Icebreaker: A RaspberryIce short story
Characters: Viktor (oc), Red Robin/Nico (oc), Melisa Ghai (oc), Frost, Enenra (technically an oc??)
TAGS: OC x Canon, fluff, light romance, I don't know how else to tag this, this is my first ever fic where the focal point is a ship, so if it feels unnatural or badly written, I'm sorry
TAGLIST: @hanja-mikii @mikachuui @crowsnhoes @theelderhazelnut @jaydraw209 @meatgrinderminefield @bi-force-1 AND WHOEVER ELSE IS INTERESTED (please read id like to water this desert of an account)
A month has passed since Viktor has beaten the sorcerers with his Outworld friends. and to say the least, something was up. Not a threat. Not his father jumping out of a window to appear cool. Instead it was something up with him.
He wasn’t stressed out or fatigued. He was just feeling kind of…empty. Like a lack of adrenaline, but adrenaline wasn’t what he needed. He already 100%’ed his games and gave vigilantism a try, having his symbiotic demon Enenra scaring and at times severely injuring criminals to a point where they’re calling cops on themselves. The two find it funny. However, in the meantime, Viktor was unable to acquire a job. Not because he’s bad, per se, but he couldn’t keep one for more than a week due to being so prone to getting angry at the littlest things. Such as some cans in a corner store being too spaced apart, the customers yelling at him and him yelling back even louder, or just him getting mad at his boss’ because of random petty reasons, like being late on a delivery or some random miscellaneous thing. Viktor looked through his desk and found a spellbook (I'll explain where that comes from later) which he sets on the desk and steps out of his room, seeing his mother, Melisa, and father, Nico Ghai (formerly known as Red Robin) sitting and drinking coffee together.
VIKTOR: Morning, Mom. Dad.
ENENRA: Good morning, provider fleshlings.
Viktor shushes him and heads to the kitchen, pouring himself a glass of water, drinking up and setting it near the sink, as he does want to use it again later.
Viktor heads over to sit beside his parents and drinking from a third cup that was there, then tasting it and swallowing as he spoke.
VITKOR: You remembered to put milk in mine.
VIKTOR: Sorry dad, she’s my favorite parent now.
ROBIN: You both wound me.
Vik hugs his father and pulls his mom close too. Vik stands up and speaks.
VIKTOR: Okay, I’m about to head out.
ROBIN (standing up and grabbing his hand): No, you don’t. Did you clean your room?
ROBIN: Why?
VIKTOR: We live in an apartment.
ROBIN: Oh. Yeah. You’re free to go.
Viktor heads to his room to get ready, and Nico turns to Melisa.
ROBIN: Honey, I’m stumped. It’s like he barely wants to talk anymore.
MELISA: He’s only eighteen, Nico. It's not his fault he was pulled into this crazy world of gods, monsters and magic nonsense. That and what he’s gone through for me… for us? He has Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because he wanted to keep us alive. He shouldn’t be burdened with all this shit.
Vik leaves his room and enters the kitchen, making a few quick sandwiches before putting them in his backpack and waving goodbye, heading off to the park which leads directly to the same bridge under which Enenra and Viktor first met. Viktor flips through the tome, looking through some of the main notes that he marked for himself.
ENENRA: Try not to raise the dead this time.
VIKTOR: I’m not going to raise the dead again, you liquid lunatic.
Vik flips through the pages and speaks aloud on one page, unfiltered.
VIKTOR: Openus latropus, completus randomus.
Suddenly, a portal opens above the water and the protege drops into it, rolling onto the grass and sitting down on the grass against a big rock, taking a deep breath and soaking in the air. Enenra pokes out of Vitkor’s shoulder, taking audible sniffs as he faces the large rock, which Vik took immediate notice.
ENENRA: I hear…smell…and sense something moving within this boulder.
Enenra enveloped Viktor’s entire left arm, enlarging it and Vik felt around the rock to search the most hollow bit of it, as Enenra spoke aloud.
