⚠︎ This chapter has mentions of sexually explicit activities.
♬ Don't Matter - Derik Fein ♬
''Listen, how fast the mortals' hearts beat, how their breathing flows out of their lungs, how they walk like they're about to die, running around, always out of time, see how they flow and pity them, pity their fruitless efforts and their pained mistakes, because while we have a lifetime to fix ours, they have only moments.''
Algeo Brothers
Brother Mael added you
Brother Mael added Brother Ezekiel
Brother Mael added Brother Nicolas
Brother Mael added Brother Zacharie
Brother Mael added Brothers' Brother
Brother Mael added Brother Milo
Brother Mael: What time will Nicolas and Azrael's party be?
Brother Nicolas: At 11.
Brother Mael: What gift do you want? I don't know what child you're adopting.
Brother Nicolas: Girl things I guess, I don't know what 4 year old girls like.
Brother Zacharie: I thought you guys wanted a baby.
Brother Nicolas: …Life happens
Brother Mael: Particularly I think children are easier to deal with, babies you need to change diapers and all.
Brother Mael: And teach them to eat and speak.
Eryx: Why wasn't Levi added?
Brother Mael: Who?
Eryx: Levi.
Brother Mael: Sorry, don't know who that is.
Brother Nicolas: For fucks sake Mael.
Brother Nicolas added Brother Levi.
Eryx: You should add Azrael and Elara as well, they're also family.
Brothers' Brother: Hell na, I mean Elara sure. But this is for the real family.
Eryx: So petty.
Eryx: Azrael is our brother too.
Brother Nicolas: It's ok, he said he's satisfied knowing you consider him such, Eryx.
Brothers' Brother: You guys are too unhealthy.
Brother Ezekiel: Send us a picture of her.
Brother Ezekiel: My past ballet company has children's ballet if you're interested, Nicolas. I could take her if you're busy as well.
Brother Nicolas: Thanks Ez, we'll consider it, first she needs to adapt, and we were unprepared so we need to buy her things, put her in school etc.
Brother Zacharie: Just don't take her to your nightclubs… If you need a sitter I'm sure Margaret would be willing.
Brother Nicolas: Ha, not even in a million years, what if she tells her that her parents are abnormal?
Brother Zacharie: …
Brother Mael: You can drop her by the studio when you're working, I'm going to babysit Benjamin for Viviane already.
Eryx: Mael, why are you babysitting Dante's children? Especially after the divorce?
Brother Mael: How do you know about the divorce, Eryx?
Eryx: Dante's younger brother is my colleague.
Brother Mael: Oh, right, Nero is your age…
Brother Mael: I like the children and Viviane is struggling since her body is weak after the rough pregnancy. So I'm sitting Benjamin for her. So one more isn't an issue, especially my niece.
Brother Nicolas: I don't think the toxic fumes of your paints are proper for the children Mael.
Brother Mael: Windows will be open at all times, I'll cover the paintings and only use proper paints when they're around, don't worry I'm not irresponsible.
Brother Mael: Oh, and the windows still have the bars you installed, so don't worry as well.
Brother Nicolas: Very well, I'll discuss it with Azrael, he'll take care of her most of the time since he doesn't work, but he needs breaks and he sometimes does odd jobs for me.
Eryx: Just rewind for a moment, why did you install bars on Mael's windows?
Brother Mael: Oh, it was what? 30 years ago? After the fire. I don't know why as well, he just said it would be safer…
Brother Nicolas: He lives in a dangerous area, the windows are too vulnerable, so it's safer this way.
Eryx: It's the fifth floor…
Brother Levi: Ha.
Brother Levi: Congrats for the adoption Nicolas, what's her name?
Brother Nicolas: Beatrice.
Eryx: That's a beautiful name.
Brother Nicolas: Yeah.
Brother Nicolas: It was so quick, I guess I'm still a bit unsure if I'll be a good father. Azrael has everything together… He'll be a great father.
Eryx: C'mon Nicolas, you'll be the best father out there, you're already a great brother.
Brother Nicolas: I know, I'm your favorite.
Eryx: (•‿•)
Brother Levi: Don't make him lie, Nicolas.
Brother Levi: You know I'm his favorite.
Brother Nicolas: Yeah sure.
Brothers' Brother: Woah you're all insufferable.
Eryx: Luc's favorite is 100% Azrael.
Brothers' Brother: Fuck off.
Brother Nicolas: My favorite older brother is Zacharie ♡
Brother Zacharie: …brat
Eryx: Hahaha.
Brother Milo: Congratulations. I'll bring a bed set for her.
Brother Nicolas: Only the fluffiest of pillows Milo, please.
Brother Milo: Of course…
✦
Three Musketeers
Heloise: Guuuuuuys
Heloise: What major are you choosing?
Heloise: 100 options is crazy crazy
Eryx: Don't remind me
Heloise: Well we need to turn in the form today so…
Eryx: It's Saturday, why can't it be Monday?
Heloise: Because they must make us suffer.
Nero: Veterinary.
Heloise: Oh wow I would have never guessed, that is a surprise.
Nero: You asked.
Heloise: I should've known better than.
Heloise: I'm between fashion and design, I want to make my own jewelry line.
Nero: No idea of even the difference between those two.
Eryx: I just wanna do something with math.
Heloise: Oh wow, self-torture, that sounds fun.
Eryx: I guess haha.
Heloise: Are you guys free at 3? Gonna go to the city center to visit the new bakery that opened.
