"With a pen, I write the stories of my mind, full of hope and imagination"
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Not taking request but suggestions,idea, concepts are welcome!
Note • reason been that I would like it make it on my own pace and I always have new ideas for WIP that it stacking up right now.
Hi, you may all call me snowflake or xue hua. I'm just your usual author writing for fun and on my free time. I'm a very shy person and I get easily nervous but I love to become friends with you guys one day!
Honkai star rail (hsr) ,Jujutsu Kaisen (jjk) , Gachiakuta, Genshin Impact and more
⋆˙⟡ Now playing • Genshin Impact
⋆˙⟡ Current hyperfixetion • Witch hat atelier especially Qifrey
𐔌 ﹒ Drowning on. 10+ NEW WIPS
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All of my work are fiction so please do not take it literally and some characters may be OOC.
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#˗ˏˋ°˖➴ Letter box • answering anything you guys send! ♡
#. ᝰ.ᐟ .Snow talk • anything in my daily life, can sometimes be about serie update! ☆
Hello! I just wanted to say that I really love your stories, you're incredibly good at mixing different fandoms together.
If you're open to prompts, I’d love to suggest a crossover: Qifrey (or Olruggio) x Evernight!Reader from Honkai Star Rail. The main detail is that Evernight magic belongs to the Pointed Hats rather than the Brimmed Hats.
Thank you for your wonderful idea dear anon! Sadly I don't have her so my interpretation may be wrong but I will try to do my best to follow your request and write it to your standard.
Also thank you for the compliment, without further ado, hope you enjoy!
· · ─ ·✶· ─ · ·
Beyond the veil
𐔌 ﹒ Qifrey x evernight!reader
Description: A person shrouded in mystery, hiding beneath a veil of protection and harsh words—these are among the many names the witch society has given you. But suddenly, someone comes along and wonders: how far can he go to see what hides on the other side of that veil?
Warning: OOC, bad grammar, no prof-read, slow-burn, doesn't have a lot of romance to be honest, reader eye are described to be red but beside that nothing is describe, some made up information, use of (name), a little spoiler (?) from witch hat atelier kitchen.
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On the deep of the sea; the Great hall reside, corridors fill with secret hidden by a veil of darkness. A fortress fill with witches and where order dwell.
Everyone knows that the Knights Moralis are the ones who enforce law and order within the witch community. But have you ever wondered if there is another authority responsible for protecting the fortress beside them? The stronghold shield? The last line of defense?
Whisper of the halls there said to be another authority hidden as a protective measure. A being able to cast a veil of illusion and their underline knows as watchers able to observe everything that goes around the halls. So no wrong doing can be hidden if the Knight Moralis fail to up hail.
Some crazy people speculate that these watcher must be Parasol jelly* or some variant of drifting close to the big windows of the walls, but who would believe that?
Harmless jellyfish that drift on the water, mindless and inoffensive creature that can't even communicate, not only that animals really? what an absurd thing to say.
So it came as a surprise when Qifrey wandering around came across a creature so similar to these parasol jelly but also so different at the same time.
What was suppose to a usual curiosity walking around the hall ended in him following a drifting out of the water big red parasol jelly but at the same time not a parasol jelly.
"What in the…" Qifrey look at the creature in front of him, questions pop in his head. This creature unlike it counterpart had three tentacles and a four pointed bell shape head with white markings almost reminiscent of a flower .
How are they not dead?
Can they even die when out of water?
Swimming…floating out of water?
Why is this jellyfish so big? and why red?
The jellyfish didn't stay for long, it drift to another corridor like it had a personal agenda of course Qifrey ,curious, follow where the creature goes.
Walking and turning to different halls he never ever cross, he stops in front of a big door jellyfish bobbing beside him. A wooden arch door with burned and carved the same 4 pointed flowers he never seen before. It give the air of mystery standing in front of it.
"Is this where you wanna go?"
The jellyfish said nothing as it bob in the air paying no attention to the man who just decided to follow it.
"Okay…is there a lock in this?" Qifrey place a hand trying to see if it was lock only to be surprise when it just open with a groaning sound of the hinges, inside was pitch black, no light enter.
Seeing the door open the jellyfish drift inside "w-wait where are you going?!" Qifrey quickly enter as the door who close behind him making the room swallow in darkness.
Pitch black like it was endless void fill his view that it made him feel feel a little unnerve, the jellyfish was still in front of him bobbing as if it was waiting him to catch up.
"Why are you glowing? I don't think that is normal" indeed the weird jellyfish was glowing red, illuminating the pitch darkness like a warning.
What he didn't know is that someone was behind him, silent steps and with parasol in hand about to strick his unsuspected head, but Qifrey was a man with cautious step in the unknown and before the person could hit him, he dodge them by ducking down.
The parasol wipe where his head would be and before the attacker could made another hit, Qifrey quickly hold their wrist stopping them.
"This room is not authorize to the public, . Leave" the mysterious person said as the room behind to illuminate in flashes of red dots. The room begin to fill in Parasol jelly in various size almost as if it was agitated and angry almost like it was connected to their feelings.
The ones pitch black void had turn to a room glowing in million of red dot and tense air.
"Who are you"
With the glow of the room Qifrey could see a person with red eyes like that of a vivid color ruby, who look at him angry and annoyed.
"I said that you must leave"
"Not until you give me an answer"
"I said-"
The jellyfish drift close to Qifrey almost like trying to lower the strained mood.
A little backtracking to you, what was suppose to be a scooting sending one of your subject to be your ears and eye have ended in you having an unauthorized person in your hidden place and you really don't want to call the Knight to come so what came to your head? oh to knock him out and leave him far very far from your door and corridor.
It was all the fault of your idiots subjects who was standing beside the trespasser. Seen in front of you made your mood dampen and a boiling feeling of annoyance surface.
"You."
You tug your wrist free from the man hold, while the jellyfish boob getting close to you, bubbling sound came out of it. You stand in front of your subject in silence before…
BONK
"You idiot, I said told you to not let anyone follow you!"
"ehm…?"
Remembering that the trepassar is still here you turn to him. "You should leave" you didn't give him the choice to refuse just simply raise your hand and a swarm of jellyfish cover his view and push him out. The door closing in a resounding groan.
"…"
"oh is that my ex-apprentice I see?~"
The sound of hoof coming close catch the attention of the white hair witch. Ones close Beldaruit saw that they were infront of your door and a little smirk appear on his face "Oh curious of little (name)?"
"(name)?"
"why yes!they are in charge of keeping the fortress hidden of course! casting a veil of illusion to not disturb marine life, handling everything behind the scene among other things, We are so glad that we were able to compromises them to our side just imagine if they were with the opposite side they would obliterate us. Would you like to meet them?" Beldaruit smiled with sparkles surrounding him.
"I don't think it ended well…"Qifrey remember how you "push" him out the door with the swarm of jellyfish. At Qifrey answer Beldaruit look at the door a little worry before a floatglow lamp light up.
"Ah I got an idea, please wait here. Let your old master handle everything!"
"wait-"
It was no use, Beldaruit just push the door walking in before shutting it behind him leaving Qifrey standing outside. It was quiet for some time but from time to time he could here the loud sound of argument before silence again.
"ah.." Qifrey sweatdrop, maybe he should of leave? but before he could the door open to him and Beldaruit peak through the gap.
"Okay you can come now!" He wave his hand in. Qifrey , who could now no longer turn back, walk in back inside the room.
"Ah they are always alone. I worry so much for them. Isolating themself from everyone. It like what they call kids going through a phase"
"It not a phase" you huff , you were clearly annoyed with arms cross over the other. Beldaruit was able to convince you with the promise that he will bring cake from that good bakery.
Beldaruit made a so and so motion with his hand "see, it almost like you when you were little don't you think?"
