Chapter Text
“ANA WAKE UP!”
The 20 year old girl woke up with a start, her eyes wide and crusty from her deep sleep that she’d been rudely awoken from. “Wha??? What is it?! Is the house on fire?!”
Mischievous amber eyes met hers as her roommate laughed in amusement. “No silly. I woke you for breakfast. French toast, eggs and sausage. Would you like apple juice or orange?”
”Mm…. Orange…” Ana rubbed her eyes. “Karlach…. Did you have to scream for me though…?”
The 22 year old smiled and poked her forehead. “Sure did. You slept through both of your alarms. It’s a wonder my shouting even woke you. Now please go wash your face.”
Ana sighed as she slowly got from the bed and headed to the bathroom. Karlach had been her best friend since they were kids, but they’d gone in completely different routes. Karlach owned her own bakery and worked from home. Ana was a struggling college student, and had never even had a job.
Of course she helped Karlach around the house as much as she could- or was allowed. The other was known to mother her- especially since she knew her background. She even called herself ‘Mommy Karlach’ half the time.
Ana’s upbringing had been… questionable for the most part. Her mom had been a drunk and always had someone over. And often the men were…. Not of good morals.
As Ana went to clean up to start her morning, she couldn’t help but smile a little. Karlach was the most important person to her. She’s helped her through so much, and continued to do so.
”Ana- is it a rainbow day or no?” Karlach called from the kitchen.
Rainbow day was their code for when Ana needed to regress. It was a little coping mechanism Karlach had introduced to her, and she needed it more often than not. But today… was a busy schedule.
”No Kar.” Ana sighed a little as she entered the kitchen. “I have to be big as hell today. One of my friends needs me to be her henchmen or something.”
”Oh?” Karlach raises an eyebrow as she sat a glass of OJ on the table next to a plate loaded with food. “Sit down darling. Is it Shadow?”
She nodded as she sat down, smiling as she took in the smell and look of her breakfast. “Thank you for all this Kar… and yeah. Her moms trying to hook her up with some guy she hates. So I have to go make her look undesirable without embarrassing her.”
”Ah. How many times is she going to make you do this Ana?”
”Uh… I dunno. She pays me like $100 for it.” She shrugged. “I can buy us some groceries and stuff with that. I know you’ve said you don’t mind paying for things… but I feel bad…”
Karlach smiled and ruffled the younger’s short dark hair. “Don’t feel bad. I told you when we were kids… I’m going to help you get your dream job. And if supporting you through college is what it takes… I think it’s easy enough. But also…” A look of concern crossed her face. “It’s been awhile since you’ve had a rainbow day… is everything alright?”
Ana nodded, avoiding her friends motherly gaze. “Yeah, I’ve just been busy with homework and everything.” It was true. But it was also true that she was feeling self conscious about her regression. A lot of her college friends (like ShadowHeart) were always talking about their nights out, their drinking games, hookups, etc. Not a one was talking about Bluey or finger painting or anything like that.
“If you’re sure.” Karlach sounded doubtful. “Just be gentle with yourself. And whenever you need me, let me know. We don’t want a repeat of what happened last time, do we?”
Ana flinched. ‘Last time’ was referring when to she had a giant breakdown, where she had pushed almost everyone away and tried to completely isolate herself in her room. It had taken Karlach forcing her to regress before she finally snapped out of it.
”No Kar….”
”Just… be careful.” The older gathered Ana’s empty dishes. “Now go on and have fun getting rid of Shadow’s… issue.”
Ana smiled and went to get ready.
Honestly if her appearance didn’t shake the man immediately… it would be a first. A pentagram tank top with a Naruto color scheme half jacket. One of those ones that wasn’t really for warmth- but more for style as it only went down the middle of your back, black skinny jeans paired with a spiked belt and platform boots. Her pixie cut black hair was spiked a bit, and she rocked the hell out of some eyeliner.
A style that might look a little expensive, but she’d bought everything either on sale- or on shops like Wish or Temu.
After pairing the fit with some Walmart Halloween bat earrings and Temu spiked bracelets- she was out the door.
Shadowheart was indeed waiting for her, looking very impatient in her car, a deep frown set in her fair features.
”It’s about time you showed up.” She said when Ana opened the passenger door. “Although…. Being late might give us an edge.”
Ana snorted. “So what’s this problem like anyway?”
”A bastard. An absolute prick. Arrogant, full of himself, horn dog-“
”So… a man?”
”Hey…” Shadowheart glanced at her with a frown. “Not all men are like that. Gale isn’t.”
”Right. Gale, the one who sobbed in your arms for an entire two hours when you told him you weren’t interested?”
”I…. Look. He has a soft heart. And I don’t know- maybe I’ll give him another chance.”
”Seriously?”