ENENRA: Halt! Right there.
Viktor pulled his large Enenra arm back and aimed precisely, the full fist striking the rock so hard that it not only absorbed air that pulled the kids hair forward, but also evaporated the rock. After a quick hair fix, Viktor stepped inside, carefully stepping along, enenra carefully lifting him off the ground to silence his unintentionally heavy steps.
Eventually, they did hear a female voice. Not soothing or inviting to bring closer, rather sounding generally angry and cursing something or someone out.
???: Stupid grand-bastard…if I was the grandmistress, i wouldn’t have been walking around with a stick up my–
Viktor stopped at once, sliding slightly across the ground as he looked over at her, and he looked upon her silvery-blue hair. She turned around, her blue eyes glowing faintly in the darkness of the cave, and she spoke furiously.
???: Who are you? Another one of his jobbers? Speak damn it, or I’ll knit your intestines into a sweater!
Viktor stepped out before her, his face nervous and his hands in the air.
VIKTOR: I mean you no harm?
The mysterious young woman, who seemed no older than maybe nineteen, sized up our protagonist, speaking out loud, but calmer and a bit more confused.
???: You’re not from the Lin Kuei.
VIKTOR (lowering his hands): I hate those assholes. How do you know about them?
The mysterious woman responds with a snarl in her tone.
???: Why in the ten hells should I tell you? You don’t even know who I am.
Enenra pokes out of Viktor’s shoulder, speaking for him.
ENENRA: We can tell you have gripes with them. As well as a need for real food.
She looks at the demon with a slight spook, then down at herself as she hears her stomach growl. She sighs, stepping along. Its been a hot minute since she’s seen the sun and ate any real food that wasn’t some random shitting animal that was around at the time. Viktor stepped outside the cave and she shields her eyes as she registers the full power of the sun. They sit down and Viktor hands her a sandwich that's larger than her own two hands. She took careful bites, as Viktor spoke softly.
VIKTOR (with Enenra slithering down his arm): I’m Viktor Ghai. Quarter Outworlder. And this is my symbiotic demon companion, Enenra.
Enenra waves with a small appendage at the woman.
She swallows, and then speaks.
He gave her a bottle of water, letting her hydrate and wash out her throat from her dry swallows.
FROST: A given one. From my former grandmaster for my mastery of ice.
Viktor, seems somewhat angry beneath his face of understanding.
VIKTOR: Well, you seem angry.
FROST: You would be too if you were imprisoned for simply stating that murder on a wedding is wrong.
Viktor nods, noticing that Frost finished her sandwich and he stood up.
VIKTOR (his hand out): You look like you need a place to stay.
Frost stood up, keeping her hand away from his own, her voice angry.
FROST: And why should I trust you? What's to stop you from taking me to the Lin Kuei and leaving me then and there?
VIKTOR: You want to know why? Want to see what the Lin Kuei Grandmaster did to me?
Viktor removed his jacket and his purple turtleneck, revealing under it his right arm, a slightly brighter shade and hairless which is a complete contrast to his other arm. Frost looked upon it in realization.
VIKTOR: It happened nearly two years ago. I was on a mission to save my mother’s life, but when I trespassed on his territory, he jumped me with his armored sidechick and shattered it. Enenra grew out another one, but it remains half of what it once was.
Viktor put his shirt back on and tied the jacket around his waist, and he saw her expression, speaking softly.
FROST: I’m sorry. I didn’t know. Is your–
VIKTOR: She's okay, it's fine. If you want Frost, I have some extra space in my home…
FROST: I’d love to. And please, it's Lisa.
Vik smiles softly and takes the tome out once again.
FROST: Is that a spellbook?
VIKTOR: Yarp. stolen from Quan chi after he tried to torture Enenra out of me. Long story. Anyway:
VIKTOR&ENENRA: Sta’buhr, Lystrah, Savaj!