"ehmm…"
"Ah right, introductions! Qifrey this is (name) , they are in charge of protecting the fortress alongside with been the ears and eyes around this place. (name) this is Qifrey my ex apprentice!" At the mention of his name, there was a glen on your red eyes.
"Oh~ so he's the one you been talking about~"
A chill went down Qifrey spine, knowing his ex-master who love to just talk to anyone who listen, this won't be good.
"The boy who ones close a light glyphs without knowing what it does only to be essentially be flash bang by it and being blind he stumble in his own cape?"
oh that…He told you of that. How embarrassing. You laughed at his embarrassed face, normally you would zone out when Beldaruit came to talk your ear off but maybe that you can but a face to that name maybe it would be fun to mess with him and you know just enough embarrassing story about him in your arsenal.
The ones hostile room begin to dwindle and the jellyfish responded to that by turning to a lighter shade of red.
"As much as I would love to stand here and talk I need to take care of something if you excuse me I'll be leaving" and just like that you vanish into the shadow almost like the darkness swallowing you leaving the two man just in the endless void with the jellyfish who where now a softer color now that Qifrey notice.
"Oh they always leave when I try to introduce them to new friends! Qifrey my boy can you please try to befriend them would you?"
"Eh I'll try…" Qifrey poke the drifting Jellyfish close to him, it bounce from his touch like a ballon in the air. Let see if he would be able to see through that veil of yours.
It ben a couple of days and the jellyfish keep following him, he doesn't know if it the same one that he was following first since they all look the same. Was this his punishment? To be follow by it wherever he goes?
"ehm…are you going to stop?" Oh he finally lost it now talking to it. The creature keep silence, of course as if they would talk.
"…Master think you are interesting" uh what?
"…You talk?!" Qifrey jolted, the voice of the creature was monotone but what surprise him is that it actually talk. Qifrey is officially losing it.
"Of course I can, You foolish humans don't know about anything" okay that was actually uncalled for. An idea came to mind, maybe he could actually get information talking to this jellyfish.
"who is your master?"
"My dear master is the same person you were so blessed to meet of course"
"what exactly are you?"
"we are their subject of course, their ears and eyes to everything that goes around here"
"and where is your master?"
"as if I would tell you"
Ah boo there goes his chance, maybe if he continue walking and if luck was on his side he would come across you. He continue his way more corridors until he found you.
Cake in hand and fork in the other, Beldaruit keep his promise, you were just standing by a window, the blue reflection of the water was a contrast to your red eyes that was looking outside almost in thought.
"what are you doing?!" He pay no mind to the creature beside him and walk close to you.
"Good cake?" at the familiar voice you glance from the corner of your eyes clashing to a singular blue one.
"hmm" you weren't going to admit to anyone that it was your favorite, it was enough that Beldaruit knew it was your favorite and he knew how to use it to his advantage.
At least you didn't leave, that was a win for Qifrey.
Days after day this man keep finding you and even some of your subject decided that he was tolerable,He somehow bribes them which is a feat in itself, and even help him find you. What a traitor they are.
He also keep asking too many questions. Questions that you have no energy to explain in deep.
"How your day been?"
"hm"
"How are you able to cast such magic to conceal the whole fortress"
"hm"
"and those subjects of yours, what exactly are they?"
"hm"
"Wise Beldaruit seem to hold you in such high regard-"
"Will you stop"
You were on your last straw with this man.
"Ah, I'm sorry I-" an umbrella was pointed to his throat stoping him from continuing. "I had enough, I don't like anyone snooping around on things that doesn't concern oneself and I especially don't like you always trying to sweeten me to talk, don't think I didn't saw through you, wise Breadfruit told you to befriend me didn't he? so I will give a last warning. Leave and don't ever come looking for me, forget about us meeting. Ever." Qifrey gulped at the intense stare you where giving him, the air around you was sharp and cold just like the pointed end of your umbrella.
You lower your umbrella, walking away from Qifrey. The room seem to distorted as your walked almost like if the room was spinning and your figure faded like smoke leaving only Qifrey standing alone in the halls.
"Oh I really done it"
…
"Stupid witch, think because he look dashing he can act all suave with me-"
The view of a cake in front of your face stop you from your track.
"I'm deeply sorry for my actions, I didn't mean to cause you any distress as an apology I bring you this cake as an apology. would you please accept it?" Qifrey said holding the cake up to your eyes.
The cake was indeed delicious to look at, tier of fluffyness between layer of sweet glaze, a honest portion that would make anyone mouth water. You really wanted to decline but with the cake in front of you that resolution was wavering, how can you decline free food and dessert at that.
"Fine!" you snatch it from his hold, eating a portion of it. The sweet taste cover your mouth that if made a sound of delight leave you. Qifrey smiled at least you no longer look angry instead you look like a cute kitten but also like a jellyfish.
A jellyfish stinging out of reflexes for protection, so it best to keep distance.
Qifrey couldn't help it but compare you it but when you were not provoke and had a air of peacefulness it was like you soften a little, A LITTLE as if you would let anyone se that side of you, he know that everyone must have gone through something for them to be so guarded and Qifrey wish for you to simply become friend with you partly because his ex-master beg but also because you are someone really worth knowing.
He doesn't want you to be alone.
"why are you looking at me like that"
"Like what?"
"that" His single eye hold some gentleness like he got you all figure out, this man was a weirdo, but a least the cake he brought was good.
"I just think you have the most captivate eyes I ever lay witness, such vibrant color like that of a polish gem"
"There you go again trying to worm yourself in using your flowery word. CAN YOU STOP THAT!"
"huh? But it true. I really want us to be friend, not for my old master sank but because I really want to know you, the real you"
"…" you feel your cheek warm a little at his words. How is it possible for this man to just say that and make the wall surrounding you shake for a moment ago.
"I- I fine you wretched man. I'll be your 'friend'"
"Is that so? wonderful!"
How is it possible for this man to change your mind in just a couple of weeks?!
Parasol Jellyfish* are canon creature from the world of Witch hat atelier kitchen appear on chapter 5. Parasol Jellies are shaped like a parasol, hence the name, with a singular crab-like leg.
──── 𐙚 ────
Sorry for taking so long to answer, I was trying to get more ideas and ended up kind of dragging the fic theme. I like to give a little world-building when I'm really motivated and get a lot of inspiration, I hope it you don't mind!
Evernight is an interesting character, but I feel like I made it a little (maybe a lot) OOC and maybe diverted to much.
I know there isn't much romantic tone I was having a little trouble so please forgive me if it not what you wanted!
As a peace offering I leave this meme (please like it, I'm trying to be funny)
Normally I don't take request but when you guys share your ideas I can’t help myself but to write some of it.
You are a dragon with strong mana able to change forms as you wish, unique and from another island.
You wanted to see other island when you came across Zozoah Peninsula and when you were just flying around in your big majestic dragon form only to find yourself in unfavorable situation leaving you with a wound and a broken wing.
The first time you meet Qifrey wasn't in a friendly way. You crash on the forest near his atelier and you weren't in a good mood after what transpired.
You almost bite his head off when he got close to you and even unleash a stream of fire to him that he was able to block.
When he was distracted you were able to tackle him down with your claws and even when you were about to unleash an inferno to his face the first thing he say was that you are beautiful and how your teeth look so healthy something that stop you in your track.
After that you have concluded that he was a weird hairless, scaleless being with soft skin because who compliment someone when they are about to kill you?
Qifrey was fanboying that a big dragon he never seen on books was right in front of him. Maybe he could study about you?
To you this scaleless creature was a creep when ever he get to close. You just wanted to leave but the way he was looking at you with adoration was doing something to your heart. Dragons are very proud creatures of how they look and this hairless tiny creature is feeding your ego.
