ㅤㅤ

𝓜𝙊𝙍𝙎 𝑂𝑀𝑁𝐼𝐴 𝑽𝑰𝑵𝑪𝑰𝑻 ㅤㅤ〔 . . . 〕ㅤㅤ 𝑺𝑬𝑫 𝓜𝙀 𝑉𝐼𝑁𝐶𝐸𝑅𝐸 𝙉𝙊𝙉 𝑃𝑂𝑇𝐸𝑆𝑇 ❞

[redimeree]

An INDEPENDENT , SELECTIVE and PRIVATE (mutuals only) roleplay blog, heavily inspired by the Resident Evil universe (CAPCOM), featuring a BSAA operative original character, made by @redimeree. OC-friendly & crossover-friendly. High activity, featuring more than one verse, +18 Written by Dawn, she/her, GMT +1. CARRD & MEMES.

Not follow 4 follow — if I follow you is because I genuinely want to interact. I encourage my mutuals to send memes, asks or even thread/roleplay starters :)

[redimeree]

Closed starter for @bela--dimitrescu , MODERN AU!

A new semester had finally given Alisson the opportunity to study the degree she had always wanted: science. Biomedicine, bacteria, and anything involving complex subjects sparked her curiosity like a cat chasing something shiny.

It was her first year at university, and although Alisson was considerably shy, she had settled into the new environment in record time. She supposed having a roommate who was older than her had helped a lot.

Her footsteps —far too quick and anxious for someone heading to class— echoed through the hallways like the frantic paws of an excited puppy. It came as no surprise that she'd gotten lost in the building. Her first class of the day was Clinical Microbiology, and she was already running late.

With her laptop tucked under one arm and a backpack carrying the rest of her supplies, Alisson hurried up the staircase leading to the university's science wing. She panted as quietly as she could, checking the time on her phone every other second. That proved to be the source of her misery.

The moment she looked down to wake the screen, she slammed straight into someone.

A pained hiss escaped her lips as she staggered awkwardly backward until she landed on the floor with an undignified thud. Thankfully, even though her laptop had gone flying down the stairs and shattered on impact, Alisson had managed to catch herself on the handrail with surprising strength. The pain, however, remained. Her legs had twisted into an alarmingly uncomfortable position, and the palms of her hands were left with fresh scrapes and friction burns from the metal railing.

────── ❛ I- I- I'm so, so sorry! ❜ — She blurted, trying to ignore her crushed laptop lying at the bottom of the staircase. Even then, her concern immediately shifted to the other person rather than her belongings. ────── ❛ I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I'm really sorry. ❜ — She insisted, using the railing to push herself back onto her feet. ────── ❛ Did I hurt you?... I'm sorry... ❜

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

────── “Cassandra and Daniela? Those are cute names. I really like them.” — She replied with a small smile. ────── “I'm sure they're wonderful sisters... Just like mine.” Cassandra sounded wild, while Daniela sounded sweet. She could already picture the three of them... Bela, elegant as ever, putting up with her sisters. From what Alisson had seen on social media, the three of them were nothing alike. But to Alisson, that was exactly what made relationships so close and interesting... Their differences. Maybe that was why she'd found the courage to ask Bela out. Because she saw herself as quite different from her. Her smile widened mischievously as she heard Bela's conspiratorial whisper. Of course she was going to recommend something to eat. And of course she'd been to every café in the city. It was only to be expected, considering what she did for a living and the wealth that surrounded her. ────── “Really? Then I guess I have no choice but to order it, huh?” — She replied before turning to the waitress. With a polite smile, Alisson ordered a slice of cheesecake and a sweet pennyroyal tea.

While waiting for her order to arrive, the young woman listened to Bela's voice. It was so... Beautiful. A perfect blend of playfulness and sweetness. Respect and boldness. Alisson was beginning to think this was all a dream... Whatever it was, she never wanted to wake up if it meant having someone like this sitting across from her. ────── “Thank you very much.” — She said as her order was set down. She offered the waitress a gentle smile before turning back to Bela, practically mesmerized. ────── “Mm... Well, I'm studying laboratory science and biomedicine, so I don't exactly have my afternoons free. But whenever I'm not studying or crashing into some poor soul on the stairs...” — Alisson paused to think. What did she actually do? Sleep? Eat? Draw? Play videogames on a laptop that could barely run Microsoft Word? ────── “Uh... I like movies, videogames... Honestly, my hobbies are all over the place. Some days I sleep, other days I binge-watch TV shows...” — She admitted, a little embarrassed. Her hobbies made her sound lazy; no sports, nothing particularly productive, nothing that really made good use of her free time. She almost wanted the ground to swallow her whole .────── “What about you, Bela? What do you like to do?” — She was so focused on the blonde that she still hadn't touched either her food or her drink.

Bela listened attentively, her full attention resting on Alisson as though there were no one else in the café.

Every so often, she broke off a small piece of cheesecake with her fork, savoring a bite before taking a sip from her cappuccino. She made no attempt to interrupt, allowing Alisson to speak at her own pace.

When the younger woman admitted her hobbies were "all over the place," Bela's smile only grew a little warmer. "That almost sounds like my hobbies when I started studying at eighteen." She gave a quiet, reassuring laugh. "And there's nothing wrong with that. I think afternoons are meant to be enjoyed however they make you happy." There wasn't the slightest hint of judgment in her voice.

"If anything," she added with a small smile, "it sounds like you're making the most of the little free time you have."

She rested her fork neatly on the edge of the plate before Alisson's question prompted her to think for a moment.

"What about me…" Bela carefully set her cappuccino back onto its saucer. "Well…" Her expression brightened ever so slightly. "Last year I finished my degree in International Business." There was a quiet sense of accomplishment in her voice, though she wore it with characteristic modesty. "And this year I started studying Viticulture and Oenology. So I understand quite well how quickly afternoons disappear."

Her fingers loosely wrapped around the warm porcelain of her cup once more. "When I do manage to find a little time for myself…" She thought for a moment. "I usually read. I enjoy drawing as well. And I've played the violin for many years." Her smile softened. "Sometimes I simply take a walk. It's… peaceful."

Her blue eyes met Alisson's again. "I suppose none of those are particularly exciting." She gave the faintest shrug. "But after spending most of the day surrounded by lectures, meetings, and paperwork…" A quiet laugh escaped her. "I've found I rather enjoy the simple things."

She takes another sip of her cappuccino before asking, "Do you have any pets?"

[redimeree]

Alisson found herself smiling softly at Bela's words. It was an almost imperceptible smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. Having been practically invisible her entire life, being seen —for something good— for the first time felt... Nice. It made her stomach flutter with butterflies.

────── “I suppose you're right. If hobbies weren't hobbies, then they wouldn't be something you do to pass the time; they'd be something you do to make use of your time.” — She said. Even if it sounded like complete nonsense, Alisson understood exactly what she meant. After all, who would want not to have hobbies? That would only mean you had no free time to spend doing insignificant things, like playing videogames or simply sleeping.

Alisson nodded, noticing that her order still hadn't been touched. Slowly, she began eating her slice of cheesecake while Bela spoke, though every so often her eyes wandered back to Bela's like those of an eager puppy. Was this girl's first date? Maybe it was, considering her studies and how much time she spent shut away in her room instead of socializing.

────── “Oh—oh, you play the violin?” — She asked, setting down her spoon and leaving it inside her mug of pennyroyal tea.

────── “I've always wanted to learn the piano, but I'm absolutely hopeless with instruments.” — She admitted, not even realizing she might have interrupted Bela. She was so excited that she completely forgot the manners she'd been taught growing up.

It didn't take her long to fall silent again and listen to the blonde, though. Slowly, she tilted her head to one side like a curious little bird.

────── “I understand. Sometimes it's better to enjoy what you already have than spend your whole life chasing what you can't.” — Alisson replied before taking a sip of her sweet pennyroyal tea and gently wiping her lips before continuing.

────── “Pets? Heh... I wish. I've always wanted a dog, but when I was little, my mother wouldn't allow it. And now... Well, I wouldn't be able to take proper care of one, no matter how much I'd like to. I know a pet is a life... And as much as I'd love one, I don't think I could handle having a life depend on me.” — She shook her head, sounding almost disappointed in herself. Every sentence came with an explanation. Every explanation came with a reason. It seemed that Alisson never spoke just for the sake of filling the silence.

────── “Do you have any pets?”

[bela--dimitrescu]

Bela's smile brightened almost immediately. She didn't mind being interrupted. Quite the opposite, a one sided conversation would be boring. "... I play the piano as well." A hint of nostalgia softened her features. "My parents were both musicians. So music was always present while I was growing up," she explained. "I've simply never been able to choose between the violin and the piano."

When Alisson admitted she'd always wanted to learn but felt hopeless with instruments, Bela looked at her for a thoughtful moment. Then, almost instinctively, she reached across the table. Her fingertips came to rest lightly over the back of Alisson's hand, a gentle, reassuring touch that lingered only long enough to make her point.

"I don't believe anyone is hopeless." Her voice was quiet. "Some people simply need someone patient enough to teach them." A playful smile tugged at the corner of her lips. "If you'd ever like to learn..." She gave Alisson's hand the gentlest reassuring pat before withdrawing her own. "...I'd be happy to give you a few lessons."

Bela's expression softened once more as Alisson spoke about wanting a dog. "I think you're being a little hard on yourself." There wasn't a trace of judgment in her voice. "You're studying for a demanding career." She took another sip of her cappuccino before continuing. "Perhaps now simply isn't the right time." The blonde smiled encouragingly. "But that doesn't mean it never will be. When your studies are behind you and life settles down a little..." She shrugged lightly. "You may find you're more ready than you think."

The conversation shifted naturally as Alisson asked about her own pets. "I do." A quiet laugh escaped her. "Well, they're not really my pets."

"They belong to the entire family." She counted almost absentmindedly on her fingers. "We have... rather a lot of cats. Because my youngest sister has an unfortunate habit of bringing home every stray cat she comes across. I'm beginning to suspect the cats know exactly where to find her." She laughed softly. "We also have a few horses."

She looked down into her cappuccino for a moment before meeting Alisson's eyes again. "And four dogs."

For a brief moment, Bela studied Alisson's expression before another thought occurred to her. "So..." The corners of her lips lifted into a playful smile. "If you ever find yourself in desperate need of a dog to cuddle..." She tilted her head ever so slightly. "...You'll simply have to come and visit." The blonde gave the smallest shrug, as though it were the most ordinary suggestion in the world. "I suspect our Golden Retriever Maple would be more than happy to volunteer." A beat passed before Bela realized what she'd just said. She had, in essence...invited Alisson to the estate.

A faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "...Provided, of course," she added with a soft, slightly embarrassed laugh, "that you'd actually like to." The invitation had slipped out far more naturally than she'd intended. Strangely... She found herself hoping the answer would be yes.

[redimeree]

When Bela's hand made contact with Alisson's, the girl's brain short-circuited for a good couple of minutes. Her pulse sped up like the roar of a motorcycle revving its engine, and, for a few seconds, her eyes focused solely on that: their hands touching.

No, she didn't hear Bela. No, she didn't even try to hide it—not that she could. After all, one thing Alisson was terrible at was pretending to be someone she wasn't. And she definitely wasn't confident. Nor daring or normal. She was simply... Alisson.

────── " Uh— Yeah. " — She didn't even know what she was agreeing to. What had Bela even said during those five seconds their hands had been touching? What were they talking about? ────── " Yeah, I pass all my classes. " — She replied, desperately trying to piece the conversation back together. Obviously, she hadn't heard Bela mention that she could teach her how to play the piano. Otherwise, her brain would've short-circuited even harder.

She took advantage of Bela talking to take another sip of her drink and a bite of her cake. It was actually really good. Maybe Alisson should get out of her usual university-bedroom routine more often.

────── " Sounds like your sister really cares about animals. " — She commented, nodding as if her approval carried any real weight in the conversation. ────── " HORSES? " — Alisson raised her voice slightly, though she didn't quite raise it. It was more of a shouted whisper than anything else. ────── " And four dogs? Your home must be paradise. " — She let out a small laugh, still stunned. Alisson really hadn't stopped to think about just how lonely she could be. At least, not until now, with someone whose life was so different from hers sitting across from her, talking to her... On a date.

────── " Really? I'd honestly love to meet your doggies. " — She replied, and judging by the way her eyes lit up, one could say that... Alisson meant it. Very seriously. She was willing to leave her little caveman cave if it meant spending a good time with Bela's dogs... And with Bela, of course.

[bela--dimitrescu]

@redimeree

The town lights stretched farther than Bela had expected; they reflected in puddles left behind by an evening rain. Cars passed occasionally, their headlights briefly illuminating empty streets before vanishing again. Somewhere in the distance, music drifted from a place she couldn't identify. It was strange. Too many lights, too many sounds, and too many people. Not that many remained awake at this hour, but even this late at night, the town felt more alive than the village ever had.

Bela walked quietly beside Alisson. Her pace was slower than it used to be. Two months had improved her condition, though not nearly enough. The jagged remains of her left arm were hidden beneath the sleeve of her coat. It had healed some, but not much. The crystal growth had receded, but progress came painfully and frustratingly slowly. At least she no longer slept through entire days. That was something.

The blonde also no longer stood over everyone. Necessity had forced adaptation. At first by accident and then through trial and error, Bela had learned to compress her swarm. It was uncomfortable, like being squeezed into clothing several sizes too small, but it worked. Gone was the imposing two-meter figure that had once wandered the halls of Castle Dimitrescu...for now.

