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The last month of autumn was cold and dreary, gripping the citizens of London tight with its cold embrace as winter got ready to take over. Even with the threat of winter on the way, the air crisp with autumn cold, the citizens still moved about and went on their way to their various destinations.
How quaint.
Icy-teal eyes roamed around from one end to the other as their owner slowly walked to his own destination. Those eyes landed on the small form waving and advertising the goods he was selling to the passer-bys, some of them stopping to procure it.
"The Ripper strikes again! Another victim claimed by the Devil’s Ripper! Read all about it!" A boy with raven hair and light brown skin announced with a loud voice, a forced smile on his lips. The paper in his hands was bought and he hurriedly placed the coins into his pocket. He wrapped his arms around himself, pulling his flimsy excuse of a coat tighter, before rubbing his hands together to warm himself up.
Knives heaved a sigh under his breath before making his way over to the child, the heels of his shoes hitting the cobblestone road with reaffirming clicks. His girth was imposing and oppressive, his height towering over most people. The apathetic look on his face alone with his cold eyes had people hurriedly diverting their eyes away from his face - some going out of their way to make way for him to pass undisturbed.
Even though he looked fearsome and roguish in an Aristocratic way, Knives drew people's attention, some going far as to pause or blush as they took in his rich features - poised and perfect.
Nicholas turned his head and was met with Knives' incoming presence. The pre-teen blinked owlishly before his eyes went wide. "Sa- Saverem-san!"
Knives donned on a small, thin smile as the boy ran up to him. "Hello, Wolfwood. Still as hardworking as ever, I see." The child grinned at him, his chest puffing up. He'd never seen nor met a child so proud to be pulling their own weight and helping to support their family on their own freewill unlike Wolfwood. "How are your sibling and father?"
"Liv is better now, all thanks to you, Doctor-" Wolfwood paused at the amused look Knives gave him, quickly correcting himself. "-er, Saverem-san. His fever has gone down and he's getting his strength back little by little."
"And Vash?"
"He's okay. He's currently at the brothel with Liv. Now that Liv isn't tethering on what he saw as death's door, the Tongari has lost some weight on his shoulders." The child gave Knives a thankful look. "Thank you once again, Doctor."
Knives ruffled Wolfwood's hair, getting a squawk of indignation from the child who batted his hand away. "I'm glad I could help, Wolfwood. I am, first and foremost, a Doctor. So seeing a child suffer when it was just a small matter of a simple cold that could easily be resolved didn't sit quite right with me."
"... that isn't really the full case, now is it?" Wolfwood gave him a side eye, a knowing grin spread wide on his lips.
Knives' lips twitched in amusement. How perspective, but then again, the child wasn't wrong.
"Well, I've got to go back to selling the newspapers. I've to finish on time so that I can go home early. With this Ripper being so psychotic, I don't want to be an unfortunate victim." The child grimaced, thinking back on the recent murder of the city's infamous serial killer that emerged a few months ago.
Knives hummed. "That would be wise. But then again, the Ripper hasn't gone after children, but I wouldn't advise you to stay out late." He glanced at the remaining stack of newspaper behind Wolfwood. "Why don't I buy the rest? Then we can meet up with your father and brother."
Wolfwood blinked owlishly at the request, stunned a little by Knives' generosity. But then again who was he to refuse the offer?
Moments later saw the adult and child making their way into the red light district, their pace relaxed.
"So..." Wolfwood began, his hands, fingers knit together, behind his head. Wrapped around his neck was Knives' milk-white scarf that was huge on him and provided him with more heat. "...when exactly are you going to tell the Tongari that you fancy him?"
Knives blinked at the child, feet still moving. "...is that approval I hear?"
Wolfwood shrugged. "Whether I like it or not, Vash is one day going to find a partner and be with them. It's better for me to accept the angel that I know than the devil that I don't."
Knives' lips twitched "It's "the devil you know", Wolfwood."
"Are you a devil, Saverem-san?" Wolfwood gave him a side eye. "I mean, even if you are, you're better than the so-called "angels" that I know of - or so they label themselves." He mused the back of his hair, his fingers running through his locks as his lips curled in a brief sneer. "Chances of Vash being happy with you are high. Besides, you're loaded. I and Livio will live comfortable lives~"
"I'll do my best not to disappoint you, Wolfwood-kun."
"Ya better don't!"