When he try to be amiable with you he brought fish with him, luckily for him he brought your favorites kind and you gobble all of them. Seen that he didn't even eaten one you decided that maybe you can trust him after all you did heal you (or try to), try to give your space and now even feed you so maybe you to will share that same kindness.
And you regurgitated a half eaten fish as a peace offering.
It was silent for some minutes and you were feeling a little agitated that this human wasn't even accepting your token of friendship, You even give him a small piece of your favorite fish which you never share.
Although Qifrey knew what this symbolize, he was a little gross out but you were staring at him with such intensity, your lovely slighted eyes that Qifrey wouldn't mind getting lost in ehem, anyway he of course eat a small piece after all this was progrss to get on your good side.
Days after days he comes back and always with more food, you begin to see him as your food supplier.
Both of you got more amiable as the days continue until there was a day he didn't came back, or the next, and next.
You begin to get really worry which surprise you, you are a dragon for god sake, you are strong, prideful creature that never need someone and yet this soft skin human, who talk with so much kindness and even eat your half fish you give him, made such a big impact on you that it almost feel humiliating like a mutt waiting for their owner.
But you are no pet and certainly a sorry excuse and soggy low creature…you decided to look for him just to be sure not like you are worry and miss him certainly.
Qifrey got sick a couple of days ago, maybe after he push himself to the limit. He was suppose to meet up with you at you clearing but Olruggio and the girls wouldn't let him go out.
As he try to sleep, he look at his bed window coming face to face with a familiar scale cover face with slighted eyes of a dragon looking back at him. He almost die that afternoon.
You both talk of course you decline ever been worry about him not coming on his agree time but he saw through you calling you stubborn.
Seen your frail little human you did something you are teach as a dragon to never do, changing your form in the presence of humans. You change your size to be small so you could to sneak under to cover and cuddle him emanating some of your mana to be warm so he wouldn't get cold.
Qifrey was surprise at this but he was really glade of you guys process of now close proximity.
Olruggio was a little confuse when he came back from the kitchen to see a now small dragon have somehow sneak to Qifrey room and now laying with him.
That day was a lot of explaining to do. Of course you were in deniable of what transpire the nigh before and say that you just didn't want to lose your free food supplier.
The girls surround your small form with curiosity and amazement.Seen their adoring look at you just fill you ego, you were proud of your well keep scale and look after all, any dragon would.
After that fateful day you decided to live with them, and now the atelier have a dragon on their home. Olruggio is worry that they are going to have no room as Qifrey continue adopting(?) more and more people.
Days at the atelier was curious almost exciting in a way, there was never a day where it wasn't interesting. You guess you could get uses to this little creatures especially this group.
It not till a couple of day when you decided to get a nightly walk with Qifrey that the shouting of dragon hunters broke the air.
It was illegal to be hunting dragons but does that ever stop humans no. Qifrey try to hide you as the hunters get closer and closer.
Because of the danger you decided to blend in and by blending in you decided to transform to the weakness creature in your vocabulary…a human form. Of course it surprise Qifrey but at least it got those pesky hunter away when they see that there was just humans in the dark premise.
The hunter didn't see much, because you both were hiding behind some tree and Qifrey was able to drive them away.
Oh yeah you are also naked, dragons don't have clothes when transforming because they never see the benefit of it since they never transform to a human before. Qifrey almost die the second time that day. He cover you with his cape and both of you made the trek back to the atelier,
Now at the safety of his atelier he could now see your human form on the warm light.
patches of scale on your arms and face especially under your eyes, slighted eyes that represent your dragon form, a tail peaking from his cape and on top of your head are your horns. Oh dear is he going to explain this to Olruggio and the girls now without it coming as forbidden magic?
Qifrey try to convince you to hide it of course you say no.Even in this frail form you never got rid of your dragon aspect because how could you, You are a prideful dragon who love their form and you will never get rid of it. That night it was now a problem for tomorrow because he was tired.
Olruggio and the girls where confuse of the mysterious person that just appear one night, it wasn't until they notice how you speak was the same as the small dragon that live in the atelier. Of course there was a lot of questions ans pointed look (from Olruggio) pointed at Qifrey.
But of course they accepted that now you are a human, dragon? dragon shifter.
You use Qifrey clothes because there was no other choice until they go to Kalhm to buy some.
There was a lot of things you never understood of humans but now that you have taken a human form maybe you could learn some things about them.
There was also something they had to get use to you beside you now been human. Your stare/eyes can sometimes be scary especially at night. One of the girls find out when they went to the kitchen for a cup of water and stumble upon a pair of glowing eyes at the corridor. You got a scolding from Qifrey the next day for making one of the girls cry.
You can also eat raw meat, Qifrey was the one to stumble upon that when he was going to cook and saw you with a big piece of meat on your hold and about to be eaten. That day he teach you that humans cannot eat raw meat and even if you could to not do that in front of others because that will only make more questions.
Brushbuddy is scared of you after they saw your sharp teeth.
At night Qifrey still was curious about you and always ask questions such as your horns, your wings can you still summon them, claws hand and much more. You answer but after some time it get tiring and you drag him to his room before telling him to close his eyes and sleep.
As Qifrey sleep you couldn't help but feel a warmness in your heart and a strong feeling for this small human. Your human.
Description: Qifrey thoughts about his two stars. Always together spinning around each other, sharing the same space. Oh how he love both his stars he wish to have in his hands but sadly with a tree impeding him to voice his feeling he only could ever watch in the sideline.
All of this is through the eye of Qifrey
Warning: OOC, bad grammar, not prof-reader,mediocre trying to be poetic, a little angst, astrology concepts that may have some untrue (guys don't come at me if I get it wrong, I'm no scientist).
──── 𐙚 ────
You both came in his life like a pair of shooting stars—unexpected and bright.Changing the course of his life forever, shining your glow and brightening his dark gloomy sky.
That day you both save him from almost drowning mark the beginning of something he still couldn't name in the beginning. He just knew that these two were annoying he never knew that these two 'annoying' will make such a big impact in the future.
Pair of stars
orbiting each other
like a dance in the night sky.
I watch from afar with a heavy heart.
Born together,
sharing the same sky,
they look like a single light,
shining so brightly
that it colored my world.
How can I reach you
when I'm so far?
My two binary stars,
forever in a dance.
Among the sea full of stars,
only they catch my attention,
drawn by a pull I cannot explain.
I watch with bated breath,
a fluttering feeling in my heart,
as you both look at me
with so much love
that I cannot accept.
Will you both forgive me for what I have done
if you find out the truth?
My two binary stars,
who make up my world,
please forgive me.
"Qifrey…."
"Qifrey to Earth…."
"Hey Qifrey…"
"QIFREY!"
The mention name, jolted at the call of his name. Looking up he see his two best friends with worry in their eyes "Hey Qifrey you sure you okay?" your voiced.
You all were outside with the girls who are running around playing tag, after been coup on the atelier in their study the past days. Not only that it was a quiet a lovely day, sun out not the kind that would be to hot but just warm enough to be enjoy without feeling overheat, blade of grass so vibrant it paint the earth, flowers here and there like splotches of paint in a canvas.
While he girls run around Qifrey, Olruggio and you were just sitting on the ground keeping an eye on them. Till you notice how Qifrey seem to be in a trance.
"You seen to be distracted are you sure your okay?" you asked worry for you other lover not-lover, you don't understand why you couldn't called him lover but respected his decision
"You know that you can trust us if you are feeling unwell" Olruggio try to recommend.
Qifrey could only feel a pang of guilt at his two best friends "No need, really I'm fine" he give them a smile hoping that they don't notice how it doesn't reach his eye fully, they don't see how he clutch the blade of grass behind him, hoping they don't see how much he is holding back.