Eryx: I have an appointment with my brothers later on, I can go if we're finished by 5.
Nero: Family meeting. Unfortunately.
Nero: Get me some animal pastries.
Heloise: Get it yourself ( ◜‿◝ )♡
Nero: Such a good friend, I'm touched.
Heloise: You're welcome.
Heloise: Let's meet at the gate at 2:50 then.
Eryx: Ok.
✦
Brother Levi: Eryx I'll pick you up at 5 p.m.
Eryx: Can you pick me up at the city center instead of the Academy? I'm going for tea with my colleague.
Brother Levi: Of course just send me the address.
Eryx: Thanks.
✦
Nicolas: Levi, can you do me a favor?
Levi: I'm busy.
Nicolas: Your company is closed during weekends
Levi: Doesn't mean I don't work.
Nicolas: I need to deal with something at work and Azrael is out dealing with some stuff. But I can't leave Beatrice alone nor take her with me.
Levi: …why me
Nicolas: Because you're my precious baby brother?
Levi: Haha, very funny.
Nicolas: Just take her to the performance with Ez and Eryx, I'll pay for your dinner.
Levi: Ha. I have money, why don't you ask Mael?
Nicolas: He's helping that friend of his with the moving.
Levi: What friend? He has no friends… Dante?
Nicolas: Damn you really have no interest in any of your brothers besides Eryx huh.
Nicolas: It's Dante's wife, they are getting a divorce and Mael is helping her with the moving.
Nicolas: After all, he feels bad for the woman that was abandoned by the same guy that abandoned him years ago as well.
Levi: Whatever, I didn't ask.
Nicolas: Being all shy and reserved won't help you become closer to him yk.
Nicolas: Pretending you don't have time to deal with him yet hiring people to follow him around. I wonder what our dear baby brothers would say if they knew.
Levi: Whatever, Nicolas, keep pretending you know it all.
Nicolas: Oh, but I do know it all.
Nicolas: If you're curious, just ask, after all, you're my baby brother as well.
Levi: Ugh don't call me that, Milo is enough with this whole baby bullshit.
Nicolas: Adorable how you keep trying to pretend.
Levi: …I really don't care.
Nicolas: Sure.
Levi: …
Levi: I called the security off after Eryx turned. They were all incompetent fools anyway.
Nicolas: That's why you need to beat them up properly so they do their job right.
Levi: Yeah sure, I'm not a thug like you though.
Nicolas: Hahaha, of course.
Nicolas: That's why it's my job to do what you can't dear baby bro.
Levi: If your tail is so good, why don't you know what happened to Eryx that night?
Nicolas: Levi, why do you think I've been so busy?
Levi: Then why suddenly adopt the kid? Why not wait?
Nicolas: There were aggravating circumstances.
Nicolas: Azrael got emotional, and I can't go against him when he does.
Levi: I really don't like your boyfriend.
Nicolas: Don't worry I pound him hard enough for him to not go astray.
Levi: Fuck you.
Nicolas: Eryx is going to a bakery shop with his friend right now, they're talking about their majors and about Eryx's boyfriend.
Nicolas: My tail might've failed once, but it won't fail again.
Nicolas: Zacharie is at home with Elara, it's his only day off and she probably forced him to stay in.
Nicolas: Mother is with Margaret at their book club again.
Nicolas: Ezekiel is working.
Nicolas: Milo is at home, asleep, per usual.
Nicolas: Luc is swimming at the Academy.
Nicolas: And you're getting in your car to come to my place to pick up the niece you never met just to help your older brother.
Nicolas: You know, I think you and Luc are so similar, the same with Mael and Eryx. I guess Milo and Ez are quite similar in their own right as well… does that make me similar to Zacharie? Gross.
Levi: Crazy bastard.
Levi: What about Mael?
Nicolas: Didn't you tell him to stop considering himself your brother?
Nicolas: So childish…
Levi: You're definitely not my favorite older brother Nicolas.
Nicolas: Oh no, who is then? Don't tell me that is that old man Zacharie?
Levi: Hahaha, I think I prefer Milo to you two.
Nicolas: That's not fair, I'm offended.
Levi: You're a cunning snake, just tell me already.
Nicolas: He's at that woman's house, playing with Benjamin together with his partner.
Levi: Huh?
Levi: He has a girlfriend?
Nicolas: Tsk Tsk, baby brother, you still have a long way to go before you can even consider yourself the favorite brother.
Nicolas: I'll be waiting, just remember to be careful around Beatrice, we literally just adopted her, and she's… fragile.
Nicolas: If it wasn't urgent I wouldn't ask you.
Nicolas: Just treat her to some food, take her around and be kind to her, remember how Mael was as a kid, all fragile, crying all the time because his feelings were hurt.
Nicolas: You used to coddle him so much back then… just treat her the same.
Nicolas: Minus the whole 'I wish you actually killed yourself' speech.
Levi: He told you about that.
Nicolas: Of course he did, he came crying to his favorite older brother.
Levi: Ez is his favorite older brother, the same with Milo, you and Zacharie need to spend more time with them if you actually wish for any kind of familial love.
Nicolas: That hurt Levi.
Nicolas: It's not like I told my suicidal brother to just go off and die.
Levi: I certainly didn't adopt a kid just to send her off with strangers the next day.
Nicolas: You're family, Levi, not strangers. And I already told her we aren't abandoning her, if you tell her anything like that I'll make sure to punish you properly.