A portal was opened as they spoke in unison and Viktor led her into his room in his parents apartment. She sat down on his bed and Viktor looked down at her, speaking softly.
VIKTOR: You aren’t used to this, are you?
FROST: I’m used to being disciplined and forced to train until my bones broke and healed stronger. I’m definitely not used to…this.
Viktor gently holds his arms open but Lisa backs up on the bed. He sits on the opposite end, speaking.
VIKTOR: No physical touch, got it. I’ll get you something concrete to eat. Sound good?
Lisa nods, and within a minute's time, Viktor returns to his room and hands her a bowl of macaroni. One his mother made, with parmesan, tomato sauce and tuna. She tried it and enjoyed it, speaking once she swallowed.
FROST: This is immaculate! Who made this?
VIKTOR: My mom. She does pretty much everything around here.
FROST: My compliments to her.
FROST (wiping her mouth once done): Thank you for this kindness, Viktor. I don’t feel like I deserve it though…
VIKTOR (hand on her shoulder): Hey, look at me.
Frost looks down at his warm hand on her cold shoulder, and she looks back at him.
VIKTOR: You do deserve it, Lisa. You deserve to be loved, just like anyone else. Don’t ever think otherwise, because there’s always someone who’ll look out for you.
The former Lin Kuei slowly raised her hand to his, her cold fingers now enveloped in his warm hold, and she asks nervously:
FROST: …would… Would you be there for…someone like me? Even though I threatened your life?
VIKTOR: You didn’t know. And… I’ve never taken a step like this in my whole life, but I wouldn't mind trying.
Frost looks up at him and smiles warmly.
FROST: Wait, you’ve never dated before?
VIKTOR (blushing): Wait, are you– are you asking me to be– What??
FROST (chuckling): Oh, this is precious… Please, don’t be nervous. I’ve never had a boyfriend either. Or a girlfriend for that matter…I guess I’ve been too messy for relationships when I was in the Lin Kuei..
VIKTOR: …that makes two of us. Except I never went out with anyone because I’m a stupid dork and a depressed pseudo-bastard who doesn’t know how to talk to girls his own age.
FROST: Hey, untrue. If you didn’t know how to talk to girls, then here’s your chance to talk to ladies. To an extent at least.
Viktor smiles softly, then looks down at her clothes and asks.
VIKTOR: We should probably get you out of those Lin Kuei garments.
FROST: True. I smell like a sewer…
VIKTOR: The bathroom is the second door on the left. You can shower while I get you something to wear.
She nods and stands up, Viktor picked out a dark blue T with green pajama pants. He stepped into the bathroom with his face everted from her as she undressed.
VIKTOR (setting the clothes near her): Sorry, i just wanted to avoid this being more awkward later.
Frost chuckled as Viktor left, and she entered the shower and we left her in peace (I’m not a freak and neither is Vik). Viktor sat back down in his bed, contemplating himself.
ENENRA: You’re certain keeping a former Lin Kuei in our home is safe, kid?
VIKTOR: Bi-Han hurt her. Me too. Which is why I don't want her to be dealing with shit like this alone.
ENENRA: It’s because you love her, isn’t it.
30-ish minutes later, Lisa returned to the room, now wearing the clothes Viktor provided for her.
FROST: I like them more than I thought I would.
VIKTOR: You look great, Lisa. I didn't even notice your muscles at first.
Frost flexes slightly, looking down at her arm.
FROST: It’s nothing special.
Lisa sits down on the bed, accidentally falling far too back and leaning on Vik’s shoulder. They both blush.
VIKTOR: Don’t be, I could’ve…
They face each other, and Lisa surprisingly hugs Viktor, who gently pulls her closer, gently stroking her smoothened hair. He lies down on the bed, holding Frost close as Frost holds on tightly, praying that he doesn’t leave soon. The single person she trusts in the world, holds her gently, his raspberry-colored hair falls back onto the pillow. They're both quiet like mice, nervous of saying something wrong or bad that could make the other nervous or even stop. After a few minutes, Lisa finally spoke.