”Anyway!” The girl focused on the road. “His name is Astarion. The only reason my mother wants me to marry him is because he’s wealthy. Some CEO or something or other. I could hardly care less. He’s crude, but has a smooth tongue. Like a snake basically. But if he doesn’t think you’re worth using, he’s absolutely vile. He’s very into fancy clothing, so I’m hoping he has a stroke when he sees you. Also- don’t say anything personal or embarrassing… he’s the type to hear about a tumble you had in 3rd grade, and still recount it as the funniest thing to ever happen.”
”Noted. Don’t give him any ammo. I got this Shadow. It’s like… what? My fourth time doing this for you?”
”Yes well…. Astarion is… different than my other suitors. He’s…. An upper class… but a smart one. Don’t underestimate him.”
”Don’t worry. We got this.”
She stopped the car, and took a deep breath. “We’re here.”
Now… when Shadowheart had said ‘wealthy’ Ana was thinking the stereotypical ‘American dream’ type house. White picket fence, dog in the backyard, dad looking type with a cup of coffee leaning on the front porch. What she didn’t expect. Was a full fucking mansion.
Truthfully- it was a bit smaller than the mansions she’d seen on TV. But it was a mansion none the less. Right down to the manicured lawn, symmetrical trees, and GIANT windows.
And when Shadowheart parked her little SUV in what was probably a 6 car garage next to a Lamborghini Veneno??? Ana about lost her shit.
”Uh- what did you say this guy does for a living?” She asked, her eyes huge.
Shadow shrugged. “Whats it matter? I’d rather marry a hobo than this man.”
”Uh… right…” Everything was so expensive Ana could almost hear her mother in her ear. Don’t touch anything. Don’t look. Don’t even breathe.
It was that intense.
Security cameras swiveled to follow them as they marched up to the front door and rang the bell.
A click sounded and a sultry voice came from a speaker box by the door.
“Let yourselves in darlings~”
Shadowheart looked less than thrilled.
“Here we go.” She muttered, opening the door.
Ana automatically hated it.
The first room was far too clean, far too shiny. It looked more like the entrance of a museum than a home. Full of weird little statues, art work that she didn’t understand, a fucking chandelier hanging from the ceiling, and that stupid second floor balcony thing with the stairs on either side.
”Whats the point of two different stairs going to the same place.” Ana asked quietly.
Shdowheart shrugged.
”Oh my dears~ terribly sorry about that.” That same voice spoke from the balcony now. “It was very rude of me to make you let yourselves in, but you must forgive me, my darlings, I just had finished a shower and I had to make myself… decent.”
The two looked up, and Ana felt her throat close up. She’d never seen a more… attractive man.
His white curly hair was still damp from the shower, and he wore a royal blue dress shirt, with black slacks and dress shoes. Red eyes studied both of them from head to toe as he walked down the stairs, each step holding some sort of power.
Shadowheart took an almost defensive stance as the man reached them, and his smile turned into more of a sneer. “Shadow… your maid has…. Quite the style. Did you pick her up off the street?”
“She not a maid, Astarion.” Shadow said curtly. “She’s my best friend. Her name is Ana and where ever she goes- I go. So watch yourself.”
Astarion’s red eyes filled with disapproval. “As you say. Well… let me take you on a tour.”
And tour they did.
Again it was like going through a museum. It was cold. Unhomey. Boring. And simply dragged. And that was the perfect opportunity to begin her work.
”Maybe you should turn down the AC.” She said aloud.
Astarion paused and looked back at her. “What?”
”Turn down the AC?” She repeated. “It’s just… most of the grey people in the rooms don’t have clothes on and it’s already cold for me. And I have jacket. Imagine how cold they must be.”
Shadow giggled and Astarion’s eye twitched. “Dear- are you simple? They are statues.”
”So?” Ana kept her expression blank. “They still have feelings.”
”Feelings- they are made of stone.” His tone held a hint of annoyance.
”That’s funny. I thought you were the one made of stone.”
Shadow giggled and Astarion moved on, actively ignoring her.
”Do you do all the cleaning yourself?” She pressed on. “Because some of these are dusty. Shadowheart can’t live in such a filthy place.”
”The maid was fired two days ago.” The man said sourly. “I’ll get another one eventually.”
”What was she fired for..?” Shadow asked.
”She was pregnant.”
Both the girls stopped and stared. “You fired her for that reason?”
”Well yes. She was going to get too… heavy… to do most of her work. Bending down, climbing ladders. She already didn’t do half the things she needed to.”
”Wow. You’re pretty pathetic.” Ana said without thinking.
”Oh? And how so? Pray tell me- what knowledge do you have of business? Have you ever been a boss before?”
She shifted uncomfortably. “No… I- I’ve never had a job.”
”Neve had a- how old are you?”
”Twenty…”
Astarion’s laugh echoed through the room. “Twenty years old and never had a job? Shadow, dear, we must talk about the kind of company you keep. It’s quite embarrassing.”
“Listen here you pompous-“ Shadowheart’s face was turning red, a sure sign she was about to explode.
Ana placed a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it a little, and the other girl took a deep breath. “Excuse me. I must.. run to the bathroom.”
And she quickly departed.