Levi: Fine. And Mael knows I didn't mean those words, he's just a drama queen.
Nicolas: Or maybe he's just a sensitive person with fragile feelings that craves the love he never got.
Nicolas: But who am I to say, I can't possibly understand the feelings of someone who was abandoned by his brothers at the moment he needed the most.
Nicolas: Or got dumped by my fiance and then became best friends with them and watched them have kids and get married just for years in the future for them to come back saying they still love me.
Nicolas: I guess, he truly is simply dramatic.
Levi: Did you break his dick?
Nicolas: Oh dear brother, you should know me better than that.
Nicolas: Just like that Gaia woman, I am just waiting for the right moment to strike.
Levi: We might be immortal but we never know if we might die tomorrow.
Nicolas: Ha, using father's words is a low blow.
Nicolas: But some people deserve the slow type of torture, dear Levi.
Levi: Send me their info.
Nicolas: No, if Mael didn't tell you, you don't deserve to know.
Levi: Who knows?
Nicolas: Me, Eryx…
Nicolas: And Zacharie.
Levi: He told Zacharie?
Nicolas: Yup, and even cried in his arms.
Nicolas: You reap what you sow.
Nicolas: Now get in the car and come before the day changes.
Levi: …
✦
Sevan: Eryx, did you finish filling your form?
Babe: No… I'm filling with Heloise before going home.
Sevan: The deadline is 7 p.m.
Babe: I know, I'm just indecisive.
Sevan: Yes, when will you return to the dorms?
Babe: Tomorrow before curfew.
Sevan: Let me know when you're coming, if you're late I'll open the doors for you.
Babe: Isn't that against the rules?
Sevan: Since you're part of the Student Council, no.
Babe: I see.
Babe: I couldn't talk with you yesterday.
Sevan: I was caught up with the Student Council paperwork. I didn't sleep yesterday.
Babe: You're going home as well?
Sevan: I'm meeting my mother for lunch then I'll go back to the Academy for more paperwork.
Babe: Being the president must be a lot of work.
Sevan: It's fulfilling in its own right.
Sevan: And it'll look good on my resume.
Babe: The same with having my brother as your advisor?
Sevan: Yes.
Babe: I see.
Sevan: Did you leave already?
Babe: Yes, sorry, I wanted to see you before leaving but Heloise called.
Sevan: Where will you be?
Babe: The new city center bakery, Aurora Bakery.
Sevan: I see.
Sevan: Have fun.
Babe: Thank you.
Sevan puts his phone down as his mother arrives at the restaurant table he's sitting on. As Sevan is like his mother, the woman carries the same vibe as her son, white eyes hidden behind thin framed glasses, a thin build and an above average height, her hair is the only difference between them as hers is black, their features could be a blatant copy of each other's. She's wearing a business suit set of pastel pink tone.
"Did you wait long, dear?" She asks, her voice is low and mellow, Sevan shakes his head although he was waiting for her for half an hour already. As she sits down she waves to the waiter. "How's classes?"
Sevan stares as her opens her phone, typing something while waiting for his answer. "I don't have classes in the first week due to the introductory week for freshman, I was busy, though due to Student Council's business".
Before commenting on his answer they order their food and drinks from the waiter.
"Good, what about Professor Algeo? Did he accept you?" She asks sipping on the water the waiter brought. Maeve Helge is pure elegance, the way she moves, talks, and her cold eyes that hide any thought and emotion. She used to be a human before being turned by her husband a few years after Sevan was born, but no one would guess so, she poises herself as the perfect vampire.
His parents never demanded perfection from him, just pure dedication and to always hide his emotions, a businessman should never let his intentions clear, be it to those who are proficient in reading expressions or even those that have genuses that can read emotions.
"Yes", Sevan nods, he looks at the food being placed in front of them, he never liked soups, but his mother claimed it to be healthy for his stomach, it's not like he can tell her his true tastes. Never complain about what others offer, remain firm in your resolve and don't allow anyone to think poorly of you, he repeats his father's words inside his head as he starts to eat.
The taste is similar to dirty water to him, but he doesn't flinch or frown, eating calmly.
"Any other news of note?" She asks cleaning her mouth with the napkin after they finish their meal in complete silence.
Sevan stares at his mother for a few seconds before nodding. His face is completely expressionless, however if Eryx were there, the boy would note that his voice sounds slightly anxious, not that his mother notices the very light tremble in his tone: "Yes".
"Elaborate", the woman says with a nod, her eyes show no emotion just like her son's.
"I started dating someone", he says slowly, so that she wouldn't be shocked, not that he ever saw the emotions in his mother's face shift.
"That's, good, it's good to have experience before you marry your arranged fiance", she nods. "Who is it? If it's someone influential you should break things off kindly when you do".
He pauses, he's unsure if he should, but that doesn't transpire in his face or voice: "Eryx Algeo".
That's when he notices he was wrong, his mother can show emotions, she can be shocked. Perhaps the news just have to be shocking enough to shake her core.
But the shock doesn't last long in her face, but it is long enough for Sevan to notice.
"That's tricky", she mumbles. "How will you break things off without making an enemy out of the Algeos? They're the most influential family in the city".
"He is aware we cannot date for long", Sevan says simply. "And it won't be an obstacle to my studies".
"It's fine, the issue isn't with you having your share of fun during the Academy, that's healthy after all." She shakes her head, "But it's not a good idea to prolonge your relationship with him for long, the Algeos are a good family, but they're just as dangerous".