Instead, she appeared merely unusually tall, standing just around 180 cm. Enough to draw glances, perhaps, but not enough to get too much attention.

Her golden eyes wandered upward, studying the buildings around them: apartments, shops, street lamps, and normal people. They paid her no mind. No frightened whispers, no prayers to Mother Miranda. No servants bowing their heads. No castle...

The thought came and went like a knife. Bela said nothing. She had become very good at that—very good at carefully avoiding thoughts she could not bear, and very good at not speaking names. Mother, Cassandra, Daniela. The words remained locked away somewhere deep inside her. Instead, she focused on practical things, like shelter and food. As if she had not spent decades with the same three people. As if they had never existed. The lie worked...most days.

Her gaze wandered down the street until it settled on the illuminated sign of a hotel further ahead, then toward Alisson, who was looking rather tired. "Iubirea mea... should we get a room for a few nights?" The question came softly. Not because she doubted they could find an abandoned house somewhere; they had done that for two months, but perhaps they no longer had to. At least for now. Her fingers briefly adjusted the strap of her leather bag. The same bag she had carried from the village. Inside rested her sketchbook, spare clothes, and a rather considerable amount of money that had somehow found its way into her possession with the assistance of several inconspicuous flies and the carelessness of strangers.

"We have the money. And I admit, I have become somewhat tired of sleeping in ruins." And after everything Alisson had done for her, she deserved some proper housing for once. "There are beds... and a bath." The last part was spoken with enough seriousness to suggest that, after two months of sleeping in abandoned houses and washing in streams, the prospect of warm water bordered on luxury. "...What do you think?" she asked quietly, waiting for Alisson to decide with her.

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

Bela had some nerve saying that. A fragile, innocent woman...As if she weren't capable of hunting people animals, regenerating from almost anything, and being practically immortal. Alisson merely made a small face, resting her hands on her hips. Unlike Bela, she could actually be covered by a single T-shirt. Being of average height apparently had its advantages. ────── “Uh... We definitely need to buy you some new clothes for when you're back to your normal height.” — Alisson murmured, looking the blonde up and down as though she were a museum exhibit. When Bela actually headed for the bed, genuinely taking the whole being grounded thing seriously, Alisson raised an eyebrow and smiled. It had been a joke... It had. But if Bela wanted to be obedient and play along, who was Alisson to stop her? ────── “... We'll see. Maybe you're grounded until I decide otherwise.” — Her voice came from behind as she followed Bela. Without hesitation, she climbed into bed beside her.

Even though there was plenty of room, Alisson chose to settle right next to the blonde. Nooo, there definitely wasn't anywhere else she could've slept, huh? ────── “Mhm-mm... This way we can keep each other warm.” — That was obviously just an excuse. Alisson was clingier than chewed gum. ────── “If you get cold, tell me, okay? I don't know if wearing just that T-shirt is going to be enough...” — She whispered, curling up beside Bela like a cat.

She smoothed a wrinkle from the shirt with quiet resignation. "…Yes." A small sigh escaped her. "I believe you are right. I need new clothes in general. And, if we're being honest…So do you."

Her expression softened. "…Once we have a little more money. But first…" She reached out, gently brushing a loose strand of damp hair behind Alisson's ear. "You are going to buy yourself something to eat tomorrow."

When Alisson declared that perhaps she would remain grounded until further notice, Bela merely inclined her head with exaggerated elegance. "…Whatever you wish, my lady."

As Alisson settled beside her beneath the blankets, curling close enough that there was scarcely any space left between them despite the joined beds, Bela couldn't help but smile again. "I like that." Her voice had become wonderfully drowsy. "The keeping each other warm part."

With slow, careful movements, Bela slipped her remaining arm around Alisson's waist and gently drew her as close as she could. Then she reached up with her remaining hand, tugging the blanket higher until it rested comfortably around both of their shoulders. Only then did she settle back against the pillows with a quiet, contented sigh. "Don't worry." Her cheek came to rest lightly against Alisson's hair. "I'm warm enough, Alisson."

The blonde closed her eyes, her thumb absentmindedly traced a slow circle against Alisson's side. "…Goodnight, my love," she murmured, the teasing title returned with quiet affection before sleep finally began to claim her.

________________________________________________________________

Morning arrived far later than either of them had intended. Thin sunlight filtered through the curtains, painting pale golden lines across the hotel room. Somewhere outside, traffic hummed softly and distant voices drifted upward from the street below.

Bela stirred, her eyes opened only halfway. Almost entirely on instinct, she shifted a little closer to the familiar warmth beside her, her remaining arm finding its place around the younger woman's waist as though it belonged there. "…Mm…" A barely audible sound escaped her.

She had absolutely no intention of leaving the bed. Not yet. Not when it was warm. Not when Alisson was here. "I love you…" Bela murmured sleepily.

[redimeree]

Sleep wasn't something Alisson had trouble achieving. In fact, as soon as the sky darkened and the stars scattered across its canvas became visible, the girl already had her eyes closed. She didn't separate from Bela for the entire night; she remained wrapped around her even whenever she changed positions, keeping her arms and legs around the other's body as if she needed to hold on to her safe person in order to rest peacefully.

And so, night soon turned into day, and Alisson woke when she felt her human-sized plushie beginning to move gently. With a soft movement, the girl opened her eyes and blinked several times, trying to adjust to the sunlight flooding the room with a golden glow.

────── " UuuuuuggggGghh... " — She complained groggily when she heard Bela say something. Her mind was still caught somewhere between falling back asleep and forcing itself awake. ────── " Belaaaaa... " — She mumbled, stretching and contracting her muscles several times in a deliberately strange manner, as she still hadn't let go of the blonde.

[bela--dimitrescu]

“ Who’s really in control here? ” (for human Bela, from Ghostface!Alisson)

Three hundred and forty-five days. Bela no longer counted them aloud. The days had blurred together into a haze of boarded windows, locked doors, whispered apologies and the constant fear of making one mistake too many.

_______________________________________________

The front door slammed and Bela stumbled forward as Alisson shoved her inside. Her knees struck the worn wooden floor hard. Pain shot through them, but she barely reacted.

Blood trickled steadily from her nose, dripping onto the faded floorboards before falling onto the sleeve of her sweater.

"I'm..." Her voice was rough, permanently hoarse from months of crying, pleading and too many sleepless nights. "...I'm sorry..." She didn't dare look up. "I'm sorry." Her breathing shook. She could still feel the cold air from outside. She'd almost made it to the tree line. Almost.

Another pair of tears landed beside the drops of blood. "I shouldn't have run." She pressed the back of her hand beneath her nose, smearing crimson across her skin. "I'm sorry..." The words came automatically now. Not because she believed she'd done something wrong. But because experience had taught her it was safer.

She lowered her head further. "I know..." The blonde let out a shaky breath. "I know you're in control." Bela's shoulders curled inward instinctively. "I wasn't thinking." Another apology. "I won't do it again." She hated how quickly the words came. How natural they sounded. Months ago she would have argued. Demanded. Begged to go home. But now...

Now she simply wanted the shouting to stop before it began. It had become just another part of her world. "I know..." Her voice cracked. "I know who's in control."

At last, she dared to lift her eyes. Only for a second. Not enough to meet Alisson's gaze. Just enough to whisper, "...Please don't be angry with me." Her fingers twisted tightly in the fabric of her sweater, trying to hide how violently they trembled. "I'll be good."

[redimeree]

A chase, at another time, would have made Alisson shudder with pleasure. However, the fact that Bela had tried to escape without warning, while Ghostface was distracted with other things... Oh, she wasn't going to forgive her for that.

The killer dragged Bela back toward the room, roughly throwing her to the floor. Her fists were clenched tightly, and her jaw was so tightly shut that she felt like one of her teeth might crack. She could feel that hot, deep, uncontrollable anger...

In an impulsive movement, the girl slammed Bela onto the floor, hitting her back against it. She really didn't want to hurt her, but... But Bela was forcing her to. She was provoking her. She was asking for it.

────── " I AM angry with you. " — She snapped, kneeling beside the blonde. Her gestures made it clear she was a hair's breadth away from losing control: nervous tics, trembling, and an expression that looked painfully forced to maintain its composure.

Alisson grabbed a handful of blonde hair and yanked hard, lifting Bela's head. ────── " You'd better behave, you hear me? " — Suddenly, she released the other's head with a shove. ────── " Be a good girl and get back into bed. " — She ordered.

[redimeree]

Closed starter for: @constellationcursed ❕

Night had fallen over the neighborhood; the stars shone overhead, and a thick fog, characteristic of the weather, was beginning to cloud the vision of anyone trying to look beyond the tip of their nose.

Suddenly, the sound of a phone ringing.

One ring. Two rings. And it took until the third ring for the line to be answered.

A voice, muffled behind white plastic and heavily distorted by a voice modulator, finally made itself known.

────── ❛ Hello, Cassiopeia... ❜ — The tone was a disturbing purr, the kind that could send chills down anyone's spine. ────── ❛ Do you like scary movies? ❜

[constellationcursed]

Cass is exhausted after a long day of work, and that's apparent in the way she throws her messenger bag onto the ground in the foyer of her place. the apartment is shitty, but she saves money by not paying for college housing, so. it's whatever. she flicks the light on, barely stifling a yawn, as she begins to make her way to her bedroom.

but then Cass' fucking phone, this piece of shit landline that cuts out most of the time, starts ringing. and she's going to leave it alone, but it won't. stop. ringing. so, eventually, with a long sigh, she picks up the phone. it's a random number, yeah, but maybe it's her school or something? she had just taken an exam today, after all. there's static for a few moments –  is someone stalking her? fuck fuck fuck. and she'd been so careful on her way home tonight, too, pepper spray in hand and everything.

“ Who the fuck are you and how the fuck did you get my fucking number? ” Cass murmurs, her voice hushed as she glances out the window for any signs of life. there's no obvious movement, but her heart is racing in her chest regardless. her fingers curl around her pepper spray, and she wishes her bag was still on her shoulder. if Cass had her textbooks, she could certainly attack someone with one of them, bulky and heavy as they are. right now, she's just a sitting duck, though.“ No, I don't. I don't watch them because I've got too many fucking 'issues' to sit through them without wanting to die. Is that a good enough answer for you? Great, 'cause I don't give a fuck. Have a nice night. ”

on that note, the phone is slammed down into its receiver. Cass presses herself up against the wall, holding her breath, ears pricked up for any sound. what the fuck has she gotten herself into...

[redimeree]

Fuck, fuck, fuck... Didn't she have anything better to say? The fact that Cassiopeia was having a full-blown meltdown on the other end of the line made Ghostface smile wickedly. That's how kidnappings started.

────── “ I'm... Someone. Or... Something? You never really know. ” — She teased, tilting her head as if Cassiopeia could somehow see her from the shadows where she remained hidden. ────── “ Pretty easily... Your little boyfriend, Matías, made it... Very convenient for me. ” — A lie that perhaps wasn't all that convincing.

The killer listened with the patience of a saint, though she wasn't actually listening. She simply let Cass speak into the void. That didn't stop her from mocking her again.

────── ❛ Fuck, die, fuck, die, fuck... Don't you know how to say anythi— ❜ — Before she could finish taunting her, the sharp beep of the call disconnecting rang through her ears. How dare that bitch?

With an overly aggressive movement, Ghostface yanked the phone away from her ear and immediately dialed the number again. Nobody ignored her. Least of all Cass.

[bela--dimitrescu]

@redimeree

The town lights stretched farther than Bela had expected; they reflected in puddles left behind by an evening rain. Cars passed occasionally, their headlights briefly illuminating empty streets before vanishing again. Somewhere in the distance, music drifted from a place she couldn't identify. It was strange. Too many lights, too many sounds, and too many people. Not that many remained awake at this hour, but even this late at night, the town felt more alive than the village ever had.

Bela walked quietly beside Alisson. Her pace was slower than it used to be. Two months had improved her condition, though not nearly enough. The jagged remains of her left arm were hidden beneath the sleeve of her coat. It had healed some, but not much. The crystal growth had receded, but progress came painfully and frustratingly slowly. At least she no longer slept through entire days. That was something.

The blonde also no longer stood over everyone. Necessity had forced adaptation. At first by accident and then through trial and error, Bela had learned to compress her swarm. It was uncomfortable, like being squeezed into clothing several sizes too small, but it worked. Gone was the imposing two-meter figure that had once wandered the halls of Castle Dimitrescu...for now.

Instead, she appeared merely unusually tall, standing just around 180 cm. Enough to draw glances, perhaps, but not enough to get too much attention.

Her golden eyes wandered upward, studying the buildings around them: apartments, shops, street lamps, and normal people. They paid her no mind. No frightened whispers, no prayers to Mother Miranda. No servants bowing their heads. No castle...

The thought came and went like a knife. Bela said nothing. She had become very good at that—very good at carefully avoiding thoughts she could not bear, and very good at not speaking names. Mother, Cassandra, Daniela. The words remained locked away somewhere deep inside her. Instead, she focused on practical things, like shelter and food. As if she had not spent decades with the same three people. As if they had never existed. The lie worked...most days.