FROST: Could you tell me more? About your adventures, I mean.
Viktor smiled softly, answering…
VIKTOR: Last year, Enenra and I were thrown into Outworld because Quan Chi, the sorcerer from whom we stole that book, wanted Enenra for himself. Two years prior, he and Shang Tsung worked together to change his shape to make him a symbiotic type of demon instead of the free one he used to be. During that time, I was hunted by four people who ended up becoming some of my closest friends.
She was still for half a moment, but then asked.
FROST: Do you have any friends who haven’t made attempts at your life?
VIKTOR (shrugging): Hey, I’m not that bad, once you get to know me.
She rests her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat, which almost sounded like three beats every 1.5 seconds. Likely due to Enenra residing within Viktor and altering his physiology by purely existing with him.
VIKTOR: If I knew better which I clearly don’t, because…look at me. Raspberry hair, purple turtleneck and sweats in the middle of the summer. Clearly, I'm the king of awful life choices.
FROST (chuckling): Not to mention the first ever girl you’ve invited to your house is a walking red flag.
VIKTOR: At least the red flag in question hasn’t tried to stab me in the face. That’s a plus.
Lisa giggled and Vik looked up at her, raising an eyebrow.
Vik shrugged. And the two resumed to rest in one another’s company. Frost then asked.
FROST: Did you really mean it?
Vik raised his brow, humming in confusion.
FROST: When you said you wouldn’t mind looking out for me… did you really mean it?
The protege looks up at the cryomancer, slowly sitting up and his eyes meeting hers, but he doesn't really have an answer.
FROST: Just…just forget I said anything…
But as she gazed away, Vik leans close and kisses the top of her head, letting it linger for a few moments before leaning back immediately as his cheeks darkened. She looks over at him, blushing, stuttering.
VIKTOR: I don’t know, I panicked–
They both were panicking visibly, but eventually they did get silent. Neither of them knew how to process these emotions, so like… they just kinda sit there in silence. For a solid minute. Vik tried to speak, but anything he could’ve said would’ve made him sound like he's written in a shitty vampire romance story (specifically).
ROBIN (entering unannounced): Hey, kid, we got back early, is everything okay-what the–
Nico enters, seeing the two. Lisa yelps and Viktor yells out.
VIKTOR: Dad, WHAT THE HELL?! GET OUT!
MELISA: What’s all this yelling–oh.
Frost sits back down on the bed and Viktor stands up, pushing his parents out of the room while raising his voice.
VIKTOR: My dumb life choices. Not yours. Get out of my room!
Vik shut the door, turning back to Frost, who seemed less scared and more embarrassed. He knelt down beside her and spoke softly.
VIKTOR: Lisa, I didn’t know they’d come back, I’m so sorry.
ENENRA (under Vik’s arm): You should be, idiot.
Viktor is ready to hit the demon, but then Frost spoke back softly, ice cold tears flowing down her face.
FROST: No, it's fine, I just… I shouldn't have come here…
Viktor quickly swipes them away, hugging her as he spoke in a gentle voice.
VIKTOR: Look, I’ll talk to them. I swear they’ll understand, they always do…
He kisses her hair again, each giving the other a tight squeeze before letting go. She mouths him good luck before he leaves, taking a deep breath as he looks at his parents in the living room. Nico has his arms crossed and Melisa has an expression of worry. Before Viktor could even think of his first word, the caped crusader cuts him off.
ROBIN: I don’t want to hear it.
VIKTOR: I didn’t even say anything yet!
ROBIN: You don’t have to. Not only do you lie about going out, you also bring a random girl into the apartment without telling us so you can have your secret smooch seminar.
ROBIN: Don’t interrupt me!