"I'm aware, mother", Sevan answers. "However I did promise Professor Algeo I would take good care of his brother".
"Sevan", his mother says, her cold white eyes staring directly into his. "You can experiment with men, but an Algeo is too much, it only has downsides in the long run."
"Mother, it's understandable you're worried since if I cross the Algeos we could lose our business and the reputation of the family could be harmed. However, I would like for you to wait and accept my choices during my stay at the Academy, as you and father had promised."
The woman pauses for a moment before nodding, "Yes, son, we always keep our promises after all. Just remember that once you graduate you're up to marry your fiance".
"Of course, mother".
✦
"I don't know anymore", Heloise exclaims slamming her head on the table.
The Bakery they're in is new and clean, with beautiful pastries and the smell of butter and bread in the air, feels cozy and comfortable, although it's filled with people, the tables are far from the counter and the booths make it feel private.
When they arrived, each ordered a drink and a cake and proceeded to sit down and try to fill their major forms together, not that it's going well. But Eryx must admit, it does feel good to have someone that understands his difficulty and is kind to him about it.
Back at his human school, the talks about University were all… complicated and stress inducing. Probably because vampires have a different way of approaching these kinds of subjects.
After all, even if you don't follow your major, you still have eternity ahead. The objective of Academies is more to shape the path and connections for their future, not their career forever.
When you live more than 90 years, time becomes relative and life-decisions become easier, because even if you regret it, you didn't really "lose" that time you spent.
Eryx watches the albino woman complain with her forehead glued to the table as he sips his strawberry juice and pretends to be eating his strawberry shortcake, just the juice is enough to upset his stomach, but he can't admit he can't stomach anything but blood to anyone.
"You can always follow a different career, Heloise", Eryx says softly, placing his half-full glass on the table, craving a cold glass of blood.
"I know, but knowing clearly what I want sometimes makes it harder, both are good, but in fashion I might have to design other things, which isn't my interest, but in design as well I'll have things I don't like", she rants still face down on the table. "Brother says I should choose Medicine, but that's just because he wants me to follow the family business".
"I have the opposite problem… Whatever I do, it doesn't matter to them", Eryx says looking at his glass. "Even if I were to become a drug addict they would just let me be, that's how the Algeo family works", he sighs. "Individuality and freedom of your own choices", he leans back onto the seat. "It can be both good and bad".
Heloise raises her head, looking at Eryx, in her point of view, the boy looks sad, his orange eyes are duller and his wavy red hair is falling onto his eyes, making him look like a child lost without his parents.
Although they have different and opposite problems, she can understand the feeling of being scared to disappoint those she loves.
"Finding your path isn't easy", she says standing straight. "That's why it's healthy to make mistakes, like being a bit rebellious or falling in love with the wrong person"
He chuckles, "Not this again", he says. "Sevan isn't bad to me, and we've been together for only one week."
"I'm worried for you, he's not what one would call… boyfriend material". She sighs playing with the straw of her iced americano.
"He's good enough, I just wish I could become closer with him faster", and increase his likeability, he completes in his thoughts, a result of his likeability falling 2% again since Thursday.
Not being able to meet Sevan due to him being busy also didn't help.
"What are your options?" Heloise asks taking a few bites of her carrot cake.
"Finance, physics and electrical engineering", Eryx says, it took him a few hours last night to get down to those three, the fact that they had a full week of introductions to 100 courses that week was exhausting enough, even more because he didn't truly like any of them. Can't I just get money from solving equations? He wonders staring at his blank form.
"Physics sounds boring, and finance? That's too square. I mean engineering is also boring as hell, but Nero's sister is a teacher for it, and she said the money is good", Heloise comments.
"I don't exactly need money", he says with a soft chuckle.
Heloise laughs. "Of course, Young Master", she jokes, although she's one of the same as well.
"Eryx", a voice next to him makes the boy jump in his chair, he looks to see Sevan approaching the table. By the corner of his eye he can see Heloise frowning. "I stopped by to get your form, I can file for you at the Academy." He says.
"Oh, I still…" Eryx says a bit embarrassed for taking so long. Sevan takes a seat next to him, his body way too close, so much so that Eryx can feel his warmth even if they're not directly touching each other.
"Don't worry, I'll wait", Sevan says, patting Eryx's head.
Heloise rolls her eyes before getting up. "I'll go to the bathroom", she doesn't look pleased by Sevan's interruption but she also doesn't comment on it.
Sevan also doesn't seem to care about the woman's presence. He leans over the table, his hand on Eryx's tigh. "What are your options?" He asks, Eryx answers the same as he did to Heloise, in response Sevan nods. "They're good options, but if you don't wish to work solely inside an office, electrical engineering might be a better option."
Eryx nods. "I was thinking the same thing". That's a lie, he was completely torn, but following Sevan's advice could be the answer to his quest. So he writes it down, his face becoming red as Sevan watches him while also brushing his thumb on his thigh. Don't get hard, Eryx thinks repeatedly, trying to focus on filling up the form.
Once he's done he gives the paper to Sevan, who nods reading the information, checking if Eryx filled it all correctly.
"That's good, it was a good choice", Sevan reassures him, turning to place a soft kiss on Eryx's cheek, placing then his hand on Eryx's chin, pulling his face towards him and placing another kiss, this time on Eryx's lips.