Her gaze wandered down the street until it settled on the illuminated sign of a hotel further ahead, then toward Alisson, who was looking rather tired. "Iubirea mea... should we get a room for a few nights?" The question came softly. Not because she doubted they could find an abandoned house somewhere; they had done that for two months, but perhaps they no longer had to. At least for now. Her fingers briefly adjusted the strap of her leather bag. The same bag she had carried from the village. Inside rested her sketchbook, spare clothes, and a rather considerable amount of money that had somehow found its way into her possession with the assistance of several inconspicuous flies and the carelessness of strangers.

"We have the money. And I admit, I have become somewhat tired of sleeping in ruins." And after everything Alisson had done for her, she deserved some proper housing for once. "There are beds... and a bath." The last part was spoken with enough seriousness to suggest that, after two months of sleeping in abandoned houses and washing in streams, the prospect of warm water bordered on luxury. "...What do you think?" she asked quietly, waiting for Alisson to decide with her.

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

The bath had felt like a gift. Alisson felt so much better; lighter, cleaner... She no longer disgusted herself, as every trace of grime had disappeared down the drain in the blink of an eye. Drying her hair with a towel, Alisson looked over toward the beds. She noticed Bela pushing the two mattresses together, so she hurried to dry her hair as much as possible. Once she was done, she ran a brush through it and immediately headed back into the room. Without hesitation, she walked up to Bela and wrapped her in the tightest hug she could manage, as though she wanted to squeeze the life out of her. After all, Bela had said she'd rather be smothered in love than in water. The girl carefully pulled away, still holding the hairbrush, and gently tapped the top of Bela's head with the plastic back of it. ────── “Boink.” — She joked, though her expression quickly turned serious when she realized that reaching the top of Bela's head had been... Well, easier than usual. ────── “You can stop being five foot eleven, you know... We have our privacy here.” — She scolded before stepping back into the bathroom for a moment to put the brush away. She returned shortly afterward, pointed at the bed, and declared... ────── “You're grounded. Go to sleep.” — The audacity. The sheer boldness.

Bela welcomed the embrace without hesitation. Her remaining arm slipped comfortably around Alisson's shoulders while the half-healed stump rested gently against her back. She rested her cheek briefly against the top of Alisson's damp hair. "…Mm." The quiet sound carried all the contentment she rarely put into words.

For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Bela simply allowed herself to exist.

Then - "Boink." Bela blinked.

Slowly, she turned her head toward Alisson, one eyebrow arching high in silent disbelief. "…Did you just strike me…A wounded, innocent woman?" There wasn't the slightest hint of annoyance in her voice, only unmistakable amusement.

Seeing Alisson smiling so freely made something warm settle in Bela's chest. She had missed that expression. It suited her. Far more than fear ever had.

Bela glanced down at herself. "I almost forgot." It had become so natural over the past weeks that she scarcely noticed the effort anymore. She relaxed. Immediately, a familiar chorus of buzzing filled the room. Tiny black flies emerged from beneath her skin in rippling waves before disappearing just as quickly, the swarm compressing and reshaping itself.

Within moments she stood at her full height once more. The oversized shirt, which only moments ago had reached comfortably down her thighs, now barely fell to the middle of them. Bela looked down at herself. "This shirt was considerably more modest a moment ago."

Golden eyes lifted back to Alisson with unmistakable amusement. "That…is certainly an interesting manner in which to address a Countess." Despite herself, she smiled. "But…" She gave a small, graceful inclination of her head. "…Very well."

Without another word of protest, Bela crossed the short distance to the newly joined beds.

She climbed beneath the blankets with surprising obedience, settling herself comfortably against the pillows before looking back toward Alisson. "…There." Her smile softened into something almost teasing. "May I consider myself ungrounded after a full night's sleep?"

[redimeree]

Bela had some nerve saying that. A fragile, innocent woman...As if she weren't capable of hunting people animals, regenerating from almost anything, and being practically immortal. Alisson merely made a small face, resting her hands on her hips. Unlike Bela, she could actually be covered by a single T-shirt. Being of average height apparently had its advantages.

────── “Uh... We definitely need to buy you some new clothes for when you're back to your normal height.” — Alisson murmured, looking the blonde up and down as though she were a museum exhibit.

When Bela actually headed for the bed, genuinely taking the whole being grounded thing seriously, Alisson raised an eyebrow and smiled. It had been a joke... It had. But if Bela wanted to be obedient and play along, who was Alisson to stop her?

────── “... We'll see. Maybe you're grounded until I decide otherwise.” — Her voice came from behind as she followed Bela. Without hesitation, she climbed into bed beside her.

Even though there was plenty of room, Alisson chose to settle right next to the blonde. Nooo, there definitely wasn't anywhere else she could've slept, huh?

────── “Mhm-mm... This way we can keep each other warm.” — That was obviously just an excuse. Alisson was clingier than chewed gum. ────── “If you get cold, tell me, okay? I don't know if wearing just that T-shirt is going to be enough...” — She whispered, curling up beside Bela like a cat.

[redimeree]

Closed starter for @bela--dimitrescu , MODERN AU!

A new semester had finally given Alisson the opportunity to study the degree she had always wanted: science. Biomedicine, bacteria, and anything involving complex subjects sparked her curiosity like a cat chasing something shiny.

It was her first year at university, and although Alisson was considerably shy, she had settled into the new environment in record time. She supposed having a roommate who was older than her had helped a lot.

Her footsteps —far too quick and anxious for someone heading to class— echoed through the hallways like the frantic paws of an excited puppy. It came as no surprise that she'd gotten lost in the building. Her first class of the day was Clinical Microbiology, and she was already running late.

With her laptop tucked under one arm and a backpack carrying the rest of her supplies, Alisson hurried up the staircase leading to the university's science wing. She panted as quietly as she could, checking the time on her phone every other second. That proved to be the source of her misery.

The moment she looked down to wake the screen, she slammed straight into someone.

A pained hiss escaped her lips as she staggered awkwardly backward until she landed on the floor with an undignified thud. Thankfully, even though her laptop had gone flying down the stairs and shattered on impact, Alisson had managed to catch herself on the handrail with surprising strength. The pain, however, remained. Her legs had twisted into an alarmingly uncomfortable position, and the palms of her hands were left with fresh scrapes and friction burns from the metal railing.

────── ❛ I- I- I'm so, so sorry! ❜ — She blurted, trying to ignore her crushed laptop lying at the bottom of the staircase. Even then, her concern immediately shifted to the other person rather than her belongings. ────── ❛ I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I'm really sorry. ❜ — She insisted, using the railing to push herself back onto her feet. ────── ❛ Did I hurt you?... I'm sorry... ❜

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

────── “Cassandra and Daniela? Those are cute names. I really like them.” — She replied with a small smile. ────── “I'm sure they're wonderful sisters... Just like mine.” Cassandra sounded wild, while Daniela sounded sweet. She could already picture the three of them... Bela, elegant as ever, putting up with her sisters. From what Alisson had seen on social media, the three of them were nothing alike. But to Alisson, that was exactly what made relationships so close and interesting... Their differences. Maybe that was why she'd found the courage to ask Bela out. Because she saw herself as quite different from her. Her smile widened mischievously as she heard Bela's conspiratorial whisper. Of course she was going to recommend something to eat. And of course she'd been to every café in the city. It was only to be expected, considering what she did for a living and the wealth that surrounded her. ────── “Really? Then I guess I have no choice but to order it, huh?” — She replied before turning to the waitress. With a polite smile, Alisson ordered a slice of cheesecake and a sweet pennyroyal tea.

While waiting for her order to arrive, the young woman listened to Bela's voice. It was so... Beautiful. A perfect blend of playfulness and sweetness. Respect and boldness. Alisson was beginning to think this was all a dream... Whatever it was, she never wanted to wake up if it meant having someone like this sitting across from her. ────── “Thank you very much.” — She said as her order was set down. She offered the waitress a gentle smile before turning back to Bela, practically mesmerized. ────── “Mm... Well, I'm studying laboratory science and biomedicine, so I don't exactly have my afternoons free. But whenever I'm not studying or crashing into some poor soul on the stairs...” — Alisson paused to think. What did she actually do? Sleep? Eat? Draw? Play videogames on a laptop that could barely run Microsoft Word? ────── “Uh... I like movies, videogames... Honestly, my hobbies are all over the place. Some days I sleep, other days I binge-watch TV shows...” — She admitted, a little embarrassed. Her hobbies made her sound lazy; no sports, nothing particularly productive, nothing that really made good use of her free time. She almost wanted the ground to swallow her whole .────── “What about you, Bela? What do you like to do?” — She was so focused on the blonde that she still hadn't touched either her food or her drink.

Bela listened attentively, her full attention resting on Alisson as though there were no one else in the café.

Every so often, she broke off a small piece of cheesecake with her fork, savoring a bite before taking a sip from her cappuccino. She made no attempt to interrupt, allowing Alisson to speak at her own pace.

When the younger woman admitted her hobbies were "all over the place," Bela's smile only grew a little warmer. "That almost sounds like my hobbies when I started studying at eighteen." She gave a quiet, reassuring laugh. "And there's nothing wrong with that. I think afternoons are meant to be enjoyed however they make you happy." There wasn't the slightest hint of judgment in her voice.

"If anything," she added with a small smile, "it sounds like you're making the most of the little free time you have."

She rested her fork neatly on the edge of the plate before Alisson's question prompted her to think for a moment.

"What about me…" Bela carefully set her cappuccino back onto its saucer. "Well…" Her expression brightened ever so slightly. "Last year I finished my degree in International Business." There was a quiet sense of accomplishment in her voice, though she wore it with characteristic modesty. "And this year I started studying Viticulture and Oenology. So I understand quite well how quickly afternoons disappear."

Her fingers loosely wrapped around the warm porcelain of her cup once more. "When I do manage to find a little time for myself…" She thought for a moment. "I usually read. I enjoy drawing as well. And I've played the violin for many years." Her smile softened. "Sometimes I simply take a walk. It's… peaceful."

Her blue eyes met Alisson's again. "I suppose none of those are particularly exciting." She gave the faintest shrug. "But after spending most of the day surrounded by lectures, meetings, and paperwork…" A quiet laugh escaped her. "I've found I rather enjoy the simple things."

She takes another sip of her cappuccino before asking, "Do you have any pets?"

[redimeree]

Alisson found herself smiling softly at Bela's words. It was an almost imperceptible smile, but it was a smile nonetheless. Having been practically invisible her entire life, being seen —for something good— for the first time felt... Nice. It made her stomach flutter with butterflies.

────── “I suppose you're right. If hobbies weren't hobbies, then they wouldn't be something you do to pass the time; they'd be something you do to make use of your time.” — She said. Even if it sounded like complete nonsense, Alisson understood exactly what she meant. After all, who would want not to have hobbies? That would only mean you had no free time to spend doing insignificant things, like playing videogames or simply sleeping.

Alisson nodded, noticing that her order still hadn't been touched. Slowly, she began eating her slice of cheesecake while Bela spoke, though every so often her eyes wandered back to Bela's like those of an eager puppy. Was this girl's first date? Maybe it was, considering her studies and how much time she spent shut away in her room instead of socializing.

────── “Oh—oh, you play the violin?” — She asked, setting down her spoon and leaving it inside her mug of pennyroyal tea.

────── “I've always wanted to learn the piano, but I'm absolutely hopeless with instruments.” — She admitted, not even realizing she might have interrupted Bela. She was so excited that she completely forgot the manners she'd been taught growing up.

It didn't take her long to fall silent again and listen to the blonde, though. Slowly, she tilted her head to one side like a curious little bird.

────── “I understand. Sometimes it's better to enjoy what you already have than spend your whole life chasing what you can't.” — Alisson replied before taking a sip of her sweet pennyroyal tea and gently wiping her lips before continuing.

────── “Pets? Heh... I wish. I've always wanted a dog, but when I was little, my mother wouldn't allow it. And now... Well, I wouldn't be able to take proper care of one, no matter how much I'd like to. I know a pet is a life... And as much as I'd love one, I don't think I could handle having a life depend on me.” — She shook her head, sounding almost disappointed in herself. Every sentence came with an explanation. Every explanation came with a reason. It seemed that Alisson never spoke just for the sake of filling the silence.

────── “Do you have any pets?”

[bela--dimitrescu]

“ Do you remember me? ”

( From Ghostface!Alisson )

The phone rang and Bela stared at the screen for several seconds before answering. "...Hello?"

First Silence. Then....

"Do you remember me?"

The question sent a chill through her. Her brow furrowed as she searched desperately for something familiar in the woman's voice.

"...No." She hesitated, long enough to make her heart pound against her ribs.

"No, I don't!" she snapped suddenly, the fear she'd been trying so hard to contain finally bleeding into her voice. "Who the hell are you?"

Nothing. Just breathing.

Bela's eyes darted toward the big living room window. The curtains were open just enough to reveal the darkness beyond the glass.

She hated that window.

Ever since the calls had started, every shadow felt like a person, every noise made her flinch. Especially now, as her mother and sisters where abroad.

She couldn't stop wondering if someone was standing out there... watching. Her grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles turned white.

"What do you want from me?" she demanded, her voice noticeably less steady now. "You've been calling me for weeks." She turned another light on with trembling fingers. Then another.

"...Please..." The word escaped before she could stop it. "I'm so tired of this." Her breathing had become shallow.

"If you're outside..." she whispered, unable to stop herself from glancing toward the window again, "...just leave me alone."

Her chest tightened. The fear she'd tried to keep buried finally broke through. "...Who are you?!" Bela's voice cracked. "Why are you doing this to me?!"

