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" You have to die. You have to fucking die before my hand can even touch you. Karma has to get you before I do. "
I hear disoriented sobs. It sounds ugly, brutal, but I don't seen to actually care anymore. I'm spoiled. I'm a brat. I don't understand consequences because I never thought I would need to learn what it's like to feel pain. I want to cry but what is there to cry about? Seeing your neighbor get beat up? No. It just. . Sounds stupid enough that I toss it off as a plain joke. Is it a joke? It should be one if the person who seems to be hurting the kid enjoys it. I should've moved out while I can. . I just don't get why I'm staying, still. Is it just that I want to kill a feeling inside me, or just myself? No. I'm a goddamn idiot.
★
I yawn, trying to seem subtle, but I can already hear rustling coming from the other room in the small apartment. It's not that it's uncomfortable for me, but it's absolutely obnoxious for my roommate. Her name is Peno ( short for Penelope, but they prefer to be called by They/Her pronouns ). I call them Penetrate because it makes me feel better. I like thinking of pain. It's a nice sensation, but I never actually know what it feels like. I'm such a coward, heh. .
Peno steps out of her room, snapping a glare at me. " You're still loud, even in the morning. What next, Julian? You're the most silent in a crowd where I can't find you in? " That almost made me laugh aloud. I just give a small grin, a thought flowing in my mind that they were going to grab a cushion and throw it at me until I apologize. As I expected, they turn away and grab a cushion. Before they can hit me, I take a step back and signal to the kitchen.
" Cmon, I'll make you some pancakes. I know you like my cooking, it's the best. " I clear my throat, mumbling something under my breath. " . . When I don't burn it. "
Peno considered it, before chucking the cushion at me with full force. I fell over, dramatic as I landed with a hard thud on the floor. I'm sorry to the people down stairs, but this is going to be a regular Tuesday basis.
I get myself up, rubbing my head like it was a prized possession. " Ow, that almost hurt. " Peno scoffed, " I bet it did. You absolutely deserved it. " They turned away, waving a hand in the air dismissively, and walking to her room. " By the way. . "
I tilt my head to the side imperceptibly, curious. " Go on, don't leave me on a cliffhanger. "
Peno rolled their eyes, crossing hers arms. " I'm going to run around and try and find a job. I was wondering if you had any recommendations, or if you want to tag along with me? " Their smile was wide, but it was forced. I knew she hated me, and just wanted me to go outside and actually breathe air.
" . . I guess. " I sigh heavily, wishing I had just fainted when the cushion hit me. I don't want to socialize. It's the most awkward activity someone can do in their entire life. Actually, correction : I don't have a life, but Peno forces me to go get one.
I hate her. They hate me. But somehow, I find them as a sister despite hating her with all the guts I have left.
★
I pass by one of the Angel guards. The royalty is in fact Angels, surprisingly. I only look up to see the prince, princess, and the queen sitting high on her seat on the carriage. I would bet that the princess was going to have affairs with the prince, but I don't want to say that aloud. I could get banished from society. . But what if I like that.
I need to stop doing this in general. Am I drunk at this point?
Peno walks up to me after what felt like ages. Her grin was oddly wide despite her complaining about the weather. " I got a job, and it actually pays well! " They did a small twirl, her dress spinning.
I just give a small smile and turn away. " What did you get? How much does it pay an hour? " I loved asking these questions. It just fills the empty space in my mind so I don't look shocked later.
" I'm a photographer. It pays twenty dollars an hour, unless I become a professional at it. " Peno grabbed my hand, ignoring my whole body tensing up. " Mind if I try it on you? I heard that the industry gives me free cameras, so I can have the best shoots. "
I give a polite smile, my hand starting to tremble under her touch. I need this to stop whenever Peno touches me, but they're used to it. " Uh. . Of course. I wouldn't mind wasting my time. "
They gave a scoff. " It isn't wasting time, it's productive work for my job so I can know my skills! " They pulled me along the path, crowds starting to form in the biggest city. Demons, Hybrids, Humans, but I don't see any Angels. They must've gone off to their royal duties- oh, that reminds me about that hot princess. Her lips looked soft and so delicious- I can slobber all over them and then. . . What am I thinking? I'm only a mere demon. What the hell is wrong with me.
I'm starting to think I am drunk, but there's no way a man like me could get drunk on a ton of cheesecake and strawberries. Unless I'm stupid. Which, in fact, I am one of the most stupidest people in this entire city ( other than children who don't know how to not shit their pants ).
Peno pushed me next to a river, almost causing me to fall in before I grab onto lamppost nearby. I roll my eyes, letting out a growl but they just pull out their camera. " Okay, just do a regular pose. It's got to be easy, there's absolutely no way you can make this difficult. " They snapped off the lens protector as I lean against the lamppost. They snap a photo, but I don't blink until later. I walk over, looking over at the results. Peno pushes me away roughly, hissing. " You'll see the results after I clean it up a bit. Go do something else, Julian, I'll be here or something. "
☆ ★
I'm wandering around, looking side to side every few moments, camera in my hand as I shoot a few photos of birds. Some are clean shots, some are blurred and seem like shit flying in the air rather than a bird. Something blocks the view of my camera and it won't move.
I look up, and see a tall, muscular man. This is probably how I'm going to get fucked and sold off as a slave, isn't it?
To my surprise, the man leans down to look at my face. His eyes are a piercing red, that's the worst sign. It's a vampire, and that means their family tree connects to the Mafia I've heard about. I let out a awkward, breath-y laugh. " C- can I help you? " Since when did I stutter.
The man gives a cold, mocking laugh in return. That only makes my hands tremble. " I was wondering. . . " He says, voice low and commanding. " Have you seen a boy named Julian, perhaps? " I freeze, like, my whole body can't move. I can't even breathe. What did my roommate do that had to connect with me? I want to melt, but then it would be super awkward. The silence only makes the man more patient, rather than getting impatient and walking away. " I have all day, love. "
I finally force myself to move, lowering the camera so I can see the man entirely. " Who are you? I know you're a vampire, but still. What's your name. "
There wasn't an answer from the man. He just smiled, and just like that, I fainted from a sharp stinging in my side. Was I dead? Am I going to be dead?
" My name is Vilo. Remember that. "
🌹
Three Fun Facts since I rushed this chapter, and details I couldn't quite include.
1 : Vilo is the soon-to-be Mafia leader of the " Hearted Fangs ", being the brother of Julian Koa. This makes Julian a vampire, but his eyes have been morphed to a green since his mother was a human.
2 : Peno is a Locus Demon, having the ability to die with the floral scent so her body actually brings joy rather than sorrow. Strange for a demon.
3 : The world that this story takes place in is known as " X.X ", one of my favorite worlds I have created. There's more world development shown in later chapters.
The first chapter took exactly 4.5-ish hours to make, despite it being short. I had to reread it ten times, and the grammar and spelling is still horrible. I'm making chapter 2 later.