He closes his eyes, his face becoming even redder as the kisses deepens, although they're hidden by the booth, they're still in public, this realization makes Eryx's heart beat so fast that he feels it might jump out of his chest.
The kiss stops abruptly, making Eryx jump, opening his eyes hurriedly. Behind Sevan is Levi, his red eyes looking down in disgust, his expression is cold with his lips pursed, his straight medium length red hair is down today giving him a more casual vibe that doesn't match the formal clothes he's wearing.
"What are you doing in public?" He asks, and just then Eryx notices the child next to him, whose eyes Levi is covering with his other hand. He pulls Sevan out of the booth, yet although he should be surprised, the expression in the white-eyed man's face doesn't shift even for a second. "There's children around", Levi says with a sigh.
"Nice to meet you Mister Algeo, I'm Sevan Helge", his words are cold, and his eyes never leave Eryx, yet he's greeting Levi without a single care expressed in his actions.
Levi clicks his tongue, clearly annoyed. "You already know me so there's no need for me to introduce myself", he says. "You should leave".
"Wait", Eryx says, "Sevan, can I call you later?" He asks, slightly desperate, scared that the actions of his brother might impact his likeability.
Sevan stares at him for a few moments before nodding. "Of course Eryx, I'll be waiting".
He leans over, kissing Eryx's forehead while escaping Levi's hands, he leaves without saying another word towards Eryx's brother.
"Doesn't he know how to be respectful?" Levi sighs, sitting in front of Eryx, pushing Heloise's drink out of the way.
"Respect something you earn" Eryx responds playing with his straw, embarrassed for being caught kissing in public by his brother. Why did it have to be Levi? Any of his other brothers might've been more understanding.
"We're you lying about being with a friend?" Levi asks, his red eyes coldly staring down at him, judging him.
Eryx feels nauseous, he can't even defend himself, he lowers his head, tears forming in his eyes.
"Hey-" Levi is cut off by the sudden arrival of Heloise.
"What happened? Where's the robot?" She asks, tucking her short white hair behind her ear, the sound of her rings brushing onto her earring makes Eryx look at her, when their eyes meet she frowns.
"Miss Weise", Levi says, looking at her with a nod. He then extends his hand towards her: "Levi Algeo".
A few emotions cross her eyes, shock, confusion and finally, understanding. "Heloise Weise, Eryx's friend", she says, taking the free seat next to Eryx and pulling her drink that Levi shoved away, probably thinking it was Sevan's. "Where's your form?" she asks, looking at the table and then at Eryx.
"Sevan took back for me", he answers, blushing.
"Oh, so that's why he came by… weird", she mumbles, chewing her straw.
Eryx decides to let her comment for later, he's not about to sound insecure about his relationship in front of the brother who's the most against it, even if he keeps joking about condoms and whatnot.
Levi is clearly annoyed, but he doesn't comment on it, turning his attention instead towards the small girl next to his brother, she looks scrawny, probably around 3 years old by her tiny apparence, her lilac eyes are down fixed on her hands that are clutching on the brand new dress she's wearing, the color matches her eyes and the bow tying her black hair in a ponytail.
"Are you Beatrice?" Eryx asks, softening his expression as he looks at the girl. Since he's the youngest, he never really dealt with children, he's not even sure if he likes children, but she's now Nicolas and Azrael's daughter, there's no way he's not going to like her.
She nods, her gaze not leaving her hands.
"There's no use, I tried speaking with her the whole way here, Nicolas said she's shy", Levi sighs, staring at the Bakery's counter as if there was something more interesting there.
"Do you want something to drink?" Eryx asks, pushing his strawberry shortcake towards the girl. "Here, eat up".
She finally looks up, towards the cake, hesitantly, but after a few moments she picks up the fork and starts to eat awkwardly.
"I'm going to grab a drink" Levi comments, not even looking at them.
"Hey", Eryx calls before his brother leaves, making him look back. "Grab something for her too, you asshole", his words make the other tables look at them.
Levi looks down at Eryx and then his gaze goes to the girl who's eating in silence, her face dirty with the cream. He sighs, "Fine, what do you want pipsqueak?"
Eryx leans over to meet the girl's gaze: "Do you want a juice?" She doesn't answer. "Milkshake?" No response again. "Soda?" She doesn't even flinch. "Lemonade?" He asks again and the girl flinches, he smiles softly turning to Levi. "Get her a lemonade and another strawberry juice for me", he looks at Heloise: "Do you want anything?" She answers by shaking her empty cup. "And an Iced Americano".
"Sure", Levi sighs again, leaving for the counter.
Heloise then turns to Eryx: "What the…" she hesitates, probably about to curse before glancing at the girl. "Why is your brother here?"
"Probably tracking me while babysitting my niece", the word makes the little girl flinch, but none of them notices. "He caught me kissing Sevan".
"Oh, that's why you were upset", Heloise nods, as if it all made sense. "I thought that robot did something since he was gone".
Eryx shakes his head. "I told you Sevan is kind to me".
"But what's wrong with you? Kissing in public?" Heloise asks, sighing.
"I mean…" Eryx leans back. "It's not like he doesn't do this all the time, what is weird is that when we're alone in our room he only brushes our lips, and barely touches or looks at me".
Heloise frowns, "I told you that guy is weird", she trails off, her gaze then falling onto the girl. "Who's kid is she? I thought your brothers were almost all single, I didn't hear anything about your sister-in-law being pregnant and all", she taps her finger on the table. "Especially an Algeo, if she were pregnant everyone would know."