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

Alisson waited. And waited. And waited. Yet Bela never seemed to pass by the spot where she was hiding. She could hear her footsteps, yes, and she could smell her perfume, which told Alisson the blonde was painfully close. But her eyes simply couldn't find her. It wasn't until she heard an unbearably heavy door creak open and then slam shut that she knew Bela was in there. So she'd hidden in the tasting room, huh? Alisson could already taste her victory. Even if the possibility hadn't crossed her mind before, she didn't mind it in the slightest. It was a room with only one solid wooden door and a flimsy lock barely capable of guarding anyone's secrets. It would be easy to get in and strike. After catching her breath, Alisson slipped the mask back into place and calmly began walking toward the tasting room. She wanted Bela to believe. To believe she was safe. To believe she could escape. She wanted to destroy her emotionally, little by little, until she could mold her however she pleased and keep her forever. It took her perhaps five minutes to get there. You couldn't even hear her breathing. But then, without warning, a series of heavy blows echoed against the solid wooden door. Ghostface was growing increasingly irritated. Every passing minute felt like Bela slipping farther off her leash. The pounding quickly turned into deafening crashes. She wasn't just throwing her weight against the door anymore, no — she was kicking it with all her strength, using the full force of her body to splinter the lock and break through once and for all. At last, the wood gave way, and Alisson burst into the room. Having stumbled slightly as the broken door gave out beneath her, she regained her footing almost instantly. She ripped the mask from her face in one sharp motion and strode toward Bela, who stood there frozen with fear.

Without a second thought, she pinned the blonde against the wall and brought one hand to her throat. She didn't squeeze... Not yet. She only wanted Bela to understand there was no escape. At least, not from her. ────── “You should know I don't like chasing what's already mine.” — She hissed, her fingers trembling with the effort of keeping them relaxed instead of tightening around Bela's neck. ────── “The game's over, Bela. And I won. Like I always do.” — She paused briefly, letting out a shaky breath. ────── “Now be a good girl and come with me... Or Cassandra's face will end up looking like a strawberry too, just like Daniela's did that day. Remember? You have no idea how much fun I had...” — She tightened her grip ever so slightly, speaking through clenched teeth. ────── “Watching her bleed... Seeing her pupils blown wide... She didn't even recognize me. Poor thing was in such bad shape... I almost felt bad for her. Almost.”

Bela's back struck the wall with enough force to knock the breath from her lungs. A strangled gasp escaped her as Alisson's hand settled around her throat. Not tight enough to choke. But enough to remind her that every movement, every breath, depended entirely on the woman standing before her.

Bela's trembling hands instinctively found Alisson's wrist. Not to fight. There wasn't enough strength left for that. Her fingers barely managed to curl around the sleeve of Alisson's jacket before they began to shake uncontrollably.

She was exhausted. Her legs felt as though they might collapse beneath her at any moment. The sprint through the estate and the panic had drained every last ounce of strength she possessed.

Blue eyes searched Alisson's face desperately. "…Please…" The word was little more than a whisper. "This isn't love." A tear slipped down her cheek. "You know it isn't, Alisson." Her voice cracked. "I loved you…" The confession hurt more than she'd expected. "I really did."

She swallowed against the pressure at her throat. "But this…" Bela took another shaky breath. "…This isn't us." Her gaze pleaded with Alisson, searching desperately for even the smallest fragment of the woman she'd once known. "You need help."

Then Alisson threatened her sister and everything inside Bela shattered. "…No…"

She remembered every second of recieving the picture of her bleeding youngest sister, the hospital, the bandages. Daniela trying to joke through the pain because she hated seeing Bela cry.

Bela had spent weeks trying to convince herself the nightmare was about her. That her sisters were safe. She'd been wrong.

Another sob escaped before she could stop it. "Please…" Her voice was barely audible. "They… they have nothing to do with this." She shook her head frantically. "They've never done anything to you."

Fresh tears blurred her vision completely. "Please…" Her shoulders slumped. The last of her resistance simply… disappeared. "I'll do it." The words came quietly and broken. "I'll come with you." Bela closed her eyes for a moment, another tear escaping down her cheek. "I won't run anymore."

She slowly looked back at Alisson. "But please…" Her voice trembled so violently it almost failed her. "Don't hurt my family. I'll do whatever you want…" Another shaky breath. "…Just leave my family out of this."

Her fingers still rested weakly against Alisson's arm. Not trying to escape anymore. Only holding on because she no longer trusted her own legs to keep her standing.

[redimeree]

She loved her? Loved, as in the past? So Bela didn't love Alisson anymore? Ah, she said it as though it would affect her. Even if Bela no longer loved Alisson, Alisson would make Bela love her again. Bela was hers. Bela was her life. Bela was the pillar holding her together. Without Bela, nothing made sense.

Her hand tightened a little more, trembling fingers almost creaking beneath the effort of controlling the pressure she was applying. No, Alisson. Not yet. You couldn't kill her yet. You couldn't lose control and take the life of the one who gave color to yours.

────── “No! You didn't love me. You love me. And if you love me, then you have to accept me exactly as I am.” — She snapped, shoving Bela harder against the wall before leaning in toward her with surprising gentleness.

Slowly, she pressed her lips against Bela's.

────── “Mm... Just as I remembered. Soft... Sweet... And mine.” — She murmured, letting out a quiet sigh of pure, raw pleasure. ────── “That's what I thought. Such a good girl, coming with me...” — A brief pause. ────── “Not that you had any other choice.” — She smirked wickedly before beginning to tighten her grip around Bela's neck.

Yes, she was going to choke her. Yes, she was going to kidnap her.

No, she couldn't let Bela know where she would spend the rest of her life. And, most importantly, no, she couldn't waste any more time at the Dimitrescu Estate.

[bela--dimitrescu]

“ Do you remember me? ”

( From Ghostface!Alisson )

The phone rang and Bela stared at the screen for several seconds before answering. "...Hello?"

First Silence. Then....

"Do you remember me?"

The question sent a chill through her. Her brow furrowed as she searched desperately for something familiar in the woman's voice.

"...No." She hesitated, long enough to make her heart pound against her ribs.

"No, I don't!" she snapped suddenly, the fear she'd been trying so hard to contain finally bleeding into her voice. "Who the hell are you?"

Nothing. Just breathing.

Bela's eyes darted toward the big living room window. The curtains were open just enough to reveal the darkness beyond the glass.

She hated that window.

Ever since the calls had started, every shadow felt like a person, every noise made her flinch. Especially now, as her mother and sisters where abroad.

She couldn't stop wondering if someone was standing out there... watching. Her grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles turned white.

"What do you want from me?" she demanded, her voice noticeably less steady now. "You've been calling me for weeks." She turned another light on with trembling fingers. Then another.

"...Please..." The word escaped before she could stop it. "I'm so tired of this." Her breathing had become shallow.

"If you're outside..." she whispered, unable to stop herself from glancing toward the window again, "...just leave me alone."

Her chest tightened. The fear she'd tried to keep buried finally broke through. "...Who are you?!" Bela's voice cracked. "Why are you doing this to me?!"

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

Even the silence had become oppressive for Alisson. Slowly, she crouched down and picked up the mask she had discarded moments earlier. It seemed her bait hadn't been enough to lure the prey out.

She let out a quiet whine. Her nose could no longer catch Bela's perfume. Was she running again? The blonde's determination made her feel sick. She frowned, thinking. She had several options: force the door open or circle around from outside and cut Bela off at the newer wine cellars. Letting Bela escape, however, wasn't one of them. Forcing the door would be difficult; all she had was a knife and the determination of a wild predator. She also had no idea how long it would take... But, the mere thought of Bela's face when she appeared exactly where she was headed... The pleasure made her blush. Without a second thought, Alisson slipped the mask back into place, concealing her identity once again. She turned around and headed outside. It was quite a distance from here to the newer wine cellars, but... A winner had to fight for her prize, didn't she? [ . . . ] It didn't take Alisson long to reach the newer wine cellars. Even so, she decided not to reveal herself just yet. No... Not yet. She would wait for Bela to arrive, and then she'd pounce on her. The girl lifted her mask just enough to catch her breath; the sprint, fast as it had been, had left her winded. She inhaled and exhaled in ghostly silence, waiting for her prize to appear, desperate to escape.

The steel door emerged from the darkness, a towering slab of reinforced steel set into the stone wall. A single red emergency light glowed above it, casting everything in a dull crimson haze.

Bela nearly cried with relief. She reached it, grabbing the horizontal crash bar with both trembling hands. Nothing.

She threw her weight against it. The mechanism groaned but the door barely moved. It had been designed to contain fire. To isolate entire sections of the winery. It wasn't meant to open easily.

She pushed harder, her legs trembling beneath her. Her shoulders screamed in protest. Again. The door shifted only a fraction. Bela squeezed her eyes shut. "Please..." Every muscle in her body ached. Her pulse pounded so violently she could hear it in her ears.

The panic that had kept her moving was beginning to ebb, leaving behind only exhaustion. Her arms felt weak. Her lungs burned and her bloodstained hands slipped against the cold metal.

Another shove. The door lurched forward several inches with an agonizing metallic scrape. Her hope flared. She wedged herself into the opening, planting one foot against the frame as she forced the heavy slab wider, inch by painstaking inch.

The gap was just enough. With one final, desperate effort, Bela squeezed through. The steel door swung slowly behind her under its own immense weight. The heavy slab slammed into the frame with a bone-jarring thud, the vibration echoing through the vast underground space.

Bela staggered forward, catching herself against a stainless steel fermentation tank. The new cellar stretched endlessly before her.

Rows upon rows of oak barrels disappeared into the darkness, interrupted only by dim red emergency lights glowing every few dozen meters. The air was cooler here. The familiar scent of oak, stone, and aging wine wrapped around her. Normally it calmed her. Tonight...

It only reminded her how enormous the cellar truly was. Too many places to hide. Too many places for someone else to hide as well.

Bela forced herself to move. One shaky step after another.

The red emergency lights washed the endless rows of barrels in a dull crimson glow, leaving long stretches of darkness between them. The familiar cellar suddenly felt alien, every shadow large enough to hide another nightmare.

She knew this place. She had to keep reminding herself of that.

She'd played hide-and-seek here with Cassandra and Daniela as children. Years later, she'd wandered these corridors alone, escaping board meetings and responsibilities for a few stolen moments of quiet among the oldest vintages.

She just had to get past the fermentation tanks. Left at the reserve collection. Then another narrow corridor. Her breathing remained uneven, each inhale threatening to dissolve into another panic attack.

She just needed a single minute. Enough to think, enough to stop shaking.

At the very end of the corridor stood an unassuming oak door, marked only by a small brass Dimitrescu crest.

The Private Tasting Room. Reserved for family and the winery's most important guests.

She fumbled for the handle, her trembling fingers almost missing it entirely before she managed to press it down. The room beyond was small compared to the vast cellar outside.

A long oak tasting table dominated the center, surrounded by leather chairs. Shelves lined the walls, displaying the Dimitrescu family's oldest and rarest vintages, each bottle resting beneath the soft glow of a single emergency light that bathed the room in a muted red.

Normally, Bela loved this room. It was quiet and peaceful. A place where she often escaped the endless responsibilities waiting upstairs. Tonight, it was simply somewhere to breathe.

She slipped inside and quietly closed the heavy oak door behind her. The lock clicked. Only then did her legs finally give out.

The blonde slid down the door until she was sitting on the cold stone floor, drawing her knees tightly against her chest as she struggled to slow her breathing.

Bela closed her eyes, pressing the heel of her bloodstained hand against her forehead. Just one minute. Then she'd figure out what to do next.

She had no idea that another pair of eyes was already searching the cellar.

[redimeree]

Alisson waited. And waited. And waited.

Yet Bela never seemed to pass by the spot where she was hiding. She could hear her footsteps, yes, and she could smell her perfume, which told Alisson the blonde was painfully close. But her eyes simply couldn't find her.

It wasn't until she heard an unbearably heavy door creak open and then slam shut that she knew Bela was in there. So she'd hidden in the tasting room, huh? Alisson could already taste her victory.

Even if the possibility hadn't crossed her mind before, she didn't mind it in the slightest. It was a room with only one solid wooden door and a flimsy lock barely capable of guarding anyone's secrets. It would be easy to get in and strike.

After catching her breath, Alisson slipped the mask back into place and calmly began walking toward the tasting room. She wanted Bela to believe. To believe she was safe. To believe she could escape. She wanted to destroy her emotionally, little by little, until she could mold her however she pleased and keep her forever.

It took her perhaps five minutes to get there. You couldn't even hear her breathing. But then, without warning, a series of heavy blows echoed against the solid wooden door.

Ghostface was growing increasingly irritated. Every passing minute felt like Bela slipping farther off her leash. The pounding quickly turned into deafening crashes. She wasn't just throwing her weight against the door anymore, no — she was kicking it with all her strength, using the full force of her body to splinter the lock and break through once and for all.

At last, the wood gave way, and Alisson burst into the room.

Having stumbled slightly as the broken door gave out beneath her, she regained her footing almost instantly. She ripped the mask from her face in one sharp motion and strode toward Bela, who stood there frozen with fear.

Without a second thought, she pinned the blonde against the wall and brought one hand to her throat.

She didn't squeeze... Not yet. She only wanted Bela to understand there was no escape. At least, not from her.