"If you say so…"
"Master (name) , Master Olly! come join us!"
One of the girls shout. Before you could tell the girls that you were a little busy, Qifrey interrupt.
"the girls are calling you both, go on join them" he point to the girls, just a little far waiting for you both.
"But-"
"It okay, really"
"…fine but please talk to us when you are ready" Olruggio gruff before coming to your side and give you a kiss on the cheek as a reassurance when you were still on the fence of leaving Qifrey alone.
"Come on love. let join the girls. They are getting a little restless waiting"
"alright"
Before you leave, you gave a kiss on Qifrey forehead before joining the girls hand in hand with Olly.
He feel a flutter on his heart but also a pang of guilt. It been years since you all have gone on a complicated relationship, Qifrey wouldn't let both of you called him lover almost as if he wasn't ready or somthing, so a situation-ship was born.
Olruggio and you are a couple and while Qifrey is your guys partner never lover even if both of you guys want to, but that didn't stop both from showing him affection, kiss on the forehead when he is lying down, a kiss on the cheek when he goes out, contraption and trinkets gifted to him, taking care of the house work and so on.
Qifrey never explain to you both because he didn't want to worry you and the thought of him been just a partner never lover was enough to subside the grow of the silverwood tree inside him.
He is glad for both of you coming to his bleak life and he is guilty for making everything difficult.
Among the many stars in the night sky,
did you know
none are born alone?
Pairs, groups, or clusters—
they have someone beside them,
walking the same path,
sharing the same laughter,
and sharing the same sky.
They are never lonely.
You can see many,
and maybe,
you will see a group of three—
a triple star system.
──── 𐙚 ────
Feeling poetic but also frying my brain 🧠 during it.
Sometimes at night I like to watch videos while I write but I get so sidetracked when I watch interesting topic.
Like crime scenes documentaries, now I don't live in the USA but their crime scene are so interesting. Sometimes I wonder what goes in the head of a murderer...is that to creppy?
Or another topic I like to see is about influencer insanity by Hannah Alonso. I don't really use Tik Tok or Instagram but I'm just so curious about humans...
Qifrey and Olruggio run a daycare center and you’re taking over drop-offs and pick-ups in place of Coco’s parents because they’re so busy at work.
wc:3.9k
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The following Tuesday, the daycare closed an hour earlier than usual. Every month, Qifrey and Olruggio stayed after for staff training, toy sanitizing, and lesson planning. Most parents had picked up their children before five. Most.
“I’m so sorry.” You hurried through the front door, still in your work clothes, your tote slipping off one shoulder. “My meeting ran over.”
Olruggio looked up from where he was stacking picture books. “It’s alright.”
“Coco?”
He pointed toward the reading corner. “Still awake.”
You followed his gaze. Coco was curled beneath a blanket on one of the beanbags, quietly listening as Qifrey finished reading a picture book about a bear looking for the moon. There weren’t any other children left.
“…And when the little bear finally looked up,” Qifrey read softly, “he realized the moon had been following him all along.” He closed the book. “The end.”
Coco yawned so widely you thought her jaw might fall off. “Again tomorrow?”
“If you’d like.”
“M’kay…”
Within seconds, she was asleep, cheek pressed against the beanbag, still hugging the stuffed rabbit she’d insisted on bringing that morning. You smile.
“She fought sleep all afternoon, didn’t she?”
Qifrey laughed under his breath. “For nearly an hour.”
“I figured.” You slipped off your shoes before walking onto the reading rug, careful not to wake Coco. “I’ll carry her.”
“I’ve got her.” His voice was quiet enough that you almost missed it.
Before you could protest, Qifrey bent down with practiced ease. One arm slid beneath Coco’s knees. The other supported her back. She barely stirred as he lifted her. Instead, she instinctively nestled closer, her tiny fingers clutching the front of his sweater.
Your heart squeezed. “…She’s gotten heavy.”
“A little.”
“But she still thinks she’s tiny.”
“I don’t think children ever notice when they grow.” He looked down at the sleeping girl in his arms with a smile so gentle it almost didn’t seem real. “They just keep trusting that someone will pick them up.”
The words settled somewhere deep inside your chest. You weren’t looking at Coco anymore. You were looking at him. At the tenderness in his eyes. The patience in every careful movement. The way he instinctively adjusted his hold when Coco shifted in her sleep. It wasn’t performative. No parents were watching. No children were awake to praise him. This was simply who he was. He caught you staring.
“…What?”
You blinked, suddenly realizing you’d been watching him for far too long. Heat crept into your cheeks.
“I was just…” You laughed softly, almost embarrassed by your own honesty. “…thinking how nice.”
His expression softened. “Coco?”
“You.”
He looked genuinely surprised. “Me?”
“You make every child here feel like they’re the most important person in the world.” A quiet silence followed. “I’ve seen how exhausted you are by the end of the day. I’ve seen you stay late because one child didn’t want to go home crying. You remember everyone’s birthdays. You know whose sandwiches need to be cut into triangles and who hates crusts.”
You smiled, though there was something quieter in it now. “And somehow…you still have enough kindness left over for everyone.”
Qifrey couldn’t remember the last time someone had looked at him the way you were now. Not with admiration. Not exactly. It was warmer. More personal. His voice came out softer than intended.
“…Thank you.”
“I mean it.”
“I know.”
For a long moment, neither of you spoke. The daycare was unusually quiet. Outside, rain tapped gently against the windows. The fluorescent lights had been switched off, leaving only the warm lamps in the reading corner glowing softly around you.
“You know…” Qifrey said after a while, “when I first met you…”
You groaned. “Please don’t say ‘Coco’s mother.’”
He laughed, a genuine laugh that made his shoulders shake.
“I wasn’t going to.”
“You were thinking it.”
“I was.”
You nudged his arm lightly with your shoulder. “You’re terrible.”
“I’ve been told.” He looked down at Coco, still sleeping peacefully in his arms. Then back at you. “I’m glad it was you.”
You frowned slightly. “What do you mean?”
“I’m glad…” He hesitated, searching for the right words. “…that you’re the one bringing Coco every day.”
Heat crept up your cheeks.
“Otherwise…” A small, almost shy smile crossed his face. “…I don’t think I would’ve had the chance to get to know you.”
For just a second, the world seemed to still. The rain. The humming lights. Everything. You couldn’t find a witty reply. All you managed was a quiet,
“…I’m glad too.”
Neither of you noticed Olruggio standing just outside the reading room doorway with a box of freshly sanitized toys. He took one look at the way the two of you were smiling at each other. At the fact that neither of you seemed eager to break the silence. He quietly backed away.
“…I’ll put these away later,” he muttered to himself. “They’ve earned five more minutes.”
Saturday mornings were sacred. No alarm. No work. No rushing Coco through breakfast. Just coffee. At least that had been the plan. Instead, you found yourself staring into your pantry.
"...I'm out of coffee." You sighed dramatically.
This was a tragedy. Twenty minutes later, you found yourself wandering through the neighborhood grocery store with a shopping basket hanging from your arm. Coffee. Bread. Eggs. Cat food. You paused in front of the produce section, comparing two bags of oranges.
"They're sweeter this time of year."
The familiar voice made you look up. "...Qifrey?"
He looked just as surprised. "[name]?"
For a moment, the two of you simply stared at each other. Then you both laughed.
"I didn't expect to see you here."
"I could say the same."
He held up the basket in his hand. Inside sat bread, milk, pasta...and an alarming amount of strawberries. You raised an eyebrow.
"Planning on opening a fruit stand?"
He glanced into his basket. "Oh...I may have bought more than I intended."
"How many cartons is that?"
He counted. "...Four."
"Qifrey."
"They were on sale."