"She's Nicolas' kid", Eryx says.
His words make the little girl finally speak: "Which one is Nicolas?"
Her question makes Eryx confused. "Weren't you adopted two days ago?" He asks and she nods. "Didn't they talk with you?"
"The misters just told me that they were going to take care of me and asked me to try out a few clothes and eat the food." She says grabbing a napkin and cleaning her mouth, her eyes are calm, she poises herself more mature than her age requires.
Eryx sighs. "Of course they did, those two don't have any idea how to talk with kids, they were always like this", he comments rubbing between his eyes. "Nicolas is the one with red hair, he's one of my older brothers, and Azrael is the one with white hair, he's Nicolas'..." He trails off. "Husband."
The girl nods. "I see…"
Those fools, Eryx thinks, staring at the girl. She's so small, was I this small once?
"Wow, your brothers are all the same", Heloise chuckles, "Do you all only care about family?" She asks frowning again, staring at the form she's finally filling up.
Eryx ponders for a second before answering: "Pretty much".
She makes a disgusted expression but doesn't say anything else.
"Mister", the girl says in a soft tone, Eryx smiles softly at her.
"You can call me uncle or just Eryx", he says, trying to be friendly but coming off as awkward, he never interacted with children before.
The girl nods, "The Mister said I was going to go watch a per-for…" she struggles with the word, becoming red on the cheeks due to embarrassment.
"Yes, we're watching a ballet performance", Eryx chuckles, patting the girl on the head, she blushes even more. "It'll be me, you, Levi and Ezekiel, he's another one of my brothers."
"How many are you?" She asks, lowering her gaze to the empty plate in front of her.
"We're eight", Eryx says. "So you have seven uncles", he chuckles, "We're a big family", he finishes with a soft smile.
She falls silent, nodding softly, he can't imagine what goes through the head of a child that small. He pats her in the head again, thinking about how soft her hair is and how cute her cheeks are. Is this how my brothers felt when I was this small?
"Oh", he says, stopping his hand, the girl looks at him, as if she's asking for more pats. So adorable, he thinks with a smile, enjoying the idea of being an uncle. "What do you want as a gift? For your party tomorrow?"
"Party?" The girl asks, her lilac eyes shining.
"Yes", Eryx says, "You're meeting all of the fam tomorrow, to welcome you, a celebration".
Beatrice flinches, lowering her gaze again. "I'm fine with anything, I don't need much".
Before Eryx speaks, he's interrupted by Levi who's arriving with the drinks: "Nonsense, just ask for anything you want, that's the best part of being the youngest of the family", he comments, sitting down and giving the little girl her drink and then doing the same to Eryx. "Look at him, doesn't he look like a spoiled brat? That's because he is", Levi comments pointing at Eryx, even though he comments that he was the one spoiling Eryx the most.
Heloise chuckles, making a muffled sound as he chugs her drink, trying not to interrupt the conversation.
Eryx laughs as well: "Yes, that's the advantage of having a lot of money, so don't worry much and ask for anything", he pats the girl's head again.
"A music box", she mumbles, "With butterflies", she says, blushing again, her tone is soft as if she's feeling guilty for her request.
"Of course, I'll make one for you", Levi says, his gaze somewhere else. "But we're more than one, so ask for more things, pipsqueak".
She shakes her head. "I'm satisfied with little".
"But you don't need to be anymore", Eryx says tilting his head. "You're family now, you don't need to hold down your wishes, as the older ones, we'll make it true", he says, unconsciously reciting the same words Nicolas once told him when he was small, although he was always family, Eryx always had his insecurities.
She nods but doesn't say anything else, sipping her drink in silence.
✦
Eryx: Nicolas, she's so cute.
Eryx: But shy.
Nicolas: Yes, hopefully she'll soon get used to the family.
Nicolas: Azrael is trying to find out what happened to her in her other adoptions, since she was adopted 6 times before.
Nicolas: The agency was suspicious as well, she has burns on her hands, don't ask her about it, she cried a lot when we did.
Eryx: Of course, she's so tiny.
Eryx: Is this how you guys felt when I was lil?
Nicolas: Yes you were absolutely adorable.
Eryx: Have you told mom about the adoption?
Nicolas: No.
Nicolas: I was too busy and she would give me an earful for going through an adoption so suddenly when we barely just decided to adopt.
Nicolas: But don't worry, once she sees Beatrice she'll cave.
Eryx: Of course she will, she always wanted a grandkid and most of all a girl in a house filled with men? She'll be elated.
Nicolas: That is true.
Nicolas: Can you tell Levi to drop her off my place after the performance?
Eryx: Sure.
Eryx: Hey Nicolas can I ask you something?
Nicolas: Sure
Eryx: When did you know you were ready for…
Nicolas: Sex?
Eryx: Ha, yeah.
Nicolas: Eryx you don't need to rush it, it's something natural that happens slowly when you like someone.
Eryx: But you had sex partners that weren't emotionally connected to you.
Nicolas: Hmm, yes, but that's because I like sex itself.
Eryx: …what about your first time?
Eryx: Was it with someone you liked?
Nicolas: No. It was during the war, with a fellow soldier, long dead.
Nicolas: Eryx to some people sex is important, to others isn't. The importance you give something is what matters, if you want to do it then do it, if you don't it's ok too.
Nicolas: Is your boyfriend trying to force you or something? You're together for only one week.