────── “You should know I don't like chasing what's already mine.” — She hissed, her fingers trembling with the effort of keeping them relaxed instead of tightening around Bela's neck. ────── “The game's over, Bela. And I won. Like I always do.” — She paused briefly, letting out a shaky breath. ────── “Now be a good girl and come with me... Or Cassandra's face will end up looking like a strawberry too, just like Daniela's did that day. Remember? You have no idea how much fun I had...” — She tightened her grip ever so slightly, speaking through clenched teeth. ────── “Watching her bleed... Seeing her pupils blown wide... She didn't even recognize me. Poor thing was in such bad shape... I almost felt bad for her. Almost.”

[bela--dimitrescu]

@redimeree

The town lights stretched farther than Bela had expected; they reflected in puddles left behind by an evening rain. Cars passed occasionally, their headlights briefly illuminating empty streets before vanishing again. Somewhere in the distance, music drifted from a place she couldn't identify. It was strange. Too many lights, too many sounds, and too many people. Not that many remained awake at this hour, but even this late at night, the town felt more alive than the village ever had.

Bela walked quietly beside Alisson. Her pace was slower than it used to be. Two months had improved her condition, though not nearly enough. The jagged remains of her left arm were hidden beneath the sleeve of her coat. It had healed some, but not much. The crystal growth had receded, but progress came painfully and frustratingly slowly. At least she no longer slept through entire days. That was something.

The blonde also no longer stood over everyone. Necessity had forced adaptation. At first by accident and then through trial and error, Bela had learned to compress her swarm. It was uncomfortable, like being squeezed into clothing several sizes too small, but it worked. Gone was the imposing two-meter figure that had once wandered the halls of Castle Dimitrescu...for now.

Instead, she appeared merely unusually tall, standing just around 180 cm. Enough to draw glances, perhaps, but not enough to get too much attention.

Her golden eyes wandered upward, studying the buildings around them: apartments, shops, street lamps, and normal people. They paid her no mind. No frightened whispers, no prayers to Mother Miranda. No servants bowing their heads. No castle...

The thought came and went like a knife. Bela said nothing. She had become very good at that—very good at carefully avoiding thoughts she could not bear, and very good at not speaking names. Mother, Cassandra, Daniela. The words remained locked away somewhere deep inside her. Instead, she focused on practical things, like shelter and food. As if she had not spent decades with the same three people. As if they had never existed. The lie worked...most days.

Her gaze wandered down the street until it settled on the illuminated sign of a hotel further ahead, then toward Alisson, who was looking rather tired. "Iubirea mea... should we get a room for a few nights?" The question came softly. Not because she doubted they could find an abandoned house somewhere; they had done that for two months, but perhaps they no longer had to. At least for now. Her fingers briefly adjusted the strap of her leather bag. The same bag she had carried from the village. Inside rested her sketchbook, spare clothes, and a rather considerable amount of money that had somehow found its way into her possession with the assistance of several inconspicuous flies and the carelessness of strangers.

"We have the money. And I admit, I have become somewhat tired of sleeping in ruins." And after everything Alisson had done for her, she deserved some proper housing for once. "There are beds... and a bath." The last part was spoken with enough seriousness to suggest that, after two months of sleeping in abandoned houses and washing in streams, the prospect of warm water bordered on luxury. "...What do you think?" she asked quietly, waiting for Alisson to decide with her.

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

Alisson leaned into Bela as though it were second nature. She let out a quiet sigh, burying her head against the blonde's chest to be even closer. It was one of those moments where she simply enjoyed the affection she had to give — and receive. One of those moments where she simply... Felt. ────── “ Great... Then I can spoil you with cuddles... ” — She murmured, not particularly in the mood to talk. She began peppering the area within reach with little kisses: Bela's collarbone, cheeks, forehead, eyelid, neck... Even the top of her head. Alisson finally pulled away, however, when she heard Bela scolding her. Oh, not again... ────── “ I swear I'll eat. ” — She promised, raising one hand to her forehead in a mocking military salute. After that, she took the handheld showerhead with a small nod. Without another word, she straightened her posture and began wetting Bela's hair. She didn't seem to notice that some of the water was splashing onto the blonde's face. In fact, it almost looked intentional — which, considering how playful and clingy she was acting... Might very well have been the case, if only to get Bela's attention. Alisson squeezed the bottle of shampoo softly. The sticky substance covered her fingers perfectly, and so, she started to wash Bela's hair. She was careful with her pretty face, making sure that no drops clung to her eyes.

Bela's smile softened almost immediately. "...Please do. I do so love getting spoiled."

She accepted every little kiss with the same calm affection she always carried, her eyes slipping closed now and then as Alisson's lips brushed her forehead, cheek, and temple. "...You are rather determined," Bela murmured with a fond smile.

When Alisson suddenly snapped into the exaggerated salute, the blonde simply stared for a heartbeat. Then a quiet but genuine laugh escaped her. "My love..." She shook her head, still smiling. "You are utterly ridiculous." There was no criticism in her voice whatsoever. "I adore you." The admission came so naturally she scarcely seemed aware she had said it aloud.

As Alisson began rinsing her hair, another spray of warm water landed squarely across Bela's face. She blinked. A droplet slid from the tip of her nose. Golden eyes slowly turned toward Alisson. "...I would rather be drowned in love than water..." A tiny smile tugged at one corner of her lips. "...but you do you."

_____

It took some time. Long enough for the lavender scent to replace weeks of dirt, dried blood and smoke. By the time they climbed from the bath, the water had turned murky enough that neither of them wished to think too hard about it.

Instead of dressing in silks and lace as she once would have, she pulled on an oversized white shirt that reached halfway down her thighs. She found she didn't mind. Not tonight.

While Alisson remained occupied drying her hair, Bela quietly wandered back into the bedroom. She had a small task after all.

Stepping to the nearest bed, Bela rested her remaining hand against the wooden frame. With a steady push, the bed inched closer to the other. Another push. The second bed answered with a protesting scrape as she nudged it toward the first.

It was slower work with only one arm, but little by little the gap between them disappeared.

"There..." Bela stepped back, regarding the now-joined beds with quiet satisfaction. "...this will do."

She glanced over her shoulder toward the bathroom doorway. "I believe," she called gently, amusement coloring her voice once more, "our feline sleeping arrangement is now ready." A brief pause followed before she added with unmistakable fondness, "And before you ask...yes."

"You may steal as many cuddles as you deem necessary."

[redimeree]

The bath had felt like a gift. Alisson felt so much better; lighter, cleaner... She no longer disgusted herself, as every trace of grime had disappeared down the drain in the blink of an eye.

Drying her hair with a towel, Alisson looked over toward the beds. She noticed Bela pushing the two mattresses together, so she hurried to dry her hair as much as possible. Once she was done, she ran a brush through it and immediately headed back into the room. Without hesitation, she walked up to Bela and wrapped her in the tightest hug she could manage, as though she wanted to squeeze the life out of her. After all, Bela had said she'd rather be smothered in love than in water.

The girl carefully pulled away, still holding the hairbrush, and gently tapped the top of Bela's head with the plastic back of it. ────── “Boink.” — She joked, though her expression quickly turned serious when she realized that reaching the top of Bela's head had been... Well, easier than usual.

────── “You can stop being five foot eleven, you know... We have our privacy here.” — She scolded before stepping back into the bathroom for a moment to put the brush away. She returned shortly afterward, pointed at the bed, and declared...

────── “You're grounded. Go to sleep.” — The audacity. The sheer boldness.

[redimeree]

Closed starter for @bela--dimitrescu , MODERN AU!

A new semester had finally given Alisson the opportunity to study the degree she had always wanted: science. Biomedicine, bacteria, and anything involving complex subjects sparked her curiosity like a cat chasing something shiny.

It was her first year at university, and although Alisson was considerably shy, she had settled into the new environment in record time. She supposed having a roommate who was older than her had helped a lot.

Her footsteps —far too quick and anxious for someone heading to class— echoed through the hallways like the frantic paws of an excited puppy. It came as no surprise that she'd gotten lost in the building. Her first class of the day was Clinical Microbiology, and she was already running late.

With her laptop tucked under one arm and a backpack carrying the rest of her supplies, Alisson hurried up the staircase leading to the university's science wing. She panted as quietly as she could, checking the time on her phone every other second. That proved to be the source of her misery.

The moment she looked down to wake the screen, she slammed straight into someone.

A pained hiss escaped her lips as she staggered awkwardly backward until she landed on the floor with an undignified thud. Thankfully, even though her laptop had gone flying down the stairs and shattered on impact, Alisson had managed to catch herself on the handrail with surprising strength. The pain, however, remained. Her legs had twisted into an alarmingly uncomfortable position, and the palms of her hands were left with fresh scrapes and friction burns from the metal railing.

────── ❛ I- I- I'm so, so sorry! ❜ — She blurted, trying to ignore her crushed laptop lying at the bottom of the staircase. Even then, her concern immediately shifted to the other person rather than her belongings. ────── ❛ I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I'm really sorry. ❜ — She insisted, using the railing to push herself back onto her feet. ────── ❛ Did I hurt you?... I'm sorry... ❜

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

Alisson's smile widened just a little more. She could practically smell Bela's nerves. Honestly, that made her feel better, knowing she wasn't the only one who wanted to sprint twenty laps around the café just to burn off the anxiety. The girl nodded at the blonde's suggestion. That table was perfect; a window overlooking the rain, a quiet corner away from the crowd, and two seats facing each other, giving them a perfect view of each other. Alisson let herself be guided without any resistance. Had she not been interested in Bela, the hand resting against her lower back would've probably ended up with a broken finger or two. If Alisson didn't want something, or if something made her uncomfortable... Well, she'd make it known. ────── “Sounds perfect to me.” — She replied as she squeezed her way through the crowd. Bela's touch was comforting. Alisson was enjoying the attention. In fact, when the blonde withdrew her hand, the raven-haired woman turned her head to look at her, her gaze caught somewhere between longing and mild homicidal intent. How dare she let go?

She settled carefully into her chair, placing her black handbag beside it. Slowly, she leaned forward. Her eyes found Bela's and stayed there, while one hand propped up her chin against the table. She made no effort whatsoever to hide her interest as she listened to the blonde speak. ────── “Oh, you have a younger sister?” — She asked, feigning innocence. ────── “I do too. Her name's Moon.” — She answered, though her thoughts were far more occupied with the blonde than with her own words. The way Bela's lips moved. The way her perfume intoxicated her senses so exquisitely. The way her eyes softened whenever she spoke about Daniela. ────── “Don't worry—we met at exactly three o'clock... Not before.” — She reassured her. All that was missing was for her pupils to turn into little hearts... Although, judging by her expression, perhaps that wasn't even necessary. It wasn't until Bela leaned back that Alisson pulled away slightly. Her hands? She'd completely forgotten they were burned. That's what love did to a person, huh? ────── “My hands are perfectly fine.” — She said, raising them to shoulder height and showing her palms playfully. Alisson was unintentionally funny. She looked like a royal court jester by nature. The best part? She probably didn't even realize it. ────── “And yeah, honestly, my week hasn't been that bad. At least I'm glad I was the one who took the hit. How have you been?” — She tried not to talk too much. She couldn't let her nerves take over.

Bela's smile warmed and she gave a small nod. "I have two younger sisters." The affection in her voice was unmistakable. "Daniela is the youngest. My middle sister is Cassandra." She paused for a moment before adding with a quiet chuckle, "They are… very different people."

Bela found herself wondering what it must have been like to grow up with only one sibling. "Moon," she repeated softly, the name lingering pleasantly on her tongue. "…That's a very rare name."

Just then, a waitress approached their table with a welcoming smile and two menus. "Good afternoon. Can I get you something to drink?"

Bela accepted the menu with a polite thank you, though she barely glanced at it before looking back at Alisson. "I should warn you…" A playful glimmer appeared in her eyes. "They serve the best cheesecake in town." She lowered her voice conspiratorially, as though sharing a well-kept secret. "I've sampled enough cafés around Cluj to be fairly confident in that assessment."

When the waitress returned her attention to Bela, she smiled politely. "I'll have a cappuccino, please…" She closed the menu. "…And a slice of your cheesecake." Only then did she look back toward Alisson. "It has become something of a tradition whenever I'm nearby."

Bela couldn't help it. A soft laugh escaped her as Alisson raised both hands as though presenting evidence before a jury. "I'm relieved to hear that." The sight was unexpectedly endearing. "Maybe I worried a little more than was probably necessary."

Her smile stayed for another moment before Alisson's question settled between them. "It was…" Bela paused thoughtfully. Images of the past week drifted through her mind. Marketing meetings, reviewing export figures and preparing documents for the upcoming board meeting. University lectures somehow squeezed in between it all. "…A bit busy," she admitted with a small shrug. "Though that's nothing unusual. I've grown rather accustomed to balancing university with…work."

Their conversation paused as the waitress returned, carefully setting a steaming cappuccino in front of Bela before placing a generous slice of cheesecake beside it. "And for you," the waitress smiled, placing Alisson's order in front of her as well. "Enjoy." "Thank you," Bela replied politely, waiting until the waitress had disappeared toward another table before turning her attention back to Alisson.

Then, almost unconsciously, she leaned forward just a little.

"So…" There was genuine curiosity in her blue eyes now. "Tell me a little about yourself, Alisson." The corner of her mouth lifted into a playful smile. "What do you usually do when you're not running into unsuspecting people on staircases?"