You laughed. "I'll pretend that's a reasonable excuse."
"It sounded reasonable in my head."
"I'm sure it did."
He smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. Without the daycare around him, he looked... different. No cardigan with finger paint on the sleeves. No children's drawings tucked into his pocket. Just a cream knit sweater with the sleeves pushed to his forearms and a pair of jeans. It was strange. You'd only ever seen him at work. Now he looked more relaxed. More like someone your own age.
"You live around here?" you asked.
"A few blocks over." He gestured vaguely toward the west. "What about you?"
"The apartment complex near the park."
"Oh." His face brightened. "That's only about a ten minute walk."
"It is."
Neither of you seemed eager to continue shopping. Instead, you drifted down the same aisle together.
"So," you said, placing a loaf of bread into your basket, "what do daycare teachers do on weekends?"
"We recover."
"I believe that."
"And lesson plan."
"Makes sense."
"And..." He hesitated. "...I read."
"What kind of books?"
"Mostly fantasy."
"I should've guessed."
"You?"
"I've been trying to get back into reading."
"Oh?"
"I keep getting distracted."
"By Coco?"
You laughed. "Mostly but I don't mind."
He smiled softly. "I didn't think you would."
The conversation flowed surprisingly easily. Without children interrupting every thirty seconds, without parents waiting behind you, without someone shouting that glitter had somehow ended up inside the fish tank...It was just easy. Comfortable. As you rounded the corner into the coffee aisle, you reached for the last bag of your favorite blend. At the exact same moment, another hand reached for it. Your fingers brushed with Qifrey's Barely for a second. Both of you froze.
"Oh."
"Sorry." You pulled your hand back immediately.
"No, you go ahead."
"No, it's okay."
"You saw it first."
"So did you."
You both laughed awkwardly. Qifrey picked up the bag and held it out to you.
"You mentioned once that mornings don't start until you've had coffee."
Your eyebrows lifted. "...You remembered that?"
He blinked. "...Of course."
The answer came so naturally that he didn't seem to realize what he'd admitted. Your heart fluttered.
"I didn't think you'd remember something so small."
His expression softened. "I remember a lot of small things."
For just a moment, neither of you spoke. You accepted the bag from him. Your fingers brushed again. Neither of you moved away quite as quickly this time.
"...Thank you."
"You're welcome."
A comfortable silence settled between you as you continued down the aisle. Then Qifrey glanced into your basket.
"You have cats."
You looked up.
"The food."
"Oh." You smiled.
"Two cats. One black one white. They actually remind me of you and Mr.Olruggio."
He laughs. "I'd like to meet them someday." The words slipped out before he could stop them. His eyes widened.
"...If..." He cleared his throat. "...if that's okay."
You couldn't help but smile. "I think they'd like you."
He smiled back.
"...I hope so."
Neither of them noticed the faint blush spreading across the other's face as they continued shopping side by side, neither in any particular hurry to reach the checkout anymore.
Monday arrived far too quickly. Qifrey had spent the entire weekend replaying your chance encounter at the grocery store.
"I'd like to meet them someday."
Why had he said that? Who said things like that? He buried his face in his hands.
"...I'm hopeless."
Across the staff room, Olruggio didn't even look up from the weekly lesson plan.
"About time you figured it out."
"I wasn't talking to you."
"You were loud enough."
Qifrey sighed. "I think I made things awkward."
"You bought four cartons of strawberries and somehow that wasn't the awkward part."
Qifrey groaned. "I don't know what I'm supposed to do."
Olruggio finally looked up. "Ask her out."
Qifrey blinked. "...What?"
"You heard me."
"Just like that?"
"Just like that."
"What if she says no?"
"Then she says no."
"And if she says yes?"
Olruggio raised an eyebrow. "Then congratulations."
Qifrey stared at him. "...That sounds terrifying."
"It probably is."
The rest of the week passed in a blur. Every morning, you arrived with Coco. Every afternoon, you picked her up. Nothing changed. Except everything had changed. Now that Qifrey had decided to ask you out, he suddenly couldn't figure out how. Not while helping Coco zip up her jacket. Not while another parent waited behind you. Not while Tetia loudly announced she'd found a ladybug. The timing was never right. Friday afternoon arrived before he realized he'd run out of chances. The last child besides Coco had just gone home. Olruggio was in the back, disinfecting toys before closing. You arrived a few minutes later than usual.
"Sorry," you said, slightly out of breath. "Traffic."
"No need to apologize." Qifrey smiled. "Coco's been helping me water the plants."
You looked toward the windowsill. Half the plants looked perfectly watered. The other half looked as though they'd survived a hurricane.
"...I can see that."
"I'm helping!" Coco protested.
"You are." Qifrey laughed. "And you're doing an excellent job."
While Coco proudly showed you which plant she'd named "Sir Leafington," Qifrey felt his pulse begin to race.
*Now. *Before you leave. Just ask. You thanked Coco for her gardening expertise before helping her into her backpack.
"Ready to go?"
"Mhm!" She ran toward the front door. "I'll wait outside!"
"Coco—" The bell jingled as she disappeared onto the little fenced patio just outside the entrance.
You sighed fondly. "She'll be climbing the bench."
"I'll keep an eye on her."
For a moment, it was just the two of you. Qifrey swallowed.
"So..." You looked up.
"So?" He suddenly forgot every sentence he'd rehearsed. "I..." His fingers rubbed nervously at the back of his neck. "I was wondering...if you were free sometime."
You tilted your head. "Sometime?"
He nodded. "Outside of daycare."
There was a tiny pause. Then, very deliberately, he added,
"...As a date."
Silence. Not uncomfortable. Just unexpected. He immediately continued.
"You absolutely don't have to say yes. I don't want you to feel uncomfortable and if you'd rather we just stay—"
"I'd love to."
His words stopped. "...What?"
You smiled. "I'd love to."
"I..." He looked almost stunned. "You would?"
"I was beginning to think I'd have to ask you."
A soft laugh escaped him. "You were?"
"You've been looking like you wanted to say something all week."
"...Was I that obvious?"
You gave him a sympathetic smile. "Only a little."
He laughed again, this time at himself. "I spent three days trying to think of the perfect way to ask."
"And what did you settle on?"
He considered it. "...Panicking."
"It was very charming."
His cheeks warmed. "I'm glad you think so."
You glanced through the glass doors to where Coco was pressing her face against the fence, watching a butterfly with complete fascination.
"So...What did you have in mind?"
His expression brightened. "There's a little bookstore café a few neighborhoods over. They make wonderful tea and they have a resident cat that sleeps on the windowsill."
You smiled immediately. "You had me at 'cat.'"
He laughed. "Saturday?"
"Saturday."
"Two?"
"Two."
For a second, neither of you moved. Neither of you seemed quite ready for the conversation to end. Outside, Coco knocked gently on the glass.
"Auntie!"
You looked over. "I'm coming!" Turning back to Qifrey, you smiled.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
His smile was brighter than you'd ever seen it. "It's a date."
The words hung in the air after you left. Qifrey stood in the lobby for several seconds, staring at the closed door with an expression of complete disbelief. From somewhere in the back of the daycare, Olruggio called out,
"...She said yes, didn't she?"
Qifrey's grin only grew. "...She said yes."
"Took you long enough."
Qifrey laughed all the way to the supply room.
Saturday arrived with clear skies. Qifrey had changed his shirt three times.
"...This is ridiculous." He stared at his reflection. "It has finger paint on it," he muttered to himself before hanging it back up.
You spotted him before he spotted you. He stood outside the bookstore café with his hands tucked into his coat pockets, glancing down the street every few seconds. He looked...nervous. It was strangely endearing. You approached quietly.
"Waiting for someone?"
His head snapped up. The worry on his face vanished the instant he saw you.