Eryx: No, I was just thinking.
Eryx: It's fine, we're leaving to pick Ezekiel up now, thank you Nicolas.
Eryx: Love you.
Nicolas: Love you too.
Nicolas puts down his phone, his gaze falling between his legs where his boyfriend is. They're alone inside the office of one of the strip clubs he owns. A soft moan leaves his lips as he brushes his hand on Azrael's face and ear, the man moving slowly, the sound of the wet sucking fills the room alongside Nicolas' moans.
"That's enough Azrael", he says, pulling the man's head, making him let go of his cock with a loud and wet pop. "I want to be inside you", he says, taking off his pants.
Azrael silently gets up, he's already naked with trails of lube on his hand and legs, dripping from his hole he was stretching while sucking Nicolas' off.
Slowly the man climbs on the red-haired's lap, using his hand to position the cock in his hole, pushing it fully inside at once, a loud moan leaving his mouth with the action.
"Fuck Love, you're too hard today", Azrael says, leaning over, his head resting on Nicolas' shoulder as he moves.
Nicolas doesn't answer, his hands resting on the man's thighs as he moves their hips.
"Yes, right there", Azrael moans loudly in Nicolas' ear, making him also moan in response.
Outside the office, at the door, two already used to the sounds employees stand, staring as people pass by, all employees already used to both Nicolas' and Azrael's moans filling the hallway every time they're together.
Not that they will ever tell them the sounds travel far, they're not that eager to lose their ears.
And even more, they're all pretty sure the men are loud on purpose.
Exhibitionists, that's something all of their employees thought at least once, and they would be both correct and wrong. Azrael is surely one, however Nicolas simply does whatever he wants, not caring who hears or sees. They even go as far as have sex in their completely see-through glass office at the club Daylight. Discussion about their open sexual acts in the office for everyone in the club to see is one of the reasons why the club is always brimming with people.
After all, the Algeos are sought after due to their high-social status and beauty.
The sounds become louder and the moans become more frequent as they continue their daily office-sex. After they appeared with a kid, most would've thought they would diminish their sex sessions, but in actuality it increased since they cannot do it at home.
As a loud bang is heard on the door and Azrael's moans become more obnoxiously loud. A sigh can be heard, staring at the door of the office is Aran Wenless, Nicolas' right hand man and only friend. Also the only one besides Azrael who knows what happened 500 years ago with Nicolas during the war, simply because he was also there.
Aran's loyalty was bought that day, but Nicolas' constantly tested the man's limits. Especially when he asked him to his office while he was accompanied by Azrael.
Loud fuckers, Aran thinks, sighing again staring at the cold wooden door. The man is 189cm tall, his body is bulky and most would say he's not particularly handsome like Nicolas, as his skin is covered by scars, his light brown skin is pale due to his nocturnal lifestyle, his brown hair is short and his bright yellow eyes are cold most often than not, with a big scar near his right eye, a memento from his war days.
Contrary to the soft skin of the Algeos, Aran is known by his subordinates as the yellow bear, due to his high amount of corporal hair compared to Nicolas. The only reason why he's in such a high position after years dealing with the man is not only because they've met that day, but because he excels in reading Nicolas' mood.
And because he does his job excellently as well, of course. Even though he did have some close calls, once when he accidentally called Nicolas' Demon King in front of a small Eryx and the second when Azrael and Nicolas started dating.
That is because both men are extremely possessive of each other, and being also a gay man, he was seen as a threat in Azrael's eyes, but such didn't last long. After a while the man understood that Aran wouldn't sleep with Nicolas even if they were the last men on Earth, no, in the Universe.
He waits for a while until the two men are finished with their little session, knocking on the door as soon as he hear the two talking normally. Proceeding to open the door as soon as Nicolas allows.
"Hey Aran", Azrael says, he's sitting on Nicolas' desk, playing with his phone while Nicolas is reading a few papers leaning against the wall behind him. If anyone saw this scene they would think that Azrael is the actual boss.
Both men are, to a tee, insane, and Aran must be even more as he still works for them and would definitely give his life for Nicolas.
"Azrael", he says with a nod before turning his gaze to Nicolas. "Sir, here's the report on the orphanage you asked, unfortunately there is no connection with the children trafficking ring in Daisy City", he starts his report. "But there are some strange things surrounding your kid. Especially with her last adoption".
"Explain", Nicolas says simply, reading the papers Aran gave him when he entered the room.
"She was adopted by a couple of humans, stayed six months with them before being sent back, the humans were relatives of the Daisy City Mayor." Aran says, sighing right after. "Anything that happened during those six months is impossible to find, they kept her locked up during it all".
"Experiments?" Nicolas asks.
Aran shakes his head. "No, they probably thought she could transform them, that's my guess. There are no injuries in her body consistent with actual torture, only physical abuse". He hands Nicolas the other folder he was holding. "How would you like to proceed?"
"Guess" Nicolas says simply.
"I already sent a few people to Daisy City to kidnap them", Aran says, making Azrael chuckle.
"Are you sure your genus isn't mind reading?" Azrael asks, amused.
"Unfortunately no", Aran answers, frowning. "I'm just good at my job".
"Try getting laid, it helps with workaholism", Azrael comments, chucking, Aran rolls his eyes, not commenting on the joke.
"Good, make sure no one hears of this", Nicolas says.