Vash stared at the man walking beside him with little awe through the corner of his eye. He watched with blue eyes sparkling with gratitude as Knives discussed with Wolfwood, Livio in his arms and sleeping soundly - his head resting on Knives' large shoulder.
Knives had given his coat to Vash, the cloth engulfing him fully with how large it was, and his suit jacket wrapped around Livio - leaving him in his black vest and white inner shirt. His arm was around Livio, having a secured grip of the child and ensuring that the boy wouldn't fall.
Vash didn't know what he'd had done to be this lucky so as to hold the interest of the good Doctor. The man was truly a godsend. He squeaked internally when Knives glanced at him, causing him to whip his head to the side to avoid eye contact - his cheeks, already flushed from the cold, going an even brighter red. He didn't see the amused tilt of Knives' lips at his cute action.
Knives had waited in the worker's area for Vash to finish with his assigned customers in the brothel, playing with Livio and looking at the health of Vash's colleagues - for free. It was a weekly thing that he did - either once or twice a week, the good Doctor will visit Vash's working place and do a check up on the worker's there. Vash and the others were afraid that it'd stain his pristine reputation (which it kind of did, with the looks of disdain some elites gave to Knives who recognised the man), but Knives didn't care. To him, their opinions were like noises of bugs - his words, not Vash's.
Once in a while, Vash's fingers brushed against Knives' gloved ones and he threw shy glances at the platinum haired man. Knives would meet his glances head on sometimes, causing Vash to feel giddy - the butterflies fluttering in his stomach never faltering in their flight whenever he was around Knives. He felt like a youngster, unable to hide his obvious interest and adoration from the man who lit up the coals of his veins.
Knives escorted the family of three to their apartment in the dinghy corner of the city.
"Huh, there aren't many people outside today..." Vash observed, looking around. He noticed the lack of the usual number of people outside, even on the other side of the city. But then again, it was some minutes to 10pm.
"Why would there be? I mean, no one in their right mind would stay out late when the Ripper is operating freely." Nicholas stated, drawing his adoptive father's attention to him.
"The Ripper?"
"From what I've heard, he struck again." Knives said with a grim expression. "A couple being the unfortunate victims this time."
Vash gasped, his eyes going wide. "What?!"
"Two streets before the junction leading to the brothel. I'm surprised you didn't hear about this, Tongari." Nicholas had a small frown on his face as he looked at Vash.
"I..." Vash took on a pondering look, mind reeling back to see if he missed something. He'd noticed most of the workers in the establishment buzzing, but he'd been too busy to ask what was wrong. He didn't even get a hint through the various whispers his ears managed to catch.
"Yare yare, you're so oblivious sometimes, Tongari." Nicholas heaved out, an exaggerated, exasperated expression on his face.
Vash pouted, drawing a chuckle from Knives.
"Now, now, young Wolfwood, there's no need to tease your father like that. Besides, hearing such news would have spoilt his day." Knives gave the child a warm, amused look before focusing his attention back to Vash. "Speaking of which, how was your day, Vashu?"
Vash started chatting with the doctor with a happy tone, a bright smile on his face, thankful Knives never judged him. It made Vash's heart flutter even more.
The four of them reached Vash's modest apartment, ignoring the eyes on them as they headed towards the comfy home. Knives gently dropped Livio on the bed, checking the child's temperature after Vash removed the extra thick layers of clothing on him. Vash served the doctor a hot cup of tea, watching with keen eyes as Vash prepared a light snack for Nicholas to eat before the child also headed to bed.
"Would you like some biscuits as well, Saverem-san?"
"How many times have I told you, Vashu, please, call me by my name." Knives gave him a small smile, drawing a beautiful blush from Vash. "And no thank you. I have to be on my way. It's quite a long distance from her to my Manor. I have to go now in order to hire a carriage."
"Oh." Vash frowned, forgetting Knives lived a good distance away. No wonder the man could only come into town twice or thrice a week. "Then let me escort you-"
Knives shook his head. "No need for that, Vashu. Besides, I still have a miniscule business to attend to before I finally leave." He stood up and headed for the door, Vash hurriedly following after him.
"Don't forget your coat and scarf, Sava- Knives-san." Vash made to grab said items, but Knives shook his head once again.
"Keep them. After all, I did give them to you and Young Nicholas."
"But-" Vash tried to interject but Knives' warm look stopped him.
"If anything, take them as a gift."
"Okay..." Vash conceded. He wrung his fingers. "Would... would I see you next week, then?" The blonde asked, voice tinged with hope and longing.