"There you are."
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting."
"You didn't."
His smile came so effortlessly that it made your chest feel warm. "I just got here."
You looked at the clock above the café door. He had, very obviously, been there for at least fifteen minutes. You decided not to tease him. Not yet. The bookstore smelled of fresh coffee and old paper. Sunlight poured through the tall windows, illuminating towering shelves filled with novels. True to his word, a plump orange cat slept on the windowsill, completely unbothered by the customers around it.
"There he is," Qifrey whispered.
"You know him?"
"The owner calls him Marmalade."
You crouched beside the cat. "...Can I?"
"You'll receive his judgment shortly."
As though on cue, Marmalade lazily opened one eye. He looked at you. Looked at your outstretched hand. Then stood. Without hesitation, he stepped onto your lap. Qifrey laughed.
"I've never seen him do that."
"Really?"
"He usually ignores everyone."
You scratched gently beneath the cat's chin. "I think he has good taste."
"I think he does."
You looked up. "...Are you talking about me or the cat?"
"...Yes."
The answer escaped before he could stop it. His own eyes widened. You stared. Then smiled.
"I'll accept that answer."
His ears turned pink. Hours slipped by unnoticed. One conversation became another. Favorite books. Favorite movies. The worst meals either of you had ever attempted to cook. He admitted he once accidentally used salt instead of sugar while baking cookies for the daycare.
"They still ate them."
"They're children."
"They called them 'interesting.'"
You laughed so hard you had to set your teacup down. "They were trying to spare my feelings."
"I think they succeeded."
"I cried after they went home."
"You did not."
"I absolutely did not."
"Liar."
He laughed. "...Maybe a little."
It was easy. Scarily easy. Neither of you ever struggled to find something to say and when neither of you spoke... The silence wasn't awkward. It was comfortable. The kind shared between people who simply enjoyed existing in the same space. By late afternoon, you found yourselves wandering through the nearby botanical gardens. Flowers swayed gently in the breeze. Children chased butterflies across the grass. Qifrey slowed beside a small pond.
"I come here sometimes after work."
"You do?"
"When I need to think."
"It suits you."
He glanced over. "...What does?"
"This place."
"It's peaceful."
He stopped walking. "So are you."
You smiled softly. "I don't think anyone's ever called me peaceful."
"They should."
You looked away first. Not because you wanted to. Because if you kept looking at him...you were afraid he'd notice exactly what was written all over your face. As the sun dipped lower, the two of you found an empty bench overlooking the pond. For the first time all day, neither of you spoke. The silence settled around you like a warm blanket. Qifrey looked out over the water.
"...Can I tell you something?"
"Always."
He smiled faintly. "When I asked you out...I was terrified."
You laughed. "I noticed."
"I've never really..." He searched for the words. "...been good at this."
"What, dates?"
He nodded. "I was worried there'd be awkward silences."
"There weren't."
"I was worried we'd have nothing in common."
"We talked for six hours."
"I was worried..." He looked down at his hands. "...that you wouldn't like me once you got to know me outside of daycare."
Your heart clenched. You reached over before you could think better of it. Your hand rested lightly over his.
"I like you even more."
His breath stopped. You hadn't meant to say it aloud. But it was true. His fingers slowly turned beneath yours. Instead of pulling away, he gently intertwined them with your own. Tentatively. As though giving you every chance to let go. You didn't. His hand was warm. Larger than yours. It fit so naturally that it almost frightened you. He looked at your joined hands for a long moment. Then back at you.
"I think..." His voice was barely above a whisper. "...I'm starting to fall for you."
The confession hung between you, carried only by the breeze. You smiled, a smile so soft it made his heart ache.
"Starting?"
He laughed quietly. "I was trying not to scare you."
You squeezed his hand. "You won't."
You inched a little closer on the bench until your shoulders touched. The contact was featherlight and comfortable.
"I think..." you admitted, your eyes fixed on the rippling pond, "...I've been falling for you since the day I saw you carry a sleeping Coco without waking her."
He turned to look at you.
"And today..." You met his gaze. "...I realized I don't want this to be our only date."
His smile was breathtaking. "It doesn't have to be."
"No?"
He shook his head. "I'd like there to be a second."
"And a third?"
"If you'll have me."
"A fourth?"
"I was hoping for dozens."
Your eyes softened. "So was I."
Neither of you noticed the sun sinking below the trees or the families gradually leaving the gardens. All either of you could think about was how naturally your hands fit together and how, somewhere between books, tea, and six uninterrupted hours of conversation, you had both quietly fallen in love.
Monday evening found the daycare unusually quiet. The children had long since gone home. Construction paper had been put away. Tables wiped down. Tiny chairs stacked neatly against the wall. Qifrey was humming to himself as he finished locking the art cabinet. It had been two days since your date. Two days and somehow...Hhe still couldn't stop smiling.
"You've smiled at that cabinet three times."
Qifrey looked over. Olruggio was crossing the room with a box of sanitizing supplies balanced against one hip.
"I have not."
"You have."
"I was thinking."
"You looked like you were about to ask the cabinet out."
Qifrey laughed. "You're exaggerating."
"I wish I was."
Olruggio set the box down. His phone buzzed.
He pulled it from his pocket, reading the notification before letting out a quiet hum.
"Hm."
"What?"
"Alaira."
Qifrey paused. "Oh?"
"She's getting everyone together Friday."
"For drinks."
"Apparently she's tired of everyone disappearing into work."
Qifrey smiled. "That sounds like her."
Olruggio typed out a short reply. "She asked if I'd bring you."
There wasn't even a moment of hesitation. "I can't."
Olruggio looked up. "...You can't?"
Qifrey rubbed the back of his neck. "I already have plans."
"What plans?"
A smile, small but unmistakable,appeared on his face. "I'm seeing her."
Olruggio stared. "...Again?"
Qifrey nodded. "We're having dinner."
"...Dinner."
"And then she wanted to walk through the night market afterward."
Olruggio blinked once. Twice. "...You've got a second date."
"I do."
There was a beat of silence. Then another. Finally, Olruggio leaned back against the table and folded his arms. "...Well."
Qifrey laughed. "What?"
"I honestly didn't think you'd move this fast."
"I didn't either."
"It took you nearly two weeks just to ask her on the first one."
"I know."
"And now you're turning down drinks."
"I know."
"...For a woman."
Qifrey's smile softened. "...Yeah."
There was no embarrassment in his answer. No hesitation. Just quiet certainty. Olruggio noticed it immediately. Something had changed. Before, Qifrey had looked excited. Hopeful. Now he looked content. Like he'd found something worth protecting.
"...You really like her."
Qifrey was quiet for a moment. Then...
"I think..." He looked toward the daycare windows, where children's painted handprints still decorated the glass. "...I'm already past 'like.'"
Olruggio's eyebrows lifted. "...That serious?"
"I don't know what to call it." Qifrey laughed softly to himself. "I just know that whenever something happens...my first thought is that I want to tell her." He smiled to himself. "and every morning...I catch myself looking at the clock. Waiting for eight twenty eight."
The daycare fell quiet. Olruggio had known Qifrey for years. He'd seen him care deeply about countless people. About children. Friends. Neighbors. But this was different.
"...You're gone."
Qifrey blinked. "What?"
"Completely."
Qifrey opened his mouth to deny it. Then he thought about Saturday. About your laugh echoing through the bookstore. About your hand fitting into his. About the way you'd smiled when he'd asked for a second date. His denial never came.
A sheepish smile spread across his face. "...Maybe."
Olruggio let out a slow breath through his nose. "...Alaira is never going to let me hear the end of this."
Qifrey laughed. "You can tell her I'm sorry."
"I'll tell her you abandoned us."
"I have."