[redimeree]

────── “Cassandra and Daniela? Those are cute names. I really like them.” — She replied with a small smile. ────── “I'm sure they're wonderful sisters... Just like mine.”

Cassandra sounded wild, while Daniela sounded sweet. She could already picture the three of them... Bela, elegant as ever, putting up with her sisters. From what Alisson had seen on social media, the three of them were nothing alike. But to Alisson, that was exactly what made relationships so close and interesting... Their differences. Maybe that was why she'd found the courage to ask Bela out. Because she saw herself as quite different from her.

Her smile widened mischievously as she heard Bela's conspiratorial whisper. Of course she was going to recommend something to eat. And of course she'd been to every café in the city. It was only to be expected, considering what she did for a living and the wealth that surrounded her.

────── “Really? Then I guess I have no choice but to order it, huh?” — She replied before turning to the waitress. With a polite smile, Alisson ordered a slice of cheesecake and a sweet pennyroyal tea.

While waiting for her order to arrive, the young woman listened to Bela's voice. It was so... Beautiful. A perfect blend of playfulness and sweetness. Respect and boldness. Alisson was beginning to think this was all a dream... Whatever it was, she never wanted to wake up if it meant having someone like this sitting across from her.

────── “Thank you very much.” — She said as her order was set down. She offered the waitress a gentle smile before turning back to Bela, practically mesmerized.

────── “Mm... Well, I'm studying laboratory science and biomedicine, so I don't exactly have my afternoons free. But whenever I'm not studying or crashing into some poor soul on the stairs...” — Alisson paused to think. What did she actually do? Sleep? Eat? Draw? Play videogames on a laptop that could barely run Microsoft Word?

────── “Uh... I like movies, videogames... Honestly, my hobbies are all over the place. Some days I sleep, other days I binge-watch TV shows...” — She admitted, a little embarrassed. Her hobbies made her sound lazy; no sports, nothing particularly productive, nothing that really made good use of her free time. She almost wanted the ground to swallow her whole .────── “What about you, Bela? What do you like to do?” — She was so focused on the blonde that she still hadn't touched either her food or her drink.

[bela--dimitrescu]

“ Do you remember me? ”

( From Ghostface!Alisson )

The phone rang and Bela stared at the screen for several seconds before answering. "...Hello?"

First Silence. Then....

"Do you remember me?"

The question sent a chill through her. Her brow furrowed as she searched desperately for something familiar in the woman's voice.

"...No." She hesitated, long enough to make her heart pound against her ribs.

"No, I don't!" she snapped suddenly, the fear she'd been trying so hard to contain finally bleeding into her voice. "Who the hell are you?"

Nothing. Just breathing.

Bela's eyes darted toward the big living room window. The curtains were open just enough to reveal the darkness beyond the glass.

She hated that window.

Ever since the calls had started, every shadow felt like a person, every noise made her flinch. Especially now, as her mother and sisters where abroad.

She couldn't stop wondering if someone was standing out there... watching. Her grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles turned white.

"What do you want from me?" she demanded, her voice noticeably less steady now. "You've been calling me for weeks." She turned another light on with trembling fingers. Then another.

"...Please..." The word escaped before she could stop it. "I'm so tired of this." Her breathing had become shallow.

"If you're outside..." she whispered, unable to stop herself from glancing toward the window again, "...just leave me alone."

Her chest tightened. The fear she'd tried to keep buried finally broke through. "...Who are you?!" Bela's voice cracked. "Why are you doing this to me?!"

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

How cute. Bela really believed Alisson cared about anyone other than herself. Did Lucien have a family? That didn't matter. It wasn't something that involved the killer directly, nor was it something that affected her. Therefore... She couldn't care less. ────── “So? I wanted to have a family with you too. Yet—” — Her words were cut off by the forceful shove she received. Even though Bela had acted out of panic, the push did affect Alisson. She let out a low grunt, stumbling back a few steps before regaining her balance. Now she was angry. There wasn't even a trace of the little smile that had been on her face moments before. Like a wild animal, Alisson took off after the blonde. Bela was fast because of the adrenaline, but Alisson was naturally fast. When Bela got tired, she would keep running. When Bela ran out of stamina, she would still have plenty left. When Bela fell, she would catch her. Her footsteps echoed throughout the estate, hurried and far faster than usual. She saw Bela turn, and then heard a door slam shut. So she'd hidden herself inside the centuries-old wine cellar. Alisson reached the door in less than the blink of an eye. Of course she knew that place existed; after all, she hadn't spent years studying the mansion's architecture for nothing. She had memorized every corner, planned every move, learned every inch of it by heart. However, She didn't have the key, and without the key, she couldn't get in. And not getting in meant she couldn't catch Bela. She could hear the blonde's muffled sobs from the other side. Not a shred of empathy crossed her face. Slowly, she raised a hand to her face and lifted the mask.

────── “Open the door, please.” — She asked, her voice a blend of sweetness and command. Alisson softened her tone even further. ────── “You're hiding as if I'd ever do something to you. To you.” — She added, and a moment later, the sound of something hitting the floor echoed through the silence. ────── “Come on, Bubu. Come out... I don't have the knife anymore.” — She whispered, nudging the object farther away with a kick.

Bela pressed both hands over her mouth, forcing herself to breathe through her nose. One breath. Then another. Her heartbeat pounded so violently she was certain Alisson could hear it through the thick oak door.

Outside, her voice drifted into the darkness. "Open the door, please…" Bela squeezed her eyes shut. No. She wasn't listening. Not anymore. Not after everything that happened.

Then came the sound of something clattering against the stone floor. "I don't have the knife anymore." A bitter laugh nearly escaped Bela. Liar. Every word that came from her mouth was another trap.

Alisson didn't want to talk. She wanted Bela to open that door. Nothing more.

Bela slowly retreated deeper into the pitch-black cellar. Her shoulder brushed against centuries-old stone, cold and damp beneath her fingertips. She forced herself to think. Panicking would get her killed.

Her mind raced through memories of countless tours she'd given visiting sommeliers and journalists.

The old cellar connected…Not directly. But….The newer cellar…..It lay beyond the maintenance passage. Normally the heavy steel fire door remained locked. But maybe….without electricity the lock could have failed....

The new cellar would be accessible. And unlike this cramped, ancient room…It was enormous. Hundreds of rows, thousands of barrels, storage rooms….Emergency exits.

She could disappear in there. At least long enough to think. Long enough to figure out what do to…

Bela carefully shifted her weight, every tiny movement felt deafening.

Outside…Silence. She hated the silence even more than the talking. Was Alisson still standing there? Listening? Waiting?

Bela swallowed. She couldn't stay here forever. If Alisson somehow found a way inside…This room could become a trap. Her breathing steadied little by little. One chance. That was all she needed.

She knew these cellars. She'd spent countless afternoons down here with Ștefan, learning the history of the estate, tasting barrels before they were bottled, memorizing every corridor in preparation for one day managing the winery herself.

If anyone could navigate them in complete darkness…It was her.

Bela slowly rose into a crouch, every muscle trembling with adrenaline. Her gaze fixed toward where she knew the maintenance passage should be.

Please… Let that door be open.

Without another glance toward the entrance, she began moving silently into the darkness, one hand trailing along the cold stone wall to keep her bearings.

She had no intention of waiting for Alisson to decide her fate. If there was even the smallest chance of reaching the new cellar…

She was going to take it.

[redimeree]

Even the silence had become oppressive for Alisson. Slowly, she crouched down and picked up the mask she had discarded moments earlier. It seemed her bait hadn't been enough to lure the prey out.

She let out a quiet whine. Her nose could no longer catch Bela's perfume. Was she running again? The blonde's determination made her feel sick. She frowned, thinking.

She had several options: force the door open or circle around from outside and cut Bela off at the newer wine cellars. Letting Bela escape, however, wasn't one of them.

Forcing the door would be difficult; all she had was a knife and the determination of a wild predator. She also had no idea how long it would take... But, the mere thought of Bela's face when she appeared exactly where she was headed... The pleasure made her blush.

Without a second thought, Alisson slipped the mask back into place, concealing her identity once again. She turned around and headed outside. It was quite a distance from here to the newer wine cellars, but... A winner had to fight for her prize, didn't she?

[ . . . ]

It didn't take Alisson long to reach the newer wine cellars. Even so, she decided not to reveal herself just yet. No... Not yet. She would wait for Bela to arrive, and then she'd pounce on her.

The girl lifted her mask just enough to catch her breath; the sprint, fast as it had been, had left her winded. She inhaled and exhaled in ghostly silence, waiting for her prize to appear, desperate to escape.

[redimeree]

what flavor is your soul?

rosemary

ah, the old soul, nice to meet again. the time of ages is etched into your bones, you see clearly. you've watched the heartache in this realm and sworn to solve it. but kindness without limits is self destruction. oh little leaf, strong and wise, you seek to bring peace with your presence. I'd be wrong to say you fail at this effort, but you mustn't set yourself on fire to keep others warm. you wish to please everyone, to protect them all. but if you shield the saplings from the sunlight they will never grow, and you one day will wither. protect yourself too. you know there are no happy heroes, so don't be one. be a friend. your loved ones will not forsake you for not being perseus slaying all their demons. you have your own monsters, why not meet them first before you conquer anyone else's nightmares. oh true-hearted paladin you are brave, and you are good enough. you know that right? be true to yourself, one cannot do anything saintly if they did not tend to their own wounds first.

[ Tagged by: @coffinshared ]

[ Tagging: @bela--dimitrescu , @subestimacion , @replicae , @crimsonoperative-aw ]

[redimeree]

Closed starter for @bela--dimitrescu , MODERN AU!

A new semester had finally given Alisson the opportunity to study the degree she had always wanted: science. Biomedicine, bacteria, and anything involving complex subjects sparked her curiosity like a cat chasing something shiny.

It was her first year at university, and although Alisson was considerably shy, she had settled into the new environment in record time. She supposed having a roommate who was older than her had helped a lot.

Her footsteps —far too quick and anxious for someone heading to class— echoed through the hallways like the frantic paws of an excited puppy. It came as no surprise that she'd gotten lost in the building. Her first class of the day was Clinical Microbiology, and she was already running late.

With her laptop tucked under one arm and a backpack carrying the rest of her supplies, Alisson hurried up the staircase leading to the university's science wing. She panted as quietly as she could, checking the time on her phone every other second. That proved to be the source of her misery.

The moment she looked down to wake the screen, she slammed straight into someone.

A pained hiss escaped her lips as she staggered awkwardly backward until she landed on the floor with an undignified thud. Thankfully, even though her laptop had gone flying down the stairs and shattered on impact, Alisson had managed to catch herself on the handrail with surprising strength. The pain, however, remained. Her legs had twisted into an alarmingly uncomfortable position, and the palms of her hands were left with fresh scrapes and friction burns from the metal railing.

────── ❛ I- I- I'm so, so sorry! ❜ — She blurted, trying to ignore her crushed laptop lying at the bottom of the staircase. Even then, her concern immediately shifted to the other person rather than her belongings. ────── ❛ I wasn't paying attention to where I was going. I'm really sorry. ❜ — She insisted, using the railing to push herself back onto her feet. ────── ❛ Did I hurt you?... I'm sorry... ❜

[bela--dimitrescu]

Bela had barely set her phone back down when it vibrated again.

She couldn't help smiling. A warmth spread through her chest that she hadn't quite expected. And she found herself looking forward to tomorrow with an almost embarrassing amount of enthusiasm.

Her fingers danced over the keyboard.

[txt] Wonderful. I'll see you tomorrow at three, then. 😊

[4:45 pm]

She pressed send without overthinking it this time.

Only seconds later, another vibration. Bela unlocked the screen once more and blinked. Then let out the softest laugh. Her name? She'd handed Alisson her business card. With her name printed in large letters across the top.

Well, it seemed Alisson was just as nervous as she was. Truthfully... Bela found that rather endearing.

Then her eyes drifted back to the final word. Sweetheart. A faint warmth crept into her cheeks. How cute was that? She glanced around the study despite being entirely alone. How one simple word had managed to fluster her so thoroughly, she couldn't quite explain.

Still smiling, she typed another reply.

[txt] My name is Bela.😊

See you tomorrow, dear <3

[4:59 pm]

Was this turning into a date?

_______________________________

The following afternoon arrived far more quickly than Bela would have liked.

Ordinarily, she would have been seated in the café at least fifteen minutes before the agreed time.

But not today....

She parked her car in front of the cafe and glanced at the dashboard clock. 2:56 p.m. "...This is cutting it rather close."

Beside her, Daniela unbuckled her seatbelt with the enthusiasm only a sixteen-year-old could possess. "It's four whole minutes, Bela."

"Only four minutes...because a certain redhead couldn't decide what sneakers she wants to wear..." Bela sighed as she switched off the engine.

Unlike her usual business attire, today she had chosen something simpler. A cream knit sweater tucked neatly into a pair of dark blue jeans. White sneakers. Her blonde hair fell loosely over her shoulders, the look effortlessly casual despite the amount of thought she'd quietly put into it.

Daniela climbed out first, adjusting the strap of her little shoulder bag. "There they are!" Across the street, a group of teenagers waved enthusiastically from outside the shopping mall.

Daniela turned back, threw her arms around Bela in a quick hug, and squeezed tightly. "Have fun on your totally-not-a-date."

Bela sighed again, though amusement sparkled in her eyes. "It isn't a—" Too late. Daniela had already skipped backwards. "Bye! Love you!"