"Why, of course." Knives grabbed Vash's hand and raised it to his lips. "My visit is never complete without seeing your beautiful face, my Angel." He placed a chaste kiss on the back of the hand, eyes never leaving Vash's.
In the background, Nicholas silently gagged - his action exaggerated and childish. On one hand, he was amused at seeing Knives effortlessly wooing his adoptive father, but on the other hand, seeing said adoptive father falling hard for said wooing just made him feel... off .
Vash's face was terribly bright with an enchanting blush and he held in the giggle that threatened to spill from his lips, which were spread in a bright smile. He wished the man a goodnight, Knives doing the same before leaving the apartment.
Vash closed the door with a lovesick sigh. He turned around and he met Nicholas' amused stare.
"Gods above, you have it bad for him." Nicholas sniggered out, eyes shining with mischief.
Vash rolled his eyes fondly before walking over to the child and ruffling his hair. He picked up the used dishes, heading to the kitchen to wash them. Whilst he did so, Nicholas decided to snoop through the coat Vash had been gifted
Just by the texture, one would know that it was a cloth of high quality. The material was soft yet sturdy, thick to touch and could no doubt keep the cold out in the harshest of snow days. For Knives to give this to Vash, something that would've cost a lot of money, spoke about the volumes of what he'd do for Vash - that was if Vash would just let him spoil him. But unfortunately, Vash had his pride and didn't want to become a "burden to Saverem-san" - his words, not Nicholas'.
The child decided to check the pockets, not hopeful to find anything useful in them, but when he found a golden pocket watch, he couldn't help but gape. He blinked owlishly at the slightly heavy item in his hands, mouth dry. He slowly and gently popped it open, and when he saw the inside of it, he promptly choked.
"Um... Tongari!" Nicholas called out, voice on the edge of squeaking.
The numbers of the watch was made with what looked like pure silver. The hands of the clock were made of gold and the pin that held said hands seemed to be... diamond?!
Vash dashed over to the gaping child, his face twisted in worry. His worry bled into a confused frown when he saw the object in Nicholas' grasp.
"Where..." Vash gently took the object from his son's eyes and his eyes went wide when he saw the same details his son made notice of. "Nico..." He raised his eyes and laid the fearful orbs onto the boy. "Where did you get this?"
"It was inside the coat the doctor gave to you."
Vash closed the watch and he saw Knives' emblem on the golden surface made with sliver - sliver that seemed embroidered on the gold plate and not painted on. An emblem which he had obsessively memorised every tiny detail of. The work of the pocket watch was simply a masterpiece. Which was more reason Vash wanted it to be with its rightful owner.
"I have to get this to him. This might be important." And the man drove into action.
Nicholas watched as his father in all but blood flew into rushed activity, a small frown ceasing his young forehead.
"Tongari... isn't it better to give it to him when you see him again?"
"Knives won't be coming for a while, Nico." Vash hurriedly wore his boots. "This could be an important piece of family history and I rather not have it on me for so long." Besides, Vash didn't want Knives to think otherwise of him, he supplied silently.
Nicholas didn't have to hear him saying those words out loud for him to know what was going on in his father's head. With a sigh, the child held in his complaints and just watched as his father put on the coat gifted to him by Knives and a scarf.
"Go to bed, Nico. I'll be back before you know it. Lock the door behind me."
Nicholas grabbed hold of Vash's coat and held it in a tight grip. "Be careful. You know the Ripper is out there."
A soft smile stretched Vash's lips and he squatted down. "I'll be extra cautious, Nick. I promise to be back in no time." He placed a chaste kiss on Nicholas' forehead.
Nicholas watched as his father walked out the door, dread slowly pooling in his stomach. He did as instructed and closed the door with the key before heading over to the bedroom and lying down with Livio, spooning the sleeping child.
Vash could take care of himself - Nicholas knew this. No matter how timid and delicate the man looked, he could take on a handful of people in a fight - the scars on his body being a proof of his strength.
Nicholas' hold on Livio tightened, a chill suddenly blanketing him even though he was under the covers and the heater was working.
But why, just why, did he feel dread gnawing at his very soul?
Vash had a single mission on his mind as he ran through the densely populated streets. His breath came out in visible puffs due to the cold.
'If I run faster, I might catch up to the coach before it leaves the city.' Vash increased his speed with this thought in mind.
