well, outside of hoping you’ll go on a date with me, no.”

“That’s… not how that works… but the thought is nice.”

“Come on, you know I didn’t mean it like that.”

“I know… but you know flirting with someone in order for things to work out in your favor is still trying to get your way.”

“Well, I do want things to go my way… but I’d rather you be happy and content whether that means I get my way or not.” Fiyero responded softly.

“That’s quite considerate for the most brainless person I know.” you joked softly.

“Just because I’m not the smartest doesn’t mean I don’t have manners.” Fiyero retorted. “Besides… I’d rather have you in my life as a friend than ruin any sort of relationship with you by being inconsiderate…”

“When did you… when did you start feeling this way?” you asked curiously.

“For a while now. I guess I just… let it slip too much last night somehow… I’m sorry if I ever made you uncomfortable.” Fiyero responded sincerely.

“I never said that you did.” you responded, moving closer to Fiyero.

The two of you continued to talk about the previous night, clearing up any confusion that either of you had. In the end, both of you ended up with a desirable outcome. You agreed to go on a date with him. For you, it was your first ever date with anyone. And you both knew that the date didn’t necessarily mean the two of you would be in a romantic relationship. So, for you, there wasn’t any actual pressure on you to advance anything if you weren’t wanting a relationship with Fiyero. Thankfully, he made all of that clear to you when he asked you. And while there wasn’t any pressure on you, there was a lot of pressure for Fiyero.

He’s never felt such intense feelings for someone ever. He’s already thinking through so many different dates before he left your dorm and walked back to his. Scrambling to think of how to have a date so romantic and so successful you wouldn’t even question going on a second date with him. One thing that he knew positively was that he wanted you to not lift a finger on this date. He knew you worried about how particular things were and he knew he had to ensure that everything was beyond your standards and expectations. He asked anyone that would listen for advice, wanting it to be perfect for you. And in the end, he managed to plan a nice date night for you.

Later that week, he arrived at your dorm with dark purple roses, your favorite. Once he did that, he took you to the countryside on horseback for a picnic. As he set the picnic blanket on the ground, you noticed the attention to details. He packed your favorite foods, favorite drinks, favorite snacks, everything in the basket was catered to you. You looked at him setting everything up with an air of anxiousness and anticipation. After you sat down and ate a good bit, you looked over at him curiously.

“Why did you take us all the way out here? We have a garden on campus we could’ve eaten at?” you asked curiously.

“I wanted us to get away from campus. I like Shiz as much as the next person, but everyone there can be nosy. Plus being on campus isn’t a proper first date, is it?” Fiyero clarified.

“That's fair… and you’re right. I like getting away sometimes.” you stated.

“You work so hard all the time, you deserve to get away from it every once in a while. Plus… the countryside is quite… peaceful.” Fiyero stated honestly.

You looked at the scenery around you, taking in how beautiful the sunset is. Then, you look over at Fiyero. For your entire life, you never saw yourself being with someone princely given your aesthetic and personal preferences. But, it seems that Fiyero successfully managed to change your perspective and defy the image of who you want to be with. While you tried to fight it to the best of your ability that first, you did end up falling for Fiyero Tigelaar.

Oh, this man adores you and your sense of style. 

Will constantly compliment you whenever he first sees you, “Oh my dark flower, how I adore your outfit today, it sets my heart ablaze seeing you express yourself!”

He loves to use dark adjectives and synonyms when addressing you, things like ‘dark flower’ and ‘my eerie darling’ are just a select few!

Will always wear his black leather jacket when he’s with you as a way to match you and your sense of style. 

He loves to take you clothes and trinket shopping for your apartment, he loves to buy you things even if you tell him it’s ok and you can afford it yourself.

“Nothing is too expensive for you my Karamatsu Darling, I shall provide only the best, whatever you desire is yours.”  

He once bought you a little black wolf glass figurine that sits on your bookshelf, something that reminds you of him whenever you see it.

On your first date, he gave you a bouquet of black roses. Now on every date, he gives you a single black rose or your favorite flower. 

If you would like to, he would love to dress up for you! Help him pick out an outfit at your favorite shop and he will wear it with sheer pride.