The silence was loud. Viktor seemed embarrassed, even more than Frost in the other room. Melisa moved a bit, making space for her son to sit, which he does.
MELISA: Viktor, please explain.
Vik took a deep breath as he began to explain.
VIKTOR: I took a walk and then I took out a spellbook that I stole from when I was kidnapped, I made a portal that took me to a cave that that girl (who’s named Lisa, by the way), who was thrown away and abandoned by Bi-Han, so i brought her here, helped her clean up and we started talking, and one thing lead to another and she jumped into my arms and I just…
Viktor lacked any more words that he could say, at which point his father spoke up again.
ROBIN: So you let a highly dangerous “former” Lin Kuei into the house and started kissing–
VIKTOR: WE WEREN’T KISSING, YOU–
MELISA: Son. Calm down, please.
Vik took a few deep breaths before answering.
VIKTOR: I’m sorry. I just… I felt connected to her in a way, because we both were hurt pretty bad by Bi-Han, how we both had unchecked anger issues, how… neither of us have someone they feel comfortable talking about things like this.
MELISA (a beat): …so why haven’t you spoken to us? To me?
VIKTOR: I didn’t feel like you’d understand. I mean… you married dad.
MELISA: While your father can be a chore…
MELISA: …I get where you're coming from. Could you call her over?
Vik nods and gets up, heading to his room where Lisa sits, she stands up and he holds her hand as the two step out into the living room.
VIKTOR: Nico and Melisa Ghai, this is Frost, but just call her Lisa.
She waves sheepishly. Melisa looks up at Frost, taking note of her fine, somewhat muscular build, blue eyes and short pale-blue hair.
MELISA: So, how did you meet my son?
FROST (looking down at the floor): He broke into the cave I was trapped in and I threatened I’d kill him…
VIKTOR: It’s fine really. We’re more than cool now.
FROST: I swear, my intentions are pure and innocent with your son.
VIKTOR: She swore, dad. Couldn't you at least give her a chance? Like I have for you when I first met you.
Nico sat silently, looking down at himself as he realized the irony and truth of his son’s statement. Nico sat up and held his hand out to Frost, looking her in the eyes.
ROBIN: Welcome to the fam. I expect big things from you, kid.
Lisa lights up, taking Nico’s hand and shaking it with surprising strength. Melisa stepped up and held her arms open for Lisa, who accepted it but was noticeably much more gentle than she was when hugging Viktor.
ROBIN: Honey, May I remind you that we don’t have a guest room?
MELISA: Oh yeah. I forgot.
VIKTOR: May I make a suggestion?
ROBIN: You two aren’t sharing a room or a bed.
Melisa slapped her husband’s arm.
MELISA: Son, can we trust you and Frost not to…
VIKTOR: Mom, ew, of course not. I’m not dad.
ROBIN: If you weren’t my son, I'd throw you across the room.
Vik chuckled as he helped Lisa get settled in as they once again sat in his room.
FROST: You know, despite you dad being uptight as Hell, this has been a top three day for me.
VIKTOR: I know, right? You got away from an asshole who was ruining your life, had a proper meal and have a new home.
FROST: I meant because I met you, silly. You showed me that despite how much I think it sucks, there will always be someone for me that actually understands me. Thank you, Viktor; I owe you for life.
VIKTOR (blushing): you don’t owe me anything, I’m just trying to be nice… But thanks, Lisa.
She smiles, jumping into his arms and kissing his blushing cheek before resting her chin on his shoulder, so as for now, the two enjoyed the comfort of one another’s embraces. Later, Frost fell asleep against Viktor’s chest, and Vik slowly lied down, caressing her hair. Lisa grips Viktor’s arms in her sleep, and he sets his hands on her back and waist, drowsing off to sleep himself, the bags under his eyes seemed nearly as grand as the beating of his heart as he felt Frost against his chest, who wished to remain at his side regardless of anything or anyone that stands in their way.