"You abandoned us for love."
"I don't know if I'd phrase it like that."
"I would."
The two men shared an easy laugh. Olruggio picked up the supply box again. "...Don't screw this up."
Qifrey looked genuinely offended. "I wasn't planning to."
"I'm serious."
"I know."
Olruggio studied him for a second before giving a single nod. "...Good."
Because despite all the teasing, despite the sarcasm, he couldn't remember the last time he'd seen his oldest friend this happy. If anyone deserved a little happiness, it was Qifrey. As they switched off the lights and locked the daycare for the night, neither of them noticed Olruggio's phone vibrate again.
Alaira: So? Is Qifrey coming?
Olruggio glanced at the message before slipping the phone back into his pocket. A faint, amused smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
I'm noticing that my main masterlist under witch hat atelier is getting longer and longer...am I going to make a separate masterlist of this? Maybe but it going to be so tedious doing this on mobile.
Plus because I'm so hyperfixated on this show I have like 7 more WIP...
Description: Everything is okay. It should be but every time you where near your lover it was like the world became quiet, it sound so lovely and romantic doesn't it? then why do you have the feeling that something is deeply wrong. Is this really your Qifrey? You don't seem to remember some information like how and when did you ever became a couple? blinding headache seem to stop you from thinking again and Qifrey oh so caring will take care of everything for you as long as you are with him.
This is a continuation of Static and from this wonderful ask.
Warning: OOC, bad grammar, no proof-read, Stockholm syndrome, some yandere tendency, possessiveness, metaphors and a lot of symbolism.
──── 𐙚 ────
"NO PLEASE STOP!!"
"shh, everything will be okay love"
…
The morning sun spill through the curtain of your cold comforting room casing a golden glow everything it touch. The bed was so comforting that you didn't want to move from it but at last someone wanted you too.
"Good morning sleepy head"
You took a peak to see your handsome lover, already dress with those dreamy eye of his, white hair of impeccable color and soft to touch, you love running your finger through them they were like those of a brushbuddy fur, everything about him was beautiful and the way he act so caring to you just seal the deal of being the perfect partner.
"Good morning" you responded back still sleepy, your head was still a little cloudy. "Seem like someone doesn't wish to get out of bed" and he was right I mean there was nothing to do right? no apprentices, even thought you feel like there was suppose to, no one asking for witches help, making you weirded out, unknowing love to ask for help from witches then why are there no one knocking at you guys atelier. But no matter you love days that are slow, peaceful and quiet with you lover.
"I know how much you love to sleep love, but I made breakfast I wouldn't wish for it to get cold now and wish to be accompany with the sight of my beautiful lover" he grazed his finger through your cheek. when he put it like that how can you say no.
You try to stand up but a sudden feeling of weakness over came you. A pulsing headache that made you weak in the knees and fall to the ground if it wasn't for the help of your lover catching you in his arms.
"Whoa, you alright love?"
"Yeah, just feel weak for a moment"
At your words Qifrey eyes furrow you been feeling like this for some time now "I see, I'll make some tea for your headache. You been having a lot of them for some time now" You did? then why can't you remember…
Actually thinking about it you can't seem to remember what happen yesterday, you wonder why.
"Dear, are you listening to me?" the worry voice of Qifrey snap you out, looking up you see his single eye looking back at you but for a moment you swear to have seen his eye look at you almost calculating you in a cold manner before it disappear to a look of worry and warm eyes. Maybe you saw wrong? no matter this headaches must have been playing tricks on your mind and your perceptive of your eyes.
"Yeah, sorry. Let go eat breakfast. Your teas always seem to cure me"
You wonder why haven't you went to a doctor if you if this headache seem to be persisting but you digress Qifrey home remedy seem to always work somehow.
You both arrive to the kitchen where a hearty meal is, sweet and savory smell fill the air and you just notice how hungry you feel. It feel like you could eat a horse.
"Here, one headache be gone tea" Qifrey joked as he past you a cup "thank you love" you took it taking a sip before your face contorted to sour. How weird it taste more bitter than yesterday didn't you like to add some sweetener to it. You look at the cup, brown translucent still water of steep tea but somehow if you straiten your eyes you could see a faint shimmer of something like glitter, teas aren't suppose to be sparkly.
"Ah, I have forgotten you like to have your tea with a little honey isn't?" Qifrey voice catch your attention finding out what was in your tea. It not like he would poison it…right?
"No it okay, they say bitter is the best for medicine right?" you didn't want to bother and plus you wanted to keep him close. At your words Qifrey let out a laugh, he know you, you were the kind that will deal with it no matter what.
You smile back, you love seen him smile and hearing his laugh was like everything surrounding you dispensary and the only thing you hear was his voice in a trance, sometimes you still get that feeling in your stomach like a flutter. OH my you still get blushing bride on your stomach when you are near him.
"Of course you do" he said before taking a cup of coffee…coffee? "When did you like coffee?" you asked it was weird of him to drink it, in his words Qifrey called it the most bitter thing he ever drank when you were apprentices.
"Oh this? just feel like it. Anyway I have to go out today sweetheart" again? but didn't he went out yesterday? the tea must be working because you also recalled him leaving the day before that and the day before before…
"Again? but you just returned yesterday? you just needed to ask. why are they calling Qifrey a lot but never you?
"I know but this commission is important, I swear this will be the last one and you will have me all to yourself okay?" Qifrey wasn't someone to make promises he couldn't keep but you also didn't like it that he been going out more and more and you worry that he will burn out from how much he's taking commission.
"This is for our own good love, I'm doing this to get income for us. I'll buy the prettiest ring for you how about it?"
A RING?! has he been planning to propose?!
Your eyes widen, how you find out about it because you were feeling sad?! "A-a ring?!" your voice came out a little higher than you hope at least he didn't ridicule you he just smirk "Yes a ring, to symbolize or forever union wouldn't you like that?" Qifrey walks closer to you and give you a hug, it was warm and fill with his love.
"W-well if you say so…" you were bashful, you never thought this day would come for him to asked you to marry him. Don't get it wrong it not like you don't love him you actually do a lot but to marry so quick, you thought you would first have apprentices for some years and maybe the talk of marriage would come natural and of god you are feeling the fluter of flushing brides in your stomach again!
You actually love the idea, a ring to symbolize your eternal love…how romantic
"I knew you would love it, I'll be going now then" you snap out of your daydreaming to see Qifrey moving to the main door, cape in pristine condition and his pointed hat sitting upright on his head. How did he move so quickly from here to there did he move while you were daydreaming? How embarrassing! With just his words he was able to play you like a fiddle!
You quickly stand up o catch up to him at the door, you wanted to him a proper goodbye like a good partner should and seem like he was waiting for you because he was still standing by the door, hand on the handle and a smirk on his handsome face. "A-ah alright then. safe travels and come back before supper!" you give him a kiss in the corner of his mouth and loving the red color on his cheeks. You will never get tired of that face of his.
But looking closely…was his right eye was always pale?
"I'll be going, take care and remember never open anyone that isn't me okay dove?" and just like that he walks out closing the door in a soft click.
You never understood why he tell you to not answer the main door if it isn't him. Should a witch answer to anyone who look for them? but if Qifrey say so then it will be like he said.
No alone you stand in the atelier, rooms quiet like there was suppose to be someone else here, the chirping of birds seem to quiet for a moment and the air feel wrong, but how could it be it was always Qifrey and you and no one else.
No matter it nothing.
…
Sometime later after putting away the dishes you find yourself free time and you were incredibly bored, it almost feel like you feel like a sitting duck waiting for Qifrey return for his commission.
"I'm bored…" you voiced out, the sun was still high up and you already eat supper and Qifrey still haven't return yet, You try not to worry much, Qifrey was a capable man maybe he the commission was taking a little longer after all he did say it was important. Until a idea pop up.