As soon as Ana was left alone with Astarion, his demeanor changed. No longer was he holding any pretense of politeness. He flat out glared at her, making her nervous.
”So…” She started, swallowing hard. “About your feelings for Shadow…”
”Cut the shit, brainless child.” He snapped. “I know what you are doing, and you can finally stop. I have no intention of seducing that vile thing.”
”Wait…. What?” Ana’s mind raced. “You don’t?”
”Hells no. She is a bit daft. Not as daft as you, but almost as close. I hate her almost as much as she hates me. Honestly- this was all so her wretched mother would stop bothering me. Now after this- all I have to say is how childish and unladylike her and her little friend are- and how I’m deeply sorry, but the arrangement just won’t work.” He smirked. “Then I am rid of both of them, and I am not the bad guy.”
”You can’t do that!” Ana almost shouted. Shadowheart’s relationship with her mother was strained enough as it was. Her being called those by this asshole… she didn’t want to think of it. “Could you not be a prick for once?!”
Astarion laughed. “It is not being a ‘prick’ my dear. It is called being a business man. Knowing who’s side to be on, and which pawns to sacrifice.” Ever word, he took a step forward, getting way too close for comfort.
“I’ll- I’ll tell Shadow!” Ana said, backing up, trying to keep out of arms length.
”Will you now? That is not very ladylike of you.” A slow smirk spread across his face and he moved closer again, causing her to jump back.
Something hard bumped into her tailbone and she turned back to see what it was, only to capture the sight of her own misfortune.
She had backed into a small table with enough force to disturb it, and watched in horror as the only item on it- some kind of decorative vase- fell from its surface- and dropped to the ground- shattering on impact.
There was a moment of complete silence as they both stared at the destroyed vase and then Astarion started laughing.
”Well- now you’ve done it! Tell me- was that part of your plan? Destruction of property?”
”Hey! You kept getting too close!” She shouted defensively.
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh- so now it is my fault. Right. I am sure the judge would love that excuse. You do not want your dear friend- with the likes of me- and so to prove your point- you smash my priceless family heirloom- and threaten to cut my throat with the shards.”
Ana blinked. “…What..? Am I being gaslit right now..? Listen, dude I’ll just pay you back.”
”Oh good- so you have 20,000 dollars?”
Ana gagged. “WHAT?! THERE’S NO WAY ITS THAT MUCH!”
He shrugged. “I did say it was a priceless family heirloom.”
The girl turned pale. “Um… I- I don’t have that much.”
”I didn’t think so. Not after you told me you’d never had a job.” He giggled. “Now… I’ll strike you a deal. I do need a maid as you have so rudely pointed out. 20K was about the last ones yearly salary. You, come clean up for a few hours a day, for a year, and we forget all about this. What do you say?”
”What? No! I don’t want to! I have classes, and work to do at home! Besides I don’t even have a car to get here!”
”Well…. If you’re sure. I can just sue you for the money I suppose.” He turned away.
”WAIT!” Alarm traveled through the girl’s body as she grabbed his arm. She’d never been sued before- what would happen if he did? Would that affect her college? Would she be considered a criminal if she couldn’t pay it back? Would she go to jail? All these questions swirled in her brain. “I- I’ll do it.”
A wide smile spread across the man’s face. “Excellent.”
”But- please don’t mess with Shadow and her mother…”
”I’ll do as I see fit.”
”Ana?”
Shadowheart’s voice echoed from the next room.
Quickly, Astarion switched their position so both his and Ana’s bodies were blocking the empty table and the wreckage behind it, throwing his arm around her shoulder, and immediately started laughing joyfully.
”Shadow dearest! Your friend has just made a wise decision!”
Shadowheart entered the room, her eyebrow raised in confusion at the two’s close proximity. “What are you doing…?”
”Why- your dear friend has agreed to work for me! Isn’t that lovely?” He smiled but his crimson eyes reflected one message to Ana. Play along.
The girl laughed weakly, forcing a smile. “Haha…. Yeah…”
Shadow’s look of confusion deepened. “The hells? What do you mean?”
”Well, we talked about it. Sure she’s a student, but she does need some job experience, and who better to work for! Put my name on any resume and you are guaranteed to have job!”
He slowly pushed Ana towards Shadow, inching them both out of the room. “Also Shadow, please inform your mother that I had to cut our little visit short, I have an important meeting coming up.”
Shadow looked a little relieved as she headed towards the door. “Oh-! Okay.”
”Oh… and Ana. Please do not embarrass me with your clothing choices tomorrow.”
”Um… right… when do you want me to come in?”
”Hm… Give me your number.”
”WHAT?!” Ana and Shadow both screeched.
”Relax. It won’t be like that… unless you want it to be.” He winked, causing Ana to shudder.
”No.” She quickly recited the number to him and he grinned as he put it into his phone. “I’ll let you know when to come over.”
And with that, he basically shoved them out the door and slammed it.
”What…. In the hells… was that about?” Shadow demanded.
”I… I don’t know.” Ana whispered. “I… I guess I have… a job?”