"I love you too," Bela called after her. With one final grin, Daniela turned and jogged toward her waiting friends, disappearing into a chorus of excited greetings.

For a brief moment, Bela watched to make sure her sister reached them safely. Only then did she smooth an imaginary crease from the hem of her sweater.

Taking a quiet breath to steady the curious flutter in her chest, she stepped inside the little café. The warm aroma of fresh pastries and tea greeted her immediately.

Her blue eyes instinctively swept across the room. Searching. Wondering, whether Alisson had already arrived.

[redimeree]

Bela. Huh. Even though she'd already read it on the business card Bela had given her, Alisson found herself thinking the same thing again. Such a beautiful name. Something that sounded soft, like the blonde color of her hair, yet elegant, just like the way she dressed. Bela truly lived up to her name.

With one last little smile, Alisson read Bela's message before setting her phone back down on her desk.

[ . . . ]

The next day came much faster than expected. Despite it being a Saturday afternoon, Alisson had gotten up far too early. She hadn't slept at all, yet she had no dark circles under her eyes. She hadn't eaten because of her nerves, yet her breath didn't smell bad. In other words: she hadn't taken care of herself, but she had made sure to look perfect for the... Date?

She arrived at the café much earlier than planned. Even though she'd agreed to meet Bela there at three in the afternoon, Alisson showed up around twenty to three, convincing herself that it wasn't that early. She was dressed simply, yet elegantly: a long black coat, loose-fitting black trousers, and a black-and-white striped turtleneck sweater, also slightly oversized, though not as much as the trousers.

Alisson waited as though, instead of a date, she were expecting a massacre. She waited as though the moment Bela walked through the door would mark the end of the world. Anxiety slowly clouded her thoughts, and, though she'd never admit it, she found herself pulling out her phone to distract herself a little. She had to play it cool. She couldn't let anyone see her like this.

Those twenty minutes crawled by like a tortoise; slow and painfully heavy. Before long, Alisson slipped her phone back into her pocket and began looking around.

She saw her getting out of the car.

Her nerves immediately exploded. She stood up from the chair she'd been waiting in and walked toward the entrance. She noticed Bela wasn't alone, but decided it would be best not to say anything about it. She couldn't let Bela know she'd been looking up information about her online.

When the blonde stepped into the café, Alisson noticed she was searching for someone. Raising an eyebrow, she made her way through the crowd with a small smile that didn't quite reached her eyes. Oh, the girl was nervous.

────── “ Looking for someone? ” — she asked, gently placing a hand on Bela's arm with the delicate touch of a porcelain doll. She didn't want to startle her.

[bela--dimitrescu]

Bela turned at the gentle touch on her arm. For a brief moment, the bustle of the café seemed to fade into the background. There she was.

Alisson.

Beautiful dark hair framed her face, and despite the small smile she wore, Bela could immediately recognize the nervousness hidden beneath it. Curiously, that realization settled something inside her own chest. She wasn't the only one.

A warm smile found its way onto Bela's face. "I was," she admitted with a quiet laugh, "but it seems she found me." For a heartbeat, she simply looked at Alisson. "...It's lovely to see you again."

Her gaze drifted around the café before settling on a small table tucked away in a quiet corner near the window. "That one looks rather peaceful." She gestured toward it before looking back to Alisson. "Shall we?"

As they walked toward the table, Bela instinctively placed a gentle hand against the small of Alisson's back, guiding her through the busy café so they wouldn't become separated by the stream of customers weaving between the tables.

The touch lasted only a moment. Light and respectful. Yet warm enough that Bela found herself suddenly aware of it. She quietly withdrew her hand as they reached their seats, hoping it hadn't seemed too forward.

Once they had settled into their chairs, Bela slipped her phone into her handbag and folded her hands neatly on the table.

"I'm sorry for arriving so close to three." A faintly apologetic smile crossed her face. "I had to drop my little sister off. She's meeting some friends." She gave the smallest shake of her head, an affectionate smile tugging at her lips. "Daniela is... wonderfully chaotic." There was unmistakable fondness in her voice. "I swear she can turn being ready on time into an art form."

A soft chuckle escaped her. "So, if I'm ever late again, there's a reasonable chance she's involved somehow."

The ice already felt thinner and Bela relaxed just enough to lean back slightly in her chair.

"Well..." Her blue eyes met Alisson's once more. "Hello, Alisson." Her smile softened. "I'm really happy this worked out."

And she meant every word.

"I was genuinely hoping you'd text me." She paused for only a moment before continuing. "I hope the rest of your week was a little less... eventful than our first meeting." Her eyes sparkled with quiet amusement.

"And, more importantly..." She tilted her head ever so slightly. "...How are your hands? They looked rather painful after your encounter with the staircase."

[redimeree]

Alisson's smile widened just a little more. She could practically smell Bela's nerves. Honestly, that made her feel better, knowing she wasn't the only one who wanted to sprint twenty laps around the café just to burn off the anxiety.

The girl nodded at the blonde's suggestion. That table was perfect; a window overlooking the rain, a quiet corner away from the crowd, and two seats facing each other, giving them a perfect view of each other.

Alisson let herself be guided without any resistance. Had she not been interested in Bela, the hand resting against her lower back would've probably ended up with a broken finger or two. If Alisson didn't want something, or if something made her uncomfortable... Well, she'd make it known.

────── “Sounds perfect to me.” — She replied as she squeezed her way through the crowd.

Bela's touch was comforting. Alisson was enjoying the attention. In fact, when the blonde withdrew her hand, the raven-haired woman turned her head to look at her, her gaze caught somewhere between longing and mild homicidal intent. How dare she let go?

She settled carefully into her chair, placing her black handbag beside it. Slowly, she leaned forward. Her eyes found Bela's and stayed there, while one hand propped up her chin against the table. She made no effort whatsoever to hide her interest as she listened to the blonde speak.

────── “Oh, you have a younger sister?” — She asked, feigning innocence. ────── “I do too. Her name's Moon.” — She answered, though her thoughts were far more occupied with the blonde than with her own words. The way Bela's lips moved. The way her perfume intoxicated her senses so exquisitely. The way her eyes softened whenever she spoke about Daniela.

────── “Don't worry—we met at exactly three o'clock... Not before.” — She reassured her. All that was missing was for her pupils to turn into little hearts... Although, judging by her expression, perhaps that wasn't even necessary.

It wasn't until Bela leaned back that Alisson pulled away slightly. Her hands? She'd completely forgotten they were burned. That's what love did to a person, huh?

────── “My hands are perfectly fine.” — She said, raising them to shoulder height and showing her palms playfully. Alisson was unintentionally funny. She looked like a royal court jester by nature. The best part? She probably didn't even realize it. ────── “And yeah, honestly, my week hasn't been that bad. At least I'm glad I was the one who took the hit. How have you been?” — She tried not to talk too much.

She couldn't let her nerves take over.

[dani-dimitrescu]

Closed Starter for @redimeree Ghostface!Alisson:

The loft was quiet. Daniela pushed the front door open with her shoulder, a pair of shopping bags dangling from one arm while music blasted through her headphones.

She kicked the door shut behind her with practiced ease. "Home..." she sighed dramatically. Well... home away from home. The family's city loft.

Daniela usually stayed there after her Saturday shopping trips with friends. By the time they had wandered through every boutique, stopped for drinks, and inevitably gone out for dinner afterward, it was far too late to make the drive back to the estate. Bela would simply pick her up the following morning.

She dropped her overnight bag and shopping bags beside the sofa and reached for the light switch. Nothing happened.

Daniela frowned. "...Seriously?" She clicked it again. Still nothing. "Oh, come on..."

Rolling her eyes, she fished her phone from her pocket and immediately opened her messages.

(txt): ✨Bestie✨

Girl, can you believe this? 😭 I survive an entire day of shopping and the second I get home, the power's out. I'm suing electricity.

She hit send without another thought. A reply bubble appeared almost instantly.

(txt): LMAO. Did you try the light switch?

Daniela snorted.

(txt): You're hilarious.

Shaking her head, she kicked off her white sneakers, sending one sliding beneath the dining table while the other landed somewhere near the kitchen.

Still humming along to the song playing through her headphones, she was completely oblivious to the oppressive silence. "Watch Bela complain that I somehow blew a fuse..." the redhead muttered to herself.

She switched on her phone's flashlight and headed toward the small utility closet where she knew the breaker panel was.

The beam of light drifted idly across the hallway as she rounded the corner, never noticing the dark figure that was in the loft with her.

She was already halfway down the hall, still grumbling. "...If I have to fix this myself, I'm charging Mum for emotional damages."

She didn't know it yet.

She wasn't alone.

[dani-dimitrescu]

redimeree

verything would've gone according to plan if it hadn't been for Daniela's damn spirit. Alisson had known she'd be trouble. That spoiled little brat had always possessed something about her that made Alisson sick to her stomach. For a brief moment, she lost her balance. She hit the floor with a muffled grunt, but never once allowed her arm to loosen. She didn't let go of Daniela. Not even when most of the boxes came crashing down on top of her. ────── “ G-Ggh— You bitch... ” — She gasped as Daniela managed to break free. Her voice barely sounded like her own. Not because she was trying to disguise it, but because one particularly heavy box had slammed into her shin hard enough to make her see stars. But she recovered quickly. By the time Daniela stumbled like a ragdoll, Alisson had already pushed herself back to her feet. She had the audacity to let out a quiet laugh, even as blood trickled from her nose after striking the shelving unit. She was careful, though, pulling the sleeve of her hoodie over her hand, she wiped at the blood, making sure not to leave a trace of her DNA behind. ────── “ Poor thing... Did you hurt yourself? ” — She whispered, crouching down in front of the redhead. With her free hand, she grabbed a fistful of Daniela's hair and yanked.

She could see the blur in Daniela's dilated pupils. The poor girl would probably be hearing nothing but ringing for the next several minutes. ────── “ You're not going to fuck anyone up... You're going to pay for what you've done. ” — Alisson spat, raising her knee. She drove it into Daniela's face. Then again. And again. Each blow was accompanied by short, strained breaths from the sheer force she was putting behind them. She was going to knock Daniela unconscious. One way or another.

Daniela couldn't make out a single word. The attacker's lips moved. She knew they were speaking. But all she heard was a high, piercing whine.

The ringing swallowed everything else. The world felt distant, as though she were underwater.

Then came the pain. Fingers tangled violently in her hair, jerking her head upward. "Agh—!" The cry barely left her lips.

Instinct flared one last time. With trembling hands, Daniela reached up blindly, both hands wrapping around the attacker's forearm. Her nails dug desperately into the sleeve, trying to pry herself free.

She kicked weakly. Twisted, pulled. Anything.

Her vision blurred further as blood trickled into her left eye. For a fraction of a second, she thought she'd created enough space...

The first impact stole that hope. Her face slammed into a raised knee. A sickening crunch echoed inside her own skull. White exploded across her vision.

A burst of hot pain flooded her nose. She felt something give and warm blood immediately poured over her lips. "No..." She wasn't even sure if she'd spoken. The ringing only intensified. She clung to the attacker's arm anyway.

Then came another blow. Her head snapped back violently. The metallic taste of blood filled her mouth as she bit down hard on her own tongue.

Another. The room lurched sideways.

Another. Her hands were growing weaker now.

Every breath came through blood and broken gasps. She couldn't think anymore. Couldn't tell which way was up. She only knew she had to keep holding on.

Had to-

The sixth impact landed.

Her fingers twitched. Then slowly...they slipped from the attacker's sleeve. Her arms fell uselessly to her sides. Her legs no longer obeyed her. The only thing keeping her upright was the fist tangled in her red hair.

Daniela's head lolled forward. Blood dripped steadily from her nose onto the floor below. Another thin line escaped the corner of her mouth, staining her chin.

Her eyes remained half-open, unfocused, struggling to follow shapes that refused to stay still. The ringing was still there. Loud and endless.

She wanted to say something. To call for her mother or Bela. To ask why this was happening. Nothing came. Not a word. Not even a whimper.

Her lips parted weakly, but her body no longer seemed to belong to her.

She hung there, barely conscious, caught somewhere between awareness and darkness, able only to feel the dull ache radiating through her face and the hand that still held her by the hair.

[redimeree]

The violence and brutality Alisson used to knock Daniela unconscious was something to be studied. Her knee slammed into the girl's face exactly seven times.

Not even Daniela's frantic scratching against the sleeve of her shirt seemed to have any effect.

The killer felt the weight in Daniela's head shift. Already? She couldn't even take ten blows?

Alisson stopped striking when Daniela's head began to grow heavy. She didn't let go, though. She simply dropped her on the ground.

She let her crumple to the floor before taking a single step back, breathing heavily. It didn't take Alisson long to catch her breath. She needed to get out of there, but...

Her eyes drifted toward Daniela's phone, lying off to the side with its screen shattered from the assault. Without a word, she crouched down and picked it up with her gloved hand.

The sound of a picture being taken echoed through the room, followed by the notification of a message being sent.

...

[ PHOTO ]

[ TXT ]: Try taking better care of your little sis next time, Bela

[bela--dimitrescu]

“ Do you remember me? ”

( From Ghostface!Alisson )

The phone rang and Bela stared at the screen for several seconds before answering. "...Hello?"

First Silence. Then....

"Do you remember me?"

The question sent a chill through her. Her brow furrowed as she searched desperately for something familiar in the woman's voice.