Vash soon found himself on a desolate street, the place like a ghost town. He couldn't help but tense up a little, his eyes darting from one corner to another. He was about to pass an alley when he heard a loud, shrill scream. The blonde abruptly paused in his steps, his body freezing at the sheer terror that suddenly gripped him with the agony and horror that was filled in that very scream.
Vash's head slowly turned towards the alleyway, which was dark and Vash swore the very shadows played tricks in his eyes - swaying and dancing like branches and leaves told in stories filled with horror. He gulped.
"Help!" The voice shrilled again, filled with nothing but pain and desperation. "Someone- ack! No! Please stop! No-!"
Vash could hear the noise of something impacting on flesh and the sound of liquid splashing on a surface through the rush of blood in his ears. His hands got sweaty, even though it was freezing cold, and beads of sweat started rolling down the corner of his face.
One step. Two steps. Three. Four. Vash found himself slowly walking into the alley, his steps light and soundless. From the corner of his eyes, it was as if the shadows on the walls were twisting into indistinguishable beings and to be frank, Vash couldn't stop the slight trembling of his hands.
Blood. That was the first thing that hit Vash's nose like a brick thrown to an unsuspecting victim's head. Then his eyes laid upon the scene that could only be defined as horrific and nightmare inducing.
A tall man wearing a blank, white face mask was bent over a woman and was hands deep into her opened stomach. Vash watched with wide eyes filled with disbelief and horror as the man brought out an organ and held it up in the air to allow the blood to drip down before he placed it on the thick cloth that was placed upon the woman's chest. There was a briefcase opened beside him, in which he placed the organ after wrapping it with the cloth like a gift wrapper.
Vash's breathing was slightly erratic and there was a static noise in his ears. His eyes made contact with the woman's and those dead eyes stared right at him - dull in death yet still speaking of great fear, hopelessness and pain. Her neck was cut from end to end and she bled all over the dirty, alleyway floor - it was as if she had been bled dry like an animal. The cut had her neck bent in an odd shape - she was almost decapitated.
Bile rose up in Vash's stomach and the stench of blood that filled his nose made the feeling worse.
One step back. Two. Three. Four. Vash slowly moved back, eyes still on the figure holding a bloody scalpel and wearing a blood stained coat with a hood that hid his hair.
Unfortunately, fate wasn't on Vash's side as his feet made contact with a discarded bottle, making him trip and cry out. The blonde hissed in pain, his right palm stinging with pain. He immediately realised his situation and snapped his head up, coming face to face with the masked face that was completely blank. There was no mouth, no eyes, no nose.The killer raised a bloody, gloved hand and tried to touch Vash's face with it.
Vash froze with terror as he came face to face with that blank mask sprinkled with red. His breathing became erratic the moment those sticky fingers touched his skin, his hands scrambling to find something on the grime filled floor. "Get- get away!" Vash grabbed what seemed to be a short metal pole and used it to hit the mask of the killer, causing him to stumble back. Vash didn't even hesitate to scramble to his feet.
He left the alleyway in record time, feet never stopping as adrenaline took over his body functions. He decided to spare a look back and was met with the killer standing by the entrance of the alleyway, the bottom of his mask broken and showing off some skin under the gas lamp.
Vash didn't stop in his running. He just wanted to be far away from the Demon he came across.
Vash didn't stop until he collided with a hard body, grunting in pain. He yelled when an arm wrapped around his waist to stop him from falling, flaring and trying to get away.
"Vashu!"
A familiar voice shouted, bringing the blonde out of his terrified haze. He looked up and was met with icy-teal eyes that belonged to a certain someone.
"K- Knives-san!" Vash sobbed out, voice filled with relief. The tears started rolling down his cheeks freely, his body shaking uncontrollably.
"Vash... what's wrong? What happened?" Knives gently cupped Vash's face with both hands. "Is- is this blood?!" His thumb caressed the place on Vash's face the killer's fingers had touched, bringing it up for a closer inspection.
"I- the- he-" Vash stuttered, unable to coherently voice what he wanted to say - causing Knives' expression of worry to get deeper. " The Ripper! " Vash finally managed to say, getting a wide eyed look from Knives.
"You- you saw him?!" Knives hissed, his eyes darting up and looking around.
"I- I saw him kill someone!" Vash sounded hysterical. "I- I managed to hit him! Oh my God, the blood! "
Knives grabbed hold of Vash's hand and the two were off. With the adrenaline still in his body, Vash was able to keep up - the two dashing and weaving through people. They soon stopped, the two of them catching their breaths.
