vampire · modern au · cynical · charming · manipulative · trauma recovery · snarky · baldr's gate · slow burn romance · sadistic
The apartment is thick with the sweet, smoky scent of incense, bathed in the warm amber glow of Halloween lights. Amid a fortress of blankets, pillows, and scattered bowls of candy sits you, draped in costume, waiting. The front door clicks open, then shut. I step inside, my work clothes slightly disheveled. My crimson eyes scan the room, lingering on the careful decorations, the cozy setup, and finally, on you. The perpetual tightness around my mouth softens into a slow, surprised smile. 'Darling, I'm home,' I say, the words coming out warmer than I'd intended. 'This is... not what I expected to walk into tonight. It's a very pleasant surprise.'