"...No." She hesitated, long enough to make her heart pound against her ribs.

"No, I don't!" she snapped suddenly, the fear she'd been trying so hard to contain finally bleeding into her voice. "Who the hell are you?"

Nothing. Just breathing.

Bela's eyes darted toward the big living room window. The curtains were open just enough to reveal the darkness beyond the glass.

She hated that window.

Ever since the calls had started, every shadow felt like a person, every noise made her flinch. Especially now, as her mother and sisters where abroad.

She couldn't stop wondering if someone was standing out there... watching. Her grip on the phone tightened until her knuckles turned white.

"What do you want from me?" she demanded, her voice noticeably less steady now. "You've been calling me for weeks." She turned another light on with trembling fingers. Then another.

"...Please..." The word escaped before she could stop it. "I'm so tired of this." Her breathing had become shallow.

"If you're outside..." she whispered, unable to stop herself from glancing toward the window again, "...just leave me alone."

Her chest tightened. The fear she'd tried to keep buried finally broke through. "...Who are you?!" Bela's voice cracked. "Why are you doing this to me?!"

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

The game of cat and mouse with Bela filled Alisson with euphoria. It ignited every fiber of her being with a sadistic thrill she had become addicted to. It wasn't just the chase. No. It was the fact that she was hunting Bela — cornering a woman so wealthy and powerful, leaving her with nowhere to run. Having that kind of power over her. The very thought made Alisson tremble with excitement. The assassin reached the second floor, sharpening her senses as she searched for any sign of life: a breath. A brush of fabric. A single footstep. Slowly, she approached Bela's bedroom. She knew her love was in there, hiding, probably too terrified to come out. With a forceful shove, Alisson flung the door open, expecting to find the blonde cowering in some corner. Instead... Nothing. ────── “ So... You're trying to run from me. ” — The irritation in her voice was unmistakable. Alisson could feel herself growing more and more frustrated... No, not merely frustrated. Her self-control was slipping away with every passing second.

The deafening crash of shattering glass abruptly broke the silence. She spun around instinctively and smiled. There she was. Without hesitation, Alisson broke into a sprint toward the source of the noise. Her footsteps were no longer light: they were heavier, more frantic, as if the game itself no longer mattered. Only catching Bela did. ────── “ You're only delaying the inevitable, Bela! Do you really think you can escape me?! ” — Her voice grew harsher with every word, despite the sadistic grin stretching across her covered face. Moments later, Alisson stepped into the Estate's garage. From a distance, she watched Bela teetering on the edge of a panic attack. Under different circumstances, seeing her like that would've broken her heart. Now, it only filled her with pleasure. She walked forward. The cat had won... Once again. With a casual kick, she shoved Lucien's body aside, clearing her path with ease. ────── “ I told you once... Twice... Three times... I kept telling you, again and again... We're going to be together... Forever. ”

Bela couldn't breathe.

Lucien's blood still stained her hands. The coppery smell clung to her clothes, refusing to leave, making her stomach churn every time she inhaled.

Alisson stood between her and the only clear path back toward the house. Talking as though this were simply another conversation they'd never finished.

Bela stumbled back instinctively, but didn't run. "No..." Her voice cracked. "No, we are not." For the first time since the nightmare had begun, she forced herself to look at Alisson. There was nothing left of the woman she'd once fallen in love with. Only obsession and madness.

"...Do you even know what you've done? He had a wife." Bela's voice trembled violently now. "He had children." A tear escaped despite her efforts to hold it back. "Lucien has two little girls waiting for him to come home." Her throat tightened painfully. "They're never going to see their father again."

There was silence. Only the distant rustling of vines in the night breeze.

Bela shook her head slowly. "...How..." She swallowed hard. "...How could I ever be with someone like you?"

"You damn monster!" With a frightened cry, she lunged straight toward Alisson, throwing every ounce of her weight into a desperate shove. It wasn't graceful or strong. It was pure panic.

Then she sprinted.

Her shoes pounded against the gravel as she darted past the garage and back toward the mansion, lungs burning with every breath.

She didn't look back, she only ran. Past the broken window. Past the trail of shattered glass. Through a narrow archway hidden behind climbing ivy. Then sharply left.

The entrance was almost invisible in the darkness, a weathered oak door set into the hillside, its iron handle blackened with age. The original wine cellar, built centuries before the modern winery expanded. Family only.

Her trembling fingers fumbled for the heavy iron key hanging from the small emergency cabinet concealed beside the entrance. It almost slipped. "Come on..." She could hear footsteps getting closer.

The key finally found the lock. The ancient mechanism groaned as she forced it open. Bela threw herself inside, the cold, earthy air swallowing her immediately. She slammed the massive oak door shut with all her strength. The iron bolt scraped loudly into place.

For the first time in several minutes there was complete silence.

Bela stumbled backward into the darkness, sliding down the rough stone wall until she collapsed onto the cold floor. She pressed both shaking hands over her mouth, desperately trying to muffle her ragged sobs.

Please...Please don't know this place.

Please... just this once... don't know where I am.

[redimeree]

How cute. Bela really believed Alisson cared about anyone other than herself. Did Lucien have a family? That didn't matter. It wasn't something that involved the killer directly, nor was it something that affected her. Therefore... She couldn't care less.

────── “So? I wanted to have a family with you too. Yet—” — Her words were cut off by the forceful shove she received.

Even though Bela had acted out of panic, the push did affect Alisson. She let out a low grunt, stumbling back a few steps before regaining her balance.

Now she was angry. There wasn't even a trace of the little smile that had been on her face moments before.

Like a wild animal, Alisson took off after the blonde. Bela was fast because of the adrenaline, but Alisson was naturally fast. When Bela got tired, she would keep running. When Bela ran out of stamina, she would still have plenty left. When Bela fell, she would catch her.

Her footsteps echoed throughout the estate, hurried and far faster than usual. She saw Bela turn, and then heard a door slam shut. So she'd hidden herself inside the centuries-old wine cellar.

Alisson reached the door in less than the blink of an eye. Of course she knew that place existed; after all, she hadn't spent years studying the mansion's architecture for nothing. She had memorized every corner, planned every move, learned every inch of it by heart.

However,

She didn't have the key, and without the key, she couldn't get in. And not getting in meant she couldn't catch Bela.

She could hear the blonde's muffled sobs from the other side. Not a shred of empathy crossed her face. Slowly, she raised a hand to her face and lifted the mask.

────── “Open the door, please.” — She asked, her voice a blend of sweetness and command. Alisson softened her tone even further. ────── “You're hiding as if I'd ever do something to you. To you.” — She added, and a moment later, the sound of something hitting the floor echoed through the silence. ────── “Come on, Bubu. Come out... I don't have the knife anymore.” — She whispered, nudging the object farther away with a kick.

[bela--dimitrescu]

@redimeree

The town lights stretched farther than Bela had expected; they reflected in puddles left behind by an evening rain. Cars passed occasionally, their headlights briefly illuminating empty streets before vanishing again. Somewhere in the distance, music drifted from a place she couldn't identify. It was strange. Too many lights, too many sounds, and too many people. Not that many remained awake at this hour, but even this late at night, the town felt more alive than the village ever had.

Bela walked quietly beside Alisson. Her pace was slower than it used to be. Two months had improved her condition, though not nearly enough. The jagged remains of her left arm were hidden beneath the sleeve of her coat. It had healed some, but not much. The crystal growth had receded, but progress came painfully and frustratingly slowly. At least she no longer slept through entire days. That was something.

The blonde also no longer stood over everyone. Necessity had forced adaptation. At first by accident and then through trial and error, Bela had learned to compress her swarm. It was uncomfortable, like being squeezed into clothing several sizes too small, but it worked. Gone was the imposing two-meter figure that had once wandered the halls of Castle Dimitrescu...for now.

Instead, she appeared merely unusually tall, standing just around 180 cm. Enough to draw glances, perhaps, but not enough to get too much attention.

Her golden eyes wandered upward, studying the buildings around them: apartments, shops, street lamps, and normal people. They paid her no mind. No frightened whispers, no prayers to Mother Miranda. No servants bowing their heads. No castle...

The thought came and went like a knife. Bela said nothing. She had become very good at that—very good at carefully avoiding thoughts she could not bear, and very good at not speaking names. Mother, Cassandra, Daniela. The words remained locked away somewhere deep inside her. Instead, she focused on practical things, like shelter and food. As if she had not spent decades with the same three people. As if they had never existed. The lie worked...most days.

Her gaze wandered down the street until it settled on the illuminated sign of a hotel further ahead, then toward Alisson, who was looking rather tired. "Iubirea mea... should we get a room for a few nights?" The question came softly. Not because she doubted they could find an abandoned house somewhere; they had done that for two months, but perhaps they no longer had to. At least for now. Her fingers briefly adjusted the strap of her leather bag. The same bag she had carried from the village. Inside rested her sketchbook, spare clothes, and a rather considerable amount of money that had somehow found its way into her possession with the assistance of several inconspicuous flies and the carelessness of strangers.

"We have the money. And I admit, I have become somewhat tired of sleeping in ruins." And after everything Alisson had done for her, she deserved some proper housing for once. "There are beds... and a bath." The last part was spoken with enough seriousness to suggest that, after two months of sleeping in abandoned houses and washing in streams, the prospect of warm water bordered on luxury. "...What do you think?" she asked quietly, waiting for Alisson to decide with her.

[bela--dimitrescu]

redimeree

────── “ Then lavender shampoo it is... I'll use the chamomile one. ” — She decided. All Alisson wanted was a quick bath before crawling back into bed and sleeping off the exhaustion she'd been carrying for months. Bela, however, seemed determined to enjoy the warm water a little longer. For a moment, Alisson remained still, debating whether to listen to Bela and move closer, or ignore her entirely and focus on finishing her bath. Raising an eyebrow, she set both shampoo bottles aside and carefully slid closer to Bela. Gently, she curled up in the blonde's arms. With the warmth of the water, Bela's embrace, and the clean scent filling the room, sleep hit her all at once.

Alisson yawned, letting her weight rest against the other woman's body. ────── “ Mm... It's not selfish... Do whatever you want.You're free, after all... ” — Before she could launch into one of her speeches about freedom, Alisson stopped herself. Slowly, she turned around and looked up at Bela through her lashes. ────── “ Hey, hun. ” — She reached up and gently tapped Bela's cheek with her fingertips. ────── “ Since we're relaxing... Can we push the beds together and sleep sprawled out like cats? And... Can we spend all day tomorrow sleeping? I'm sure the rest would do your little arm some good. ”

Bela smiled faintly as Alisson settled more comfortably against her. The warmth of the water, the steady rhythm of another heartbeat resting so close... it quieted something inside her that had been screaming ever since the castle had fallen.

She tightened her embrace just a fraction. "...Mm." Then came her next words. You're free, after all. The smile faltered. The word echoed quietly in her mind. Freedom had come at the highest price imaginable.

For a brief moment, Bela's gaze drifted unfocused across the bathroom wall. A single tear escaped despite herself, tracing silently down her cheek. She caught it almost immediately with the back of her hand.

By the time Alisson looked up at her, Bela's expression had settled once more into its familiar calm. Only the slightest redness around her eyes remained.

"...Yes, dear." Her voice was soft. "We shall push the beds together." The faintest smile returned. "And tomorrow..." She brushed a damp strand of dark hair behind Alisson's ear. "...Tomorrow we shall do absolutely nothing." She almost laughed quietly at the thought.

The idea alone sounded wonderfully absurd. "And if you wish to spend the entire day sprawled across two hotel beds like a particularly lazy cat..." Her thumb brushed gently along Alisson's cheek. "...I believe I could be persuaded."

Then her expression adopted that familiar, gently admonishing look Alisson knew so well. "But." She paused. "You are not to forget to eat." Golden eyes met blue. "I know you."

"You will become distracted looking after me and convince yourself food can wait." She shook her head ever so slightly. "It cannot." A faint smile lingered on her face.

"My little arm would be terribly disappointed if you starved before it had the opportunity to finish healing." The joke was delivered with complete seriousness.

Reluctantly, Bela loosened her embrace. "As much as I would happily remain here until the water grows cold..." She leaned slightly to one side, retrieving the handheld shower head from its cradle. "...we should probably finish."

There was another quiet smile. "Would you do the honors, my love?"

[redimeree]

Alisson leaned into Bela as though it were second nature. She let out a quiet sigh, burying her head against the blonde's chest to be even closer. It was one of those moments where she simply enjoyed the affection she had to give — and receive. One of those moments where she simply... Felt.

────── “ Great... Then I can spoil you with cuddles... ” — She murmured, not particularly in the mood to talk.

She began peppering the area within reach with little kisses: Bela's collarbone, cheeks, forehead, eyelid, neck... Even the top of her head. Alisson finally pulled away, however, when she heard Bela scolding her. Oh, not again...

────── “ I swear I'll eat. ” — She promised, raising one hand to her forehead in a mocking military salute.

After that, she took the handheld showerhead with a small nod. Without another word, she straightened her posture and began wetting Bela's hair. She didn't seem to notice that some of the water was splashing onto the blonde's face. In fact, it almost looked intentional — which, considering how playful and clingy she was acting... Might very well have been the case, if only to get Bela's attention.

Alisson squeezed the bottle of shampoo softly. The sticky substance covered her fingers perfectly, and so, she started to wash Bela's hair. She was careful with her pretty face, making sure that no drops clung to her eyes.