"We... we have to tell the police!" Vash choked out.
"No, Vashu." Knives stopped him, grabbing hold of his shoulders. "Stop and think for a second."
"But-!"
"Vash, if you do report, who do you think they'll have first on their suspect list?!"
Vash opened and closed his mouth, trying to find the words to reject Knives' reasoning, but Knives continued.
"No one was there except you. If you go to the police, they'll keep you in the station for quite a while. It doesn't matter if the evidence of murder corresponds with the other victim, you were there at the time of murder. Not only that, the newspapers , Vash. You'll be on the first page of the newspapers. Your occupation will definitely have them even more suspicious of you. Do you want that kind of attention on Nicholas and Livio? They will not survive the scrutiny of the public. People might even clamour for their removal from your care."
"No..." Vash whispered, eyes wide in horror. "Nico and Liv might be taken away?" He fisted his shirt at his abdomen and twisted it. "My babies... no! I won't allow it!"
"Then let the police find the corpse themselves and do their job." Knives cupped his cheek, his leather glove cold on Vash's skin. Vash blinked as the contact felt so familiar.
"Okay..." Vash inhaled and exhaled, nodding his head. "Okay."
"I know what you saw might have likely traumatised you, but you'll get through this and I'll be by you every step of the way." The man gave a small smile, making Vash's heart flutter at the softness of it. "Come. Let's get you home. I'm sure by now young Nicholas is worried sick." He picked up his briefcase and held out his hand for Vash.
The two walked side by side, a comfortable silence settling over them. The night air was getting colder and fog began to rise.
"What pushed you to come out this late, Vash?"
"I... I wanted to tell you something." Vash lied.
"It couldn't wait until next week?" Knives' brows furrowed.
"Yeah... it's just..." Vash heaved a sigh, wrapping his arms around himself. Even with the jacket, he could still feel the cold. "Nevermind." Vash couldn't tell him. He couldn't tell him that he'd lost his no doubt beloved pocket watch. Vash speculated that he'd lost it whilst running away from The Ripper.
"You really should be careful, Vash."
"... I know." The blonde sighed. "I'm sorry for worrying you so."
Knives gave him another soft smile. "Times are rough. You really should be cautious. I don't want the children to be subjected to the news that their father was killed and his organs taken away in a briefcase by the Ripper."
Vash's feet froze to a halt. "What...?"
Knives paused as well and he turned around. "Vashu? What's wrong?"
"What... what did you just say?"
Knives blinked, brows furrowing in confusion.
"Right now... you just said... how... how did you know that The Ripper was putting the woman's organs into a briefcase? I... I never told you that, and the newspapers made no mention of that information."
The two proceeded to have an intense stare down and with each passing second, Knives' face slowly changed until it relaxed into an impassive stare. The chime of the town's huge clock rang loudly.
Knives reached inside his coat and brought a familiar pocket watch from his breast pocket. Vash's eyes went wide when he saw it.
The buff, platinum haired man popped the watch open and read the time. "Ahh. 12am."
Vash began to move back slowly, his wide eyes on an unbothered Knives - shaking his head in disbelief.
Vash's eyes settled on the briefcase in Knives' hand and his already rapidly beating heart skipped a beat.
Knives wasn't... no!
Like a scene straight from a nightmare, four metal-like tentacles slowly emerged from Knives' back, his eyes going eerily bright till they looked inhuman.
"You know, I was going to wait until the children were old enough to take care of themselves before taking you away." Knives placed the pocket watch back into his breast coat. "It'd have made everything easier. But it seems my plans aren't going as expected. Again. But oh well." The tentacles swayed in the air, somehow hypnotising. "I'll make due."
One moment Knives was afar and the next he was standing before Vash, staring down at him with those eyes. Vash's breath hitched and he was too frozen to move.
Knives lips stretched into a soft smile and his hand reached up to caress Vash's cheek.
" Sleep. "
A deep, outwardly voice - which came from Knives' very lips - commanded and Vash found himself obeying the command. His eyes fluttered shut, even though he fought so hard to stay awake.
Knives gently caught Vash, who was falling backwards as he passed out. He picked him up in a bridal carry, Vash feeling perfect in his arms.
"Finally, I have you once again." He laid a kiss on Vash's head. One of his tentacles picked up the briefcase.
With Vash in hand, Knives walked into the night - disappearing into the thick fog.