"Where there a small library?" so you went to that small room, just like the name suggest it wasn't anything big just a small personal library with books Qifrey came back with just the usual that catch his eye. Dragons, tales of bygone eras, glyphs and a red book without a cover wait a what?
You stop to look at the weirdly place book, it was hidden behind others opening it up you see that the pages have been cut to have a small compartment inside.
Inside was another book a little smaller to fit "How weird why would there be other book inside another?" you took it out leaving the hollow book back to the shelf and walk to a near by armchair.
You sat comfortably before opening the book.
"what the…"
Inside there seem to be a log but the strange thing was that the way it was written "isn't that my handwriting?" you rub the writing feeling the imperfection of ink on it. The writing was so similar maybe it the same but you don't remember writing anything of this ever. You were curious so you begin to read it.
Day 25
Qifrey have to go out again, why is he going out a lot? The day before was the same and the day before before…
I'm a little lonely so I decided to begin writing in this small journal to past some time and to gather my thoughts so here we go.
Lately I been having some headache but with Qifrey tea it always seem to go away quickly, note to self thank Qifrey for it. Although I wonder why don't we go to the hospital in Kalhm since we are near but Qifrey say that he knows the best solution for me and I should always trust him.
Day 28
It came back that headache, at this point I'm just going to go to Kalhm by my self but every time I almost go Qifrey always seem to know when I wanna go and stir me from the main door stopping from me ever going outside. I'm sick of feeling like this.
I told Qifrey about it and he promise that he will get something more stronger so I didn't fight it. I hate fighting with him, he always tell be how soft I am. I just don't like seen him sad. Am I a bad person for not fighting back?
It seem like this headache have been persisting you for some time, you wonder what remedy did Qifrey find. So you turn to the next page hoping to see if maybe it could help you again but what you read just made you huff in annoyance.
Day 30
You know what he came back with for my headache? more tea. I'm tired and sick of drinking it and this time it ore bitter than last time!
Why did he brought me more tea? but I guest it help again I don't have any more headache.
Day 50
IT CAME BACK AGAIN! Maybe I should tell Qifrey to get me real medicine. I'll tell him tomorrow after he comes back.
Seriously how is this headache persisting it comes and go? you turn the next page and this time it stop your track.
Day 51
Qifrey….he isn't my Qifrey…
Qifrey eye placement is wrong! It suppose to be on his left eye not on the right and they are pale not like the pretty cerulean blue I love.
What do this past you mean? Qifrey the Qifrey in front of you isn't your Qifrey? You look the next pages and you could see how the writer handwriting becomes almost intelligible, splotches of ink mar the pages almost like they were running out of time, you could understand some of the word written though.
I don't know who this is, he has his face, act like him, voice is the same but I know in my heart he is not the real Qifrey. My real Qifrey.
Not only that I saw yesterday how he been putting something on my tea, I don't know what is but every time it always bitter and then my head cleared I should be glad but there is clearly something wrong. He's been poisoning us.
I have to escape, I can't stay here, but how?! He knows!!! He always know!!
"Dove where are you?" a familiar voice called out and this time a cold shiver went down your back. Looking up you see those pale eye of his that you now remember are not of your lover but of someone having the same face, voice and even act like him.
Your face contorted to one of fear, horror seep to your bone and your voice vanish. Seen that you didn't responded back his smile vanish and his eye went cold.
"Oh, have you find out?" his word was like a dagger, control and unwavering, how log have you been under the impression that you had a happy, quiet and romantic moment with this doppelganger?
"…You're not Qifrey…are you?"
"What make you believe that dove, I am Qifrey" it was almost mocking you and the till of his head just made it seem like he was having fun with you.
"No..No no no, NO YOU'RE NOT HIM!" you were spiraling now coming to the realization of this stranger right in front of you. The bitter tea, him drinking coffee, the repeated days of him going out just how long. You stand up abruptly backing away from him making th book fall to the ground in muted thump.
"I am him" he walks no stalk to you slowly, the Qifrey you knew was no longer your lover but that of a wolf stalking it prey and that prey is you. Your back hit the wall trapping you. H e was close so close that you could see his eye become like that of a void, lifeless.
"Why…" he began, his imposing figure trapping you "It not fair you love that broken man, I look like him, act like him, voice just like him, am I not enough?"
You gulp, throat drying up as he grazed your arm and interlacing your finger together, his hand was cold ad cense of his warm "I should of knew after all, you are a smart one. It was just a matter of how long it would take or you to find out" his words make your head spins. what does he mean?!
"oh you must be wondering what did I mean by that do you?~ this isn't the first time you try to escape you know but none the lest you lasted longer than the other time~" you were trembling so much that you wanted to snatch your hand away but he had a tight hold in it.
"Look I even brought a ring" he show the ring, it was a pretty thing, a silver band with vines wrap around it and on it center a pretty blue gem. It was so pretty that if he would of propose you would of accepted but now it almost feel like he was trying to shackle you.
"A ring to commemorate us in our big step together as a couple.Forever"
no no no NO
You try hard to get of his hold but he just let out a laugh "You can try to escape but my dear dove there will never he someone that can help you after all you will forever be mine~" he concluded ans he put the ring on your ring finger. There was tears running down your face, you don't want this. You want your real Qifrey back no this this stranger!
"Isn't it pretty?~" he show you your hand, ring glomming in the light, but you didn't responded back only hiccups came out of you. "Aw~ my pretty dove is sad now we can't have that can we? they say happy partner happy life isn't it?" from your teary eyes you could see his hand go through his cape before taking something out making your eye widen.
"no no NO PLEASE NO"
Right on his hand was a memory erasure spell, intricate design of black ink on his palm quire.
"Don't worry, once I erase this bad memory we will be back as a happy couple~"
Your vision was becoming hazy, your mind was shutting off but the last thing you could see was his aery smile as you begin to fall sideway before everything become dark.
Qifrey see your body go limp but before you could hit the ground he hold you in his arms. "There there my cute dove" he pet your hair, combing through your hair like if you were a wounded animal. "You must be so scared" he continue clearly enjoy it.
He was a wolf in sheep clothing.
At first his plan was to just used you after he kidnapped you under that man nose but as you continue living under the impression of been lover he to begin to fall in love. This love turn to obsession and he didn't want to ever part from you so he created his world for you, to keep you safe and sound and in his hold.
"I love you so much my dear dove~" he remember the many time you tr to escape and each time you were quicker to find out and that was so much fun. It was a waiting game of when.
The first time you find out because of his eye.
The second time because of the tea.
The third time because of the erasure spell.
and so and so. He may be a perfect replica of your lover but there are some things that he is unable to change like his eye. Plus he love playing with you. Now he has to burn that journal so you couldn't find out.
"I love you so so so much soon I'll take my other eye and be whole and be your one and only true love~"
…
You wake up to the sun spilling thought your curtain a new day right up ahead. "Good morning" a familiar voice so sweet greeted. "It morning already,,,?" you rub your eyes from the drowsiness before feeling something on your finger, looking at it you saw a pretty ring glimmering back at you when the sun hit.
"It a pretty ring isn't it dear wife/husband" the sound of the title made blushing brides flutter in your stomach and a red blush warm your cheek.
"Yeah it is…" your voice came out almost uncertain, you don't remember when you were propose and what happened yesterday. When ever you think it was like a fog was there.
"Come on now I made breakfast we wouldn't like it to get cold do we?"
And so it begins again, It was just a matter of time.
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I love physiological horror, it so fun to write! To the anon who asked for it I hope this was to your standard.
I got this idea first from the Qifrey clone theory, some say it is Iguin but there is no clear answer it just speculation and I wanna play around with this idea.