"Of course", Aran nods. "And on the report over the drug trafficking in Daisy City, we managed to shut down the last laboratory belonging to that human gang", Aran says, grabbing his phone to show to Nicolas where pictures of the beaten humans were.
"You went easy on them", Azrael comments, looking at the pictures as well.
"If we killed them it would alert the human police", Aran says.
Nicolas nods. "And what about our labs?"
"We managed to establish two others in Chrysanthemum City, but the transportation route is a bit tricky", Aran reads the paper he's still holding. "The military established a base there".
"Human or vampire?"
"Vampire", Aran says with a sigh. "That mother fucker is behind it".
"Hades?" Nicolas asks, sliding his arms around Azrael, hugging the man from behind. "He can't let us go, huh?"
"And now that your brother left the force, he's even more vicious", Aran frowns.
"Fuck him again and maybe he'll let us go", Azrael jokes, not even looking up from his phone. Nicolas chuckles at the joke.
"Not funny, that asshole is terrible in bed, and ugly as fuck as well", Aran says, pinching between his eyes, when was the last time he slept properly since he started the investigations for Nicolas? No, actually, did he ever have a good night of sleep?
"Is his dick big at least?" Azrael asks and Nicolas frowns.
"Why do you want to know his dick size?" His question has a hint of jealousy.
"It's a joke Love, your dick is the only one for me", Azrael smiles softly looking back at his boyfriend.
Nicolas leans over kissing the man deeply, their tongues intertwining and the sound of the kiss makes Aran want to throw up.
They're always like this. "I'll take my leave then", Aran says, not waiting for the two lovebirds to say anything, because he knows when they're like this, they won't stop at just kisses.
So for the sake of his work colleagues he closes the door behind him when he leaves the office.
✦
"You didn't have to throw the flowers away", Ezekiel says, his eyes showing disappointment, but his tone is soft and he doesn't raise his voice against his brother. On his arms a sleeping Beatrice is staying peacefully in the warmth of the tallest of the Algeo brothers.
Next to Ezekiel is Eryx, who's rolling his eyes in response to his brother's words. "Stay strong in your decision Ez, you can't give in again", he says, extremely annoyed looking at Levi. "Aren't you going to put some sense in his head?" His question makes Levi shrug.
"He's free to make his own mistakes, who am I to question his terrible choices?" Levi's words make Eryx glare angrily at him as the man gives the tickets to the security guard in front of the theater.
"We're supposed to help him in the right path, if it were me making such mistakes, would you let me be?" Eryx's question makes Levi stop in his tracks.
"No", the man answers quickly walking towards their place at the front row.
"Fucker", Eryx whispers turning to Ezekiel. "Don't leave my side, don't be weak seeing her dancing. She's the bane of our existence Ez. Please", he begs at the end. "You're too good for her."
Ezekiel doesn't answer, nodding softly, he doesn't want to awaken his niece, but he also doesn't really want to reply to Eryx's words, because he isn't sure if he won't cave.
When they're seated, Eryx speaks again with his gaze fixated on the stage. "Ezekiel, if it were me, Luc or any of us in the same situation as you, would you think it was fine? That we should accept being hurt, cheated on and humiliated for two hundred years?" Eryx sighs. "Just think about it, don't go making the same mistake again just because you don't think you'll find someone better. Perhaps you should open your heart to others, allow yourself to flirt and meet other women, Gaia isn't the one".
Eryx then turns, looking at his brother with a sad expression.
"You're my big brother, you wish to be a good influence to us, so why not start by having a normal and healthy love life?"
Levi snorts: "As if Nicolas has one".
"We're not talking about Nicolas, Levi, and his relationship may be disruptive, but they respect and love each other, that's much more than what Gaia ever did to Ezekiel", Eryx's words drive the two older brothers silent, because they can't refute his words even if they wanted to.
Even if the youngest brother wishes to speak his mind more he can't as the show begins.
The three Algeo brothers watch the ballet performance quietly, enjoying the music and paying close attention to every step the ballerinas make. There's no denying that although Gaia is a terrible woman, she is a terrific ballerina, her moves are precise and gracious, with the corner of his eye, Eryx can see Ezekiel's gaze, his eyes are filled with love and admiration for the woman that crushes his heart over and over again.
And that's why she invited him there, to watch her perform, to tempt him into going backstage, congratulate her, give her flowers, cry and beg to be back together again.
Because that's what always happens.
Not if I can be here to stop him, Eryx thinks crossing his arms, annoyed at the fact that he can't even criticize the woman's talent. I wish I saw Ezekiel dance live as well, he thinks slightly disappointed since he only ever saw his brother dancing ballet in old recordings.
He'll never see that gaze in Ezekiel's eyes, the eyes of someone doing what he loves the most, with confidence and grace. Although he keeps saying he's satisfied with his life, that he doesn't regret losing ballet, it's clear that he lost that fire, that confidence.
As if once he couldn't dance anymore, he lost his worth.
It's ok, we can help him through this, Eryx thinks, no, I'll help him through this like he always helps me. He's determined to hold his brother from committing more and more mistakes, to help him find back his confidence, his light.
But life never follows one's will.
Because before the performance ends, Eryx feels it, his body burning, his heart racing, and an unquenchable thirst rising from his stomach to his mouth where his fangs immediately pop out.
Warning!
Thirst level rapidly rising.
Current Thrist: 98%
Newborn Vampire skill currently active.
Skill effect: Dehydration.
Thirst skill currently active.
Skill effect: Bloodlust.